"I call it a beastly shame," said Walter. "Why don't they fight?"
"What could a couple of hundred warriors do against the United States government?" replied Mrs. Page.
"I thought the Comanches and Apaches, and those Indian tribes liked to fight just for the sake of fighting," said Nellie.
"That is probably true," replied Mrs. Page; "but our California Indians are neither Comanches nor Apaches, my dear. They have always been peaceful, and have been called the 'mission Indians' from the time of the first establishment of the Spanish Franciscans at San Diego. The Warner Ranch Indians are called _Cupeños_, from _Cupa_, the name given to the hot springs. Comfortable and happy they were while under the control of the mission Fathers; but since the time that the missions were abolished and the priests scattered things have been very different. That was after the Mexican War, about which you both know something, I believe. Certainly Walter does."
"I'm very anxious to go, aren't you, mother?" asked Walter.
"Yes, if it has been decided that it will benefit me," said Mrs. Page. "I should like to start to-morrow if I could."
"Here they come--papa, Aunt Mary and the doctor," said Nellie, as footsteps were heard ascending the stairs; "I hope they haven't found many objections."
Everybody was smiling as they entered, and the doctor said: "Mrs. Page, no doubt the little ones have prepared you for our verdict. We have decided to send you to the hot springs. The sooner you are ready to start the better."
On a bright morning in early June, Charlie Dorner drove up to the Pages' door with a large camping wagon, to which two strong, stout mules were harnessed. The wagon was then laden with things brought from the house in barrels, boxes, baskets, and bundles. One not familiar with the capacity of California mules would have thought it impossible for two animals to haul the tremendous load on the long climb, which was to end sixty miles in the mountains, three thousand feet above the level of the sea.
Charlie Holden, in a suit of corduroy, with high boots and leggings, and a huge sombrero of Mexican make on his curly red head, excited the admiration of Walter, who had never seen him before. The mules started off without balking after one crack of Charlie's whip. The speed with which they started was not great, but Mr. Page, who stood with the children watching the departure, said they would be likely to keep the same pace until their destination was reached on the afternoon of the following day.