At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old scout who had been in his employ for years.  He was not only trustworthy, but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to communicate with his family, who resided near the fort.

The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any chance have crossed the river with their captives.

We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a much-needed rest.

I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty regarding Hal’s fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post.

The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we set out upon our trip.

The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry’s keen eye discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he surmised might be a cave.

With this idea, we started to explore it.  Upon reaching the mouth of the opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for Ned and myself to join him.

Upon reaching him, he said,—­“It’s a cave, but there’s some kind of a critter got possession of it.  I reckon it’s a bar.”

We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl.

It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed it prudent to retreat.

“We’ve got to git the critter out, someway,” said Jerry, “and the sooner we go about it, the better for us.”

“Suppose we try smoking him out,” said Ned.

“I dunno but that’s the best way, after all, youngster,” said Jerry.  “Hand us the hatchet, and we’ll soon have a fire here.”  We shortly had some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect.

In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we proceeded to make an examination for the cause.  We found that the bear had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the brands.