The sergeant was directed to take the “reserved trail” through the hills into the valley of San Antonio and bring his men into the western end of La Puerta before the Indians could pass through it.  I impressed it upon him on no account to fire unless the redmen showed fight, to leave his mules and horses concealed in the timber at the entrance of the canon, and so dispose his men as to convey the impression that thirteen was but a part of his force.

Just before the horsemen were to start I overheard Private Tom Clary, who was mounted on Frank’s recent equine acquisition, Sancho, say to the boy: 

“Corpril Frank, laddie, can ye give me the Naviho words for whoa and get up?  I’m afeared the little baste ’ll not understand me English, and may attimpt to lave for his troibe.”

“You needn’t speak to him, Tom.  Use your reins, curb, and spurs,” replied the boy.

“True for you, corpril; a pull to stop, and a spur to go ahead.  That’s a language that nades no interpreter.”

For myself, I proposed to follow up the Navajos with the rest of the company as soon as they were fairly within the canon, and I expected to capture them without blood-shed.

We started, the mounted men turning to the north of the wooded point and entering the forest, and the footmen marching direct for La Puerta.  I kept my men out of sight under the rolls of the valley surface, and moved at quick time.  When the redmen were well within the walls of the canon we deployed right and left, and closed up rapidly behind them.

The Indians showed perceptible astonishment when they perceived this unexpected and warlike demonstration, but they soon recovered, and then, feeling the superiority of the mounted man over the footman, they broke into derisive shouts and made gestures conveying their contempt for us.  This continued for some time, when they suddenly showed confusion.  They dashed at a gallop to the north side of the passage, and skirted it for a considerable distance, as if looking for a place of escape.  Failing to find one they dashed wildly to the other side, where they met with no better success, and then they halted and consulted.

Presently one of their number rode out and waved a white cloth.  Upon this I approached alone and made signs for them to dismount and lay down their arms.  They did so, and at another sign withdrew in a body, when my men picked up everything and collected their ponies.

I was certainly surprised at such a bloodless result of my strategy, and, after shaking hands with the chief, began my return march to camp.

We had gone but a short distance when I overheard Private Clary, one of the mounted men, who was riding near me, say to Private Hoey beside him.

“D’ye moind the cut uv thim chaps’ hair, Jarge?”

“Indade I do that, Tom,” replied George.

“Thim’s no Navihos!”

“Not a bit uv it.  I’d as soon expict to see one in currls!”