It was three o'clock in the afternoon when our human beast of burden finally arrived, took up his burden and was ready to start.

Then, suddenly, I took a new resolve.

Before us rose the appalling mass of the Sierra Madre; to get that mule across it would wear us out in mind and body; I regretted that he had not died, and determined to have no further trouble with him.

Quickly, we sent back word to Nenton that a mule and saddle were for sale; the crowd gathered.

We demanded fifteen dollars for the mule, ten for the saddle; and were offered ten and five respectively.