"And while you are in La Paz," said the Captain, "look up those horse-thieves, and turn them over to the civil authorities; but whether you catch them or not, be sure to bring back the boys' ponies." "What do you think about letting the boys go with me?" "No doubt they would like it. Would it be safe?" "There have been no Indians seen on the route lately." "But it may be the 'calm before the storm.'" "The mail-courier, Baldwin, has seen no signs of them." "So he told me. The excursion would be a treat to the boys, and might bring luck to your undertaking. I believe I will let them go with a strong escort. Tell the Adjutant to detail a corporal and any ten men you may select, and take an ambulance and driver." "Shall I go by the Bill Williams Fork route or the one over the Xuacaxélla Desert?" "The desert route is much the nearer, and the courier says there is water in the Hole-in-the-Plain. There was a rainfall there last week. That will give you water at the end of each day's drive." I returned to my rooms, and looked over an itinerary of the route, with a schedule of distances and other information. After making myself familiar with all its peculiarities, I told Frank and Henry that if they desired to do so they might accompany me. They were overjoyed at the prospect. Henry caught Vic by the fore-paws and began a waltz about the room. Then, sitting down, he held her head up between his palms and informed her that she was going to bring back Sancho and Chiquita. "I think we better not take her, Henry," I said. "Not take Vic? Why not, sir?" "The road is long--six days going and six days returning--over a rough and dry region, and she will be in the way and a constant care to us." "But perhaps we cannot find our horses without her. She will be sure to help us in some way; she always does," said Henry, emphatically. "She certainly will be of much use to us if we have to make a search," added Frank. "She need be no care to you; Henry and I will look after her." "I am sorry to disappoint you, boys, but I cannot take the dog. She will be left with Captain Bayard." This decision made the boys very miserable for some time. They lavished more than their usual attentions and caresses upon Vic, seeming to look upon her as a much abused dog, whose privileges and rights had been tyrannically set aside without reason. They put her to bed in her box, both patting her repeatedly and whispering their sympathies in her ears. Then Frank asked, "Have you ever been to La Paz?" "I have never been beyond Date Creek in that direction," I replied. "Is the Xuacaxélla really a desert?"