H. Bedford-Jones

“ So poor Eli went shambling away, while Hampton rose and followed the tall Yaqui, in silence.
He was led up the valley, and knew that he was going to face Dias. He did not fail to observe that at sight of Ramon the other guards became very ostensibly alert, and the slaves at work shrank hastily aside; even the Chinese, who shared but slightly in the hardships of their companions, avoided the tall Yaqui with extreme care. Hampton needed no explanations to realize that this chief lieutenant of Dias was a devil rather than a man. So much was patent in the very face of the redskin. ”

“ El Bobo replenished his own bowl thrice, while those who begged a second helping were repulsed angrily by the women cooks; he could talk or jest among the guards with impunity, a liberty denied to the others. Yet with his fellow-slaves he was obviously popular enough, and he could chatter Spanish like a native.
Hampton's heart ached for the haggard, witless creature, so terribly changed from the sturdy young fellow whom he had left at home. Not a spark of recognition had awakened in that dull and vacuous countenance, even the mention of Hampton's name had evoked no response. ”

“ The first shock of anguish and horror past, he steeled himself to accept the inevitable and to endure in silence, as he followed his brother and the squeaking carts from the creek along the rude cañon trail toward the rows of adobe buildings. It was growing dark now, here in the valley, and work was over for the day. The overseer's whip cracked, one unfortunate wretch howled aloud, and the others hastened to unhitch the mules.
From different directions men came toward the adobe bunk-houses—weary, ragged, sodden men, with here and there the crack of a whip to hasten some unfinished labor. ”

“ The red-bearded man from Carolina sauntered away, following a steady stream of men that was headed for the creek, where a small pulque mill was in full blast. Hampton was not slow to comprehend the diabolic ingenuity of Dias in thus furnishing the deadly juice of the big cactus leaves. It was a potent factor in breaking down such men as Pap Hoskins, who might otherwise be dangerous, and it served to keep the Mexicans in a more or less continual state of drunken stupor.
Watching the men around him, Hampton swiftly realized that his brother Eli occupied a position far above the average ”

“ All we wanted was a chance to strike a blow—hopeless to think of escape.”
“Nelly Barnes—have you seen her?”
“Yes,” uttered Eli, and in the word were volumes. “She's all right—so far. No chance to talk with her. Things are quieting down now—be careful! Wait until morning. Act a part. Make them think you're broken—or they'll use the whips. The others who came with Dias and Nellie are gone. They couldn't last long. Dias sent them out into the desert gathering wood for the fires; it killed them quickly. Now wait until tomorrow.”
Hampton obeyed. ”

“ Them chinks are here on contract—work so long, then get sent to 'Frisco. Well, better not talk. Lot o' spies in this gang of greasers. See ye later, Yank. Anytime ye need a drink o' cactus licker, go down to the mill. All ye want free. Helps recruit the greasers, too. ”