The head man, Caleb Barnwell, had some odd socialistic theories,
which, antedating as they did the theories of Bellamy, were not likely
to thrive very well upon New England soil, and he pursuaded his
friends to go with him, under the belief that the spot selected was
one where they would have full opportunity to increase and multiply,
as did the Mormons during their early days at Salt Lake.  Then, too,
there was some reason to suspect that rumors had reached the ears of
Barnwell of the existence of gold and silver along this river, and it
was said that he had hinted as much to those whom he believed he could
trust.  Be that as it may, the score of families reached the valley of
the Upper Pecos in due time, and the settlement was begun and duly
christened New Boston. 

"How long do yer s'pose you folks are goin' to stay yer? Why, just
long enough for Lone Wolf to hear tell that you've arriv, and he'll
down here and clear you out quicker'n lightning." 

This was the characteristic observation made by the old scout, hunter
and guide, Sut Simpson, as he reined up his mustang to chat awhile