I thought that the strange horse might belong to some roaming band of Indians, as I knew of no white men being in that portion of the country at that time.

I was certain that the owner of the strange horse could not be far distant, and I was very anxious to find out who my neighbor was, before letting him know that I was in his vicinity.

I therefore re-saddled my horse, and leaving him tied so that I could easily reach him I took my gun and started out on a scouting expedition up the stream.

I had gone about four hundred yards when, in a bend of the stream, I discovered ten or fifteen horses grazing.
On the opposite side of the creek a light was shining high up the mountain bank.

Approaching the mysterious spot as cautiously as possible, and when within a few yards of the light--which I discovered came from a dug-out in the mountain side--I heard voices, and soon I was able distinguish the words, as they proved to be in my own language.