He formed many acquaintances and told them he was going to take a shorter route and save five hundred miles, rather than take the long route by way of Los Angeles.

He had a map of his proposed route, and it was very much like the one we had.

He also stated that it could probably be as easily traveled as the one by way of Los Angeles, and as a consequence of his talk, cut-off fever began to rage in camp again.

Some got very enthusiastic in the matter and spoke publicly in favor of following Capt.

Smith when he should come to the place when his short route turned away from the other trail.