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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10810-0.txt b/10810-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1aab9e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/10810-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6106 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10810 *** + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS; + +OR, THE WILD RIDERS OF THE PLAINS. + +THE VERITABLE ADVENTURES OF HAL HYDE AND NED BROWN, ON THEIR +JOURNEY ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS OF THE SOUTH-WEST. + +BY + +SAMUEL WOODWORTH COZZENS + +1877 + + + + + + +[Illustration: Prairie on Fire.] + + + + +TO THE READER. + +From my youth up, no book ever fascinated me like one of travel and +adventure in Indian lands, where danger attends every step; and, +believing that the hair-breadth escapes of my young friends, Hal and Ned, +in crossing with me, the great plains of the South-West, a few years +since, will prove entertaining, as well as instructive, I have taken +great pleasure in recounting them. + +The delineation of the habits, characteristics, and barbarous customs of +the savages, who, for centuries, have roamed over those vast plains, is +the result of my personal observation among these, now fast vanishing, +Indian tribes. + +If this narrative proves a sufficient inducement for you to follow "THE +TRAIL HUNTERS," to the end, a future volume to be entitled "CROSSING THE +QUICKSANDS, OR HAL AND NED ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE," will acquaint you with +some of the startling adventures befalling my young friends, after +reaching their homes in the far west. + +Hoping to merit your hearty commendation, I have the honor to subscribe +myself, THE AUTHOR. + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +The Wild Mustangs.--Hal and Ned.--The Black and the Bay.--Manuel the +Herder.--The Mustang-breaker.--Life on a Stock Ranche.--A Sudden Start.-- +On the Road.--The Lone Mule.--The Stampede.--Attacked by Comanches. + +CHAPTER II. + +Under the Wagons.--The Lost Stock.--Jerry Vance the Wagon-master.--His +Pluck is aroused.--We take the Trail.--The Comanche Camp.--A Surprise.-- +The Result.--Visitors.--Cuchillo, the Comanche Chief.--The Missourians. +--The Arapahoe Guide.--The Farewell. + +CHAPTER III. + +The Return to Camp.--The Boys Missing.--A Search.--Treed.--The Wild +Mexican Hogs.--An Adventure.-The Combat.--The Release.--A Cry of +Distress.--An Ugly Customer--The Panther.--A Terrible Struggle.-- +Victory.--Old Jerry wounded.--Camp at last. + +CHAPTER IV. + +Jerry's Story.--"Byse hain't got no Bizness on the Plains, nohow."--A +Hunting Expedition.--Antonio, the "Mustanger" of the Leona.--"Creasing" a +Wild Horse.--The Prairie-dog Town.--Wild Turkeys.--The Missing Boys. +Prisoners in the Hands of the Comanches.--The "Lingo" of the Plains.--The +Ransom and Rescue.--Dog Meat. + +CHAPTER V. + +Comanches in the Distance.--Attacked.--The Fight.--The Arapahoe Scout to +the Rescue.--Wounded.--Comanche Signals.--More Trouble.--The Ambuscade.-- +A Night Attack.--A Mule killed.--Ned's first Indian.--"A'stonishin' +Boy."--Old Jerry's Pride.--Once more on the Road. + +CHAPTER VI. + +The Track in the Sand.--What made it.--A Lesson on Trailing.--What +constitutes a good Woodsman.--A Discovery.--Indians.--A Female Captive +To the Rescue.--Our Ride.--A Run for Life.--The Fight.--Death.--More +Hints about Trailing.--The Mexican.--Old Jerry's Observation. + +CHAPTER VII. + +The San Pedro.--An Antelope Hunt.--We strike a Fresh Trail.--An Attack of +"Buck Fever."--Hal a Victim.--I endeavor to comfort him.--A Promise.--The +Black-tailed Deer.--The Call and the Snake.--Another Attempt.--Defeated +by a Panther.--The Rio Pecos.--The Country through which it runs.--Old +Acquaintances in the Distance.--On a Bender.--Ned to the Rescue.--Old +Jerry's Bear Story. + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Comanche War Trail.--A Visitor in Camp.--Hal loses his Pony.--An +Adventure with a Horse-thief.--Creeping Serpent.--Hints on Horse-stealing. +--Dust in the Distance. Hal recognizes his Pony.--A Good Shot.-- +Its Effect.--The Prairie on Fire.--Imminent Peril.--Hard Work.--Comanche +Springs.--Fort Davis.--A Pretty Girl,--Patsey McQuirk.--Ned kills an +Antelope.--Don Ramon.--The Camp attacked. + +CHAPTER IX. + +Juanita captured.--A Brutal Murder.--Once more on the Trail.--We lose +it.--The Hide for Life.--Return to Camp.--The Messenger to the Fort.-- +Terrible News.--The Dragoons in the Saddle.--Hal taken Prisoner.--Off for +El Paso.--We start for the Silver Mines.--The Cave.--Adventure with a +Bear.--The Mine.--What we saw.--We start for Fillmore.--Good News. + +CHAPTER X. + +Tom Pope the Scout.--His Report.--An Expedition planned.--Tom's Story.-- +A Comanche Village.--The Prisoner.--A New Way of Cooking Steak.--Big +Eagle the Chief.--An Escape, and Pursuit.--Soldiers from the Fort.--Our +Expedition starts.--The Organos Mountains,--Ned's Adventure with a +Rattlesnake.--We strike the Trail and follow it.--Hard Riding.--A +Discovery.--Is it Comanche or Apache?--The Moccasin. + +CHAPTER XI. + +The Tell-tale, and what it said.--Jerry's Decision.--The Ride.--A +Reconnoissance.--The Indian Camp.--Military Rule.--A Happy Thought.--The +Rifle-shot.--The Rescue.--How Ned obeyed the Lieutenant's Orders.--On +the Rampage.--Hal on Hand.--The Spoils.--Rejoicings over Juanita's +Return.--What Tom says.--Ned wounded.--A Mountain Carriage.--Arrival at +the Fort.--The Little Gold Ring.--Good-bye, Juanita.--"Disrispict."--A +Fight. + +CHAPTER XII. + +Once more on the Road.--We cross the Rio Grande.--Mesilla.--Hal's +Purchase.--A False Alarm.--A Ludicrous Scene.--An Unexpected Arrival in +Camp.--Patsey's Adventure with the "Divil."--"That bar" again.--What +Jerry says.--An Unsuccessful Hunt.--A Startling Echo.--Apache Visitors.-- +El Chico.--The Apache Chief. + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Mr. Mastin.--Mangas Colorado.--Cadette.--A Terrible Battle.--Hal begins +his Story of Apache Land.--An Interruption.--"The Bear's goned."--The +Pursuit. + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A Bear Hunt.--Patsey explains.--A Promise.--Continuation of Hal's Story.-- +Warm Blood.--A Feast of Mule Meat.--The Mountain Cave.--A Punishment.-- +Despair.--The Crack of a Rifle.--Liberty.--The Smoke Signal.--The Spy.-- +The Two Eyes.--A Horrible Situation.--Relief at last.--A Dissertation on +Apaches.--Their Manners and Customs.--A Surprise.--A Desperate +Adventure.--Arrival at Apache Pass.--"Sooap."--An Attack. + +CHAPTER XV. + +The Herd in Danger.--We rally.--The Fight.--Death and Burial.--Patsey in +Trouble.--"Shnakes."--A Lively Dance for a "ded Mon."--Rocky Mountain +Sheep.--A Description of them.--The Wild Ox.--Not a Success as +_Lazadors_.--An Exciting Chase.--Tit for Tat.--The Boys worsted.-- +Mountain Dew.--Patsey pronounces.--The Buckskin Suit.--The Old Mission.-- +Arrival at Tucson. + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Hal's Trade.--The New Mule.--A Storm.--Patsey's Ride. A Laughable +Adventure.--We start at last.--The Pimo Indians.--Manners and +Manufactures.--A Duck Hunt.--"How they hoont Ducks in the ould +Counthry."--A Bath.--Arrive at Yuma.--Crossing the Desert.--Terrible +Suffering.--Carrizo Creek, and the "Thirst of the Gazelle."--Jerry's +Story.--Angels.--Arrival at San Diego.--Good News.--A Stock Ranche.--Mrs. +Hyde that is to be.--An Invitation from Old Jerry. + + + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +"Boys, the mustangs will be up from the range this morning. Which of you +want to go down to the corral with me?" + +"I do! I do!" exclaimed both in the same breath. + +"I spoke first," cried Hal. + +"No, you didn't; I spoke first myself," retorted Ned. + +"I say you didn't," rejoined Hal. + +Seeing that the dispute was likely to become a serious one, I interrupted +it by saying,-- + +"Well, boys, I'll settle the matter at once by taking you both with me. +In this way there'll be no chance for a quarrel." + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" exclaimed Ned. "We can both go; ain't that nice?" + +"But I spoke first, though," declared Hal. "Never mind which spoke first. +If either of you want to go with me, you must come now." + +We immediately started towards the corral; but, before reaching it, I saw +the herd coming over the plain towards us, their heads high in air, as +though sniffing the morning breeze, their necks proudly arched, and long +manes and tails gracefully flowing to the wind, as they pranced and +gambolled along the high swell of land that marked the gentle descent to +the valley where we stood. + +As soon as the boys discovered them, they went into raptures, +exclaiming,-- + +"Oh, what a big drove of horses! Whose are they? Are they all yours? +Can't I have one to ride? What are you going to do with them?" and a +hundred other questions, asked more rapidly than I could possibly find +opportunity to answer. + +As the mustangs came nearer, and the boys began to distinguish more +clearly their elegant forms and beautiful color, they became greatly +excited, declaring loudly, that, if they could only have one of them to +ride, they should be perfectly happy. + +I found great difficulty in so far repressing them, that they would not +frighten the herd which was now close to the enclosure; but finally +succeeded in keeping them quiet, by promising that each should have one +for his own. + +When the last of the gang had passed into the corral and the gate was +shut, the boys mounted the wall, eager to select their ponies. This was +soon done: Hal choosing a beautiful black, and Ned deciding upon a +spirited blood-bay mare. + +[Illustration: In Camp.] + +Calling Manuel, the Mexican herder, I gave the requisite order, and he +entered the corral, lasso in hand. He stood for a moment, waiting his +opportunity, and then, swinging the rope gracefully over his head, the +noose dropped upon the neck of the black. + +The instant she felt it touch, she lowered her head, in an endeavor to +throw it off; but Manuel anticipated the movement, and gently tightened +it; when, with a snort of defiance, she settled back on her haunches, as +though inviting him to a trial of strength. + +After many and repeated failures, by the exercise of great patience and +skill, Manuel succeeded in separating her from the remainder of the herd, +and leading her into another and smaller enclosure. + +And then commenced the contest with the bay. The herd had by this time +become very sensitive, and it was with great difficulty that Manuel +managed to cast his noose over the mare's head; and, even when this had +been accomplished, she seemed disposed to make him all the trouble +possible; but, after a long time, he obtained the mastery, and led her +out to share the fate of her black companion. + +"Now, boys, you've got the ponies, what are you going to do with them?" +asked I. + +"Do with 'em? Why, ride 'em, of course," answered Hal. + +"I'd like to see some one ride mine, before I back her," remarked Ned. + +"And so you shall," said I. "Come, Manuel, let's see you ride the bay." + +First obtaining one end of the lasso, which still encircled her neck, he +made a turn around a stout post, which enabled him to bring her head so +perfectly under his control, that, with comparative ease, he made a loop +with his lasso around her lower jaw; then, leading her into the open +plain, he vaulted lightly upon her back. + +The moment she felt his weight she uttered a scream of rage, and raised +herself upright upon her hind legs, standing so admirably poised that +Manuel was only able to retain his seat by clinging with both arms around +her neck. Unable to rid herself of her burden in this manner, she planted +her fore feet firmly on the earth, and elevated her hind legs high in the +air with great rapidity and fury, forcing the rider to turn quickly upon +her back and clasp his arms tightly around the barrel of her body, +bracing his toes against the point of her fore shoulders, and thus +rendering futile all her frantic efforts to unseat him. + +Apparantly convinced that neither of these methods would relieve her, she +stood still for a moment, as if to gather strength for a last, grand, +final effort for her freedom; then, bounding like a deer, she dashed +furiously over the plain. + +Away she sped, Manuel still upon her back, now disappearing for a moment +in some ravine, to again come in sight, galloping madly over the swell of +the plain, swerving neither to the right nor the left, but once more +disappearing, to finally become lost in the distance. + +"I'm glad I ain't on her," said Ned. "Will she ever come back? If she +does, I don't want to ride her. Didn't she just fly, though? Do you +believe I shall ever be able to manage her?" + +"I think perhaps after Manuel gets through with her, you'll find it +easier than you imagine," was my answer. + +"I'd like to ride as well as Manuel," remarked Hal. "I wonder if all +Mexicans ride as nicely as he does." + +"Many do; and there are thousands of Americans in Texas who ride equally +well, if they do not surpass him in horsemanship." + +"Then I mean to learn how to do it," rejoined Hal; "and I won't be +satisfied until I do." + +"You may as well commence now, on your black, Hal. She's waiting and +ready for you," remarked Ned. + +"Thank you! but I believe I'll wait and see how the bay comes out. Come, +let's go and see the beauty," said Hal; and the two started for the +corral, to discuss the probable relative speed of the captives. + +A couple of hours later, we saw Manuel returning; the mare trotting as +quietly as though she had been accustomed to the saddle for years. Riding +up to where we stood, he dismounted; and, handing Ned the end of the +lasso, said,-- + +"There, youngster, throw this over her head, and lead her to the corral. +She'll fancy you're the one who first gained the mastery over her, and +you won't have no trouble in riding her when you want to." + +Ned led her to the corral, and then Hal's mare was obliged to submit to a +similar experience; and, after that, the boys, with Manuel to instruct, +mounted their ponies and took their first lesson in mustang riding. + +Hal Hyde and Ned Brown were two boys who had arrived from the East the +night previous to the morning on which our story opens. + +They were the sons of two old friends of mine, and had been sent to +Texas that they might learn something of life upon a stock-ranche. + +It is not my intention, however, to relate their experience during the +few months they remained on the Ranchee; for they found, after the first +novelty had worn off, the life was dull and exceedingly tiresome. So +monotonous did it become in fact, that it was with difficulty I persuaded +them to remain, even until the fall, when I intended to make a journey +overland to California. + +As the time drew near for me to start, the boys became so anxious to +accompany me, that I finally decided to travel with my own team, instead +of taking the stage to San Diego, as I had originally intended. I +purchased four stout wagons, and thirty mules with harness and outfit for +the road, complete; and engaged the services of an old Texan named Jerry +Vance, as wagon-master for the trip. We also bought a small but +well-selected lot of goods, suitable for either the Mexican or Indian +trade; laid in a large stock of stores for use on the road; and then +awaited the departure of some "freighter" for the "Upper Country," that +we might take advantage of the better protection afforded by a large +party in travelling through a country infested by hostile bands of +Indians. + +The boys became very impatient to be off; for we had gone into camp near +the headwaters of the San Pedro, four miles above the city of San +Antonio, and their only amusement consisted in practising with their +rifles or revolvers or exercising their ponies. + +At last (it was the first day of September) Jerry brought word to camp, +that, on the following morning, Magoffin's train, consisting of seventeen +wagons, forty men, and two hundred mules, would start for Fort Fillmore, +nearly a thousand miles away upon our direct route. + +This was indeed agreeable news; and the boys could hardly contain +themselves for joy at the thought of so soon being on the road. + +Every one about camp went to work with a will; for there were many things +yet to be done before we should be ready to leave. + +Mules were to be shod, harness examined, wheels greased, nuts tightened, +firearms put in order and freshly loaded, wagons repacked, and, in fact, +a thousand things that are always postponed until the last minute before +starting on a trip like ours. + +Shortly after sundown, however, old Jerry announced everything ready, and +then we gathered around our camp-fire, and the boys spent the evening in +asking him questions about the route, which were easily answered; for he +had passed over it seven times, and met with hundreds of adventures on +the road, that afforded both instruction and amusement for his listeners. + +It is the story of our trip across the plains, from San Antonio, Texas, +to San Diego, California, as well as some of the adventures we +encountered on the road, that I have to tell you. + +Long before daylight the next morning I was awakened by the noise and +confusion in camp, incident to a first start. Men were shouting at the +mules; mules were braying; whips cracking; wheels creaking; and, far +above all, I could hear the loud voices of Hal and Ned, now giving orders +and endeavoring to instruct old Jerry how to catch an unruly mule that +seemed disposed to make some trouble, and again cautioning every one to +make no noise, for fear of disturbing me before my breakfast should be +ready. + +Springing to my feet, I found that the teams were already harnessed, and +only waiting the appearance of our travelling companions to start. + +Breakfast was soon dispatched, the camp equipage, blankets, etc., stowed +in one of the wagons; and very shortly the still morning air bore to our +ears the distant rumble of heavy wagons, the shouts of the teamsters, and +the many sounds indicating the approach of a large train. Presently the +herd of spare mules was seen, and then the covers of the wagons. We +mounted our ponies, old Jerry called out in a cherry tone, +"_Vamose_!" the teamsters cracked their whips, the mules pulled with +a will, and we fell in behind the wagons, and were at last fairly on the +road, bound for the "Golden State." + +As the first rays of the rising sun flashed athwart the beautiful green +prairie, the boys gave a yell of delight at the sight, which was indeed a +glorious one;--the long line of wagons, each drawn by eight mules, +stretching far ahead and following the tortuous windings of the road, +their white covers, blue bodies, and bright red wheels presenting a +contrast to the sober green of the surrounding country that was at once +pleasing and unique. + +[Illustration: Leading the Train.] + +As we realized the truly formidable appearance of the caravan, Hal, with +his usual impetuosity, declared that there wern't Indians enough in the +country to whip us; for confirmation of his opinion, appealing to old +Jerry, who, however, only shrugged his shoulders after the peculiar +manner of frontiersmen, and said, "_Quien sabe?_" or, who knows? + +For five long days we followed the road, without meeting with any +incident worthy of note. The settlements had all been passed, Fort Clark +left far behind, and not an Indian been seen by any of our party. + +On the evening of the eighth day, we encamped upon the banks of the +Nucces. It was a beautiful night. The young moon was fast sinking behind +the line of the distant mountains, leaving us to enjoy the light of our +camp-fire, and admire its ruddy glow, reflected on the snow-white covers +of our wagons. These were parked in a semi-circle around us, and forcibly +recalled to my mind the stories I had read in my boyhood, of gipsy +encampments upon some grand old English barren. + +"Now I call this comfort," said Hal, as he lazily stretched himself upon +a blanket before the fire. "Eight days on the road, and we haven't seen +an Indian. I don't believe there are any. Now what's the use of standing +guard and shivering round the camp half the night, watching for Indians +that never come?" + +"I come on first to-night, and shall stand my watch, at any rate," said +Ned. "And before it gets any darker, we'd better drive the mules down to +water." + +"Do you think," asked Hal, appealing to me, "that there's any need of +standing guard to-night?" + +"Certainly I do," replied I. "It's always best to be on the safe side. +Why not exercise the same precaution to-night that we have since we left +San Antonio? It is impossible to tell how near Indians may be, or when +they will attack us. Travellers on the plains should be prepared for any +emergency." + +"True as preachin'," interrupted old Jerry. "They ain't so very fur off, +either. I've seen 'em signalin' all the afternoon, and signalin' allers +means bizness with them red varmints. If we don't see 'em to-night, we +shall afore a great while, and I think--" + +"Never mind what you think," interrupted Hal, saucily. "You are always +imagining things that never come to pass. I guess you've been pretty +badly scared some time by Indians." + +"Wal, young man, when you've travelled over these plains as many years as +I hev, maybe you'll know more about Injuns than you do now, and maybe you +won't," rejoined Jerry, in a tone of contempt, as he slowly moved away in +the direction of the herd. + +Asking Jerry to make sure that the animals were properly secured, I threw +myself down on Hal's blanket, and gazed into the fire. + +Jerry and the boys soon returned, saying that the animals were perfectly +safe; but somehow I found it impossible to rid myself of the impression +made by Jerry's casual remark. Calling him to me, I asked him more +particularly about the signals he had seen. His answer did not relieve my +uneasiness, for he said,-- + +"Them varmints don't make smoke for nothing; and, when you see 'em in so +many directions, it's a sure sign that they're gatherin' for mischief: at +least, that's my 'sperience." + +As it was still early in the evening, I determined to walk over to +Magoffin's camp, which was about a quarter of a mile above us, and +ascertain if his men had seen anything to cause them to apprehend danger. +I found that Don Ignacio, the wagon-master, fully corroborated Jerry's +statements about the smoke signals, adding that he intended to have a +very strict watch kept that night. + +With, tins information I returned to camp; and, after telling the boys +what I had heard and cautioning them to keep a sharp lookout during their +watch, I "turned in," resolved to nap "with one eye open" myself. + +I lay for a long time trying in vain to compose myself to sleep; but, +finding it impossible to do so, concluded to rise and endeavor to walk my +nervousness away. + +Without thinking of my firearms, I sallied forth, and must have travelled +nearly a mile, when I came suddenly upon a mule, standing alone, a short +distance from the roadside. + +Supposing it to be one of our own, which, through carelessness, had been +permitted to stray from the herd, I attempted to secure it, with the +intention of leading it back; but, to my surprise, it started and dashed +furiously away across the prairie, in an opposite direction from camp. + +I well knew that a mule, when alone on the plains, is one of the most +docile creatures in the world, and will permit any one save an Indian to +approach it without making an effort to escape; consequently, the more I +thought of the matter the more singular it seemed. Returning to camp, I +found old Jerry awake and on the alert, and briefly told him what I had +seen, asking him if he did not think it a strange thing for the animal to +do. + +Without a moment's hesitation he replied,-- + +"Strange? no! That air lost critter of yourn was a Comanche scout's, you +bet; and, bein' a scout, he couldn't have done nothin' else, 'cause it +might hev spilt their entire calculation. You'll hev a chance ter see him +agin afore mornin', I reckon." + +"But there was no Indian with the mule," I insisted. + +[Illustration: Comanche Riding.] + +"Ten to one there was, though," replied Jerry. "You ain't so well +'quainted with them Comanches as I be. They're cunnin' fellers! They +never show themselves when they're on a horse, or in a fight. They just +stick closer'n a tick to their hoss's side, and do a heap of mighty good +shootin' from under his neck, I can tell you. Why, I've seen forty of 'em +comin' full tilt right towards me, and narry Injun in sight." + +"If you think they are going to attack us, Jerry, hadn't we better rouse +the camp at once, and notify Magoffin's people?" + +"We'd better just tend to ourselves, and let other folks do the same; and +as to rousin' the camp, why them boys is a heap better off asleep than +they would be round here. That's a nice sort of a guard, ain't it?" said +Jerry, pointing to Hal, who was slumbering soundly near the fire. "That's +just what he was doin' when I got up; and on his watch too. We can git +along without any such help as thet. Air your shootin'-irons reddy?" + +Before I had time to reply to his question, the sharp, shrill war-whoop of +the Comanches fell upon our ears, ringing out on the still night air with +a yell fiendish enough to paralyze the stoutest heart. For a single +instant it lasted, and then the most unearthly din that can possibly be +imagined filled the air; while the neighing of horses, the braying of +mules, beating of drums, and discordant jangle of bells, accompanied by +an occasional discharge of firearms, rendered the scene as near +pandemonium as it is possible to conceive. + +We saw a dozen or more dusky forms coming towards us, and Jerry and +myself raised our rifles and fired. + +Hal, Ned, and the teamsters were by this time awake; the latter being +obliged to give their whole attention to the animals, which were making +frantic exertions to escape. + +The boys rushed in the most frightened manner from one place to another, +--not knowing what to do or where to go,--only adding to the terrible +confusion; until, by Jerry's direction, they ensconced themselves under +one of the wagons, with orders not to leave it without express +permission. + + +CHAPTER II. + +As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them +ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If +ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us, +that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't +no more danger to-night." + +At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon, +both looking exceedingly foolish. + +"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal, +turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I +wasn't scart a particle." + +"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you +won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we +shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man." + +"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see +about the mules, Jerry." + +"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now," +said Jerry. + +An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken +in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised, +they were the ones that had been tied by the boys. + +"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry. + +"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain." + +"I wish you would," said Jerry; "and, judge, ef they've lost any, and +will let me hev twenty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back +afore ter-morrow night at this time, or you may call old Jerry a liar, +and that's what no man ever done yet, that's sartin." + +"Do you really think it can be done, Jerry?" + +"I'm sartin of it," was the confident reply. + +"Well, I'll go over and talk with Magoffin; and, if he's lost any stock +and will lend us the men, I've no objection to your making the attempt." + +"You bet, judge, he'll see for himself, that them cussed varmints won't +hev more'n four hours the start; an', ef he'll let us hev the men, we kin +ketch 'em, sartin." + +I visited Magoffin's camp, and found it, like our own, in some confusion. +I ascertained, however, that Magoffin himself was not with the train, +which was in charge of his _major-domo,_ or head man, Don Ignacio. +Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules +were missing. I then briefly stated Jerry's proposition, to which Don +Ignacio immediately assented, offering to accompany the expedition +himself. + +Word was sent to Jerry; and, half an hour afterwards, when I reached +camp, I found him ready for a start. + +Hal and Ned were both extremely anxious to go; but Jerry would not hear +to it for a moment, declaring they must remain and take charge of camp +during our absence. + +The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from +Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three +days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of _atole_ [Wheat and +brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold +water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked +beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every +man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty +rounds of ammunition in his belt. + +A delay of a few moments only, and we were off. + +We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly +direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,-- + +"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for +the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the +Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the +Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean, +and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur +as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on." + +[Illustration: Trailing.] + +Uttering the single word, '_Adelante!_' or 'Forward!' we started in +a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily +followed. + +Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success +of our expedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the +Indians must necessarily be somewhat impeded by the large number of +animals they were driving before them. + +The trail followed the course of the river for several miles in the +direction of the Concho Springs; but, at last, turned abruptly to the +left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the +waters of the Pecos from the headwaters of the San Pedro, leading us +directly towards the former stream. + +For many hours we rode, hoping each moment to obtain a sight of the +Indians. No stops were made, except to permit our animals to drink a few +swallows from the streams we crossed, or when we removed the saddle and +bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass +through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and +animals began to show unmistakable signs of fatigue, and it became +evident that we must halt for rest and supper. While discussing the +subject with Jerry, he suddenly grasped my bridle-rein, and pointed out a +bright speck on the distant horizon. + +"St! there they be!" he exclaimed. "That's them. The fools didn't 'spect +ter be follered, and they've lighted some rosin weeds ter cook their +supper with. We've got 'em, sartin." + +A halt was ordered; and, in an incredibly short time, our animals were +picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a _reconnoissance_ +of the Comanche camp, and the men were enjoying a hearty supper. + +I was greatly amused to see the facility with which they accommodated +themselves to the situation. No sooner were their suppers eaten and +cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, +with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to +sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake. + +While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight +eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, +and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some +settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment. + +At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had +been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his +master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal +in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me. + +Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into +it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the +animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had +undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently +gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly. + +Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should +have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our +animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for +the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two +miles distant. + +The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to +remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into +two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don +Ignacio. + +Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible +until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. +Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to +pay its respects to the camp itself. + +Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable +each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from +Jerry, which was to be the bark of a _coyote_, or prairie wolf, +three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every +man was expected to take care of himself. + +The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the +darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio +and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to +the top of a slight elevation, where we dropped upon our faces and peered +over into the enemy's camp. + +With the aid of my glasses, by the uncertain, flickering light of their +fire, I could see every object in the camp distinctly. + +One Indian was bending over the coals, as though in the act of warming +himself; while, about the fire, lay five others, wrapped in their +blankets, and evidently fast asleep. + +A little distance below them, I could just discern the dark outline of +the herd, quietly feeding. It was evident that they neither knew nor +dreamed of pursuit. + +It was a splendid night: not a cloud was to be seen; and, although there +was no moon, the heavens were thickly studded with stars. No sound +disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and +listened for the signal that was to decide our fate. How many voices, +before another hour, might be hushed in death? I asked myself the +question, but there came no answer. + +Suddenly, the stillness was disturbed by the quick, snarling yelp of a +_coyote_, so natural, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it +was the creature itself and not old Jerry. Again I heard it, seemingly +more distinct and nearer than before. Would it be repeated? + +My heart almost ceased to beat as I asked the question, and I held my +breath in my anxiety to hear. Will it ever come? + +Ah, yes! there it is: quick, sharp, and unmistakable, followed by the +report of a single rifle. + +The next instant, the sound of a dozen shots burst upon the air, mingled +with the terrible, unearthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all +rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, through the whizzing of arrows, +the ping of bullets, the shouts of Mexicans, and the yells of Indians. + +It was such a scene of excitement that I hardly knew what I was doing, +although I fully realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time +to do more than this, I saw Jerry coming towards me. As he came up, he +said, in tones that carried cheer with them,-- + +"Well, Judge, we're in luck; fifty mules and two varmints is a pretty +good night's work. How many hev you got up here?" + +An examination revealed three dead bodies in camp, making in all, five +Indians killed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We +quickly despoiled the camp; giving the plunder to the men, and leaving +the dead bodies behind us. + +But two of our party were injured--and they slightly--by arrows. Upon +reaching camp their wounds were carefully dressed; after which we partook +of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of +the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as his presence +was really very necessary in camp, with my permission, he would take his +men--leaving enough behind to assist in driving the stock--and hurry on. + +This would not inconvenience us, and enable him to arrive in camp several +hours earlier than ourselves. + +Jerry at once acquiesced in the arrangement, saying that three men, +besides ourselves, would be all we should require. + +Don Ignacio detailed that number to remain with us; and, with the balance +of the party, left us. + +We made very fair progress during the night; and, when morning dawned, +were a long distance on our road. + +An hour or two after daylight, old Jerry's keen eye detected, upon an +elevation in the distance, a party of three Comanches. We were in hope +that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that +they had seen us, for one of their number turned and rode towards us, +waving a blanket in the air. This, Jerry said, was indicative of a desire +for a parley. + +After a short conference together, Jerry decided it was better for us to +ride out and meet the party, rather than permit them to join us. + +We accordingly prepared for the expedition, giving the Mexicans +instructions to proceed quietly with the stock. + +As we approached the Indians, their leader, an old man apparantly about +sixty years of age, with a singularly cunning and wicked looking +countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while, +with much solemnity, he announced himself as _Cuchillo_, a Comanche +chief, and a great friend of the whites. + +While Jerry was conversing with the old fellow in Spanish, I made myself +familiar with the general appearance of the party. They were dressed each +with a buffalo rug thrown over his left shoulder in such a manner as to +allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their +feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the +seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon the ground. These, +with leggins made from a piece of blanket, which was wrapped about the +leg below the knee and fastened with a thong of buckskin, heavily +fringed, and the breechcloth, completed the dress. + +Each was painted in a most hideous manner, in ochre and vermilion mixed +with a whitish clay. + +Cuchillo shortly produced a well-worn greasy paper from a small bag he +wore around his neck, which he handed me, making a sign that I was to +read it. + +It was as follows:-- + +"The Bearer, Cuchillo, is a Comanche Chief, who says he is a friend of +the White's. My advice is not to Trust him, or any other sneakin' varmint +like him. BILL POPE." + +I handed the paper to Jerry; who, after reading it, gave it back to its +owner with the remark, it was _muncho bueno_, or very good. + +The chief received it with a smile; and, as he returned it to the little +bag, remarked,-- + +"Very good, _me bueno amigo_" (good friend). + +"P'raps yer be," remarked Jerry, in English, "but yer ain't ther sort I +hanker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we +must be a-goin', an' you an' me hain't got no use for one another, no +how." + +But our Comanche friends were not to be shaken off, so easily; for, even +after bidding them good by, Cuchillo insisted upon accompanying us; and, +rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry was +obliged to make a virtue of necessity, and assent to the proposition with +as good a grace as possible. + +It was evident that curiosity at least was one of the motives that +actuated the Indians; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about +them, evidently expecting to see a larger party with us, and expressing +surprise at the quantity of stock we were driving. + +Jerry informed them that we had a large company a few hours' ride to the +north; and had been out purchasing some stock from another party, who +were encamped to the south of us a few miles. + +This information seemed to cause them some surprise; for they asked many +questions concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, +etc., all of which Jerry answered in a straightforward manner, to their +evident satisfaction. + +Cuchillo was very curious in regard to our revolvers,--of which each man +in our party had two, in addition to his rifle,--and at last we +determined to show them that we were well armed, and ready for any +emergency. I set up a small mark at the distance of sixty or seventy +feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of +both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest +astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition +to leave. With many professions of friendship, Jerry endeavored to +persuade them to accompany us to our camp; but they declined, promising +to visit us on the morrow; and, after a most affectionate farewell, +Cuchillo and his braves left us, riding towards the south-west. + +"There," exclaimed Jerry, as soon as they were fairly off, "ef there +don't go as sneakin' a varmint as there is in the whole Comanche nation, +I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, +expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may find 'em. The +thing for us to do is to git our cattle into camp ez soon as possible. We +kin hurry 'em some, and I reckon we'd better do it." + +We made good progress for a couple of hours; and, on reaching the top of +a "divide," saw a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, +slowly making its way through the tall bottom grass of the valley beneath +us, surrounded by quite a number of men on horseback. + +"Hurrah!" cried Jerry, "there's friends. This is the fust party we've +seen out on the plains since we left San Antonio. We mustn't let 'em go +by without overhaulin' 'em." + +We soon came up with them; and they proved to be Capt. Blodget and four +companions from Missouri, on the way to Fort Davis, accompanied by an +Arapahoe Indian as guide. + +We were, of course, delighted to meet with Americans, and eagerly +questioned them as to their adventures on the road; but they had seen no +Indians; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from +the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of +meeting the prowling bands, who generally followed the course of the +road, in expectation of more successfully conducting their thieving +operations. + +We soon parted with our new friends, and set out once more on our way to +the Nueces. + +[Illustration: The Missourians.] + + + +CHAPTER III + +Our arrival in camp, during the afternoon, was the signal for a general +rejoicing among the men, who loudly applauded the determination and pluck +shown by Jerry in pursuing and overtaking the thieves. + +My first inquiry was for Hal and Ned, and was told that they had gone out +after a flock of wild turkeys that had been heard clucking in the pecan +trees, not far from camp. They had taken their guns with them, and +expected to be back by noon. + +Thinking they would soon return, I went over to consult with Don Ignacio +about resuming our journey; but, as the water and grass were much better +where we then were than at the next stopping-place, the California +Springs, it was decided to remain encamped until morning. + +Accepting an invitation to dine with Don Ignacio. I did not return to my +own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that +the boys had not put in an appearance. + +Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen +them. + +His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and +they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought +to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't +afraid of Injuns, no how." + +"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we +ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing +had happened, they would have returned before this." + +"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business +travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched +up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry. + +The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and +set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their +trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks +of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a +large post-oak opening, three or four miles away. + +The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to +dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding +beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for +some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks +in the earth. + +"Antelope tracks," said I. + +"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's _havilina_ +tracks." + +"What are they?" inquired I. + +"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, +ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a +dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of +them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know +where ter find them boys." + +"Where?" inquired I. + +"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an' +good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how." + +"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of +them, if possible," was my reply. + +"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so +fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a +sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin' +critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each +moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of +the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak. + +As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest +as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin." + +"How do you know?" inquired I. + +"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing +to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin." + +As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention +of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near +them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost +impossible to hear the sound of our own voices. + +My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention +of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite +as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs +could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be. + +As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,-- + +"Take keer! take keer! we'd better look out;" and, without further +explanation, he began to climb a tree. + +I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches +of a post-oak. + +We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us. I must +say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw +the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures. They crowded beneath +the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white +tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and +striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that +the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault. + +They seemed as agile as cats, and occasionally one more ferocious than +the others would bound up, until I began to think I should be obliged to +leave the limb on which I was sitting. + +As soon as we were fairly fixed on our perches, and had time to take a +survey of the situation, we opened fire upon them to such good purpose +that we killed nine with our revolvers. This wholesale slaughter seemed +only to excite the fury of the others, for they commenced gnawing the +trees so fiercely that Jerry became alarmed, and urged me to use all +possible dispatch in reloading my pistol. + +Fortunately there were only ten of the animals left, and these we finally +managed to silence. After descending from the tree, I found Jerry in +anything but an amiable mood, at "the idee of an old hunter like he was, +bein' treed by a lot of hogs;" and, as usual, he declared that "them +cussid boys" was to blame, "for boys hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +By the exercise of considerable caution in approaching the herd, we +managed to get quite near without attracting their attention; and I asked +Jerry if it wasn't strange that the boys gave no sign of being aware of +our presence. + +"Sign!" said Jerry; "how could they give any sign when I couldn't hear my +own shots? Why, the only way I knowed if thet pistol went off or not was +by watchin' fur the smoke: the critters kep' up such a squealin' that I +couldn't hear you speak a word. I'll bet my hoss agin a chaw of terbacker +that them boys hain't heerd a shot we've fired, an' dunno we're within five +miles on 'em." + +Taking advantage of our former experience, we approached as near and as +quietly as possible, obtaining position beneath a tree,--in the branches +of which we could place ourselves if necessary,--and then opened fire +upon them with our revolvers, with such good effect, that the remainder +of the herd took to their long legs and were soon out of sight. + +[Illustration: Wild Hogs.] + +When the last of them disappeared, the boys dropped to the ground; but so +cramped were their limbs from their long confinement, that it was some +time before they could stand. While they were getting "the kinks out of +their legs," as Jerry termed it, we counted our game and found twenty-two +of the creatures dead, and the ground strewn with portions of flesh, +bristles and bones, all bearing evidence of a fearful fray. + +As the boys claimed to have killed but one of the creatures, we called +upon them for an explanation; and, from their story, it appeared, that, +shortly after leaving camp, Ned, who was in advance, had come upon a +large flock of turkeys, and discharged one of the barrels of his gun at +them without effect. + +Soon afterwards they discovered the tracks of the _havilinas_. +Supposing they were either antelope or deer tracks, they followed them +into the grove, where they discovered the herd of hogs, quietly feeding +upon the mast with which the ground was thickly strewn. + +Without a moment's hesitation Ned discharged the contents of his other +barrel at the animals, thinking they were hogs that had escaped from some +herd that had been driven across the country. + +The shot did not penetrate their thick hides far enough to do anything +but irritate and madden them, and the whole herd rushed towards the boys, +who, frightened at their formidable appearance, jumped into the nearest +tree, where they had been obliged to remain until released by us. + +Once fairly out of reach of the infuriated creatures, they rather enjoyed +the situation for a time; Hal feeling confident that he could, at any +moment, frighten them away by the discharge of his rifle. + +Finally, becoming tired of the fun, he discharged his rifle and killed +his hog; but this only seemed to make the creatures more ferocious, and +then, for the first time, the boys became really alarmed. + +As hour after hour passed, and the hogs showed no disposition to depart, +Hal began to despond, declaring that no help would reach them before they +should starve. Ned, however, kept up heart, until the infuriated +creatures began to devour the dead body of their comrade. + +The smell of the blood and taste of the flesh maddened them to such a +degree that they began a warfare among themselves, furiously striking at +and cutting one another with their long, sharp tusks, killing and +trampling under their feet the weaker, and then greedily devouring the +dead; all the while filling the air with their sharp, shrill cries. + +The boys, who had, up to this time, been hoping that assistance would +come from some source, were about giving up in despair, when they +witnessed the slaughter made by our revolvers and knew that succor had at +last arrived. + +As soon as they were able to walk, we guided them to the spot where we +had left our mules, and placed them in the saddles, directing them to +camp; Jerry and myself resolving to walk. + +Shouldering our rifles, we started towards the bank of the river, +believing it to be a shorter route than the way we had come. Although it +was fast growing dark, we had no fear but that by this route we should +reach camp quite as soon as the boys. + +While passing through a grove of pecan trees, about a couple of miles +from camp, my attention was suddenly arrested by the cry of some person, +apparantly in distress. + +"Hark, Jerry," said I; "did you hear that? Some one's in trouble--wait a +minute." + +"Thunder! judge, hain't you been in Texas long enough to know a painter's +yell when you hear it? That was a reg'lar out-and-out painter you heard. +I've--" + +Just at this moment, a prolonged, heart-rending wail trembled upon the +stillness of the evening air: so piercing, yet so plaintive, was it, that +it sent a shudder through my frame I have not forgotton to this day. + +"That critter ain't very far off," exclaimed Jerry. "Mebbe we'll git a +shot at him; though they're nasty things to hunt at night, fer yer can't +see 'em, they lay so clus onto the limbs." + +"Did you ever kill one?" asked I. + +"Yes, four on 'em; the last one was down on the Sabinal, just about a +year this time. I was--" + +At this point, he was again interrupted by the animal's cry; this time so +near, that we both stopped short and cocked our rifles, for it seemed as +though he could be but a few feet from us. + +"I tell you one thing, Jerry, I don't much like walking through this +grove, with one of those creatures so near; I'd rather take to the open +prairie. Besides, it's getting so dark I can't see anything." + +"Pshaw! yer ain't afraid o' one of them critters, be yer? You jest foller +me; they never trouble any one unless they're hungry." + +"But this one may be hungry," suggested I. + +"Well, never you fear, you jest foller me," said Jerry, starting on. + +I followed as quickly as possible; but had hardly taken a dozen steps, +ere I heard a quick exclamation, as of pain or surprise from Jerry's +lips, accompanied by a low, snarling growl, followed by a sound like that +produced by two persons rolling on the ground together. There was violent +breathing, angry ejaculations, the crashing of underbrush, and, before I +had time to think what it meant, I caught sight of a dark mass, evidently +rolling over and over upon the ground, a few feet in advance of me. I +could not distinguish what it was in the darkness, but suddenly caught +sight of two balls of living fire. + +Bringing my rifle to my shoulder, and scarcely pausing to take aim or to +reflect upon the consequences of the shot, I fired. + +The next moment Jerry sprang to his feet with a-- + +"Thunder! that was a tight squeak, and no mistake. Ef you hadn't fired +when you did, it'd been all up with me afore this time. The critter +didn't give me no fair show; he lit right onter my shoulder here, and's +tared it some I reckon, by the feel; howsoever, we kin git at it easy +anyway, but if it hadn't a bin for them boys--well, boys haint got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +I made an examination of the wounded shoulder, as well as I could in the +darkness, and found that the creature's claws had entirely stripped it of +clothing, besides badly lacerating the flesh. + +Jerry declared, 'twasn't much, no how; and he could walk to camp as well +as not. As soon as we arrived there, I made a more thorough examination, +dressed the arm carefully, and was soon utterly oblivious of the fatigues +of the previous forty-eight hours. + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The sound of Jerry's voice, as he related the story of his adventures the +night previous, awoke me in the early morning. + +I, dreamingly, heard him say,-- + +"I didn't see the critter when he jumped; not till he lit right onto my +shoulder, and the heft of him hed knocked me down and he was atop o' me. +Yer see that gin him a heap the start. + +"I seed his big mouth right clus to my face, an' his jaws wide open; so I +rammed my left arm right in a 'tween 'em, so that he couldn't git no +purchase onto me to chaw, and he hadn't really hed no chance ter bite, +when the judge fired. He didn't do it a mite too soon, though, you bet. +Ef it hadn't a bin for you boys--well, boys hain't got no bizness on the +plains, no how. I'm all right now, and good for a dozen painters yet; but +this is the biggest one I ever seed. Thunder! but I must hev thet skin; +ain't it putty?" + +I laid and listened for a short time to the exclamations of wonder and +admiration uttered by the boys while examining the carcass, with no +little amusement. + +"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have +shot him with my rifle as easily as any one." + +"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned. + +"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a +bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old +Jerry, I'd a shown 'em--" + +"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that +tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned. + +"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal. + +"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster. +Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry. + +"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder +this morning?" + +"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty +sore, but I kin git along all right with it." + +I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry +advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although +Magoffin's train had been gone some hours. + +After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain +in search of antelope, and had gone some three or four miles from camp, +when Ned called my attention to a horseman in the distance, leisurely +riding along, almost diagonally to our own course. + +We hastened forward so as to intercept him; but, seeing us approach, he +turned and rode towards us. + +He was a Mexican, tall and gaunt, mounted upon a superb black mustang +stallion. His dress consisted of a short spencer jacket of dark blue +cloth, with loose sleeves; gaudily embroidered and laced along the seams; +pants, confined by a scarlet silk sash at the waist, and open at the +sides, through which the wide Mexican drawers were plainly visible; a +broad, brimmed, low-crowned hat, of Spanish manufacture, with a band of +silver bullion, covered his head, and boots of alligator hide, heavily +spurred, were upon his feet. + +He rode a deep-treed Mexican saddle, with housings of leather, +grotesquely stamped: upon the pommel hung, neatly coiled, a lasso of +beautifully braided rawhide. + +He also carried a long rifle. His powder-horn and bullet-pouch, being +suspended from his left shoulder. + +As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired +if we had chanced to see a "gang" of wild mustangs during the day; saying +that he was known as Antonio, the "mustanger" of the Leona, and that his +occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs. + +We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to +think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks +he had been following. + +The boys were eager to learn the _modus operandi_ of catching wild +mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was +obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would +ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it +was done. + +Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to +see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger," +rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a +small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away. + +As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too +wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by +"creasing." + +"How do you do that?" inquired Ned. + +"With my rifle," answered Antonio. + +"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal. + +"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it," +said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs +again, you'll know just what to do." + +It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they +started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that +we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly +curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away. +Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder. + +"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal. + +Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of +the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's +side, securing him with ropes. + +In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the +shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the +Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and +lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a +manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the +most determined efforts, to escape. + +They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized +this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently +caress him. He was a noble old fellow,--a snow-white stallion with brown +mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed. + +As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to +ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it +until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it. + +The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the +cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large +nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though +shot through the brain. + +We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly +entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated +Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of +camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river +bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with +this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content. + +The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay +over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a +prairie-dog town, and for hours my ears were greeted with-- + +"Did you see that one?"--"Ain't they funny little things? so cunning!"-- +"How can we catch one?"--"Just look at that owl!" and a hundred similar +exclamations. + +The boys were vastly amused by the curious antics of these little +fellows, who, although not human, possess many of the most distinguishing +characteristics of humanity, in their actions. They have often been +classed with the marmot by prairie Travellers; but, to my own mind, +partake more of the nature of the squirrel or rabbit. In frisking, +flirting, sitting erect, or barking, they resemble the former; while, in +feeding and burrowing, they may be classed with the latter. + +They are exclusively herbivorous, and live upon the fine, short grass +that is generally found growing in abundance in the vicinity of their +towns, which are always located upon arid, elevated plains, at a great +distance from water. + +[Illustration: Prairie-Dogs.] + +During the two days that our route lay through this town, we made many +attempts to capture one of the little fellows; but they cleverly evaded +all the snares set for them, invariably dodged at the flash of our +pistols, chattering away as lively as ever, while the little brown owls +and rattlesnakes that shared their houses with them fell frequent victims +to the boys' rifles. + +After leaving their town, Hal declared, that, if he and Ned could remain +behind the train for a few hours, he knew they could capture one; +becoming so urgent in his appeal, that I finally yielded a reluctant +consent to the project, cautioning them under no circumstances, to remain +away from the train more than two or three hours. This they faithfully +promised not to do, and departed; notwithstanding Jerry pronounced it as +downright foolish a proceedin' as he ever seed. + +Four or five hours later, when we reached our camping ground for the +night, neither of them had overtaken us, and I began to feel alarmed at +their prolonged absence. My apprehensions were somewhat relieved for the +moment by one of the men, who informed me he had seen their animals +coming over the "divide" some three or four miles in our rear. + +A few minutes later, however, when the riderless animals came galloping +furiously in, with their long lassos dragging in the dust behind them, +the camp became a scene of confusion indescribable. + +Labor of all kinds was suspended, and everyone anxious to hear what +everyone else thought. + +Jerry gave it as his opinion, that the animals had escaped from the place +where Hal and Ned had left them; still, he reckoned some one ought to go +back and search for them, "Cause the plains warn't no place for boys, no +how." + +Saddling our horses and taking three of the men with us, Jerry and myself +rode back towards the dog-town, discharging our pistols and making all +the noise possible, in order to attract the attention of the youngsters +in the darkness. Occasionally we listened for a reply; but not a sound +could we hear, save the snarling yelp of some prairie-dog, disturbed by +the unusual noises, or the sharp, shrill cry of the night-hawk, that +rapidly swooped over our heads. + +In a state of great anxiety, we passed a wretched night; and, at +daylight, commenced a thorough search for traces of the missing boys. +Finally Jerry discovered their tracks in the road leading towards camp; +and it seemed possible that we might have missed them in the darkness, +and, if we at once returned, should find them with the train. + +We had proceeded scarcely more than a mile on the way back to camp, when +I noticed that Jerry, who was a short distance in advance, suddenly +stopped, as though waiting for me to overtake him. As I rode up, he +pointed to a fresh Indian trail, crossing our road almost at right +angles, and said in a low tone,-- + +"Ez sartin ez you're livin', the Comanches hev got 'em! That trail ain't +twelve hours old, and there's a dozen of the varmints ef there's one." + +"Then let us instantly follow and retake them," was my reply. + +"That's a heap easier said than done," replied the old man. "We won't +stan' much show, chasin' a dozen or twenty Comanches, and they ez likely +ez not, forty miles ahead of us. Still, we've got ter git them boys +somehow; and the fust thing towards it is ter go ter camp and git some +grub, 'cause a man can't fite wuth a cent on a empty stomach." + +There was truth in Jerry's observation. We therefore urged our animals +into a brisk canter; but, when within about two miles of our camp, his +keen eyes detected, upon a rise of the ground some distance to our right, +a solitary figure, motionless upon a horse. + +At the sight we halted; for the figure commenced waving a large blanket +in the air, then urged his animal forward, and came toward us at full +run. + +[Illustration: Lone Indian.] + +"He shook that air blanket ter let us know that he's friendly and wants +ter speak to us; but I reckon I'd better find out who he is, afore he +comes any nearer" said Jerry, as he spurred his horse forward to meet him. + +Upon reaching a small knoll a few hundred yards in advance of us, Jerry +suddenly stopped and held up his right hand, with the palm outward. Then +he slowly moved it backward and forward a few times; when, to my great +surprise, the Indian checked his horse, and sat as though awaiting +further orders. Again Jerry raised his hand; this time moving it before +and across his face three or four times. + +The Indian, who appeared to comprehend these signs perfectly, answered by +making a graceful, undulating motion with his right hand, not unlike the +wriggling movement made by a snake in crawling. Then he elevated both +hands high above his head, clasped closely together; then, apparantly +satisfied with this pantomime, he started at a rapid pace toward us. +Jerry turned; and, seeing my looks of astonishment, hurriedly said,-- + +"That ere's the lingo of the plains. Every Injun understands that. I told +the feller to stop and explain who he was. He answered that he was a +Comanche, and friendly. Mebbe we can git some news of the boys from him, +though we shan't ef he ain't a mind to tell, for Injuns is mighty +clus-mouthed critters." + +At this moment the Comanche rode up. Bringing his horse abruptly to a +stand-still, he extended a very dirty hand, ornamented with finger-nails +that closely resembled the talons of an eagle. + +"Me Senaco, good Injun," he exclaimed, in pretty fair Spanish. + +"Of course you be," replied Jerry, in English. "Whoever seed a bad Injun, +ef you let him tell his story? + +"We've got to pretend to believe the lyin' varmint or we shan't find out +nothin' from him, that's sartin." + +As this was the first opportunity I ever had of examining a live +Comanche, I regarded this specimen with some curiosity; for a friendly +Comanche in those days was indeed an anomaly. + +The Indian's body was entirely naked, with the exception of a breech-cloth +and pair of leggins. The leggins extended from the knee, down; and, +with his moccasins, were made of buckskin, heavily fringed and +ornamented. + +A large red blanket covered his left shoulder, fastened beneath his right +arm in such a manner as to leave the arm free and unobstructed, and then +hung loosely behind him, almost touching the ground as he sat upon his +horse. The animal was a rough looking little pony, that bore evidence of +being both tough and fleet. + +The fellow's face was deeply marked by the small-pox, and hideously +painted with vermilion and ochre; while, from his ears, were suspended, +heavy rings of brass wire. These, with the paint, gave him a most +diabolical expression, that was in no manner relieved by the shaggy locks +of unkempt black hair that hung around his head. + +His only weapon was a long, murderous-looking, iron-headed spear, which, +with his lariat, he held in his right hand. + +We made several efforts to find out what the fellow's object in hailing +us was, before he condescended to give it. Then he said that he had that +mornin met with a party of Comanches, who had with them two prisoners,-- +mere boys. He was angry that braves should capture such children, for +only squaws, not warriors, made prisoners of boys. + +After much talk, he had made the Indians ashamed of the act, and they +were willing to release the captives for a small ransom. He was a friend, +and begged us to remember, was acting as an embassador, in search of the +party to which the children belonged. + +"The cussed, lyin' old heathen," exclaimed Jerry. "I wonder does he +'spose I'm green enuff to swaller that story o' his'n. It's true enuff +though, that they've got the youngsters, and it's likely we kin git 'em +agin, though I've always telled you, boys hain't no bizness on the +plains, no how." + +After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the +amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the +boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets, +powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for +them. + +An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high +ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to +make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse +expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing +their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little +confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs. + +We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry +was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip +across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the +manner of their capture. + +While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran +away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp. + +After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light +of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked +directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much +surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their +midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked, +painted savages. + +The Comanches immediately took possession of their fire-arms, and +stripped them of nearly all their clothing. Then they tried to ascertain +where they came from, and how they had become separated from their party. + +The boys told them, as well as they were able by signs, that they were +lost, and that their friends would give a great many goods if they would +show them the way back to our camp. + +This seemed to please the Indians, who soon after, took a large kettle +from off the fire and set it before them, motioning them to eat. The +kettle held a stew of what they thought was antelope meat, so they ate +heartily of it, for they were very hungry. When they had nearly satisfied +their appetites, Hal fished up from the depths of the mess the fore-leg +and foot of a dog. This was decidedly an unpleasant revelation, and both +became very sick and vomited freely, to the great amusement of the +Indians. + +They were then placed under guard, and soon after fell asleep. In the +morning they were rudely awakened and told to mount a pony, to which they +were securely tied, so as to prevent any attempt to escape. + +Many miles were travelled in this manner. The boys became anxious, and +were endeavoring to prepare themselves for the worst, when, from the top +of a high bluff, they saw us awaiting their arrival. + +The sudden transition from despondency to joy, quite overpowered them; +and, for the first time, they gave way to their feelings. + +"Both of us tried as hard as we could," said Ned, "to make 'em think we +didn't care a snap about it. But we did, though, I can tell you. We were +mighty glad when we saw you, wasn't we, Hal?" + +This question was too much for Hal. The boys looked into each others +faces for a moment, then burst into tears. + +Everybody about camp was delighted with their safe return, and they were +obliged many times to repeat their story, not forgetting a description of +their supper on dog meat, in the Comanches' camp. + + +CHAPTER V. + +On the following morning the camp was astir and we were under way at a +very early hour,--long before sunrise, in fact,--but we had hardly +proceeded a mile from our halting-place, before one of the Mexicans, who +was riding ahead of the wagons, came rushing back with the information +that there was a large body of Indians a short distance in advance of us. + +"It's the balance of them cusses that had the boys, as true as preachin," +exclaimed Jerry. "The sneaks! I s'pose they found out all they wanted to +from 'em, and then let 'em go. Ther best thing we kin do is ter camp +right here whar we've got water and grass, and git ready for a brush; +'cause they'll fight us, if ther's any show for 'em, you bet." + +"We'll jist camp right on this knoll, and then we shall have a fair +chance all round; get your animals corralled with the wagons, and then +we'll ride out and meet 'em, that is, we must keep 'em as far away from +the wagons as possible." + +Everything was soon arranged; but, to our surprise, the Indians made no +attack. + +[Illustration: The Comanche's Attack.] + +Jerry, myself and Hal rode out towards the spot where we had seen them, +and a very few moments served to convince us that they meant business; +for they were scattered, with the evident intention of surrounding us. + +"That won't work," said Jerry. "We'll just go back to the wagons and stay +there and fight it out on our own dung-hill. There ain't more'n a dozen +of 'em, and, ef we can't lick that number of thievin' Comanches, we don't +desarve to git to California, no how." + +We had hardly returned to the wagons before the Indians began to show +their tactics by riding around us in a circle, each time coming nearer +and nearer, until finally, when within easy range, they threw themselves +over upon the sides of their horses and let fly a shower of arrows, that +fell among us without doing any harm, other than frightening the stock. + +"Don't a man of yer fire till I giv the order, and when they come abreast +of us agin give it to 'em with your rifles; but don't one of yer waste a +shot." + +Once more we saw them coming--saw them preparing to throw themselves over +to shoot from under their horses' necks, and-- + +"Now for it," cried Jerry, "give it to 'em!" and we forthwith gave them a +volley that caused two of their number to fall headlong to the ground. +This brought the party to a halt, and they retreated out of the range of +our rifles, for the purpose of holding a consultation. + +While they were thus engaged, one of the Mexicans called Jerry's +attention to a solitary Indian who was approaching our wagons from the +rear. Jerry immediately pronounced him to be the Arapahoe, whom we had +seen with the party of Missourians. + +He soon came up with us, and brought the intelligence that his party was +only a short distance behind and would soon be in to help us. + +This was indeed good news; but, before they could possibly reach us, the +Comanches, who had evidently made up their minds to once more attack, +began their old plan of riding around us in a circle, discharging their +arrows with such good effect that one of the Mexicans was shot in the +thigh. + +Jerry, and the Indian guide, both advised us to reserve our fire until +the enemy should come within range of our revolvers; but their arrows +came so thick and fast we decided to give them one more volley from our +rifles; this we did, having the good fortune to see two more of the party +suddenly tumble from their horses' backs. This put an end for the time +being to their attack, for they soon disappeared over the bluff. + +"We was too much for 'em that time, old pard," said Jerry, familiarly +slapping the Arapahoe upon his naked shoulder. Then, turning to me,-- + +"I was s'prised, though' to see how them youngsters stood up ter the +rack. Boys as a gineral thing hain't got no bizness on the plains, no +how; but these are a-goin' to larn Injin fightin', sartin." + +"Umph! putty muche boy no good," responded the Arapahoe, in deep guttural +tones. + +"Where's your folks, old pard?" inquired Jerry. "Better be hurryin' up; +we've got ter be a-goin', as soon as I put this chaw er terbacy on that +Mexican feller's leg; nothin' like it to take the sore out, you know." + +The mules were now harnessed to the wagons, and everything ready for a +start, when the Missourians put in an appearance. We received them right +gladly, and joyfully welcomed them to our party. We started in company; +but soon ascertained it would be impossible for them to keep up with us +on the road, their oxen travelled so much slower than our own teams. We +parted from them with reluctance; for all the indications thus far seemed +to convince old Jerry that the Indians would without doubt prove very +troublesome on the trip, and the larger the party the more safety, +always. + +We saw no further signs of their presence until quite late in the +afternoon, when Jerry called my attention to a small, oblong pile of +stones, that stood in a conspicuous place a short distance from +the trail we were following. + +"That's a Comanche sign," said Jerry. + +"Pooh! it's nothing but a pile of stones," said Hal. + +"That's true enuff," said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did, +for sartin." + +"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal. + +"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin' +ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No, +sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten +ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too." + +An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently +collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of +giving information to some party who were expected over the route within +a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these +Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some +conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe +understand its meaning perfectly. + +Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away +from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the +night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll, +half a mile away. + +Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve +as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack. +We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to +the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved +every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark. + +We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but, +about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who +reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine. + +"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said +Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the +guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears, +accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads +into the darkness beyond. + +In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became +evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks +serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in +the darkness, from our bullets. + +"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot +from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for +they'll allus aim too high." + +"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh. + +"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the +ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side. + +"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said +Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We +must git inter their rear, somehow." + +"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them," +replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain +where we are." + +"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire +from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff +ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few +shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't +got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt." + +Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the +rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp. +Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something +crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this, +that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told +him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell +from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants. + +In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some +distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming +light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond +doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice +announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an +exploring tour. + +The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of +the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized +the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time +thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he +received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a +little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him. + +We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the +fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to +believe, had several wounded. + +The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the +protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred +without doubt. + +Old Jerry attributed the failure of the attack in a great measure, to the +fact that they were deprived of the use of their horses; for they rarely +go into a fight, except when on horseback. We were glad enough to see +daylight, as well as rejoiced to be able to once more resume our trip. + + +CHAPTER VI. + +We had been on the road several hours, when Hal came riding up, very much +excited, declaring that he had found a bear's track. + +Jerry, Ned, and myself at once went to the spot, and saw what I +immediately admitted to be the clear, well-defined track of a grizzly in +the sand. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Why, Jerry! I didn't know that grizzlies were +found on these plains." + +"No more they ain't," was the reply. + +"But how could that track be there, if there was no bear to make it?" +inquired Ned. + +"But it ain't a bear's track," said Jerry, attentively regarding it +without dismounting from his horse. + +"But it certainly is some creature's track," said I. "You'll admit that, +won't you?" + +"Admit it? No; sartin not: that ain't no critter's track," declared +Jerry. + +"It's a bear's track," rejoined I. "You certainly are mistaken, Jerry. +Look! here is the imprint of the heel, and there the toes, as plain as +the nose on your face, and as clear as though made not an hour ago." + +"Well, it may look like a bar's track, but 'tain't one. What you call the +heel and toes, is made by them spires of grass which the wind bends, +makin' 'em scoop out the sand, as you see thar. You ought to hev seen +that yourself; but you see you 'States' men never stop to think. If a +hundred was ter travel over them plains once a year for fifty years, not +more than one out er the hull lot would make a respectable woodsman." + +"Why not?" interrupted both Hal and Ned, in a breath. + +"Why not, youngsters? I'll tell you why: 'cause 'Mericans allus travel +with their mouths open and their eyes shet tight. A Mexican or Injun will +go all day without speakin', onless he's spoke to; but he'll see +everything there is ter be seen on the route: a 'Merican'll talk +continually, and see nothin' but a blasted dried-up country, that ain't +fit for nothin'." + +"I wish I knew something about trailing," remarked Ned. "Can't you give +us a few general rules, Jerry?" + +"Rules!" repeated Jerry, contemptuously, "what good d'yer s'pose rules 'ed +do you? Yer wouldn't foller 'em. P'r'aps ter-night, after we git inter +camp, if these cussed varmints'll let us alone long enuff, I'll give yer +a lectur' on trailin', ter pay fer yer killin' that Comanche last night;-- +there they be agin, surer'n shootin'," exclaimed he, suddenly pausing, +and pointing to a dark spot far away on the prairie. + +We had just reached the top of a long ridge that gave us an extensive +view of the country around; and far, very far in the distance, Jerry's +keen eyes had detected this moving object. + +I brought my glasses to bear upon it, and could distinctly see a party of +three or four Indians, and some one who was dressed in skirts, like a +woman. + +I remarked that I believed there was a woman with them, and Jerry, who +had been looking long and earnestly at the party, said,-- + +"Yes, there's six on 'em, and one hez got on a white woman's dress, ez +near ez I kin make out. We've hed 'bout 'nuff Comanche fightin', so far +ez I'm consarned; but ef them devils hev got a woman pris'ner, why we'd +be less than men not ter go arter her whatever happened. We kin head 'em +off easy enuff by riding along on this side the ridge; but we must stop +the wagons down in the holler there, so they won't see 'em." + +After some little hesitation, caused by a reluctance to leave the wagons +in the unprotected situation that we should if we attempted to overtake +the Indians, we finally decided that common humanity required we should +rescue the woman, if it could be done; and, procuring a good supply of +ammunition, Jerry, myself, Hal, and one of the Mexicans started, leaving +Ned in charge of the wagons, with directions relative to camping for the +night in case we did not return before dark. + +It was an oppressively warm day, and we had a ride of many miles before +us, ere we could hope to reach the point where we expected to intercept +the savages. We rode swiftly along over the beautiful green rolling +prairie, pausing for nothing, until Jerry proposed a halt for a few +moments, while he made a _reconnoissance_. + +Approaching the top of a slight eminence, he dismounted, and carefully +picketing his horse, dropped upon his hands and knees, and stealthily +crept to the top. A single glance sufficed to show him the situation; and +he returned to us, vainly endeavoring to repress the excitement that was +plainly visible in every movement, as he said, in a low voice,-- + +"We kin ketch 'em, boys, sartin. It's a woman, for sure, riding on a +pony, with one of the varmints on each side of her; but we've got to +hurry some." + +Then striking his spurs deep into his horse's flanks, he was soon far in +advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking +with sweat, and panting like frightened deer. + +Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw +his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that +grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing +erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and +quickly make his way towards us. + +I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not +repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had +come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he +had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were +evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in +between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and +rendering each other assistance. + +Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side, +whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our +rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages. + +We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three +Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously +back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet +in sight. + +It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we +rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring +his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in +the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up +from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without +looking towards him. + +His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over +upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our +expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a +rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do? + +Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still +followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept +close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I +watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we +seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to +escape us, surely. + +Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!" + +And "give 'em one" we did. + +One reels in his saddle, but clutches his horse's mane and saves himself; +then, a moment after, falls, and his horse dashes off over the plain, +while his comrade turns and rides madly away. + +"Now, boys, easy. We've got 'em," says Jerry. "Let's give our horses a +chance to breathe. Thar ain't no hurry, now; we'll have the varmints in a +few minutes. Here's their trail, now." + +Slowly we follow it, away from the flying fugitive towards the prisoner +and her captors;--carefully we examine every foot of ground. Old Jerry +says, "We must be near to 'em; but where are they? We must soon meet +them;"--but meet them we never did. + +In a little swale, a short distance from the trail, where the grass was +fresh and green, we came upon the body of a Mexican woman--dead. + +She had been scalped; and a single spear thrust, through her body, told +us all that could be told of her sad story. + +She had Apparantly been very feeble, and unable to keep up with the +savages; for her worn and bloody feet bore evidence that she had walked +many weary miles, while about her waist was a portion of the lariat that +had been used in leading her. + +Finding that she could no longer walk, her captors placed her on the +horse; but this had greatly delayed them, and they had disposed of her in +the manner above narrated. The bloody deed accomplished, the murderers +were hurrying on to join their comrades, when the sound of Jerry's rifle +warned them of danger; and they had made a long _detour_ from the +trail, and thus escaped us. + +It was growing too late to think of pursuing them farther; and we +reluctantly turned our horses' heads towards camp, which we reached just +after nightfall, very weary from our long afternoon's ride and quite +ready for bed; nor was our sleep any the less sweet for the attempt to +perform a kind action. + +Ned made an effort to have Jerry deliver his lecture upon the art of +trailing, but the old man appeared to think it would receive more +attention another time; and so it was postponed till the following +evening, when, true to his promise, he entertained us for a long hour; +giving us much useful information upon the subject, which I will endeavor +to repeat for the benefit of my young readers, some of whom may one day +be placed like Hal and Ned in a position where they will find it, not +merely a matter of entertainment, but exceedingly useful; for trailing is +as much an art as is painting or sculpture, and requires the most +constant practice to become a proficient in it. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, old Jerry began as follows:-- + +"There ain't no rules, boys, that anybody kin give yer. You must have a +sharp eye, a fine ear, and a still tongue;--these make your principal +stock in trade." + +But I do not propose to follow old Jerry _verbatim_ in his long talk +with the boys, but shall give you merely the substance of his remarks; +and here let me add, that, in addition to the above requirements, a +successful trailer should possess quick perception, fertile resources, +and great presence of mind. + +Almost any scout knows, that, in order to overtake a party of Indians who +have stampeded his stock the night previous, he should travel slowly at +the first, and follow persistantly at a moderate pace, giving his animals +the night to rest in, and starting at daybreak in the morning. By +following this course he is pretty certain of overtaking the party on the +third day, especially if they do not suspect pursuit. Then comes the time +when the services of an experienced trailer are requisite to tell you the +number and condition of the enemy, and how many hours have elapsed since +they passed a given point; for it is necessary to remain concealed after +you ascertain these facts, until you decide upon the manner of attack; +for, if Indians suspect pursuit, they always scatter, and it is +impossible to overtake them. + +One can easily tell from the appearance of a trail, if it be made by a +war-party or not, because there are no Indians who take their families +along when starting on the war-path; consequently, they never carry their +lodge-poles with them, which are always fastened to the sides of the +animals, and the ends permitted to drag on the ground behind. If there +should be no trace of these, it is safe to regard it as a war-party. + +It is always easy to distinguish the track of an Indian pony from that +made by a white man's horse; for the former will be much smaller, and +bear no impression of a shoe. + +One of the most difficult things to accomplish in trailing is to learn to +correctly ascertain the age of a trail. + +If a track is very fresh, it will show moisture when the earth is turned +up, which in a few hours becomes dry. If in the sand, little particles +will be found running into the impression left in the ground. Should rain +have fallen since the track was made, the sharp edges will have been +washed away. The condition of the ordure also furnishes an indication. + +I once employed as scout, a Mexican, who could tell by a single glance at +a trail, by what tribe it had been made, their number, its age, and in +fact every particular concerning the party, as truthfully as though he +had seen them. + +We were one time following an Apache trail, when we came to a ledge of +bare rock. I examined it carefully, and could detect no mark of any kind; +but the Mexican led us across as easily as though it had been a beaten +path, without even once hesitating a moment, during the two miles over +which it extended. + +When I asked him what he saw that indicated the course of the trail, he +showed me that the surface of the rock was covered with a very fine, dry +moss, that, with the closest scrutiny, bore evidence of having been +pressed by the foot: so slight was the impression made, it would have +escaped the notice of ninety-nine out of every hundred persons; yet his +keen eyes detected every footprint as plainly as though it had been made +in the grass. + +If a trail is for any reason lost, an expert will easily recover it by +following for a time its general direction and watching the formation of +the land; for all trails are made over the highest portions, thereby +affording a view of the entire country through which they pass. + +In the grass, a trail can be seen for a long time: the blades will be +trodden down and bent in the direction followed by the party; and, even +after it has recovered its natural position, a good trailer will have no +difficulty in following it; for his keen eye will detect a slight +difference in the color of the grass that has been stepped on from that +growing around it. + +So, also, the appearance of the tracks will at once show him the gait at +which the party were travelling, and he thus knows how to regulate his +pace so as to overtake them. + +It is exceedingly rare to find a white person that can retrace his steps +for any distance in an open country; while an Indian is always able to do +it. No matter how circuitous may be the route by which you may have +reached a certain locality, an Indian will find his way back to the place +of starting by the most direct route, though it be in the darkest night; +and, if you ask him how he does it, if he replies to your question at +all, he will simply shrug his shoulders and say, "_Quien sabe?_" or +who knows. + +No matter how agreeable he may be about camp; on the road he never +speaks, except it should be necessary to give some direction or order. + +Thus it will be seen, that he who would become a skilful trailer, must of +necessity be an observer, as well as thinker; and remember, boys, that he +who talks most, generally thinks the least. + + +CHAPTER VII. + +On the evening of the second day after the incidents narrated in the +previous chapter, we encamped on the banks of the San Pedro, with wood, +water, and grass in abundance; in fact, using the words of Hal: +"Everything to make us comfortable, but fresh meat; and meat we must +have. Let's go out and get some. We shall be sure to find a deer or +antelope in this beautiful bottom." + +"What say you, Jerry, shall we try it?" inquired I. + +"I reckon so. We've got plenty of time before night, and I 'spect I may +as well go and show you how ter hunt 'em; 'cause yer won't git none +unless I go 'long with yer, that's sartin." + +"Well, we'll see what we get if you do go along," responded Hal; "so come +on." + +Mounting our horses, Jerry, Hal, Ned, and myself set out in pursuit of +antelope, whose tracks could be seen in all directions about us. + +We had ridden two or three miles without starting game of any kind, when +Jerry, who was a short distance in advance of us, suddenly dismounted, +and began studying the ground attentively. + +"Hilloa!" exclaimed Ned, "Jerry's struck something." + +As we rode up to him, he said,-- + +"Wal, boys, here's game, sartin sure." + +"What is it, Jerry?" inquired Hal. + +"What is it? Why, a fresh Comanche trail; and 'tain't no war party, +neither, for they've got their lodges with 'em." + +"How do you know that?" inquired Ned." + +"How do you know you're settin' on that horse?" asked Jerry. "Why, I know +one just ez well ez you know t'other. Can't you see whar the ends of the +poles dragged in the dirt behind 'em. Anybody could see that, I should +think." + +"How old is the trail, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That trail waz made afore eight o'clock this mornin'," was the answer. + +"Before eight o'clock," sneered Hal. "Why don't you say that the +Comanches passed this spot at precisely seventeen minutes past six +o'clock this morning? You might just as well be particular, Jerry." + +"Come, Jerry, tell us how you know when the Indians passed?" said I. + +"Sartin I will," he good-humoredly replied. "Yer see we hed a purty hevy +dew last night, but the sun waz up so high that the grass waz all dry at +eight o'clock. Wall, now, if you'll look you'll see, that where the grass +was pressed down by the horses' feet into the earth, a little of the sand +stuck to it, (coz it waz damp), that has dried on since. Now if the trail +bed been made after eight o'clock, when the grass was dry, why, it +wouldn't stick eny more than it does now." + +"A very satisfactory explanation," said I. + +"Now what I propose is," continued Jerry, "thet we just foller the trail, +and we'll strike something afore many hours, ez sure's my name's Jerry +Vance." + +"But we may get into trouble," urged I. + +"Ther ain't no danger. It's a party of squaws and pappooses, I reckon, +coz yer see ther ain't more'n four horses with 'em." + +"I'm agreed," said I, and away we galloped over the beautiful green +prairie; but, before we had gone a mile, a fine large herd of antelope +appeared, quietly grazing upon a knoll at a little distance, who, when +they saw us, stood for an instant curiously regarding us, and then +trotted leisurely away. + +"They're kinder wild, I reckon," said Jerry. "These Injuns must hev bin +huntin' 'em, and we might chase 'em all day without gittin' a shot. So +we'll just tie our horses in thet chaparral down there, out of sight, and +then we'll call 'em up." + +We dismounted, and securing our horses, followed Jerry. He removed the +ramrod from his rifle, and tied to one end of it an old-fashioned, red +bandana handkerchief. This done, he planted the other end firmly in the +ground, leaving the flag to flutter in the breeze. + +"Now, boys, you just lie down here, in the tall grass, so thet the +critters won't see yer, and wait awhile." + +Following Jerry's instructions, we placed ourselves in the tall grass, +and lying still awaited the result of the experiment. + +"Yer see," continued he, talking in a low tone of voice, "antelope's the +most curious critters in the world, 'ceptin' women. Jist ez soon ez they +see thet red flag, they'll want to know what it means, and they won't +rest easy till they find out, either." + +And, sure enough, in a few moments we saw the graceful creatures, one +after another, turn and attentively look at the signal. Then they slowly +walked towards it. Then came a pause and a nibble of grass, and again, as +though they could not resist the desire to ascertain what this singular +thing fluttering in the breeze was, they hesitatingly came still nearer, +as though they feared some hidden danger. In this way they soon +approached within easy range, and we shot five with our revolvers. + +"There," said Jerry, as the remainder of the herd finally galloped away +over the plain, "you boys see what curiosity does. Yer kin allers fetch +'em with a red hankercher, and gin'rally by jist layin' down on yer back, +and holdin' up yer feet. They're awful curious critters, them antelopes +is. I reckon we'd better quit this trail, and git them air carcasses +inter camp. What d'yer say, youngsters?" + +"I declare, I forgot to fire at all!" exclaimed Ned. "I never once +thought of my pistol." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared Jerry. "You've got the 'buck-fever' my boy. I might +a knowed you wouldn't a fired; no, nor you, neither," continued he, +turning towards Hal. + +"But I did fire twice, though," said Hal. + +"Le'me see yer pistol, youngster," said Jerry; after examining it, he +again burst into a loud laugh. + +"Jest as I 'spected! Every barr'l loaded. Yer see you was so 'cited that +yer forgot all about firin'. You thought yer did, I s'pose; but don't be +too sartin next time, 'cause the fever allers takes what little sense a +feller's got, when it strikes him." + +The antelope were soon dressed; but Hal's chagrin was so great at the +thought of being so cleverly detected by Jerry's shrewdness, that I +attempted to comfort him by promising to relate my own misfortunes upon +experiencing my first attack. After supper, and while we were smoking our +pipes, the boys claimed the fulfilment of my promise. + +I only hope that the narrative may prove as interesting to my young +readers, as it did to Hal and Ned, who heard the story with roars of +laughter at my blunders. + +Well, boys, I was once passing through the Sacramento range of mountains +in New Mexico, in company with an old trapper and hunter, named Nat Beal. + +Nat was a jovial, pleasant companion; and, in truth one of the best +shots I ever saw. + +While riding through one of the numerous little valleys with which that +range abounds, we saw at a little distance, a magnificent specimen of a +black-tailed deer. + +Now I had always wanted to kill a black-tailed deer, and this was the +first time I had ever seen one, so I begged Nat to let me shoot it. + +He said, with a laugh, "Shoot away!" and I took deliberate aim and +fired. + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared he, as the fellow bounded away unharmed, "it's as +clear a case of 'buck-fever' as ever I saw." + +"Not at all. I aimed too high; that was the only trouble." + +"Jest so," replied Nat; "a man with the 'fever' always aims too high." + +"I'll bet I won't miss the next one," said I, angry at the imputation. + +"I'll bet you will, two to one on it," said Nat. "But it's too late to +get another shot to-night, so we'll wait until to-morrow evening; and, in +the mean time, I'll give you a few idees 'bout deer." + +"As soon as the sun had sunk to his rest the next evening, I borrowed +Nat's 'call' and started out." + +"What's a 'call'?" inquired Ned. + +"A 'call' is a whistle, made from an eagle's bone. It is generally +fancifully carved, and, when sounded, makes a noise that perfectly +resembles that made by a young one in calling its mother. So perfect is +the imitation of the bleating of a fawn, that, when properly sounded, you +will sometimes see half a dozen does, running to see if their young are +in danger." + +"But don't they stay with their little ones?" asked Hal. + +"No: they hide them in the tall grass at night. You see a fawn gives out +no scent until after it's a month old, and can run well; but the old one +does, and knowing this she goes off to sleep alone, so that the wolves +and panthers won't be attracted by her scent to the fawn. This she +continues doing until the fawn is able to protect itself by running. In +the fall of the year, therefore, if you select a spot near the foot of a +mountain where the grass is tall and free from bushes, and, between +sundown and dark, conceal yourself in it and sound your call, you are +very apt to get a choice between four or five good fat doe's." + +Well, I was determined to get a deer; so I borrowed the 'call,' and +started out. After walking a mile or two, I came to a beautiful stretch +of open prairie, where the tall grass served admirably for concealment. + +I lay down upon my belly, and commenced crawling towards a grove of +young cedars, near the base of the mountain. + +I very soon discovered that propelling myself along, Indian fashion, +with my elbows, was of itself no small job, especially when obliged to +carry a rifle and keep my head below the level of the grass about me. + +I persevered however, and after working like a beaver for nearly an +hour, began to wonder why I did not see any deer, when all at once it +occurred to me, that I hadn't sounded the call; and that made me +remember, that I had forgotton in which pocket I put it. + +I endeavored for some time to get hold of it, but was finally obliged to +roll over upon my back before I could fish it out of the depths of my +pantaloons pocket. This was easy enough to do, but to resume my former +position without betraying my presence--ah! that was another thing. I +eventually succeeded in doing it however, and placing the whistle between +my lips, put forth my hand to recover my rifle, when, to my horror and +dismay, I saw, within four feet of my face, a huge rattlesnake. + +To say that I got up, don't half express it, boys. I bounded as man +never bounded before, startling deer, fawn, and everything else about me, +but the snake. He didn't seem to care a particle, but retained his +position near the rifle, looking as angry as if he thought me to blame +for jumping; and the worst of it was, there was neither stick nor stone +within sight, that I could get hold of. + +I said, "Shoo!" but the snake wouldn't shoo worth a cent. I stamped on +the ground, and said, "Get out!" but he wouldn't move. There he was, +within six inches of my rifle; his long, slender body partially coiled so +that he could easily strike any object approaching; with form erect, and +long forked tongue, darting in and out of his half-opened mouth, as his +flat, ugly head slowly vibrated to and fro like the pendulum of a clock. + +It was growing dark too, and I was a long distance from camp, and the +country was full of Mescalero Apaches, and I hadn't even a stick to reach +him with. What could I do? + +I bethought myself of my powder-flask, and taking good aim, hurled it +with all the force I could muster. It struck him fairly on the body and +with a rattle of defiance, he sprang towards me, and I--well, I jumped. + +I managed to get hold of my rifle, but the snake was gone: he was +somewhere in the grass about me, and I didn't know where; so I concluded +to stand not on the order of my going, but go at once to camp, and go I +did; but, before I was a hundred yards away I remembered that I had left +my powder-flask behind. Nor could I find Nat's whistle anywhere about me, +or even remember what I had done with it. In the surprise occasioned by +my discovery of the snake, I had dropped it. + +It was too dark to think of returning to search for it that night; +besides, there was a snake loose in the vicinity that I didn't care to +encounter. + +I knew Nat would laugh at my returning without a deer, but I made up my +mind to endure that, without getting angry; for I felt confident, camp +was the place for me just then. + +Nat asked no questions; but after a time, I voluntarily related to him +the mishaps of the afternoon. He laughed heartily, and promised to go +with me in the morning and give me a practical lesson in deer-stalking. + +The next day we visited the scene of my discomfiture, which Nat +pronounced a splendid place for stalking, showing me where several fawns +had lain the previous night. We also found the 'call,' just where I +dropped it when I made my jump, which Nat pronounced, equal to any ever +made by a first-class circus-man: in fact, I felt rather proud of it +myself; and when Nat slyly remarked that I was better at jumping than at +hunting, I made up my mind that I would have a deer that night, come what +would. + +Sunset came; and telling Nat that I would not return to camp without the +deer, I started for the scene of my former ill luck. I was delighted to +find, that by following Nat's instructions, I was able to move over the +ground much easier than the night before. Still, it was pretty hard work. +But I persevered; and upon reaching the proper place, sounded my call-- +once, twice, thrice; and in a short time, saw a fine fat doe coming +directly towards me, apparantly listening for a repetition of the sound. +Once more I used the 'call:' the imitation was perfect. She approached a +little nearer to me, and stopped. + +I dropped my head, and once again sounded the 'call,' endeavoring to +give it the quick, impatient tone of the young when in danger. + +The effect was perfect. I fairly laughed to myself, to see the doe bound +towards me until she stood within easy rifle range, when she suddenly +stopped again, as though frightened at her own temerity. + +I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and was in the act of pulling the +trigger, when a slight rustling in the grass at my right attracted my +attention. Thinking of that snake, I turned my eyes in the direction of +the sound, and saw, to my horror and amazement, not the snake, but a +large panther, not twenty yards away, and creeping stealthily towards me, +with glaring eyes, gleaming white teeth, and ears well laid back upon his +head. For an instant I was dumbfounded; then, recollecting myself, I +turned the rifle and gave him its contents. + +The creature made a convulsive leap into the air, and dropped to the +ground--dead; and I--well, I believe I started for camp to tell Nat. + +We packed the carcass into camp and while removing the skin, Nat took +occasion to congratulate me, on being able to so perfectly imitate a fawn +as to lure a panther from its lair; advising me however, to give up +deer-stalking until I struck a better streak of luck. + +"There boys, you see what the 'buck-fever' did for me. We are all liable +to take it." + +"Yes; but you killed the panther," said Hal. + +"True; but it was only a piece of luck that might not happen again in a +dozen times, and I didn't kill the deer." + +The boys agreed that my story was both amusing and interesting; and as +for old Jerry, he laughed most heartily at my experience, saying that it +reminded him of his first adventure with a bear. + +The boys, eager for another story, urged him to relate it then, but Jerry +declined; promising them however, that they should have it the next +night. + +Early on the following morning, we once more started on the road; and for +two days, met with no incident worthy of note. + +We were now approaching the section of country bordering on the Rio +Pecos, one of the most barren and desolate portions on our whole route. + +This stream runs for hundreds of miles through the plains, its course +being marked by the growth of no living green thing: in fact, you do not +know of its presence, until you stand upon its banks. + +It is narrow, deep, extremely crooked, and very rapid, while the water is +both salt and bitter. The banks are very steep and there are but few +places throughout its entire length where it can be crossed in safety. + +But little grass grows near it, and neither man nor beast can drink the +water with impunity. + +Upon reaching the top of a long line of bluffs, towards which we had been +travelling for the last two days, we came in sight of a large wagon-train +encamped, apparantly upon the open plain. + +Jerry at once declared it to be Magoffin's; and the boys and myself +volunteered to ride forward and ascertain the cause of their delay. + +A brisk canter of a couple of hours brought us to the encampment, which +sure enough, proved to be Magoffin's train, delayed by the high water in +the Pecos. + +Right glad were we all, to fall in with our old companions once more; +for, aside from the company their presence furnished, we felt infinitely +safer than when travelling alone with our small party. + +As soon as Jerry arrived with the wagons, a consultation was held; and it +was decided to go into camp and wait for the water to subside. + +"It's high'n I ever see it afore," said Jerry, standing on the brink and +gazing at the turbid, swift current, that almost filled its banks; "and +the mischief is, that when she once gits up, there's no tellin' when +she'll go down. We may hev to lay here two weeks, afore we kin cross." + +"Two weeks!" exclaimed I, why we'd better build a boat." + +"Ef we hed a lot of empty casks, we might float our wagons over and swim +the mules; but we hain't got 'em, that's sartin." + +"I'll tell you what we can do," said Hal; "we can build a raft." + +"Yes; or better still, float the things over in one of the wagon-bodies," +suggested Ned. + +"Well thought of," exclaimed I: "we can at least make the attempt." + +We soon had one of the wagons unloaded and on the ground; beneath which +we carefully stretched a couple of the sheets. One of the men was sent +across the stream with a small cord, by which he drew over a rope, to +which was attached a common block, after which the wagon-body was +launched, and pulled across the river in safety. It was then returned and +loaded, reaching the opposite bank without mishap, or leaking a drop. + +The wagons were now taken apart; and piece by piece, carried across and +put together; into them, the goods as fast as ferried over, were +reloaded; and at the end of the second day we were ready to swim our +mules. This was accomplished without loss; and thanks to Ned, the day +following we were once more on the road. + +I ventured to remind Jerry of his favorite saying regarding boys, but the +old man had no reply to make, save that "Ned was a most 'stonishin' boy. +He'd killed a Injin, and had a wonderful head on him, which was more'n he +could say of t'other one." + +In consideration of Ned's valuable services, old Jerry consented that +evening, to relate for his especial benefit, the story of his first +experience in bear hunting, which I shall give as nearly as possible in +the old man's words:-- + +"Yer see boys, I was bringed up in Tennessee; leastways, I lived thar +till I was nigh onter seventeen year old, when I struck out and come to +Texas. + +"Father hed a farm in Tennessee, and ez I was the only boy, I had a heap +of work ter do on the cussid place. I didn't like fannin' much, and used +ter tease the old folks ter let me go down ter Knoxville and go into a +store, or enter inter some other ekelly 'spectable bizness. But the old +folks allowed that I must stay with 'em till I was twenty-one, any how. + +"One day when I was about sixteen year old, the old man said ter me, +'Jerry, I've got a lot of wood cut, up on the mountain-lot, that wants +piling up. Yer'd better take yer dinner and an axe along, and go up and +pile it. Do it nice now, 'cause I shall be up 'bout noon, ter see how you +git 'long.' + +"I knowed what that meant, well enuff; it meant that, if I didn't do it +right, I'd git a gaddin', 'cause the old man was famous for gaddins'. + +"Arter breakfast mother put me up a good dinner of bread and meat, and I +shouldered my axe and started for the wood-lot, 'bout three miles up the +mountain. + +"I whistled along and didn't think nothin' 'bout ther walk; 'cause, yer +see, I allus liked ther woods, and enjoyed bein' thar. Arter I got to the +lot, I found the wood, and went ter work to get it piled. 'Twarn't much +of a job, and I got it done afore noon and then sot down on a log and +waited for the old man ter come. Wal, I sot and waited, and begun ter get +mighty lonesome and ter think 'bout Injins, though I knowed there warn't +no Injins thar. I waited so long I got hungry, and concluded I'd take a +bite of the bread and meat mother'd put up. + +"I sot down on a log, and put my basket on the stump, and went ter +eatin'. I never smelt anything so good as that dinner smelt, less 'twas a +good venison steak on the coals, when you're putty hungry. + +"Wal, I sot there, eatin' away, and, the fust thing I knowed, I kind 'er +felt suthin' tetch my shoulder. I turned my head, and thar was a big +black bar, with his nose within a foot of mine. I've seen bars sence that +time, and big ones too, but that bar looked bigger'n a ox ter me. I +didn't stop for nothin', but jist lited out, and the bar arter me. Maybe +yer think you've seen runnin'; but I tell yer honestly, boys, yer never +see nothin', like ther time I made gittin' away from that bar. + +"I looked over my shoulder once in a while, but 'twarn't no use; thar was +that bar right behind me, growin' bigger and bigger every minute, it +seemed ter me. The harder I run, the wus I was off. I didn't gain a foot +on ther critter. My heart riz rite inter my throte, and my bar riz up so +I lost my cap,--leastways I've allus 'spected that was the reason I lost +it. I didn't know what ter do. I kep' on runnin', but my wind was givin' +out, and I knew I couldn't stan' it much longer; so I made a break for a +good sized white birch I see, and the way I shinned up thet tree, would a +bin a credit to any major-gen'ral, I tell yer. + +"When ther bar come to ther foot of ther tree he sot down on his +haunches, ter kinder get breath a little, and then he begun ter climb it; +and blast my picter boys, ef he couldn't giv me three pints in the game +of climbin', and then beat me. It didn't seem ter me he was more'n a +second, gittin' up. I kep' climbin' higher an' higher, and the bar kep' +a-follerin'. By and by I got so high, that ther tree begun ter bend +backwards and for'ards, but ther bar kep' comin' higher and higher. + +[Illustration: Jerry and the Bear.] + +"I saw 'twarn't no use, so I made up my mind ter swing ther tree over ez +far ez I could, and drop and try my legs onct more. So I clim' a little +higher, and when the tree begun ter bend, that bar sot thar and just +laffed, if ever a bar laffed in this world. The tree kep' swayin' +back'ards and for'ards jist like a cradle. + +"I watched my chance, and, when ther top come putty nigh ther ground, I +jist dropped, and, when I picked myself up, blast my eyes, ef thar warn't +ther bar, right side er me. Wal I started agin, but hadn't run more'n +fifty yards, afore I tripped and down I went. I knowed 'twas all up with +me then, so I jist laid still. Why, I was so scart I couldn't hev moved +ef I'd tried; but I did look up jist once, to see the bar set clus by, +watchin' me, and lookin' as mad as a wet hen. + +"I never was so scart afore nor since. I 'spected every minute to feel +his teeth and hear my bones a-crunchin', but I didn't. + +"Putty soon I heered somebody down in the woods a-callin'. I 'spectcd it +was dad, but I didn't dare to holler or make any noise. I heered 'em +callin' agin and agin; putty soon I jist looked out'er ther corner of my +eye, and see the bar was gone. At first I couldn't believe it, and +'spected he was playin' 'possum--waitin' ter see ef I moved, afore he +went for me. Well, I kep' putty still for a while, but not hearin' +anything from the bar, I finally looked up, and see that he'd gone for +good, and then I got up and started for home in just about ez big a +hurry, ez any feller ever went down a mountain. + +"I hadn't got more'n half a mile afore I see a feller rite ahead of me, +a-leadin' that identical bar, thet bed been chasin' me all day. + +"I never was so took down in my life boys, I wouldn't a bin s'prised at +anything, arter thet. I mustered up spunk enuff ter speak to the feller, +and he told me 'twas a tame bar, thet belonged ter him, thet hed got +loose thet day, and he'd bin up a-findin' him. + +"Well boys, I never felt so ashamed of myself afore nor since. + +"You may bet, I never told no one 'bout it afore, and I shan't agin. +That's all." + +We were very much amused at Jerry's story, and the boys pronounced it +decidedly the best they had yet heard, and as the hour was late, we all +"turned in," in search of a good night's rest. + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The following morning, we once more took the road, and for three days +followed the course of the river, which carried us through the most +undesirable portion of country we had yet seen; even game seemed to have +forsaken it. + +The route then brought us into the vicinity of the celebrated "Comanche +Springs," situated in the open prairie, at the crossing of the great +Comanche war trail that leads into Mexico--a trail that may with truth, +be said, to be marked with whitened bones, its entire distance. + +As we were likely at any time to meet with bands of Comanches in this +neighborhood, it became necessary to travel with the greatest precaution; +but even this did not appear to prevent one of the "varmints," as old +Jerry called him, from boldly coming into camp the next day, without any +one having seen his approach. Hal was the first who discovered him, and +as the fellow was alone, begged so hard for permission for him to remain, +that I yielded a reluctant assent, and permitted him to come into camp. + +The fellow claimed to be very hungry, a good friend of the whites, and +said he was on his way from Mexico, to his home on the Brazos, and only +wanted permission to remain, long enough to rest a little and obtain +something to eat. + +"I don't like the cut of any of them varmints," said Jerry, "they're all +natral thieves, and ez likely ez not, thet cuss is a spy. We can't tell +nothin' 'bout 'em, and ther best way is, ter steer clear on 'em, or at +any rate keep 'em at good rifle range." + +Telling Hal not to lose sight of the fellow for an instant, and as soon +as he had rested an hour, to start him on, I laid down under one of the +wagons for the purpose of taking a _siesta_, but was awakened by +hearing Hal loudly inquiring, if any body knew what had become of his +pony. No one appeared to know anything about it, but I heard Jerry's +voice suggest, that probably his Comanche friend could tell where it was. +This aroused me in an instant, and I crawled out from under the wagon, +and, calling Hal, asked him where his horse was, when he saw him last. + +He replied,-- + +"I saw him not half an hour ago, within twenty yards of this spot." + +"How did he get away? pull his picket-pin?" asked I. + +"No," replied Hal, "the lariat looks as though it had been cut." + +"It's plain enuff to tell who's got yer hoss; it's that Comanche. Them +varmints are nat'ral hoss thieves, any how." + +"Do you mean to tell me, that that Indian could steal my horse, right +here, under my very eyes, and I not see him?" angrily asked Hal. + +"Well, you see he has, don't yer?" replied Jerry; "and not only you +didn't see him, but nobody else; and didn't he come walkin' into camp +this mornin' and not a soul know it, till he was right amongst us?" + +"I don't care if he did, he never could have carried off my pony and I +not see him," declared Hal. + +"But he did though youngster, as sure's you're a livin boy." + +"I'm inclined to think you're right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the +pony without doubt," said I. + +"But how could he?" demanded Hal. "I was sitting right here, close by him +all the time." + +"Listen Hal, I'll give you a bit of my experience with these same +Comanches," said I: "About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of +my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for +food. + +"Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named 'Creeping +Serpent,' one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe. Naturally +enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a +bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill. + +"The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche +door. I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn't; but, in less +than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with +an Indian on his back. + +"I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made +him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I'm disposed to +believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, +without question." + +"But how did he do it?" persistantly questioned Hal. "He never would have +done it before my eyes." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed old Jerry. "Didn't one of the cussid varmints, just +play the same trick on you?" + +"But I won't admit he's got my pony," declared Hal. + +"Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?" inquired Ned. + +He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass +towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power. +This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least. Upon +reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily +withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear +above the top of the grass. + +"He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing +the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, +getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, +and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced +the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of +sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he +galloped rapidly away. + +"Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry's belief,-- +that the fellow has stolen your pony." + +"I can't think that he's got it," said Hal; "and I'd like to take Ned and +a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can't find him." + +"We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon," said Jerry. "Yer +see thet dust down thar to the southward, don't yer? Wall, that ain't no +whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that's Injins, and they're headed right +for our camp, too; so we'd better git reddy for 'em, and let the hoss go. +Maybe, though, they'll bring him back to yer. I've knowed sich things +done afore now," continued he, glancing at Hal. + +The Indians were still nearly half a mile away, when Jerry, handing me +the glasses through which he had been looking, said, in a low voice,-- + +"It's jest as I reckoned; there's Hal's pony, and an Injun on him, I'll +bet two ter one it's the same cusssed varmint thet was a-sneakin' about +camp here, not an hour ago." + +There were ten Indians in the party, who, even at that distance, +commenced riding around in a circle just out of range of our rifles, +yelling furiously, using the most insulting gestures towards us, and +daring us to come out and meet them. It was quite evident that the +savages had no weapons but their bows and arrows; consequently, did not +like to come within range of our rifles. Up to this time, neither of us +had fired a shot, and Jerry suddenly went to one of the wagons; and, +procuring an old Sharp's carbine, loaded it; and, taking good aim, fired +at a group of four or five, that were huddled together on the plain. + +To our amazement and delight, we saw one of the number throw his arms up +into the air and tumble headlong from his horse to the ground, while the +rest instantly scattered; nor did they come together again until they +were at least a mile away. + +"That was a good one Jerry," cried I. "Give 'em another." + +"'Twon't do no good; 'twan't nothin' but luck. I couldn't do it agin in +shootin' a dozen times, with this wind a-blowin'," muttered Jerry. +"That's enuff to scare 'em to death. They hadn't no more idee I could +reach 'em than I had." + +"I wonder what they'll do now? They must be going to try that circle +dodge," said I, seeing the party separate. + +In a very few moments, before either Jerry or myself realized what they +were doing, they had jumped from their horses, fired the tall, dry grass +to the windward of us, and were scudding away from it as fast as their +horses could carry them. + +Quicker than thought, the wind caught the flames, that seemed to leap +fifty feet into the air, which, in an instant, became so filled with heat +and smoke, that suffocation seemed inevitable. We could scarcely see or +breathe; and the wind was driving the flames directly towards us. + +The wagons, animals, ourselves even, were at their mercy. What could we +do to escape the horrible fate that stared us in the face? + +Jerry was the first to realize our danger. Starting in the direction of +the fire so fast approaching, as he yelled, at the top of his voice,-- + +"Git ther empty corn-sacks, blankets, anything ter keep ther fire off +from ther wagons and critters. Be quicker'n lightnin', thar!" cried he, +as he hastily set another fire, not twenty yards from us. + +In a second we were fighting the new fire with whatever we could lay our +hands upon. + +So vigorously did we work, that we succeeded in keeping the flames from +our wagons and stock, which, in a few minutes, rolled by us in huge +billows of fire. + +I never saw a grander sight than the vast blackened, smoking plain, +beyond which the flames raged and roared like thunder, while the dense +white smoke, settling low down, partially veiled the sunlight and gave a +weird, strange appearance, that is indescribable, to the scene. + +"The cowardly cusses!" said Jerry, as we paused to take breath from our +labors. "They wanted to smoke us out, did they? Well, I reckon, by the +looks round, thet maybe they'll have ter huff it putty lively themselves, +ef they git away from it. I've heerd of the biters gittin' bit +themselves, afore now." + +Notwithstanding our misfortune, we could hardly help laughing at the +sight of ourselves, as, with blacked faces, singed clothing, and +blistered hands, we talked the matter over. + +Of course we could do nothing but submit, and console ourselves by +wishing that we had the cowardly fellows where we could punish them. + +We passed a most uncomfortable night; and, as soon as daylight appeared, +were on the road, reaching the "Springs" late in the evening, and the +next morning taking up our line of march for Fort Davis. This fort is +situated upon Lympia Creek, in Wild Rose Pass, a most lovely +_cañon_, through the _Sierra Diablo_. It is about two hundred +feet wide, and carpeted with the richest green sward, while the sides, +composed of dark, columnar, basaltic rocks, rise to the height of a +thousand feet. Here, cozily nestled in this beautiful dell, surrounded by +lofty mountains, we came upon the white walls of the fort. + +We encamped within half a mile of the post; and, the next morning, the +boys and I rode in to pay our respects to Colonel Sewell, then in +command. + +The youngsters were delighted with everything they saw, and the sutler's +store proved a great attraction for them. They seemed determined to buy +out his entire stock in trade, this being their first opportunity to +spend money since we left San Antonio. + +Colonel Young, the sutler, informed me that a friend from Chihuahua, Don +Ramon Ortiz, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, with his daughter and five +servants, had been for several days at the fort, awaiting the arrival of +some train with which they might travel to El Paso. If agreeable, they +would be pleased to accompany us. + +I gladly gave assent, and was shortly introduced to the Don. He was a +fine-looking gentleman, about sixty years of age, intelligent, and +evidently a man of culture. The sickness of his daughter had caused his +delay at the fort; but, having recovered, he was anxious to resume his +journey. + +The young lady proved to be a lovely little body, who spoke English like +a native, and was about sixteen years old. Her wealth of raven hair, eyes +of jet, and natural pleasant manner made _El Señorita Juanita_ as +bewitching a little companion as one would meet in many a day's travel. + +From the instant Hal saw her he became a devoted admirer, and, I foresaw, +that so long as we travelled in company with Don Ramon, I need not again +fear his absence from the train. + +One of the officers of the fort came to me, during the evening, with the +request that I would permit a young lad to travel through with me to the +Pacific coast, saying that he was without money or friends, and it would +be a charity if I would allow him to work his passage. + +I had but just returned to camp when Ned appeared, bringing with him a +bright-looking Irish boy, about sixteen years of age. As he stood +twirling his hat, and resting awkwardly upon one foot, I asked,-- + +"What do you want of me, my boy?" + +"Av yez plaze, sur, I'd loike a job." + +"What kind of a job?" + +[Illustration: Introducing Patsey.] + +"A job ter go to Californy, shure, sur." + +"Well, what's your name?" + +"Patsey, yer honor; and a very good name it is, too. 'Twas my father's +before, me sur." + +"Where did you come from?" + +"The ould counthry, ov coorse, sur." + +"Yes, but where did you come from now?" + +"From the foort beyant, sur." + +"Well, Patsey, what can you do?" + +"Phat can I do, is it? Faix, yer honor, it's phat I can't do yer'd better +be axin'! There's nothin' in my loine that I don't understand parfectly, +sur." + +"Have you a recommendation?" + +"What's that, sur?" + +"Any paper recommending you." + +"Och, it's me characther, is it, yeze afther axin' fur? Will, thin, I've +gut it in me pocket, shure;" and, pulling out from the waistband of his +pants a well-worn piece of greasy paper, he proceeded to spit on it, +"jist for good luck," he said, and then, with a bow and a scrape, handed +it to me. + +The paper was from Captain Givens, of the Mounted Rifles, recommending +the bearer, Patsey McQuirk, as an honest but ignorant boy. + +I informed Patsey that his "character" was satisfactory, and I would take +him along, bidding him put his luggage in one of the wagons. + +He stood looking at me with a comically puzzled expression on his face, +and, thinking that perhaps he did not understand what I said, I again +told him to put his things into one of the wagons, for we should probably +start early in the morning. + +"What things'll I put in the wagin, sur?" + +"Your baggage,--your clothes," said I. + +"Shure, sur, ef I put my clothes in the wagin, it's little I'd hev to +wear mysilf," answered the boy. + +"Well, well, then, go with Ned; he'll show you what to do." + +It had been our intention to start early on the following morning; but, +information having been received at the fort that a large party of +Comanches had been seen, only two days before, on our direct route, it +was thought advisable to wait a short time, in the hope that Don Ignacio +and his train might overtake us. Nor did we wait in vain; for, on the +evening of the third day, he rode into camp, and announced his train a +short distance behind. + +This was good news for us, and we immediately commenced preparations for +our departure the following day. + +Hal begged permission to carry the news to Don Ramon, and I never saw a +happier boy than he, at the thought of once more being on the road. + +About eight o'clock the next morning we again started, passing through +the _cañon_, over a fine, natural road. Two hours later saw the +ambulance of Don Ramon, with its six white mules and four outriders, +approaching from the direction of the fort, at a pace that promised soon +to overtake us. + +Hal at once took a position beside the carriage, and, during the rest of +the day, hardly left it. I did not interfere until we were approaching +our camping-ground, when I sent Patsey back, to say that I wished to see +him. + +The boy returned, saying,-- + +"He's a-comin', but he says, kape yer timper." + +"What did he say?" inquired I, in no little astonishment. + +"He said, Yis, he'd come, but kape yer timper; shure, so he did." + +At this moment Hal rode up. I asked him what he meant by sending such an +extraordinary message, at the same time telling Patsey to repeat it. + +Hal heard it, and burst into a laugh, declaring that he told Patsey to +say he would be with me "_poko tiempo_,"--in a little while--which, +as Patsey did not understand Spanish, he had interpreted into "kape yer +timper." + +[Illustration: Antelope, Patsey and Ned.] + +The night passed quietly, and, just after sunrise we were again on the +road, bound for "Dead Man's Hole," which was our next camping ground. We +reached it quite early in the afternoon, and, shortly afterwards, Ned +came to me in great glee, saying that he'd shot an antelope, and wanted +Patsey to go and help him bring it in. + +Away they rushed, and soon returned, fairly staggering under the weight +of a fine fat antelope. + +I could fully understand Ned's feeling of pride, as the men, one after +another, examined the game, and complimented him on his success; for Ned +was a great favorite in the camp; but, when old Jerry graciously told him +that he was more'n twice as old afore he killed an antelope, the boy's +eyes fairly danced with joy. + +His greatest triumph, however, was at supper, when he helped Hal to a +bountiful supply of the fat, juicy steak. It had been a matter of rivalry +between the two, as to which of them would kill the first antelope; and +Hal was inclined to feel a little uncomfortable at Ned's victory, +especially before Patsey slyly suggested, that, ef he hadn't kilt an +antichoke, he'd got a _dear_ beyant, and that was betther than a +dozen artichokes. + +When I made my usual round of the camp, before going to bed, Jerry was +not to be found; so I concluded to sit up until his return. + +Half an hour later he came in, informing me that "he'd heerd a +_coyote_ bark four or five times rather suspiciously nigh camp, and +had been out to reconnoitre, thinkin' p'raps it was an Injun signal; but, +havin' seen more or less of the critters prowlin' about, he rekconed it +was all right." + +Commending him for his care and watchfulness, and, assured by his +confident manner that there was no danger, I "turned in," and soon fell +asleep. How long I had slept I could not tell, but I was awakened by a +sound that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and caused the blood to +curdle in my veins; for it was the terrible war-whoop ringing in my ears, +so close and distinct, that it seemed to be in my very tent. + +I sprang into a sitting posture, and hurriedly looked about me. I saw +Hal's and Ned's frightened faces, then seized my rifle and rushed out. As +I passed through the door of the tent, I received a blow that felled me +to the earth. When I recovered my senses, I found the camp a scene of +dire confusion: every one was hurrying hither and thither, giving orders, +and talking in the wildest manner. I caught sight of Don Ramon, +bare-headed, barefooted, and half clad, wringing his hands and calling in +frenzied tones for his darling Juanita. Hal was talking loudly one +minute, and, the next, crying, while Ned was vainly attempting to pacify +him. + +As Ned appeared to be the coolest person in sight, I asked him the cause +of the commotion, and learned that the Indians had attacked Don Ramon's +camp, and carried off his daughter and her maid, prisoners. + + +CHAPTER IX. + +As soon as I could get upon my feet, I inquired for Jerry, and was told +he was looking after the mules. I immediately sent for him, and he came, +accompanied by Don Ignacio, who, hearing the disturbance, had come over +to ascertain what it meant. When we could secure the presence of Don +Ramon, we learned from him the story of the surprise. + +[Illustration: Capture of Juanita.] + +Every heart was moved to pity as the old man, in broken sentences, told +us that he had been awakened by hearing his beautiful, his darling, +shriek. He had sprung to his feet, half asleep, and seen two Indians +tearing her from her bed in the ambulance, while calling upon him for +help. + +One of the Indians threw her across his horse, and then jumping upon the +animal himself, galloped madly off. Another seized her maid in the same +way; but she, poor girl, made such a desperate resistance that the savage +brutally plunged a knife into her heart, and then, with the rapidity of +lightning, scalped her and flung her body to the ground. + +Piteously the half-crazed father besought us to rescue his child from the +terrible fate in store for her. Offering half--yes, the whole of his +immense fortune to any one who would restore her once more to him. + +After a hurried consultation, we decided to send a messenger back to the +fort to notify the officers, and ask them to send a company of dragoons +in pursuit, at once; Don Ignacio offering to dispatch his assistant, a +thoroughly trustworthy man, who knew every foot of the country, with the +message. While I was writing the note to Colonel Sewall, Hal came to me, +and urged strongly to be allowed to accompany the messenger, saying that +Don Ignacio thought I should send some one, and had offered to mount him +upon one of his best horses if I would permit him to go. I hesitated a +long time before consenting; but he pleaded so earnestly, I finally said +yes, warning him on no account to leave the travelled road. This he +promised, and the two set out. + +A short time after they left, we decided to send a party out ourselves, +to follow the Indians and recapture the girl if possible, as well as +recover the mules stolen. Jerry offered to lead the party in person, +provided I would accompany it, and Don Ignacio could be induced to take +charge of the camp during our absence. The arrangements perfected, Jerry +selected a dozen of the best men; and before daylight, we were in the +saddle and on the trail. + +All day we rode over rocky _mesas_ or through dense +_chapparal_,--here fording a stream, now thundering over a barren +plain, or picking our way through gloomy _cañons_ or up steep +bluffs. + +The sun set; but Jerry did not pause in the pursuit. With his eyes on the +ground, and the same eager, anxious expression on his face, he rode as he +had ridden all day. Every nerve was strung to its utmost tension, every +sense was on the alert. Hardly had he spoken, not once hesitated as to +the course, nor for a single instant lost the track we had been +following. + +At last we came to a little valley, shut in by dark gray rocks and tall +mountains. At a signal from Jerry, we dismounted, unsaddled our animals, +and partook of a hasty supper; then again took to the trail; penetrating +deeper and deeper into the mountain fastnesses, over rocks and through +dense underbrush, until at last the shimmer of the waters of a broad +river met our gaze, and we paused upon its banks. + +It was the Rio Grande; and here we decided to encamp for the night. + +A few hours' rest and, just at daylight, we plunged into the water and +renewed our search, following the banks for miles; but no trace of the +track could we find. Just as we were giving up in despair, one of the +party, who was a long distance in the lead, uttered a shout: he had again +found the trail. It was evident now, that, in order to deceive any party +that might follow them, they had entered the river and followed its bed +through the water, nearly ten miles; hoping thereby to successfully hide +their course. + +We now sent one man back to the point where the trail entered the river, +that he might guide the soldiers, whom we every moment expected to arrive +from Fort Davis. + +It was a useless precaution however, for no soldier came. If we had but +known! but, alas! how could we? We waited until twilight came, and then +reluctantly retraced our steps, believing it useless to attempt to follow +the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape +with their prisoners. I was much pleased, however, to hear Jerry express +the opinion, that the Comanches would gladly ransom them, and that the +only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with +the band who made the capture; for it seemed probable that they belonged +in that, then, almost inaccessible portion of the state, known as the +"Pan-handle." + +When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort, we +reluctantly determined to start homeward. + +While pursuing our way towards camp, Jerry and myself determined to visit +a spring several miles to the east of our course, and then to overtake +our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains, +that ran far out into the plain. + +We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring; and, after a short +rest, filled our canteens with the cool, sparkling water, and started to +intercept our friends at the place agreed upon. + +Ere we were a mile upon the road. Jerry uttered a low whistle, and said, +"Look behind you, will you?" + +I turned; and, to my astonishment, not more than a mile away, saw eight +mounted Indians; and it was evident from the cloud of dust in which they +rode, that they were coming at no very slow gait. + +We were not an instant deciding that we had no wish to encounter eight +mounted Comanches, well armed, upon the open plain, if it were possible +to avoid them. + +The ground was a dead level for miles in every direction; and, in a +straight line six or seven miles away, we could see the spur of the +mountains where we expected to meet our party. If we could only reach +that, we were safe. + +We had more than a mile the start of our pursuers; but our horses were +worn with long travel, while it was evident theirs were comparatively +fresh and vigorous; our escape therefore, must be a question of speed and +endurance. + +"Now," said Jerry, as we shook our reins and put spurs into the flanks of +our horses, "set low, and bend in your saddle, take the motion of your +horse, and let's git." + +And "git" we did. Our animals seemed fairly to fly as we urged them +forward. They appeared to understand every word spoken, and to be quite +as anxious to escape capture as their riders. + +Every ejaculation uttered, every caress bestowed, gave them fresh +courage, urged them to greater exertions. Every nerve was braced, every +muscle strained to its utmost tension, while their foam-flecked sides +said, as plainly as words could say it, "We are doing our level best." + +I cast a glance over my shoulder and saw that the Indians were "spread" +in the pursuit, but evidently gaining on us. I looked at Jerry and then +at the goal, each moment growing nearer, and still so far away that I +began to doubt the ability of our horses to continue at the tremendous +pace they were going until we could reach it. + +Every minute seemed an age. + +Jerry's face was a study, as, with compressed lips, and eyes that +appeared to fairly flash fire, he bent so low in his saddle as to almost +touch his horse's mane. On, on, we sped! Not a word was spoken--not a +sound could be heard, save the dull, heavy thud of our horses' feet upon +the soft turf beneath us. + +Once I fancied I felt my horse waver, as though about to fall; but I +spoke sharply to him, and he straightened out, just as a bullet whistled +by our heads. + +"That's a Comanche sign; you can always tell them devils," muttered +Jerry, between his teeth. + +A mile farther, and we are safe. Can we make it? Why don't our men see +us, and hasten to the rescue? + +Another look behind. The Indians were still gaining on us, and I fancied +I could hear the breath of their unshod horses, as they thundered after +us; but it was only the distressed breathing of our own noble animals, +warning us that their strength was almost gone. + +Will our friends ever see us? Can we hold out five minutes longer? I hear +Jerry mutter something between his closed teeth; and, the next moment, +saw a dozen men dash out from behind the rocks. + +"We are saved! we are saved!" is my cry. I have just strength enough left +to pull up my weary horse, throw myself out of the saddle, and sink upon +the ground, when the faithful creature, completely exhausted, reels and +falls, as the men thunder past us, in pursuit of the now flying foe. + +"Wall," said Jerry, as he dismounted, "thet was a touch and go, and no +mistake. I've been chased many a time afore, but never come so near a go, +ez this has been. Them critters of ourn are worth a fortune, and no +mistake." + +We had a good hour's rest, before our friends returned from the pursuit; +and then, once more mounting, we set out for camp, which we reached late +in the afternoon, to learn that neither of the messengers sent to the +fort, had returned, nor had any tidings been received from them. + +What did it mean? Could they have been captured? + +Don Ramon was almost heart-broken, when he learned the result of our +pursuit; and nothing that we could say, afforded him any comfort. His +continual cry was, "Give me my daughter! my darling Juanita!" + +I was extremely anxious about Hal; and at once dispatched Don Ignacio to +the fort, to ascertain the reason of the non return of our messengers; +and then, as nothing further could be done, "turned in" for a little +sleep, giving Ned directions to call me immediately upon the arrival of +Don Ignacio. + +Just before daybreak, I was awakened by the startling intelligence, that +neither Hal or the messenger had reached the fort; but Colonel Sewell +had, upon Don Ignacio's request, immediately ordered a company of +dragoons in pursuit of the Indians. + +The only inference to be drawn from the facts was, that both Hal and the +messenger had been killed or taken prisoners, by a portion of the same +band that attacked our camp; and, although myself, greatly depressed by +the uncertainty attending their absence, I endeavored to assure Don +Ramon, that their capture was extremely fortunate, on his daughter's +account, for it would be certain to ensure her safe return to her +friends. + +This thought appeared to afford the old man a little comfort, and he +finally decided, to continue with the train, until we should arrive at El +Paso. We got under way about noon; and, with sad hearts, followed the +windings of the road through the _Cañon de los Camenos_, and on to +the Rio Grande; thence, following the course of the river, to the old +_Presidio_ of San Elezario, and so on to Fort Bliss, about one mile +below the town of El Paso. + +At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with +which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, +he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old +scout who had been in his employ for years. He was not only trustworthy, +but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and +customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to +communicate with his family, who resided near the fort. + +The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist +the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any +chance have crossed the river with their captives. + +We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this +would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a +much-needed rest. + +I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty +regarding Hal's fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I +must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, +and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver +mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post. + +The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we +set out upon our trip. + +The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, +so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of +cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry's keen eye +discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he +surmised might be a cave. + +With this idea, we started to explore it. Upon reaching the mouth of the +opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for +Ned and myself to join him. + +Upon reaching him, he said,--"It's a cave, but there's some kind of a +critter got possession of it. I reckon it's a bar." + +We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what +appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end +of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl. + +It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed +it prudent to retreat. + +"We've got to git the critter out, someway," said Jerry, "and the sooner +we go about it, the better for us." + +"Suppose we try smoking him out," said Ned. + +"I dunno but that's the best way, after all, youngster," said Jerry. +"Hand us the hatchet, and we'll soon have a fire here." We shortly had +some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while +a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the +smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect. + +In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we +proceeded to make an examination for the cause. We found that the bear +had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the +brands. + +"He's an old fellow, and won't be ketched napping," said Jerry. "The only +way is to meet him, on his own ground. I'll fix him! You get two or three +of them splinters, and light 'em, and foller me." + +We cautiously advanced upon Bruin, torches in one hand and revolvers in +the other, but his low, angry growl caused us, even then, to hesitate a +moment before venturing further. + +"Now, you take this 'ere torch, youngster," said Jerry, addressing Ned, +"and hold it so you kin see, and then I kin. My narves is steadier'n +clock-work, and I'll do the shootin'." + +Another forward movement, and another growl saluted our ears. + +"Steady, there," said Jerry, "I see him;" and the next instant, he fired. + +As soon as the almost deafening reverberations and din, caused by the +discharge, had subsided, holding our torches so as to throw the light as +far in advance as possible, we entered the cave, and in one corner found +a large black bear--dead. + +"Hurrah!" cried Ned. "We've got him! Ain't he a noble fellow?" + +"Here's room enough for all," said Jerry, as the extent of the cave was +made apparent. "We'll get our critters in, and have bar meat for supper, +sure." The apartment in which we were standing was about twenty feet +square, and nearly as many high, and, in one corner, we found a spring of +clear, cool water. + +"Nothing could be nicer than this," declared Ned. "I'd like to stay here +for a month; it's just splendid," But Ned's enthusiasm soon died out, for +we discovered unmistakable evidence that Indians were in the habit of +visiting it. We determined to pass the night there, however, which we did +without being disturbed, and the next morning again started for the mine, +which we reached about two o'clock in the afternoon. + +The mine consisted of a horizontal shaft, cut into the mountain-side, +that had reached a depth of between two and three hundred feet; the ore +being drawn up in large leathern buckets, by mule power, attached to a +windlass. Such portions as were deemed sufficiently rich were at once +conveyed to the smelting furnace, where the pure ore was melted down and +extracted from the virgin fossil. If of inferior quality, it was +submitted to the process of amalgamation. + +We found much to interest us while examining the working of the mine, +which was conducted upon the old Mexican plan. Ned was particularly +pleased with the manner of packing the silver, which was in rough cakes, +for transportation. + +These were placed in sacks made of raw hide, which, when dry, shrunk, and +thus pressed the contents so closely, that all friction was avoided. Two +of these sacks, each containing about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of +the ore, constituted an ordinary mule-load. + +We spent the entire day at the mine, watching the process of separating +the ore, extracting the gold, roasting, grinding, etc., and the following +day returned to El Paso, with the intention of leaving for Fort Fillmore +immediately. + +As soon as we arrived at this post, in company with Ned, I called upon +Lieutenant Howland, then in command, and communicated to him the facts +regarding the attack upon, and capture of a portion of our party, and +from him learned the startling intelligence that a scout from Fort +Stanton, had that day arrived at the post, reporting that, the day +previous, he had discovered the fresh trail of a party of Indians near +the eastern base of the Organos Mountains, who had with them, three white +persons, one of whom, was a woman. + +As soon as Ned heard the lieutenant make this statement, he started to +his feet, exclaiming, "That's them! that's them! Hurrah! we'll find 'em, +sure. Let's start now!" and away he went to carry the glad tidings to the +camp. + + +CHAPTER X. + +At my request, the scout was sent for. He proved to be a keen, shrewd +Yankee, who had spent the last twenty years of his life, among the +mountains of New Mexico. + +His statement was clear and concise, and showed a familiarity with Indian +manners and habits, that entitled his opinion to great weight. After a +long interview, both Lieutenant Howland and myself became convinced that +Hal and Juanita were with the party he described. So positive was the +lieutenant that he volunteered to send a force in pursuit early on the +following morning, with Tom Pope as guide. + +When this determination was announced I hastened back to camp to consult +old Jerry, and found all assembled around Ned, who was repeating over and +over again, the story told by Tom. Even Patsey, whom I had scarcely +noticed since he joined the train, was tossing his well-worn cap in the +air, catching it upon the toe of a toeless boot, while executing a lively +Irish jig, and exclaiming every time he drew a long breath,-- + +"Whoo-o-o-op! think of it now, will yez! The boss has got the byse, sure. +Whoo-o-o-op now, whoo-o-op!" + +In fact, all seemed delighted at the idea of our receiving even the +meagre information we had obtained at the fort. + +As soon as Jerry found a moment's leisure, I gave him a detailed account +of the interview with Tom Pope, as well as Lieutenant Howland's opinion +regarding it. + +He expressed much satisfaction at the Lieutenant's intention to pursue +the party, and asked, if I thought the guide would object to his +accompanying him on the expedition. + +While talking the matter over, we saw Tom himself approaching camp. Jerry +at once recognized him as an old Comanche scout, whom he had once met in +Texas; and the two were soon upon the most friendly terms. It was +understood, that Jerry and myself were to accompany Tom on the +expedition, and finally I obtained permission to take Ned along. + +I invited Tom to remain and take supper with us, and afterwards, while +Jerry was making his preparations for the morrow's expedition, Ned and +Patsey asked Tom for a story; but Tom said "he warn't no account at story +tellin' and would let that job out to somebody else." + +Remembering Jerry's remark, that Tom was a Comanche scout, I asked him if +he had had much experience with that tribe. + +"Consid'rable," answered he. + +"Is it a fact, that the Comanches frequently cook their meat by placing +it under the saddle and riding on it all day?" asked I. + +"I 'spect 'tis," replied Tom; "leastways, I've seen 'em do it, and done +it myself." + +"Oh! tell us all about it Tom, will you?" cried Ned. + +"Wall, I don't mind telling you about that, youngster, though I ain't +much of a story-teller. You just wait till I get my pipe filled, and I'll +spin a yarn for you, as they used to say down in New Bedford." + +"Be gorra, now, ain't this fun?" exclaimed Patsey, as he and Ned settled +themselves in a comfortable position by the fire, to listen to-- + +TOM'S STORY. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, he began. + +"Six years ago this fall, I had been down to Mattamoras on the Rio +Grande, and returning home, had camped for the night, in the ruins of an +Old ranche on the San Saba. Wall, I was alone and pretty tired. I didn't +think nothin' about Injuns, so I went ter sleep; and when I woke up I was +a prisoner, with a dozen Comanches caperin' round me." + +"I couldn't do nothin', 'cause they'd taken my rifle and my knife; so I +jist made up my mind, that I'd better keep still and wait for my chance +to come. They tied my hands behind me, and put me on a horse. Then we +started, and I soon saw that they had been down into Mexico on a stealing +expedition, and had had, good luck; for they had five scalps, and nearly +a hundred head of Spanish mares, that they were a-driving home with 'em +to their village, which was on the Clear Fork of the Brazos." + +"In ten days, we got to within about a mile of their home, and then we +halted; and one of the braves, all painted and fixed up in regular war +style, started in to let 'em know we were there." + +"Pretty soon one of their squaws came out to meet us, and then the +Injuns, fixed to a long lance the five scalps they had taken, and we all +started for the village, the squaw leading and carryin' the scalp-pole, +all the while singing a war-song." + +"Just before we got into their settlement we were met by a lot of the +women folks, who joined in the procession. Then we went through the +village. The squaws danced as they went along and made a great noise, +singing songs about the brave deeds of their husbands and sons, who had +taken so many scalps and stolen so many cattle." + +"I'd been wonderin' all the time what they were going ter do with me. +Then we stopped before the chief's lodge,--Tabba-ken, or the Big Eagle, +he was called,--and they motioned for me to dismount. I hadn't hardly +struck the ground, before I found what they were going to do with me; for +would you believe it, every old squaw and pappoose in that village, that +had strength enough, flew at me and commenced biting, and kicking, and +scratching me. You see I couldn't do much, for my hands were tied, but I +made up my mind that Tom Pope would die like a man, even though he never +had calculated to be bit and kicked to death, by a lot of Comanche +squaws." + +"So I jest set my teeth, and stood the pain the best I was able. After a +while, they got tired of the fun, and quit; but you never see such a +lookin' chap as I was when they got through. Why, there wasn't a spot on +me as big as a five-cent piece, that didn't show some kind of a mark. I +thought I had a pretty hard time in some of my travels, before, but +t'warn't no tetch ter that Comanche village. I was sore for a month after +it." + +"Arter they'd got through with their fun, they set me to work and kept me +at it, till I finally got away from 'em; though they treated me well +enough after the first few days. When I got into Phantom Hill, the +officers there told me, that they treated me as they always did all their +prisoners. I had enough to eat, such as it was, and hain't no complaints +to make on that score. They had two Mexican women who were prisoners +there, and old Tabba-ken himself had married one of 'em." + +"Do they have any particular ceremonies, when they start on the war-path, +Tom?" asked I. + +"I saw one party start out ter fight the Arapahoes; and I see 'em come +back, too," replied Tom. + +"One morning I see that a lot of the braves took their bows and arrows, +and placed 'em on the east side of their lodges. They was all ornamented +and fixed, and set where the sun's first rays should fall on 'em. That +night a lot of the squaws commenced going around through the village, +singing their war-songs, and making a great noise. They kept it up for +three nights, so that I couldn't sleep a wink; and I asked one of the +Mexican women what it all meant. She told me, that it was a war-party, +getting ready for an expedition. + +"I'd suspected as much, when I see the braves a-cavortin' around so +lively on their horses, and makin' such a fuss as they did. + +"She said, that they worshipped the sun, and their weapons was set out +there for the sun to bless, and give them good luck against their +enemies. They kept up these doin's for four or five days, and then they +had a grand war-dance; and the next morning at sunrise (they always start +on an expedition just at sunrise) a party of twenty braves, started off +to the north." + +"Do they make the squaws work, like the other Indian tribes, Tom?" asked +Ned. + +"Yes! Injuns is Injuns, wherever you find 'em," answered Tom. "The squaws +allers do the hard work, and the men the heavy layin' round and talkin'." + +"Oh! be gorra; don't I wish I was a Injin," exclaimed Patsey. + +"Well," continued Tom, "after I'd been with 'em a couple of months or so, +they kind er got a notion that I didn't care much about gittin' away, and +didn't keep a very strict watch over me; so, one night, when I see +Carline (that was my old rifle) lyin' by one of the lodges, I made up my +mind to scoot. They was havin' a big time that night, gittin' ready for +another expedition, and I knew they'd be putty busy. As soon as 'twas +dark, I picked up the rifle, and, kind er slowly, made my way down ter +where their critters was feedin', and picked out the best hoss of the +lot, put a saddle on him, and started down the river towards the fort at +Phantom Hill. 'Twas a good hundred miles away; but I made up my mind I'd +fetch it, if nothin' happened. + +"I rode putty hard all night; and, just after daylight, saw some deer on +the prairie, and shot one, never thinkin' that I hadn't another charge +for my rifle, and no way of buildin' a fire ter cook with. + +"Yer see the Injuns always start a fire by rubbin' two dry sticks +together, but I hadn't no time for that, 'cause I wanted to put as many +miles as I could between me and ther village. While I was a-wonderin' +what ter do, I happened to think about puttin' it under the saddle; so I +hunted round and found a sharp stone, and managed to cut some putty fair +slices out ev the leg, and clapped 'em under the saddle and rode on. + +"I got pretty hungry by noon, so I stopped to let my horse eat a little, +and looked at my steaks, and they was cooked just as nice as I ever see +steaks cooked in my life; and they was good, too, you bet. + +"I made a tip-top meal, and then thought I'd lay down and take a little +nap. I slept for an hour or two, and then saddled up, and rode along. +Putty soon I happened ter look round, and, blast my picter, ef there +warn't eight Comanches a-comin' after me like the very devil. + +"I just put the spurs to my hoss; and from the best calculations I could +make, I made up my mind thet they'd ketch me in just about ten miles +further. I see they was a-gainin' on me, and I hadn't nothin' to defend +myself with but a empty rifle, and that warn't no account agin bows and +arrows; so I throwed it away, and made up my mind, if wost came to wost, +I'd take my chances in the river, 'cause yer see the Comanches never let +a prisoner get away the second time. I kept urgin' my hoss, and the +critter kep' tryin', but I see he was about blowed, an' 'twarn't no use. +I had just concluded I must take to the river, when I happened to look up +and see a dozen soldiers coming right towards me. The Injuns see 'em as +quick as I did, and the way they turned and put back was a caution to +anything I ever see." + +"What were the soldiers doing there?" asked Ned. + +"Why, they was a scoutin' party out from the post, about twenty miles +below where we was. They chased the Injuns, but the devils scattered and +'twarn't no use. + +"I went in to the fort with 'em, and stayed thar about a week, and then +went down to San Antonio with Major Neighbors, the Injun agent. +Afterwards, I heard that the soldiers went up and cleaned the village +out, but I don't know nothin' about that. + +"There, youngsters, you've hed your story, and I reckon if you're goin' +with me to-morrow, you'd better go ter bed and git some sleep, and I'll +go back to the fort, and git ready, myself." + +Ned was delighted with Tom's story, while Patsey declared that "he'd thry +that way of cooking, steak the first blissid thing he did in the +mornin',--that he would, sure." + +With the first faint streak of light in the eastern sky, our little party +were on their way to the fort. We found that Lieutenant Howland had +detailed a squad of twenty of the "Mounted Rifles" under command of +Lieutenant Jackson, and ordered them provisions, for ten days. They were +to start at sunrise, and Tom Pope was to lead them directly to the +_cañon_, where he had seen the trail, which we were to follow, until +we overtook the thieves. + +Promptly, as the morning gun, announced the sun's appearance above the +horizon, Lieutenant Jackson, with the dragoons, rode into the parade- +ground, ready for a start. The final orders were given, and we fell into +line, and rode slowly forth in the direction of the mountains, followed, +not only by the good wishes of every man in the post, but by Patsey's +brogans, which he threw after us for "good luck, inyhow," with such force +that one struck a soldier in the head, and nearly knocked him out of the +saddle, much to his surprise and anger, and greatly to the amusement of +the spectators. + +We struck into a brisk canter, and were soon out of sight of the post and +settlements. Our course lay to the east of north, over an elevated, arid +plain, covered with a thick growth of prickly-pear, and scrubby mesquite. + +The mesquite is a shrub that somewhat resembles our locust. Its wood is +hard and close-grained, and its branches bear a long, narrow pod, filled +with saccharine matter, which, when ripe, furnishes a very palatable +article of food, that is relished both by men and animals. + +The principal value of the mesquite, however, is for its roots, which are +used for fuel and very fine fuel they make, quite equal to the best +hickory. + +The plain over which we were now travelling, was more than four thousand +feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its immense elevation, +it was covered with a peculiar kind of grass called _grama_, which +retains its nutritious qualities throughout the whole year. This grass is +sometimes cut by the inhabitants, who use for the purpose a hoe. It will +thus be seen, that, on these plains, wood is obtained with a spade and +hay secured by the hoe. + +A ride of seven hours brought us to the eastern side of the mountains, +whose lofty, pinnacled peaks rose above us to the height of more than +three thousand feet, strangely and perfectly resembling the pipes of an +immense organ, from which fact the _Sierra de los Organos_ takes its +name. + +As we approached this remarkable range, we found a thick growth of live-oak +skirting its base, and could hardly resist the temptation, to enjoy +the cool and delicious shade, which their thick branches afforded; but we +pushed on, and in another hour reached the entrance to the _cañon_, +in which Tom had discovered the Indians' trail. Here we found it +necessary to advance with the greatest precaution, as the dark pines and +evergreens, growing in the narrow defile, afforded an excellent place for +the concealment of our foes. + +Jerry and Tom, rode a short distance in advance of the party, and we +slowly made our way up the gorge for about four hundred yards, when we +came to a large reservoir, or basin, into which the water from a spring +high up on the mountain-side, slowly trickled. + +The guides examined this place with great care, for Tom declared it had +not been disturbed since he left it, two days before. We found evidence +sufficient to substantiate Tom's opinion fully, for we discovered the +tracks of three white persons, one of whom was a woman. Ned insisted that +he recognized Hal's footprints, while Jerry identified the peculiar shape +of one of the mule's tracks, by means of a shoe he himself fitted to the +animal. + +Satisfied at last that we were on the right trail, the lieutenant decided +to halt for a short time to feed and rest. + +While Ned was strolling about the encampment, he accidentally trod upon a +rattlesnake, and the venomous reptile, sounding his rattle, made a spring +and fastened his teeth into the boy's pants, just below the knee. I +chanced to be looking towards him at the moment, and saw him, without the +least hesitation draw his sheath-knife, and sever its head from its body, +with one stroke, leaving the head hanging to the leg of his pants. I +hurried towards him, but the boy was not in the least disconcerted or +frightened, although he could not tell if he had been bitten or not. An +examination showed that the fangs of the snake had passed through the +cloth and left their imprint upon the leather of his boot-leg, without +penetrating it. + +[Illustration: Snake Incident.] + +We all congratulated him upon his narrow escape, and Lieutenant Jackson +told him that few men would have shown more nerve or presence of mind +under the circumstances than he had done. Tom Pope asserted the boy was a +"born Injin hunter," and old Jerry declared that he was "willing to make +a 'ception, so fur as Ned was concarned, though he'd be darned if he'd do +it for t'other one; for boys like him hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +Once more mounting our horses, we emerged from the cool and grateful +shade, out into the burning sunshine of the plain, when, making sure of +the trail, our guides started at a brisk canter towards the north-east, +followed by the entire party. + +The trail was so plain and well-defined, that we were able to ride at a +good round pace, which was kept up until long after the sun had set and +darkness had fairly encompassed us. Finally we came to good grass, and +the lieutenant ordered a halt. + +Shortly after unsaddling our horses, Tom came to me, and said, "Be you +pretty sure, judge, that them fellers was Comanches, that attacked you?" + +I replied at once that I was. + +"What makes you think so?" inquired Tom. + +Up to this time I had not entertained a thought that they could be other +than Comanches. Now that my reasons for the opinion had been asked, I saw +that the only cause for it was the fact, that the attack had been made in +the Comanche country, and so far towards the interior, that the +possibility of their belonging to any other tribe had not entered my +mind. + +I replied, that I had no other reason for supposing them to be Comanches +than the one above given. + +"Well," said Tom, "as me and Jerry was ridin' along this arternoon, I +found this 'ere thing along side ther trail, so I picked it up ter show +yer." + +As he spoke, he produced an old, well-worn moccasin, which, at a glance, +I recognized as having been made by the Apaches, its shape being entirely +different from those manufactured or worn by any other tribe. + +For an instant I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed by the terrible +revelation. + +I thought of the warm-hearted, impulsive Hal, and the winsome, pretty +Juanita, prisoners in the hands of the cruel and merciless Apaches, who +were never known to surrender a captive alive. Then, as I thought of a +worse fate than death, that was in store for the bright, beautiful girl, +I thanked God that her old father was spared the anguish that such a +knowledge would have caused him. + + +CHAPTER XI. + +As soon as I dared trust myself to speak, I said, in a tone of voice that +I was conscious must betray my anxiety to hear my own opinion condemned,-- + +"This is an Apache's moccasin, isn't it?" + +"'Tis, for sartin," said Tom. "No other red-skinned varmint but a +devilish Apache, ever wore that moccasin." + +"And what do you argue from that, Tom?" inquired I. + +"Ther ain't nothin' to argue," sententiously answered Tom. "The gal's +been took by the Apaches instead of the Comanches, and that's all there +is of it; that moccasin tells the whole story. Ask Jerry. Me and him +agreed on that pint, as soon as ever we see it." + +"It's surer'n preachin', judge," said Jerry, as he came up to where we +were standing; "and there ain't no help for it." + +"Well, what can we do, Jerry?" + +"Do! foller till we git 'em, if we foiler 'em to hell. We mustn't leave +the trail now, till we know the gal's dead, for sartin. She'll be safe, +ez long ez they're travellin'; but if they ever git to where they're +going,--well judge, I'd rather see the pretty little critter layin' right +here, dead, than to meet her, that's sartin." + +I immediately sought the lieutenant, and informed him of the terrible +facts I had just learned. + +"I feared as much from the first," said he, "for during all the years +I've been stationed on this frontier, I've never known the Comanches to +venture so far 'up country' as this, but have frequently known the +Mescalleros to pass through the Comanche country into Mexico. I fear we +shall find this to be a band of Mescallero Apaches, but I shall follow +them, as long as my men and animals hold out. I have ordered a halt now, +because, twenty miles from here, in the direction that we are travelling, +we shall come to an extensive deposit of pure, white sand, in which we +shall be liable to lose the trail at night; and I want to reach there as +near daybreak as possible, so as not to waste more time than is necessary +in finding it. We shall rest here until midnight, so you'd better turn in +and get what sleep you can." + +Midnight found us once more in the saddle, and when, some hours later, we +reached the deposit referred to, an examination showed, that, instead of +crossing it, the trail skirted its southern edge for a couple of miles, +and then took an easterly course towards the Sacramento Mountains, +distant about twenty-five miles. + +Our course lay in the vicinity of two or three little _salinas_, or +salt lakes, but over an arid, barren plain, destitute of any vegetation, +except mesquite _chaparral_; and about three o'clock in the +afternoon, we reached the timber that skirted the base of the mountains. + +As the guides, who were some distance in advance, reached the extreme end +of a spur, around which the trail led, we saw them pause for a few +moments, and then hasten towards us. + +Upon reaching us, old Jerry, in a voice husky with emotion, said, +"They're there for sartin;" pointing towards the end of the spur. + +A retreat to the cover of the trees was instantly ordered, when the +guides informed us, that upon reaching the point of rocks, they +discovered several animals grazing in the meadow beyond, and that the +Indians must be encamped in the immediate vicinity; but in order to make +sure, would leave their horses with us, and return and make a +_reconnoissance_. + +They returned a couple of hours later, reporting that they had discovered +the camp, but owing to its situation, could not get near enough to see +into it, without running too much risk of discovery. There was one +"wickey-up," [The name given by scouts to Apache huts.] however, made of +brush, in which the girl was undoubtedly confined. From appearances they +thought the Indians intended to remain there, long enough to recruit +their stock, as the grass was very good; and that as soon as it should be +dark, they would return and take a closer inspection of the camp. Nothing +more remained for us to do therefore, but to "possess our souls with +patience" until darkness came. + +Now that we were so near the success or failure of the expedition for +which we had endured so much fatigue and anxiety, it was impossible to +remain quiet. Every moment seemed an hour. Ned was constantly on the +move, apparantly unable to remain in one position an instant. He had +anticipated accompanying us in the attack upon the Indian camp, but the +lieutenant positively forbade it, saying, that he was not only too young, +but too good a fellow to be shot by Apaches, that year. + +This did not satisfy Ned, however, who came to me to intercede for him, +saying, that he wanted so much to be the first one to greet Hal, and had +come so far to do it, it was pretty hard to be disappointed then. + +I spoke to the lieutenant in regard to the matter, but he was very +decided in his refusal, saying that the boy must stay in camp, and if +necessary, he should put him under guard. + +Ned bore his disappointment with wonderful fortitude, I thought, for he +made no remark, even when I spoke of the "guard" hinted at, except to say +that "he wished it was all over;" a wish that I echoed from the bottom of +my heart. + +It was with a feeling of relief that I saw the guides start to once more +reconnoitre the Indian camp. + +Everything had been prepared in our own camp for an immediate movement-- +the guard had been detailed, horses saddled and bridled, ready for use, +if needed, ammunition distributed, and every detail faithfully executed. + +The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together +in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the +sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon +the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of +firearms. + +What did it mean? + +The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, +was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound. + +The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, +saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed +in white. Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the +situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from +the weapons of Indians. + +Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, +in an excited manner. + +"Take keer o' her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!" + +Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and +Apparantly unharmed. I carried her to camp, when, finding she had +fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance +of the party. + +Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and +the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their +stock. + +While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they +discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in +my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears +running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a +little child, exclaiming,-- + +"Oh! I'm so glad! I'm so glad!" + +As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,-- + +"Where's Juanita?" + +I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; +and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had +recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return. + +Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was +well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,-- + +"Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth." + +"But didn't I tell you you would?" inquired Hal. + +"Yes," responded the girl, "you did; but I heard you and Anastacio--" + +"By the way, where is Anastacio?" interrupted I. Poor fellow! He had been +entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, +escorting him between them. + +There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness +and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its +ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners. I +could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so +short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity. +Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling _señorita_ who +entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking +young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand +alone. + +Hal, on the contrary, declared that he was "tougher than a knot," and +"dirtier than any greaser," a statement, which we readily believed when +he informed us "that he hadn't washed for ten days." + +I ordered supper prepared at once. The Lieutenant came in soon after, and +reported that three of the Indians had been killed, and two, badly +wounded. Besides this, fifteen animals had been captured, and all the +camp equipage of the savages. + +Looking around for Ned, he soon discovered him, and said,-- + +"You young rascal, you! I told you to stay in camp, and the first one I +saw over there, was you." Then, in a kinder tone, he inquired if he was +much hurt? + +Hurt! it was the first intimation I had that he had been hurt; and for a +moment, my heart almost jumped into my throat, notwithstanding the boy +insisted it was nothing. + +An examination showed that an arrow had penetrated the fleshy part of his +arm above the elbow, but without inflicting serious injury. The wound was +soon dressed, supper eaten, Juanita made as comfortable as possible for +the night, and then we gathered about the camp-fire to hear Tom Pope, +relate the story of the capture, as follows:-- + +"Me'n Jerry, started from here, and crawled through the grass and +underbrush, till we got pretty close to the varmints' camp. We seed ten +or a dozen of 'em layin' about, some doin' one thing and some another. +All of a suddent we seed the gal, there, crawl out of the 'wickey-up.' +She looked round as though she wanted to see somebody, for she started +and walked out a little ways. Jest then, a big buck Injun, got up and +follered her, but she walked on, right towards us, till she was within a +dozen feet of where me'n Jerry lay hid. + +"The Injun told her in Spanish, to go back, and took her by the shoulder +to make her do it. Quicker'n lightnin', Jerry made a spring, and, afore +the Injun see him, he give him a blow with the butt of his rifle, that +stunned him, and grabbed the gal and run. + +"The Injun give a kind of grunt as he fell. One of the others started to +see what was the matter, I s'pose, so I let Mertilda," patting his rifle, +"talk to him, and he laid right down without speakin' a word." + +"As soon as the Injuns in camp heard Mertilda speak, eight or ten of 'em +jumped up and started towards us. But yer see, Jerry'd got so fur, they +couldn't stop him. The sojers was right on to 'em, and give 'em 'Hail +Columby,' and no mistake. + +"That's my report, Lieutenant. That youngster there," pointing to Ned, +"is real grit. I seed the arrer strike him, and he a-pullin' of it out, +runnin' towards 'em all the time. Jest as sure's yer live, yer can call +Tom Pope a liar, if Jerry Vance didn't save that gal's life; 'cause, if +we'd ever attacked the Injuns in camp, the first thing they'd 'a' done, +would ha' been to killed the prisoners. I know the Apaches some, I +reckon." + +[Illustration: The Litter.] + +A consultation was now held as to the best manner of getting Juanita to +the fort comfortably, and it was decided to construct a "mountain-litter." +This was done the next morning, by procuring two stout poles, +about twenty feet in length, and lashing them firmly to two short pieces +of wood about three feet long and six feet apart: we then stretched a +blanket between the poles, so as to form a comfortable bed. Two steady +mules were selected and harnessed between the poles, in the front and +rear of the bed, thus making a comfortable carriage. + +Breakfast over, Juanita was placed in the carriage, and we started for +the fort, travelling slowly and making frequent halts. Ned scarcely +mentioned his wound; and, during the four days consumed on the trip, we +were all delighted to see that Juanita was daily recovering her bloom, +and buoyancy of spirits. + +Upon reaching Fillmore, I dispatched Anastacio at once to Fort Bliss, +informing Colonel Magoffin, of the result of our expedition, and asking +him to send an ambulance through to Chihuahua with Juanita, in charge of +Anastacio. + +Two days later, the colonel's own carriage, with four good road-mules, +arrived, with an invitation, asking Juanita to accept his hospitality at +Fort Bliss, and promising that Anastacio should accompany her, to her +father's _hacienda_. + +Juanita decided to leave on the following morning; and, during the +afternoon, I was surprised to learn, that Hal had ridden up to Las +Cruces, six miles above the fort; but, shortly after his return, I +noticed upon Juanita's finger, a little gold ring, that I had not seen +before, so I ventured pleasantly to refer to it, in the course of +conversation that evening, and was informed, with many blushes, that it +was-only a memento, of their trip through the Apache country. + +In the morning, however, I almost had a pitched battle with Hal, to +prevent him from accompanying Juanita to her home; and it was only +through compromising, and permitting him to ride a few miles in the +carriage with her, that I avoided it. + +We all bade her good-by, with hearts filled to overflowing with +thankfulness, for her release from the hands of her cruel captors; and, +wishing her all manner of good luck, and a happy reunion with her father, +the carriage drove off, but not until Hal had climbed in and taken the +vacant seat by her side. + +When he returned, a few hours later, his face radiant with happiness, I +made up my mind that it would not be his fault, if he did not again see +the young lady, before many months had elapsed. + +During the evening I was aroused from the revery into which I had fallen, +by an unusual disturbance in camp; and, on proceeding to ascertain the +cause, found that Hal, had been endeavoring to thrash Patsey. On calling +the delinquents before me, I was informed by Hal, that Patsey had spoken +insultingly of Juanita, an offence that he had at once resented by +attempting to chastise him. + +Upon inquiring as to the words used, Patsey said,-- + +"Sure, sur, I only axed him did Juanita look as tickled as he did, and he +come at me wid his phists, so he did; but he'll be aisy about sthriking +me the nixt time. Dye'r moind that, noo, yer honor!" + +"He'd no business to call her Juanita," angrily exclaimed Hal. + +"Phat would I call her, thin?" asked Patsey. + +"Call her by her proper name, the Senorita Ortiz," said Hal, with much +dignity. + +"And phat, would I be givin' her that jaw-crackin' name fur, when her +name's Juanita?" + +"But her name isn't Juanita to her inferiors, only to her intimate +friends," explained Hal. + +"Infariors, sure! Ain't an Irishman as good as a Mexican, any day? An', +if yez think I'm your infarior, jest come out here and thry it, sure; +that's all, Master Hal." + +I stopped the controversy at once, by telling Hal that Patsey had no +intention of offending, and there was no occasion for his attempt to +chastise him. + +"Oh, he won't thry it again, sur, niver fear," interrupted Patsey. "If he +does," declared he in a tone intended only for Hal's ear, "I'll break +ivery bone in his body, so I will." + +After Patsey had gone, I did not reprimand Hal, only sent him to his +tent; for, judging from his crestfallen air, he had suffered physically +as well as mentally in the encounter. + + +CHAPTER XII. + +We remained in camp the next day, visiting the officers at the fort, and +taking our farewell of them, with many regrets. Nor did we forget a +generous reminder to Tom Pope, to whose keen observation, quick wit, +daring bravery, and perseverance we owed, in so large a degree, the +success of our expedition. + +The following morning, we crossed the Rio Grande and found ourselves in +the celebrated Mesilla valley, one of the most fertile and productive, in +the Territory of New Mexico. + +The town itself has a population of about one thousand souls, and was +first settled in 1850, by colonists from Chihuahua. All land in this +portion of the territory is cultivated by irrigation; and, as this was +the first time Hal had ever seen it practiced to any extent, he asked +permission to remain behind in town a little while, to witness the +operation. Ned also expressed a desire to see it, and, after consulting +Jerry, I assented to their request, believing with him, "that they'd find +mighty hard work to git inter any scrape in such a God-forsaken town as +that was, anyhow." + +We crossed the valley, and then ascended the high lands west of the town, +through which our road lay, expecting to make our camp about sixteen +miles from the river, and get an early start in the morning, to enable us +to reach Cook's Springs, the following night. + +As we rode along, I noticed that the distant range of blue mountains +before us, seemed to have risen from the earth, and to be reposing upon +the line of flickering heat that marked the horizon, and, in a short +time, that groups of trees and huge rocks appeared, standing high in air, +like islands in mid ocean. + +Calling Jerry's attention to their singular appearance, he pronounced it +a _mirage_, which I watched with great curiosity; for it was the +first time I had ever seen the phenomenon. + +In a little while, the long line of trees connected themselves at each +end, with the land below, and then we saw, a beautiful lake, with its +white-capped waves gently driven before the breeze, rippling and dancing +in the bright sunlight, like living things of life and beauty. The +picture grew larger and larger as we rode, changing into a mighty ocean, +with a grand old rocky shore, which appeared to be indented with scores +of little bays and bayous, upon the banks of which, grew great live-oaks, +their umbrageous tops casting a shade so refreshing, that it was with the +greatest difficulty I could be persuaded that the scene was not a +reality. + +I could only console myself, however, with the wish that the boys were +along to enjoy it with me; but they were in Mesilla, and Jerry was so +accustomed to sights of the kind, that he merely gave the beautiful +picture a passing glance, regarding it as one of the matter-of-course +things, to be met with on a trip like ours. + +We went into camp about four o'clock; and, just at twilight, the guard +that had been stationed back on the road about a quarter of a mile, came +riding furiously in, his swarthy face almost white from fright, shouting +at the top of his voice,-- + +"_Los Indios! los Indios! Los Apaches!_" + +In an instant the quiet camp became a scene of the utmost confusion. +Jerry's first thought was for the animals; mine, for the absent boys. I +stationed the men at what I deemed the best points for defense; and +Jerry, as soon as he had secured the mules, hastened to my side. We then +called the Mexican who had given the alarm, and found that the fellow had +really not seen anything, but had heard strange noises, that he believed +came from Apaches. + +Jerry volunteered to ride back and ascertain, if possible, the cause of +the disturbance. He had scarcely been gone five minutes, before one of +the Mexicans rushed towards me, saying,-- + +"Don Jerry is shouting to _El Señor_ from the rise of ground out +back upon the road." + +Springing upon my horse I rode rapidly toward the spot where he stood, +when the sight that met my gaze, almost convulsed me with laughter. + +Coming up the road were the boys. Ned was mounted upon his pony, and +trying to lead Hal's mule. Like most Spanish mules, the animal had a will +of its own, and would not be led; but on the contrary, pulled back so +strongly upon the lariat, which Ned had attached to the pommel of his +saddle, that the pony could scarcely move a step. + +Hal's coat was off, his face black with dust and sweat, and he, tugging +at a lariat drawn tightly over his shoulder, at the end of which was a +small black bear, scarcely more than a cub. The animal insisted upon +squatting on his haunches, and in that position, Hal was dragging him +through the dust, the creature all the while expressing his disapprobation +by low, snarling growls of defiance, and a vigorous shaking of himself +between each growl. + +[Illustration: Boys and Bear.] + +The strange medley of noises caused by the boys, the snarling bear, and +the obstinate mule, had been heard in the still twilight for a long +distance, by the guard, and mistaken for the approach of a party of +Apaches. + +"I wish you'd take this devilish bear," said Hal. + +"And won't you take this plaguy mule?" exclaimed Ned. + +Both looked so harassed and tired, that, although Jerry and I could not +help laughing at their ludicrous situation, we nevertheless pitied them. + +"Where in the world did you get that bear, Hal?" said I. + +"Get him? I bought him of a Mexican at Mesilla, and I'm going to take him +to California with me for a pet. He's tame." + +"Well," exclaimed Ned, "if you don't get him along faster than you have +to-day, you'll die of old age before you get there. We've been ever since +eleven o'clock getting here, and I'm so hungry and tired I can hardly sit +on my horse." + +"Pooh!" retorted Hal; "this is nothing. You ought to be taken prisoner by +the Apaches if you want to know what 'tis to be hungry and tired." + +"How much did you pay for him?" inquired I. + +"Only fifteen dollars," answered Hal. + +"What's that?" ejaculated Jerry. "Fifteen dollars! Wall, I dunno which is +the biggest fool, you or the bar. The greaser that swindled yer, ought to +be thrashed; and I've a notion of goin' back and doin' it, for I've felt +like thrashin' somebody for a good while. The bar ain't wuth fifteen +cents, and won't be nothin' but a bother. Mebbe though he might be good +for 'fresh,' if we git hard up." + +"He won't be any bother, and you shan't use him for meat. He's just as +tame as he can be. See here, now," said Hal, approaching the bear, and +attempting to put his hand upon its head. But Bruin snapped so viciously +that the boy jumped back in dismay, exclaiming, "Poor fellow! he's awful +tired, I suppose!" + +"Yes," said Jerry; "he'll be wus tired, though, afore you git him to +Californy. You'll have to lead him, every step of the way. He shan't be +hitched to no wagon, for the mules has got all the load they want to +draw, now. But I reckon we'd better be gettin' back to camp, or the +men'll think, we've been took by the 'Paches." + +Supper was soon dispatched, after we reached camp, the events of the day +talked over, we "turned in," and in a short time were fast asleep. + +In the middle of the night we were awakened by the most agonizing yells +and screams. + +Springing to my feet, I recognized Patsey's voice, and, as I hurried in +the direction of the sounds, I met the boy, half dead with fright, +rushing towards my tent. + +As soon as he recognized me, he fell upon his knees, and, crossing +himself, besought me, in heartrending tones; to "protict him, for the +Blissed Vargin's sake. The divil himself, your honor, has intered the +camp, and he got into bed wid me, to ate me up intirely!" + +All the time the boy was howling, and holding one hand under his arm, +while he danced a hornpipe and protested, that, if I'd save him this +time, he'd "niver stale another cint's worth as long as he lived, sure!" + +The whole camp was roused, but no one appeared to understand the cause of +Patsey's outbreak, and Hal finally suggested that he'd been dreaming. + +"Dramin', is it! I wish it had been dramin' I wuz. Boo! hoo! Didn't I sae +him wid me own eyes, shure?" + +After we had partially quieted him he was able to tell us, that, as he +was "slapin' paceably, he all ov a suddint felt somethin' in bed wid him, +that wuz swallowin' him intirely. A big black thing wuz lyin' right by +the side ov him, and wuz jest a-suckin' him in whole, for he had his arrm +in his throat clane up to his ilbow!" + +"It's that cub of a bear!" exclaimed Ned, interrupting Patsey's story. + +At the sound of the word "bear," all of Patsey's fears returned, with +renewed power, and he again commenced calling for "protiction," in +frantic tones. + +Going to the wagon under which Patsey had spread his blanket for the +night, we found that Hal had tied the bear near it. Getting rested from +the fatigue of his forced journey, the animal had crawled beneath the +wagon, and, attracted by the warmth of the blankets, placed himself by +the side of the sleeping boy, and, finding his hand uncovered, commenced +licking it. + +Patsey, thus awakened, had seen the creature's glaring eyes and shaggy +black coat, and, not knowing in his fright what it was, concluded his +Satanic Majesty had come for him, on account of his many sins and +transgressions. + +[Illustration: Under the Wagon.] + +Order was at last restored, and we retired once more, to be awakened some +hours later by Jerry's voice calling the men to prepare for the day's +journey. Our breakfast was soon cooked and eaten, and Hal having finally +induced Jerry, to permit him to tie his bear to the hind wagon, we were +on the road an hour before sunrise, encamping that night at Cook's +Springs, and the next afternoon reaching the Membris River about three +o'clock, where, with good water, and plenty of grass and wood, we made a +very pleasant camp. + +Immediately upon our arrival, Hal and Ned went out hunting; and in less +than an hour returned with three fine, fat turkeys, which were soon +cooking after the most approved style, in one of the large camp-kettles +that adorned our fire. + +Supper over, Jerry suggested that, as some repairs were necessary to one +of the wagons, we should remain in camp, and make them the following day. +This suggestion was received with so much pleasure by the boys, I at once +determined to adopt it. + +Hal proposed a hunting expedition for the morning, leaving Jerry and +myself to attend to the wagon. + +This we agreed to; and, about sunrise, the boys started, confident of +their ability to furnish us with a fine quantity of game before night. + +As they mounted their ponies, Jerry gave them the following advice:-- + +"Be keerful ter keep yer eyes and ears open; foller the course of the +river, and don't git out'er sight of it, whatever yer do. There's three +kind 'er game in this country, yer want ter steer clear of, sartin: +them's Injins, bars, and painters. And be keerful to git back afore +sundown, whatever else you do." + +"I shan't steer clear of 'painters' or bears, you bet," said Hal. "If I +see one, I shall go for it, and as for Indians, I've had quite enough +experience to know how to handle them, without any advice from you, Mr. +Jerry. I guess we can take care of ourselves;" and away they rode. + +"That boy knows less, for a fellow that thinks he knows so much, than +anybody I ever see. Why, he don't know nothin', compared ter Ned, if he +does talk ten times as much. I used ter think, when I was a boy, thet the +feller thet hed the longest tongue, knowed the most; but them's the ones +that don't know nothin'; and he's one of 'em, sartin," said Jerry. + +I ventured to remark that Hal was a boy yet, and that we ought not to +expect too much wisdom in one so young as he. + +"But ain't t'other a boy, ez well?" inquired Jerry; "and hain't he got +ten times as much sense? However, less go and look at that wagon, and see +what's got ter be done to it." + +The repairs kept Jerry and myself busy during the forenoon; and, after +they were finished, Jerry proposed that we should take our rifles, and +see if we couldn't get some game on our own account. + +This suggestion met my cordial approval; and, after giving directions +concerning the camp, Jerry and myself started across the prairie, +intending to strike the river some miles above, and follow its course +down; hoping, in this way, to fall in with the boys, on their return. + +We rode along for several miles without seeing any game, save a few +antelope, and they at such a distance, that Jerry though it not best to +follow them; and, after a time, decided to make our way to the river and +follow it down to camp. + +It was a beautiful day: such a one as always brings peace and quiet to +the most restless mind. I felt its effects most sensibly, and remarked to +Jerry, that I rarely had seen so perfect a day in any country, and it +seemed almost too bad, that so lovely a section could be given over to +the possession of savages and wild beasts. + +"'Tis, sartin," he replied; "both on 'em thrive here. I'm thinkin', +though, 'twon't be many years afore white men'll git in here, and then +the Injuns and painters, and sich like'll, hev to leave it. Why, there's +lots o' gold jest above here. I've known plenty of scouts that hev brung +it in. The white folks'll git hold of it one of these days, and then the +country'll fill up like Californy. + +"Yer see thet little mountain right ahead of us, don't yer? Wall, I +r'member thet place. There's a narrer pass through thet hill, thet we've +got ter go through. I've been in it once afore, and it's a mighty +pokerish place, I tell yer: however, we'll git along all right, I +reckon." + +In a short time we reached the entrance to the _cañon_, which was +indeed a narrow pass. Huge rocks, hundreds of feet high, towered above +and upon each side of us, their dark, moss-grown surface rendering the +narrow passage so gloomy, that, in spite of myself, I felt a cold shiver +run over me, that gave me an involuntary sensation of danger, which I +could not throw off. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Isn't there any danger here?" + +"Danger!" repeated Jerry, "of course there's danger, everywhere in this +country. We ain't out of danger a minute. Ha! ha! ha!" and he laughed so +loudly, that the rocks above us caught the sound and hurled it against +the opposite side of the _cañon_, where it seemed to be detained for +a moment by some overhanging cliff, and then sent back, reverberating and +re-echoing, now faint and indistinct, then clear and well-defined, to +again die away in the distance, to once more approach nearer and nearer, +louder and louder, until finally catching upon the sharp edge of some +far-jutting crag, it shivered into a dozen, startlingly distinct peals of +laughter, that seemed to my terrified senses like the shouts of demons, +exulting at our temerity in venturing within their own well-chosen +realms. + +So terrifying was the effect upon me, that, for a few moments, I could +not persuade myself that it was but an echo I heard. The blood surged to +my heart and receeded so suddenly, that I was hardly able to sit erect +upon my horse. As soon as I could speak, I said,-- + +"Come, let us go back, Jerry. I want to get out of this, as soon as I +can." + +"We've got ter git ter camp, an' this's the nearest way; but, ef you're +afraid, we'll turn back. That warn't nothin' ter hurt, though, it did +sound kind er skeery. Ther shortest way's always ther best in this +country, so let's go ahead," said Jerry. + +"I don't know that we are any more likely to meet danger in this +_cañon_ than we are out of it," said I; "but it's one of the most +dismal and sunless places I ever was in." + +"Well, 'twon't be many minutes afore we're out on the plains agin, so +we'll ride along kind er midlin fast;" and, putting spurs to our horses, +we soon emerged from the gloomy defile, out into the bright sunshine +again. + +Once clear of the shadows, I seemed to overcome the forebodings of +danger, that had so oppressed me in the _cañon_; and, in a few +moments, the unpleasant sensations produced by the echo, entirely +disappeared. + +While thus riding along, the sound of a rifle-shot, a long distance away, +fell upon our ears. + +"That's them boys, for sartin," said Jerry. "They're in better luck than +we be, for they've seen somethin' to shoot at,--an' so do I," continued +he in a lower tone, pointing towards a little knoll a short distance away +from the trail we were following. + +I knew in an instant, from the tone of his voice, that he had made an +unpleasant discovery, and was satisfied it was Indians. Still I looked, +and saw, upon the top of the knoll, in bold relief against the sky, two +Indians sitting upon their ponies. + +One of them held a hand in the air above his head, which Jerry at once +said, was the Apache way of asking for a parley. + +"We'll hev ter give it to 'em, though we must be mighty keerful," +continued he, "'cause it's next to sartin, thet therain't no two on 'em +out there alone. We'll find thet out for ourselves, though, afore we're +many hours older. Keep your eyes wide open, and your finger on the +trigger o' yer rifle, and we'll go and see what they want." + +[Illustration: The Two Apaches.] + +Upon coming up with them, they each extended, an exceedingly dirty hand, +with finger-nails that looked almost like bear's claws After shaking +hands with them, Jerry proceeded to have a talk in Spanish. This gave me +an excellent opportunity to examine their personal appearance; one, that +I did not neglect. + +They were small in stature, with short, ugly faces, very dark +complexions, little, snapping black eyes, low foreheads, with coarse, +stringy, faded hair, that hung far down their backs, carrying in their +faces that nameless, but unmistakable impress of treachery and low +cunning, that constitutes so large a part of the Apache character. + +Around their bodies was wrapped an old blanket, so filthy, it was almost +impossible to detect any trace of its original color, which had +undoubtedly been blue. Each carried a bow and arrows, but was destitute +of either leggins or moccasins, although mounted upon very +respectable-looking ponies. + +After a short interview, which terminated with our presenting them all +the tobacco we had, with a shake of the hands we parted. + +As they rode away, Jerry said: "I wish them boys was well in camp." + +"You don't anticipate any trouble with these fellows?" inquired I. "What +did they say?" + +"Say? why, they said they was particular friends of the Americans," +replied Jerry. "Just what they all say; but they're treacherous cusses, +and either one of 'em, would shake with one hand and scalp with t'other +one, ef they got a chance. That little black cuss called himself _El +Chico_,--that means The small,--and said he belonged to the copper-mines +band, and hailed us to see if he couldn't get a little terbacker; +but all he wanted, was to see how we was armed, and if we had any larger +party. I filled him chock full, you bet; and mebbe we shan't see 'em +again, though it's likely we shall. I see one of 'em eyin' that rifle +o'your'n pretty sharp, and he didn't like the look of it much: I could +see that." + +We had ridden nearly a mile from the place of the interview, when Jerry +exclaimed, "There they be again, sure'n shootin';" and, pointing to the +mouth of a small _aroya_, that made back from the river, I +discovered six Apaches, coming towards us as fast as their horses would +bring them. + +We were within a quarter of a mile of a small mound, upon the top of +which was a peculiar sandstone formation, not unlike, in shape, a huge +bottle; and I suggested to Jerry, that we should ride to the top of this +mound, and, sheltering our horses behind the rock, await their approach +on foot. + +The suggestion seemed to be a good one, for it was no sooner made than +adopted, and we had barely time to reach the desired location, ere they +were upon us. + +"Steady," said Jerry; "let me give 'em one;" and taking deliberate aim' +he fired, killing one of the ponies, thereby forcing its rider to mount +behind one of the others; but on they came towards us, as fast as their +horses could bring them. + +"Now's your' time,--fire!" said Jerry. + +I brought my rifle to my face and blazed away; seemingly, however, +without effect. + +"That won't do. If you can't shoot surer'n that, you'd better load and +let me do it," said Jerry. + +The Indians were now so close that several of their arrows fell about us, +two or three striking the rock behind and shivering to pieces, and +enabling us to recognize among them, the two who had hailed us but a +short time before. + +"The treacherous cusses," said Jerry. "I'll pay them fellows off, afore I +git through with 'em, or my name ain't Jerry Vance, sartin." + +The Indians appeared to be in no hurry to come within range of our +rifles, but kept well out of the way, occasionally coming furiously to +wards us, and as we raised our rifles to our faces, they would hastily +throw themselves over upon the sides of their animals for protection, and +ride rapidly away. + +"They ain't goin' to hurt us much in this way," said I to Jerry. + +"No; but they're going to tire us out, for it'll soon be dark, and we've +got neither water nor food here; besides them fellers' eyes arc like +cats',--they kin see ez well in the dark, ez we kin in the daytime. We +kin hold 'em safe enuff now, but we must git a way from here before dark. +There goes for _El Chico_," said Jerry, suddenly bringing his rifle +to his face; and the next instant, an Indian fell heavily from his +horse, and was instantly caught up from the ground by one of his +companions, thrown across the horse before him and the party once more +galloped out of range. + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +"I reckon we'd better mount and ride slowly towards camp," said Jerry. +"Ef we do we shall get there some time ter-night, but ef we stay here we +shan't, that's sartin." + +"Do you suppose they'll follow us?" inquired I. + +"Sartin sure," responded Jerry; "but I reckon by good engineerin' we kin +keep 'em off, so that their arrers won't hurt us much: it's a mighty +lucky thing they ain't got no firearms." + +We immediately mounted our horses and rode out upon the plain. The +instant the Indians saw us they began whooping and yelling, as though we +had done the very thing, they most desired; but Jerry was strong in the +opinion that it was our best course and we continued on. + +Every few minutes they would make a rush towards us, and we would turn +and bring our rifles up; and then they would wheel and rapidly ride away +out of possible range, when we would continue our course towards camp. + +We made but little progress; and, after riding a couple of miles in this +way, determined to make a stand, in hopes of inducing some of them to +advance within rifle-range; but they were too wary to be caught in this +manner, although they would approach much nearer than they had done +before. + +While we were debating as to the best course to pursue, we were startled +by the report of a rifle-shot, far in the rear of the Indians, who, upon +hearing the sound, rode rapidly away to the right, just as a party of +four persons came in sight. + +They were soon near enough for us to distinguish Hal and Ned among the +number, and we at once rode towards them, glad enough to know they were +safe. Their companions proved to be a Mr. Mastin, with his Mexican +servant, on his way from the copper-mines to Mesilla. + +He had fallen in with the boys, and, upon their invitation, was +accompanying them to our camp; but, having heard the sound of our rifles, +and anticipating an encounter, had hurried on to join us. + +We were delighted to meet with the boys, safe and sound, and made good +time towards camp, which we reached just about sundown. + +We found Mr. Mastin a very intelligent American; and, as he informed us, +the discoverer and part owner of the Pino Alto gold-mines, about fifty +miles above, near the _Santa Rita del Cobre_. He had resided many +years in the country, and was thoroughly acquainted with the Apaches, and +familiar with their habits and customs. + +We succeeded in making a very comfortable meal, notwithstanding our ill +luck in procuring game; and, after supper was over, we seated ourselves +around the camp-fire to hear Mr. Mastin discourse upon Apaches. + +He had once met Mangas Colorado, the head chief of the tribe, who was +called Red Sleeve, from the fact that he never failed to besmear his arms +to the elbow, in the blood of his victims. + +He described him as over six feet in height, with an enormously large +head, a broad, bold forehead, large, aquiline nose, huge mouth, and +broad, heavy chin. His eyes were small, but very brilliant, and, when +under excitement, flashed like fire, although his demeanor was like that +of a cast-iron man. + +He said that Mangas was undoubtedly one of the ablest statesmen, as well +as the most influential and sagacious of all the Chiefs of the Indian +tribes of the southwest; and related many anecdotes illustrative of his +character,--incidents that had come under his own observation,--which +entertained us until a late hour, and gave us an insight into Apache +life, that was both amusing and instructive. + +Notwithstanding we had all been so much interested in Mr. Mastin's +conversation, the boys begged him to tell them one more story before they +retired; and, as he seemed perfectly willing to comply with their +request, we filled our pipes and again gathered about him, while he +related the following:-- + +"A couple of years ago, I had occasion to visit a _rancheria_ of +Pinal Apaches in the mountains just north of the copper mines. + +"While there, my attention was called to one of the warriors, a tall, +well-proportioned and very dignified Indian, about forty years of age. He +weighed nearly two hundred pounds, and, with his broad shoulders, deep +chest, and splendid muscle, was one of the finest-formed men I ever saw, +as well as one of the ugliest; for his face was certainly the most +hideous I ever beheld, being terribly disfigured by a broad, livid scar, +that extended from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Notwithstanding +this, the fellow was a great dandy, spending many hours each day in +greasing and arranging his long coarse hair, which he ornamented with +plates of silver, bits of gaudy-colored cloth, bright feathers, and +tinsel. Every hair was scrupulously plucked from his brows and eyelashes, +and the lids of his eyes were painted a bright vermilion, giving to his +face the expression of a demon rather than anything human. + +"That he was hideously ugly, and never known to smile, were two +indisputable facts; while it was equally sure that there was no greater +favorite with the Apache belles, no braver warrior, more sagacious +counselor, mighty hunter, or expert thief in the whole tribe. + +"I learned that his name was Cadette, and that he obtained it in the +following manner:-- + +"Upon the headwaters of the Rio Gila, in Arizona, is a vast forest, that +has been the hunting-ground, as well as the home of the Apaches for +centuries. Here they have never been disturbed by the visits of the +'White Eyes,' as they term all Americans. + +"Occasionally a party of hardy prospectors, lured by reports of fabulous +quantities of gold and silver in the possession of these Indians, would +venture within the gloomy recesses of this unexplored region; but few of +them ever returned. + +"One day, while passing near the banks of the river, Cadette discovered +the footprints of a very large lion in the sand. Though armed with no +weapon but his spear, he at once determined to follow the trail. This he +decided, after a careful examination, to have been made some four hours +previous, in the early morning. It led towards a dense jungle, some two +or three miles down the river, which he concluded was the creature's +lair. + +"As he drew near the thicket, he dismounted from his pony and approached +the jungle with great caution. At this place, the river was quite narrow +and very deep, and upon its bank stood a large cedar, whose wide, +spreading branches, extending far over the stream, afforded him an +excellent opportunity to examine the interior of the thicket. + +"Into this tree the Indian climbed, and crawled out upon a large limb +directly over the river, which he fancied would enable him to obtain a +view of the supposed lair. + +"While he was peering into the jungle, he became suddenly conscious of a +movement in the thick branches over his head. Looking up, he discovered, +lying upon a large limb about ten feet above him, a panther. The animal +was preparing to spring; and, in an instant, like a flash, it sprang +towards him. + +"Almost as quick as thought itself, Cadette dropped from the limb into +the water beneath, just as the panther landed upon the spot he had so +recently vacated. + +"Once in the water, the Indian swam silently and expeditiously beneath +the surface, until he was some distance down the stream and out of sight +of the tree, when he landed under the shelter of the bank. + +"Just then a slight noise attracted his attention, and he discovered his +enemy, partially concealed in the tall bottom grass, and evidently +determined that his prey should not escape so easily. + +"Cadette was brave, but he fully realized that an unarmed Apache, +courageous as he might be, was no match for a panther; and the wary +Indian began to look about him for some means of retreat from his +unpleasant situation. While he was doing this, the creature worked +himself into a position between the Indian and the river, thus +effectually cutting off his only hope of escape. + +"What should he do? The panther was not twenty feet away from him: he +well knew that the animal could reach him at a single bound. Keeping his +eye fixed steadily upon the crouching form, the Indian began to slowly +retreat backwards. + +"While he was retreating before the stealthy, cat-like approach of the +panther, the most piercing cries, as of some human being in terrible +agony, filled the air, startling the Indian, and causing the panther to +rise from its crouching position, and listen intently for a moment with +well-erected ears, and tail gently lashing the earth. The cries were +repeated. The next moment the great creature turned, and slowly moved +away in the direction from whence the noise came, while Cadette hastily +returned to the foot of the tree where he had left his spear. + +"After securing his weapon, he started for the place where he had left +his pony; but, to his surprise, the animal was not there. Following its +trail, he soon came upon bear tracks, and concluded that his horse had +been attacked by the bear, and in his agony had uttered the cries that +had so startled him, and attracted the attention of the panther. + +"Continuing his search, he found the dead body of his pony upon the +ground. Near it was the panther, crouched, as though about to make a +spring; while, at a short distance, standing erect upon his hind-legs, +with his back against a large rock, was a huge cinnamon bear, evidently +at bay. + +"The Indian crept cautiously forward, and concealed himself behind a +great stone, from whence he could watch the approaching combat. + +"The panther lay close to the ground, with his eyes fixed intently upon +the bear, his huge fore-paws nervously contracted, while the long claws +grappled the rocks and gravel. Occasionally he uttered a low menacing +growl that showed his gleaming white teeth and blood-red tongue, from +which the saliva fell in great drops. + +"Meanwhile, the bear remained on the defensive, apparantly fearing to +move from his position, lest his more nimble adversary should take +advantage of him. + +"The savage creatures maintained their relative positions, eyeing one +another for several minutes. Then the panther gave a tremendous leap, and +grappled the bear. It was a frightful contest: each animal uttering the +most piercing cries, biting, hugging, and tearing one another as they +rolled over and over in the dust. + +"It was evident to the Indian that this fearful struggle could last but a +short time; and soon the animals, as if by mutual agreement, separated, +and, moving a short distance from one another, lay down and began to lick +their wounds. + +"While thus engaged, the panther became by some means, aware of Cadette's +presence. As though angry at such an interruption, he turned, and, with a +fierce growl, sprang towards him, instead of the bear. + +"Unexpected as was the movement, it did not find the Indian unprepared. +Planting the handle of his spear firmly in the earth, he so adroitly held +it that the panther alighted upon its sharp iron head, which passed +directly through the creature's heart; not, however, before the maddened +animal had dealt Cadette the blow that crushed his face, and inflicted a +wound the scar of which, had so terribly disfigured him for life. + +"As soon as the Indian recovered from the effect of the blow, he +succeeded in withdrawing his spear from the carcass of the panther, and +went in search of the bear, who had retreated to some distance, and was +engaged in licking the wounds he had received in his encounter with the +panther. + +"Cadette at once attacked the creature so vigorously with his spear, that +he soon succeeded in killing him; and, although suffering great pain, +managed to remove the skin from both animals; and, taking them upon his +back, bore them in triumph to the _rancheria_, more than twenty +miles distant, as trophies of his prowess in the chase." + +After thanking Mr. Mastin for a very pleasant evening, we all retired, +and were soon asleep, nor did we awake the next morning until the sun was +far up in the heavens. + +Breakfast over, we bid our guest a hearty farewell; and, with good wishes +for our safe arrival upon the Pacific Coast, he left us to pursue our +journey still further into the Apache country. + +It was after we were comfortably seated about our camp-fire, in the +evening, that I bethought myself that we had not as yet, heard Hal's +story of his capture and adventures with the Apaches. So I called him, +with the request he would narrate what had befallen him, from the time he +left our camp at Dead-Man's Hole until his release by us in the +Sacramento Mountains. + +Hal, who had evidently been expecting the invitation for some time, at +once seated himself, and, with Jerry, Ned and myself as listeners, +commenced as follows:-- + +"When Anastacio and I started for Fort Davis, we hadn't been on the road +fifteen minutes, before five Indians set upon us, from a thicket by the +road side. + +"They followed up the attack so briskly, that before we had time to +think, they had our revolvers, and our hands tied behind us. They then +took our horses and mounted us upon two of their own. We travelled over +the roughest, hardest country I ever saw in my life, until daybreak, when +they stopped at a spring to water. + +"Here they stripped us of most of our clothes, and made us ride bare-backed +until noon, when they stopped for a few minutes. I noticed that, +whenever they halted, one of them always rode to the top of the highest +hill near, and remained on the lookout there, until we were ready to +start again. + +"Before we had been long at this last place, the lookout signaled, and, +in about an hour, eight more Indians joined us, with Juanita. + +"She was very tired and terribly frightened, but when she saw me she just +cried for joy, and I tried to comfort her as much as I could; but, while +I was talking to her, a great, greasy-looking fellow came up to me, and, +taking me by the collar, pulled me away, and, putting the muzzle of my +own revolver to my head, made signs that, if I dared to speak "-- + +Here Patsey came running up, yelling at the top of his voice,-- + +"The bear's goned! The bear's goned!" Hal and Ned jumped to their feet, +exclaiming,--"Which way did he go?" and, without waiting for a reply, +darted off in search of him. + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"I hope they won't git the critter: he ain't nothin' but a cussid +nuisance, no how," said Jerry, as Hal disappeared in the gloaming. + +"It's so dark they won't be very likely to," was my reply. + +"I 'spect the Irishman had a hand in startin' him," continued Jerry. +"He's owed the critter a grudge ever since he tarred his clo'es so, the +other night." + +"How was that, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"Why, yer see the boy had been a-proddin' the critter with a sharp stick; +and, arter he got through, he was a-standin' by the wagon, and the bar +made a jump and ketched him right by his trousers-leg. This kind er scart +the feller, and he made a leap, and left the biggest part of his breeches +in the critter's mouth. Ned laughed, and told him, that one bar(e) in +camp was enough, and he'd better go an' mend up--thar he is, now," +pointing towards one of the wagons. + +I called him, and he came towards me, looking decidedly guilty. I said to +him, "Patsey, how did the bear get away?" + +"He runned away, sure, sur." + +"Yes; but how did he get loose?" + +"He aited the rope aff, I suppose, sure. I seed him goin', and thought +it'd be no harm to spake to the boys, sur." + +"That was all right, Patsey; but you didn't turn him loose, did you?" + +"I turn him loose, sur! Phat would I be doin' that fur?" + +"Well, why didn't you go out and help find him?" + +"I was afraid, sur;" examining the huge rent in his pantaloons. + +"Afraid!" said I. "What under the sun was you afraid of? your bare legs?" + +"Will, sur, I didn't know what the quinisquences might be if two bears +(bares) happened to mate in the woods." + +Just here Jerry gave one of his peculiar chuckles; and, seeing that I got +but little information from the boy, I dismissed him with the remark, +that, when we got to Tucson, he should have a suit of clothes. + +"That'll _suit_ me, your honor," was the reply, as he moved briskly +off. + +The boys soon returned, after an unsuccessful search for the bear. + +Hal was disposed to blame everybody but himself for the escape, while +Ned, with whom the bear had never been a great favorite, was inclined to +laugh at the matter, to Hal's great disgust. + +His ill nature reached its culminating point, however, when Jerry +suggested, that, "if he lied fifteen dollars more to git rid of, he'd +better bury it than give it for a cussid, good-for-nothin' bar, that +warn't nothin' but a infernal nuisance to everybody, anyway." + +Hal accepted the gauntlet thus thrown down by Jerry, and was about to +reply in no very polite language, when I changed the conversation, by +requesting him to finish the narrative of his visit to the Apaches; and, +after a little hesitation, he resumed his story as follows:-- + +"The Indian told me, that, if I spoke to Juanita again, he'd send a +bullet through my head; so Anastacio said, for the Indian spoke in +Spanish. + +"I didn't talk to her any more for several hours, but rode all the +afternoon by her side. When we got to the top of the bluff from which we +could see the Rio Grande, Juanita cried, and said that her home was +there, and Anastacio felt so bad for her that he led her horse all the +way after that. + +"When we got to the river, instead of crossing, the Indians rode into it; +and they made us all wade through the water for three or four miles, +though the whole party came out on the same side. From here we struck +into the prairie again; and, after riding for two or three hours, we +camped. + +"Juanita was so tired, she dropped to sleep as soon as we stopped; but +Anastacio and I kept awake, and saw the Indians cast a mule, and open his +veins and suck the warm blood from them. After this, they cut off +portions of the flesh and roasted it over the coals, and made motions to +us, that, if we wanted any, we must cook for ourselves. + +"We were both hungry, but we couldn't eat mule meat, then, although we +had to come to it in a little time. + +"We started by daybreak the next morning; and Juanita became so +exhausted, that, before night, she asked me two or three times to kill +her. Finally, she appealed to Anastacio; and I heard him promise her, on +a little cross she wore around her neck, that, if worse came to worse, he +would do it. + +"That day one of the Indians killed an antelope, and we all ate heartily +of it, but Anastacio. He took the meat they gave to him, and saved it for +Juanita. He carried it in his hand all day, and walked beside her horse, +telling her stories in Spanish, and trying to cheer her. He was as kind +to her as he could be, during the whole seventeen days we were together. + +"One night we slept in a great cave in a mountain,[Probably the Waco +Mountain, thirty miles east of El Paso.] where there were four or five +deep pools, of nice, clear water. Juanita was so delighted at the sight +of them that she sat on the brink of one and put her feet in it, to 'rest +them,' she said. When the Indians saw her do this, one of them struck her +with his quirt [A small, heavy whip.] over the shoulders. + +"Anastacio sprang at him like a wild beast, and I believe would have +killed him, but the other Indians took him off. They seemed greatly +amused at the fight; but said they were only saving us for their squaws +to torture, after they got us home. + +"After this they made us all walk; although Juanita's feet and ankles +were swelled so terribly that she could scarcely move: whenever Anastacio +got the chance though, he carried her in his arms. + +"One day one of the Indians brought her some fresh mule's blood to drink, +and, because she wouldn't take it, he threw it in her face, and told her +in Spanish, that, when they got to their village, he should make her his +squaw. This made her cry terribly; and I heard Anastacio tell her he'd +certainly kill her, before the Indians should have her. After that I +thought she seemed happier, and repeatedly said, if she could only see +her dear old father once more, she should be glad to die. + +"We all suffered terribly from fatigue and thirst; for, after they +thought Juanita was going to drown herself in the pool, they were very +cross to us, and used to make us do all their work about the camp. If we +refused, they stuck sharp-pointed knives into us, and struck us with +their quirts; though, after Anastacio made the fuss, they didn't strike +Juanita any more. + +"The night you rescued us was the first time they hadn't put a guard out, +since we were captured. + +"You see, they always sent one of their party back a mile or two, to +watch the trail, so as to avoid being surprised; but they had got so near +home, they didn't dream of being pursued, I suppose. + +"That day Anastacio told me they were talking of having a big dance when +they got to the village, and he was going to kill Juanita before we +reached it. He cried about it, and wanted to know if I supposed the +Blessed Virgin would forgive him if he did it. We'd just been talking +about it, when we heard the crack of Tom's rifle, and saw the Indians run +towards the wood. + +"I tell you what it was, when I heard that shot, I felt that it wasn't an +Indian's gun (it didn't sound a bit like one), and my heart jumped right +up into my mouth. + +"The Indians appeared so anxious about Juanita, that they seemed to +forget Anastacio and I, when they heard the rifle. We both run for the +hut, and saw that she wasn't there, and supposed the Indians had taken +her. Then we heard the soldiers' guns, and run towards them; and, the +next I knew, I met Ned, and was hugging and kissing him just like a girl, +I was so glad to see him. I tell you 'twas jolly, though; and, when I +found that Juanita was all right, I felt like dancing and crying in the +same minute. + +"One thing is certain: you saved Anastacio from killing Juanita, for she +never would have gone into that village alive." + +"Wall, youngster," said Jerry, "I've heered you through; and now I'd +like ter know what you think of the 'Paches; 'cause, you see, we've got +ter travel a good many hundred miles through their country, and I'd like +ter hev your opinion of 'em." + +"Why, I think they are a cruel, cowardly, treacherous tribe, as Mr. +Mastin said; and the dirtiest things I ever saw." + +"Tell me, Jerry, do you know much about them?" interrupted I. "If you do, +tell us something of their character and habits, as you've seen them." + +"Wall, I've been through their country seven times, and I've met a heap +of 'em, one way and another; but I hain't got no better opinion of 'em +than Mr. Mastin hed. They're the smartest, wickedest and cunningest, +Injins I ever seed. A Comanche ain't a touch to 'em, and I've never yet +seed a white man smart enuff to beat 'em." + +"You don't exactly mean that, do you, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That's exactly what I do mean: no more and no less," was the reply. +"You'll hev a chance ter see for yourself, afore we git through this +trip, I'm thinkin, or you'll be the only man thet ever travelled through +their country that hain't; that's my idee, sartin. Why, the cusses'll +telegraph to one another all over the country, and know just what's goin' +on a hundred miles away. + +"Americans can't understand 'em, and never will. No one ever saw a white +man look at a country as a 'Pache does: he'll see everything. Ther ain't +a ravine, gully, rock, bush, or tree, a foot high, thet he don't hev his +eye on. Now, a white man don't look at a country in that way, does he? + +[Illustration: Apache Trailing.] + +"Jest ez likely ez not, there's a Injin within a dozen yards of us; but +we wouldn't think it." + +"A dozen yards of us!" exclaimed Hal, looking around; "why, where could +he hide, I'd like to know?" + +"That's jest it, youngster. We might go within ten feet of him, and never +see him. Why, I've knowed 'em to hide behind a brown-bush, clump er +cactus, or a rock, so mighty cunnin' thet ther ain't one scout in fifty +would see 'em, let alone a stranger. + +"They'll kiver therselves with grass, and lay on the ground all day, +without movin', waitin' for a party to pass. I've been within ten foot of +one myself, and seed him, too, and thought 'twas a part of the rock he +was lying agin. + +"I tell yer, them fellers's smarter'n a whip! They be, sartin, now." + +"Well," said Ned, who had been listening attentively to Jerry's +description of the Apache character, "if I'd had any idea these Indians +were half as smart as you say they are, I'd rather have stayed in Texas +than started on the trip." + +"I wouldn't," declared Hal. "I've had about as much experience with 'em +as anybody in the party, and I don't believe they're half as smart as you +make 'em out. At any rate, I wouldn't be afraid to put my brain against +theirs." + +"Put your what, youngster?" inquired Jerry, in such an incredulous tone, +that we all burst into a hearty laugh, in the midst of which Hal retired, +leaving Jerry, Ned, and myself to continue the Apache question alone. + +"You may depend on't, we ain't a-goin' ter git through this blasted +country without more'n one brush with them fellers; and my way is ter +keep our ears and eyes open, our rifles and pistols well loaded, and meet +'em when they come;--for come they will, sartin," said Jerry. + +"Well, you must adopt such precautions and make such rules as you think +proper," was my reply. "We'll all obey them." + +"I'll set ther guard ter-night, and yer may ez well turn in now, 'cause +we must make a early start." + +We had hardly been on the road an hour the next day, before we observed +one of the remarkable signal-smokes (used by the Apaches to give warning +of the approach of strangers into their country), suddenly shoot up into +the air from a spur of the mountains several miles distant. + +Although the morning was windy, the smoke arose in a straight column to a +great height, then spread out like a huge umbrella at the top, and, in +the twinkling of an eye, was gone. + +"That means 'look out,' plain enuff, don't it?" asked Jerry. "That's what +I call telegraphin'. Now, putty soon you'll see some more answerin' of +'em." + +"Do you know what that means?" inquired Ned. + +"That means, 'Strangers is comin'.' If they'd repeated it three or four +times, it would have said, 'The party's a big one, and wants watchin'.' +But they're so fur off, I reckon they'll send two or three spies in ter +see how many thar is of us, afore we shall hear from 'em. Hilloa! there +they go," continued he, pointing to three more of the signals that were +suddenly sent up in different directions. "We're in amongst 'em, sure, +boys; so let's keep our eyes open." + +Notwithstanding we maintained the utmost vigilance during the entire +day's journey, we saw nothing of Indians, or any signs indicating their +presence; but, upon camping at night, we so disposed our wagons, that we +should be able to make a vigorous resistance in case of attack. The guard +was posted, to be relieved every two hours. Our camp was on an open +plain, with no shrubbery save an occasional brown-bush or _yucca_ +near us; and we retired, feeling as safe as we had any time since +crossing the Rio Grande. + +The night passed quietly; and, just as the grey dawn began to make +objects visible about camp, I awoke. + +I saw the guard sitting over the smoldering fire, the mules hitched to +the wagon-wheels as usual, and the remainder of the party wrapped in +their blankets, apparantly sleeping soundly; so I determined to take +another nap before rising. + +While thus lying, half awake and half asleep, I dreamily turned my eyes +towards a small bush that stood a few yards from the place where I was +lying, and, to my horror, discovered a pair of bright eyes peering at me +from between the branches. + +My first thought, that it was some animal, was speedily dissipated by +discovering the fingers of a human hand holding aside the branches so as +to give its owner an uninterrupted view of our camp; and it required but +little stretch of the imagination to plainly see the features of a +swarthy, ugly face behind them. + +In an instant I remembered the conversation with Jerry the day previous, +and decided that it must be the face of an Apache spy, and that I had +better remain quiet; knowing, that, if my surmise was correct, we need +not fear an attack from him or his companions, at that time. + +I lay for some moments,--it seemed hours,--spell-bound, watching the +face, but not daring to move even an eyelid, lest the discovery of the +fact that I was awake, should be the signal for my own destruction. I +expected every moment to hear the twang of a bow-string, and feel the +head of an arrow penetrate my flesh; for I felt confident the spy was not +alone. + +I remember watching the eyes, so steadily gleaming from between the +boughs, and comparing them to those of a tiger, about to spring upon its +prey, and then, I found myself speculating as to whether a flint +arrow-head would cause more pain than an iron one. + +While these thoughts were passing through my mind, I noticed the branches +almost imperceptibly resume their natural position and the eyes disappear +from view. + +My first impulse was to spring to my feet and alarm the camp. Then I +bethought myself of the well-known cunning of the Apaches, and determined +to remain quiet for a few moments, lest a ruse had been adopted to +ascertain if their presence had been discovered. + +Just at this moment, the guard, who had been sitting over the dying +embers of the camp-fire, arose, drew his coat closer about him to shield +him from the chill morning air, and, after taking a look around, again +sat down. As he did so, I saw the branches once more cautiously pushed +aside, and two pairs of eyes, instead of one, survey the scene. + +What should I do? A cold sweat started from every pore of my body, and my +heart almost ceased to beat, as I realized that the least movement of +either of my sleeping companions might precipitate upon us a foe, of +whose numbers I could form no estimate. + +Conscious that I had acted wisely in doing nothing myself to hasten it, I +felt equally certain I could have done nothing to avert it. + +There I lay waiting, I knew not for what. The suspense became terrible. +It seemed as though every moment had become a long hour,--as though I +dared not breathe, lest the breath should be my last. + +Suddenly, I felt that the boughs had again resumed their natural +position, and the eyes were gone. Yes! they were there no longer. Once +more I breathed freely. + +Why I did not instantly arouse the camp, I cannot tell. I waited several +minutes, then quietly cocked my rifle beneath my blankets, and touched +Jerry on the shoulder. The instant he felt it, he started; but my low "s-h" +apprised him of danger, and he again resumed his old position. + +In a low tone, I told him what I had seen. He waited a few moments and +then aroused the camp. + +No one was aware, that, during the night, Indians had been so near us, +nor did the camp show any evidence that they had entered it; but the +ground in the vicinity of the bush, which had concealed the foe revealed +very plainly the track of four moccasined feet. Although we found it +difficult to tell in what direction they had gone, yet it was quite +evident that we might, at any time, expect a visit from our Apache +friends, and our only course was to be ready when they appeared. + +Hal and Ned were disposed, at first, to imagine that the visitors of the +night previous were the creation of a dream; but the sight of their +footprints in the sand, soon dissipated that theory, while they plainly +told them the necessity of greater caution. + +Breakfast dispatched, we got under way once more; and, during the next +three or four days crossed several spurs of the Burro and Pelloncillo +ranges of mountains, and over that portion of the great Madre Plateau, +that lies along the thirty-second parallel,--but saw no Indians. + +This fact gave Hal a good opportunity to laugh at what he termed my +vision; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity. + +Jerry and I often consulted together, and wondered why it was that we +heard nothing more from the spies that had visited us; for, as Jerry +wisely said, "If they'd come along and have it out with us, one way or +t'other, he wouldn't keer; but ter keep us always expectin' 'em, is what +wears a feller out. By'm by, when we git keerless, they'll ketch us +nappin', and then, God help us, that's all." + +Our route, the next day, passed through a fertile +_cienega_,[Valley.] thence over an alkali plain. It was while +crossing this latter, that I met with an adventure, the most desperate we +encountered on the trip. Our route carried us over this vast plain, +strongly impregnated with alkali, and sparsely covered with dwarfed +mesquite with an occasional cluster of _yuccas_, scarce two feet in +height; and was so level, we could see for miles over it in any +direction. + +The road was thickly covered from five to six inches deep, with an +impalpable dust, so fine that the lightest footstep, or breath of air, +sent it in clouds above our heads. So dense was it, that it completely +enveloped our whole party, making it impossible for us to distinguish one +another, at a distance even of three or four feet. + +Jerry and myself had been riding a few rods in advance of the wagons; but +he returned to them for the purpose of giving some order, while I +continued on. So open was the plain, that it seemed impossible for any +foe to be concealed upon its surface; and we naturally abated somewhat, +the vigilance we should have maintained, had we been passing through a +rocky _cañon_, or wooded defile. We therefore rode carefully along, +shrouded in dust, but not dreaming of danger. + +Suddenly, without the least warning, three or four muskets, and a shower +of arrows, were discharged upon us from a spot not twenty yards away. + +A clap of thunder from a clear sky would not have astonished me more. + +The thought, that Hal or Ned might have been killed, passed like a flash +of lightning through my mind; for the dust was so dense, I could not +distinguish friend from foe; but I heard Jerry shout, "_Adelante! +Adelante hombres_!" and forgetting for the moment that I was already +in the advance, in obedience to the order, I spurred my horse forward, +just as the Apache war-whoop sounded, apparantly upon all sides of me. + +The spot selected for the ambush was at a point where the road passed +though a large body of prickly-pear, the terrible thorns of which, in +connection with the sharp-pointed leaves of the Spanish-bayonet, formed a +natural _chevaux-de-frise_ that no living creature could penetrate. + +I soon discovered this; and, in the expectation of reaching the train, +turned my horse's head and rode blindly back through the thick dust, +although unable to see more than a few feet from me in any direction. + +Suddenly I found myself surrounded by Indians. One stout, sinewy fellow, +naked, with the exception of a breechcloth, seized my horse by the bits, +and by main strength, forced him back upon his haunches, and in the +twinkling of an eye, I lay upon my back in the dust of the road, deprived +of my weapons, with an Apache, whose nude body had been well smeared with +grease, sitting squarely astride me, with a knee upon each arm. + +It was impossible for me to move; and I gave myself up for lost, as I +noticed the wicked, fiendish expression upon the hideously painted face +of the savage, and heard him mutter a malediction in Spanish through his +closed teeth. The next instant, the welcome crack of three or four rifles +greeted my ears. The Indian gave a start, and I saw the blood spurt from +his side. + +He gnashed his teeth, uttered a harsh, fierce exclamation of rage, and +seized my throat with one hand, while he made a desperate attempt, with +the other, to grasp my knife, which, in the struggle, had fortunately +fallen just beyond his reach. + +As he stretched forward, I felt his hold upon my throat relax; and, +making a tremendous effort, I succeeded in pitching him over my head; +then, springing to my feet, ran like a race-horse in the direction of the +shots just fired; and, the next moment, was with Jerry and the boys. + +I was so excited and bewildered, that, for a few seconds, I could hardly +realize what had passed. I soon learned, however, that, immediately upon +the attack being made, Jerry had halted the wagons, and, as he was unable +in the dense dust to form any estimate of the number of the foe, was +advancing with the men on foot, at the time they so opportunely fired the +volley which rid me of my foe. + +The Apaches left two dead bodies upon the ground; and we, three horses, +while ever after I followed the advice I had so frequently given Hal and +Ned, and kept with the wagons. + +My adventure furnished a fruitful theme for conversation around the +camp-fire for many nights. Jerry, Hal, Ned, Patsey, and even the Mexican +teamsters had a theory as to the course they should pursue under the same +circumstances; and I believe it is an unsettled question to this day, +whether I did right in turning back instead of riding forward, after I +heard the order given. + +The evening of the succeeding day brought us to the entrance of the +Apache Pass, the only _cañon_ through which we could cross the +Chirichui range of mountains, that for many years had been the home of +Cochise's band of Apaches, one of the worst that ever infested the +country. Here, it was necessary to exercise the greatest caution; for the +place was notoriously the most dangerous upon the entire route. + +Extra guards were sent out, the animals securely corralled, each man +required to sleep upon his arms, and every precaution taken to enable us +to repel an attack at a moment's notice. + +The night passed without any alarm, and Jerry chuckled at the thought +that we should probably get through without being molested. Just as we +were starting, however, it was found that one of our wagons required +repairs, that would cause a delay of several hours. As the water was good +and the grass luxuriant, we concluded to run the risk of an attack, and +to remain for the day where we were and give our animals, which were sent +to graze a limit a mile from camp, a much-needed rest. + +Jerry undertook the repair of the wagon; and, as the day was bright, the +boys determined to do some washing. + +I had thrown myself upon my blanket, and was lazily admiring the beauties +of an Arizona landscape, when Patsey approached me, and, pulling off his +brimless hat, said, "Ef yer plase, sur, the byze wants to git some +sooap." + +"What is it, Patsey?" said I. + +"It's the sooap, sur. Where'll the byze git the sooap ter wash wid?" + +"Tell them to take a spade, and go and dig some," was my reply. + +Patsey looked at me a moment, as though half inclined to think I had +suddenly taken leave of my senses, and then exclaimed, in tones of +astonishment,-- + +"Dig sooap! Where'll they go to dig it, shure?" + +"Right there," said I, pointing to a small palmilla,[The palmilla is a +species of palm, known as the soap-plant, whose roots, when bruised in +water, make a very thick and remarkably soft and white lather. The plant +is much used by the natives for cleansing clothes, and is far superior to +any manufactured soap for scouring woolens. It also makes an admirable +shampoo mixture.] numbers of which were growing all about us. + +Patsey looked in the direction indicated; and, seeing nothing that +resembled soap, regarded me attentively for a moment, and then wheeled +and darted away. + +Presently I saw the three boys coming towards me, and Ned laughingly +remarked that he and Hal wanted some soap to wash their shirts with. + +I answered, that I had just sent them word by Patsey, to go and dig some. + +Evidently Ned was as much surprised at my answer as Patsey had been; but +he mustered courage enough to inquire where he should find it. + +"There, there, and there!" replied I, pointing in rapid succession to the +plants that were growing around us. Ned stood spell-bound for a moment, +and then slowly turned towards Hal and Patsey, who were standing at a +little distance. + +As he approached them, Patsey caught him by the arm, and, with a most +knowing look on his broad, Irish face, exclaimed, "Didn't I tell yez the +boss wuz crazy, an' I wouldn't git my new clo'es, any how?" + +Wishing them to learn the merits of this truly wonderful plant that +grows so common throughout this region, I rose from the ground. Patsey +beat a hurried retreat, taking refuge with Jerry, saying, the "Boss had +gone as crazy as a bidbug, wid his diggin' sooap and givin' clo'es away, +to be shure." + +Sending Ned for a spade, I soon unearthed one of the large bulbous roots, +which I divided into pieces, and, accompanying the boys to the spring, +practically demonstrated its remarkable saponaceous qualities, leaving +them delighted with the experiment; but had hardly returned to my blanket +again when I was startled by the report of two rifles, that came from +below us, near the base of the mountains where our animals were grazing. + +However commonplace this incident may appear to the reader, to us it was +the tocsin of danger. Before the lofty crags above us had ceased to +reverberate the echoes, every man was on the alert. + +The boys came running to the spot where I stood, their bare arms dripping +with soap-suds, while the men rushed to the wagons to procure their +firearms and ammunition. + +Before we had time to fully equip ourselves, the sight of one of the +herders, rapidly approaching, told the story. He rode near enough to make +himself heard, then, checking his horse so suddenly as to almost throw +him upon his haunches, he brandished his revolver and shouted,-- + +"_Los Indios! Los Apaches!_" and, turning, rode rapidly in the +direction whence he came. + + +CHAPTER XV. + +Jerry sprang upon a horse; and shouting, "Take care er the camp!" rode +rapidly in the direction of the herd. + +Telling Hal and Ned to climb the rocks and report what they saw, I +ordered the wagons to be drawn up in a line parallel with the foot of the +bluff, thus improvising a sort of corral. + +The boys, by this time, had discovered eight or ten Indians following the +herders, who were driving the animals towards camp. I immediately rode +out to assist them. At the moment I reached the plain, a little puff of +white smoke rose on the air, far to the rear of the herders. A second +after, I saw a riderless horse galloping wildly towards the herd, where +he was lost to view. I urged my horse forward; and, by our combined +exertions, the animals were safely brought into camp and corralled. + +These secured, we turned our attention to the Indians, who were coming +down upon us like a whirlwind. + +"Don't a man fire till I give the word," said Jerry; "and remember not to +throw away a bullet." + +The Indians had paused upon the plain, nearly half a mile from our camp; +and, sitting upon their horses, were evidently considering the best plan +of attack. Suddenly, two of their number turned, and rode back towards +the spot where we had first seen them. + +"What can they be going back for?" asked Hal, who, rifle in hand, was +standing by Jerry's side, evidently anxious for an opportunity to wipe +out old scores. + +"What are they going back for?" repeated Jerry; "why, to scalp that poor +cuss they shot, I reckon. Judge," continued he, turning toward me, "jest +you try a crack at them fellers with yer new-fashioned 'dust-raiser,' +will yer?" pointing to my Sharpe's carbine. + +"I don't believe that I can reach them: it will only be throwing away a +cartridge, to make the attempt," replied I. + +"Well, jest try it," continued he; "'cause, if yer could hit one of 'em, +they'd leave mighty sudden, and save us considerable trouble." + +"Yes, you can reach 'em," said Ned. "I wish you would try." + +Dismounting, and resting the carbine over the back of my horse, I took +careful, deliberate aim, and fired. + +That the bullet did reach them, and they were badly frightened, was +evident from the suddenness with which they wheeled, and galloped over +the plain, in an opposite direction. + +The next moment, Jerry grasped my shoulder, and shouted, "You hit one of +the devils, sartin." + +Bringing my glass to bear, I saw one of the Indians reel in his saddle, +then recover himself a little, again waver, and finally fall to the +ground, while his horse continued on with the remainder of the party, +who, after riding some distance, stopped. + +In a little time, they were joined by the two who had previously left +them. Then three of their number rode towards the spot where their fallen +comrade lay; and, securing his body, one of them took it before him on +the horse, and the whole party galloped off. + +"That ere shot of yourn was a good one," said Jerry. "Tit for tat is my +rule for them varmints; an' we're even with 'em on this arternoon's work. +I reckon we'd better take a shovel along, an' bury that poor feller +that's a-lyin' there." + +"Certainly, Jerry; but wouldn't it be better to bring the body in, and +bury it here?" asked I. + +"We don't want the men to see it, ef we kin help it. It allus makes 'em +skeery; for there ain't nobody that wants to be cut and hacked to pieces, +ef they be dead, as them red devils have sarved that poor Mexican, +sartin." + +Directing Patsey to bring a shovel, Jerry and I started on our sad +errand. After riding about a mile, we came upon the body of the dead man, +stretched upon the green grass, naked, scalped, and terribly mutilated. + +For a few moments we sat upon our horses, silently gazing upon the +horrible spectacle, too much shocked to speak. The silence was broken by +Jerry, who exclaimed,-- + +"Ef them 'Paches ain't devils, then thar ain't no use of havin' any, +that's all I've got to say. A pictur like that ain't a very appetizin' +thing for a Traveller that's like to git ketched the same way, any day; +so I reckon we'd better git it under kiver." + +A grave was soon dug; and, wrapping the poor mutilated body in my +saddle-blanket, we laid it within the narrow walls, and hastily covered +it from sight; then, remounting oar horses, silently rode back to camp. + +No question was asked upon our return, and neither Jerry nor myself felt +much like talking; for the scene we had just witnessed impressed upon us +more strongly than words could have done, the responsibility as well as +constant watchfulness and care necessary in travelling through a country +so full of peril. + +The miserable fate of poor Gonzales seemed to throw a gloom over the +entire camp; for it forced all to realize how beset with danger was every +step we took, and how easily it might have been one of us, lying cold in +death, instead of the poor Mexican. + +We retired early, after taking every precaution possible to guard against +surprise, and I soon fell asleep, but was aroused a few hours later, by +terrific screams and howls from Patsey, who was capering around the camp +in the most ridiculous manner, executing as many singular and grotesque +gyrations as an Apache in celebrating the scalp-dance. The entire camp +was roused: even the guards rushed in from their posts to ascertain the +cause of the disturbance. + +[Illustration: Patsey and the Snake.] + +Neither Jerry, Hal, nor Ned could discover the cause of Patsey's terror; +for, in response to our many inquiries, he would only scratch his leg +through the rent in his trousers, and constantly jump up and down, as +though standing upon a hot griddle, all the while howling at the top of +his lungs. + +Becoming, at last, thoroughly angry, I seized the boy by the collar, and +gave him such a shaking that I finally succeeded in getting an answer to +the question, as to what was the matter. + +"Mather!" roared Patsey. "Mather enuff, God knows! Shnakes is the +mather!" making a desperate dive down into the leg of his pants. "I'm +bited to death wid a shnake, so I am. Can't yez all sae I'm a did mon?" + +Now, as far as appearances went, Patsey was a long way from being a dead +man, for he still indulged in more lively contortions than a corpse was +ever known to execute; each movement accompanied by a yell almost loud +enough to wake the dead. + +An examination revealed the fact, that the boy had heedlessly spread his +blanket over the entrance to the home of a colony of large black ants, +and the little fellows, angry at his presumption, had attacked him, in +the most spiteful manner, through the rents in his trousers. Patsey, +awakened out of a sound sleep by their stings, and remembering Ned's +adventure in the Organos mountains, had fancied himself the unfortunate +victim of a like attack. We finally succeeded in convincing him that he +was not dead, nor likely to die; and then, the camp resumed its usual +quiet. + +Early in the morning, before we were ready to start, Jerry called my +attention to several "bighorns,"--or, more properly speaking, +Rocky-Mountain sheep,--that stood perched upon a high cliff which overhung +our camp several hundred feet in the air. As these were the first we had +seen upon the route, I at once called Hal and Ned to witness the sight, +who immediately proposed to make the attempt to capture one. + +Jerry assured them it was impossible; for it would take hours to reach +the spot where they stood, or even to get within rifle-range of them. +This fact alone would prevent starting on a hunt, as we were exceedingly +anxious to get through the pass without being obliged to spend another +night in so dangerous a locality. + +This animal is somewhat larger than the common sheep, is covered with +brownish hair instead of wool, and is chiefly remarkable for its huge +spiral horns, resembling those of a sheep, but frequently three feet in +length, and from four to six inches in diameter at the base. + +It is very agile; and, secluding itself among the most inaccessible +mountain-crags, delights in capering upon the very verge of the most +frightful precipices, and skipping from rock to rock across yawning +chasms hundreds of feet in depth. + +I have been assured by old hunters, that, if pursued, it will leap from a +cliff into the valley a hundred feet below, where, alighting upon its +huge horns, it springs to its feet, uninjured, its neck being so thick +and strong, that it endures the greatest shock without injury. + +This animal more closely resembles the _chamois_ than any other +species found upon this continent, and is almost as difficult to capture. + +After leaving the pass and coming out upon the open plain, west of the +mountains, we saw, in the distance, a wild ox. + +Now the boys had, for some time, fancied that they were very expert in +the use of the lasso; and, upon seeing this ox, became seized with the +insane desire to capture him with that weapon, after the most-approved +style of the Mexican _lazador_. Remonstrance was in vain. They knew +they could do it; and away they went on their ponies, eager for the +sport, leaving the remainder of the party to watch them from a distance. + +Upon their approaching near to the old fellow, he threw up his head, +elevated his tail, brandished his long horns, and, with a loud bellow of +defiance, started directly for them. The boys evidently had not +anticipated this, for they slackened their pace at the sight, riding very +slowly towards him. + +As they approached, he commenced shaking his head, pawing the earth, and +bellowing furiously. Then he began to move slowly around in a circle, +throwing clouds of dust high in the air, and almost making the ground +shake with his angry bellowings; finally turning, however, he galloped +slowly away over the plain. + +Away went the ox, and away went the boys after him: it was a run for life +on the one side; on the other, a chase for glory. + +Hal, who was a short distance in advance of Ned, anxious to get his rope +first over the horns, finally made a cast with his lasso. At the same +moment, his pony stumbled, and away went Hal over his head, landing some +feet nearer the ox than he expected to do when he made the cast. + +Ned, who was just behind, now thundered past with lasso in hand, ready +raised to take advantage of Hal's mishap. He threw it; but the noose fell +short of the object aimed at, and encircled a stout _yucca_, that +_would_ stand directly in the way. + +And now the ox, as though understanding the misfortunes that had befallen +his pursuers, turned, and made a furious charge in the direction of the +already discomforted _lazadors_. Seeing him coming towards them, +with lolling tongue, protruding eyes, and angry bellowings, they began to +realize, that, in their case at least, discretion was the better part of +valor. Both turned and fled, leaving pony, lasso, and their courage, +behind them. + +The race now assumed another phrase: it was for safety on the one side, +and revenge on the other. + +On came the boys, Ned in the lead, on his pony, and Hal bringing up the +rear on foot; behind them, the ox, whose bellowing each moment grew +louder and more furious. Suddenly, Hal disappeared behind a clump of +mesquite; but the ox kept on in his efforts to overtake Ned, whose pony +was straining every nerve to reach the wagons in advance of his pursuer. + +When the animal came within rifle-range, Jerry quietly stepped out and +shot him through the head. Ned rode up breathless, upon his panting pony, +and said to one of the Mexicans,-- + +"Say, Juan, how do you throw a lasso? I thought I knew all about it; but +I reckon I don't." + +Hal soon came in, his hands full of thorns, his eyes full of dust, and +his clothes much the worse for his encounter with the ground, protesting, +however, that, if his pony hadn't stumbled, he should have had the old +fellow, sure. + +"But your pony did stumble, and you didn't get him; nor I, either," +remarked Ned. "And I don't think you and I had better brag any more about +lassoing until you can catch your pony down there in the +_chaparral_;" and Hal went for his pony. + +The evening of the third day from the pass brought us to the head of +Quercos _cañon_, where we came upon a party of Mexicans and Papago +Indians, engaged in manufacturing _mescal_, the native whiskey of +the country. + +This beverage is made from the roots of the _maguey_, a plant common +to this region. The roots are bulbous, and are gathered in large +quantities, and thrown into pits containing red-hot stones. + +These being filled, they are covered with grass or brush, over which +blankets are spread. The roots are allowed to remain until thoroughly +steamed, when they are taken out, placed in sacks of rawhide and crushed, +the juice escaping into earthen vessels. It is afterwards fermented in +the sun, when it becomes an intoxicating liquor, very closely resembling +Irish whiskey in taste, smell, and effect upon the brain. + +Patsey enjoyed its pungent, smoky _aroma_, with the keenest +pleasure, and, after several times tasting it, pronounced it quite "aquil +to the bist rale ould Irish whiskey," an opinion that we all endorsed +after witnessing his condition a few hours later. + +While encamped here, Ned came to me and reminded me of my promise to +Patsey; saying, that one of the Mexicans had a splendid suit of buckskin, +that he would dispose of very cheap. I traded for it, and Ned arrayed +Patsey in it. Never did king, clothed in robes of royal purple, exhibit +greater pride than did Patsey in his buckskin suit. But, alas! pride must +have a fall; and, within a very few hours, I saw him sitting on the +ground, clothed in his new suit, and protesting with maudlin earnestness +that he was the "veritable Bryan O'Linn himsilf." + +Three days later, we reached the old Mission of _San Xavier del +Bac_, one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Spanish rule, +to be found in this country. + +It was built by the Jesuits nearly two hundred years ago, and is one of +the finest specimens of Saracenic architecture to be found on this +continent. It is located on the lands of the Papago Indians, in whose +charge it now is. + +We encamped beneath the shadow of this massive pile, surrounded by the +thatched huts of the Papagos, who cluster about its cruciform walls as +though confident of its power to protect them, as it did their ancestors, +from the contaminating influences of the outside world. + +These Indians are a simple, honest, industrious tribe, quite superior to +their present situation, and claim that their ancestors have occupied the +country for more than a thousand years, and were far more civilized than +themselves. + +Many of them are as black as negroes, and nearly all are fine specimens +of physical beauty. Still, as a race, they, like the old church, are but +a wreck of former greatness. + +A ride of eight miles brought us to the town of Tucson, through which our +wagons passed to the Pico Chico Mountain, five miles beyond, where we +made our camp. + +This was formerly an old Mexican fort, and was abandoned in 1853, after +the survey of the boundary line between Mexico and the United States. + +We were here informed, that the Apaches had attacked and captured a small +train that was travelling over the route we were following, only the week +before; consequently, our chances of getting through unmolested were very +good; a piece of information that we received gladly. + +The boys and myself spent several hours in Tucson, looking about the +town, and its many curiosities, being especially interested in several +half-naked, dirty Apaches, which were lounging about, with large nuggets +of gold tied up in their filthy rags. + +Horse-racing, wrestling, gambling, drinking mescal, and shooting people, +seemed to be the principal occupation of its inhabitants, who, as a +whole, were about as villainous a looking set of cut-throats as could be +found west of the Rio Grande. + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Tucson is located in the heart of the great silver and gold bearing +regions of Arizona, and it was exceedingly difficult to prevent the boys +from loading themselves with specimens of the many ores offered for sale, +by every loafer, greaser, and Indian, that we met on the street. + +Hal managed to absent himself for a short time; and, when I found him, +had traded Ned's watch for about as small and lively a specimen of a +Mexican mule as I ever saw, which, he assured me in good faith, he had +bought for Patsey's exclusive use. + +I afterwards learned from Ned, that, ever since the boy had become the +owner of a buckskin suit, he imagined that it little comported with the +dignity of a person who could sport "sich an illegant suit, to ride in +wagins, or walk afoot, whin he ought to ride on horseback, like a +gintilmon;" promising, that, if Hal would procure him a mule in Tucson, +he would pay him double price on reaching California. + +The bargain had been made, and the mule delivered, and all I could do was +to make the best of it. I was extremely glad to get out of town so +cheaply, however; and, as it was, it became very dark before we reached +camp; for the new purchase would not be driven, and only consented to be +led, because Hal's pony was the stronger. + +Jerry's opinion of the animal was given in words more forcible that +elegant; and Hal's purchase was laughed at by all. Many were the bets +offered, that Patsey couldn't ride him; but Patsey stoutly asserted he'd +"ridden mules in the ould country, and why couldn't he do it in Ameriky?" + +Shortly after leaving camp, the road crossed a small stream, which we +knew could be easily forded. Jerry, with an eye to some sport, ordered +Patsey, who, mounted upon his mule, was feeling very grand, to lead the +way; and Patsey, nothing loth, started; but, alas! the animal refused to +take the water. + +Four times did he attempt to force him, and four times he was unseated +and violently hurled to the ground: at each overthrow, however, he +returned to the charge with fond hopes, fresh courage, and a stronger +determination to make the animal enter the stream. + +Upon the fifth trial, somewhat to our surprise and Patsey's delight, the +mule quietly approached and entered the stream, without the least +reluctance. + +We all shouted our congratulations at the boy's well-deserved victory; +while Patsey himself was so elated at his success, that he could not +resist manifesting his exultation by digging his heels into the animal's +sides, with a vindictiveness, that could not fail to stir up all its +vicious propensities; while he kept up a running tirade of abuse, after +the Mexican style, as follows:-- + +"So yez thought yez wouldn't cross the wathers, did yez (a dig with his +heels). I'm the bye that'll show yez, that, whin Patsey McQuirk's aboard +(another dig), and say's crass, ye'll crass, so yez will (dig). Ye moight +jist ez well done it first ez last, so yez moight (dig, dig), but ye'll +understand it next time, so yez will (dig, dig)." + +The mule waded on, apparantly in meek submission, until he had nearly +reached the middle of the stream, when, without the least warning, he +laid back his ears, lowered his head, and elevated his heels so quickly, +that Patsey went flying, heels over head into the stream, far towards the +opposite shore, amid the shouts and laughter of the whole party. + +He floundered about in the water for some minutes, completely bewildered. +Occasionally he would disappear; then come to the surface, half +suffocated, to again stumble, fall, and disappear; all the time calling +for "Hilp! hilp! hilp!" + +He finally reached the bank, the most woe begone, discouraged Irish boy +ever seen clothed in a buckskin suit; nor did our screams of laughter +tend to console him for his unwelcome bath: on the contrary, he began to +look about him for some one upon whom to vent his anger. + +Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, +he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started +back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground. + +At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; +but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined +to make one final effort to conquer him. + +"Ye cussid lithle hay then," cried Patsey to the mule; "I'll taych yez to +sarve an honist b'y sich a thrick ez thet, noo. Ye'll just sae how yez'll +loik the batin' ye'll get, noo;" and he proceeded to cut a stick with +which to administer the "batin';" but Jerry interrupted, and ordered +Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the +water, the mule followed without the least difficulty. + +After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what +the trouble seemed to be with his mule. + +"Faith," said he, "don't I know well enuff? The craythur's bin put up to +thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I'll be avin wid some +one, if it takes a wake's wages, whin I git to Californy." + +From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby +growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the +_Cerus Grandes,_ a remarkable species of cactus, called by the +Indians _Petahaya_, which grows to the height of forty or fifty +feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference. It is +fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that +resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by +the natives as an article of food. + +The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would +permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several +miles from our intended camping-ground. + +Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in +an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, +completely shutting in every ray of light. The darkness was so intense, +that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, +Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp. + +Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain +descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid +lightning. The thunder was terrific. As peal after peal echoed and +reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park +of artillery. So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we +involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, +and plunged and struggled to escape from the men. + +Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, +and forced to take refuge under the wagons. No attempt was made to light +a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night. + +Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our +wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the +Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall. + +We had heard many accounts of this remarkable tribe of Indians, who, for +the past eight or ten centuries, have resided upon, and cultivated the +same land. High as our expectations had been raised, we were in no +measure disappointed upon meeting them. We found them friendly, and +disposed to treat us with great kindness, freely furnishing such articles +of food as we were in need of. + +The Pimos raise fine crops of cotton, corn, wheat, melons, and +vegetables. The women weave, spin, make blankets, grind the corn, and +gather mesquite-beans. Besides doing such work, they attend to their +children, and bring all the water from the river on their heads, in large +earthen jars, frequently holding six or seven gallons, which they balance +so perfectly that they rarely spill a drop. + +The boys were much pleased with the primitive but comfortable houses, +made of poles, bent at the top to a common centre, and wattled in with +straw and corn-shucks. Each house was situated in a separate enclosure, +and surrounded by a small garden. + +The only weapon these Indians use is a bow and arrow, with which they are +very expert. + +While stopping here, we were much amused by watching a party of them +engaged in hunting ducks in one of the lagoons making up from the Gila. + +Placing a number of gourds in the water upon the windward side of the +lagoon, they were gently propelled by the wind to the opposite shore, +where they were picked up, carried back, and again sent adrift. + +At first the birds exhibited no little fear at these singular objects +floating about among them; but eventually became so used to the sight, +that they paid no attention to them. + +Observing this, each Indian cut, in a large gourd, holes for his eyes, +nose, and mouth, and then fitted it upon his head. Taking with him a long +bag, he entered the water, until nothing was seen but the gourd on his +head. Then the peculiar bobbing motion of the gourd was imitated so +exactly, that the wily hunter easily approached near enough to the birds +to seize them by the feet and drag them suddenly under the water. + +Scores of them were thus captured, and securely stowed in the bags that +they carried. + +So nicely and naturally was this done, and so great was the admiration +expressed by us all at the dexterity displayed by the hunters, that +Patsey, who had been remarkably quiet since his experience with the mule, +ventured to whisper to Ned, that "he'd aften hoonted dooks that way, in +the ould country." + +This statement, coming to the ears of Hal, by way of a joke, he proposed +that Patsey should give him a lesson in the art of gourd-hunting. The boy +at once assented to the suggestion, provided he would keep the matter a +secret from all but Ned. To this Hal agreed, at the same time taking good +care that Ned should inform us of the intended sport. + +After the Indians had obtained all the game they desired for themselves, +and we had all left the ground, Hal borrowed one of the gourds for +Patsey. This the boy fitted to his head, and, bag in hand, boldly started +into the water, just as Jerry and myself arrived upon the field of +observation. + +He waded some distance down the lagoon without meeting with any mishap; +but, just as he came near to a large flock, unfortunately stepped into a +hole, and at once disappeared from sight. + +The next moment he rose to the surface with arms extended, thrashing the +water like the paddles of a side-wheel steamboat, and making a noise not +unlike the first attempt of a young mule to bray. + +This strange performance of course frightened the birds, who rose in a +body, with a tremendous flapping of wings. This, joined to our own shouts +of laughter, so terrified Patsey, that he started for the shore, +floundering about in the water like a porpoise. + +He finally reached the bank; and then we discovered that the gourd had +slipped down under his chin, and turned completely around, with the holes +at the back of his head, in which position it was stuck fast. + +Patsey groped blindly about for a few minutes, greatly incensed at our +roars of laughter; and then, convinced of his inability to get rid of the +mask unaided, seated himself upon the ground, and quietly submitted to +have it removed by breaking it with rocks. + +The instant it was off, he flew at Hal, and would have soundly thrashed +him, "for the thrick he had put upon him," had not Jerry interfered to +prevent. This adventure, however, completely cured Patsey of boasting; +for not once again during the entire trip did he indulge in what had +heretofore been a favorite pastime. Nor was Patsey the only one who +learned a lesson while at the Pimo villages. Master Hal, who was +determined to try his hand at trading with the natives, found it anything +but a profitable business; for he disposed of nearly his entire share of +the stock of goods, for articles that were utterly useless to us, and +which we were obliged to abandon before getting through. + +Five days from the Pimo villages, we reached Fort Yuma, at the junction +of the Gila and Colorado rivers; but, with the thermometer at 118° in the +shade, we remained at this post only long enough to cross our wagons over +the Colorado, when we found ourselves upon the borders of the great +California desert, which extends in all directions as far as the eye can +reach, except towards the south-west, where, fifty miles away, a +mountain-range is to be seen, its blue peaks towering high in mid-air. + +The entire country, for hundreds of miles, is covered with a loose, +shifting, blinding, white sand, and is entirely destitute of vegetation +or water. + +We fancied we were well prepared for the journey over this vast plain; +but, notwithstanding the care taken, we suffered all the torments that +thirst can inflict, while our poor animals almost famished by the way. +Our route was plainly marked, the entire distance, by the bleached bones +and dried carcasses of mules, oxen, and sheep, interspersed with +abandoned wagons and whitened skeletons of emigrants, who had perished on +the way. At one place, we came upon a train of seven abandoned wagons, +loaded with household goods. The harnesses remained where they had been +thrown, after removing them; provisions were lying exposed upon a box, as +though the family had been obliged to leave before finishing the meal; +but not a living creature was in sight and, from the general appearance +of the scene, we judged it must have been deserted for weeks. It was a +sad sight: such a picture of desolation, as I care never again to +witness. + +Who the owners were, from whence they came, whither they were bound, or +what was their fate,--must stand one of the secrets of the desert, until +revealed at the final day. + +After three days of terrible suffering, we reached the banks of Carrizo +Creek. It would be impossible to describe the eagerness with which all, +men and animals, plunged down its steep banks, or how we laughed and +shouted as the murmur of its sparkling waters fell upon our ears, or with +what pleasure we laved our burning flesh in its coolness. + +This oasis in the desert is deserving a more extended description than I +can give here; for it probably has not its equal in the world. The stream +rises in sand, flows through sand, and disappears in sand; having worn +for itself a channel about a mile in length, fifteen or twenty feet deep, +and nearly thirty in width. The water is clear, and deliciously cool and +sweet. + +Here, under the benign influence exerted by this spring, we all for a +time forgot our troubles: even Patsey so far forgave Hal for the "thricks +he had put upon him," that I saw them sitting together, waist-deep in the +water; the Irish boy utterly oblivious of the fact that he had neglected, +before taking his bath, to remove the "buckskin suit," which had already +become considerably shrunken and curtailed, of its fair proportions, by +reason of its previous wettings. + +During the night we encamped here, I suddenly awoke from a very sound +sleep, and saw the form of old Jerry, standing in bold relief in the +moonlight upon the top of the bank, and Apparantly gazing far out into +the desert. + +He stood so long motionless, that I thought him asleep; but, upon +speaking, to my surprise he came and seated himself by my side, and said, +"Look here, judge, I want to tell yer a story. Will yer hear it?" + +I told him I would, with pleasure; and he began as follows:-- + +"It was nine year ago this spring, and the first trip I ever made across +this desert. We hed been six days from Yuma to this place: the sun all +the time like a ball of fire, and the sand so hot it burnt one's naked +feet to a blister. Not a drop of water hed we hed for our animals for +three days, and only a teaspoonful for ourselves. + +"On the mornin' of the sixth day, my thirst became so great, that I +determined to start out by myself, and find water. I give my mule the +rein, and he brought me to the edge of this gully; and, when I looked +down into it and see the clear, cold water sparklin' and shinin' like +diamonds, why, I burst right out into a loud laugh. + +"After I stopped laughin', and was a-gittin' down towards the water, I +heerd a kind of noise from the other side of the creek, and looked up; +and, the first thing I see, settin' on the edge on t'other side, was a +boy about twelve years old, tryin' ter call to me. + +"At first I couldn't believe my own eyes; but I shut 'em up for a minute, +and looked again, and there he was, as plain as day, and not another +livin' creeter but my old hoss in sight. + +"Well, I was beat, an'no mistake. Bless me! I kin see the little feller +jest as I seen him that morning,--and a perfect little gentleman he was +too. Yes, and I've seen his pale, thin face and great starin' brown eyes +a-lookin' into mine, a thousand times since that day. + +"I went right over to where he was, and spoke ter him. The little feller +smiled when I came up, and shook his head, as much as to say, that he +couldn't speak. I asked him where he came from, and where his folks was, +and how they come ter leave him alone on the plains, with nobody to look +out for and take care of him; but he only shook his head, and looked up +into my face so piteous and sorrowful like, that I felt my heart go right +out to him. I couldn't understand how the little feller got there; for +his clothes were all new,--the soles of his little boots warn't even +stained. + +[Illustration: A Mystery.] + +"Well, I talked to him a long time afore I remembered I hadn't had a +drink myself; so I asked him if he wanted water, and he nodded his head. +I went down to the creek there, and filled my hat, and warn't away more +than three minutes; but, when I got back, he was gone."--"Where did he go +to, Jerry?" asked Ned, who, unperceived, had been listening to the story. + +"Go to," echoed Jerry, "ther ain't anybody kin tell that. Why, I hunted +every foot, for a mile around, and couldn't find a sign of his trail; and +I never have seen or heerd of him since. Now, judge, I seen him, felt +him, talked to him, and know he was there; and thar hain't never been a +doubt in my mind as to what become of him." + +"Well, Jerry, how do you account for his disappearance?" inquired I. + +"Angels!" was the sententious reply. + +"Pooh!" remarked the matter-of-fact Ned; "angels don't wear clothes and +boots." + +"How do you know?" inquired Jerry. + +"Why, I never heard they did," answered Ned. + +"Did you ever hear they didn't?" continued the old man. "I never believed +in 'em much afore then, and I sartin hain't bed no reason to, on this +trip, so far as I know. Now, judge, you're the first one I ever told that +story to; and it's true, every word of it. What do yer reckon become of +him, if 'twain't angels?" + +"I can't say, Jerry," was my reply. "That is one of the secrets of the +desert, which I cannot answer." + +"Well, I reckon I've talked, about as long as I ought to, at this time of +night; but I've never come this way since then, without thinkin' thet +perhaps I might see him again. I never shall, though, I reckon; and I +s'pose I'd better give up all hopes of it, and may as well go to bed +again." + +As soon as he had gone, Ned crawled over to my side, and said, "Do you +really believe that it was an angel Jerry saw?" + +I endeavored to explain to the boy, that Jerry had been the victim of one +of those strange illusions defined in Sanskrit, as "The thirst of the +gazelle," which is frequently experienced by travellers in the desert, +causing them to imagine they see those objects in which their souls most +delight, but which exist only, in their imaginations. Nor is it possible, +ever after to convince the beholder, that the vision was not real. + +The following day's journey carried us out of the arid, desert country, +through magnificent groves of oak, over beautiful green prairies, and by +ranches, whose cattle were, in truth, "feeding on a thousand hills." The +contrast was as surprising, as it was graceful and pleasing; and, when at +last we reached the summit of the high land that overlooked the beautiful +blue waters of the Pacific, and saw, cozily nestled on the plain below +us, facing the sea, the quaint old town of San Diego, with its +magnificent date-palms, and rare old architecture, we all fairly shouted +for joy. + +The dangers and perils we had passed through, the privations we had +suffered, the petty jealousies that had arisen, the unkind words spoken, +--all were alike forgiven and forgotton in the rapture caused by the sight +of that "shining shore" we had travelled so many weary miles to see. + +Our arrival at San Diego was most opportune, for there was a great +scarcity of goods in the market, which enabled us to dispose of ours, at +such prices that we realized a handsome profit, after paying the expenses +of our entire trip. + +Indeed, we found ourselves in the possession of so much money, that we +deemed it advisable to hold a consultation, as to the best manner of +investing it. + +Hal declared, that he would speculate with it; and thereby take the +chance of doubling the capital in a few weeks, perhaps days. + +Ned was for purchasing a stock of goods in San Francisco, and going into +general merchandise. + +Jerry declared for a stock-ranche, and I--why, I decided with Jerry, of +course. + +"And what do you say, Patsey," called out Ned. + +"Well, I'd take the money, an' buy me a new buckskin suit, and sthart +back for the ould country, shure. Divil a day would yez kitch me stoppin' +in a counthry like this, iny longer thin it would take to git out of it." + +After properly canvassing the matter, we decided to purchase a ranche, +stock it well with cattle, and place it in charge of old Jerry, with Hal +and Ned as assistants, and Patsey as "general utility boy." + +The ranche, under old Jerry's management, has become a valuable piece of +property, branding over a thousand calves the last spring. + +Hal, who, since his arrival here, has corresponded regularly with +Juanita, is now on a visit to Chihuahua, and the last letter I received +from him spoke of his marriage as a settled thing in the coming fall. +After that interesting event is over, he proposes to bring his wife home +with him. + +Ned is one of the most respected and honored citizens of San-Diego +county, and Patsey is growing rich from the profits of a small country +store. + +Old Jerry is alive, and insists upon having his camp-fire lighted every +night, smoking his pipe by the cheerful blaze, and telling a story. Then +he spreads his "painter-skin," and "turns in;" for nothing will induce +the old man to sleep within the four walls of a house. He says "it chocks +him right up, so, he can't; fur the life of him, he don't see how a white +man can stan' it." + +And now, my dear readers, having crossed the Continent together, and at +last found a home upon the shores of the beautiful Pacific, you and I +must part; but, if you ever chance to visit San Diego, come and see us at +the Buena-Vista stock-ranche, and you shall hear old Jerry tell a "story +of the road," beside his camp-fire, and receive from Hal and Ned a +genuine Western welcome. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10810 *** diff --git a/10810-h/10810-h.htm b/10810-h/10810-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..50a3a90 --- /dev/null +++ b/10810-h/10810-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6131 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Trail Hunters, by Samuel Woodworth Cozzens</title> +<style type="text/css"> +body { font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; + background-color: #ffffff; + color: #000000} + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10810 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Young Trail Hunters, by Samuel Woodworth +Cozzens</h1> + +</pre> + +<center><b>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Gary Toffelmire, Sjaani,<br /> + and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr /> +<br /> +<br /> +<table width="80%" border="0" align="center"> + <tr> + <td> + <h1 align="center">THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS</h1> + <div align="center"><img src="images/img01.jpg" alt="Prairie On Fire" /> </div> + <h2 align="center">OR, THE WILD RIDERS OF THE PLAINS.</h2> +</td> +<td> + +<br /><hr style="width: 45%;" /><br /> + +<p>THE VERITABLE ADVENTURES OF HAL HYDE AND NED BROWN, +ON THEIR JOURNEY ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS +OF THE SOUTH-WEST.</p> + +<br /><hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <div align="center"><br /> + </div> + <h2 align="center">BY</h2> + <h2 align="center">SAMUEL WOODWORTH COZZENS</h2> + + <h3 align="center">1877</h3> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<h3>TO THE READER.</h3> + +<p>From my youth up, no book ever fascinated me like one of travel and +adventure in Indian lands, where danger attends every step; and, +believing that the hair-breadth escapes of my young friends, Hal and Ned, +in crossing with me, the great plains of the South-West, a few years +since, will prove entertaining, as well as instructive, I have taken +great pleasure in recounting them.</p> + +<p>The delineation of the habits, characteristics, and barbarous customs of +the savages, who, for centuries, have roamed over those vast plains, is +the result of my personal observation among these, now fast vanishing, +Indian tribes.</p> + +<p>If this narrative proves a sufficient inducement for you to follow "THE +TRAIL HUNTERS," to the end, a future volume to be entitled "CROSSING THE +QUICKSANDS, OR HAL AND NED ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE," will acquaint you with +some of the startling adventures befalling my young friends, after +reaching their homes in the far west.</p> + +<p>Hoping to merit your hearty commendation, I have the honor to subscribe +myself, THE AUTHOR.</p> +<br /> + +<h3>CONTENTS.</h3> +<br /> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap1">CHAPTER I.</a></strong><br /> +The Wild Mustangs.—Hal and Ned.—The Black and the Bay.—Manuel the +Herder.—The Mustang-breaker.—Life on a Stock Ranche.—A Sudden Start.— +On the Road.—The Lone Mule.—The Stampede.—Attacked by Comanches.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap2">CHAPTER II.</a></strong><br /> +Under the Wagons.—The Lost Stock.—Jerry Vance the Wagon-master.—His +Pluck is aroused.—We take the Trail.—The Comanche Camp.—A Surprise.— +The Result.—Visitors.—Cuchillo, the Comanche Chief.—The Missourians. +—The Arapahoe Guide.—The Farewell.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap3">CHAPTER III.</a></strong><br /> +The Return to Camp.—The' Boys Missing.—A Search.—Treed.—The Wild +Mexican Hogs.—An Adventure.-The Combat.—The Release.—A Cry of +Distress.—An Ugly Customer—The Panther.—A Terrible Struggle.— +Victory.—Old Jerry wounded.—Camp at last.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap4">CHAPTER IV.</a></strong><br /> +Jerry's Story.—"Byse hain't got no Bizness on the Plains, nohow."—A +Hunting Expedition.—Antonio, the "Mustanger" of the Leona.—"Creasing" a +Wild Horse.—The Prairie-dog Town.—Wild Turkeys.—The Missing Boys. +Prisoners in the Hands of the Comanches.—The "Lingo" of the Plains.—The +Ransom and Rescue.—Dog Meat.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap5">CHAPTER V.</a></strong><br /> +Comanches in the Distance.—Attacked.—The Fight.—The Arapahoe Scout to +the Rescue.—Wounded.—Comanche Signals.—More Trouble.—The Ambuscade.— +A Night Attack.—A Mule killed.—Ned's first Indian.—"A'stonishin' +Boy."—Old Jerry's Pride.—Once more on the Road.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap6">CHAPTER VI.</a></strong><br /> +The Track in the Sand.—What made it.—A Lesson on Trailing.—What +constitutes a good Woodsman.—A Discovery.—Indians.—A Female Captive +To the Rescue.—Our Ride.—A Run for Life.—The Fight.—Death.—More +Hints about Trailing.—The Mexican.—Old Jerry's Observation.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap7">CHAPTER VII.</a></strong><br /> +The San Pedro.—An Antelope Hunt.—We strike a Fresh Trail.—An Attack of +"Buck Fever."—Hal a Victim.—I endeavor to comfort him.—A Promise.—The +Black-tailed Deer.—The Call and the Snake.—Another Attempt.—Defeated +by a Panther.—The Rio Pecos.—The Country through which it runs.—Old +Acquaintances in the Distance.—On a Bender.—Ned to the Rescue.—Old +Jerry's Bear Story.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></strong><br /> +The Comanche War Trail.—A Visitor in Camp.—Hal loses his Pony.—An +Adventure with a Horse-thief.—Creeping Serpent.—Hints on Horse-stealing. +—Dust in the Distance. Hal recognizes his Pony.—A Good Shot.— +Its Effect.—The Prairie on Fire.—Imminent Peril.—Hard Work.—Comanche +Springs.—Fort Davis.—A Pretty Girl,—Patsey McQuirk.—Ned kills an +Antelope.—Don Ramon.—The Camp attacked.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap9">CHAPTER IX.</a></strong><br /> +Juanita captured.—A Brutal Murder.—Once more on the Trail.—We lose +it.—The Hide for Life.—Return to Camp.—The Messenger to the Fort.— +Terrible News.—The Dragoons in the Saddle.—Hal taken Prisoner.—Off for +El Paso.—We start for the Silver Mines.—The Cave.—Adventure with a +Bear.—The Mine.—What we saw.—We start for Fillmore.—Good News.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap10">CHAPTER X.</a></strong><br /> +Tom Pope the Scout.—His Report.—An Expedition planned.—Tom's Story.— +A Comanche Village.—The Prisoner.—A New Way of Cooking Steak.—Big +Eagle the Chief.—An Escape, and Pursuit.—Soldiers from the Fort.—Our +Expedition starts.—The Organos Mountains,—Ned's Adventure with a +Rattlesnake.—We strike the Trail and follow it.—Hard Riding.—A +Discovery.—Is it Comanche or Apache?—The Moccasin.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap11">CHAPTER XI.</a></strong><br /> +The Tell-tale, and what it said.—Jerry's Decision.—The Ride.—A +Reconnoissance.—The Indian Camp.—Military Rule.—A Happy Thought.—The +Rifle-shot.—The Rescue.—How Ned obeyed the Lieutenant's Orders.—On +the Rampage.—Hal on Hand.—The Spoils.—Rejoicings over Juanita's +Return.—What Tom says.—Ned wounded.—A Mountain Carriage.—Arrival at +the Fort.—The Little Gold Ring.—Good-bye, Juanita.—"Disrispict."—A +Fight.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap12">CHAPTER XII.</a></strong><br /> +Once more on the Road.—We cross the Rio Grande.—Mesilla.—Hal's +Purchase.—A False Alarm.—A Ludicrous Scene.—An Unexpected Arrival in +Camp.—Patsey's Adventure with the "Divil."—"That bar" again.—What +Jerry says.—An Unsuccessful Hunt.—A Startling Echo.—Apache Visitors.— +El Chico.—The Apache Chief.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></strong><br /> +Mr. Mastin.—Mangas Colorado.—Cadette.—A Terrible Battle.—Hal begins +his Story of Apache Land.—An Interruption.—"The Bear's goned."—The +Pursuit.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></strong><br /> +A Bear Hunt.—Patsey explains.—A Promise.—Continuation of Hal's Story.— +Warm Blood.—A Feast of Mule Meat.—The Mountain Cave.—A Punishment.— +Despair.—The Crack of a Rifle.—Liberty.—The Smoke Signal.—The Spy.— +The Two Eyes.—A Horrible Situation.—Relief at last.—A Dissertation on +Apaches.—Their Manners and Customs.—A Surprise.—A Desperate +Adventure.—Arrival at Apache Pass.—"Sooap."—An Attack.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap15">CHAPTER XV.</a></strong><br /> +The Herd in Danger.—We rally.—The Fight.—Death and Burial.—Patsey in +Trouble.—"Shnakes."—A Lively Dance for a "ded Mon."—Rocky Mountain +Sheep.—A Description of them.—The Wild Ox.—Not a Success as +<i>Lazadors</i>.—An Exciting Chase.—Tit for Tat.—The Boys worsted.— +Mountain Dew.—Patsey pronounces.—The Buckskin Suit.—The Old Mission.— +Arrival at Tucson.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></strong><br /> +Hal's Trade.—The New Mule.—A Storm.—Patsey's Ride. A Laughable +Adventure.—We start at last.—The Pimo Indians.—Manners and +Manufactures.—A Duck Hunt.—"How they hoont Ducks in the ould +Counthry."—A Bath.—Arrive at Yuma.—Crossing the Desert.—Terrible +Suffering.—Carrizo Creek, and the "Thirst of the Gazelle."—Jerry's +Story.—Angels.—Arrival at San Diego.—Good News.—A Stock Ranche.—Mrs. +Hyde that is to be.—An Invitation from Old Jerry.</p> + + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<h1>THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS.</h1> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap1"></a><h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<p>"Boys, the mustangs will be up from the range this morning. Which of you +want to go down to the corral with me?"</p> + +<p>"I do! I do!" exclaimed both in the same breath.</p> + +<p>"I spoke first," cried Hal.</p> + +<p>"No, you didn't; I spoke first myself," retorted Ned.</p> + +<p>"I say you didn't," rejoined Hal.</p> + +<p>Seeing that the dispute was likely to become a serious one, I interrupted +it by saying,—</p> + +<p>"Well, boys, I'll settle the matter at once by taking you both with me. +In this way there'll be no chance for a quarrel."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" exclaimed Ned. "We can both go; ain't that nice?"</p> + +<p>"But I spoke first, though," declared Hal. "Never mind which spoke first. +If either of you want to go with me, you must come now."</p> + +<p>We immediately started towards the corral; but, before reaching it, I saw +the herd coming over the plain towards us, their heads high in air, as +though sniffing the morning breeze, their necks proudly arched, and long +manes and tails gracefully flowing to the wind, as they pranced and +gambolled along the high swell of land that marked the gentle descent to +the valley where we stood.</p> + +<p>As soon as the boys discovered them, they went into raptures, +exclaiming,—</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a big drove of horses! Whose are they? Are they all yours? +Can't I have one to ride? What are you going to do with them?" and a +hundred other questions, asked more rapidly than I could possibly find +opportunity to answer.</p> + +<p>As the mustangs came nearer, and the boys began to distinguish more +clearly their elegant forms and beautiful color, they became greatly +excited, declaring loudly, that, if they could only have one of them to +ride, they should be perfectly happy.</p> + +<p>I found great difficulty in so far repressing them, that they would not +frighten the herd which was now close to the enclosure; but finally +succeeded in keeping them quiet, by promising that each should have one +for his own.</p> + +<p>When the last of the gang had passed into the corral and the gate was +shut, the boys mounted the wall, eager to select their ponies. This was +soon done: Hal choosing a beautiful black, and Ned deciding upon a +spirited blood-bay mare.</p> + + <img src="images/img02.jpg" alt="In Camp" align="left" /> + <p>Calling Manuel, the Mexican herder, I gave the requisite order, and he +entered the corral, lasso in hand. He stood for a moment, waiting his +opportunity, and then, swinging the rope gracefully over his head, the +noose dropped upon the neck of the black.</p> + +<p>The instant she felt it touch, she lowered her head, in an endeavor to +throw it off; but Manuel anticipated the movement, and gently tightened +it; when, with a snort of defiance, she settled back on her haunches, as +though inviting him to a trial of strength.</p> + +<p>After many and repeated failures, by the exercise of great patience and +skill, Manuel succeeded in separating her from the remainder of the herd, +and leading her into another and smaller enclosure.</p> + +<p>And then commenced the contest with the bay. The herd had by this time +become very sensitive, and it was with great difficulty that Manuel +managed to cast his noose over the mare's head; and, even when this had +been accomplished, she seemed disposed to make him all the trouble +possible; but, after a long time, he obtained the mastery, and led her +out to share the fate of her black companion.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, you've got the ponies, what are you going to do with them?" +asked I.</p> + +<p>"Do with 'em? Why, ride 'em, of course," answered Hal.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see some one ride mine, before I back her," remarked Ned.</p> + +<p>"And so you shall," said I. "Come, Manuel, let's see you ride the bay."</p> + +<p>First obtaining one end of the lasso, which still encircled her neck, he +made a turn around a stout post, which enabled him to bring her head so +perfectly under his control, that, with comparative ease, he made a loop +with his lasso around her lower jaw; then, leading her into the open +plain, he vaulted lightly upon her back.</p> + +<p>The moment she felt his weight she uttered a scream of rage, and raised +herself upright upon her hind legs, standing so admirably poised that +Manuel was only able to retain his seat by clinging with both arms around +her neck. Unable to rid herself of her burden in this manner, she planted +her fore feet firmly on the earth, and elevated her hind legs high in the +air with great rapidity and fury, forcing the rider to turn quickly upon +her back and clasp his arms tightly around the barrel of her body, +bracing his toes against the point of her fore shoulders, and thus +rendering futile all her frantic efforts to unseat him.</p> + +<p>Apparantly convinced that neither of these methods would relieve her, she +stood still for a moment, as if to gather strength for a last, grand, +final effort for her freedom; then, bounding like a deer, she dashed +furiously over the plain.</p> + +<p>Away she sped, Manuel still upon her back, now disappearing for a moment +in some ravine, to again come in sight, galloping madly over the swell of +the plain, swerving neither to the right nor the left, but once more +disappearing, to finally become lost in the distance.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I ain't on her," said Ned. "Will she ever come back? If she +does, I don't want to ride her. Didn't she just fly, though? Do you +believe I shall ever be able to manage her?"</p> + +<p>"I think perhaps after Manuel gets through with her, you'll find it +easier than you imagine," was my answer.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to ride as well as Manuel," remarked Hal. "I wonder if all +Mexicans ride as nicely as he does."</p> + +<p>"Many do; and there are thousands of Americans in Texas who ride equally +well, if they do not surpass him in horsemanship."</p> + +<p>"Then I mean to learn how to do it," rejoined Hal; "and I won't be +satisfied until I do."</p> + +<p>"You may as well commence now, on your black, Hal. She's waiting and +ready for you," remarked Ned.</p> + +<p>"Thank you! but I believe I'll wait and see how the bay comes out. Come, +let's go and see the beauty," said Hal; and the two started for the +corral, to discuss the probable relative speed of the captives.</p> + +<p>A couple of hours later, we saw Manuel returning; the mare trotting as +quietly as though she had been accustomed to the saddle for years. Riding +up to where we stood, he dismounted; and, handing Ned the end of the +lasso, said,—</p> + +<p>"There, youngster, throw this over her head, and lead her to the corral. +She'll fancy you're the one who first gained the mastery over her, and +you won't have no trouble in riding her when you want to."</p> + +<p>Ned led her to the corral, and then Hal's mare was obliged to submit to a +similar experience; and, after that, the boys, with Manuel to instruct, +mounted their ponies and took their first lesson in mustang riding.</p> + +<p>Hal Hyde and Ned Brown were two boys who had arrived from the East the +night previous to the morning on which our story opens.</p> + +<p>They were the sons of two old friends of mine, and had been sent to +Texas that they might learn something of life upon a stock-ranche.</p> + +<p>It is not my intention, however, to relate their experience during the +few months they remained on the Ranchee; for they found, after the first +novelty had worn off, the life was dull and exceedingly tiresome. So +monotonous did it become in fact, that it was with difficulty I persuaded +them to remain, even until the fall, when I intended to make a journey +overland to California.</p> + +<p>As the time drew near for me to start, the boys became so anxious to +accompany me, that I finally decided to travel with my own team, instead +of taking the stage to San Diego, as I had originally intended. I +purchased four stout wagons, and thirty mules with harness and outfit for +the road, complete; and engaged the services of an old Texan named Jerry +Vance, as wagon-master for the trip. We also bought a small but +well-selected lot of goods, suitable for either the Mexican or Indian +trade; laid in a large stock of stores for use on the road; and then +awaited the departure of some "freighter" for the "Upper Country," that +we might take advantage of the better protection afforded by a large +party in travelling through a country infested by hostile bands of +Indians.</p> + +<p>The boys became very impatient to be off; for we had gone into camp near +the headwaters of the San Pedro, four miles above the city of San +Antonio, and their only amusement consisted in practising with their +rifles or revolvers or exercising their ponies.</p> + +<p>At last (it was the first day of September) Jerry brought word to camp, +that, on the following morning, Magoffin's train, consisting of seventeen +wagons, forty men, and two hundred mules, would start for Fort Fillmore, +nearly a thousand miles away upon our direct route.</p> + +<p>This was indeed agreeable news; and the boys could hardly contain +themselves for joy at the thought of so soon being on the road.</p> + +<p>Every one about camp went to work with a will; for there were many things +yet to be done before we should be ready to leave.</p> + +<p>Mules were to be shod, harness examined, wheels greased, nuts tightened, +firearms put in order and freshly loaded, wagons repacked, and, in fact, +a thousand things that are always postponed until the last minute before +starting on a trip like ours.</p> + +<p>Shortly after sundown, however, old Jerry announced everything ready, and +then we gathered around our camp-fire, and the boys spent the evening in +asking him questions about the route, which were easily answered; for he +had passed over it seven times, and met with hundreds of adventures on +the road, that afforded both instruction and amusement for his listeners.</p> + +<p>It is the story of our trip across the plains, from San Antonio, Texas, +to San Diego, California, as well as some of the adventures we +encountered on the road, that I have to tell you.</p> + +<p>Long before daylight the next morning I was awakened by the noise and +confusion in camp, incident to a first start. Men were shouting at the +mules; mules were braying; whips cracking; wheels creaking; and, far +above all, I could hear the loud voices of Hal and Ned, now giving orders +and endeavoring to instruct old Jerry how to catch an unruly mule that +seemed disposed to make some trouble, and again cautioning every one to +make no noise, for fear of disturbing me before my breakfast should be +ready.</p> + +<p>Springing to my feet, I found that the teams were already harnessed, and +only waiting the appearance of our travelling companions to start.</p> + +<p>Breakfast was soon dispatched, the camp equipage, blankets, etc., stowed +in one of the wagons; and very shortly the still morning air bore to our +ears the distant rumble of heavy wagons, the shouts of the teamsters, and +the many sounds indicating the approach of a large train. Presently the +herd of spare mules was seen, and then the covers of the wagons. We +mounted our ponies, old Jerry called out in a cherry tone, +"<i>Vamose</i>!" the teamsters cracked their whips, the mules pulled with +a will, and we fell in behind the wagons, and were at last fairly on the +road, bound for the "Golden State."</p> + +<p>As the first rays of the rising sun flashed athwart the beautiful green +prairie, the boys gave a yell of delight at the sight, which was indeed a +glorious one;—the long line of wagons, each drawn by eight mules, +stretching far ahead and following the tortuous windings of the road, +their white covers, blue bodies, and bright red wheels presenting a +contrast to the sober green of the surrounding country that was at once +pleasing and unique.</p> + + <img src="images/img03.jpg" alt="Leading The Train" align="left" /> + <p>As we realized the truly formidable appearance of the caravan, Hal, with +his usual impetuosity, declared that there wern't Indians enough in the +country to whip us; for confirmation of his opinion, appealing to old +Jerry, who, however, only shrugged his shoulders after the peculiar +manner of frontiersmen, and said, "<i>Quien sabe?</i>" or, who knows?</p> + +<p>For five long days we followed the road, without meeting with any +incident worthy of note. The settlements had all been passed, Fort Clark +left far behind, and not an Indian been seen by any of our party.</p> + +<p>On the evening of the eighth day, we encamped upon the banks of the +Nucces. It was a beautiful night. The young moon was fast sinking behind +the line of the distant mountains, leaving us to enjoy the light of our +camp-fire, and admire its ruddy glow, reflected on the snow-white covers +of our wagons. These were parked in a semi-circle around us, and forcibly +recalled to my mind the stories I had read in my boyhood, of gipsy +encampments upon some grand old English barren.</p> + +<p>"Now I call this comfort," said Hal, as he lazily stretched himself upon +a blanket before the fire. "Eight days on the road, and we haven't seen +an Indian. I don't believe there are any. Now what's the use of standing +guard and shivering round the camp half the night, watching for Indians +that never come?"</p> + +<p>"I come on first to-night, and shall stand my watch, at any rate," said +Ned. "And before it gets any darker, we'd better drive the mules down to +water."</p> + +<p>"Do you think," asked Hal, appealing to me, "that there's any need of +standing guard to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly I do," replied I. "It's always best to be on the safe side. +Why not exercise the same precaution to-night that we have since we left +San Antonio? It is impossible to tell how near Indians may be, or when +they will attack us. Travellers on the plains should be prepared for any +emergency."</p> + +<p>"True as preachin'," interrupted old Jerry. "They ain't so very fur off, +either. I've seen 'em signalin' all the afternoon, and signalin' allers +means bizness with them red varmints. If we don't see 'em to-night, we +shall afore a great while, and I think—"</p> + +<p>"Never mind what you think," interrupted Hal, saucily. "You are always +imagining things that never come to pass. I guess you've been pretty +badly scared some time by Indians."</p> + +<p>"Wal, young man, when you've travelled over these plains as many years as +I hev, maybe you'll know more about Injuns than you do now, and maybe you +won't," rejoined Jerry, in a tone of contempt, as he slowly moved away in +the direction of the herd.</p> + +<p>Asking Jerry to make sure that the animals were properly secured, I threw +myself down on Hal's blanket, and gazed into the fire.</p> + +<p>Jerry and the boys soon returned, saying that the animals were perfectly +safe; but somehow I found it impossible to rid myself of the impression +made by Jerry's casual remark. Calling him to me, I asked him more +particularly about the signals he had seen. His answer did not relieve my +uneasiness, for he said,—</p> + +<p>"Them varmints don't make smoke for nothing; and, when you see 'em in so +many directions, it's a sure sign that they're gatherin' for mischief: at +least, that's my 'sperience."</p> + +<p>As it was still early in the evening, I determined to walk over to +Magoffin's camp, which was about a quarter of a mile above us, and +ascertain if his men had seen anything to cause them to apprehend danger. +I found that Don Ignacio, the wagon-master, fully corroborated Jerry's +statements about the smoke signals, adding that he intended to have a +very strict watch kept that night.</p> + +<p>With, tins information I returned to camp; and, after telling the boys +what I had heard and cautioning them to keep a sharp lookout during their +watch, I "turned in," resolved to nap "with one eye open" myself.</p> + +<p>I lay for a long time trying in vain to compose myself to sleep; but, +finding it impossible to do so, concluded to rise and endeavor to walk my +nervousness away.</p> + +<p>Without thinking of my firearms, I sallied forth, and must have travelled +nearly a mile, when I came suddenly upon a mule, standing alone, a short +distance from the roadside.</p> + +<p>Supposing it to be one of our own, which, through carelessness, had been +permitted to stray from the herd, I attempted to secure it, with the +intention of leading it back; but, to my surprise, it started and dashed +furiously away across the prairie, in an opposite direction from camp.</p> + +<p>I well knew that a mule, when alone on the plains, is one of the most +docile creatures in the world, and will permit any one save an Indian to +approach it without making an effort to escape; consequently, the more I +thought of the matter the more singular it seemed. Returning to camp, I +found old Jerry awake and on the alert, and briefly told him what I had +seen, asking him if he did not think it a strange thing for the animal to +do.</p> + +<p>Without a moment's hesitation he replied,—</p> + +<p>"Strange? no! That air lost critter of yourn was a Comanche scout's, you +bet; and, bein' a scout, he couldn't have done nothin' else, 'cause it +might hev spilt their entire calculation. You'll hev a chance ter see him +agin afore mornin', I reckon."</p> + +<p>"But there was no Indian with the mule," I insisted.</p> + + <img src="images/img04.jpg" alt="Comanche Riding" align="right" /> + <p>"Ten to one there was, though," replied Jerry. "You ain't so well +'quainted with them Comanches as I be. They're cunnin' fellers! They +never show themselves when they're on a horse, or in a fight. They just +stick closer'n a tick to their hoss's side, and do a heap of mighty good +shootin' from under his neck, I can tell you. Why, I've seen forty of 'em +comin' full tilt right towards me, and narry Injun in sight."</p> + +<p>"If you think they are going to attack us, Jerry, hadn't we better rouse +the camp at once, and notify Magoffin's people?"</p> + +<p>"We'd better just tend to ourselves, and let other folks do the same; and +as to rousin' the camp, why them boys is a heap better off asleep than +they would be round here. That's a nice sort of a guard, ain't it?" said +Jerry, pointing to Hal, who was slumbering soundly near the fire. "That's +just what he was doin' when I got up; and on his watch too. We can git +along without any such help as thet. Air your shootin'-irons reddy?"</p> + +<p>Before I had time to reply to his question, the sharp, shrill war-whoop of +the Comanches fell upon our ears, ringing out on the still night air with +a yell fiendish enough to paralyze the stoutest heart. For a single +instant it lasted, and then the most unearthly din that can possibly be +imagined filled the air; while the neighing of horses, the braying of +mules, beating of drums, and discordant jangle of bells, accompanied by +an occasional discharge of firearms, rendered the scene as near +pandemonium as it is possible to conceive.</p> + +<p>We saw a dozen or more dusky forms coming towards us, and Jerry and +myself raised our rifles and fired.</p> + +<p>Hal, Ned, and the teamsters were by this time awake; the latter being +obliged to give their whole attention to the animals, which were making +frantic exertions to escape.</p> + +<p>The boys rushed in the most frightened manner from one place to another,—not knowing what to do or where to go,—only adding to the terrible +confusion; until, by Jerry's direction, they ensconced themselves under +one of the wagons, with orders not to leave it without express +permission.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap2"></a><h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<p>As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them +ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If +ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us, +that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't +no more danger to-night."</p> + +<p>At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon, +both looking exceedingly foolish.</p> + +<p>"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal, +turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I +wasn't scart a particle."</p> + +<p>"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you +won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we +shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man."</p> + +<p>"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see +about the mules, Jerry."</p> + +<p>"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now," +said Jerry.</p> + +<p>An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken +in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised, +they were the ones that had been tied by the boys.</p> + +<p>"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would," said Jerry; "and, judge, ef they've lost any, and +will let me hev twenty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back +afore ter-morrow night at this time, or you may call old Jerry a liar, +and that's what no man ever done yet, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think it can be done, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sartin of it," was the confident reply.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll go over and talk with Magoffin; and, if he's lost any stock +and will lend us the men, I've no objection to your making the attempt."</p> + +<p>"You bet, judge, he'll see for himself, that them cussed varmints won't +hev more'n four hours the start; an', ef he'll let us hev the men, we kin +ketch 'em, sartin."</p> + +<p>I visited Magoffin's camp, and found it, like our own, in some confusion. +I ascertained, however, that Magoffin himself was not with the train, +which was in charge of his <i>major-domo,</i> or head man, Don Ignacio. +Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules +were missing. I then briefly stated Jerry's proposition, to which Don +Ignacio immediately assented, offering to accompany the expedition +himself.</p> + +<p>Word was sent to Jerry; and, half an hour afterwards, when I reached +camp, I found him ready for a start.</p> + +<p>Hal and Ned were both extremely anxious to go; but Jerry would not hear +to it for a moment, declaring they must remain and take charge of camp +during our absence.</p> + +<p>The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from +Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three +days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of <i>atole</i> [Wheat and +brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold +water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked +beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every +man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty +rounds of ammunition in his belt.</p> + +<p>A delay of a few moments only, and we were off.</p> + +<p>We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly +direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,—</p> + +<p>"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for +the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the +Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the +Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean, +and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur +as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on."</p> + + <img src="images/img05.jpg" alt="Trailing" align="right" /> + <p>Uttering the single word, '<i>Adelante!</i>' or 'Forward!' we started in +a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily +followed.</p> + +<p>Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success +of our expedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the +Indians must necessarily be somewhat impeded by the large number of +animals they were driving before them.</p> + +<p>The trail followed the course of the river for several miles in the +direction of the Concho Springs; but, at last, turned abruptly to the +left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the +waters of the Pecos from the headwaters of the San Pedro, leading us +directly towards the former stream.</p> + +<p>For many hours we rode, hoping each moment to obtain a sight of the +Indians. No stops were made, except to permit our animals to drink a few +swallows from the streams we crossed, or when we removed the saddle and +bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass +through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and +animals began to show unmistakable signs of fatigue, and it became +evident that we must halt for rest and supper. While discussing the +subject with Jerry, he suddenly grasped my bridle-rein, and pointed out a +bright speck on the distant horizon.</p> + +<p>"St! there they be!" he exclaimed. "That's them. The fools didn't 'spect +ter be follered, and they've lighted some rosin weeds ter cook their +supper with. We've got 'em, sartin."</p> + +<p>A halt was ordered; and, in an incredibly short time, our animals were +picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a <i>reconnoissance</i> +of the Comanche camp, and the men were enjoying a hearty supper.</p> + +<p>I was greatly amused to see the facility with which they accommodated +themselves to the situation. No sooner were their suppers eaten and +cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, +with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to +sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake.</p> + +<p>While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight +eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, +and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some +settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment.</p> + +<p>At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had +been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his +master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal +in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me.</p> + +<p>Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into +it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the +animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had +undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently +gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly.</p> + +<p>Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should +have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our +animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for +the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two +miles distant.</p> + +<p>The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to +remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into +two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don +Ignacio.</p> + +<p>Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible +until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. +Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to +pay its respects to the camp itself.</p> + +<p>Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable +each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from +Jerry, which was to be the bark of a <i>coyote</i>, or prairie wolf, +three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every +man was expected to take care of himself.</p> + +<p>The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the +darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio +and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to +the top of a slight elevation, where we dropped upon our faces and peered +over into the enemy's camp.</p> + +<p>With the aid of my glasses, by the uncertain, flickering light of their +fire, I could see every object in the camp distinctly.</p> + +<p>One Indian was bending over the coals, as though in the act of warming +himself; while, about the fire, lay five others, wrapped in their +blankets, and evidently fast asleep.</p> + +<p>A little distance below them, I could just discern the dark outline of +the herd, quietly feeding. It was evident that they neither knew nor +dreamed of pursuit.</p> + +<p>It was a splendid night: not a cloud was to be seen; and, although there +was no moon, the heavens were thickly studded with stars. No sound +disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and +listened for the signal that was to decide our fate. How many voices, +before another hour, might be hushed in death? I asked myself the +question, but there came no answer.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, the stillness was disturbed by the quick, snarling yelp of a +<i>coyote</i>, so natural, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it +was the creature itself and not old Jerry. Again I heard it, seemingly +more distinct and nearer than before. Would it be repeated?</p> + +<p>My heart almost ceased to beat as I asked the question, and I held my +breath in my anxiety to hear. Will it ever come?</p> + +<p>Ah, yes! there it is: quick, sharp, and unmistakable, followed by the +report of a single rifle.</p> + +<p>The next instant, the sound of a dozen shots burst upon the air, mingled +with the terrible, unearthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all +rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, through the whizzing of arrows, +the ping of bullets, the shouts of Mexicans, and the yells of Indians.</p> + +<p>It was such a scene of excitement that I hardly knew what I was doing, +although I fully realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time +to do more than this, I saw Jerry coming towards me. As he came up, he +said, in tones that carried cheer with them,—</p> + +<p>"Well, Judge, we're in luck; fifty mules and two varmints is a pretty +good night's work. How many hev you got up here?"</p> + +<p>An examination revealed three dead bodies in camp, making in all, five +Indians killed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We +quickly despoiled the camp; giving the plunder to the men, and leaving +the dead bodies behind us.</p> + +<p>But two of our party were injured—and they slightly—by arrows. Upon +reaching camp their wounds were carefully dressed; after which we partook +of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of +the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as his presence +was really very necessary in camp, with my permission, he would take his +men—leaving enough behind to assist in driving the <br /> +stock—and hurry on.</p> + +<p>This would not inconvenience us, and enable him to arrive in camp several +hours earlier than ourselves.</p> + +<p>Jerry at once acquiesced in the arrangement, saying that three men, +besides ourselves, would be all we should require.</p> + +<p>Don Ignacio detailed that number to remain with us; and, with the balance +of the party, left us.</p> + +<p>We made very fair progress during the night; and, when morning dawned, +were a long distance on our road.</p> + +<p>An hour or two after daylight, old Jerry's keen eye detected, upon an +elevation in the distance, a party of three Comanches. We were in hope +that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that +they had seen us, for one of their number turned and rode towards us, +waving a blanket in the air. This, Jerry said, was indicative of a desire +for a parley.</p> + +<p>After a short conference together, Jerry decided it was better for us to +ride out and meet the party, rather than permit them to join us.</p> + +<p>We accordingly prepared for the expedition, giving the Mexicans +instructions to proceed quietly with the stock.</p> + +<p>As we approached the Indians, their leader, an old man apparantly about +sixty years of age, with a singularly cunning and wicked looking +countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while, +with much solemnity, he announced himself as <i>Cuchillo</i>, a Comanche +chief, and a great friend of the whites.</p> + +<p>While Jerry was conversing with the old fellow in Spanish, I made myself +familiar with the general appearance of the party. They were dressed each +with a buffalo rug thrown over his left shoulder in such a manner as to +allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their +feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the +seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon the ground. These, +with leggins made from a piece of blanket, which was wrapped about the +leg below the knee and fastened with a thong of buckskin, heavily +fringed, and the breechcloth, completed the dress.</p> + +<p>Each was painted in a most hideous manner, in ochre and vermilion mixed +with a whitish clay.</p> + +<p>Cuchillo shortly produced a well-worn greasy paper from a small bag he +wore around his neck, which he handed me, making a sign that I was to +read it.</p> + +<p>It was as follows:—</p> + +<p>"The Bearer, Cuchillo, is a Comanche Chief, who says he is a friend of +the White's. My advice is not to Trust him, or any other sneakin' varmint +like him. BILL POPE."</p> + +<p>I handed the paper to Jerry; who, after reading it, gave it back to its +owner with the remark, it was <i>muncho bueno</i>, or very good.</p> + +<p>The chief received it with a smile; and, as he returned it to the little +bag, remarked,—</p> + +<p>"Very good, <i>me bueno amigo</i>" (good friend).</p> + +<p>"P'raps yer be," remarked Jerry, in English, "but yer ain't ther sort I +hanker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we +must be a-goin', an' you an' me hain't got no use for one another, no +how."</p> + +<p>But our Comanche friends were not to be shaken off, so easily; for, even +after bidding them good by, Cuchillo insisted upon accompanying us; and, +rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry was +obliged to make a virtue of necessity, and assent to the proposition with +as good a grace as possible.</p> + +<p>It was evident that curiosity at least was one of the motives that +actuated the Indians; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about +them, evidently expecting to see a larger party with us, and expressing +surprise at the quantity of stock we were driving.</p> + +<p>Jerry informed them that we had a large company a few hours' ride to the +north; and had been out purchasing some stock from another party, who +were encamped to the south of us a few miles.</p> + +<p>This information seemed to cause them some surprise; for they asked many +questions concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, +etc., all of which Jerry answered in a straightforward manner, to their +evident satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Cuchillo was very curious in regard to our revolvers,—of which each man +in our party had two, in addition to his rifle,—and at last we +determined to show them that we were well armed, and ready for any +emergency. I set up a small mark at the distance of sixty or seventy +feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of +both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest +astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition +to leave. With many professions of friendship, Jerry endeavored to +persuade them to accompany us to our camp; but they declined, promising +to visit us on the morrow; and, after a most affectionate farewell, +Cuchillo and his braves left us, riding towards the south-west.</p> + +<p>"There," exclaimed Jerry, as soon as they were fairly off, "ef there +don't go as sneakin' a varmint as there is in the whole Comanche nation, +I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, +expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may find 'em. The +thing for us to do is to git our cattle into camp ez soon as possible. We +kin hurry 'em some, and I reckon we'd better do it."</p> + +<p>We made good progress for a couple of hours; and, on reaching the top of +a "divide," saw a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, +slowly making its way through the tall bottom grass of the valley beneath +us, surrounded by quite a number of men on horseback.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" cried Jerry, "there's friends. This is the fust party we've +seen out on the plains since we left San Antonio. We mustn't let 'em go +by without overhaulin' 'em."</p> + +<p>We soon came up with them; and they proved to be Capt. Blodget and four +companions from Missouri, on the way to Fort Davis, accompanied by an +Arapahoe Indian as guide.</p> + +<p>We were, of course, delighted to meet with Americans, and eagerly +questioned them as to their adventures on the road; but they had seen no +Indians; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from +the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of +meeting the prowling bands, who generally followed the course of the +road, in expectation of more successfully conducting their thieving +operations.</p> + +<p>We soon parted with our new friends, and set out once more on our way to +the Nueces.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img06.jpg" alt="The Missourians" /> <br /> + </div> + <hr align="center" style="width:45%;" /> + <div align="center"><br /> + <a name="chap3"></a></div> + <h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<p>Our arrival in camp, during the afternoon, was the signal for a general +rejoicing among the men, who loudly applauded the determination and pluck +shown by Jerry in pursuing and overtaking the thieves.</p> + +<p>My first inquiry was for Hal and Ned, and was told that they had gone out +after a flock of wild turkeys that had been heard clucking in the pecan +trees, not far from camp. They had taken their guns with them, and +expected to be back by noon.</p> + +<p>Thinking they would soon return, I went over to consult with Don Ignacio +about resuming our journey; but, as the water and grass were much better +where we then were than at the next stopping-place, the California +Springs, it was decided to remain encamped until morning.</p> + +<p>Accepting an invitation to dine with Don Ignacio. I did not return to my +own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that +the boys had not put in an appearance.</p> + +<p>Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen +them.</p> + +<p>His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and +they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought +to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't +afraid of Injuns, no how."</p> + +<p>"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we +ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing +had happened, they would have returned before this."</p> + +<p>"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business +travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched +up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and +set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their +trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks +of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a +large post-oak opening, three or four miles away.</p> + +<p>The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to +dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding +beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for +some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks +in the earth.</p> + +<p>"Antelope tracks," said I.</p> + +<p>"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's <i>havilina</i> +tracks."</p> + +<p>"What are they?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, +ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a +dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of +them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know +where ter find them boys."</p> + +<p>"Where?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an' +good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of +them, if possible," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so +fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no +bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a +sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin' +critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each +moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of +the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest +as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing +to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin."</p> + +<p>As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention +of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near +them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost +impossible to hear the sound of our own voices.</p> + +<p>My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention +of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite +as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs +could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be.</p> + +<p>As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"Take keer! take keer! we'd better look out;" and, without further +explanation, he began to climb a tree.</p> + +<p>I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches +of a post-oak.</p> + +<p>We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us. I must +say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw +the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures. They crowded beneath +the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white +tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and +striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that +the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault.</p> + +<p>They seemed as agile as cats, and occasionally one more ferocious than +the others would bound up, until I began to think I should be obliged to +leave the limb on which I was sitting.</p> + +<p>As soon as we were fairly fixed on our perches, and had time to take a +survey of the situation, we opened fire upon them to such good purpose +that we killed nine with our revolvers. This wholesale slaughter seemed +only to excite the fury of the others, for they commenced gnawing the +trees so fiercely that Jerry became alarmed, and urged me to use all +possible dispatch in reloading my pistol.</p> + +<p>Fortunately there were only ten of the animals left, and these we finally +managed to silence. After descending from the tree, I found Jerry in +anything but an amiable mood, at "the idee of an old hunter like he was, +bein' treed by a lot of hogs;" and, as usual, he declared that "them +cussid boys" was to blame, "for boys hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how."</p> + +<p>By the exercise of considerable caution in approaching the herd, we +managed to get quite near without attracting their attention; and I asked +Jerry if it wasn't strange that the boys gave no sign of being aware of +our presence.</p> + +<p>"Sign!" said Jerry; "how could they give any sign when I couldn't hear my +own shots? Why, the only way I knowed if thet pistol went off or not was +by watchin' fur the smoke: the critters kep' up such a squealin' that I +couldn't hear you speak a word. I'll bet my hoss agin a chaw of terbacker +that them boys hain't heerd a shot we've fired, an' dunno we're within five +miles on 'em."</p> + +<p>Taking advantage of our former experience, we approached as near and as +quietly as possible, obtaining position beneath a tree,—in the branches +of which we could place ourselves if necessary,—and then opened fire +upon them with our revolvers, with such good effect, that the remainder +of the herd took to their long legs and were soon out of sight.</p> + + <img src="images/img07.jpg" alt="Wild Hogs" align="left" /> + <p>When the last of them disappeared, the boys dropped to the ground; but so +cramped were their limbs from their long confinement, that it was some +time before they could stand. While they were getting "the kinks out of +their legs," as Jerry termed it, we counted our game and found twenty-two +of the creatures dead, and the ground strewn with portions of flesh, +bristles and bones, all bearing evidence of a fearful fray.</p> + +<p>As the boys claimed to have killed but one of the creatures, we called +upon them for an explanation; and, from their story, it appeared, that, +shortly after leaving camp, Ned, who was in advance, had come upon a +large flock of turkeys, and discharged one of the barrels of his gun at +them without effect.</p> + +<p>Soon afterwards they discovered the tracks of the <i>havilinas</i>. +Supposing they were either antelope or deer tracks, they followed them +into the grove, where they discovered the herd of hogs, quietly feeding +upon the mast with which the ground was thickly strewn.</p> + +<p>Without a moment's hesitation Ned discharged the contents of his other +barrel at the animals, thinking they were hogs that had escaped from some +herd that had been driven across the country.</p> + +<p>The shot did not penetrate their thick hides far enough to do anything +but irritate and madden them, and the whole herd rushed towards the boys, +who, frightened at their formidable appearance, jumped into the nearest +tree, where they had been obliged to remain until released by us.</p> + +<p>Once fairly out of reach of the infuriated creatures, they rather enjoyed +the situation for a time; Hal feeling confident that he could, at any +moment, frighten them away by the discharge of his rifle.</p> + +<p>Finally, becoming tired of the fun, he discharged his rifle and killed +his hog; but this only seemed to make the creatures more ferocious, and +then, for the first time, the boys became really alarmed.</p> + +<p>As hour after hour passed, and the hogs showed no disposition to depart, +Hal began to despond, declaring that no help would reach them before they +should starve. Ned, however, kept up heart, until the infuriated +creatures began to devour the dead body of their comrade.</p> + +<p>The smell of the blood and taste of the flesh maddened them to such a +degree that they began a warfare among themselves, furiously striking at +and cutting one another with their long, sharp tusks, killing and +trampling under their feet the weaker, and then greedily devouring the +dead; all the while filling the air with their sharp, shrill cries.</p> + +<p>The boys, who had, up to this time, been hoping that assistance would +come from some source, were about giving up in despair, when they +witnessed the slaughter made by our revolvers and knew that succor had at +last arrived.</p> + +<p>As soon as they were able to walk, we guided them to the spot where we +had left our mules, and placed them in the saddles, directing them to +camp; Jerry and myself resolving to walk.</p> + +<p>Shouldering our rifles, we started towards the bank of the river, +believing it to be a shorter route than the way we had come. Although it +was fast growing dark, we had no fear but that by this route we should +reach camp quite as soon as the boys.</p> + +<p>While passing through a grove of pecan trees, about a couple of miles +from camp, my attention was suddenly arrested by the cry of some person, +apparantly in distress.</p> + +<p>"Hark, Jerry," said I; "did you hear that? Some one's in trouble—wait a +minute."</p> + +<p>"Thunder! judge, hain't you been in Texas long enough to know a painter's +yell when you hear it? That was a reg'lar out-and-out painter you heard. +I've—"</p> + +<p>Just at this moment, a prolonged, heart-rending wail trembled upon the +stillness of the evening air: so piercing, yet so plaintive, was it, that +it sent a shudder through my frame I have not forgotton to this day.</p> + +<p>"That critter ain't very far off," exclaimed Jerry. "Mebbe we'll git a +shot at him; though they're nasty things to hunt at night, fer yer can't +see 'em, they lay so clus onto the limbs."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever kill one?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"Yes, four on 'em; the last one was down on the Sabinal, just about a +year this time. I was—"</p> + +<p>At this point, he was again interrupted by the animal's cry; this time so +near, that we both stopped short and cocked our rifles, for it seemed as +though he could be but a few feet from us.</p> + +<p>"I tell you one thing, Jerry, I don't much like walking through this +grove, with one of those creatures so near; I'd rather take to the open +prairie. Besides, it's getting so dark I can't see anything."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! yer ain't afraid o' one of them critters, be yer? You jest foller +me; they never trouble any one unless they're hungry."</p> + +<p>"But this one may be hungry," suggested I.</p> + +<p>"Well, never you fear, you jest foller me," said Jerry, starting on.</p> + +<p>I followed as quickly as possible; but had hardly taken a dozen steps, +ere I heard a quick exclamation, as of pain or surprise from Jerry's +lips, accompanied by a low, snarling growl, followed by a sound like that +produced by two persons rolling on the ground together. There was violent +breathing, angry ejaculations, the crashing of underbrush, and, before I +had time to think what it meant, I caught sight of a dark mass, evidently +rolling over and over upon the ground, a few feet in advance of me. I +could not distinguish what it was in the darkness, but suddenly caught +sight of two balls of living fire.</p> + +<p>Bringing my rifle to my shoulder, and scarcely pausing to take aim or to +reflect upon the consequences of the shot, I fired.</p> + +<p>The next moment Jerry sprang to his feet with a—</p> + +<p>"Thunder! that was a tight squeak, and no mistake. Ef you hadn't fired +when you did, it'd been all up with me afore this time. The critter +didn't give me no fair show; he lit right onter my shoulder here, and's +tared it some I reckon, by the feel; howsoever, we kin git at it easy +anyway, but if it hadn't a bin for them boys—well, boys haint got no +bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>I made an examination of the wounded shoulder, as well as I could in the +darkness, and found that the creature's claws had entirely stripped it of +clothing, besides badly lacerating the flesh.</p> + +<p>Jerry declared, 'twasn't much, no how; and he could walk to camp as well +as not. As soon as we arrived there, I made a more thorough examination, +dressed the arm carefully, and was soon utterly oblivious of the fatigues +of the previous forty-eight hours.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap4"></a><h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<p>The sound of Jerry's voice, as he related the story of his adventures the +night previous, awoke me in the early morning.</p> + +<p>I, dreamingly, heard him say,—</p> + +<p>"I didn't see the critter when he jumped; not till he lit right onto my +shoulder, and the heft of him hed knocked me down and he was atop o' me. +Yer see that gin him a heap the start.</p> + +<p>"I seed his big mouth right clus to my face, an' his jaws wide open; so I +rammed my left arm right in a 'tween 'em, so that he couldn't git no +purchase onto me to chaw, and he hadn't really hed no chance ter bite, +when the judge fired. He didn't do it a mite too soon, though, you bet. +Ef it hadn't a bin for you boys—well, boys hain't got no bizness on the +plains, no how. I'm all right now, and good for a dozen painters yet; but +this is the biggest one I ever seed. Thunder! but I must hev thet skin; +ain't it putty?"</p> + +<p>I laid and listened for a short time to the exclamations of wonder and +admiration uttered by the boys while examining the carcass, with no +little amusement.</p> + +<p>"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have +shot him with my rifle as easily as any one."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a +bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old +Jerry, I'd a shown 'em—"</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that +tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned.</p> + +<p>"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal.</p> + +<p>"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster. +Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder +this morning?"</p> + +<p>"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty +sore, but I kin git along all right with it."</p> + +<p>I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry +advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although +Magoffin's train had been gone some hours.</p> + +<p>After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain +in search of antelope, and had gone some three or four miles from camp, +when Ned called my attention to a horseman in the distance, leisurely +riding along, almost diagonally to our own course.</p> + +<p>We hastened forward so as to intercept him; but, seeing us approach, he +turned and rode towards us.</p> + +<p>He was a Mexican, tall and gaunt, mounted upon a superb black mustang +stallion. His dress consisted of a short spencer jacket of dark blue +cloth, with loose sleeves; gaudily embroidered and laced along the seams; +pants, confined by a scarlet silk sash at the waist, and open at the +sides, through which the wide Mexican drawers were plainly visible; a +broad, brimmed, low-crowned hat, of Spanish manufacture, with a band of +silver bullion, covered his head, and boots of alligator hide, heavily +spurred, were upon his feet.</p> + +<p>He rode a deep-treed Mexican saddle, with housings of leather, +grotesquely stamped: upon the pommel hung, neatly coiled, a lasso of +beautifully braided rawhide.</p> + +<p>He also carried a long rifle. His powder-horn and bullet-pouch, being +suspended from his left shoulder.</p> + +<p>As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired +if we had chanced to see a "gang" of wild mustangs during the day; saying +that he was known as Antonio, the "mustanger" of the Leona, and that his +occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs.</p> + +<p>We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to +think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks +he had been following.</p> + +<p>The boys were eager to learn the <i>modus operandi</i> of catching wild +mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was +obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would +ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it +was done.</p> + +<p>Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to +see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger," +rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a +small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away.</p> + +<p>As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too +wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by +"creasing."</p> + +<p>"How do you do that?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"With my rifle," answered Antonio.</p> + +<p>"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal.</p> + +<p>"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it," +said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs +again, you'll know just what to do."</p> + +<p>It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they +started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that +we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly +curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away. +Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal.</p> + +<p>Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of +the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's +side, securing him with ropes.</p> + +<p>In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the +shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the +Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and +lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a +manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the +most determined efforts, to escape.</p> + +<p>They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized +this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently +caress him. He was a noble old fellow,—a snow-white stallion with brown +mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed.</p> + +<p>As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to +ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it +until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it.</p> + +<p>The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the +cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large +nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though +shot through the brain.</p> + +<p>We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly +entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated +Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of +camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river +bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with +this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content.</p> + +<p>The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay +over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a +prairie-dog town, and for hours my ears were greeted with—</p> + +<p>"Did you see that one?"—"Ain't they funny little things? so cunning!"— +"How can we catch one?"—"Just look at that owl!" and a hundred similar +exclamations.</p> + +<p>The boys were vastly amused by the curious antics of these little +fellows, who, although not human, possess many of the most distinguishing +characteristics of humanity, in their actions. They have often been +classed with the marmot by prairie Travellers; but, to my own mind, +partake more of the nature of the squirrel or rabbit. In frisking, +flirting, sitting erect, or barking, they resemble the former; while, in +feeding and burrowing, they may be classed with the latter.</p> + +<p>They are exclusively herbivorous, and live upon the fine, short grass +that is generally found growing in abundance in the vicinity of their +towns, which are always located upon arid, elevated plains, at a great +distance from water.</p> + + <img src="images/img08.jpg" alt="Prairie Dogs" align="right" /> + <p>During the two days that our route lay through this town, we made many +attempts to capture one of the little fellows; but they cleverly evaded +all the snares set for them, invariably dodged at the flash of our +pistols, chattering away as lively as ever, while the little brown owls +and rattlesnakes that shared their houses with them fell frequent victims +to the boys' rifles.</p> + +<p>After leaving their town, Hal declared, that, if he and Ned could remain +behind the train for a few hours, he knew they could capture one; +becoming so urgent in his appeal, that I finally yielded a reluctant +consent to the project, cautioning them under no circumstances, to remain +away from the train more than two or three hours. This they faithfully +promised not to do, and departed; notwithstanding Jerry pronounced it as +downright foolish a proceedin' as he ever seed.</p> + +<p>Four or five hours later, when we reached our camping ground for the +night, neither of them had overtaken us, and I began to feel alarmed at +their prolonged absence. My apprehensions were somewhat relieved for the +moment by one of the men, who informed me he had seen their animals +coming over the "divide" some three or four miles in our rear.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later, however, when the riderless animals came galloping +furiously in, with their long lassos dragging in the dust behind them, +the camp became a scene of confusion indescribable.</p> + +<p>Labor of all kinds was suspended, and everyone anxious to hear what +everyone else thought.</p> + +<p>Jerry gave it as his opinion, that the animals had escaped from the place +where Hal and Ned had left them; still, he reckoned some one ought to go +back and search for them, "Cause the plains warn't no place for boys, no +how."</p> + +<p>Saddling our horses and taking three of the men with us, Jerry and myself +rode back towards the dog-town, discharging our pistols and making all +the noise possible, in order to attract the attention of the youngsters +in the darkness. Occasionally we listened for a reply; but not a sound +could we hear, save the snarling yelp of some prairie-dog, disturbed by +the unusual noises, or the sharp, shrill cry of the night-hawk, that +rapidly swooped over our heads.</p> + +<p>In a state of great anxiety, we passed a wretched night; and, at +daylight, commenced a thorough search for traces of the missing boys. +Finally Jerry discovered their tracks in the road leading towards camp; +and it seemed possible that we might have missed them in the darkness, +and, if we at once returned, should find them with the train.</p> + +<p>We had proceeded scarcely more than a mile on the way back to camp, when +I noticed that Jerry, who was a short distance in advance, suddenly +stopped, as though waiting for me to overtake him. As I rode up, he +pointed to a fresh Indian trail, crossing our road almost at right +angles, and said in a low tone,—</p> + +<p>"Ez sartin ez you're livin', the Comanches hev got 'em! That trail ain't +twelve hours old, and there's a dozen of the varmints ef there's one."</p> + +<p>"Then let us instantly follow and retake them," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"That's a heap easier said than done," replied the old man. "We won't +stan' much show, chasin' a dozen or twenty Comanches, and they ez likely +ez not, forty miles ahead of us. Still, we've got ter git them boys +somehow; and the fust thing towards it is ter go ter camp and git some +grub, 'cause a man can't fite wuth a cent on a empty stomach."</p> + +<p>There was truth in Jerry's observation. We therefore urged our animals +into a brisk canter; but, when within about two miles of our camp, his +keen eyes detected, upon a rise of the ground some distance to our right, +a solitary figure, motionless upon a horse.</p> + +<p>At the sight we halted; for the figure commenced waving a large blanket +in the air, then urged his animal forward, and came toward us at full +run.</p> + + <img src="images/img09.jpg" alt="Lone Indian" align="right" /> + <p>"He shook that air blanket ter let us know that he's friendly and wants +ter speak to us; but I reckon I'd better find out who he is, afore he +comes any nearer" said Jerry, as he spurred his horse forward to meet him.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching a small knoll a few hundred yards in advance of us, Jerry +suddenly stopped and held up his right hand, with the palm outward. Then +he slowly moved it backward and forward a few times; when, to my great +surprise, the Indian checked his horse, and sat as though awaiting +further orders. Again Jerry raised his hand; this time moving it before +and across his face three or four times.</p> + +<p>The Indian, who appeared to comprehend these signs perfectly, answered by +making a graceful, undulating motion with his right hand, not unlike the +wriggling movement made by a snake in crawling. Then he elevated both +hands high above his head, clasped closely together; then, apparantly +satisfied with this pantomime, he started at a rapid pace toward us. +Jerry turned; and, seeing my looks of astonishment, hurriedly said,—</p> + +<p>"That ere's the lingo of the plains. Every Injun understands that. I told +the feller to stop and explain who he was. He answered that he was a +Comanche, and friendly. Mebbe we can git some news of the boys from him, +though we shan't ef he ain't a mind to tell, for Injuns is mighty +clus-mouthed critters."</p> + +<p>At this moment the Comanche rode up. Bringing his horse abruptly to a +stand-still, he extended a very dirty hand, ornamented with finger-nails +that closely resembled the talons of an eagle.</p> + +<p>"Me Senaco, good Injun," he exclaimed, in pretty fair Spanish.</p> + +<p>"Of course you be," replied Jerry, in English. "Whoever seed a bad Injun, +ef you let him tell his story?</p> + +<p>"We've got to pretend to believe the lyin' varmint or we shan't find out +nothin' from him, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>As this was the first opportunity I ever had of examining a live +Comanche, I regarded this specimen with some curiosity; for a friendly +Comanche in those days was indeed an anomaly.</p> + +<p>The Indian's body was entirely naked, with the exception of a breech-cloth +and pair of leggins. The leggins extended from the knee, down; and, +with his moccasins, were made of buckskin, heavily fringed and +ornamented.</p> + +<p>A large red blanket covered his left shoulder, fastened beneath his right +arm in such a manner as to leave the arm free and unobstructed, and then +hung loosely behind him, almost touching the ground as he sat upon his +horse. The animal was a rough looking little pony, that bore evidence of +being both tough and fleet.</p> + +<p>The fellow's face was deeply marked by the small-pox, and hideously +painted with vermilion and ochre; while, from his ears, were suspended, +heavy rings of brass wire. These, with the paint, gave him a most +diabolical expression, that was in no manner relieved by the shaggy locks +of unkempt black hair that hung around his head.</p> + +<p>His only weapon was a long, murderous-looking, iron-headed spear, which, +with his lariat, he held in his right hand.</p> + +<p>We made several efforts to find out what the fellow's object in hailing +us was, before he condescended to give it. Then he said that he had that +mornin met with a party of Comanches, who had with them two prisoners,— +mere boys. He was angry that braves should capture such children, for +only squaws, not warriors, made prisoners of boys.</p> + +<p>After much talk, he had made the Indians ashamed of the act, and they +were willing to release the captives for a small ransom. He was a friend, +and begged us to remember, was acting as an embassador, in search of the +party to which the children belonged.</p> + +<p>"The cussed, lyin' old heathen," exclaimed Jerry. "I wonder does he +'spose I'm green enuff to swaller that story o' his'n. It's true enuff +though, that they've got the youngsters, and it's likely we kin git 'em +agin, though I've always telled you, boys hain't no bizness on the +plains, no how."</p> + +<p>After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the +amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the +boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets, +powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for +them.</p> + +<p>An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high +ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to +make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse +expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing +their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little +confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs.</p> + +<p>We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry +was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip +across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the +manner of their capture.</p> + +<p>While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran +away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp.</p> + +<p>After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light +of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked +directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much +surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their +midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked, +painted savages.</p> + +<p>The Comanches immediately took possession of their fire-arms, and +stripped them of nearly all their clothing. Then they tried to ascertain +where they came from, and how they had become separated from their party.</p> + +<p>The boys told them, as well as they were able by signs, that they were +lost, and that their friends would give a great many goods if they would +show them the way back to our camp.</p> + +<p>This seemed to please the Indians, who soon after, took a large kettle +from off the fire and set it before them, motioning them to eat. The +kettle held a stew of what they thought was antelope meat, so they ate +heartily of it, for they were very hungry. When they had nearly satisfied +their appetites, Hal fished up from the depths of the mess the fore-leg +and foot of a dog. This was decidedly an unpleasant revelation, and both +became very sick and vomited freely, to the great amusement of the +Indians.</p> + +<p>They were then placed under guard, and soon after fell asleep. In the +morning they were rudely awakened and told to mount a pony, to which they +were securely tied, so as to prevent any attempt to escape.</p> + +<p>Many miles were travelled in this manner. The boys became anxious, and +were endeavoring to prepare themselves for the worst, when, from the top +of a high bluff, they saw us awaiting their arrival.</p> + +<p>The sudden transition from despondency to joy, quite overpowered them; +and, for the first time, they gave way to their feelings.</p> + +<p>"Both of us tried as hard as we could," said Ned, "to make 'em think we +didn't care a snap about it. But we did, though, I can tell you. We were +mighty glad when we saw you, wasn't we, Hal?"</p> + +<p>This question was too much for Hal. The boys looked into each others +faces for a moment, then burst into tears.</p> + +<p>Everybody about camp was delighted with their safe return, and they were +obliged many times to repeat their story, not forgetting a description of +their supper on dog meat, in the Comanches' camp.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap5"></a><h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<p>On the following morning the camp was astir and we were under way at a +very early hour,—long before sunrise, in fact,—but we had hardly +proceeded a mile from our halting-place, before one of the Mexicans, who +was riding ahead of the wagons, came rushing back with the information +that there was a large body of Indians a short distance in advance of us.</p> + +<p>"It's the balance of them cusses that had the boys, as true as preachin," +exclaimed Jerry. "The sneaks! I s'pose they found out all they wanted to +from 'em, and then let 'em go. Ther best thing we kin do is ter camp +right here whar we've got water and grass, and git ready for a brush; +'cause they'll fight us, if ther's any show for 'em, you bet."</p> + +<p>"We'll jist camp right on this knoll, and then we shall have a fair +chance all round; get your animals corralled with the wagons, and then +we'll ride out and meet 'em, that is, we must keep 'em as far away from +the wagons as possible."</p> + +<p>Everything was soon arranged; but, to our surprise, the Indians made no +attack.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img10.jpg" alt="The Comanche's Attack" /> + </div> + <p>Jerry, myself and Hal rode out towards the spot where we had seen them, +and a very few moments served to convince us that they meant business; +for they were scattered, with the evident intention of surrounding us.</p> + +<p>"That won't work," said Jerry. "We'll just go back to the wagons and stay +there and fight it out on our own dung-hill. There ain't more'n a dozen +of 'em, and, ef we can't lick that number of thievin' Comanches, we don't +desarve to git to California, no how."</p> + +<p>We had hardly returned to the wagons before the Indians began to show +their tactics by riding around us in a circle, each time coming nearer +and nearer, until finally, when within easy range, they threw themselves +over upon the sides of their horses and let fly a shower of arrows, that +fell among us without doing any harm, other than frightening the stock.</p> + +<p>"Don't a man of yer fire till I giv the order, and when they come abreast +of us agin give it to 'em with your rifles; but don't one of yer waste a +shot."</p> + +<p>Once more we saw them coming—saw them preparing to throw themselves over +to shoot from under their horses' necks, and—</p> + +<p>"Now for it," cried Jerry, "give it to 'em!" and we forthwith gave them a +volley that caused two of their number to fall headlong to the ground. +This brought the party to a halt, and they retreated out of the range of +our rifles, for the purpose of holding a consultation.</p> + +<p>While they were thus engaged, one of the Mexicans called Jerry's +attention to a solitary Indian who was approaching our wagons from the +rear. Jerry immediately pronounced him to be the Arapahoe, whom we had +seen with the party of Missourians.</p> + +<p>He soon came up with us, and brought the intelligence that his party was +only a short distance behind and would soon be in to help us.</p> + +<p>This was indeed good news; but, before they could possibly reach us, the +Comanches, who had evidently made up their minds to once more attack, +began their old plan of riding around us in a circle, discharging their +arrows with such good effect that one of the Mexicans was shot in the +thigh.</p> + +<p>Jerry, and the Indian guide, both advised us to reserve our fire until +the enemy should come within range of our revolvers; but their arrows +came so thick and fast we decided to give them one more volley from our +rifles; this we did, having the good fortune to see two more of the party +suddenly tumble from their horses' backs. This put an end for the time +being to their attack, for they soon disappeared over the bluff.</p> + +<p>"We was too much for 'em that time, old pard," said Jerry, familiarly +slapping the Arapahoe upon his naked shoulder. Then, turning to me,—</p> + +<p>"I was s'prised, though' to see how them youngsters stood up ter the +rack. Boys as a gineral thing hain't got no bizness on the plains, no +how; but these are a-goin' to larn Injin fightin', sartin."</p> + +<p>"Umph! putty muche boy no good," responded the Arapahoe, in deep guttural +tones.</p> + +<p>"Where's your folks, old pard?" inquired Jerry. "Better be hurryin' up; +we've got ter be a-goin', as soon as I put this chaw er terbacy on that +Mexican feller's leg; nothin' like it to take the sore out, you know."</p> + +<p>The mules were now harnessed to the wagons, and everything ready for a +start, when the Missourians put in an appearance. We received them right +gladly, and joyfully welcomed them to our party. We started in company; +but soon ascertained it would be impossible for them to keep up with us +on the road, their oxen travelled so much slower than our own teams. We +parted from them with reluctance; for all the indications thus far seemed +to convince old Jerry that the Indians would without doubt prove very +troublesome on the trip, and the larger the party the more safety, +always.</p> + +<p>We saw no further signs of their presence until quite late in the +afternoon, when Jerry called my attention to a small, oblong pile of +stones, that stood in a conspicuous place a short distance from +the trail we were following.</p> + +<p>"That's a Comanche sign," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Pooh! it's nothing but a pile of stones," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"That's true enuff," said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did, +for sartin."</p> + +<p>"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin' +ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No, +sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten +ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too."</p> + +<p>An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently +collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of +giving information to some party who were expected over the route within +a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these +Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some +conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe +understand its meaning perfectly.</p> + +<p>Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away +from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the +night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll, +half a mile away.</p> + +<p>Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve +as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack. +We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to +the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved +every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark.</p> + +<p>We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but, +about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who +reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine.</p> + +<p>"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said +Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the +guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears, +accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads +into the darkness beyond.</p> + +<p>In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became +evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks +serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in +the darkness, from our bullets.</p> + +<p>"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot +from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for +they'll allus aim too high."</p> + +<p>"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh.</p> + +<p>"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the +ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side.</p> + +<p>"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said +Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We +must git inter their rear, somehow."</p> + +<p>"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them," +replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain +where we are."</p> + +<p>"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire +from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff +ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few +shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't +got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt."</p> + +<p>Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the +rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp. +Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something +crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this, +that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told +him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell +from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants.</p> + +<p>In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some +distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming +light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond +doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice +announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an +exploring tour.</p> + +<p>The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of +the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized +the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time +thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he +received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a +little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him.</p> + +<p>We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the +fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to +believe, had several wounded.</p> + +<p>The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the +protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred +without doubt.</p> + +<p>Old Jerry attributed the failure of the attack in a great measure, to the +fact that they were deprived of the use of their horses; for they rarely +go into a fight, except when on horseback. We were glad enough to see +daylight, as well as rejoiced to be able to once more resume our trip.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap6"></a><h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<p>We had been on the road several hours, when Hal came riding up, very much +excited, declaring that he had found a bear's track.</p> + +<p>Jerry, Ned, and myself at once went to the spot, and saw what I +immediately admitted to be the clear, well-defined track of a grizzly in +the sand.</p> + +<p>Turning to Jerry, I said, "Why, Jerry! I didn't know that grizzlies were +found on these plains."</p> + +<p>"No more they ain't," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"But how could that track be there, if there was no bear to make it?" +inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"But it ain't a bear's track," said Jerry, attentively regarding it +without dismounting from his horse.</p> + +<p>"But it certainly is some creature's track," said I. "You'll admit that, +won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Admit it? No; sartin not: that ain't no critter's track," declared +Jerry.</p> + +<p>"It's a bear's track," rejoined I. "You certainly are mistaken, Jerry. +Look! here is the imprint of the heel, and there the toes, as plain as +the nose on your face, and as clear as though made not an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"Well, it may look like a bar's track, but 'tain't one. What you call the +heel and toes, is made by them spires of grass which the wind bends, +makin' 'em scoop out the sand, as you see thar. You ought to hev seen +that yourself; but you see you 'States' men never stop to think. If a +hundred was ter travel over them plains once a year for fifty years, not +more than one out er the hull lot would make a respectable woodsman."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" interrupted both Hal and Ned, in a breath.</p> + +<p>"Why not, youngsters? I'll tell you why: 'cause 'Mericans allus travel +with their mouths open and their eyes shet tight. A Mexican or Injun will +go all day without speakin', onless he's spoke to; but he'll see +everything there is ter be seen on the route: a 'Merican'll talk +continually, and see nothin' but a blasted dried-up country, that ain't +fit for nothin'."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew something about trailing," remarked Ned. "Can't you give +us a few general rules, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"Rules!" repeated Jerry, contemptuously, "what good d'yer s'pose rules 'ed +do you? Yer wouldn't foller 'em. P'r'aps ter-night, after we git inter +camp, if these cussed varmints'll let us alone long enuff, I'll give yer +a lectur' on trailin', ter pay fer yer killin' that Comanche last night;— +there they be agin, surer'n shootin'," exclaimed he, suddenly pausing, +and pointing to a dark spot far away on the prairie.</p> + +<p>We had just reached the top of a long ridge that gave us an extensive +view of the country around; and far, very far in the distance, Jerry's +keen eyes had detected this moving object.</p> + +<p>I brought my glasses to bear upon it, and could distinctly see a party of +three or four Indians, and some one who was dressed in skirts, like a +woman.</p> + +<p>I remarked that I believed there was a woman with them, and Jerry, who +had been looking long and earnestly at the party, said,—</p> + +<p>"Yes, there's six on 'em, and one hez got on a white woman's dress, ez +near ez I kin make out. We've hed 'bout 'nuff Comanche fightin', so far +ez I'm consarned; but ef them devils hev got a woman pris'ner, why we'd +be less than men not ter go arter her whatever happened. We kin head 'em +off easy enuff by riding along on this side the ridge; but we must stop +the wagons down in the holler there, so they won't see 'em."</p> + +<p>After some little hesitation, caused by a reluctance to leave the wagons +in the unprotected situation that we should if we attempted to overtake +the Indians, we finally decided that common humanity required we should +rescue the woman, if it could be done; and, procuring a good supply of +ammunition, Jerry, myself, Hal, and one of the Mexicans started, leaving +Ned in charge of the wagons, with directions relative to camping for the +night in case we did not return before dark.</p> + +<p>It was an oppressively warm day, and we had a ride of many miles before +us, ere we could hope to reach the point where we expected to intercept +the savages. We rode swiftly along over the beautiful green rolling +prairie, pausing for nothing, until Jerry proposed a halt for a few +moments, while he made a <i>reconnoissance</i>.</p> + +<p>Approaching the top of a slight eminence, he dismounted, and carefully +picketing his horse, dropped upon his hands and knees, and stealthily +crept to the top. A single glance sufficed to show him the situation; and +he returned to us, vainly endeavoring to repress the excitement that was +plainly visible in every movement, as he said, in a low voice,—</p> + +<p>"We kin ketch 'em, boys, sartin. It's a woman, for sure, riding on a +pony, with one of the varmints on each side of her; but we've got to +hurry some."</p> + +<p>Then striking his spurs deep into his horse's flanks, he was soon far in +advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking +with sweat, and panting like frightened deer.</p> + +<p>Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw +his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that +grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing +erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and +quickly make his way towards us.</p> + +<p>I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not +repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had +come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he +had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were +evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in +between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and +rendering each other assistance.</p> + +<p>Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side, +whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our +rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages.</p> + +<p>We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three +Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously +back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet +in sight.</p> + +<p>It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we +rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring +his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in +the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up +from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without +looking towards him.</p> + +<p>His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over +upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our +expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a +rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do?</p> + +<p>Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still +followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept +close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I +watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we +seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to +escape us, surely.</p> + +<p>Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!"</p> + +<p>And "give 'em one" we did.</p> + +<p>One reels in his saddle, but clutches his horse's mane and saves himself; +then, a moment after, falls, and his horse dashes off over the plain, +while his comrade turns and rides madly away.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, easy. We've got 'em," says Jerry. "Let's give our horses a +chance to breathe. Thar ain't no hurry, now; we'll have the varmints in a +few minutes. Here's their trail, now."</p> + +<p>Slowly we follow it, away from the flying fugitive towards the prisoner +and her captors;—carefully we examine every foot of ground. Old Jerry +says, "We must be near to 'em; but where are they? We must soon meet +them;"—but meet them we never did.</p> + +<p>In a little swale, a short distance from the trail, where the grass was +fresh and green, we came upon the body of a Mexican woman—dead.</p> + +<p>She had been scalped; and a single spear thrust, through her body, told +us all that could be told of her sad story.</p> + +<p>She had Apparantly been very feeble, and unable to keep up with the +savages; for her worn and bloody feet bore evidence that she had walked +many weary miles, while about her waist was a portion of the lariat that +had been used in leading her.</p> + +<p>Finding that she could no longer walk, her captors placed her on the +horse; but this had greatly delayed them, and they had disposed of her in +the manner above narrated. The bloody deed accomplished, the murderers +were hurrying on to join their comrades, when the sound of Jerry's rifle +warned them of danger; and they had made a long <i>detour</i> from the +trail, and thus escaped us.</p> + +<p>It was growing too late to think of pursuing them farther; and we +reluctantly turned our horses' heads towards camp, which we reached just +after nightfall, very weary from our long afternoon's ride and quite +ready for bed; nor was our sleep any the less sweet for the attempt to +perform a kind action.</p> + +<p>Ned made an effort to have Jerry deliver his lecture upon the art of +trailing, but the old man appeared to think it would receive more +attention another time; and so it was postponed till the following +evening, when, true to his promise, he entertained us for a long hour; +giving us much useful information upon the subject, which I will endeavor +to repeat for the benefit of my young readers, some of whom may one day +be placed like Hal and Ned in a position where they will find it, not +merely a matter of entertainment, but exceedingly useful; for trailing is +as much an art as is painting or sculpture, and requires the most +constant practice to become a proficient in it.</p> + +<p>Having filled and lighted his pipe, old Jerry began as follows:—</p> + +<p>"There ain't no rules, boys, that anybody kin give yer. You must have a +sharp eye, a fine ear, and a still tongue;—these make your principal +stock in trade."</p> + +<p>But I do not propose to follow old Jerry <i>verbatim</i> in his long talk +with the boys, but shall give you merely the substance of his remarks; +and here let me add, that, in addition to the above requirements, a +successful trailer should possess quick perception, fertile resources, +and great presence of mind.</p> + +<p>Almost any scout knows, that, in order to overtake a party of Indians who +have stampeded his stock the night previous, he should travel slowly at +the first, and follow persistantly at a moderate pace, giving his animals +the night to rest in, and starting at daybreak in the morning. By +following this course he is pretty certain of overtaking the party on the +third day, especially if they do not suspect pursuit. Then comes the time +when the services of an experienced trailer are requisite to tell you the +number and condition of the enemy, and how many hours have elapsed since +they passed a given point; for it is necessary to remain concealed after +you ascertain these facts, until you decide upon the manner of attack; +for, if Indians suspect pursuit, they always scatter, and it is +impossible to overtake them.</p> + +<p>One can easily tell from the appearance of a trail, if it be made by a +war-party or not, because there are no Indians who take their families +along when starting on the war-path; consequently, they never carry their +lodge-poles with them, which are always fastened to the sides of the +animals, and the ends permitted to drag on the ground behind. If there +should be no trace of these, it is safe to regard it as a war-party.</p> + +<p>It is always easy to distinguish the track of an Indian pony from that +made by a white man's horse; for the former will be much smaller, and +bear no impression of a shoe.</p> + +<p>One of the most difficult things to accomplish in trailing is to learn to +correctly ascertain the age of a trail.</p> + +<p>If a track is very fresh, it will show moisture when the earth is turned +up, which in a few hours becomes dry. If in the sand, little particles +will be found running into the impression left in the ground. Should rain +have fallen since the track was made, the sharp edges will have been +washed away. The condition of the ordure also furnishes an indication.</p> + +<p>I once employed as scout, a Mexican, who could tell by a single glance at +a trail, by what tribe it had been made, their number, its age, and in +fact every particular concerning the party, as truthfully as though he +had seen them.</p> + +<p>We were one time following an Apache trail, when we came to a ledge of +bare rock. I examined it carefully, and could detect no mark of any kind; +but the Mexican led us across as easily as though it had been a beaten +path, without even once hesitating a moment, during the two miles over +which it extended.</p> + +<p>When I asked him what he saw that indicated the course of the trail, he +showed me that the surface of the rock was covered with a very fine, dry +moss, that, with the closest scrutiny, bore evidence of having been +pressed by the foot: so slight was the impression made, it would have +escaped the notice of ninety-nine out of every hundred persons; yet his +keen eyes detected every footprint as plainly as though it had been made +in the grass.</p> + +<p>If a trail is for any reason lost, an expert will easily recover it by +following for a time its general direction and watching the formation of +the land; for all trails are made over the highest portions, thereby +affording a view of the entire country through which they pass.</p> + +<p>In the grass, a trail can be seen for a long time: the blades will be +trodden down and bent in the direction followed by the party; and, even +after it has recovered its natural position, a good trailer will have no +difficulty in following it; for his keen eye will detect a slight +difference in the color of the grass that has been stepped on from that +growing around it.</p> + +<p>So, also, the appearance of the tracks will at once show him the gait at +which the party were travelling, and he thus knows how to regulate his +pace so as to overtake them.</p> + +<p>It is exceedingly rare to find a white person that can retrace his steps +for any distance in an open country; while an Indian is always able to do +it. No matter how circuitous may be the route by which you may have +reached a certain locality, an Indian will find his way back to the place +of starting by the most direct route, though it be in the darkest night; +and, if you ask him how he does it, if he replies to your question at +all, he will simply shrug his shoulders and say, "<i>Quien sabe?</i>" or +who knows.</p> + +<p>No matter how agreeable he may be about camp; on the road he never +speaks, except it should be necessary to give some direction or order.</p> + +<p>Thus it will be seen, that he who would become a skilful trailer, must of +necessity be an observer, as well as thinker; and remember, boys, that he +who talks most, generally thinks the least.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap7"></a><h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<p>On the evening of the second day after the incidents narrated in the +previous chapter, we encamped on the banks of the San Pedro, with wood, +water, and grass in abundance; in fact, using the words of Hal: +"Everything to make us comfortable, but fresh meat; and meat we must +have. Let's go out and get some. We shall be sure to find a deer or +antelope in this beautiful bottom."</p> + +<p>"What say you, Jerry, shall we try it?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"I reckon so. We've got plenty of time before night, and I 'spect I may +as well go and show you how ter hunt 'em; 'cause yer won't git none +unless I go 'long with yer, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll see what we get if you do go along," responded Hal; "so come +on."</p> + +<p>Mounting our horses, Jerry, Hal, Ned, and myself set out in pursuit of +antelope, whose tracks could be seen in all directions about us.</p> + +<p>We had ridden two or three miles without starting game of any kind, when +Jerry, who was a short distance in advance of us, suddenly dismounted, +and began studying the ground attentively.</p> + +<p>"Hilloa!" exclaimed Ned, "Jerry's struck something."</p> + +<p>As we rode up to him, he said,—</p> + +<p>"Wal, boys, here's game, sartin sure."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Jerry?" inquired Hal.</p> + +<p>"What is it? Why, a fresh Comanche trail; and 'tain't no war party, +neither, for they've got their lodges with 'em."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that?" inquired Ned."</p> + +<p>"How do you know you're settin' on that horse?" asked Jerry. "Why, I know +one just ez well ez you know t'other. Can't you see whar the ends of the +poles dragged in the dirt behind 'em. Anybody could see that, I should +think."</p> + +<p>"How old is the trail, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"That trail waz made afore eight o'clock this mornin'," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Before eight o'clock," sneered Hal. "Why don't you say that the +Comanches passed this spot at precisely seventeen minutes past six +o'clock this morning? You might just as well be particular, Jerry."</p> + +<p>"Come, Jerry, tell us how you know when the Indians passed?" said I.</p> + +<p>"Sartin I will," he good-humoredly replied. "Yer see we hed a purty hevy +dew last night, but the sun waz up so high that the grass waz all dry at +eight o'clock. Wall, now, if you'll look you'll see, that where the grass +was pressed down by the horses' feet into the earth, a little of the sand +stuck to it, (coz it waz damp), that has dried on since. Now if the trail +bed been made after eight o'clock, when the grass was dry, why, it +wouldn't stick eny more than it does now."</p> + +<p>"A very satisfactory explanation," said I.</p> + +<p>"Now what I propose is," continued Jerry, "thet we just foller the trail, +and we'll strike something afore many hours, ez sure's my name's Jerry +Vance."</p> + +<p>"But we may get into trouble," urged I.</p> + +<p>"Ther ain't no danger. It's a party of squaws and pappooses, I reckon, +coz yer see ther ain't more'n four horses with 'em."</p> + +<p>"I'm agreed," said I, and away we galloped over the beautiful green +prairie; but, before we had gone a mile, a fine large herd of antelope +appeared, quietly grazing upon a knoll at a little distance, who, when +they saw us, stood for an instant curiously regarding us, and then +trotted leisurely away.</p> + +<p>"They're kinder wild, I reckon," said Jerry. "These Injuns must hev bin +huntin' 'em, and we might chase 'em all day without gittin' a shot. So +we'll just tie our horses in thet chaparral down there, out of sight, and +then we'll call 'em up."</p> + +<p>We dismounted, and securing our horses, followed Jerry. He removed the +ramrod from his rifle, and tied to one end of it an old-fashioned, red +bandana handkerchief. This done, he planted the other end firmly in the +ground, leaving the flag to flutter in the breeze.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, you just lie down here, in the tall grass, so thet the +critters won't see yer, and wait awhile."</p> + +<p>Following Jerry's instructions, we placed ourselves in the tall grass, +and lying still awaited the result of the experiment.</p> + +<p>"Yer see," continued he, talking in a low tone of voice, "antelope's the +most curious critters in the world, 'ceptin' women. Jist ez soon ez they +see thet red flag, they'll want to know what it means, and they won't +rest easy till they find out, either."</p> + +<p>And, sure enough, in a few moments we saw the graceful creatures, one +after another, turn and attentively look at the signal. Then they slowly +walked towards it. Then came a pause and a nibble of grass, and again, as +though they could not resist the desire to ascertain what this singular +thing fluttering in the breeze was, they hesitatingly came still nearer, +as though they feared some hidden danger. In this way they soon +approached within easy range, and we shot five with our revolvers.</p> + +<p>"There," said Jerry, as the remainder of the herd finally galloped away +over the plain, "you boys see what curiosity does. Yer kin allers fetch +'em with a red hankercher, and gin'rally by jist layin' down on yer back, +and holdin' up yer feet. They're awful curious critters, them antelopes +is. I reckon we'd better quit this trail, and git them air carcasses +inter camp. What d'yer say, youngsters?"</p> + +<p>"I declare, I forgot to fire at all!" exclaimed Ned. "I never once +thought of my pistol."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" roared Jerry. "You've got the 'buck-fever' my boy. I might +a knowed you wouldn't a fired; no, nor you, neither," continued he, +turning towards Hal.</p> + +<p>"But I did fire twice, though," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"Le'me see yer pistol, youngster," said Jerry; after examining it, he +again burst into a loud laugh.</p> + +<p>"Jest as I 'spected! Every barr'l loaded. Yer see you was so 'cited that +yer forgot all about firin'. You thought yer did, I s'pose; but don't be +too sartin next time, 'cause the fever allers takes what little sense a +feller's got, when it strikes him."</p> + +<p>The antelope were soon dressed; but Hal's chagrin was so great at the +thought of being so cleverly detected by Jerry's shrewdness, that I +attempted to comfort him by promising to relate my own misfortunes upon +experiencing my first attack. After supper, and while we were smoking our +pipes, the boys claimed the fulfilment of my promise.</p> + +<p>I only hope that the narrative may prove as interesting to my young +readers, as it did to Hal and Ned, who heard the story with roars of +laughter at my blunders.</p> + +<p>Well, boys, I was once passing through the Sacramento range of mountains +in New Mexico, in company with an old trapper and hunter, named Nat Beal.</p> + +<p>Nat was a jovial, pleasant companion; and, in truth one of the best +shots I ever saw.</p> + +<p>While riding through one of the numerous little valleys with which that +range abounds, we saw at a little distance, a magnificent specimen of a +black-tailed deer.</p> + +<p>Now I had always wanted to kill a black-tailed deer, and this was the +first time I had ever seen one, so I begged Nat to let me shoot it.</p> + +<p>He said, with a laugh, "Shoot away!" and I took deliberate aim and +fired.</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" roared he, as the fellow bounded away unharmed, "it's as +clear a case of 'buck-fever' as ever I saw."</p> + +<p>"Not at all. I aimed too high; that was the only trouble."</p> + +<p>"Jest so," replied Nat; "a man with the 'fever' always aims too high."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet I won't miss the next one," said I, angry at the imputation.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet you will, two to one on it," said Nat. "But it's too late to +get another shot to-night, so we'll wait until to-morrow evening; and, in +the mean time, I'll give you a few idees 'bout deer."</p> + +<p>"As soon as the sun had sunk to his rest the next evening, I borrowed +Nat's 'call' and started out."</p> + +<p>"What's a 'call'?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"A 'call' is a whistle, made from an eagle's bone. It is generally +fancifully carved, and, when sounded, makes a noise that perfectly +resembles that made by a young one in calling its mother. So perfect is +the imitation of the bleating of a fawn, that, when properly sounded, you +will sometimes see half a dozen does, running to see if their young are +in danger."</p> + +<p>"But don't they stay with their little ones?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"No: they hide them in the tall grass at night. You see a fawn gives out +no scent until after it's a month old, and can run well; but the old one +does, and knowing this she goes off to sleep alone, so that the wolves +and panthers won't be attracted by her scent to the fawn. This she +continues doing until the fawn is able to protect itself by running. In +the fall of the year, therefore, if you select a spot near the foot of a +mountain where the grass is tall and free from bushes, and, between +sundown and dark, conceal yourself in it and sound your call, you are +very apt to get a choice between four or five good fat doe's."</p> + +<p>Well, I was determined to get a deer; so I borrowed the 'call,' and +started out. After walking a mile or two, I came to a beautiful stretch +of open prairie, where the tall grass served admirably for concealment.</p> + +<p>I lay down upon my belly, and commenced crawling towards a grove of +young cedars, near the base of the mountain.</p> + +<p>I very soon discovered that propelling myself along, Indian fashion, +with my elbows, was of itself no small job, especially when obliged to +carry a rifle and keep my head below the level of the grass about me.</p> + +<p>I persevered however, and after working like a beaver for nearly an +hour, began to wonder why I did not see any deer, when all at once it +occurred to me, that I hadn't sounded the call; and that made me +remember, that I had forgotton in which pocket I put it.</p> + +<p>I endeavored for some time to get hold of it, but was finally obliged to +roll over upon my back before I could fish it out of the depths of my +pantaloons pocket. This was easy enough to do, but to resume my former +position without betraying my presence—ah! that was another thing. I +eventually succeeded in doing it however, and placing the whistle between +my lips, put forth my hand to recover my rifle, when, to my horror and +dismay, I saw, within four feet of my face, a huge rattlesnake.</p> + +<p>To say that I got up, don't half express it, boys. I bounded as man +never bounded before, startling deer, fawn, and everything else about me, +but the snake. He didn't seem to care a particle, but retained his +position near the rifle, looking as angry as if he thought me to blame +for jumping; and the worst of it was, there was neither stick nor stone +within sight, that I could get hold of.</p> + +<p>I said, "Shoo!" but the snake wouldn't shoo worth a cent. I stamped on +the ground, and said, "Get out!" but he wouldn't move. There he was, +within six inches of my rifle; his long, slender body partially coiled so +that he could easily strike any object approaching; with form erect, and +long forked tongue, darting in and out of his half-opened mouth, as his +flat, ugly head slowly vibrated to and fro like the pendulum of a clock.</p> + +<p>It was growing dark too, and I was a long distance from camp, and the +country was full of Mescalero Apaches, and I hadn't even a stick to reach +him with. What could I do?</p> + +<p>I bethought myself of my powder-flask, and taking good aim, hurled it +with all the force I could muster. It struck him fairly on the body and +with a rattle of defiance, he sprang towards me, and I—well, I jumped.</p> + +<p>I managed to get hold of my rifle, but the snake was gone: he was +somewhere in the grass about me, and I didn't know where; so I concluded +to stand not on the order of my going, but go at once to camp, and go I +did; but, before I was a hundred yards away I remembered that I had left +my powder-flask behind. Nor could I find Nat's whistle anywhere about me, +or even remember what I had done with it. In the surprise occasioned by +my discovery of the snake, I had dropped it.</p> + +<p>It was too dark to think of returning to search for it that night; +besides, there was a snake loose in the vicinity that I didn't care to +encounter.</p> + +<p>I knew Nat would laugh at my returning without a deer, but I made up my +mind to endure that, without getting angry; for I felt confident, camp +was the place for me just then.</p> + +<p>Nat asked no questions; but after a time, I voluntarily related to him +the mishaps of the afternoon. He laughed heartily, and promised to go +with me in the morning and give me a practical lesson in deer-stalking.</p> + +<p>The next day we visited the scene of my discomfiture, which Nat +pronounced a splendid place for stalking, showing me where several fawns +had lain the previous night. We also found the 'call,' just where I +dropped it when I made my jump, which Nat pronounced, equal to any ever +made by a first-class circus-man: in fact, I felt rather proud of it +myself; and when Nat slyly remarked that I was better at jumping than at +hunting, I made up my mind that I would have a deer that night, come what +would.</p> + +<p>Sunset came; and telling Nat that I would not return to camp without the +deer, I started for the scene of my former ill luck. I was delighted to +find, that by following Nat's instructions, I was able to move over the +ground much easier than the night before. Still, it was pretty hard work. +But I persevered; and upon reaching the proper place, sounded my call— +once, twice, thrice; and in a short time, saw a fine fat doe coming +directly towards me, apparantly listening for a repetition of the sound. +Once more I used the 'call:' the imitation was perfect. She approached a +little nearer to me, and stopped.</p> + +<p>I dropped my head, and once again sounded the 'call,' endeavoring to +give it the quick, impatient tone of the young when in danger.</p> + +<p>The effect was perfect. I fairly laughed to myself, to see the doe bound +towards me until she stood within easy rifle range, when she suddenly +stopped again, as though frightened at her own temerity.</p> + +<p>I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and was in the act of pulling the +trigger, when a slight rustling in the grass at my right attracted my +attention. Thinking of that snake, I turned my eyes in the direction of +the sound, and saw, to my horror and amazement, not the snake, but a +large panther, not twenty yards away, and creeping stealthily towards me, +with glaring eyes, gleaming white teeth, and ears well laid back upon his +head. For an instant I was dumbfounded; then, recollecting myself, I +turned the rifle and gave him its contents.</p> + +<p>The creature made a convulsive leap into the air, and dropped to the +ground—dead; and I—well, I believe I started for camp to tell Nat.</p> + +<p>We packed the carcass into camp and while removing the skin, Nat took +occasion to congratulate me, on being able to so perfectly imitate a fawn +as to lure a panther from its lair; advising me however, to give up +deer-stalking until I struck a better streak of luck.</p> + +<p>"There boys, you see what the 'buck-fever' did for me. We are all liable +to take it."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but you killed the panther," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"True; but it was only a piece of luck that might not happen again in a +dozen times, and I didn't kill the deer."</p> + +<p>The boys agreed that my story was both amusing and interesting; and as +for old Jerry, he laughed most heartily at my experience, saying that it +reminded him of his first adventure with a bear.</p> + +<p>The boys, eager for another story, urged him to relate it then, but Jerry +declined; promising them however, that they should have it the next +night.</p> + +<p>Early on the following morning, we once more started on the road; and for +two days, met with no incident worthy of note.</p> + +<p>We were now approaching the section of country bordering on the Rio +Pecos, one of the most barren and desolate portions on our whole route.</p> + +<p>This stream runs for hundreds of miles through the plains, its course +being marked by the growth of no living green thing: in fact, you do not +know of its presence, until you stand upon its banks.</p> + +<p>It is narrow, deep, extremely crooked, and very rapid, while the water is +both salt and bitter. The banks are very steep and there are but few +places throughout its entire length where it can be crossed in safety.</p> + +<p>But little grass grows near it, and neither man nor beast can drink the +water with impunity.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching the top of a long line of bluffs, towards which we had been +travelling for the last two days, we came in sight of a large wagon-train +encamped, apparantly upon the open plain.</p> + +<p>Jerry at once declared it to be Magoffin's; and the boys and myself +volunteered to ride forward and ascertain the cause of their delay.</p> + +<p>A brisk canter of a couple of hours brought us to the encampment, which +sure enough, proved to be Magoffin's train, delayed by the high water in +the Pecos.</p> + +<p>Right glad were we all, to fall in with our old companions once more; +for, aside from the company their presence furnished, we felt infinitely +safer than when travelling alone with our small party.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry arrived with the wagons, a consultation was held; and it +was decided to go into camp and wait for the water to subside.</p> + +<p>"It's high'n I ever see it afore," said Jerry, standing on the brink and +gazing at the turbid, swift current, that almost filled its banks; "and +the mischief is, that when she once gits up, there's no tellin' when +she'll go down. We may hev to lay here two weeks, afore we kin cross."</p> + +<p>"Two weeks!" exclaimed I, why we'd better build a boat."</p> + +<p>"Ef we hed a lot of empty casks, we might float our wagons over and swim +the mules; but we hain't got 'em, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what we can do," said Hal; "we can build a raft."</p> + +<p>"Yes; or better still, float the things over in one of the wagon-bodies," +suggested Ned.</p> + +<p>"Well thought of," exclaimed I: "we can at least make the attempt."</p> + +<p>We soon had one of the wagons unloaded and on the ground; beneath which +we carefully stretched a couple of the sheets. One of the men was sent +across the stream with a small cord, by which he drew over a rope, to +which was attached a common block, after which the wagon-body was +launched, and pulled across the river in safety. It was then returned and +loaded, reaching the opposite bank without mishap, or leaking a drop.</p> + +<p>The wagons were now taken apart; and piece by piece, carried across and +put together; into them, the goods as fast as ferried over, were +reloaded; and at the end of the second day we were ready to swim our +mules. This was accomplished without loss; and thanks to Ned, the day +following we were once more on the road.</p> + +<p>I ventured to remind Jerry of his favorite saying regarding boys, but the +old man had no reply to make, save that "Ned was a most 'stonishin' boy. +He'd killed a Injin, and had a wonderful head on him, which was more'n he +could say of t'other one."</p> + +<p>In consideration of Ned's valuable services, old Jerry consented that +evening, to relate for his especial benefit, the story of his first +experience in bear hunting, which I shall give as nearly as possible in +the old man's words:—</p> + +<p>"Yer see boys, I was bringed up in Tennessee; leastways, I lived thar +till I was nigh onter seventeen year old, when I struck out and come to +Texas.</p> + +<p>"Father hed a farm in Tennessee, and ez I was the only boy, I had a heap +of work ter do on the cussid place. I didn't like fannin' much, and used +ter tease the old folks ter let me go down ter Knoxville and go into a +store, or enter inter some other ekelly 'spectable bizness. But the old +folks allowed that I must stay with 'em till I was twenty-one, any how.</p> + +<p>"One day when I was about sixteen year old, the old man said ter me, +'Jerry, I've got a lot of wood cut, up on the mountain-lot, that wants +piling up. Yer'd better take yer dinner and an axe along, and go up and +pile it. Do it nice now, 'cause I shall be up 'bout noon, ter see how you +git 'long.'</p> + +<p>"I knowed what that meant, well enuff; it meant that, if I didn't do it +right, I'd git a gaddin', 'cause the old man was famous for gaddins'.</p> + +<p>"Arter breakfast mother put me up a good dinner of bread and meat, and I +shouldered my axe and started for the wood-lot, 'bout three miles up the +mountain.</p> + +<p>"I whistled along and didn't think nothin' 'bout ther walk; 'cause, yer +see, I allus liked ther woods, and enjoyed bein' thar. Arter I got to the +lot, I found the wood, and went ter work to get it piled. 'Twarn't much +of a job, and I got it done afore noon and then sot down on a log and +waited for the old man ter come. Wal, I sot and waited, and begun ter get +mighty lonesome and ter think 'bout Injins, though I knowed there warn't +no Injins thar. I waited so long I got hungry, and concluded I'd take a +bite of the bread and meat mother'd put up.</p> + +<p>"I sot down on a log, and put my basket on the stump, and went ter +eatin'. I never smelt anything so good as that dinner smelt, less 'twas a +good venison steak on the coals, when you're putty hungry.</p> + +<p>"Wal, I sot there, eatin' away, and, the fust thing I knowed, I kind 'er +felt suthin' tetch my shoulder. I turned my head, and thar was a big +black bar, with his nose within a foot of mine. I've seen bars sence that +time, and big ones too, but that bar looked bigger'n a ox ter me. I +didn't stop for nothin', but jist lited out, and the bar arter me. Maybe +yer think you've seen runnin'; but I tell yer honestly, boys, yer never +see nothin', like ther time I made gittin' away from that bar.</p> + +<p>"I looked over my shoulder once in a while, but 'twarn't no use; thar was +that bar right behind me, growin' bigger and bigger every minute, it +seemed ter me. The harder I run, the wus I was off. I didn't gain a foot +on ther critter. My heart riz rite inter my throte, and my bar riz up so +I lost my cap,—leastways I've allus 'spected that was the reason I lost +it. I didn't know what ter do. I kep' on runnin', but my wind was givin' +out, and I knew I couldn't stan' it much longer; so I made a break for a +good sized white birch I see, and the way I shinned up thet tree, would a +bin a credit to any major-gen'ral, I tell yer.</p> + +<p>"When ther bar come to ther foot of ther tree he sot down on his +haunches, ter kinder get breath a little, and then he begun ter climb it; +and blast my picter boys, ef he couldn't giv me three pints in the game +of climbin', and then beat me. It didn't seem ter me he was more'n a +second, gittin' up. I kep' climbin' higher an' higher, and the bar kep' +a-follerin'. By and by I got so high, that ther tree begun ter bend +backwards and for'ards, but ther bar kep' comin' higher and higher.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img11.jpg" alt="Jerry And The Bear" /> </div> + <p>"I saw 'twarn't no use, so I made up my mind ter swing ther tree over ez +far ez I could, and drop and try my legs onct more. So I clim' a little +higher, and when the tree begun ter bend, that bar sot thar and just +laffed, if ever a bar laffed in this world. The tree kep' swayin' +back'ards and for'ards jist like a cradle.</p> + +<p>"I watched my chance, and, when ther top come putty nigh ther ground, I +jist dropped, and, when I picked myself up, blast my eyes, ef thar warn't +ther bar, right side er me. Wal I started agin, but hadn't run more'n +fifty yards, afore I tripped and down I went. I knowed 'twas all up with +me then, so I jist laid still. Why, I was so scart I couldn't hev moved +ef I'd tried; but I did look up jist once, to see the bar set clus by, +watchin' me, and lookin' as mad as a wet hen.</p> + +<p>"I never was so scart afore nor since. I 'spected every minute to feel +his teeth and hear my bones a-crunchin', but I didn't.</p> + +<p>"Putty soon I heered somebody down in the woods a-callin'. I 'spectcd it +was dad, but I didn't dare to holler or make any noise. I heered 'em +callin' agin and agin; putty soon I jist looked out'er ther corner of my +eye, and see the bar was gone. At first I couldn't believe it, and +'spected he was playin' 'possum—waitin' ter see ef I moved, afore he +went for me. Well, I kep' putty still for a while, but not hearin' +anything from the bar, I finally looked up, and see that he'd gone for +good, and then I got up and started for home in just about ez big a +hurry, ez any feller ever went down a mountain.</p> + +<p>"I hadn't got more'n half a mile afore I see a feller rite ahead of me, +a-leadin' that identical bar, thet bed been chasin' me all day.</p> + +<p>"I never was so took down in my life boys, I wouldn't a bin s'prised at +anything, arter thet. I mustered up spunk enuff ter speak to the feller, +and he told me 'twas a tame bar, thet belonged ter him, thet hed got +loose thet day, and he'd bin up a-findin' him.</p> + +<p>"Well boys, I never felt so ashamed of myself afore nor since.</p> + +<p>"You may bet, I never told no one 'bout it afore, and I shan't agin. +That's all."</p> + +<p>We were very much amused at Jerry's story, and the boys pronounced it +decidedly the best they had yet heard, and as the hour was late, we all +"turned in," in search of a good night's rest.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap8"></a><h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<p>The following morning, we once more took the road, and for three days +followed the course of the river, which carried us through the most +undesirable portion of country we had yet seen; even game seemed to have +forsaken it.</p> + +<p>The route then brought us into the vicinity of the celebrated "Comanche +Springs," situated in the open prairie, at the crossing of the great +Comanche war trail that leads into Mexico—a trail that may with truth, +be said, to be marked with whitened bones, its entire distance.</p> + +<p>As we were likely at any time to meet with bands of Comanches in this +neighborhood, it became necessary to travel with the greatest precaution; +but even this did not appear to prevent one of the "varmints," as old +Jerry called him, from boldly coming into camp the next day, without any +one having seen his approach. Hal was the first who discovered him, and +as the fellow was alone, begged so hard for permission for him to remain, +that I yielded a reluctant assent, and permitted him to come into camp.</p> + +<p>The fellow claimed to be very hungry, a good friend of the whites, and +said he was on his way from Mexico, to his home on the Brazos, and only +wanted permission to remain, long enough to rest a little and obtain +something to eat.</p> + +<p>"I don't like the cut of any of them varmints," said Jerry, "they're all +natral thieves, and ez likely ez not, thet cuss is a spy. We can't tell +nothin' 'bout 'em, and ther best way is, ter steer clear on 'em, or at +any rate keep 'em at good rifle range."</p> + +<p>Telling Hal not to lose sight of the fellow for an instant, and as soon +as he had rested an hour, to start him on, I laid down under one of the +wagons for the purpose of taking a <i>siesta</i>, but was awakened by +hearing Hal loudly inquiring, if any body knew what had become of his +pony. No one appeared to know anything about it, but I heard Jerry's +voice suggest, that probably his Comanche friend could tell where it was. +This aroused me in an instant, and I crawled out from under the wagon, +and, calling Hal, asked him where his horse was, when he saw him last.</p> + +<p>He replied,—</p> + +<p>"I saw him not half an hour ago, within twenty yards of this spot."</p> + +<p>"How did he get away? pull his picket-pin?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Hal, "the lariat looks as though it had been cut."</p> + +<p>"It's plain enuff to tell who's got yer hoss; it's that Comanche. Them +varmints are nat'ral hoss thieves, any how."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to tell me, that that Indian could steal my horse, right +here, under my very eyes, and I not see him?" angrily asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see he has, don't yer?" replied Jerry; "and not only you +didn't see him, but nobody else; and didn't he come walkin' into camp +this mornin' and not a soul know it, till he was right amongst us?"</p> + +<p>"I don't care if he did, he never could have carried off my pony and I +not see him," declared Hal.</p> + +<p>"But he did though youngster, as sure's you're a livin boy."</p> + +<p>"I'm inclined to think you're right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the +pony without doubt," said I.</p> + +<p>"But how could he?" demanded Hal. "I was sitting right here, close by him +all the time."</p> + +<p>"Listen Hal, I'll give you a bit of my experience with these same +Comanches," said I: "About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of +my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for +food.</p> + +<p>"Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named 'Creeping +Serpent,' one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe. Naturally +enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a +bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill.</p> + +<p>"The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche +door. I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn't; but, in less +than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with +an Indian on his back.</p> + +<p>"I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made +him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I'm disposed to +believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, +without question."</p> + +<p>"But how did he do it?" persistantly questioned Hal. "He never would have +done it before my eyes."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed old Jerry. "Didn't one of the cussid varmints, just +play the same trick on you?"</p> + +<p>"But I won't admit he's got my pony," declared Hal.</p> + +<p>"Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass +towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power. +This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least. Upon +reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily +withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear +above the top of the grass.</p> + +<p>"He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing +the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, +getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, +and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced +the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of +sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he +galloped rapidly away.</p> + +<p>"Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry's belief,— +that the fellow has stolen your pony."</p> + +<p>"I can't think that he's got it," said Hal; "and I'd like to take Ned and +a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can't find him."</p> + +<p>"We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon," said Jerry. "Yer +see thet dust down thar to the southward, don't yer? Wall, that ain't no +whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that's Injins, and they're headed right +for our camp, too; so we'd better git reddy for 'em, and let the hoss go. +Maybe, though, they'll bring him back to yer. I've knowed sich things +done afore now," continued he, glancing at Hal.</p> + +<p>The Indians were still nearly half a mile away, when Jerry, handing me +the glasses through which he had been looking, said, in a low voice,—</p> + +<p>"It's jest as I reckoned; there's Hal's pony, and an Injun on him, I'll +bet two ter one it's the same cusssed varmint thet was a-sneakin' about +camp here, not an hour ago."</p> + +<p>There were ten Indians in the party, who, even at that distance, +commenced riding around in a circle just out of range of our rifles, +yelling furiously, using the most insulting gestures towards us, and +daring us to come out and meet them. It was quite evident that the +savages had no weapons but their bows and arrows; consequently, did not +like to come within range of our rifles. Up to this time, neither of us +had fired a shot, and Jerry suddenly went to one of the wagons; and, +procuring an old Sharp's carbine, loaded it; and, taking good aim, fired +at a group of four or five, that were huddled together on the plain.</p> + +<p>To our amazement and delight, we saw one of the number throw his arms up +into the air and tumble headlong from his horse to the ground, while the +rest instantly scattered; nor did they come together again until they +were at least a mile away.</p> + +<p>"That was a good one Jerry," cried I. "Give 'em another."</p> + +<p>"'Twon't do no good; 'twan't nothin' but luck. I couldn't do it agin in +shootin' a dozen times, with this wind a-blowin'," muttered Jerry. +"That's enuff to scare 'em to death. They hadn't no more idee I could +reach 'em than I had."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what they'll do now? They must be going to try that circle +dodge," said I, seeing the party separate.</p> + +<p>In a very few moments, before either Jerry or myself realized what they +were doing, they had jumped from their horses, fired the tall, dry grass +to the windward of us, and were scudding away from it as fast as their +horses could carry them.</p> + +<p>Quicker than thought, the wind caught the flames, that seemed to leap +fifty feet into the air, which, in an instant, became so filled with heat +and smoke, that suffocation seemed inevitable. We could scarcely see or +breathe; and the wind was driving the flames directly towards us.</p> + +<p>The wagons, animals, ourselves even, were at their mercy. What could we +do to escape the horrible fate that stared us in the face?</p> + +<p>Jerry was the first to realize our danger. Starting in the direction of +the fire so fast approaching, as he yelled, at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"Git ther empty corn-sacks, blankets, anything ter keep ther fire off +from ther wagons and critters. Be quicker'n lightnin', thar!" cried he, +as he hastily set another fire, not twenty yards from us.</p> + +<p>In a second we were fighting the new fire with whatever we could lay our +hands upon.</p> + +<p>So vigorously did we work, that we succeeded in keeping the flames from +our wagons and stock, which, in a few minutes, rolled by us in huge +billows of fire.</p> + +<p>I never saw a grander sight than the vast blackened, smoking plain, +beyond which the flames raged and roared like thunder, while the dense +white smoke, settling low down, partially veiled the sunlight and gave a +weird, strange appearance, that is indescribable, to the scene.</p> + +<p>"The cowardly cusses!" said Jerry, as we paused to take breath from our +labors. "They wanted to smoke us out, did they? Well, I reckon, by the +looks round, thet maybe they'll have ter huff it putty lively themselves, +ef they git away from it. I've heerd of the biters gittin' bit +themselves, afore now."</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding our misfortune, we could hardly help laughing at the +sight of ourselves, as, with blacked faces, singed clothing, and +blistered hands, we talked the matter over.</p> + +<p>Of course we could do nothing but submit, and console ourselves by +wishing that we had the cowardly fellows where we could punish them.</p> + +<p>We passed a most uncomfortable night; and, as soon as daylight appeared, +were on the road, reaching the "Springs" late in the evening, and the +next morning taking up our line of march for Fort Davis. This fort is +situated upon Lympia Creek, in Wild Rose Pass, a most lovely +<i>cañon</i>, through the <i>Sierra Diablo</i>. It is about two hundred +feet wide, and carpeted with the richest green sward, while the sides, +composed of dark, columnar, basaltic rocks, rise to the height of a +thousand feet. Here, cozily nestled in this beautiful dell, surrounded by +lofty mountains, we came upon the white walls of the fort.</p> + +<p>We encamped within half a mile of the post; and, the next morning, the +boys and I rode in to pay our respects to Colonel Sewell, then in +command.</p> + +<p>The youngsters were delighted with everything they saw, and the sutler's +store proved a great attraction for them. They seemed determined to buy +out his entire stock in trade, this being their first opportunity to +spend money since we left San Antonio.</p> + +<p>Colonel Young, the sutler, informed me that a friend from Chihuahua, Don +Ramon Ortiz, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, with his daughter and five +servants, had been for several days at the fort, awaiting the arrival of +some train with which they might travel to El Paso. If agreeable, they +would be pleased to accompany us.</p> + +<p>I gladly gave assent, and was shortly introduced to the Don. He was a +fine-looking gentleman, about sixty years of age, intelligent, and +evidently a man of culture. The sickness of his daughter had caused his +delay at the fort; but, having recovered, he was anxious to resume his +journey.</p> + +<p>The young lady proved to be a lovely little body, who spoke English like +a native, and was about sixteen years old. Her wealth of raven hair, eyes +of jet, and natural pleasant manner made <i>El Señorita Juanita</i> as +bewitching a little companion as one would meet in many a day's travel.</p> + +<p>From the instant Hal saw her he became a devoted admirer, and, I foresaw, +that so long as we travelled in company with Don Ramon, I need not again +fear his absence from the train.</p> + +<p>One of the officers of the fort came to me, during the evening, with the +request that I would permit a young lad to travel through with me to the +Pacific coast, saying that he was without money or friends, and it would +be a charity if I would allow him to work his passage.</p> + +<p>I had but just returned to camp when Ned appeared, bringing with him a +bright-looking Irish boy, about sixteen years of age. As he stood +twirling his hat, and resting awkwardly upon one foot, I asked,—</p> + +<p>"What do you want of me, my boy?"</p> + +<p>"Av yez plaze, sur, I'd loike a job."</p> + +<p>"What kind of a job?"</p> + + <img src="images/img12.jpg" alt="Introducing Patsey" align="right" /> + <p>"A job ter go to Californy, shure, sur."</p> + +<p>"Well, what's your name?"</p> + +<p>"Patsey, yer honor; and a very good name it is, too. 'Twas my father's +before, me sur."</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from?"</p> + +<p>"The ould counthry, ov coorse, sur."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but where did you come from now?"</p> + +<p>"From the foort beyant, sur."</p> + +<p>"Well, Patsey, what can you do?"</p> + +<p>"Phat can I do, is it? Faix, yer honor, it's phat I can't do yer'd better +be axin'! There's nothin' in my loine that I don't understand parfectly, +sur."</p> + +<p>"Have you a recommendation?"</p> + +<p>"What's that, sur?"</p> + +<p>"Any paper recommending you."</p> + +<p>"Och, it's me characther, is it, yeze afther axin' fur? Will, thin, I've +gut it in me pocket, shure;" and, pulling out from the waistband of his +pants a well-worn piece of greasy paper, he proceeded to spit on it, +"jist for good luck," he said, and then, with a bow and a scrape, handed +it to me.</p> + +<p>The paper was from Captain Givens, of the Mounted Rifles, recommending +the bearer, Patsey McQuirk, as an honest but ignorant boy.</p> + +<p>I informed Patsey that his "character" was satisfactory, and I would take +him along, bidding him put his luggage in one of the wagons.</p> + +<p>He stood looking at me with a comically puzzled expression on his face, +and, thinking that perhaps he did not understand what I said, I again +told him to put his things into one of the wagons, for we should probably +start early in the morning.</p> + +<p>"What things'll I put in the wagin, sur?"</p> + +<p>"Your baggage,—your clothes," said I.</p> + +<p>"Shure, sur, ef I put my clothes in the wagin, it's little I'd hev to +wear mysilf," answered the boy.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, then, go with Ned; he'll show you what to do."</p> + +<p>It had been our intention to start early on the following morning; but, +information having been received at the fort that a large party of +Comanches had been seen, only two days before, on our direct route, it +was thought advisable to wait a short time, in the hope that Don Ignacio +and his train might overtake us. Nor did we wait in vain; for, on the +evening of the third day, he rode into camp, and announced his train a +short distance behind.</p> + +<p>This was good news for us, and we immediately commenced preparations for +our departure the following day.</p> + +<p>Hal begged permission to carry the news to Don Ramon, and I never saw a +happier boy than he, at the thought of once more being on the road.</p> + +<p>About eight o'clock the next morning we again started, passing through +the <i>cañon</i>, over a fine, natural road. Two hours later saw the +ambulance of Don Ramon, with its six white mules and four outriders, +approaching from the direction of the fort, at a pace that promised soon +to overtake us.</p> + +<p>Hal at once took a position beside the carriage, and, during the rest of +the day, hardly left it. I did not interfere until we were approaching +our camping-ground, when I sent Patsey back, to say that I wished to see +him.</p> + +<p>The boy returned, saying,—</p> + +<p>"He's a-comin', but he says, kape yer timper."</p> + +<p>"What did he say?" inquired I, in no little astonishment.</p> + +<p>"He said, Yis, he'd come, but kape yer timper; shure, so he did."</p> + +<p>At this moment Hal rode up. I asked him what he meant by sending such an +extraordinary message, at the same time telling Patsey to repeat it.</p> + +<p>Hal heard it, and burst into a laugh, declaring that he told Patsey to +say he would be with me "<i>poko tiempo</i>,"—in a little while—which, +as Patsey did not understand Spanish, he had interpreted into "kape yer +timper."</p> + + <img src="images/img13.jpg" alt="Antelope, Patsey And Ned" align="right" /> + <p>The night passed quietly, and, just after sunrise we were again on the +road, bound for "Dead Man's Hole," which was our next camping ground. We +reached it quite early in the afternoon, and, shortly afterwards, Ned +came to me in great glee, saying that he'd shot an antelope, and wanted +Patsey to go and help him bring it in.</p> + +<p>Away they rushed, and soon returned, fairly staggering under the weight +of a fine fat antelope.</p> + +<p>I could fully understand Ned's feeling of pride, as the men, one after +another, examined the game, and complimented him on his success; for Ned +was a great favorite in the camp; but, when old Jerry graciously told him +that he was more'n twice as old afore he killed an antelope, the boy's +eyes fairly danced with joy.</p> + +<p>His greatest triumph, however, was at supper, when he helped Hal to a +bountiful supply of the fat, juicy steak. It had been a matter of rivalry +between the two, as to which of them would kill the first antelope; and +Hal was inclined to feel a little uncomfortable at Ned's victory, +especially before Patsey slyly suggested, that, ef he hadn't kilt an +antichoke, he'd got a <i>dear</i> beyant, and that was betther than a +dozen artichokes.</p> + +<p>When I made my usual round of the camp, before going to bed, Jerry was +not to be found; so I concluded to sit up until his return.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later he came in, informing me that "he'd heerd a +<i>coyote</i> bark four or five times rather suspiciously nigh camp, and +had been out to reconnoitre, thinkin' p'raps it was an Injun signal; but, +havin' seen more or less of the critters prowlin' about, he rekconed it +was all right."</p> + +<p>Commending him for his care and watchfulness, and, assured by his +confident manner that there was no danger, I "turned in," and soon fell +asleep. How long I had slept I could not tell, but I was awakened by a +sound that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and caused the blood to +curdle in my veins; for it was the terrible war-whoop ringing in my ears, +so close and distinct, that it seemed to be in my very tent.</p> + +<p>I sprang into a sitting posture, and hurriedly looked about me. I saw +Hal's and Ned's frightened faces, then seized my rifle and rushed out. As +I passed through the door of the tent, I received a blow that felled me +to the earth. When I recovered my senses, I found the camp a scene of +dire confusion: every one was hurrying hither and thither, giving orders, +and talking in the wildest manner. I caught sight of Don Ramon, +bare-headed, barefooted, and half clad, wringing his hands and calling in +frenzied tones for his darling Juanita. Hal was talking loudly one +minute, and, the next, crying, while Ned was vainly attempting to pacify +him.</p> + +<p>As Ned appeared to be the coolest person in sight, I asked him the cause +of the commotion, and learned that the Indians had attacked Don Ramon's +camp, and carried off his daughter and her maid, prisoners.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap9"></a><h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<p>As soon as I could get upon my feet, I inquired for Jerry, and was told +he was looking after the mules. I immediately sent for him, and he came, +accompanied by Don Ignacio, who, hearing the disturbance, had come over +to ascertain what it meant. When we could secure the presence of Don +Ramon, we learned from him the story of the surprise.</p> + + <img src="images/img14.jpg" alt="Capture Of Juanita" align="left" /> + <p>Every heart was moved to pity as the old man, in broken sentences, told +us that he had been awakened by hearing his beautiful, his darling, +shriek. He had sprung to his feet, half asleep, and seen two Indians +tearing her from her bed in the ambulance, while calling upon him for +help.</p> + +<p>One of the Indians threw her across his horse, and then jumping upon the +animal himself, galloped madly off. Another seized her maid in the same +way; but she, poor girl, made such a desperate resistance that the savage +brutally plunged a knife into her heart, and then, with the rapidity of +lightning, scalped her and flung her body to the ground.</p> + +<p>Piteously the half-crazed father besought us to rescue his child from the +terrible fate in store for her. Offering half—yes, the whole of his +immense fortune to any one who would restore her once more to him.</p> + +<p>After a hurried consultation, we decided to send a messenger back to the +fort to notify the officers, and ask them to send a company of dragoons +in pursuit, at once; Don Ignacio offering to dispatch his assistant, a +thoroughly trustworthy man, who knew every foot of the country, with the +message. While I was writing the note to Colonel Sewall, Hal came to me, +and urged strongly to be allowed to accompany the messenger, saying that +Don Ignacio thought I should send some one, and had offered to mount him +upon one of his best horses if I would permit him to go. I hesitated a +long time before consenting; but he pleaded so earnestly, I finally said +yes, warning him on no account to leave the travelled road. This he +promised, and the two set out.</p> + +<p>A short time after they left, we decided to send a party out ourselves, +to follow the Indians and recapture the girl if possible, as well as +recover the mules stolen. Jerry offered to lead the party in person, +provided I would accompany it, and Don Ignacio could be induced to take +charge of the camp during our absence. The arrangements perfected, Jerry +selected a dozen of the best men; and before daylight, we were in the +saddle and on the trail.</p> + +<p>All day we rode over rocky <i>mesas</i> or through dense +<i>chapparal</i>,—here fording a stream, now thundering over a barren +plain, or picking our way through gloomy <i>cañons</i> or up steep +bluffs.</p> + +<p>The sun set; but Jerry did not pause in the pursuit. With his eyes on the +ground, and the same eager, anxious expression on his face, he rode as he +had ridden all day. Every nerve was strung to its utmost tension, every +sense was on the alert. Hardly had he spoken, not once hesitated as to +the course, nor for a single instant lost the track we had been +following.</p> + +<p>At last we came to a little valley, shut in by dark gray rocks and tall +mountains. At a signal from Jerry, we dismounted, unsaddled our animals, +and partook of a hasty supper; then again took to the trail; penetrating +deeper and deeper into the mountain fastnesses, over rocks and through +dense underbrush, until at last the shimmer of the waters of a broad +river met our gaze, and we paused upon its banks.</p> + +<p>It was the Rio Grande; and here we decided to encamp for the night.</p> + +<p>A few hours' rest and, just at daylight, we plunged into the water and +renewed our search, following the banks for miles; but no trace of the +track could we find. Just as we were giving up in despair, one of the +party, who was a long distance in the lead, uttered a shout: he had again +found the trail. It was evident now, that, in order to deceive any party +that might follow them, they had entered the river and followed its bed +through the water, nearly ten miles; hoping thereby to successfully hide +their course.</p> + +<p>We now sent one man back to the point where the trail entered the river, +that he might guide the soldiers, whom we every moment expected to arrive +from Fort Davis.</p> + +<p>It was a useless precaution however, for no soldier came. If we had but +known! but, alas! how could we? We waited until twilight came, and then +reluctantly retraced our steps, believing it useless to attempt to follow +the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape +with their prisoners. I was much pleased, however, to hear Jerry express +the opinion, that the Comanches would gladly ransom them, and that the +only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with +the band who made the capture; for it seemed probable that they belonged +in that, then, almost inaccessible portion of the state, known as the +"Pan-handle."</p> + +<p>When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort, we +reluctantly determined to start homeward.</p> + +<p>While pursuing our way towards camp, Jerry and myself determined to visit +a spring several miles to the east of our course, and then to overtake +our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains, +that ran far out into the plain.</p> + +<p>We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring; and, after a short +rest, filled our canteens with the cool, sparkling water, and started to +intercept our friends at the place agreed upon.</p> + +<p>Ere we were a mile upon the road. Jerry uttered a low whistle, and said, +"Look behind you, will you?"</p> + +<p>I turned; and, to my astonishment, not more than a mile away, saw eight +mounted Indians; and it was evident from the cloud of dust in which they +rode, that they were coming at no very slow gait.</p> + +<p>We were not an instant deciding that we had no wish to encounter eight +mounted Comanches, well armed, upon the open plain, if it were possible +to avoid them.</p> + +<p>The ground was a dead level for miles in every direction; and, in a +straight line six or seven miles away, we could see the spur of the +mountains where we expected to meet our party. If we could only reach +that, we were safe.</p> + +<p>We had more than a mile the start of our pursuers; but our horses were +worn with long travel, while it was evident theirs were comparatively +fresh and vigorous; our escape therefore, must be a question of speed and +endurance.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Jerry, as we shook our reins and put spurs into the flanks of +our horses, "set low, and bend in your saddle, take the motion of your +horse, and let's git."</p> + +<p>And "git" we did. Our animals seemed fairly to fly as we urged them +forward. They appeared to understand every word spoken, and to be quite +as anxious to escape capture as their riders.</p> + +<p>Every ejaculation uttered, every caress bestowed, gave them fresh +courage, urged them to greater exertions. Every nerve was braced, every +muscle strained to its utmost tension, while their foam-flecked sides +said, as plainly as words could say it, "We are doing our level best."</p> + +<p>I cast a glance over my shoulder and saw that the Indians were "spread" +in the pursuit, but evidently gaining on us. I looked at Jerry and then +at the goal, each moment growing nearer, and still so far away that I +began to doubt the ability of our horses to continue at the tremendous +pace they were going until we could reach it.</p> + +<p>Every minute seemed an age.</p> + +<p>Jerry's face was a study, as, with compressed lips, and eyes that +appeared to fairly flash fire, he bent so low in his saddle as to almost +touch his horse's mane. On, on, we sped! Not a word was spoken—not a +sound could be heard, save the dull, heavy thud of our horses' feet upon +the soft turf beneath us.</p> + +<p>Once I fancied I felt my horse waver, as though about to fall; but I +spoke sharply to him, and he straightened out, just as a bullet whistled +by our heads.</p> + +<p>"That's a Comanche sign; you can always tell them devils," muttered +Jerry, between his teeth.</p> + +<p>A mile farther, and we are safe. Can we make it? Why don't our men see +us, and hasten to the rescue?</p> + +<p>Another look behind. The Indians were still gaining on us, and I fancied +I could hear the breath of their unshod horses, as they thundered after +us; but it was only the distressed breathing of our own noble animals, +warning us that their strength was almost gone.</p> + +<p>Will our friends ever see us? Can we hold out five minutes longer? I hear +Jerry mutter something between his closed teeth; and, the next moment, +saw a dozen men dash out from behind the rocks.</p> + +<p>"We are saved! we are saved!" is my cry. I have just strength enough left +to pull up my weary horse, throw myself out of the saddle, and sink upon +the ground, when the faithful creature, completely exhausted, reels and +falls, as the men thunder past us, in pursuit of the now flying foe.</p> + +<p>"Wall," said Jerry, as he dismounted, "thet was a touch and go, and no +mistake. I've been chased many a time afore, but never come so near a go, +ez this has been. Them critters of ourn are worth a fortune, and no +mistake."</p> + +<p>We had a good hour's rest, before our friends returned from the pursuit; +and then, once more mounting, we set out for camp, which we reached late +in the afternoon, to learn that neither of the messengers sent to the +fort, had returned, nor had any tidings been received from them.</p> + +<p>What did it mean? Could they have been captured?</p> + +<p>Don Ramon was almost heart-broken, when he learned the result of our +pursuit; and nothing that we could say, afforded him any comfort. His +continual cry was, "Give me my daughter! my darling Juanita!"</p> + +<p>I was extremely anxious about Hal; and at once dispatched Don Ignacio to +the fort, to ascertain the reason of the non return of our messengers; +and then, as nothing further could be done, "turned in" for a little +sleep, giving Ned directions to call me immediately upon the arrival of +Don Ignacio.</p> + +<p>Just before daybreak, I was awakened by the startling intelligence, that +neither Hal or the messenger had reached the fort; but Colonel Sewell +had, upon Don Ignacio's request, immediately ordered a company of +dragoons in pursuit of the Indians.</p> + +<p>The only inference to be drawn from the facts was, that both Hal and the +messenger had been killed or taken prisoners, by a portion of the same +band that attacked our camp; and, although myself, greatly depressed by +the uncertainty attending their absence, I endeavored to assure Don +Ramon, that their capture was extremely fortunate, on his daughter's +account, for it would be certain to ensure her safe return to her +friends.</p> + +<p>This thought appeared to afford the old man a little comfort, and he +finally decided, to continue with the train, until we should arrive at El +Paso. We got under way about noon; and, with sad hearts, followed the +windings of the road through the <i>Cañon de los Camenos</i>, and on to +the Rio Grande; thence, following the course of the river, to the old +<i>Presidio</i> of San Elezario, and so on to Fort Bliss, about one mile +below the town of El Paso.</p> + +<p>At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with +which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, +he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old +scout who had been in his employ for years. He was not only trustworthy, +but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and +customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to +communicate with his family, who resided near the fort.</p> + +<p>The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist +the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any +chance have crossed the river with their captives.</p> + +<p>We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this +would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a +much-needed rest.</p> + +<p>I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty +regarding Hal's fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I +must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, +and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver +mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post.</p> + +<p>The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we +set out upon our trip.</p> + +<p>The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, +so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of +cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry's keen eye +discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he +surmised might be a cave.</p> + +<p>With this idea, we started to explore it. Upon reaching the mouth of the +opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for +Ned and myself to join him.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching him, he said,—"It's a cave, but there's some kind of a +critter got possession of it. I reckon it's a bar."</p> + +<p>We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what +appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end +of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl.</p> + +<p>It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed +it prudent to retreat.</p> + +<p>"We've got to git the critter out, someway," said Jerry, "and the sooner +we go about it, the better for us."</p> + +<p>"Suppose we try smoking him out," said Ned.</p> + +<p>"I dunno but that's the best way, after all, youngster," said Jerry. +"Hand us the hatchet, and we'll soon have a fire here." We shortly had +some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while +a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the +smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect.</p> + +<p>In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we +proceeded to make an examination for the cause. We found that the bear +had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the +brands.</p> + +<p>"He's an old fellow, and won't be ketched napping," said Jerry. "The only +way is to meet him, on his own ground. I'll fix him! You get two or three +of them splinters, and light 'em, and foller me."</p> + +<p>We cautiously advanced upon Bruin, torches in one hand and revolvers in +the other, but his low, angry growl caused us, even then, to hesitate a +moment before venturing further.</p> + +<p>"Now, you take this 'ere torch, youngster," said Jerry, addressing Ned, +"and hold it so you kin see, and then I kin. My narves is steadier'n +clock-work, and I'll do the shootin'."</p> + +<p>Another forward movement, and another growl saluted our ears.</p> + +<p>"Steady, there," said Jerry, "I see him;" and the next instant, he fired.</p> + +<p>As soon as the almost deafening reverberations and din, caused by the +discharge, had subsided, holding our torches so as to throw the light as +far in advance as possible, we entered the cave, and in one corner found +a large black bear—dead.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" cried Ned. "We've got him! Ain't he a noble fellow?"</p> + +<p>"Here's room enough for all," said Jerry, as the extent of the cave was +made apparent. "We'll get our critters in, and have bar meat for supper, +sure." The apartment in which we were standing was about twenty feet +square, and nearly as many high, and, in one corner, we found a spring of +clear, cool water.</p> + +<p>"Nothing could be nicer than this," declared Ned. "I'd like to stay here +for a month; it's just splendid," But Ned's enthusiasm soon died out, for +we discovered unmistakable evidence that Indians were in the habit of +visiting it. We determined to pass the night there, however, which we did +without being disturbed, and the next morning again started for the mine, +which we reached about two o'clock in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>The mine consisted of a horizontal shaft, cut into the mountain-side, +that had reached a depth of between two and three hundred feet; the ore +being drawn up in large leathern buckets, by mule power, attached to a +windlass. Such portions as were deemed sufficiently rich were at once +conveyed to the smelting furnace, where the pure ore was melted down and +extracted from the virgin fossil. If of inferior quality, it was +submitted to the process of amalgamation.</p> + +<p>We found much to interest us while examining the working of the mine, +which was conducted upon the old Mexican plan. Ned was particularly +pleased with the manner of packing the silver, which was in rough cakes, +for transportation.</p> + +<p>These were placed in sacks made of raw hide, which, when dry, shrunk, and +thus pressed the contents so closely, that all friction was avoided. Two +of these sacks, each containing about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of +the ore, constituted an ordinary mule-load.</p> + +<p>We spent the entire day at the mine, watching the process of separating +the ore, extracting the gold, roasting, grinding, etc., and the following +day returned to El Paso, with the intention of leaving for Fort Fillmore +immediately.</p> + +<p>As soon as we arrived at this post, in company with Ned, I called upon +Lieutenant Howland, then in command, and communicated to him the facts +regarding the attack upon, and capture of a portion of our party, and +from him learned the startling intelligence that a scout from Fort +Stanton, had that day arrived at the post, reporting that, the day +previous, he had discovered the fresh trail of a party of Indians near +the eastern base of the Organos Mountains, who had with them, three white +persons, one of whom, was a woman.</p> + +<p>As soon as Ned heard the lieutenant make this statement, he started to +his feet, exclaiming, "That's them! that's them! Hurrah! we'll find 'em, +sure. Let's start now!" and away he went to carry the glad tidings to the +camp.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap10"></a><h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<p>At my request, the scout was sent for. He proved to be a keen, shrewd +Yankee, who had spent the last twenty years of his life, among the +mountains of New Mexico.</p> + +<p>His statement was clear and concise, and showed a familiarity with Indian +manners and habits, that entitled his opinion to great weight. After a +long interview, both Lieutenant Howland and myself became convinced that +Hal and Juanita were with the party he described. So positive was the +lieutenant that he volunteered to send a force in pursuit early on the +following morning, with Tom Pope as guide.</p> + +<p>When this determination was announced I hastened back to camp to consult +old Jerry, and found all assembled around Ned, who was repeating over and +over again, the story told by Tom. Even Patsey, whom I had scarcely +noticed since he joined the train, was tossing his well-worn cap in the +air, catching it upon the toe of a toeless boot, while executing a lively +Irish jig, and exclaiming every time he drew a long breath,—</p> + +<p>"Whoo-o-o-op! think of it now, will yez! The boss has got the byse, sure. +Whoo-o-o-op now, whoo-o-op!"</p> + +<p>In fact, all seemed delighted at the idea of our receiving even the +meagre information we had obtained at the fort.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry found a moment's leisure, I gave him a detailed account +of the interview with Tom Pope, as well as Lieutenant Howland's opinion +regarding it.</p> + +<p>He expressed much satisfaction at the Lieutenant's intention to pursue +the party, and asked, if I thought the guide would object to his +accompanying him on the expedition.</p> + +<p>While talking the matter over, we saw Tom himself approaching camp. Jerry +at once recognized him as an old Comanche scout, whom he had once met in +Texas; and the two were soon upon the most friendly terms. It was +understood, that Jerry and myself were to accompany Tom on the +expedition, and finally I obtained permission to take Ned along.</p> + +<p>I invited Tom to remain and take supper with us, and afterwards, while +Jerry was making his preparations for the morrow's expedition, Ned and +Patsey asked Tom for a story; but Tom said "he warn't no account at story +tellin' and would let that job out to somebody else."</p> + +<p>Remembering Jerry's remark, that Tom was a Comanche scout, I asked him if +he had had much experience with that tribe.</p> + +<p>"Consid'rable," answered he.</p> + +<p>"Is it a fact, that the Comanches frequently cook their meat by placing +it under the saddle and riding on it all day?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"I 'spect 'tis," replied Tom; "leastways, I've seen 'em do it, and done +it myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh! tell us all about it Tom, will you?" cried Ned.</p> + +<p>"Wall, I don't mind telling you about that, youngster, though I ain't +much of a story-teller. You just wait till I get my pipe filled, and I'll +spin a yarn for you, as they used to say down in New Bedford."</p> + +<p>"Be gorra, now, ain't this fun?" exclaimed Patsey, as he and Ned settled +themselves in a comfortable position by the fire, to listen to—</p> + +<p>TOM'S STORY.</p> + +<p>Having filled and lighted his pipe, he began.</p> + +<p>"Six years ago this fall, I had been down to Mattamoras on the Rio +Grande, and returning home, had camped for the night, in the ruins of an +Old ranche on the San Saba. Wall, I was alone and pretty tired. I didn't +think nothin' about Injuns, so I went ter sleep; and when I woke up I was +a prisoner, with a dozen Comanches caperin' round me."</p> + +<p>"I couldn't do nothin', 'cause they'd taken my rifle and my knife; so I +jist made up my mind, that I'd better keep still and wait for my chance +to come. They tied my hands behind me, and put me on a horse. Then we +started, and I soon saw that they had been down into Mexico on a stealing +expedition, and had had, good luck; for they had five scalps, and nearly +a hundred head of Spanish mares, that they were a-driving home with 'em +to their village, which was on the Clear Fork of the Brazos."</p> + +<p>"In ten days, we got to within about a mile of their home, and then we +halted; and one of the braves, all painted and fixed up in regular war +style, started in to let 'em know we were there."</p> + +<p>"Pretty soon one of their squaws came out to meet us, and then the +Injuns, fixed to a long lance the five scalps they had taken, and we all +started for the village, the squaw leading and carryin' the scalp-pole, +all the while singing a war-song."</p> + +<p>"Just before we got into their settlement we were met by a lot of the +women folks, who joined in the procession. Then we went through the +village. The squaws danced as they went along and made a great noise, +singing songs about the brave deeds of their husbands and sons, who had +taken so many scalps and stolen so many cattle."</p> + +<p>"I'd been wonderin' all the time what they were going ter do with me. +Then we stopped before the chief's lodge,—Tabba-ken, or the Big Eagle, +he was called,—and they motioned for me to dismount. I hadn't hardly +struck the ground, before I found what they were going to do with me; for +would you believe it, every old squaw and pappoose in that village, that +had strength enough, flew at me and commenced biting, and kicking, and +scratching me. You see I couldn't do much, for my hands were tied, but I +made up my mind that Tom Pope would die like a man, even though he never +had calculated to be bit and kicked to death, by a lot of Comanche +squaws."</p> + +<p>"So I jest set my teeth, and stood the pain the best I was able. After a +while, they got tired of the fun, and quit; but you never see such a +lookin' chap as I was when they got through. Why, there wasn't a spot on +me as big as a five-cent piece, that didn't show some kind of a mark. I +thought I had a pretty hard time in some of my travels, before, but +t'warn't no tetch ter that Comanche village. I was sore for a month after +it."</p> + +<p>"Arter they'd got through with their fun, they set me to work and kept me +at it, till I finally got away from 'em; though they treated me well +enough after the first few days. When I got into Phantom Hill, the +officers there told me, that they treated me as they always did all their +prisoners. I had enough to eat, such as it was, and hain't no complaints +to make on that score. They had two Mexican women who were prisoners +there, and old Tabba-ken himself had married one of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Do they have any particular ceremonies, when they start on the war-path, +Tom?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"I saw one party start out ter fight the Arapahoes; and I see 'em come +back, too," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"One morning I see that a lot of the braves took their bows and arrows, +and placed 'em on the east side of their lodges. They was all ornamented +and fixed, and set where the sun's first rays should fall on 'em. That +night a lot of the squaws commenced going around through the village, +singing their war-songs, and making a great noise. They kept it up for +three nights, so that I couldn't sleep a wink; and I asked one of the +Mexican women what it all meant. She told me, that it was a war-party, +getting ready for an expedition.</p> + +<p>"I'd suspected as much, when I see the braves a-cavortin' around so +lively on their horses, and makin' such a fuss as they did.</p> + +<p>"She said, that they worshipped the sun, and their weapons was set out +there for the sun to bless, and give them good luck against their +enemies. They kept up these doin's for four or five days, and then they +had a grand war-dance; and the next morning at sunrise (they always start +on an expedition just at sunrise) a party of twenty braves, started off +to the north."</p> + +<p>"Do they make the squaws work, like the other Indian tribes, Tom?" asked +Ned.</p> + +<p>"Yes! Injuns is Injuns, wherever you find 'em," answered Tom. "The squaws +allers do the hard work, and the men the heavy layin' round and talkin'."</p> + +<p>"Oh! be gorra; don't I wish I was a Injin," exclaimed Patsey.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued Tom, "after I'd been with 'em a couple of months or so, +they kind er got a notion that I didn't care much about gittin' away, and +didn't keep a very strict watch over me; so, one night, when I see +Carline (that was my old rifle) lyin' by one of the lodges, I made up my +mind to scoot. They was havin' a big time that night, gittin' ready for +another expedition, and I knew they'd be putty busy. As soon as 'twas +dark, I picked up the rifle, and, kind er slowly, made my way down ter +where their critters was feedin', and picked out the best hoss of the +lot, put a saddle on him, and started down the river towards the fort at +Phantom Hill. 'Twas a good hundred miles away; but I made up my mind I'd +fetch it, if nothin' happened.</p> + +<p>"I rode putty hard all night; and, just after daylight, saw some deer on +the prairie, and shot one, never thinkin' that I hadn't another charge +for my rifle, and no way of buildin' a fire ter cook with.</p> + +<p>"Yer see the Injuns always start a fire by rubbin' two dry sticks +together, but I hadn't no time for that, 'cause I wanted to put as many +miles as I could between me and ther village. While I was a-wonderin' +what ter do, I happened to think about puttin' it under the saddle; so I +hunted round and found a sharp stone, and managed to cut some putty fair +slices out ev the leg, and clapped 'em under the saddle and rode on.</p> + +<p>"I got pretty hungry by noon, so I stopped to let my horse eat a little, +and looked at my steaks, and they was cooked just as nice as I ever see +steaks cooked in my life; and they was good, too, you bet.</p> + +<p>"I made a tip-top meal, and then thought I'd lay down and take a little +nap. I slept for an hour or two, and then saddled up, and rode along. +Putty soon I happened ter look round, and, blast my picter, ef there +warn't eight Comanches a-comin' after me like the very devil.</p> + +<p>"I just put the spurs to my hoss; and from the best calculations I could +make, I made up my mind thet they'd ketch me in just about ten miles +further. I see they was a-gainin' on me, and I hadn't nothin' to defend +myself with but a empty rifle, and that warn't no account agin bows and +arrows; so I throwed it away, and made up my mind, if wost came to wost, +I'd take my chances in the river, 'cause yer see the Comanches never let +a prisoner get away the second time. I kept urgin' my hoss, and the +critter kep' tryin', but I see he was about blowed, an' 'twarn't no use. +I had just concluded I must take to the river, when I happened to look up +and see a dozen soldiers coming right towards me. The Injuns see 'em as +quick as I did, and the way they turned and put back was a caution to +anything I ever see."</p> + +<p>"What were the soldiers doing there?" asked Ned.</p> + +<p>"Why, they was a scoutin' party out from the post, about twenty miles +below where we was. They chased the Injuns, but the devils scattered and +'twarn't no use.</p> + +<p>"I went in to the fort with 'em, and stayed thar about a week, and then +went down to San Antonio with Major Neighbors, the Injun agent. +Afterwards, I heard that the soldiers went up and cleaned the village +out, but I don't know nothin' about that.</p> + +<p>"There, youngsters, you've hed your story, and I reckon if you're goin' +with me to-morrow, you'd better go ter bed and git some sleep, and I'll +go back to the fort, and git ready, myself."</p> + +<p>Ned was delighted with Tom's story, while Patsey declared that "he'd thry +that way of cooking, steak the first blissid thing he did in the +mornin',—that he would, sure."</p> + +<p>With the first faint streak of light in the eastern sky, our little party +were on their way to the fort. We found that Lieutenant Howland had +detailed a squad of twenty of the "Mounted Rifles" under command of +Lieutenant Jackson, and ordered them provisions, for ten days. They were +to start at sunrise, and Tom Pope was to lead them directly to the +<i>cañon</i>, where he had seen the trail, which we were to follow, until +we overtook the thieves.</p> + +<p>Promptly, as the morning gun, announced the sun's appearance above the +horizon, Lieutenant Jackson, with the dragoons, rode into the parade- +ground, ready for a start. The final orders were given, and we fell into +line, and rode slowly forth in the direction of the mountains, followed, +not only by the good wishes of every man in the post, but by Patsey's +brogans, which he threw after us for "good luck, inyhow," with such force +that one struck a soldier in the head, and nearly knocked him out of the +saddle, much to his surprise and anger, and greatly to the amusement of +the spectators.</p> + +<p>We struck into a brisk canter, and were soon out of sight of the post and +settlements. Our course lay to the east of north, over an elevated, arid +plain, covered with a thick growth of prickly-pear, and scrubby mesquite.</p> + +<p>The mesquite is a shrub that somewhat resembles our locust. Its wood is +hard and close-grained, and its branches bear a long, narrow pod, filled +with saccharine matter, which, when ripe, furnishes a very palatable +article of food, that is relished both by men and animals.</p> + +<p>The principal value of the mesquite, however, is for its roots, which are +used for fuel and very fine fuel they make, quite equal to the best +hickory.</p> + +<p>The plain over which we were now travelling, was more than four thousand +feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its immense elevation, +it was covered with a peculiar kind of grass called <i>grama</i>, which +retains its nutritious qualities throughout the whole year. This grass is +sometimes cut by the inhabitants, who use for the purpose a hoe. It will +thus be seen, that, on these plains, wood is obtained with a spade and +hay secured by the hoe.</p> + +<p>A ride of seven hours brought us to the eastern side of the mountains, +whose lofty, pinnacled peaks rose above us to the height of more than +three thousand feet, strangely and perfectly resembling the pipes of an +immense organ, from which fact the <i>Sierra de los Organos</i> takes its +name.</p> + +<p>As we approached this remarkable range, we found a thick growth of live-oak +skirting its base, and could hardly resist the temptation, to enjoy +the cool and delicious shade, which their thick branches afforded; but we +pushed on, and in another hour reached the entrance to the <i>cañon</i>, +in which Tom had discovered the Indians' trail. Here we found it +necessary to advance with the greatest precaution, as the dark pines and +evergreens, growing in the narrow defile, afforded an excellent place for +the concealment of our foes.</p> + +<p>Jerry and Tom, rode a short distance in advance of the party, and we +slowly made our way up the gorge for about four hundred yards, when we +came to a large reservoir, or basin, into which the water from a spring +high up on the mountain-side, slowly trickled.</p> + +<p>The guides examined this place with great care, for Tom declared it had +not been disturbed since he left it, two days before. We found evidence +sufficient to substantiate Tom's opinion fully, for we discovered the +tracks of three white persons, one of whom was a woman. Ned insisted that +he recognized Hal's footprints, while Jerry identified the peculiar shape +of one of the mule's tracks, by means of a shoe he himself fitted to the +animal.</p> + +<p>Satisfied at last that we were on the right trail, the lieutenant decided +to halt for a short time to feed and rest.</p> + +<p>While Ned was strolling about the encampment, he accidentally trod upon a +rattlesnake, and the venomous reptile, sounding his rattle, made a spring +and fastened his teeth into the boy's pants, just below the knee. I +chanced to be looking towards him at the moment, and saw him, without the +least hesitation draw his sheath-knife, and sever its head from its body, +with one stroke, leaving the head hanging to the leg of his pants. I +hurried towards him, but the boy was not in the least disconcerted or +frightened, although he could not tell if he had been bitten or not. An +examination showed that the fangs of the snake had passed through the +cloth and left their imprint upon the leather of his boot-leg, without +penetrating it.</p> + + <img src="images/img15.jpg" alt="Snake Incident" align="left" /> + <p>We all congratulated him upon his narrow escape, and Lieutenant Jackson +told him that few men would have shown more nerve or presence of mind +under the circumstances than he had done. Tom Pope asserted the boy was a +"born Injin hunter," and old Jerry declared that he was "willing to make +a 'ception, so fur as Ned was concarned, though he'd be darned if he'd do +it for t'other one; for boys like him hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how."</p> + +<p>Once more mounting our horses, we emerged from the cool and grateful +shade, out into the burning sunshine of the plain, when, making sure of +the trail, our guides started at a brisk canter towards the north-east, +followed by the entire party.</p> + +<p>The trail was so plain and well-defined, that we were able to ride at a +good round pace, which was kept up until long after the sun had set and +darkness had fairly encompassed us. Finally we came to good grass, and +the lieutenant ordered a halt.</p> + +<p>Shortly after unsaddling our horses, Tom came to me, and said, "Be you +pretty sure, judge, that them fellers was Comanches, that attacked you?"</p> + +<p>I replied at once that I was.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?" inquired Tom.</p> + +<p>Up to this time I had not entertained a thought that they could be other +than Comanches. Now that my reasons for the opinion had been asked, I saw +that the only cause for it was the fact, that the attack had been made in +the Comanche country, and so far towards the interior, that the +possibility of their belonging to any other tribe had not entered my +mind.</p> + +<p>I replied, that I had no other reason for supposing them to be Comanches +than the one above given.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Tom, "as me and Jerry was ridin' along this arternoon, I +found this 'ere thing along side ther trail, so I picked it up ter show +yer."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, he produced an old, well-worn moccasin, which, at a glance, +I recognized as having been made by the Apaches, its shape being entirely +different from those manufactured or worn by any other tribe.</p> + +<p>For an instant I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed by the terrible +revelation.</p> + +<p>I thought of the warm-hearted, impulsive Hal, and the winsome, pretty +Juanita, prisoners in the hands of the cruel and merciless Apaches, who +were never known to surrender a captive alive. Then, as I thought of a +worse fate than death, that was in store for the bright, beautiful girl, +I thanked God that her old father was spared the anguish that such a +knowledge would have caused him.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap11"></a><h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<p>As soon as I dared trust myself to speak, I said, in a tone of voice that +I was conscious must betray my anxiety to hear my own opinion condemned,—</p> + +<p>"This is an Apache's moccasin, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"'Tis, for sartin," said Tom. "No other red-skinned varmint but a +devilish Apache, ever wore that moccasin."</p> + +<p>"And what do you argue from that, Tom?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Ther ain't nothin' to argue," sententiously answered Tom. "The gal's +been took by the Apaches instead of the Comanches, and that's all there +is of it; that moccasin tells the whole story. Ask Jerry. Me and him +agreed on that pint, as soon as ever we see it."</p> + +<p>"It's surer'n preachin', judge," said Jerry, as he came up to where we +were standing; "and there ain't no help for it."</p> + +<p>"Well, what can we do, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"Do! foller till we git 'em, if we foiler 'em to hell. We mustn't leave +the trail now, till we know the gal's dead, for sartin. She'll be safe, +ez long ez they're travellin'; but if they ever git to where they're +going,—well judge, I'd rather see the pretty little critter layin' right +here, dead, than to meet her, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>I immediately sought the lieutenant, and informed him of the terrible +facts I had just learned.</p> + +<p>"I feared as much from the first," said he, "for during all the years +I've been stationed on this frontier, I've never known the Comanches to +venture so far 'up country' as this, but have frequently known the +Mescalleros to pass through the Comanche country into Mexico. I fear we +shall find this to be a band of Mescallero Apaches, but I shall follow +them, as long as my men and animals hold out. I have ordered a halt now, +because, twenty miles from here, in the direction that we are travelling, +we shall come to an extensive deposit of pure, white sand, in which we +shall be liable to lose the trail at night; and I want to reach there as +near daybreak as possible, so as not to waste more time than is necessary +in finding it. We shall rest here until midnight, so you'd better turn in +and get what sleep you can."</p> + +<p>Midnight found us once more in the saddle, and when, some hours later, we +reached the deposit referred to, an examination showed, that, instead of +crossing it, the trail skirted its southern edge for a couple of miles, +and then took an easterly course towards the Sacramento Mountains, +distant about twenty-five miles.</p> + +<p>Our course lay in the vicinity of two or three little <i>salinas</i>, or +salt lakes, but over an arid, barren plain, destitute of any vegetation, +except mesquite <i>chaparral</i>; and about three o'clock in the +afternoon, we reached the timber that skirted the base of the mountains.</p> + +<p>As the guides, who were some distance in advance, reached the extreme end +of a spur, around which the trail led, we saw them pause for a few +moments, and then hasten towards us.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching us, old Jerry, in a voice husky with emotion, said, +"They're there for sartin;" pointing towards the end of the spur.</p> + +<p>A retreat to the cover of the trees was instantly ordered, when the +guides informed us, that upon reaching the point of rocks, they +discovered several animals grazing in the meadow beyond, and that the +Indians must be encamped in the immediate vicinity; but in order to make +sure, would leave their horses with us, and return and make a +<i>reconnoissance</i>.</p> + +<p>They returned a couple of hours later, reporting that they had discovered +the camp, but owing to its situation, could not get near enough to see +into it, without running too much risk of discovery. There was one +"wickey-up," [The name given by scouts to Apache huts.] however, made of +brush, in which the girl was undoubtedly confined. From appearances they +thought the Indians intended to remain there, long enough to recruit +their stock, as the grass was very good; and that as soon as it should be +dark, they would return and take a closer inspection of the camp. Nothing +more remained for us to do therefore, but to "possess our souls with +patience" until darkness came.</p> + +<p>Now that we were so near the success or failure of the expedition for +which we had endured so much fatigue and anxiety, it was impossible to +remain quiet. Every moment seemed an hour. Ned was constantly on the +move, apparantly unable to remain in one position an instant. He had +anticipated accompanying us in the attack upon the Indian camp, but the +lieutenant positively forbade it, saying, that he was not only too young, +but too good a fellow to be shot by Apaches, that year.</p> + +<p>This did not satisfy Ned, however, who came to me to intercede for him, +saying, that he wanted so much to be the first one to greet Hal, and had +come so far to do it, it was pretty hard to be disappointed then.</p> + +<p>I spoke to the lieutenant in regard to the matter, but he was very +decided in his refusal, saying that the boy must stay in camp, and if +necessary, he should put him under guard.</p> + +<p>Ned bore his disappointment with wonderful fortitude, I thought, for he +made no remark, even when I spoke of the "guard" hinted at, except to say +that "he wished it was all over;" a wish that I echoed from the bottom of +my heart.</p> + +<p>It was with a feeling of relief that I saw the guides start to once more +reconnoitre the Indian camp.</p> + +<p>Everything had been prepared in our own camp for an immediate movement— +the guard had been detailed, horses saddled and bridled, ready for use, +if needed, ammunition distributed, and every detail faithfully executed.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together +in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the +sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon +the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of +firearms.</p> + +<p>What did it mean?</p> + +<p>The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, +was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, +saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed +in white. Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the +situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from +the weapons of Indians.</p> + +<p>Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, +in an excited manner.</p> + +<p>"Take keer o' her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!"</p> + +<p>Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and +Apparantly unharmed. I carried her to camp, when, finding she had +fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance +of the party.</p> + +<p>Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and +the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their +stock.</p> + +<p>While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they +discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in +my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears +running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a +little child, exclaiming,—</p> + +<p>"Oh! I'm so glad! I'm so glad!"</p> + +<p>As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,—</p> + +<p>"Where's Juanita?"</p> + +<p>I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; +and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had +recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return.</p> + +<p>Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was +well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,—</p> + +<p>"Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth."</p> + +<p>"But didn't I tell you you would?" inquired Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded the girl, "you did; but I heard you and Anastacio—"</p> + +<p>"By the way, where is Anastacio?" interrupted I. Poor fellow! He had been +entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, +escorting him between them.</p> + +<p>There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness +and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its +ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners. I +could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so +short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity. +Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling <i>señorita</i> who +entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking +young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand +alone.</p> + +<p>Hal, on the contrary, declared that he was "tougher than a knot," and +"dirtier than any greaser," a statement, which we readily believed when +he informed us "that he hadn't washed for ten days."</p> + +<p>I ordered supper prepared at once. The Lieutenant came in soon after, and +reported that three of the Indians had been killed, and two, badly +wounded. Besides this, fifteen animals had been captured, and all the +camp equipage of the savages.</p> + +<p>Looking around for Ned, he soon discovered him, and said,—</p> + +<p>"You young rascal, you! I told you to stay in camp, and the first one I +saw over there, was you." Then, in a kinder tone, he inquired if he was +much hurt?</p> + +<p>Hurt! it was the first intimation I had that he had been hurt; and for a +moment, my heart almost jumped into my throat, notwithstanding the boy +insisted it was nothing.</p> + +<p>An examination showed that an arrow had penetrated the fleshy part of his +arm above the elbow, but without inflicting serious injury. The wound was +soon dressed, supper eaten, Juanita made as comfortable as possible for +the night, and then we gathered about the camp-fire to hear Tom Pope, +relate the story of the capture, as follows:—</p> + +<p>"Me'n Jerry, started from here, and crawled through the grass and +underbrush, till we got pretty close to the varmints' camp. We seed ten +or a dozen of 'em layin' about, some doin' one thing and some another. +All of a suddent we seed the gal, there, crawl out of the 'wickey-up.' +She looked round as though she wanted to see somebody, for she started +and walked out a little ways. Jest then, a big buck Injun, got up and +follered her, but she walked on, right towards us, till she was within a +dozen feet of where me'n Jerry lay hid.</p> + +<p>"The Injun told her in Spanish, to go back, and took her by the shoulder +to make her do it. Quicker'n lightnin', Jerry made a spring, and, afore +the Injun see him, he give him a blow with the butt of his rifle, that +stunned him, and grabbed the gal and run.</p> + +<p>"The Injun give a kind of grunt as he fell. One of the others started to +see what was the matter, I s'pose, so I let Mertilda," patting his rifle, +"talk to him, and he laid right down without speakin' a word."</p> + +<p>"As soon as the Injuns in camp heard Mertilda speak, eight or ten of 'em +jumped up and started towards us. But yer see, Jerry'd got so fur, they +couldn't stop him. The sojers was right on to 'em, and give 'em 'Hail +Columby,' and no mistake.</p> + +<p>"That's my report, Lieutenant. That youngster there," pointing to Ned, +"is real grit. I seed the arrer strike him, and he a-pullin' of it out, +runnin' towards 'em all the time. Jest as sure's yer live, yer can call +Tom Pope a liar, if Jerry Vance didn't save that gal's life; 'cause, if +we'd ever attacked the Injuns in camp, the first thing they'd 'a' done, +would ha' been to killed the prisoners. I know the Apaches some, I +reckon."</p> + + <img src="images/img16.jpg" alt="The Litter" align="right" /> + <p>A consultation was now held as to the best manner of getting Juanita to +the fort comfortably, and it was decided to construct a "mountain-litter." +This was done the next morning, by procuring two stout poles, +about twenty feet in length, and lashing them firmly to two short pieces +of wood about three feet long and six feet apart: we then stretched a +blanket between the poles, so as to form a comfortable bed. Two steady +mules were selected and harnessed between the poles, in the front and +rear of the bed, thus making a comfortable carriage.</p> + +<p>Breakfast over, Juanita was placed in the carriage, and we started for +the fort, travelling slowly and making frequent halts. Ned scarcely +mentioned his wound; and, during the four days consumed on the trip, we +were all delighted to see that Juanita was daily recovering her bloom, +and buoyancy of spirits.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching Fillmore, I dispatched Anastacio at once to Fort Bliss, +informing Colonel Magoffin, of the result of our expedition, and asking +him to send an ambulance through to Chihuahua with Juanita, in charge of +Anastacio.</p> + +<p>Two days later, the colonel's own carriage, with four good road-mules, +arrived, with an invitation, asking Juanita to accept his hospitality at +Fort Bliss, and promising that Anastacio should accompany her, to her +father's <i>hacienda</i>.</p> + +<p>Juanita decided to leave on the following morning; and, during the +afternoon, I was surprised to learn, that Hal had ridden up to Las +Cruces, six miles above the fort; but, shortly after his return, I +noticed upon Juanita's finger, a little gold ring, that I had not seen +before, so I ventured pleasantly to refer to it, in the course of +conversation that evening, and was informed, with many blushes, that it +was-only a memento, of their trip through the Apache country.</p> + +<p>In the morning, however, I almost had a pitched battle with Hal, to +prevent him from accompanying Juanita to her home; and it was only +through compromising, and permitting him to ride a few miles in the +carriage with her, that I avoided it.</p> + +<p>We all bade her good-by, with hearts filled to overflowing with +thankfulness, for her release from the hands of her cruel captors; and, +wishing her all manner of good luck, and a happy reunion with her father, +the carriage drove off, but not until Hal had climbed in and taken the +vacant seat by her side.</p> + +<p>When he returned, a few hours later, his face radiant with happiness, I +made up my mind that it would not be his fault, if he did not again see +the young lady, before many months had elapsed.</p> + +<p>During the evening I was aroused from the revery into which I had fallen, +by an unusual disturbance in camp; and, on proceeding to ascertain the +cause, found that Hal, had been endeavoring to thrash Patsey. On calling +the delinquents before me, I was informed by Hal, that Patsey had spoken +insultingly of Juanita, an offence that he had at once resented by +attempting to chastise him.</p> + +<p>Upon inquiring as to the words used, Patsey said,—</p> + +<p>"Sure, sur, I only axed him did Juanita look as tickled as he did, and he +come at me wid his phists, so he did; but he'll be aisy about sthriking +me the nixt time. Dye'r moind that, noo, yer honor!"</p> + +<p>"He'd no business to call her Juanita," angrily exclaimed Hal.</p> + +<p>"Phat would I call her, thin?" asked Patsey.</p> + +<p>"Call her by her proper name, the Senorita Ortiz," said Hal, with much +dignity.</p> + +<p>"And phat, would I be givin' her that jaw-crackin' name fur, when her +name's Juanita?"</p> + +<p>"But her name isn't Juanita to her inferiors, only to her intimate +friends," explained Hal.</p> + +<p>"Infariors, sure! Ain't an Irishman as good as a Mexican, any day? An', +if yez think I'm your infarior, jest come out here and thry it, sure; +that's all, Master Hal."</p> + +<p>I stopped the controversy at once, by telling Hal that Patsey had no +intention of offending, and there was no occasion for his attempt to +chastise him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he won't thry it again, sur, niver fear," interrupted Patsey. "If he +does," declared he in a tone intended only for Hal's ear, "I'll break +ivery bone in his body, so I will."</p> + +<p>After Patsey had gone, I did not reprimand Hal, only sent him to his +tent; for, judging from his crestfallen air, he had suffered physically +as well as mentally in the encounter.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap12"></a><h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<p>We remained in camp the next day, visiting the officers at the fort, and +taking our farewell of them, with many regrets. Nor did we forget a +generous reminder to Tom Pope, to whose keen observation, quick wit, +daring bravery, and perseverance we owed, in so large a degree, the +success of our expedition.</p> + +<p>The following morning, we crossed the Rio Grande and found ourselves in +the celebrated Mesilla valley, one of the most fertile and productive, in +the Territory of New Mexico.</p> + +<p>The town itself has a population of about one thousand souls, and was +first settled in 1850, by colonists from Chihuahua. All land in this +portion of the territory is cultivated by irrigation; and, as this was +the first time Hal had ever seen it practiced to any extent, he asked +permission to remain behind in town a little while, to witness the +operation. Ned also expressed a desire to see it, and, after consulting +Jerry, I assented to their request, believing with him, "that they'd find +mighty hard work to git inter any scrape in such a God-forsaken town as +that was, anyhow."