The men did not seem angry at losing so few of their cattle, and doubtless considered themselves fortunate in not suffering to the extent of some hundreds as they did sometimes by Indian raids, and invited the whole party down to the ranch house of the San Francisquito Rancho of which this was a part.

Arrived at the house the ranch men brought in a good fat steer which they killed and told the poor Americans to help themselves and be welcome.

This was on the fourth day of February, 1850.
The whole party remained here to rest themselves and their oxen for several days, and were royally entertained by the people at the ranch.
They talked over the plans for the future, and considered the best course to pursue.

They thought it would be wise to keep their oxen for these would now improve in flesh, and as they had no money with which to buy food they might still rely on them in further travels.

The best oxen had survived, for the failing ones were selected to be killed when they were forced to have food.