CHAPTER V.
Second Expedition--Return to the Sierra--Parrots in the Snow--Cave-dwellings at Garabato, the most Beautiful in Northern Mexico--A Superb View of the Sierra Madre--The Devil's Spine Ridge--Guaynopa, the Famous Old Silver Mine--Aros River--On Old Trails--Adventures of "El Chino"-- Cure for Poison Ivy.
When in the middle of January, 1892, I resumed my explorations, my party was only about one-third as large as it had been the year before.

In pursuance of my plan, I again entered the Sierra Madre, returning to it, as far as Pacheco, by the road on which we had come down to San Diego.

We travelled over freshly-fallen snow a few inches deep, and encountered a party of eight revolutionists from Ascension, among whom I perceived the hardest looking faces I had ever laid eyes on.

All questions regarding their affairs they answered evasively, and I could not help feeling some anxiety for three of the men, who with a Mexican guide, had for some weeks been exploring the country around Chuhuichupa, a discarded cattle range some forty miles south of Pacheco.

Next day I sent a man ahead to warn them against the political fugitives.