The profits also obtained in this trade are far from being what they used to be.

The journey from St.Louis (Missouri) is very tedious, the distance being about twelve hundred miles, nor is the journey ended when you reach Santa Fe, as they have to continue to Chihuahua.

Goods come into the country at a slight duty, compared to that payable on the coast, five hundred dollars only (whatever may be the contents), being charged upon each waggon; and it is this privilege which supports the trade.

But the real market commences at Chihuahua; north of which nothing is met with by the traveller, except the most abject moral and physical misery.
Of course, our time passed most tediously; the half-breeds were too stupid to converse with, and the Yankee traders constantly tipsy.

Had it not been that Gabriel was well acquainted with the neighbourhood, we should positively have died of _ennui_.