After supper I accompanied the commanding officer to his quarters. He told me that the express had brought him a communication from the Department Commander stating that, since Arizona had been transferred to the Department of the Pacific, our stores would be shipped from San Francisco to the mouth of the Colorado and up that stream by the boats of the Colorado Steam Navigation Company to La Paz. He said that he had decided to send me to La Paz to make arrangements with a freighter for the transportation of the supplies from the company's landing to Fort Whipple.
"And while you are in La Paz," said the Captain, "look up those horse-thieves, and turn them over to the civil authorities; but whether you catch them or not, be sure to bring back the boys' ponies."
"What do you think about letting the boys go with me?"
"No doubt they would like it. Would it be safe?"
"There have been no Indians seen on the route lately."
"But it may be the 'calm before the storm.'"
"The mail-courier, Baldwin, has seen no signs of them."
"So he told me. The excursion would be a treat to the boys, and might bring luck to your undertaking. I believe I will let them go with a strong escort. Tell the Adjutant to detail a corporal and any ten men you may select, and take an ambulance and driver."
"Shall I go by the Bill Williams Fork route or the one over the Xuacaxélla Desert?"
"The desert route is much the nearer, and the courier says there is water in the Hole-in-the-Plain. There was a rainfall there last week. That will give you water at the end of each day's drive."