As I came around a bend I received an unpleasant shock.

Not one horse, but fifteen horses, were grazing just ahead of me.
On the opposite side of the creek a light shone high up the mountain bank--a light from the window of a dugout.

I drew near very cautiously till I came within, sound of voices within the place, and discovered that its occupants were conversing in my own language.

That relieved me.

I knew the strangers to be white men.