Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground.

At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined to make one final effort to conquer him.

“Ye cussid lithle hay then,” cried Patsey to the mule; “I’ll taych yez to sarve an honist b’y sich a thrick ez thet, noo.  Ye’ll just sae how yez’ll loik the batin’ ye’ll get, noo;” and he proceeded to cut a stick with which to administer the “batin’;” but Jerry interrupted, and ordered Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the water, the mule followed without the least difficulty.

After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what the trouble seemed to be with his mule.

“Faith,” said he, “don’t I know well enuff?  The craythur’s bin put up to thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I’ll be avin wid some one, if it takes a wake’s wages, whin I git to Californy.”

From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the Cerus Grandes, a remarkable species of cactus, called by the Indians Petahaya, which grows to the height of forty or fifty feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference.  It is fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by the natives as an article of food.

The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several miles from our intended camping-ground.

Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, completely shutting in every ray of light.  The darkness was so intense, that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp.

Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid lightning.  The thunder was terrific.  As peal after peal echoed and reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park of artillery.  So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, and plunged and struggled to escape from the men.

Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, and forced to take refuge under the wagons.  No attempt was made to light a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night.

Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall.