While Alarcón's little craft were moving up and down Colo-
rado River, Díaz, in compliance with orders given him at Cíbola,
took up his duties as alcalde mayor of San Gerónimo in Sonora
Valley. His most urgent task was to go in search of Alarcón and
his food-laden ships, for the Spaniards at Cíbola were needy, and
Coronado was anxious for the safety of the voyagers, of whom
nothing had been heard since the expedition left Compostela. To
rule at San Gerónimo in his absence Díaz left Diego de Alcaráz,
the villain who had given Cabeza de Vaca that brutal reception
in Sinaloa some five years previously. It was too bad that Diaz
was not free to make a better choice, for he well knew the quali-
ties of the man he was leaving in command. The appointment
was made by a "higher up."

Having seen Arellano and the army on their way to Cíbola
behind Coronado, Díaz without delay organized a force of
twenty-five Spaniards and a contingent of Indian allies, valiant
Ópatas no doubt. The Spaniards were mounted on horses, the
allies presumably going on foot. To supply food on the way, sheep
were driven along by native servants. In the company went guides
and interpreters, and a greyhound which might prove to be use-
ful in case of need. The dog was destined to leave his mark on
history.

Thus equipped, late in September Díaz set forth northwest
to fulfill his important commission. His route lay through the
Pima and Pápago country which later was made so famous by
Kino, Garcés, and Anza. Apparently he went over the Camino
del Diablo--the Devil's Highway--that terrible desert trail
through Sonóita which became well known for its perils, and on
which even today inexperienced travelers die of thirst and hard-

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