</p> + +<p>We crossed the valley, and then ascended the high lands west of the town, +through which our road lay, expecting to make our camp about sixteen +miles from the river, and get an early start in the morning, to enable us +to reach Cook's Springs, the following night.</p> + +<p>As we rode along, I noticed that the distant range of blue mountains +before us, seemed to have risen from the earth, and to be reposing upon +the line of flickering heat that marked the horizon, and, in a short +time, that groups of trees and huge rocks appeared, standing high in air, +like islands in mid ocean.</p> + +<p>Calling Jerry's attention to their singular appearance, he pronounced it +a <i>mirage</i>, which I watched with great curiosity; for it was the +first time I had ever seen the phenomenon.</p> + +<p>In a little while, the long line of trees connected themselves at each +end, with the land below, and then we saw, a beautiful lake, with its +white-capped waves gently driven before the breeze, rippling and dancing +in the bright sunlight, like living things of life and beauty. The +picture grew larger and larger as we rode, changing into a mighty ocean, +with a grand old rocky shore, which appeared to be indented with scores +of little bays and bayous, upon the banks of which, grew great live-oaks, +their umbrageous tops casting a shade so refreshing, that it was with the +greatest difficulty I could be persuaded that the scene was not a +reality.</p> + +<p>I could only console myself, however, with the wish that the boys were +along to enjoy it with me; but they were in Mesilla, and Jerry was so +accustomed to sights of the kind, that he merely gave the beautiful +picture a passing glance, regarding it as one of the matter-of-course +things, to be met with on a trip like ours.</p> + +<p>We went into camp about four o'clock; and, just at twilight, the guard +that had been stationed back on the road about a quarter of a mile, came +riding furiously in, his swarthy face almost white from fright, shouting +at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"<i>Los Indios! los Indios! Los Apaches!</i>"</p> + +<p>In an instant the quiet camp became a scene of the utmost confusion. +Jerry's first thought was for the animals; mine, for the absent boys. I +stationed the men at what I deemed the best points for defense; and +Jerry, as soon as he had secured the mules, hastened to my side. We then +called the Mexican who had given the alarm, and found that the fellow had +really not seen anything, but had heard strange noises, that he believed +came from Apaches.</p> + +<p>Jerry volunteered to ride back and ascertain, if possible, the cause of +the disturbance. He had scarcely been gone five minutes, before one of +the Mexicans rushed towards me, saying,—</p> + +<p>"Don Jerry is shouting to <i>El Señor</i> from the rise of ground out +back upon the road."</p> + +<p>Springing upon my horse I rode rapidly toward the spot where he stood, +when the sight that met my gaze, almost convulsed me with laughter.</p> + +<p>Coming up the road were the boys. Ned was mounted upon his pony, and +trying to lead Hal's mule. Like most Spanish mules, the animal had a will +of its own, and would not be led; but on the contrary, pulled back so +strongly upon the lariat, which Ned had attached to the pommel of his +saddle, that the pony could scarcely move a step.</p> + +<p>Hal's coat was off, his face black with dust and sweat, and he, tugging +at a lariat drawn tightly over his shoulder, at the end of which was a +small black bear, scarcely more than a cub. The animal insisted upon +squatting on his haunches, and in that position, Hal was dragging him +through the dust, the creature all the while expressing his disapprobation +by low, snarling growls of defiance, and a vigorous shaking of himself +between each growl.</p> + + <img src="images/img17.jpg" alt="Boys And Bear" align="right" /> + <p>The strange medley of noises caused by the boys, the snarling bear, and +the obstinate mule, had been heard in the still twilight for a long +distance, by the guard, and mistaken for the approach of a party of +Apaches.</p> + +<p>"I wish you'd take this devilish bear," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"And won't you take this plaguy mule?" exclaimed Ned.</p> + +<p>Both looked so harassed and tired, that, although Jerry and I could not +help laughing at their ludicrous situation, we nevertheless pitied them.</p> + +<p>"Where in the world did you get that bear, Hal?" said I.</p> + +<p>"Get him? I bought him of a Mexican at Mesilla, and I'm going to take him +to California with me for a pet. He's tame."</p> + +<p>"Well," exclaimed Ned, "if you don't get him along faster than you have +to-day, you'll die of old age before you get there. We've been ever since +eleven o'clock getting here, and I'm so hungry and tired I can hardly sit +on my horse."</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" retorted Hal; "this is nothing. You ought to be taken prisoner by +the Apaches if you want to know what 'tis to be hungry and tired."</p> + +<p>"How much did you pay for him?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Only fifteen dollars," answered Hal.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" ejaculated Jerry. "Fifteen dollars! Wall, I dunno which is +the biggest fool, you or the bar. The greaser that swindled yer, ought to +be thrashed; and I've a notion of goin' back and doin' it, for I've felt +like thrashin' somebody for a good while. The bar ain't wuth fifteen +cents, and won't be nothin' but a bother. Mebbe though he might be good +for 'fresh,' if we git hard up."</p> + +<p>"He won't be any bother, and you shan't use him for meat. He's just as +tame as he can be. See here, now," said Hal, approaching the bear, and +attempting to put his hand upon its head. But Bruin snapped so viciously +that the boy jumped back in dismay, exclaiming, "Poor fellow! he's awful +tired, I suppose!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Jerry; "he'll be wus tired, though, afore you git him to +Californy. You'll have to lead him, every step of the way. He shan't be +hitched to no wagon, for the mules has got all the load they want to +draw, now. But I reckon we'd better be gettin' back to camp, or the +men'll think, we've been took by the 'Paches."</p> + +<p>Supper was soon dispatched, after we reached camp, the events of the day +talked over, we "turned in," and in a short time were fast asleep.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the night we were awakened by the most agonizing yells +and screams.</p> + +<p>Springing to my feet, I recognized Patsey's voice, and, as I hurried in +the direction of the sounds, I met the boy, half dead with fright, +rushing towards my tent.</p> + +<p>As soon as he recognized me, he fell upon his knees, and, crossing +himself, besought me, in heartrending tones; to "protict him, for the +Blissed Vargin's sake. The divil himself, your honor, has intered the +camp, and he got into bed wid me, to ate me up intirely!"</p> + +<p>All the time the boy was howling, and holding one hand under his arm, +while he danced a hornpipe and protested, that, if I'd save him this +time, he'd "niver stale another cint's worth as long as he lived, sure!"</p> + +<p>The whole camp was roused, but no one appeared to understand the cause of +Patsey's outbreak, and Hal finally suggested that he'd been dreaming.</p> + +<p>"Dramin', is it! I wish it had been dramin' I wuz. Boo! hoo! Didn't I sae +him wid me own eyes, shure?"</p> + +<p>After we had partially quieted him he was able to tell us, that, as he +was "slapin' paceably, he all ov a suddint felt somethin' in bed wid him, +that wuz swallowin' him intirely. A big black thing wuz lyin' right by +the side ov him, and wuz jest a-suckin' him in whole, for he had his arrm +in his throat clane up to his ilbow!"</p> + +<p>"It's that cub of a bear!" exclaimed Ned, interrupting Patsey's story.</p> + +<p>At the sound of the word "bear," all of Patsey's fears returned, with +renewed power, and he again commenced calling for "protiction," in +frantic tones.</p> + +<p>Going to the wagon under which Patsey had spread his blanket for the +night, we found that Hal had tied the bear near it. Getting rested from +the fatigue of his forced journey, the animal had crawled beneath the +wagon, and, attracted by the warmth of the blankets, placed himself by +the side of the sleeping boy, and, finding his hand uncovered, commenced +licking it.</p> + +<p>Patsey, thus awakened, had seen the creature's glaring eyes and shaggy +black coat, and, not knowing in his fright what it was, concluded his +Satanic Majesty had come for him, on account of his many sins and +transgressions.</p> + + <img src="images/img18.jpg" alt="Under The Wagon" align="left" /> + <p>Order was at last restored, and we retired once more, to be awakened some +hours later by Jerry's voice calling the men to prepare for the day's +journey. Our breakfast was soon cooked and eaten, and Hal having finally +induced Jerry, to permit him to tie his bear to the hind wagon, we were +on the road an hour before sunrise, encamping that night at Cook's +Springs, and the next afternoon reaching the Membris River about three +o'clock, where, with good water, and plenty of grass and wood, we made a +very pleasant camp.</p> + +<p>Immediately upon our arrival, Hal and Ned went out hunting; and in less +than an hour returned with three fine, fat turkeys, which were soon +cooking after the most approved style, in one of the large camp-kettles +that adorned our fire.</p> + +<p>Supper over, Jerry suggested that, as some repairs were necessary to one +of the wagons, we should remain in camp, and make them the following day. +This suggestion was received with so much pleasure by the boys, I at once +determined to adopt it.</p> + +<p>Hal proposed a hunting expedition for the morning, leaving Jerry and +myself to attend to the wagon.</p> + +<p>This we agreed to; and, about sunrise, the boys started, confident of +their ability to furnish us with a fine quantity of game before night.</p> + +<p>As they mounted their ponies, Jerry gave them the following advice:—</p> + +<p>"Be keerful ter keep yer eyes and ears open; foller the course of the +river, and don't git out'er sight of it, whatever yer do. There's three +kind 'er game in this country, yer want ter steer clear of, sartin: +them's Injins, bars, and painters. And be keerful to git back afore +sundown, whatever else you do."</p> + +<p>"I shan't steer clear of 'painters' or bears, you bet," said Hal. "If I +see one, I shall go for it, and as for Indians, I've had quite enough +experience to know how to handle them, without any advice from you, Mr. +Jerry. I guess we can take care of ourselves;" and away they rode.</p> + +<p>"That boy knows less, for a fellow that thinks he knows so much, than +anybody I ever see. Why, he don't know nothin', compared ter Ned, if he +does talk ten times as much. I used ter think, when I was a boy, thet the +feller thet hed the longest tongue, knowed the most; but them's the ones +that don't know nothin'; and he's one of 'em, sartin," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>I ventured to remark that Hal was a boy yet, and that we ought not to +expect too much wisdom in one so young as he.</p> + +<p>"But ain't t'other a boy, ez well?" inquired Jerry; "and hain't he got +ten times as much sense? However, less go and look at that wagon, and see +what's got ter be done to it."</p> + +<p>The repairs kept Jerry and myself busy during the forenoon; and, after +they were finished, Jerry proposed that we should take our rifles, and +see if we couldn't get some game on our own account.</p> + +<p>This suggestion met my cordial approval; and, after giving directions +concerning the camp, Jerry and myself started across the prairie, +intending to strike the river some miles above, and follow its course +down; hoping, in this way, to fall in with the boys, on their return.</p> + +<p>We rode along for several miles without seeing any game, save a few +antelope, and they at such a distance, that Jerry though it not best to +follow them; and, after a time, decided to make our way to the river and +follow it down to camp.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful day: such a one as always brings peace and quiet to +the most restless mind. I felt its effects most sensibly, and remarked to +Jerry, that I rarely had seen so perfect a day in any country, and it +seemed almost too bad, that so lovely a section could be given over to +the possession of savages and wild beasts.</p> + +<p>"'Tis, sartin," he replied; "both on 'em thrive here. I'm thinkin', +though, 'twon't be many years afore white men'll git in here, and then +the Injuns and painters, and sich like'll, hev to leave it. Why, there's +lots o' gold jest above here. I've known plenty of scouts that hev brung +it in. The white folks'll git hold of it one of these days, and then the +country'll fill up like Californy.</p> + +<p>"Yer see thet little mountain right ahead of us, don't yer? Wall, I +r'member thet place. There's a narrer pass through thet hill, thet we've +got ter go through. I've been in it once afore, and it's a mighty +pokerish place, I tell yer: however, we'll git along all right, I +reckon."</p> + +<p>In a short time we reached the entrance to the <i>cañon</i>, which was +indeed a narrow pass. Huge rocks, hundreds of feet high, towered above +and upon each side of us, their dark, moss-grown surface rendering the +narrow passage so gloomy, that, in spite of myself, I felt a cold shiver +run over me, that gave me an involuntary sensation of danger, which I +could not throw off.</p> + +<p>Turning to Jerry, I said, "Isn't there any danger here?"</p> + +<p>"Danger!" repeated Jerry, "of course there's danger, everywhere in this +country. We ain't out of danger a minute. Ha! ha! ha!" and he laughed so +loudly, that the rocks above us caught the sound and hurled it against +the opposite side of the <i>cañon</i>, where it seemed to be detained for +a moment by some overhanging cliff, and then sent back, reverberating and +re-echoing, now faint and indistinct, then clear and well-defined, to +again die away in the distance, to once more approach nearer and nearer, +louder and louder, until finally catching upon the sharp edge of some +far-jutting crag, it shivered into a dozen, startlingly distinct peals of +laughter, that seemed to my terrified senses like the shouts of demons, +exulting at our temerity in venturing within their own well-chosen +realms.</p> + +<p>So terrifying was the effect upon me, that, for a few moments, I could +not persuade myself that it was but an echo I heard. The blood surged to +my heart and receeded so suddenly, that I was hardly able to sit erect +upon my horse. As soon as I could speak, I said,—</p> + +<p>"Come, let us go back, Jerry. I want to get out of this, as soon as I +can."</p> + +<p>"We've got ter git ter camp, an' this's the nearest way; but, ef you're +afraid, we'll turn back. That warn't nothin' ter hurt, though, it did +sound kind er skeery. Ther shortest way's always ther best in this +country, so let's go ahead," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"I don't know that we are any more likely to meet danger in this +<i>cañon</i> than we are out of it," said I; "but it's one of the most +dismal and sunless places I ever was in."</p> + +<p>"Well, 'twon't be many minutes afore we're out on the plains agin, so +we'll ride along kind er midlin fast;" and, putting spurs to our horses, +we soon emerged from the gloomy defile, out into the bright sunshine +again.</p> + +<p>Once clear of the shadows, I seemed to overcome the forebodings of +danger, that had so oppressed me in the <i>cañon</i>; and, in a few +moments, the unpleasant sensations produced by the echo, entirely +disappeared.</p> + +<p>While thus riding along, the sound of a rifle-shot, a long distance away, +fell upon our ears.</p> + +<p>"That's them boys, for sartin," said Jerry. "They're in better luck than +we be, for they've seen somethin' to shoot at,—an' so do I," continued +he in a lower tone, pointing towards a little knoll a short distance away +from the trail we were following.</p> + +<p>I knew in an instant, from the tone of his voice, that he had made an +unpleasant discovery, and was satisfied it was Indians. Still I looked, +and saw, upon the top of the knoll, in bold relief against the sky, two +Indians sitting upon their ponies.</p> + +<p>One of them held a hand in the air above his head, which Jerry at once +said, was the Apache way of asking for a parley.</p> + +<p>"We'll hev ter give it to 'em, though we must be mighty keerful," +continued he, "'cause it's next to sartin, thet therain't no two on 'em +out there alone. We'll find thet out for ourselves, though, afore we're +many hours older. Keep your eyes wide open, and your finger on the +trigger o' yer rifle, and we'll go and see what they want."</p> + + <img src="images/img19.jpg" alt="The Two Apaches" align="left" /> + <p>Upon coming up with them, they each extended, an exceedingly dirty hand, +with finger-nails that looked almost like bear's claws After shaking +hands with them, Jerry proceeded to have a talk in Spanish. This gave me +an excellent opportunity to examine their personal appearance; one, that +I did not neglect.</p> + +<p>They were small in stature, with short, ugly faces, very dark +complexions, little, snapping black eyes, low foreheads, with coarse, +stringy, faded hair, that hung far down their backs, carrying in their +faces that nameless, but unmistakable impress of treachery and low +cunning, that constitutes so large a part of the Apache character.</p> + +<p>Around their bodies was wrapped an old blanket, so filthy, it was almost +impossible to detect any trace of its original color, which had +undoubtedly been blue. Each carried a bow and arrows, but was destitute +of either leggins or moccasins, although mounted upon very +respectable-looking ponies.</p> + +<p>After a short interview, which terminated with our presenting them all +the tobacco we had, with a shake of the hands we parted.</p> + +<p>As they rode away, Jerry said: "I wish them boys was well in camp."</p> + +<p>"You don't anticipate any trouble with these fellows?" inquired I. "What +did they say?"</p> + +<p>"Say? why, they said they was particular friends of the Americans," +replied Jerry. "Just what they all say; but they're treacherous cusses, +and either one of 'em, would shake with one hand and scalp with t'other +one, ef they got a chance. That little black cuss called himself <i>El +Chico</i>,—that means The small,—and said he belonged to the copper-mines +band, and hailed us to see if he couldn't get a little terbacker; +but all he wanted, was to see how we was armed, and if we had any larger +party. I filled him chock full, you bet; and mebbe we shan't see 'em +again, though it's likely we shall. I see one of 'em eyin' that rifle +o'your'n pretty sharp, and he didn't like the look of it much: I could +see that."</p> + +<p>We had ridden nearly a mile from the place of the interview, when Jerry +exclaimed, "There they be again, sure'n shootin';" and, pointing to the +mouth of a small <i>aroya</i>, that made back from the river, I +discovered six Apaches, coming towards us as fast as their horses would +bring them.</p> + +<p>We were within a quarter of a mile of a small mound, upon the top of +which was a peculiar sandstone formation, not unlike, in shape, a huge +bottle; and I suggested to Jerry, that we should ride to the top of this +mound, and, sheltering our horses behind the rock, await their approach +on foot.</p> + +<p>The suggestion seemed to be a good one, for it was no sooner made than +adopted, and we had barely time to reach the desired location, ere they +were upon us.</p> + +<p>"Steady," said Jerry; "let me give 'em one;" and taking deliberate aim' +he fired, killing one of the ponies, thereby forcing its rider to mount +behind one of the others; but on they came towards us, as fast as their +horses could bring them.</p> + +<p>"Now's your' time,—fire!" said Jerry.</p> + +<p>I brought my rifle to my face and blazed away; seemingly, however, +without effect.</p> + +<p>"That won't do. If you can't shoot surer'n that, you'd better load and +let me do it," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>The Indians were now so close that several of their arrows fell about us, +two or three striking the rock behind and shivering to pieces, and +enabling us to recognize among them, the two who had hailed us but a +short time before.</p> + +<p>"The treacherous cusses," said Jerry. "I'll pay them fellows off, afore I +git through with 'em, or my name ain't Jerry Vance, sartin."</p> + +<p>The Indians appeared to be in no hurry to come within range of our +rifles, but kept well out of the way, occasionally coming furiously to +wards us, and as we raised our rifles to our faces, they would hastily +throw themselves over upon the sides of their animals for protection, and +ride rapidly away.</p> + +<p>"They ain't goin' to hurt us much in this way," said I to Jerry.</p> + +<p>"No; but they're going to tire us out, for it'll soon be dark, and we've +got neither water nor food here; besides them fellers' eyes arc like +cats',—they kin see ez well in the dark, ez we kin in the daytime. We +kin hold 'em safe enuff now, but we must git a way from here before dark. +There goes for <i>El Chico</i>," said Jerry, suddenly bringing his rifle +to his face; and the next instant, an Indian fell heavily from his +horse, and was instantly caught up from the ground by one of his +companions, thrown across the horse before him and the party once more +galloped out of range.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap13"></a><h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<p>"I reckon we'd better mount and ride slowly towards camp," said Jerry. +"Ef we do we shall get there some time ter-night, but ef we stay here we +shan't, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose they'll follow us?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Sartin sure," responded Jerry; "but I reckon by good engineerin' we kin +keep 'em off, so that their arrers won't hurt us much: it's a mighty +lucky thing they ain't got no firearms."</p> + +<p>We immediately mounted our horses and rode out upon the plain. The +instant the Indians saw us they began whooping and yelling, as though we +had done the very thing, they most desired; but Jerry was strong in the +opinion that it was our best course and we continued on.</p> + +<p>Every few minutes they would make a rush towards us, and we would turn +and bring our rifles up; and then they would wheel and rapidly ride away +out of possible range, when we would continue our course towards camp.</p> + +<p>We made but little progress; and, after riding a couple of miles in this +way, determined to make a stand, in hopes of inducing some of them to +advance within rifle-range; but they were too wary to be caught in this +manner, although they would approach much nearer than they had done +before.</p> + +<p>While we were debating as to the best course to pursue, we were startled +by the report of a rifle-shot, far in the rear of the Indians, who, upon +hearing the sound, rode rapidly away to the right, just as a party of +four persons came in sight.</p> + +<p>They were soon near enough for us to distinguish Hal and Ned among the +number, and we at once rode towards them, glad enough to know they were +safe. Their companions proved to be a Mr. Mastin, with his Mexican +servant, on his way from the copper-mines to Mesilla.</p> + +<p>He had fallen in with the boys, and, upon their invitation, was +accompanying them to our camp; but, having heard the sound of our rifles, +and anticipating an encounter, had hurried on to join us.</p> + +<p>We were delighted to meet with the boys, safe and sound, and made good +time towards camp, which we reached just about sundown.</p> + +<p>We found Mr. Mastin a very intelligent American; and, as he informed us, +the discoverer and part owner of the Pino Alto gold-mines, about fifty +miles above, near the <i>Santa Rita del Cobre</i>. He had resided many +years in the country, and was thoroughly acquainted with the Apaches, and +familiar with their habits and customs.</p> + +<p>We succeeded in making a very comfortable meal, notwithstanding our ill +luck in procuring game; and, after supper was over, we seated ourselves +around the camp-fire to hear Mr. Mastin discourse upon Apaches.</p> + +<p>He had once met Mangas Colorado, the head chief of the tribe, who was +called Red Sleeve, from the fact that he never failed to besmear his arms +to the elbow, in the blood of his victims.</p> + +<p>He described him as over six feet in height, with an enormously large +head, a broad, bold forehead, large, aquiline nose, huge mouth, and +broad, heavy chin. His eyes were small, but very brilliant, and, when +under excitement, flashed like fire, although his demeanor was like that +of a cast-iron man.</p> + +<p>He said that Mangas was undoubtedly one of the ablest statesmen, as well +as the most influential and sagacious of all the Chiefs of the Indian +tribes of the southwest; and related many anecdotes illustrative of his +character,—incidents that had come under his own observation,—which +entertained us until a late hour, and gave us an insight into Apache +life, that was both amusing and instructive.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding we had all been so much interested in Mr. Mastin's +conversation, the boys begged him to tell them one more story before they +retired; and, as he seemed perfectly willing to comply with their +request, we filled our pipes and again gathered about him, while he +related the following:—</p> + +<p>"A couple of years ago, I had occasion to visit a <i>rancheria</i> of +Pinal Apaches in the mountains just north of the copper mines.</p> + +<p>"While there, my attention was called to one of the warriors, a tall, +well-proportioned and very dignified Indian, about forty years of age. He +weighed nearly two hundred pounds, and, with his broad shoulders, deep +chest, and splendid muscle, was one of the finest-formed men I ever saw, +as well as one of the ugliest; for his face was certainly the most +hideous I ever beheld, being terribly disfigured by a broad, livid scar, +that extended from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Notwithstanding +this, the fellow was a great dandy, spending many hours each day in +greasing and arranging his long coarse hair, which he ornamented with +plates of silver, bits of gaudy-colored cloth, bright feathers, and +tinsel. Every hair was scrupulously plucked from his brows and eyelashes, +and the lids of his eyes were painted a bright vermilion, giving to his +face the expression of a demon rather than anything human.</p> + +<p>"That he was hideously ugly, and never known to smile, were two +indisputable facts; while it was equally sure that there was no greater +favorite with the Apache belles, no braver warrior, more sagacious +counselor, mighty hunter, or expert thief in the whole tribe.</p> + +<p>"I learned that his name was Cadette, and that he obtained it in the +following manner:—</p> + +<p>"Upon the headwaters of the Rio Gila, in Arizona, is a vast forest, that +has been the hunting-ground, as well as the home of the Apaches for +centuries. Here they have never been disturbed by the visits of the +'White Eyes,' as they term all Americans.</p> + +<p>"Occasionally a party of hardy prospectors, lured by reports of fabulous +quantities of gold and silver in the possession of these Indians, would +venture within the gloomy recesses of this unexplored region; but few of +them ever returned.</p> + +<p>"One day, while passing near the banks of the river, Cadette discovered +the footprints of a very large lion in the sand. Though armed with no +weapon but his spear, he at once determined to follow the trail. This he +decided, after a careful examination, to have been made some four hours +previous, in the early morning. It led towards a dense jungle, some two +or three miles down the river, which he concluded was the creature's +lair.</p> + +<p>"As he drew near the thicket, he dismounted from his pony and approached +the jungle with great caution. At this place, the river was quite narrow +and very deep, and upon its bank stood a large cedar, whose wide, +spreading branches, extending far over the stream, afforded him an +excellent opportunity to examine the interior of the thicket.</p> + +<p>"Into this tree the Indian climbed, and crawled out upon a large limb +directly over the river, which he fancied would enable him to obtain a +view of the supposed lair.</p> + +<p>"While he was peering into the jungle, he became suddenly conscious of a +movement in the thick branches over his head. Looking up, he discovered, +lying upon a large limb about ten feet above him, a panther. The animal +was preparing to spring; and, in an instant, like a flash, it sprang +towards him.</p> + +<p>"Almost as quick as thought itself, Cadette dropped from the limb into +the water beneath, just as the panther landed upon the spot he had so +recently vacated.</p> + +<p>"Once in the water, the Indian swam silently and expeditiously beneath +the surface, until he was some distance down the stream and out of sight +of the tree, when he landed under the shelter of the bank.</p> + +<p>"Just then a slight noise attracted his attention, and he discovered his +enemy, partially concealed in the tall bottom grass, and evidently +determined that his prey should not escape so easily.</p> + +<p>"Cadette was brave, but he fully realized that an unarmed Apache, +courageous as he might be, was no match for a panther; and the wary +Indian began to look about him for some means of retreat from his +unpleasant situation. While he was doing this, the creature worked +himself into a position between the Indian and the river, thus +effectually cutting off his only hope of escape.</p> + +<p>"What should he do? The panther was not twenty feet away from him: he +well knew that the animal could reach him at a single bound. Keeping his +eye fixed steadily upon the crouching form, the Indian began to slowly +retreat backwards.</p> + +<p>"While he was retreating before the stealthy, cat-like approach of the +panther, the most piercing cries, as of some human being in terrible +agony, filled the air, startling the Indian, and causing the panther to +rise from its crouching position, and listen intently for a moment with +well-erected ears, and tail gently lashing the earth. The cries were +repeated. The next moment the great creature turned, and slowly moved +away in the direction from whence the noise came, while Cadette hastily +returned to the foot of the tree where he had left his spear.</p> + +<p>"After securing his weapon, he started for the place where he had left +his pony; but, to his surprise, the animal was not there. Following its +trail, he soon came upon bear tracks, and concluded that his horse had +been attacked by the bear, and in his agony had uttered the cries that +had so startled him, and attracted the attention of the panther.</p> + +<p>"Continuing his search, he found the dead body of his pony upon the +ground. Near it was the panther, crouched, as though about to make a +spring; while, at a short distance, standing erect upon his hind-legs, +with his back against a large rock, was a huge cinnamon bear, evidently +at bay.</p> + +<p>"The Indian crept cautiously forward, and concealed himself behind a +great stone, from whence he could watch the approaching combat.</p> + +<p>"The panther lay close to the ground, with his eyes fixed intently upon +the bear, his huge fore-paws nervously contracted, while the long claws +grappled the rocks and gravel. Occasionally he uttered a low menacing +growl that showed his gleaming white teeth and blood-red tongue, from +which the saliva fell in great drops.</p> + +<p>"Meanwhile, the bear remained on the defensive, apparantly fearing to +move from his position, lest his more nimble adversary should take +advantage of him.</p> + +<p>"The savage creatures maintained their relative positions, eyeing one +another for several minutes. Then the panther gave a tremendous leap, and +grappled the bear. It was a frightful contest: each animal uttering the +most piercing cries, biting, hugging, and tearing one another as they +rolled over and over in the dust.</p> + +<p>"It was evident to the Indian that this fearful struggle could last but a +short time; and soon the animals, as if by mutual agreement, separated, +and, moving a short distance from one another, lay down and began to lick +their wounds.</p> + +<p>"While thus engaged, the panther became by some means, aware of Cadette's +presence. As though angry at such an interruption, he turned, and, with a +fierce growl, sprang towards him, instead of the bear.</p> + +<p>"Unexpected as was the movement, it did not find the Indian unprepared. +Planting the handle of his spear firmly in the earth, he so adroitly held +it that the panther alighted upon its sharp iron head, which passed +directly through the creature's heart; not, however, before the maddened +animal had dealt Cadette the blow that crushed his face, and inflicted a +wound the scar of which, had so terribly disfigured him for life.</p> + +<p>"As soon as the Indian recovered from the effect of the blow, he +succeeded in withdrawing his spear from the carcass of the panther, and +went in search of the bear, who had retreated to some distance, and was +engaged in licking the wounds he had received in his encounter with the +panther.</p> + +<p>"Cadette at once attacked the creature so vigorously with his spear, that +he soon succeeded in killing him; and, although suffering great pain, +managed to remove the skin from both animals; and, taking them upon his +back, bore them in triumph to the <i>rancheria</i>, more than twenty +miles distant, as trophies of his prowess in the chase."</p> + +<p>After thanking Mr. Mastin for a very pleasant evening, we all retired, +and were soon asleep, nor did we awake the next morning until the sun was +far up in the heavens.</p> + +<p>Breakfast over, we bid our guest a hearty farewell; and, with good wishes +for our safe arrival upon the Pacific Coast, he left us to pursue our +journey still further into the Apache country.</p> + +<p>It was after we were comfortably seated about our camp-fire, in the +evening, that I bethought myself that we had not as yet, heard Hal's +story of his capture and adventures with the Apaches. So I called him, +with the request he would narrate what had befallen him, from the time he +left our camp at Dead-Man's Hole until his release by us in the +Sacramento Mountains.</p> + +<p>Hal, who had evidently been expecting the invitation for some time, at +once seated himself, and, with Jerry, Ned and myself as listeners, +commenced as follows:—</p> + +<p>"When Anastacio and I started for Fort Davis, we hadn't been on the road +fifteen minutes, before five Indians set upon us, from a thicket by the +road side.</p> + +<p>"They followed up the attack so briskly, that before we had time to +think, they had our revolvers, and our hands tied behind us. They then +took our horses and mounted us upon two of their own. We travelled over +the roughest, hardest country I ever saw in my life, until daybreak, when +they stopped at a spring to water.</p> + +<p>"Here they stripped us of most of our clothes, and made us ride bare-backed +until noon, when they stopped for a few minutes. I noticed that, +whenever they halted, one of them always rode to the top of the highest +hill near, and remained on the lookout there, until we were ready to +start again.</p> + +<p>"Before we had been long at this last place, the lookout signaled, and, +in about an hour, eight more Indians joined us, with Juanita.</p> + +<p>"She was very tired and terribly frightened, but when she saw me she just +cried for joy, and I tried to comfort her as much as I could; but, while +I was talking to her, a great, greasy-looking fellow came up to me, and, +taking me by the collar, pulled me away, and, putting the muzzle of my +own revolver to my head, made signs that, if I dared to speak "—</p> + +<p>Here Patsey came running up, yelling at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"The bear's goned! The bear's goned!" Hal and Ned jumped to their feet, +exclaiming,—"Which way did he go?" and, without waiting for a reply, +darted off in search of him.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap14"></a><h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<p>"I hope they won't git the critter: he ain't nothin' but a cussid +nuisance, no how," said Jerry, as Hal disappeared in the gloaming.</p> + +<p>"It's so dark they won't be very likely to," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"I 'spect the Irishman had a hand in startin' him," continued Jerry. +"He's owed the critter a grudge ever since he tarred his clo'es so, the +other night."</p> + +<p>"How was that, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Why, yer see the boy had been a-proddin' the critter with a sharp stick; +and, arter he got through, he was a-standin' by the wagon, and the bar +made a jump and ketched him right by his trousers-leg. This kind er scart +the feller, and he made a leap, and left the biggest part of his breeches +in the critter's mouth. Ned laughed, and told him, that one bar(e) in +camp was enough, and he'd better go an' mend up—thar he is, now," +pointing towards one of the wagons.</p> + +<p>I called him, and he came towards me, looking decidedly guilty. I said to +him, "Patsey, how did the bear get away?"</p> + +<p>"He runned away, sure, sur."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but how did he get loose?"</p> + +<p>"He aited the rope aff, I suppose, sure. I seed him goin', and thought +it'd be no harm to spake to the boys, sur."</p> + +<p>"That was all right, Patsey; but you didn't turn him loose, did you?"</p> + +<p>"I turn him loose, sur! Phat would I be doin' that fur?"</p> + +<p>"Well, why didn't you go out and help find him?"</p> + +<p>"I was afraid, sur;" examining the huge rent in his pantaloons.</p> + +<p>"Afraid!" said I. "What under the sun was you afraid of? your bare legs?"</p> + +<p>"Will, sur, I didn't know what the quinisquences might be if two bears +(bares) happened to mate in the woods."</p> + +<p>Just here Jerry gave one of his peculiar chuckles; and, seeing that I got +but little information from the boy, I dismissed him with the remark, +that, when we got to Tucson, he should have a suit of clothes.</p> + +<p>"That'll <i>suit</i> me, your honor," was the reply, as he moved briskly +off.</p> + +<p>The boys soon returned, after an unsuccessful search for the bear.</p> + +<p>Hal was disposed to blame everybody but himself for the escape, while +Ned, with whom the bear had never been a great favorite, was inclined to +laugh at the matter, to Hal's great disgust.</p> + +<p>His ill nature reached its culminating point, however, when Jerry +suggested, that, "if he lied fifteen dollars more to git rid of, he'd +better bury it than give it for a cussid, good-for-nothin' bar, that +warn't nothin' but a infernal nuisance to everybody, anyway."</p> + +<p>Hal accepted the gauntlet thus thrown down by Jerry, and was about to +reply in no very polite language, when I changed the conversation, by +requesting him to finish the narrative of his visit to the Apaches; and, +after a little hesitation, he resumed his story as follows:—</p> + +<p>"The Indian told me, that, if I spoke to Juanita again, he'd send a +bullet through my head; so Anastacio said, for the Indian spoke in +Spanish.</p> + +<p>"I didn't talk to her any more for several hours, but rode all the +afternoon by her side. When we got to the top of the bluff from which we +could see the Rio Grande, Juanita cried, and said that her home was +there, and Anastacio felt so bad for her that he led her horse all the +way after that.</p> + +<p>"When we got to the river, instead of crossing, the Indians rode into it; +and they made us all wade through the water for three or four miles, +though the whole party came out on the same side. From here we struck +into the prairie again; and, after riding for two or three hours, we +camped.</p> + +<p>"Juanita was so tired, she dropped to sleep as soon as we stopped; but +Anastacio and I kept awake, and saw the Indians cast a mule, and open his +veins and suck the warm blood from them. After this, they cut off +portions of the flesh and roasted it over the coals, and made motions to +us, that, if we wanted any, we must cook for ourselves.</p> + +<p>"We were both hungry, but we couldn't eat mule meat, then, although we +had to come to it in a little time.</p> + +<p>"We started by daybreak the next morning; and Juanita became so +exhausted, that, before night, she asked me two or three times to kill +her. Finally, she appealed to Anastacio; and I heard him promise her, on +a little cross she wore around her neck, that, if worse came to worse, he +would do it.</p> + +<p>"That day one of the Indians killed an antelope, and we all ate heartily +of it, but Anastacio. He took the meat they gave to him, and saved it for +Juanita. He carried it in his hand all day, and walked beside her horse, +telling her stories in Spanish, and trying to cheer her. He was as kind +to her as he could be, during the whole seventeen days we were together.</p> + +<p>"One night we slept in a great cave in a mountain,[Probably the Waco +Mountain, thirty miles east of El Paso.] where there were four or five +deep pools, of nice, clear water. Juanita was so delighted at the sight +of them that she sat on the brink of one and put her feet in it, to 'rest +them,' she said. When the Indians saw her do this, one of them struck her +with his quirt [A small, heavy whip.] over the shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Anastacio sprang at him like a wild beast, and I believe would have +killed him, but the other Indians took him off. They seemed greatly +amused at the fight; but said they were only saving us for their squaws +to torture, after they got us home.</p> + +<p>"After this they made us all walk; although Juanita's feet and ankles +were swelled so terribly that she could scarcely move: whenever Anastacio +got the chance though, he carried her in his arms.</p> + +<p>"One day one of the Indians brought her some fresh mule's blood to drink, +and, because she wouldn't take it, he threw it in her face, and told her +in Spanish, that, when they got to their village, he should make her his +squaw. This made her cry terribly; and I heard Anastacio tell her he'd +certainly kill her, before the Indians should have her. After that I +thought she seemed happier, and repeatedly said, if she could only see +her dear old father once more, she should be glad to die.</p> + +<p>"We all suffered terribly from fatigue and thirst; for, after they +thought Juanita was going to drown herself in the pool, they were very +cross to us, and used to make us do all their work about the camp. If we +refused, they stuck sharp-pointed knives into us, and struck us with +their quirts; though, after Anastacio made the fuss, they didn't strike +Juanita any more.</p> + +<p>"The night you rescued us was the first time they hadn't put a guard out, +since we were captured.</p> + +<p>"You see, they always sent one of their party back a mile or two, to +watch the trail, so as to avoid being surprised; but they had got so near +home, they didn't dream of being pursued, I suppose.</p> + +<p>"That day Anastacio told me they were talking of having a big dance when +they got to the village, and he was going to kill Juanita before we +reached it. He cried about it, and wanted to know if I supposed the +Blessed Virgin would forgive him if he did it. We'd just been talking +about it, when we heard the crack of Tom's rifle, and saw the Indians run +towards the wood.</p> + +<p>"I tell you what it was, when I heard that shot, I felt that it wasn't an +Indian's gun (it didn't sound a bit like one), and my heart jumped right +up into my mouth.</p> + +<p>"The Indians appeared so anxious about Juanita, that they seemed to +forget Anastacio and I, when they heard the rifle. We both run for the +hut, and saw that she wasn't there, and supposed the Indians had taken +her. Then we heard the soldiers' guns, and run towards them; and, the +next I knew, I met Ned, and was hugging and kissing him just like a girl, +I was so glad to see him. I tell you 'twas jolly, though; and, when I +found that Juanita was all right, I felt like dancing and crying in the +same minute.</p> + +<p>"One thing is certain: you saved Anastacio from killing Juanita, for she +never would have gone into that village alive."</p> + +<p>"Wall, youngster," said Jerry, "I've heered you through; and now I'd +like ter know what you think of the 'Paches; 'cause, you see, we've got +ter travel a good many hundred miles through their country, and I'd like +ter hev your opinion of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Why, I think they are a cruel, cowardly, treacherous tribe, as Mr. +Mastin said; and the dirtiest things I ever saw."</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Jerry, do you know much about them?" interrupted I. "If you do, +tell us something of their character and habits, as you've seen them."</p> + +<p>"Wall, I've been through their country seven times, and I've met a heap +of 'em, one way and another; but I hain't got no better opinion of 'em +than Mr. Mastin hed. They're the smartest, wickedest and cunningest, +Injins I ever seed. A Comanche ain't a touch to 'em, and I've never yet +seed a white man smart enuff to beat 'em."</p> + +<p>"You don't exactly mean that, do you, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"That's exactly what I do mean: no more and no less," was the reply. +"You'll hev a chance ter see for yourself, afore we git through this +trip, I'm thinkin, or you'll be the only man thet ever travelled through +their country that hain't; that's my idee, sartin. Why, the cusses'll +telegraph to one another all over the country, and know just what's goin' +on a hundred miles away.</p> + +<p>"Americans can't understand 'em, and never will. No one ever saw a white +man look at a country as a 'Pache does: he'll see everything. Ther ain't +a ravine, gully, rock, bush, or tree, a foot high, thet he don't hev his +eye on. Now, a white man don't look at a country in that way, does he?</p> + + <img src="images/img20.jpg" alt="Apache Trailing" align="right" /> + <p>"Jest ez likely ez not, there's a Injin within a dozen yards of us; but +we wouldn't think it."</p> + +<p>"A dozen yards of us!" exclaimed Hal, looking around; "why, where could +he hide, I'd like to know?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest it, youngster. We might go within ten feet of him, and never +see him. Why, I've knowed 'em to hide behind a brown-bush, clump er +cactus, or a rock, so mighty cunnin' thet ther ain't one scout in fifty +would see 'em, let alone a stranger.</p> + +<p>"They'll kiver therselves with grass, and lay on the ground all day, +without movin', waitin' for a party to pass. I've been within ten foot of +one myself, and seed him, too, and thought 'twas a part of the rock he +was lying agin.</p> + +<p>"I tell yer, them fellers's smarter'n a whip! They be, sartin, now."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Ned, who had been listening attentively to Jerry's +description of the Apache character, "if I'd had any idea these Indians +were half as smart as you say they are, I'd rather have stayed in Texas +than started on the trip."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't," declared Hal. "I've had about as much experience with 'em +as anybody in the party, and I don't believe they're half as smart as you +make 'em out. At any rate, I wouldn't be afraid to put my brain against +theirs."</p> + +<p>"Put your what, youngster?" inquired Jerry, in such an incredulous tone, +that we all burst into a hearty laugh, in the midst of which Hal retired, +leaving Jerry, Ned, and myself to continue the Apache question alone.</p> + +<p>"You may depend on't, we ain't a-goin' ter git through this blasted +country without more'n one brush with them fellers; and my way is ter +keep our ears and eyes open, our rifles and pistols well loaded, and meet +'em when they come;—for come they will, sartin," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Well, you must adopt such precautions and make such rules as you think +proper," was my reply. "We'll all obey them."</p> + +<p>"I'll set ther guard ter-night, and yer may ez well turn in now, 'cause +we must make a early start."</p> + +<p>We had hardly been on the road an hour the next day, before we observed +one of the remarkable signal-smokes (used by the Apaches to give warning +of the approach of strangers into their country), suddenly shoot up into +the air from a spur of the mountains several miles distant.</p> + +<p>Although the morning was windy, the smoke arose in a straight column to a +great height, then spread out like a huge umbrella at the top, and, in +the twinkling of an eye, was gone.</p> + +<p>"That means 'look out,' plain enuff, don't it?" asked Jerry. "That's what +I call telegraphin'. Now, putty soon you'll see some more answerin' of +'em."</p> + +<p>"Do you know what that means?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"That means, 'Strangers is comin'.' If they'd repeated it three or four +times, it would have said, 'The party's a big one, and wants watchin'.' +But they're so fur off, I reckon they'll send two or three spies in ter +see how many thar is of us, afore we shall hear from 'em. Hilloa! there +they go," continued he, pointing to three more of the signals that were +suddenly sent up in different directions. "We're in amongst 'em, sure, +boys; so let's keep our eyes open."</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding we maintained the utmost vigilance during the entire +day's journey, we saw nothing of Indians, or any signs indicating their +presence; but, upon camping at night, we so disposed our wagons, that we +should be able to make a vigorous resistance in case of attack. The guard +was posted, to be relieved every two hours. Our camp was on an open +plain, with no shrubbery save an occasional brown-bush or <i>yucca</i> +near us; and we retired, feeling as safe as we had any time since +crossing the Rio Grande.</p> + +<p>The night passed quietly; and, just as the grey dawn began to make +objects visible about camp, I awoke.</p> + +<p>I saw the guard sitting over the smoldering fire, the mules hitched to +the wagon-wheels as usual, and the remainder of the party wrapped in +their blankets, apparantly sleeping soundly; so I determined to take +another nap before rising.</p> + +<p>While thus lying, half awake and half asleep, I dreamily turned my eyes +towards a small bush that stood a few yards from the place where I was +lying, and, to my horror, discovered a pair of bright eyes peering at me +from between the branches.</p> + +<p>My first thought, that it was some animal, was speedily dissipated by +discovering the fingers of a human hand holding aside the branches so as +to give its owner an uninterrupted view of our camp; and it required but +little stretch of the imagination to plainly see the features of a +swarthy, ugly face behind them.</p> + +<p>In an instant I remembered the conversation with Jerry the day previous, +and decided that it must be the face of an Apache spy, and that I had +better remain quiet; knowing, that, if my surmise was correct, we need +not fear an attack from him or his companions, at that time.</p> + +<p>I lay for some moments,—it seemed hours,—spell-bound, watching the +face, but not daring to move even an eyelid, lest the discovery of the +fact that I was awake, should be the signal for my own destruction. I +expected every moment to hear the twang of a bow-string, and feel the +head of an arrow penetrate my flesh; for I felt confident the spy was not +alone.</p> + +<p>I remember watching the eyes, so steadily gleaming from between the +boughs, and comparing them to those of a tiger, about to spring upon its +prey, and then, I found myself speculating as to whether a flint +arrow-head would cause more pain than an iron one.</p> + +<p>While these thoughts were passing through my mind, I noticed the branches +almost imperceptibly resume their natural position and the eyes disappear +from view.</p> + +<p>My first impulse was to spring to my feet and alarm the camp. Then I +bethought myself of the well-known cunning of the Apaches, and determined +to remain quiet for a few moments, lest a ruse had been adopted to +ascertain if their presence had been discovered.</p> + +<p>Just at this moment, the guard, who had been sitting over the dying +embers of the camp-fire, arose, drew his coat closer about him to shield +him from the chill morning air, and, after taking a look around, again +sat down. As he did so, I saw the branches once more cautiously pushed +aside, and two pairs of eyes, instead of one, survey the scene.</p> + +<p>What should I do? A cold sweat started from every pore of my body, and my +heart almost ceased to beat, as I realized that the least movement of +either of my sleeping companions might precipitate upon us a foe, of +whose numbers I could form no estimate.</p> + +<p>Conscious that I had acted wisely in doing nothing myself to hasten it, I +felt equally certain I could have done nothing to avert it.</p> + +<p>There I lay waiting, I knew not for what. The suspense became terrible. +It seemed as though every moment had become a long hour,—as though I +dared not breathe, lest the breath should be my last.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, I felt that the boughs had again resumed their natural +position, and the eyes were gone. Yes! they were there no longer. Once +more I breathed freely.</p> + +<p>Why I did not instantly arouse the camp, I cannot tell. I waited several +minutes, then quietly cocked my rifle beneath my blankets, and touched +Jerry on the shoulder. The instant he felt it, he started; but my low "s-h" +apprised him of danger, and he again resumed his old position.</p> + +<p>In a low tone, I told him what I had seen. He waited a few moments and +then aroused the camp.</p> + +<p>No one was aware, that, during the night, Indians had been so near us, +nor did the camp show any evidence that they had entered it; but the +ground in the vicinity of the bush, which had concealed the foe revealed +very plainly the track of four moccasined feet. Although we found it +difficult to tell in what direction they had gone, yet it was quite +evident that we might, at any time, expect a visit from our Apache +friends, and our only course was to be ready when they appeared.</p> + +<p>Hal and Ned were disposed, at first, to imagine that the visitors of the +night previous were the creation of a dream; but the sight of their +footprints in the sand, soon dissipated that theory, while they plainly +told them the necessity of greater caution.</p> + +<p>Breakfast dispatched, we got under way once more; and, during the next +three or four days crossed several spurs of the Burro and Pelloncillo +ranges of mountains, and over that portion of the great Madre Plateau, +that lies along the thirty-second parallel,—but saw no Indians.</p> + +<p>This fact gave Hal a good opportunity to laugh at what he termed my +vision; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity.</p> + +<p>Jerry and I often consulted together, and wondered why it was that we +heard nothing more from the spies that had visited us; for, as Jerry +wisely said, "If they'd come along and have it out with us, one way or +t'other, he wouldn't keer; but ter keep us always expectin' 'em, is what +wears a feller out. By'm by, when we git keerless, they'll ketch us +nappin', and then, God help us, that's all."</p> + +<p>Our route, the next day, passed through a fertile +<i>cienega</i>,[Valley.] thence over an alkali plain. It was while +crossing this latter, that I met with an adventure, the most desperate we +encountered on the trip. Our route carried us over this vast plain, +strongly impregnated with alkali, and sparsely covered with dwarfed +mesquite with an occasional cluster of <i>yuccas</i>, scarce two feet in +height; and was so level, we could see for miles over it in any +direction.</p> + +<p>The road was thickly covered from five to six inches deep, with an +impalpable dust, so fine that the lightest footstep, or breath of air, +sent it in clouds above our heads. So dense was it, that it completely +enveloped our whole party, making it impossible for us to distinguish one +another, at a distance even of three or four feet.</p> + +<p>Jerry and myself had been riding a few rods in advance of the wagons; but +he returned to them for the purpose of giving some order, while I +continued on. So open was the plain, that it seemed impossible for any +foe to be concealed upon its surface; and we naturally abated somewhat, +the vigilance we should have maintained, had we been passing through a +rocky <i>cañon</i>, or wooded defile. We therefore rode carefully along, +shrouded in dust, but not dreaming of danger.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, without the least warning, three or four muskets, and a shower +of arrows, were discharged upon us from a spot not twenty yards away.</p> + +<p>A clap of thunder from a clear sky would not have astonished me more.</p> + +<p>The thought, that Hal or Ned might have been killed, passed like a flash +of lightning through my mind; for the dust was so dense, I could not +distinguish friend from foe; but I heard Jerry shout, "<i>Adelante! +Adelante hombres</i>!" and forgetting for the moment that I was already +in the advance, in obedience to the order, I spurred my horse forward, +just as the Apache war-whoop sounded, apparantly upon all sides of me.</p> + +<p>The spot selected for the ambush was at a point where the road passed +though a large body of prickly-pear, the terrible thorns of which, in +connection with the sharp-pointed leaves of the Spanish-bayonet, formed a +natural <i>chevaux-de-frise</i> that no living creature could penetrate.</p> + +<p>I soon discovered this; and, in the expectation of reaching the train, +turned my horse's head and rode blindly back through the thick dust, +although unable to see more than a few feet from me in any direction.</p> + +<p>Suddenly I found myself surrounded by Indians. One stout, sinewy fellow, +naked, with the exception of a breechcloth, seized my horse by the bits, +and by main strength, forced him back upon his haunches, and in the +twinkling of an eye, I lay upon my back in the dust of the road, deprived +of my weapons, with an Apache, whose nude body had been well smeared with +grease, sitting squarely astride me, with a knee upon each arm.</p> + +<p>It was impossible for me to move; and I gave myself up for lost, as I +noticed the wicked, fiendish expression upon the hideously painted face +of the savage, and heard him mutter a malediction in Spanish through his +closed teeth. The next instant, the welcome crack of three or four rifles +greeted my ears. The Indian gave a start, and I saw the blood spurt from +his side.</p> + +<p>He gnashed his teeth, uttered a harsh, fierce exclamation of rage, and +seized my throat with one hand, while he made a desperate attempt, with +the other, to grasp my knife, which, in the struggle, had fortunately +fallen just beyond his reach.</p> + +<p>As he stretched forward, I felt his hold upon my throat relax; and, +making a tremendous effort, I succeeded in pitching him over my head; +then, springing to my feet, ran like a race-horse in the direction of the +shots just fired; and, the next moment, was with Jerry and the boys.</p> + +<p>I was so excited and bewildered, that, for a few seconds, I could hardly +realize what had passed. I soon learned, however, that, immediately upon +the attack being made, Jerry had halted the wagons, and, as he was unable +in the dense dust to form any estimate of the number of the foe, was +advancing with the men on foot, at the time they so opportunely fired the +volley which rid me of my foe.</p> + +<p>The Apaches left two dead bodies upon the ground; and we, three horses, +while ever after I followed the advice I had so frequently given Hal and +Ned, and kept with the wagons.</p> + +<p>My adventure furnished a fruitful theme for conversation around the +camp-fire for many nights. Jerry, Hal, Ned, Patsey, and even the Mexican +teamsters had a theory as to the course they should pursue under the same +circumstances; and I believe it is an unsettled question to this day, +whether I did right in turning back instead of riding forward, after I +heard the order given.</p> + +<p>The evening of the succeeding day brought us to the entrance of the +Apache Pass, the only <i>cañon</i> through which we could cross the +Chirichui range of mountains, that for many years had been the home of +Cochise's band of Apaches, one of the worst that ever infested the +country. Here, it was necessary to exercise the greatest caution; for the +place was notoriously the most dangerous upon the entire route.</p> + +<p>Extra guards were sent out, the animals securely corralled, each man +required to sleep upon his arms, and every precaution taken to enable us +to repel an attack at a moment's notice.</p> + +<p>The night passed without any alarm, and Jerry chuckled at the thought +that we should probably get through without being molested. Just as we +were starting, however, it was found that one of our wagons required +repairs, that would cause a delay of several hours. As the water was good +and the grass luxuriant, we concluded to run the risk of an attack, and +to remain for the day where we were and give our animals, which were sent +to graze a limit a mile from camp, a much-needed rest.</p> + +<p>Jerry undertook the repair of the wagon; and, as the day was bright, the +boys determined to do some washing.</p> + +<p>I had thrown myself upon my blanket, and was lazily admiring the beauties +of an Arizona landscape, when Patsey approached me, and, pulling off his +brimless hat, said, "Ef yer plase, sur, the byze wants to git some +sooap."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Patsey?" said I.</p> + +<p>"It's the sooap, sur. Where'll the byze git the sooap ter wash wid?"</p> + +<p>"Tell them to take a spade, and go and dig some," was my reply.</p> + +<p>Patsey looked at me a moment, as though half inclined to think I had +suddenly taken leave of my senses, and then exclaimed, in tones of +astonishment,—</p> + +<p>"Dig sooap! Where'll they go to dig it, shure?"</p> + +<p>"Right there," said I, pointing to a small palmilla,[The palmilla is a +species of palm, known as the soap-plant, whose roots, when bruised in +water, make a very thick and remarkably soft and white lather. The plant +is much used by the natives for cleansing clothes, and is far superior to +any manufactured soap for scouring woolens. It also makes an admirable +shampoo mixture.] numbers of which were growing all about us.</p> + +<p>Patsey looked in the direction indicated; and, seeing nothing that +resembled soap, regarded me attentively for a moment, and then wheeled +and darted away.</p> + +<p>Presently I saw the three boys coming towards me, and Ned laughingly +remarked that he and Hal wanted some soap to wash their shirts with.</p> + +<p>I answered, that I had just sent them word by Patsey, to go and dig some.</p> + +<p>Evidently Ned was as much surprised at my answer as Patsey had been; but +he mustered courage enough to inquire where he should find it.</p> + +<p>"There, there, and there!" replied I, pointing in rapid succession to the +plants that were growing around us. Ned stood spell-bound for a moment, +and then slowly turned towards Hal and Patsey, who were standing at a +little distance.</p> + +<p>As he approached them, Patsey caught him by the arm, and, with a most +knowing look on his broad, Irish face, exclaimed, "Didn't I tell yez the +boss wuz crazy, an' I wouldn't git my new clo'es, any how?"</p> + +<p>Wishing them to learn the merits of this truly wonderful plant that +grows so common throughout this region, I rose from the ground. Patsey +beat a hurried retreat, taking refuge with Jerry, saying, the "Boss had +gone as crazy as a bidbug, wid his diggin' sooap and givin' clo'es away, +to be shure."</p> + +<p>Sending Ned for a spade, I soon unearthed one of the large bulbous roots, +which I divided into pieces, and, accompanying the boys to the spring, +practically demonstrated its remarkable saponaceous qualities, leaving +them delighted with the experiment; but had hardly returned to my blanket +again when I was startled by the report of two rifles, that came from +below us, near the base of the mountains where our animals were grazing.</p> + +<p>However commonplace this incident may appear to the reader, to us it was +the tocsin of danger. Before the lofty crags above us had ceased to +reverberate the echoes, every man was on the alert.</p> + +<p>The boys came running to the spot where I stood, their bare arms dripping +with soap-suds, while the men rushed to the wagons to procure their +firearms and ammunition.</p> + +<p>Before we had time to fully equip ourselves, the sight of one of the +herders, rapidly approaching, told the story. He rode near enough to make +himself heard, then, checking his horse so suddenly as to almost throw +him upon his haunches, he brandished his revolver and shouted,—</p> + +<p>"<i>Los Indios! Los Apaches!</i>" and, turning, rode rapidly in the +direction whence he came.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap15"></a><h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<p>Jerry sprang upon a horse; and shouting, "Take care er the camp!" rode +rapidly in the direction of the herd.</p> + +<p>Telling Hal and Ned to climb the rocks and report what they saw, I +ordered the wagons to be drawn up in a line parallel with the foot of the +bluff, thus improvising a sort of corral.</p> + +<p>The boys, by this time, had discovered eight or ten Indians following the +herders, who were driving the animals towards camp. I immediately rode +out to assist them. At the moment I reached the plain, a little puff of +white smoke rose on the air, far to the rear of the herders. A second +after, I saw a riderless horse galloping wildly towards the herd, where +he was lost to view. I urged my horse forward; and, by our combined +exertions, the animals were safely brought into camp and corralled.</p> + +<p>These secured, we turned our attention to the Indians, who were coming +down upon us like a whirlwind.</p> + +<p>"Don't a man fire till I give the word," said Jerry; "and remember not to +throw away a bullet."</p> + +<p>The Indians had paused upon the plain, nearly half a mile from our camp; +and, sitting upon their horses, were evidently considering the best plan +of attack. Suddenly, two of their number turned, and rode back towards +the spot where we had first seen them.</p> + +<p>"What can they be going back for?" asked Hal, who, rifle in hand, was +standing by Jerry's side, evidently anxious for an opportunity to wipe +out old scores.</p> + +<p>"What are they going back for?" repeated Jerry; "why, to scalp that poor +cuss they shot, I reckon. Judge," continued he, turning toward me, "jest +you try a crack at them fellers with yer new-fashioned 'dust-raiser,' +will yer?" pointing to my Sharpe's carbine.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe that I can reach them: it will only be throwing away a +cartridge, to make the attempt," replied I.</p> + +<p>"Well, jest try it," continued he; "'cause, if yer could hit one of 'em, +they'd leave mighty sudden, and save us considerable trouble."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you can reach 'em," said Ned. "I wish you would try."</p> + +<p>Dismounting, and resting the carbine over the back of my horse, I took +careful, deliberate aim, and fired.</p> + +<p>That the bullet did reach them, and they were badly frightened, was +evident from the suddenness with which they wheeled, and galloped over +the plain, in an opposite direction.</p> + +<p>The next moment, Jerry grasped my shoulder, and shouted, "You hit one of +the devils, sartin."</p> + +<p>Bringing my glass to bear, I saw one of the Indians reel in his saddle, +then recover himself a little, again waver, and finally fall to the +ground, while his horse continued on with the remainder of the party, +who, after riding some distance, stopped.</p> + +<p>In a little time, they were joined by the two who had previously left +them. Then three of their number rode towards the spot where their fallen +comrade lay; and, securing his body, one of them took it before him on +the horse, and the whole party galloped off.</p> + +<p>"That ere shot of yourn was a good one," said Jerry. "Tit for tat is my +rule for them varmints; an' we're even with 'em on this arternoon's work. +I reckon we'd better take a shovel along, an' bury that poor feller +that's a-lyin' there."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Jerry; but wouldn't it be better to bring the body in, and +bury it here?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"We don't want the men to see it, ef we kin help it. It allus makes 'em +skeery; for there ain't nobody that wants to be cut and hacked to pieces, +ef they be dead, as them red devils have sarved that poor Mexican, +sartin."</p> + +<p>Directing Patsey to bring a shovel, Jerry and I started on our sad +errand. After riding about a mile, we came upon the body of the dead man, +stretched upon the green grass, naked, scalped, and terribly mutilated.</p> + +<p>For a few moments we sat upon our horses, silently gazing upon the +horrible spectacle, too much shocked to speak. The silence was broken by +Jerry, who exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"Ef them 'Paches ain't devils, then thar ain't no use of havin' any, +that's all I've got to say. A pictur like that ain't a very appetizin' +thing for a Traveller that's like to git ketched the same way, any day; +so I reckon we'd better git it under kiver."</p> + +<p>A grave was soon dug; and, wrapping the poor mutilated body in my +saddle-blanket, we laid it within the narrow walls, and hastily covered +it from sight; then, remounting oar horses, silently rode back to camp.</p> + +<p>No question was asked upon our return, and neither Jerry nor myself felt +much like talking; for the scene we had just witnessed impressed upon us +more strongly than words could have done, the responsibility as well as +constant watchfulness and care necessary in travelling through a country +so full of peril.</p> + +<p>The miserable fate of poor Gonzales seemed to throw a gloom over the +entire camp; for it forced all to realize how beset with danger was every +step we took, and how easily it might have been one of us, lying cold in +death, instead of the poor Mexican.</p> + +<p>We retired early, after taking every precaution possible to guard against +surprise, and I soon fell asleep, but was aroused a few hours later, by +terrific screams and howls from Patsey, who was capering around the camp +in the most ridiculous manner, executing as many singular and grotesque +gyrations as an Apache in celebrating the scalp-dance. The entire camp +was roused: even the guards rushed in from their posts to ascertain the +cause of the disturbance.</p> + + <img src="images/img21.jpg" alt="Patsey And The Snake" align="right" /> + <p>Neither Jerry, Hal, nor Ned could discover the cause of Patsey's terror; +for, in response to our many inquiries, he would only scratch his leg +through the rent in his trousers, and constantly jump up and down, as +though standing upon a hot griddle, all the while howling at the top of +his lungs.</p> + +<p>Becoming, at last, thoroughly angry, I seized the boy by the collar, and +gave him such a shaking that I finally succeeded in getting an answer to +the question, as to what was the matter.</p> + +<p>"Mather!" roared Patsey. "Mather enuff, God knows! Shnakes is the +mather!" making a desperate dive down into the leg of his pants. "I'm +bited to death wid a shnake, so I am. Can't yez all sae I'm a did mon?"</p> + +<p>Now, as far as appearances went, Patsey was a long way from being a dead +man, for he still indulged in more lively contortions than a corpse was +ever known to execute; each movement accompanied by a yell almost loud +enough to wake the dead.</p> + +<p>An examination revealed the fact, that the boy had heedlessly spread his +blanket over the entrance to the home of a colony of large black ants, +and the little fellows, angry at his presumption, had attacked him, in +the most spiteful manner, through the rents in his trousers. Patsey, +awakened out of a sound sleep by their stings, and remembering Ned's +adventure in the Organos mountains, had fancied himself the unfortunate +victim of a like attack. We finally succeeded in convincing him that he +was not dead, nor likely to die; and then, the camp resumed its usual +quiet.</p> + +<p>Early in the morning, before we were ready to start, Jerry called my +attention to several "bighorns,"—or, more properly speaking, +Rocky-Mountain sheep,—that stood perched upon a high cliff which overhung +our camp several hundred feet in the air. As these were the first we had +seen upon the route, I at once called Hal and Ned to witness the sight, +who immediately proposed to make the attempt to capture one.</p> + +<p>Jerry assured them it was impossible; for it would take hours to reach +the spot where they stood, or even to get within rifle-range of them. +This fact alone would prevent starting on a hunt, as we were exceedingly +anxious to get through the pass without being obliged to spend another +night in so dangerous a locality.</p> + +<p>This animal is somewhat larger than the common sheep, is covered with +brownish hair instead of wool, and is chiefly remarkable for its huge +spiral horns, resembling those of a sheep, but frequently three feet in +length, and from four to six inches in diameter at the base.</p> + +<p>It is very agile; and, secluding itself among the most inaccessible +mountain-crags, delights in capering upon the very verge of the most +frightful precipices, and skipping from rock to rock across yawning +chasms hundreds of feet in depth.</p> + +<p>I have been assured by old hunters, that, if pursued, it will leap from a +cliff into the valley a hundred feet below, where, alighting upon its +huge horns, it springs to its feet, uninjured, its neck being so thick +and strong, that it endures the greatest shock without injury.</p> + +<p>This animal more closely resembles the <i>chamois</i> than any other +species found upon this continent, and is almost as difficult to capture.</p> + +<p>After leaving the pass and coming out upon the open plain, west of the +mountains, we saw, in the distance, a wild ox.</p> + +<p>Now the boys had, for some time, fancied that they were very expert in +the use of the lasso; and, upon seeing this ox, became seized with the +insane desire to capture him with that weapon, after the most-approved +style of the Mexican <i>lazador</i>. Remonstrance was in vain. They knew +they could do it; and away they went on their ponies, eager for the +sport, leaving the remainder of the party to watch them from a distance.</p> + +<p>Upon their approaching near to the old fellow, he threw up his head, +elevated his tail, brandished his long horns, and, with a loud bellow of +defiance, started directly for them. The boys evidently had not +anticipated this, for they slackened their pace at the sight, riding very +slowly towards him.</p> + +<p>As they approached, he commenced shaking his head, pawing the earth, and +bellowing furiously. Then he began to move slowly around in a circle, +throwing clouds of dust high in the air, and almost making the ground +shake with his angry bellowings; finally turning, however, he galloped +slowly away over the plain.</p> + +<p>Away went the ox, and away went the boys after him: it was a run for life +on the one side; on the other, a chase for glory.</p> + +<p>Hal, who was a short distance in advance of Ned, anxious to get his rope +first over the horns, finally made a cast with his lasso. At the same +moment, his pony stumbled, and away went Hal over his head, landing some +feet nearer the ox than he expected to do when he made the cast.</p> + +<p>Ned, who was just behind, now thundered past with lasso in hand, ready +raised to take advantage of Hal's mishap. He threw it; but the noose fell +short of the object aimed at, and encircled a stout <i>yucca</i>, that +<i>would</i> stand directly in the way.</p> + +<p>And now the ox, as though understanding the misfortunes that had befallen +his pursuers, turned, and made a furious charge in the direction of the +already discomforted <i>lazadors</i>. Seeing him coming towards them, +with lolling tongue, protruding eyes, and angry bellowings, they began to +realize, that, in their case at least, discretion was the better part of +valor. Both turned and fled, leaving pony, lasso, and their courage, +behind them.</p> + +<p>The race now assumed another phrase: it was for safety on the one side, +and revenge on the other.</p> + +<p>On came the boys, Ned in the lead, on his pony, and Hal bringing up the +rear on foot; behind them, the ox, whose bellowing each moment grew +louder and more furious. Suddenly, Hal disappeared behind a clump of +mesquite; but the ox kept on in his efforts to overtake Ned, whose pony +was straining every nerve to reach the wagons in advance of his pursuer.</p> + +<p>When the animal came within rifle-range, Jerry quietly stepped out and +shot him through the head. Ned rode up breathless, upon his panting pony, +and said to one of the Mexicans,—</p> + +<p>"Say, Juan, how do you throw a lasso? I thought I knew all about it; but +I reckon I don't."</p> + +<p>Hal soon came in, his hands full of thorns, his eyes full of dust, and +his clothes much the worse for his encounter with the ground, protesting, +however, that, if his pony hadn't stumbled, he should have had the old +fellow, sure.</p> + +<p>"But your pony did stumble, and you didn't get him; nor I, either," +remarked Ned. "And I don't think you and I had better brag any more about +lassoing until you can catch your pony down there in the +<i>chaparral</i>;" and Hal went for his pony.</p> + +<p>The evening of the third day from the pass brought us to the head of +Quercos <i>cañon</i>, where we came upon a party of Mexicans and Papago +Indians, engaged in manufacturing <i>mescal</i>, the native whiskey of +the country.</p> + +<p>This beverage is made from the roots of the <i>maguey</i>, a plant common +to this region. The roots are bulbous, and are gathered in large +quantities, and thrown into pits containing red-hot stones.</p> + +<p>These being filled, they are covered with grass or brush, over which +blankets are spread. The roots are allowed to remain until thoroughly +steamed, when they are taken out, placed in sacks of rawhide and crushed, +the juice escaping into earthen vessels. It is afterwards fermented in +the sun, when it becomes an intoxicating liquor, very closely resembling +Irish whiskey in taste, smell, and effect upon the brain.</p> + +<p>Patsey enjoyed its pungent, smoky <i>aroma</i>, with the keenest +pleasure, and, after several times tasting it, pronounced it quite "aquil +to the bist rale ould Irish whiskey," an opinion that we all endorsed +after witnessing his condition a few hours later.</p> + +<p>While encamped here, Ned came to me and reminded me of my promise to +Patsey; saying, that one of the Mexicans had a splendid suit of buckskin, +that he would dispose of very cheap. I traded for it, and Ned arrayed +Patsey in it. Never did king, clothed in robes of royal purple, exhibit +greater pride than did Patsey in his buckskin suit. But, alas! pride must +have a fall; and, within a very few hours, I saw him sitting on the +ground, clothed in his new suit, and protesting with maudlin earnestness +that he was the "veritable Bryan O'Linn himsilf."</p> + +<p>Three days later, we reached the old Mission of <i>San Xavier del +Bac</i>, one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Spanish rule, +to be found in this country.</p> + +<p>It was built by the Jesuits nearly two hundred years ago, and is one of +the finest specimens of Saracenic architecture to be found on this +continent. It is located on the lands of the Papago Indians, in whose +charge it now is.</p> + +<p>We encamped beneath the shadow of this massive pile, surrounded by the +thatched huts of the Papagos, who cluster about its cruciform walls as +though confident of its power to protect them, as it did their ancestors, +from the contaminating influences of the outside world.</p> + +<p>These Indians are a simple, honest, industrious tribe, quite superior to +their present situation, and claim that their ancestors have occupied the +country for more than a thousand years, and were far more civilized than +themselves.</p> + +<p>Many of them are as black as negroes, and nearly all are fine specimens +of physical beauty. Still, as a race, they, like the old church, are but +a wreck of former greatness.</p> + +<p>A ride of eight miles brought us to the town of Tucson, through which our +wagons passed to the Pico Chico Mountain, five miles beyond, where we +made our camp.</p> + +<p>This was formerly an old Mexican fort, and was abandoned in 1853, after +the survey of the boundary line between Mexico and the United States.</p> + +<p>We were here informed, that the Apaches had attacked and captured a small +train that was travelling over the route we were following, only the week +before; consequently, our chances of getting through unmolested were very +good; a piece of information that we received gladly.</p> + +<p>The boys and myself spent several hours in Tucson, looking about the +town, and its many curiosities, being especially interested in several +half-naked, dirty Apaches, which were lounging about, with large nuggets +of gold tied up in their filthy rags.</p> + +<p>Horse-racing, wrestling, gambling, drinking mescal, and shooting people, +seemed to be the principal occupation of its inhabitants, who, as a +whole, were about as villainous a looking set of cut-throats as could be +found west of the Rio Grande.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap16"></a><h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<p>Tucson is located in the heart of the great silver and gold bearing +regions of Arizona, and it was exceedingly difficult to prevent the boys +from loading themselves with specimens of the many ores offered for sale, +by every loafer, greaser, and Indian, that we met on the street.</p> + +<p>Hal managed to absent himself for a short time; and, when I found him, +had traded Ned's watch for about as small and lively a specimen of a +Mexican mule as I ever saw, which, he assured me in good faith, he had +bought for Patsey's exclusive use.