There were several thongs of leather fastened to other rings behind the cantle; but the stirrups were steel ones, and not those clumsy blocks of wood which so much disfigure the Mexican saddle.
Beside the saddles was an odd-looking object.

It resembled a gigantic book, partly open, and set upon the opened edges.

It was a _pack-saddle_, also of Mexican fashion, and in that country called an "alpareja." It had a strong leathern girth, with a breech-strap to keep it from running forward upon the shoulders of the animal that might wear it.

At a short distance from the saddles, several blankets--red and green ones--with a bear-skin and a couple of buffalo-robes, were lying upon the grass; and on a branch overhead hung whips, bridles, water-gourds, and spurs.

Against the trunk of a tulip-tree, that towered over the tent, rested three guns.