The heat became intense, as the summer approached.

To sleep inside the house was impossible, and we soon followed the example of the cavalry, who had their beds out on the parade ground.
*A sort of rude awning made of brush and supported by cottonwood poles.
Two iron cots, therefore, were brought from the hospital, and placed side by side in front of our quarters, beyond the acequia and the cottonwood trees, in fact, out in the open space of the parade ground.
Upon these were laid some mattresses and sheets, and after "taps" had sounded, and lights were out, we retired to rest.

Near the cots stood Harry's crib.

We had not thought about the ants, however, and they swarmed over our beds, driving us into the house.

The next morning Bowen placed a tin can of water under each point of contact; and as each cot had eight legs, and the crib had four, twenty cans were necessary.