This plain is about five miles wide, and then the ground becomes somewhat broken.

The trail continued very plain, and I rode on at a gallop to where there was an old adobe-ranch on the left of the road, with the head of a lagoon, or pond, close by.
I saw one or two of the soldiers getting water at the pond, and others up near the house.

I had the best horse and was considerably ahead, but on looking back could see Hill and Davis coming up behind at a gallop.

I motioned to them to hurry forward, and turned my horse across the head of the pond, knowing the ground well, as it was a favorite place for shooting geese and ducks.
Approaching the house, I ordered the men who were outside to go in.
They did not know me personally, and exchanged glances, but I had my musket cocked, and, as the two had seen Davis and Hill coming up pretty fast, they obeyed.

Dismounting, I found the house full of deserters, and there was no escape for them.