noon
After so fatiguing a march , it was necessary to make a longer halt than usual . We stayed by the arroyo all that day and the following night . But the hunters longed to drink from the Prieto itself ; and the next morning we drew our pickets , and rode in the direction of that river . By noon we were upon its banks . A singular stream it was , running through a region of bleak , barren , and desolate mountains . Through these the stream had forged its way by numerous canons , and rushed along a channel at most places inaccessible . It was a black and gloomy river .