</p> + +<p>I afterwards learned from Ned, that, ever since the boy had become the +owner of a buckskin suit, he imagined that it little comported with the +dignity of a person who could sport "sich an illegant suit, to ride in +wagins, or walk afoot, whin he ought to ride on horseback, like a +gintilmon;" promising, that, if Hal would procure him a mule in Tucson, +he would pay him double price on reaching California.</p> + +<p>The bargain had been made, and the mule delivered, and all I could do was +to make the best of it. I was extremely glad to get out of town so +cheaply, however; and, as it was, it became very dark before we reached +camp; for the new purchase would not be driven, and only consented to be +led, because Hal's pony was the stronger.</p> + +<p>Jerry's opinion of the animal was given in words more forcible that +elegant; and Hal's purchase was laughed at by all. Many were the bets +offered, that Patsey couldn't ride him; but Patsey stoutly asserted he'd +"ridden mules in the ould country, and why couldn't he do it in Ameriky?"</p> + +<p>Shortly after leaving camp, the road crossed a small stream, which we +knew could be easily forded. Jerry, with an eye to some sport, ordered +Patsey, who, mounted upon his mule, was feeling very grand, to lead the +way; and Patsey, nothing loth, started; but, alas! the animal refused to +take the water.</p> + +<p>Four times did he attempt to force him, and four times he was unseated +and violently hurled to the ground: at each overthrow, however, he +returned to the charge with fond hopes, fresh courage, and a stronger +determination to make the animal enter the stream.</p> + +<p>Upon the fifth trial, somewhat to our surprise and Patsey's delight, the +mule quietly approached and entered the stream, without the least +reluctance.</p> + +<p>We all shouted our congratulations at the boy's well-deserved victory; +while Patsey himself was so elated at his success, that he could not +resist manifesting his exultation by digging his heels into the animal's +sides, with a vindictiveness, that could not fail to stir up all its +vicious propensities; while he kept up a running tirade of abuse, after +the Mexican style, as follows:—</p> + +<p>"So yez thought yez wouldn't cross the wathers, did yez (a dig with his +heels). I'm the bye that'll show yez, that, whin Patsey McQuirk's aboard +(another dig), and say's crass, ye'll crass, so yez will (dig). Ye moight +jist ez well done it first ez last, so yez moight (dig, dig), but ye'll +understand it next time, so yez will (dig, dig)."</p> + +<p>The mule waded on, apparantly in meek submission, until he had nearly +reached the middle of the stream, when, without the least warning, he +laid back his ears, lowered his head, and elevated his heels so quickly, +that Patsey went flying, heels over head into the stream, far towards the +opposite shore, amid the shouts and laughter of the whole party.</p> + +<p>He floundered about in the water for some minutes, completely bewildered. +Occasionally he would disappear; then come to the surface, half +suffocated, to again stumble, fall, and disappear; all the time calling +for "Hilp! hilp! hilp!"</p> + +<p>He finally reached the bank, the most woe begone, discouraged Irish boy +ever seen clothed in a buckskin suit; nor did our screams of laughter +tend to console him for his unwelcome bath: on the contrary, he began to +look about him for some one upon whom to vent his anger.</p> + +<p>Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, +he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started +back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground.</p> + +<p>At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; +but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined +to make one final effort to conquer him.</p> + +<p>"Ye cussid lithle hay then," cried Patsey to the mule; "I'll taych yez to +sarve an honist b'y sich a thrick ez thet, noo. Ye'll just sae how yez'll +loik the batin' ye'll get, noo;" and he proceeded to cut a stick with +which to administer the "batin';" but Jerry interrupted, and ordered +Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the +water, the mule followed without the least difficulty.</p> + +<p>After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what +the trouble seemed to be with his mule.</p> + +<p>"Faith," said he, "don't I know well enuff? The craythur's bin put up to +thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I'll be avin wid some +one, if it takes a wake's wages, whin I git to Californy."</p> + +<p>From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby +growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the +<i>Cerus Grandes,</i> a remarkable species of cactus, called by the +Indians <i>Petahaya</i>, which grows to the height of forty or fifty +feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference. It is +fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that +resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by +the natives as an article of food.</p> + +<p>The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would +permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several +miles from our intended camping-ground.</p> + +<p>Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in +an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, +completely shutting in every ray of light. The darkness was so intense, +that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, +Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp.</p> + +<p>Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain +descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid +lightning. The thunder was terrific. As peal after peal echoed and +reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park +of artillery. So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we +involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, +and plunged and struggled to escape from the men.</p> + +<p>Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, +and forced to take refuge under the wagons. No attempt was made to light +a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night.</p> + +<p>Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our +wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the +Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall.</p> + +<p>We had heard many accounts of this remarkable tribe of Indians, who, for +the past eight or ten centuries, have resided upon, and cultivated the +same land. High as our expectations had been raised, we were in no +measure disappointed upon meeting them. We found them friendly, and +disposed to treat us with great kindness, freely furnishing such articles +of food as we were in need of.</p> + +<p>The Pimos raise fine crops of cotton, corn, wheat, melons, and +vegetables. The women weave, spin, make blankets, grind the corn, and +gather mesquite-beans. Besides doing such work, they attend to their +children, and bring all the water from the river on their heads, in large +earthen jars, frequently holding six or seven gallons, which they balance +so perfectly that they rarely spill a drop.</p> + +<p>The boys were much pleased with the primitive but comfortable houses, +made of poles, bent at the top to a common centre, and wattled in with +straw and corn-shucks. Each house was situated in a separate enclosure, +and surrounded by a small garden.</p> + +<p>The only weapon these Indians use is a bow and arrow, with which they are +very expert.</p> + +<p>While stopping here, we were much amused by watching a party of them +engaged in hunting ducks in one of the lagoons making up from the Gila.</p> + +<p>Placing a number of gourds in the water upon the windward side of the +lagoon, they were gently propelled by the wind to the opposite shore, +where they were picked up, carried back, and again sent adrift.</p> + +<p>At first the birds exhibited no little fear at these singular objects +floating about among them; but eventually became so used to the sight, +that they paid no attention to them.</p> + +<p>Observing this, each Indian cut, in a large gourd, holes for his eyes, +nose, and mouth, and then fitted it upon his head. Taking with him a long +bag, he entered the water, until nothing was seen but the gourd on his +head. Then the peculiar bobbing motion of the gourd was imitated so +exactly, that the wily hunter easily approached near enough to the birds +to seize them by the feet and drag them suddenly under the water.</p> + +<p>Scores of them were thus captured, and securely stowed in the bags that +they carried.</p> + +<p>So nicely and naturally was this done, and so great was the admiration +expressed by us all at the dexterity displayed by the hunters, that +Patsey, who had been remarkably quiet since his experience with the mule, +ventured to whisper to Ned, that "he'd aften hoonted dooks that way, in +the ould country."</p> + +<p>This statement, coming to the ears of Hal, by way of a joke, he proposed +that Patsey should give him a lesson in the art of gourd-hunting. The boy +at once assented to the suggestion, provided he would keep the matter a +secret from all but Ned. To this Hal agreed, at the same time taking good +care that Ned should inform us of the intended sport.</p> + +<p>After the Indians had obtained all the game they desired for themselves, +and we had all left the ground, Hal borrowed one of the gourds for +Patsey. This the boy fitted to his head, and, bag in hand, boldly started +into the water, just as Jerry and myself arrived upon the field of +observation.</p> + +<p>He waded some distance down the lagoon without meeting with any mishap; +but, just as he came near to a large flock, unfortunately stepped into a +hole, and at once disappeared from sight.</p> + +<p>The next moment he rose to the surface with arms extended, thrashing the +water like the paddles of a side-wheel steamboat, and making a noise not +unlike the first attempt of a young mule to bray.</p> + +<p>This strange performance of course frightened the birds, who rose in a +body, with a tremendous flapping of wings. This, joined to our own shouts +of laughter, so terrified Patsey, that he started for the shore, +floundering about in the water like a porpoise.</p> + +<p>He finally reached the bank; and then we discovered that the gourd had +slipped down under his chin, and turned completely around, with the holes +at the back of his head, in which position it was stuck fast.</p> + +<p>Patsey groped blindly about for a few minutes, greatly incensed at our +roars of laughter; and then, convinced of his inability to get rid of the +mask unaided, seated himself upon the ground, and quietly submitted to +have it removed by breaking it with rocks.</p> + +<p>The instant it was off, he flew at Hal, and would have soundly thrashed +him, "for the thrick he had put upon him," had not Jerry interfered to +prevent. This adventure, however, completely cured Patsey of boasting; +for not once again during the entire trip did he indulge in what had +heretofore been a favorite pastime. Nor was Patsey the only one who +learned a lesson while at the Pimo villages. Master Hal, who was +determined to try his hand at trading with the natives, found it anything +but a profitable business; for he disposed of nearly his entire share of +the stock of goods, for articles that were utterly useless to us, and +which we were obliged to abandon before getting through.</p> + +<p>Five days from the Pimo villages, we reached Fort Yuma, at the junction +of the Gila and Colorado rivers; but, with the thermometer at 118° in the +shade, we remained at this post only long enough to cross our wagons over +the Colorado, when we found ourselves upon the borders of the great +California desert, which extends in all directions as far as the eye can +reach, except towards the south-west, where, fifty miles away, a +mountain-range is to be seen, its blue peaks towering high in mid-air.</p> + +<p>The entire country, for hundreds of miles, is covered with a loose, +shifting, blinding, white sand, and is entirely destitute of vegetation +or water.</p> + +<p>We fancied we were well prepared for the journey over this vast plain; +but, notwithstanding the care taken, we suffered all the torments that +thirst can inflict, while our poor animals almost famished by the way. +Our route was plainly marked, the entire distance, by the bleached bones +and dried carcasses of mules, oxen, and sheep, interspersed with +abandoned wagons and whitened skeletons of emigrants, who had perished on +the way. At one place, we came upon a train of seven abandoned wagons, +loaded with household goods. The harnesses remained where they had been +thrown, after removing them; provisions were lying exposed upon a box, as +though the family had been obliged to leave before finishing the meal; +but not a living creature was in sight and, from the general appearance +of the scene, we judged it must have been deserted for weeks. It was a +sad sight: such a picture of desolation, as I care never again to +witness.</p> + +<p>Who the owners were, from whence they came, whither they were bound, or +what was their fate,—must stand one of the secrets of the desert, until +revealed at the final day.</p> + +<p>After three days of terrible suffering, we reached the banks of Carrizo +Creek. It would be impossible to describe the eagerness with which all, +men and animals, plunged down its steep banks, or how we laughed and +shouted as the murmur of its sparkling waters fell upon our ears, or with +what pleasure we laved our burning flesh in its coolness.</p> + +<p>This oasis in the desert is deserving a more extended description than I +can give here; for it probably has not its equal in the world. The stream +rises in sand, flows through sand, and disappears in sand; having worn +for itself a channel about a mile in length, fifteen or twenty feet deep, +and nearly thirty in width. The water is clear, and deliciously cool and +sweet.</p> + +<p>Here, under the benign influence exerted by this spring, we all for a +time forgot our troubles: even Patsey so far forgave Hal for the "thricks +he had put upon him," that I saw them sitting together, waist-deep in the +water; the Irish boy utterly oblivious of the fact that he had neglected, +before taking his bath, to remove the "buckskin suit," which had already +become considerably shrunken and curtailed, of its fair proportions, by +reason of its previous wettings.</p> + +<p>During the night we encamped here, I suddenly awoke from a very sound +sleep, and saw the form of old Jerry, standing in bold relief in the +moonlight upon the top of the bank, and Apparantly gazing far out into +the desert.</p> + +<p>He stood so long motionless, that I thought him asleep; but, upon +speaking, to my surprise he came and seated himself by my side, and said, +"Look here, judge, I want to tell yer a story. Will yer hear it?"</p> + +<p>I told him I would, with pleasure; and he began as follows:—</p> + +<p>"It was nine year ago this spring, and the first trip I ever made across +this desert. We hed been six days from Yuma to this place: the sun all +the time like a ball of fire, and the sand so hot it burnt one's naked +feet to a blister. Not a drop of water hed we hed for our animals for +three days, and only a teaspoonful for ourselves.</p> + +<p>"On the mornin' of the sixth day, my thirst became so great, that I +determined to start out by myself, and find water. I give my mule the +rein, and he brought me to the edge of this gully; and, when I looked +down into it and see the clear, cold water sparklin' and shinin' like +diamonds, why, I burst right out into a loud laugh.</p> + +<p>"After I stopped laughin', and was a-gittin' down towards the water, I +heerd a kind of noise from the other side of the creek, and looked up; +and, the first thing I see, settin' on the edge on t'other side, was a +boy about twelve years old, tryin' ter call to me.</p> + +<p>"At first I couldn't believe my own eyes; but I shut 'em up for a minute, +and looked again, and there he was, as plain as day, and not another +livin' creeter but my old hoss in sight.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was beat, an'no mistake. Bless me! I kin see the little feller +jest as I seen him that morning,—and a perfect little gentleman he was +too. Yes, and I've seen his pale, thin face and great starin' brown eyes +a-lookin' into mine, a thousand times since that day.</p> + +<p>"I went right over to where he was, and spoke ter him. The little feller +smiled when I came up, and shook his head, as much as to say, that he +couldn't speak. I asked him where he came from, and where his folks was, +and how they come ter leave him alone on the plains, with nobody to look +out for and take care of him; but he only shook his head, and looked up +into my face so piteous and sorrowful like, that I felt my heart go right +out to him. I couldn't understand how the little feller got there; for +his clothes were all new,—the soles of his little boots warn't even +stained.</p> + + <img src="images/img22.jpg" alt="A Mystery" align="left" /> + <p>"Well, I talked to him a long time afore I remembered I hadn't had a +drink myself; so I asked him if he wanted water, and he nodded his head. +I went down to the creek there, and filled my hat, and warn't away more +than three minutes; but, when I got back, he was gone."—"Where did he go +to, Jerry?" asked Ned, who, unperceived, had been listening to the story.</p> + +<p>"Go to," echoed Jerry, "ther ain't anybody kin tell that. Why, I hunted +every foot, for a mile around, and couldn't find a sign of his trail; and +I never have seen or heerd of him since. Now, judge, I seen him, felt +him, talked to him, and know he was there; and thar hain't never been a +doubt in my mind as to what become of him."</p> + +<p>"Well, Jerry, how do you account for his disappearance?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Angels!" was the sententious reply.</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" remarked the matter-of-fact Ned; "angels don't wear clothes and +boots."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" inquired Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Why, I never heard they did," answered Ned.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever hear they didn't?" continued the old man. "I never believed +in 'em much afore then, and I sartin hain't bed no reason to, on this +trip, so far as I know. Now, judge, you're the first one I ever told that +story to; and it's true, every word of it. What do yer reckon become of +him, if 'twain't angels?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say, Jerry," was my reply. "That is one of the secrets of the +desert, which I cannot answer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I reckon I've talked, about as long as I ought to, at this time of +night; but I've never come this way since then, without thinkin' thet +perhaps I might see him again. I never shall, though, I reckon; and I +s'pose I'd better give up all hopes of it, and may as well go to bed +again."</p> + +<p>As soon as he had gone, Ned crawled over to my side, and said, "Do you +really believe that it was an angel Jerry saw?"</p> + +<p>I endeavored to explain to the boy, that Jerry had been the victim of one +of those strange illusions defined in Sanskrit, as "The thirst of the +gazelle," which is frequently experienced by travellers in the desert, +causing them to imagine they see those objects in which their souls most +delight, but which exist only, in their imaginations. Nor is it possible, +ever after to convince the beholder, that the vision was not real.</p> + +<p>The following day's journey carried us out of the arid, desert country, +through magnificent groves of oak, over beautiful green prairies, and by +ranches, whose cattle were, in truth, "feeding on a thousand hills." The +contrast was as surprising, as it was graceful and pleasing; and, when at +last we reached the summit of the high land that overlooked the beautiful +blue waters of the Pacific, and saw, cozily nestled on the plain below +us, facing the sea, the quaint old town of San Diego, with its +magnificent date-palms, and rare old architecture, we all fairly shouted +for joy.</p> + +<p>The dangers and perils we had passed through, the privations we had +suffered, the petty jealousies that had arisen, the unkind words spoken, +—all were alike forgiven and forgotton in the rapture caused by the sight +of that "shining shore" we had travelled so many weary miles to see.</p> + +<p>Our arrival at San Diego was most opportune, for there was a great +scarcity of goods in the market, which enabled us to dispose of ours, at +such prices that we realized a handsome profit, after paying the expenses +of our entire trip.</p> + +<p>Indeed, we found ourselves in the possession of so much money, that we +deemed it advisable to hold a consultation, as to the best manner of +investing it.</p> + +<p>Hal declared, that he would speculate with it; and thereby take the +chance of doubling the capital in a few weeks, perhaps days.</p> + +<p>Ned was for purchasing a stock of goods in San Francisco, and going into +general merchandise.</p> + +<p>Jerry declared for a stock-ranche, and I—why, I decided with Jerry, of +course.</p> + +<p>"And what do you say, Patsey," called out Ned.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd take the money, an' buy me a new buckskin suit, and sthart +back for the ould country, shure. Divil a day would yez kitch me stoppin' +in a counthry like this, iny longer thin it would take to git out of it."</p> + +<p>After properly canvassing the matter, we decided to purchase a ranche, +stock it well with cattle, and place it in charge of old Jerry, with Hal +and Ned as assistants, and Patsey as "general utility boy."</p> + +<p>The ranche, under old Jerry's management, has become a valuable piece of +property, branding over a thousand calves the last spring.</p> + +<p>Hal, who, since his arrival here, has corresponded regularly with +Juanita, is now on a visit to Chihuahua, and the last letter I received +from him spoke of his marriage as a settled thing in the coming fall. +After that interesting event is over, he proposes to bring his wife home +with him.</p> + +<p>Ned is one of the most respected and honored citizens of San-Diego +county, and Patsey is growing rich from the profits of a small country +store.</p> + +<p>Old Jerry is alive, and insists upon having his camp-fire lighted every +night, smoking his pipe by the cheerful blaze, and telling a story. Then +he spreads his "painter-skin," and "turns in;" for nothing will induce +the old man to sleep within the four walls of a house. He says "it chocks +him right up, so, he can't; fur the life of him, he don't see how a white +man can stan' it."</p> + +<p>And now, my dear readers, having crossed the Continent together, and at +last found a home upon the shores of the beautiful Pacific, you and I +must part; but, if you ever chance to visit San Diego, come and see us at +the Buena-Vista stock-ranche, and you shall hear old Jerry tell a "story +of the road," beside his camp-fire, and receive from Hal and Ned a +genuine Western welcome.</p> +</td> + </tr> +</table> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr /> +<pre> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10810 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/10810-h/images/img01.jpg b/10810-h/images/img01.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1572177 --- /dev/null +++ b/10810-h/images/img01.jpg diff --git a/10810-h/images/img02.jpg b/10810-h/images/img02.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4fe89ed --- /dev/null +++ b/10810-h/images/img02.jpg 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other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb55387 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10810 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10810) diff --git a/old/10810-8.txt b/old/10810-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e1d96ab --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10810-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6532 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Young Trail Hunters, by Samuel Woodworth +Cozzens + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Young Trail Hunters + +Author: Samuel Woodworth Cozzens + +Release Date: January 23, 2004 [eBook #10810] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Gary Toffelmire, Sjaani, and Project +Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders + + + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS; + +OR, THE WILD RIDERS OF THE PLAINS. + +THE VERITABLE ADVENTURES OF HAL HYDE AND NED BROWN, ON THEIR +JOURNEY ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS OF THE SOUTH-WEST. + +BY + +SAMUEL WOODWORTH COZZENS + +1877 + + + + + + +[Illustration: Prairie on Fire.] + + + + +TO THE READER. + +From my youth up, no book ever fascinated me like one of travel and +adventure in Indian lands, where danger attends every step; and, +believing that the hair-breadth escapes of my young friends, Hal and Ned, +in crossing with me, the great plains of the South-West, a few years +since, will prove entertaining, as well as instructive, I have taken +great pleasure in recounting them. + +The delineation of the habits, characteristics, and barbarous customs of +the savages, who, for centuries, have roamed over those vast plains, is +the result of my personal observation among these, now fast vanishing, +Indian tribes. + +If this narrative proves a sufficient inducement for you to follow "THE +TRAIL HUNTERS," to the end, a future volume to be entitled "CROSSING THE +QUICKSANDS, OR HAL AND NED ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE," will acquaint you with +some of the startling adventures befalling my young friends, after +reaching their homes in the far west. + +Hoping to merit your hearty commendation, I have the honor to subscribe +myself, THE AUTHOR. + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +The Wild Mustangs.--Hal and Ned.--The Black and the Bay.--Manuel the +Herder.--The Mustang-breaker.--Life on a Stock Ranche.--A Sudden Start.-- +On the Road.--The Lone Mule.--The Stampede.--Attacked by Comanches. + +CHAPTER II. + +Under the Wagons.--The Lost Stock.--Jerry Vance the Wagon-master.--His +Pluck is aroused.--We take the Trail.--The Comanche Camp.--A Surprise.-- +The Result.--Visitors.--Cuchillo, the Comanche Chief.--The Missourians. +--The Arapahoe Guide.--The Farewell. + +CHAPTER III. + +The Return to Camp.--The Boys Missing.--A Search.--Treed.--The Wild +Mexican Hogs.--An Adventure.-The Combat.--The Release.--A Cry of +Distress.--An Ugly Customer--The Panther.--A Terrible Struggle.-- +Victory.--Old Jerry wounded.--Camp at last. + +CHAPTER IV. + +Jerry's Story.--"Byse hain't got no Bizness on the Plains, nohow."--A +Hunting Expedition.--Antonio, the "Mustanger" of the Leona.--"Creasing" a +Wild Horse.--The Prairie-dog Town.--Wild Turkeys.--The Missing Boys. +Prisoners in the Hands of the Comanches.--The "Lingo" of the Plains.--The +Ransom and Rescue.--Dog Meat. + +CHAPTER V. + +Comanches in the Distance.--Attacked.--The Fight.--The Arapahoe Scout to +the Rescue.--Wounded.--Comanche Signals.--More Trouble.--The Ambuscade.-- +A Night Attack.--A Mule killed.--Ned's first Indian.--"A'stonishin' +Boy."--Old Jerry's Pride.--Once more on the Road. + +CHAPTER VI. + +The Track in the Sand.--What made it.--A Lesson on Trailing.--What +constitutes a good Woodsman.--A Discovery.--Indians.--A Female Captive +To the Rescue.--Our Ride.--A Run for Life.--The Fight.--Death.--More +Hints about Trailing.--The Mexican.--Old Jerry's Observation. + +CHAPTER VII. + +The San Pedro.--An Antelope Hunt.--We strike a Fresh Trail.--An Attack of +"Buck Fever."--Hal a Victim.--I endeavor to comfort him.--A Promise.--The +Black-tailed Deer.--The Call and the Snake.--Another Attempt.--Defeated +by a Panther.--The Rio Pecos.--The Country through which it runs.--Old +Acquaintances in the Distance.--On a Bender.--Ned to the Rescue.--Old +Jerry's Bear Story. + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Comanche War Trail.--A Visitor in Camp.--Hal loses his Pony.--An +Adventure with a Horse-thief.--Creeping Serpent.--Hints on Horse-stealing. +--Dust in the Distance. Hal recognizes his Pony.--A Good Shot.-- +Its Effect.--The Prairie on Fire.--Imminent Peril.--Hard Work.--Comanche +Springs.--Fort Davis.--A Pretty Girl,--Patsey McQuirk.--Ned kills an +Antelope.--Don Ramon.--The Camp attacked. + +CHAPTER IX. + +Juanita captured.--A Brutal Murder.--Once more on the Trail.--We lose +it.--The Hide for Life.--Return to Camp.--The Messenger to the Fort.-- +Terrible News.--The Dragoons in the Saddle.--Hal taken Prisoner.--Off for +El Paso.--We start for the Silver Mines.--The Cave.--Adventure with a +Bear.--The Mine.--What we saw.--We start for Fillmore.--Good News. + +CHAPTER X. + +Tom Pope the Scout.--His Report.--An Expedition planned.--Tom's Story.-- +A Comanche Village.--The Prisoner.--A New Way of Cooking Steak.--Big +Eagle the Chief.--An Escape, and Pursuit.--Soldiers from the Fort.--Our +Expedition starts.--The Organos Mountains,--Ned's Adventure with a +Rattlesnake.--We strike the Trail and follow it.--Hard Riding.--A +Discovery.--Is it Comanche or Apache?--The Moccasin. + +CHAPTER XI. + +The Tell-tale, and what it said.--Jerry's Decision.--The Ride.--A +Reconnoissance.--The Indian Camp.--Military Rule.--A Happy Thought.--The +Rifle-shot.--The Rescue.--How Ned obeyed the Lieutenant's Orders.--On +the Rampage.--Hal on Hand.--The Spoils.--Rejoicings over Juanita's +Return.--What Tom says.--Ned wounded.--A Mountain Carriage.--Arrival at +the Fort.--The Little Gold Ring.--Good-bye, Juanita.--"Disrispict."--A +Fight. + +CHAPTER XII. + +Once more on the Road.--We cross the Rio Grande.--Mesilla.--Hal's +Purchase.--A False Alarm.--A Ludicrous Scene.--An Unexpected Arrival in +Camp.--Patsey's Adventure with the "Divil."--"That bar" again.--What +Jerry says.--An Unsuccessful Hunt.--A Startling Echo.--Apache Visitors.-- +El Chico.--The Apache Chief. + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Mr. Mastin.--Mangas Colorado.--Cadette.--A Terrible Battle.--Hal begins +his Story of Apache Land.--An Interruption.--"The Bear's goned."--The +Pursuit. + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A Bear Hunt.--Patsey explains.--A Promise.--Continuation of Hal's Story.-- +Warm Blood.--A Feast of Mule Meat.--The Mountain Cave.--A Punishment.-- +Despair.--The Crack of a Rifle.--Liberty.--The Smoke Signal.--The Spy.-- +The Two Eyes.--A Horrible Situation.--Relief at last.--A Dissertation on +Apaches.--Their Manners and Customs.--A Surprise.--A Desperate +Adventure.--Arrival at Apache Pass.--"Sooap."--An Attack. + +CHAPTER XV. + +The Herd in Danger.--We rally.--The Fight.--Death and Burial.--Patsey in +Trouble.--"Shnakes."--A Lively Dance for a "ded Mon."--Rocky Mountain +Sheep.--A Description of them.--The Wild Ox.--Not a Success as +_Lazadors_.--An Exciting Chase.--Tit for Tat.--The Boys worsted.-- +Mountain Dew.--Patsey pronounces.--The Buckskin Suit.--The Old Mission.-- +Arrival at Tucson. + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Hal's Trade.--The New Mule.--A Storm.--Patsey's Ride. A Laughable +Adventure.--We start at last.--The Pimo Indians.--Manners and +Manufactures.--A Duck Hunt.--"How they hoont Ducks in the ould +Counthry."--A Bath.--Arrive at Yuma.--Crossing the Desert.--Terrible +Suffering.--Carrizo Creek, and the "Thirst of the Gazelle."--Jerry's +Story.--Angels.--Arrival at San Diego.--Good News.--A Stock Ranche.--Mrs. +Hyde that is to be.--An Invitation from Old Jerry. + + + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +"Boys, the mustangs will be up from the range this morning. Which of you +want to go down to the corral with me?" + +"I do! I do!" exclaimed both in the same breath. + +"I spoke first," cried Hal. + +"No, you didn't; I spoke first myself," retorted Ned. + +"I say you didn't," rejoined Hal. + +Seeing that the dispute was likely to become a serious one, I interrupted +it by saying,-- + +"Well, boys, I'll settle the matter at once by taking you both with me. +In this way there'll be no chance for a quarrel." + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" exclaimed Ned. "We can both go; ain't that nice?" + +"But I spoke first, though," declared Hal. "Never mind which spoke first. +If either of you want to go with me, you must come now." + +We immediately started towards the corral; but, before reaching it, I saw +the herd coming over the plain towards us, their heads high in air, as +though sniffing the morning breeze, their necks proudly arched, and long +manes and tails gracefully flowing to the wind, as they pranced and +gambolled along the high swell of land that marked the gentle descent to +the valley where we stood. + +As soon as the boys discovered them, they went into raptures, +exclaiming,-- + +"Oh, what a big drove of horses! Whose are they? Are they all yours? +Can't I have one to ride? What are you going to do with them?" and a +hundred other questions, asked more rapidly than I could possibly find +opportunity to answer. + +As the mustangs came nearer, and the boys began to distinguish more +clearly their elegant forms and beautiful color, they became greatly +excited, declaring loudly, that, if they could only have one of them to +ride, they should be perfectly happy. + +I found great difficulty in so far repressing them, that they would not +frighten the herd which was now close to the enclosure; but finally +succeeded in keeping them quiet, by promising that each should have one +for his own. + +When the last of the gang had passed into the corral and the gate was +shut, the boys mounted the wall, eager to select their ponies. This was +soon done: Hal choosing a beautiful black, and Ned deciding upon a +spirited blood-bay mare. + +[Illustration: In Camp.] + +Calling Manuel, the Mexican herder, I gave the requisite order, and he +entered the corral, lasso in hand. He stood for a moment, waiting his +opportunity, and then, swinging the rope gracefully over his head, the +noose dropped upon the neck of the black. + +The instant she felt it touch, she lowered her head, in an endeavor to +throw it off; but Manuel anticipated the movement, and gently tightened +it; when, with a snort of defiance, she settled back on her haunches, as +though inviting him to a trial of strength. + +After many and repeated failures, by the exercise of great patience and +skill, Manuel succeeded in separating her from the remainder of the herd, +and leading her into another and smaller enclosure. + +And then commenced the contest with the bay. The herd had by this time +become very sensitive, and it was with great difficulty that Manuel +managed to cast his noose over the mare's head; and, even when this had +been accomplished, she seemed disposed to make him all the trouble +possible; but, after a long time, he obtained the mastery, and led her +out to share the fate of her black companion. + +"Now, boys, you've got the ponies, what are you going to do with them?" +asked I. + +"Do with 'em? Why, ride 'em, of course," answered Hal. + +"I'd like to see some one ride mine, before I back her," remarked Ned. + +"And so you shall," said I. "Come, Manuel, let's see you ride the bay." + +First obtaining one end of the lasso, which still encircled her neck, he +made a turn around a stout post, which enabled him to bring her head so +perfectly under his control, that, with comparative ease, he made a loop +with his lasso around her lower jaw; then, leading her into the open +plain, he vaulted lightly upon her back. + +The moment she felt his weight she uttered a scream of rage, and raised +herself upright upon her hind legs, standing so admirably poised that +Manuel was only able to retain his seat by clinging with both arms around +her neck. Unable to rid herself of her burden in this manner, she planted +her fore feet firmly on the earth, and elevated her hind legs high in the +air with great rapidity and fury, forcing the rider to turn quickly upon +her back and clasp his arms tightly around the barrel of her body, +bracing his toes against the point of her fore shoulders, and thus +rendering futile all her frantic efforts to unseat him. + +Apparantly convinced that neither of these methods would relieve her, she +stood still for a moment, as if to gather strength for a last, grand, +final effort for her freedom; then, bounding like a deer, she dashed +furiously over the plain. + +Away she sped, Manuel still upon her back, now disappearing for a moment +in some ravine, to again come in sight, galloping madly over the swell of +the plain, swerving neither to the right nor the left, but once more +disappearing, to finally become lost in the distance. + +"I'm glad I ain't on her," said Ned. "Will she ever come back? If she +does, I don't want to ride her. Didn't she just fly, though? Do you +believe I shall ever be able to manage her?" + +"I think perhaps after Manuel gets through with her, you'll find it +easier than you imagine," was my answer. + +"I'd like to ride as well as Manuel," remarked Hal. "I wonder if all +Mexicans ride as nicely as he does." + +"Many do; and there are thousands of Americans in Texas who ride equally +well, if they do not surpass him in horsemanship." + +"Then I mean to learn how to do it," rejoined Hal; "and I won't be +satisfied until I do." + +"You may as well commence now, on your black, Hal. She's waiting and +ready for you," remarked Ned. + +"Thank you! but I believe I'll wait and see how the bay comes out. Come, +let's go and see the beauty," said Hal; and the two started for the +corral, to discuss the probable relative speed of the captives. + +A couple of hours later, we saw Manuel returning; the mare trotting as +quietly as though she had been accustomed to the saddle for years. Riding +up to where we stood, he dismounted; and, handing Ned the end of the +lasso, said,-- + +"There, youngster, throw this over her head, and lead her to the corral. +She'll fancy you're the one who first gained the mastery over her, and +you won't have no trouble in riding her when you want to." + +Ned led her to the corral, and then Hal's mare was obliged to submit to a +similar experience; and, after that, the boys, with Manuel to instruct, +mounted their ponies and took their first lesson in mustang riding. + +Hal Hyde and Ned Brown were two boys who had arrived from the East the +night previous to the morning on which our story opens. + +They were the sons of two old friends of mine, and had been sent to +Texas that they might learn something of life upon a stock-ranche. + +It is not my intention, however, to relate their experience during the +few months they remained on the Ranchee; for they found, after the first +novelty had worn off, the life was dull and exceedingly tiresome. So +monotonous did it become in fact, that it was with difficulty I persuaded +them to remain, even until the fall, when I intended to make a journey +overland to California. + +As the time drew near for me to start, the boys became so anxious to +accompany me, that I finally decided to travel with my own team, instead +of taking the stage to San Diego, as I had originally intended. I +purchased four stout wagons, and thirty mules with harness and outfit for +the road, complete; and engaged the services of an old Texan named Jerry +Vance, as wagon-master for the trip. We also bought a small but +well-selected lot of goods, suitable for either the Mexican or Indian +trade; laid in a large stock of stores for use on the road; and then +awaited the departure of some "freighter" for the "Upper Country," that +we might take advantage of the better protection afforded by a large +party in travelling through a country infested by hostile bands of +Indians. + +The boys became very impatient to be off; for we had gone into camp near +the headwaters of the San Pedro, four miles above the city of San +Antonio, and their only amusement consisted in practising with their +rifles or revolvers or exercising their ponies. + +At last (it was the first day of September) Jerry brought word to camp, +that, on the following morning, Magoffin's train, consisting of seventeen +wagons, forty men, and two hundred mules, would start for Fort Fillmore, +nearly a thousand miles away upon our direct route. + +This was indeed agreeable news; and the boys could hardly contain +themselves for joy at the thought of so soon being on the road. + +Every one about camp went to work with a will; for there were many things +yet to be done before we should be ready to leave. + +Mules were to be shod, harness examined, wheels greased, nuts tightened, +firearms put in order and freshly loaded, wagons repacked, and, in fact, +a thousand things that are always postponed until the last minute before +starting on a trip like ours. + +Shortly after sundown, however, old Jerry announced everything ready, and +then we gathered around our camp-fire, and the boys spent the evening in +asking him questions about the route, which were easily answered; for he +had passed over it seven times, and met with hundreds of adventures on +the road, that afforded both instruction and amusement for his listeners. + +It is the story of our trip across the plains, from San Antonio, Texas, +to San Diego, California, as well as some of the adventures we +encountered on the road, that I have to tell you. + +Long before daylight the next morning I was awakened by the noise and +confusion in camp, incident to a first start. Men were shouting at the +mules; mules were braying; whips cracking; wheels creaking; and, far +above all, I could hear the loud voices of Hal and Ned, now giving orders +and endeavoring to instruct old Jerry how to catch an unruly mule that +seemed disposed to make some trouble, and again cautioning every one to +make no noise, for fear of disturbing me before my breakfast should be +ready. + +Springing to my feet, I found that the teams were already harnessed, and +only waiting the appearance of our travelling companions to start. + +Breakfast was soon dispatched, the camp equipage, blankets, etc., stowed +in one of the wagons; and very shortly the still morning air bore to our +ears the distant rumble of heavy wagons, the shouts of the teamsters, and +the many sounds indicating the approach of a large train. Presently the +herd of spare mules was seen, and then the covers of the wagons. We +mounted our ponies, old Jerry called out in a cherry tone, +"_Vamose_!" the teamsters cracked their whips, the mules pulled with +a will, and we fell in behind the wagons, and were at last fairly on the +road, bound for the "Golden State." + +As the first rays of the rising sun flashed athwart the beautiful green +prairie, the boys gave a yell of delight at the sight, which was indeed a +glorious one;--the long line of wagons, each drawn by eight mules, +stretching far ahead and following the tortuous windings of the road, +their white covers, blue bodies, and bright red wheels presenting a +contrast to the sober green of the surrounding country that was at once +pleasing and unique. + +[Illustration: Leading the Train.] + +As we realized the truly formidable appearance of the caravan, Hal, with +his usual impetuosity, declared that there wern't Indians enough in the +country to whip us; for confirmation of his opinion, appealing to old +Jerry, who, however, only shrugged his shoulders after the peculiar +manner of frontiersmen, and said, "_Quien sabe?_" or, who knows? + +For five long days we followed the road, without meeting with any +incident worthy of note. The settlements had all been passed, Fort Clark +left far behind, and not an Indian been seen by any of our party. + +On the evening of the eighth day, we encamped upon the banks of the +Nucces. It was a beautiful night. The young moon was fast sinking behind +the line of the distant mountains, leaving us to enjoy the light of our +camp-fire, and admire its ruddy glow, reflected on the snow-white covers +of our wagons. These were parked in a semi-circle around us, and forcibly +recalled to my mind the stories I had read in my boyhood, of gipsy +encampments upon some grand old English barren. + +"Now I call this comfort," said Hal, as he lazily stretched himself upon +a blanket before the fire. "Eight days on the road, and we haven't seen +an Indian. I don't believe there are any. Now what's the use of standing +guard and shivering round the camp half the night, watching for Indians +that never come?" + +"I come on first to-night, and shall stand my watch, at any rate," said +Ned. "And before it gets any darker, we'd better drive the mules down to +water." + +"Do you think," asked Hal, appealing to me, "that there's any need of +standing guard to-night?" + +"Certainly I do," replied I. "It's always best to be on the safe side. +Why not exercise the same precaution to-night that we have since we left +San Antonio? It is impossible to tell how near Indians may be, or when +they will attack us. Travellers on the plains should be prepared for any +emergency." + +"True as preachin'," interrupted old Jerry. "They ain't so very fur off, +either. I've seen 'em signalin' all the afternoon, and signalin' allers +means bizness with them red varmints. If we don't see 'em to-night, we +shall afore a great while, and I think--" + +"Never mind what you think," interrupted Hal, saucily. "You are always +imagining things that never come to pass. I guess you've been pretty +badly scared some time by Indians." + +"Wal, young man, when you've travelled over these plains as many years as +I hev, maybe you'll know more about Injuns than you do now, and maybe you +won't," rejoined Jerry, in a tone of contempt, as he slowly moved away in +the direction of the herd. + +Asking Jerry to make sure that the animals were properly secured, I threw +myself down on Hal's blanket, and gazed into the fire. + +Jerry and the boys soon returned, saying that the animals were perfectly +safe; but somehow I found it impossible to rid myself of the impression +made by Jerry's casual remark. Calling him to me, I asked him more +particularly about the signals he had seen. His answer did not relieve my +uneasiness, for he said,-- + +"Them varmints don't make smoke for nothing; and, when you see 'em in so +many directions, it's a sure sign that they're gatherin' for mischief: at +least, that's my 'sperience." + +As it was still early in the evening, I determined to walk over to +Magoffin's camp, which was about a quarter of a mile above us, and +ascertain if his men had seen anything to cause them to apprehend danger. +I found that Don Ignacio, the wagon-master, fully corroborated Jerry's +statements about the smoke signals, adding that he intended to have a +very strict watch kept that night. + +With, tins information I returned to camp; and, after telling the boys +what I had heard and cautioning them to keep a sharp lookout during their +watch, I "turned in," resolved to nap "with one eye open" myself. + +I lay for a long time trying in vain to compose myself to sleep; but, +finding it impossible to do so, concluded to rise and endeavor to walk my +nervousness away. + +Without thinking of my firearms, I sallied forth, and must have travelled +nearly a mile, when I came suddenly upon a mule, standing alone, a short +distance from the roadside. + +Supposing it to be one of our own, which, through carelessness, had been +permitted to stray from the herd, I attempted to secure it, with the +intention of leading it back; but, to my surprise, it started and dashed +furiously away across the prairie, in an opposite direction from camp. + +I well knew that a mule, when alone on the plains, is one of the most +docile creatures in the world, and will permit any one save an Indian to +approach it without making an effort to escape; consequently, the more I +thought of the matter the more singular it seemed. Returning to camp, I +found old Jerry awake and on the alert, and briefly told him what I had +seen, asking him if he did not think it a strange thing for the animal to +do. + +Without a moment's hesitation he replied,-- + +"Strange? no! That air lost critter of yourn was a Comanche scout's, you +bet; and, bein' a scout, he couldn't have done nothin' else, 'cause it +might hev spilt their entire calculation. You'll hev a chance ter see him +agin afore mornin', I reckon." + +"But there was no Indian with the mule," I insisted. + +[Illustration: Comanche Riding.] + +"Ten to one there was, though," replied Jerry. "You ain't so well +'quainted with them Comanches as I be. They're cunnin' fellers! They +never show themselves when they're on a horse, or in a fight. They just +stick closer'n a tick to their hoss's side, and do a heap of mighty good +shootin' from under his neck, I can tell you. Why, I've seen forty of 'em +comin' full tilt right towards me, and narry Injun in sight." + +"If you think they are going to attack us, Jerry, hadn't we better rouse +the camp at once, and notify Magoffin's people?" + +"We'd better just tend to ourselves, and let other folks do the same; and +as to rousin' the camp, why them boys is a heap better off asleep than +they would be round here. That's a nice sort of a guard, ain't it?" said +Jerry, pointing to Hal, who was slumbering soundly near the fire. "That's +just what he was doin' when I got up; and on his watch too. We can git +along without any such help as thet. Air your shootin'-irons reddy?" + +Before I had time to reply to his question, the sharp, shrill war-whoop of +the Comanches fell upon our ears, ringing out on the still night air with +a yell fiendish enough to paralyze the stoutest heart. For a single +instant it lasted, and then the most unearthly din that can possibly be +imagined filled the air; while the neighing of horses, the braying of +mules, beating of drums, and discordant jangle of bells, accompanied by +an occasional discharge of firearms, rendered the scene as near +pandemonium as it is possible to conceive. + +We saw a dozen or more dusky forms coming towards us, and Jerry and +myself raised our rifles and fired. + +Hal, Ned, and the teamsters were by this time awake; the latter being +obliged to give their whole attention to the animals, which were making +frantic exertions to escape. + +The boys rushed in the most frightened manner from one place to another, +--not knowing what to do or where to go,--only adding to the terrible +confusion; until, by Jerry's direction, they ensconced themselves under +one of the wagons, with orders not to leave it without express +permission. + + +CHAPTER II. + +As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them +ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If +ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us, +that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't +no more danger to-night." + +At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon, +both looking exceedingly foolish. + +"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal, +turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I +wasn't scart a particle." + +"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you +won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we +shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man." + +"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see +about the mules, Jerry." + +"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now," +said Jerry. + +An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken +in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised, +they were the ones that had been tied by the boys. + +"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry. + +"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain." + +"I wish you would," said Jerry; "and, judge, ef they've lost any, and +will let me hev twenty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back +afore ter-morrow night at this time, or you may call old Jerry a liar, +and that's what no man ever done yet, that's sartin." + +"Do you really think it can be done, Jerry?" + +"I'm sartin of it," was the confident reply. + +"Well, I'll go over and talk with Magoffin; and, if he's lost any stock +and will lend us the men, I've no objection to your making the attempt." + +"You bet, judge, he'll see for himself, that them cussed varmints won't +hev more'n four hours the start; an', ef he'll let us hev the men, we kin +ketch 'em, sartin." + +I visited Magoffin's camp, and found it, like our own, in some confusion. +I ascertained, however, that Magoffin himself was not with the train, +which was in charge of his _major-domo,_ or head man, Don Ignacio. +Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules +were missing. I then briefly stated Jerry's proposition, to which Don +Ignacio immediately assented, offering to accompany the expedition +himself. + +Word was sent to Jerry; and, half an hour afterwards, when I reached +camp, I found him ready for a start. + +Hal and Ned were both extremely anxious to go; but Jerry would not hear +to it for a moment, declaring they must remain and take charge of camp +during our absence. + +The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from +Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three +days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of _atole_ [Wheat and +brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold +water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked +beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every +man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty +rounds of ammunition in his belt. + +A delay of a few moments only, and we were off. + +We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly +direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,-- + +"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for +the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the +Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the +Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean, +and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur +as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on." + +[Illustration: Trailing.] + +Uttering the single word, '_Adelante!_' or 'Forward!' we started in +a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily +followed. + +Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success +of our expedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the +Indians must necessarily be somewhat impeded by the large number of +animals they were driving before them. + +The trail followed the course of the river for several miles in the +direction of the Concho Springs; but, at last, turned abruptly to the +left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the +waters of the Pecos from the headwaters of the San Pedro, leading us +directly towards the former stream. + +For many hours we rode, hoping each moment to obtain a sight of the +Indians. No stops were made, except to permit our animals to drink a few +swallows from the streams we crossed, or when we removed the saddle and +bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass +through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and +animals began to show unmistakable signs of fatigue, and it became +evident that we must halt for rest and supper. While discussing the +subject with Jerry, he suddenly grasped my bridle-rein, and pointed out a +bright speck on the distant horizon. + +"St! there they be!" he exclaimed. "That's them. The fools didn't 'spect +ter be follered, and they've lighted some rosin weeds ter cook their +supper with. We've got 'em, sartin." + +A halt was ordered; and, in an incredibly short time, our animals were +picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a _reconnoissance_ +of the Comanche camp, and the men were enjoying a hearty supper. + +I was greatly amused to see the facility with which they accommodated +themselves to the situation. No sooner were their suppers eaten and +cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, +with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to +sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake. + +While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight +eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, +and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some +settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment. + +At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had +been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his +master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal +in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me. + +Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into +it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the +animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had +undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently +gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly. + +Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should +have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our +animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for +the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two +miles distant. + +The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to +remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into +two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don +Ignacio. + +Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible +until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. +Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to +pay its respects to the camp itself. + +Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable +each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from +Jerry, which was to be the bark of a _coyote_, or prairie wolf, +three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every +man was expected to take care of himself. + +The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the +darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio +and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to +the top of a slight elevation, where we dropped upon our faces and peered +over into the enemy's camp. + +With the aid of my glasses, by the uncertain, flickering light of their +fire, I could see every object in the camp distinctly. + +One Indian was bending over the coals, as though in the act of warming +himself; while, about the fire, lay five others, wrapped in their +blankets, and evidently fast asleep. + +A little distance below them, I could just discern the dark outline of +the herd, quietly feeding. It was evident that they neither knew nor +dreamed of pursuit. + +It was a splendid night: not a cloud was to be seen; and, although there +was no moon, the heavens were thickly studded with stars. No sound +disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and +listened for the signal that was to decide our fate. How many voices, +before another hour, might be hushed in death? I asked myself the +question, but there came no answer. + +Suddenly, the stillness was disturbed by the quick, snarling yelp of a +_coyote_, so natural, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it +was the creature itself and not old Jerry. Again I heard it, seemingly +more distinct and nearer than before. Would it be repeated? + +My heart almost ceased to beat as I asked the question, and I held my +breath in my anxiety to hear. Will it ever come? + +Ah, yes! there it is: quick, sharp, and unmistakable, followed by the +report of a single rifle. + +The next instant, the sound of a dozen shots burst upon the air, mingled +with the terrible, unearthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all +rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, through the whizzing of arrows, +the ping of bullets, the shouts of Mexicans, and the yells of Indians. + +It was such a scene of excitement that I hardly knew what I was doing, +although I fully realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time +to do more than this, I saw Jerry coming towards me. As he came up, he +said, in tones that carried cheer with them,-- + +"Well, Judge, we're in luck; fifty mules and two varmints is a pretty +good night's work. How many hev you got up here?" + +An examination revealed three dead bodies in camp, making in all, five +Indians killed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We +quickly despoiled the camp; giving the plunder to the men, and leaving +the dead bodies behind us. + +But two of our party were injured--and they slightly--by arrows. Upon +reaching camp their wounds were carefully dressed; after which we partook +of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of +the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as his presence +was really very necessary in camp, with my permission, he would take his +men--leaving enough behind to assist in driving the stock--and hurry on. + +This would not inconvenience us, and enable him to arrive in camp several +hours earlier than ourselves. + +Jerry at once acquiesced in the arrangement, saying that three men, +besides ourselves, would be all we should require. + +Don Ignacio detailed that number to remain with us; and, with the balance +of the party, left us. + +We made very fair progress during the night; and, when morning dawned, +were a long distance on our road. + +An hour or two after daylight, old Jerry's keen eye detected, upon an +elevation in the distance, a party of three Comanches. We were in hope +that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that +they had seen us, for one of their number turned and rode towards us, +waving a blanket in the air. This, Jerry said, was indicative of a desire +for a parley. + +After a short conference together, Jerry decided it was better for us to +ride out and meet the party, rather than permit them to join us. + +We accordingly prepared for the expedition, giving the Mexicans +instructions to proceed quietly with the stock. + +As we approached the Indians, their leader, an old man apparantly about +sixty years of age, with a singularly cunning and wicked looking +countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while, +with much solemnity, he announced himself as _Cuchillo_, a Comanche +chief, and a great friend of the whites. + +While Jerry was conversing with the old fellow in Spanish, I made myself +familiar with the general appearance of the party. They were dressed each +with a buffalo rug thrown over his left shoulder in such a manner as to +allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their +feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the +seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon the ground. These, +with leggins made from a piece of blanket, which was wrapped about the +leg below the knee and fastened with a thong of buckskin, heavily +fringed, and the breechcloth, completed the dress. + +Each was painted in a most hideous manner, in ochre and vermilion mixed +with a whitish clay. + +Cuchillo shortly produced a well-worn greasy paper from a small bag he +wore around his neck, which he handed me, making a sign that I was to +read it. + +It was as follows:-- + +"The Bearer, Cuchillo, is a Comanche Chief, who says he is a friend of +the White's. My advice is not to Trust him, or any other sneakin' varmint +like him. BILL POPE." + +I handed the paper to Jerry; who, after reading it, gave it back to its +owner with the remark, it was _muncho bueno_, or very good. + +The chief received it with a smile; and, as he returned it to the little +bag, remarked,-- + +"Very good, _me bueno amigo_" (good friend). + +"P'raps yer be," remarked Jerry, in English, "but yer ain't ther sort I +hanker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we +must be a-goin', an' you an' me hain't got no use for one another, no +how." + +But our Comanche friends were not to be shaken off, so easily; for, even +after bidding them good by, Cuchillo insisted upon accompanying us; and, +rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry was +obliged to make a virtue of necessity, and assent to the proposition with +as good a grace as possible. + +It was evident that curiosity at least was one of the motives that +actuated the Indians; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about +them, evidently expecting to see a larger party with us, and expressing +surprise at the quantity of stock we were driving. + +Jerry informed them that we had a large company a few hours' ride to the +north; and had been out purchasing some stock from another party, who +were encamped to the south of us a few miles. + +This information seemed to cause them some surprise; for they asked many +questions concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, +etc., all of which Jerry answered in a straightforward manner, to their +evident satisfaction. + +Cuchillo was very curious in regard to our revolvers,--of which each man +in our party had two, in addition to his rifle,--and at last we +determined to show them that we were well armed, and ready for any +emergency. I set up a small mark at the distance of sixty or seventy +feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of +both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest +astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition +to leave. With many professions of friendship, Jerry endeavored to +persuade them to accompany us to our camp; but they declined, promising +to visit us on the morrow; and, after a most affectionate farewell, +Cuchillo and his braves left us, riding towards the south-west. + +"There," exclaimed Jerry, as soon as they were fairly off, "ef there +don't go as sneakin' a varmint as there is in the whole Comanche nation, +I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, +expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may find 'em. The +thing for us to do is to git our cattle into camp ez soon as possible. We +kin hurry 'em some, and I reckon we'd better do it." + +We made good progress for a couple of hours; and, on reaching the top of +a "divide," saw a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, +slowly making its way through the tall bottom grass of the valley beneath +us, surrounded by quite a number of men on horseback. + +"Hurrah!" cried Jerry, "there's friends. This is the fust party we've +seen out on the plains since we left San Antonio. We mustn't let 'em go +by without overhaulin' 'em." + +We soon came up with them; and they proved to be Capt. Blodget and four +companions from Missouri, on the way to Fort Davis, accompanied by an +Arapahoe Indian as guide. + +We were, of course, delighted to meet with Americans, and eagerly +questioned them as to their adventures on the road; but they had seen no +Indians; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from +the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of +meeting the prowling bands, who generally followed the course of the +road, in expectation of more successfully conducting their thieving +operations. + +We soon parted with our new friends, and set out once more on our way to +the Nueces. + +[Illustration: The Missourians.] + + + +CHAPTER III + +Our arrival in camp, during the afternoon, was the signal for a general +rejoicing among the men, who loudly applauded the determination and pluck +shown by Jerry in pursuing and overtaking the thieves. + +My first inquiry was for Hal and Ned, and was told that they had gone out +after a flock of wild turkeys that had been heard clucking in the pecan +trees, not far from camp. They had taken their guns with them, and +expected to be back by noon. + +Thinking they would soon return, I went over to consult with Don Ignacio +about resuming our journey; but, as the water and grass were much better +where we then were than at the next stopping-place, the California +Springs, it was decided to remain encamped until morning. + +Accepting an invitation to dine with Don Ignacio. I did not return to my +own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that +the boys had not put in an appearance. + +Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen +them. + +His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and +they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought +to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't +afraid of Injuns, no how." + +"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we +ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing +had happened, they would have returned before this." + +"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business +travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched +up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry. + +The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and +set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their +trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks +of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a +large post-oak opening, three or four miles away. + +The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to +dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding +beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for +some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks +in the earth. + +"Antelope tracks," said I. + +"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's _havilina_ +tracks." + +"What are they?" inquired I. + +"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, +ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a +dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of +them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know +where ter find them boys." + +"Where?" inquired I. + +"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an' +good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how." + +"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of +them, if possible," was my reply. + +"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so +fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a +sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin' +critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each +moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of +the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak. + +As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest +as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin." + +"How do you know?" inquired I. + +"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing +to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin." + +As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention +of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near +them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost +impossible to hear the sound of our own voices. + +My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention +of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite +as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs +could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be. + +As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,-- + +"Take keer! take keer! we'd better look out;" and, without further +explanation, he began to climb a tree. + +I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches +of a post-oak. + +We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us. I must +say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw +the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures. They crowded beneath +the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white +tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and +striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that +the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault. + +They seemed as agile as cats, and occasionally one more ferocious than +the others would bound up, until I began to think I should be obliged to +leave the limb on which I was sitting. + +As soon as we were fairly fixed on our perches, and had time to take a +survey of the situation, we opened fire upon them to such good purpose +that we killed nine with our revolvers. This wholesale slaughter seemed +only to excite the fury of the others, for they commenced gnawing the +trees so fiercely that Jerry became alarmed, and urged me to use all +possible dispatch in reloading my pistol. + +Fortunately there were only ten of the animals left, and these we finally +managed to silence. After descending from the tree, I found Jerry in +anything but an amiable mood, at "the idee of an old hunter like he was, +bein' treed by a lot of hogs;" and, as usual, he declared that "them +cussid boys" was to blame, "for boys hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +By the exercise of considerable caution in approaching the herd, we +managed to get quite near without attracting their attention; and I asked +Jerry if it wasn't strange that the boys gave no sign of being aware of +our presence. + +"Sign!" said Jerry; "how could they give any sign when I couldn't hear my +own shots? Why, the only way I knowed if thet pistol went off or not was +by watchin' fur the smoke: the critters kep' up such a squealin' that I +couldn't hear you speak a word. I'll bet my hoss agin a chaw of terbacker +that them boys hain't heerd a shot we've fired, an' dunno we're within five +miles on 'em." + +Taking advantage of our former experience, we approached as near and as +quietly as possible, obtaining position beneath a tree,--in the branches +of which we could place ourselves if necessary,--and then opened fire +upon them with our revolvers, with such good effect, that the remainder +of the herd took to their long legs and were soon out of sight. + +[Illustration: Wild Hogs.] + +When the last of them disappeared, the boys dropped to the ground; but so +cramped were their limbs from their long confinement, that it was some +time before they could stand. While they were getting "the kinks out of +their legs," as Jerry termed it, we counted our game and found twenty-two +of the creatures dead, and the ground strewn with portions of flesh, +bristles and bones, all bearing evidence of a fearful fray. + +As the boys claimed to have killed but one of the creatures, we called +upon them for an explanation; and, from their story, it appeared, that, +shortly after leaving camp, Ned, who was in advance, had come upon a +large flock of turkeys, and discharged one of the barrels of his gun at +them without effect. + +Soon afterwards they discovered the tracks of the _havilinas_. +Supposing they were either antelope or deer tracks, they followed them +into the grove, where they discovered the herd of hogs, quietly feeding +upon the mast with which the ground was thickly strewn. + +Without a moment's hesitation Ned discharged the contents of his other +barrel at the animals, thinking they were hogs that had escaped from some +herd that had been driven across the country. + +The shot did not penetrate their thick hides far enough to do anything +but irritate and madden them, and the whole herd rushed towards the boys, +who, frightened at their formidable appearance, jumped into the nearest +tree, where they had been obliged to remain until released by us. + +Once fairly out of reach of the infuriated creatures, they rather enjoyed +the situation for a time; Hal feeling confident that he could, at any +moment, frighten them away by the discharge of his rifle. + +Finally, becoming tired of the fun, he discharged his rifle and killed +his hog; but this only seemed to make the creatures more ferocious, and +then, for the first time, the boys became really alarmed. + +As hour after hour passed, and the hogs showed no disposition to depart, +Hal began to despond, declaring that no help would reach them before they +should starve. Ned, however, kept up heart, until the infuriated +creatures began to devour the dead body of their comrade. + +The smell of the blood and taste of the flesh maddened them to such a +degree that they began a warfare among themselves, furiously striking at +and cutting one another with their long, sharp tusks, killing and +trampling under their feet the weaker, and then greedily devouring the +dead; all the while filling the air with their sharp, shrill cries. + +The boys, who had, up to this time, been hoping that assistance would +come from some source, were about giving up in despair, when they +witnessed the slaughter made by our revolvers and knew that succor had at +last arrived. + +As soon as they were able to walk, we guided them to the spot where we +had left our mules, and placed them in the saddles, directing them to +camp; Jerry and myself resolving to walk. + +Shouldering our rifles, we started towards the bank of the river, +believing it to be a shorter route than the way we had come. Although it +was fast growing dark, we had no fear but that by this route we should +reach camp quite as soon as the boys. + +While passing through a grove of pecan trees, about a couple of miles +from camp, my attention was suddenly arrested by the cry of some person, +apparantly in distress. + +"Hark, Jerry," said I; "did you hear that? Some one's in trouble--wait a +minute." + +"Thunder! judge, hain't you been in Texas long enough to know a painter's +yell when you hear it? That was a reg'lar out-and-out painter you heard. +I've--" + +Just at this moment, a prolonged, heart-rending wail trembled upon the +stillness of the evening air: so piercing, yet so plaintive, was it, that +it sent a shudder through my frame I have not forgotton to this day. + +"That critter ain't very far off," exclaimed Jerry. "Mebbe we'll git a +shot at him; though they're nasty things to hunt at night, fer yer can't +see 'em, they lay so clus onto the limbs." + +"Did you ever kill one?" asked I. + +"Yes, four on 'em; the last one was down on the Sabinal, just about a +year this time. I was--" + +At this point, he was again interrupted by the animal's cry; this time so +near, that we both stopped short and cocked our rifles, for it seemed as +though he could be but a few feet from us. + +"I tell you one thing, Jerry, I don't much like walking through this +grove, with one of those creatures so near; I'd rather take to the open +prairie. Besides, it's getting so dark I can't see anything." + +"Pshaw! yer ain't afraid o' one of them critters, be yer? You jest foller +me; they never trouble any one unless they're hungry." + +"But this one may be hungry," suggested I. + +"Well, never you fear, you jest foller me," said Jerry, starting on. + +I followed as quickly as possible; but had hardly taken a dozen steps, +ere I heard a quick exclamation, as of pain or surprise from Jerry's +lips, accompanied by a low, snarling growl, followed by a sound like that +produced by two persons rolling on the ground together. There was violent +breathing, angry ejaculations, the crashing of underbrush, and, before I +had time to think what it meant, I caught sight of a dark mass, evidently +rolling over and over upon the ground, a few feet in advance of me. I +could not distinguish what it was in the darkness, but suddenly caught +sight of two balls of living fire. + +Bringing my rifle to my shoulder, and scarcely pausing to take aim or to +reflect upon the consequences of the shot, I fired. + +The next moment Jerry sprang to his feet with a-- + +"Thunder! that was a tight squeak, and no mistake. Ef you hadn't fired +when you did, it'd been all up with me afore this time. The critter +didn't give me no fair show; he lit right onter my shoulder here, and's +tared it some I reckon, by the feel; howsoever, we kin git at it easy +anyway, but if it hadn't a bin for them boys--well, boys haint got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +I made an examination of the wounded shoulder, as well as I could in the +darkness, and found that the creature's claws had entirely stripped it of +clothing, besides badly lacerating the flesh. + +Jerry declared, 'twasn't much, no how; and he could walk to camp as well +as not. As soon as we arrived there, I made a more thorough examination, +dressed the arm carefully, and was soon utterly oblivious of the fatigues +of the previous forty-eight hours. + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The sound of Jerry's voice, as he related the story of his adventures the +night previous, awoke me in the early morning. + +I, dreamingly, heard him say,-- + +"I didn't see the critter when he jumped; not till he lit right onto my +shoulder, and the heft of him hed knocked me down and he was atop o' me. +Yer see that gin him a heap the start. + +"I seed his big mouth right clus to my face, an' his jaws wide open; so I +rammed my left arm right in a 'tween 'em, so that he couldn't git no +purchase onto me to chaw, and he hadn't really hed no chance ter bite, +when the judge fired. He didn't do it a mite too soon, though, you bet. +Ef it hadn't a bin for you boys--well, boys hain't got no bizness on the +plains, no how. I'm all right now, and good for a dozen painters yet; but +this is the biggest one I ever seed. Thunder! but I must hev thet skin; +ain't it putty?" + +I laid and listened for a short time to the exclamations of wonder and +admiration uttered by the boys while examining the carcass, with no +little amusement. + +"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have +shot him with my rifle as easily as any one." + +"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned. + +"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a +bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old +Jerry, I'd a shown 'em--" + +"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that +tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned. + +"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal. + +"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster. +Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry. + +"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder +this morning?" + +"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty +sore, but I kin git along all right with it." + +I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry +advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although +Magoffin's train had been gone some hours. + +After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain +in search of antelope, and had gone some three or four miles from camp, +when Ned called my attention to a horseman in the distance, leisurely +riding along, almost diagonally to our own course. + +We hastened forward so as to intercept him; but, seeing us approach, he +turned and rode towards us. + +He was a Mexican, tall and gaunt, mounted upon a superb black mustang +stallion. His dress consisted of a short spencer jacket of dark blue +cloth, with loose sleeves; gaudily embroidered and laced along the seams; +pants, confined by a scarlet silk sash at the waist, and open at the +sides, through which the wide Mexican drawers were plainly visible; a +broad, brimmed, low-crowned hat, of Spanish manufacture, with a band of +silver bullion, covered his head, and boots of alligator hide, heavily +spurred, were upon his feet. + +He rode a deep-treed Mexican saddle, with housings of leather, +grotesquely stamped: upon the pommel hung, neatly coiled, a lasso of +beautifully braided rawhide. + +He also carried a long rifle. His powder-horn and bullet-pouch, being +suspended from his left shoulder. + +As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired +if we had chanced to see a "gang" of wild mustangs during the day; saying +that he was known as Antonio, the "mustanger" of the Leona, and that his +occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs. + +We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to +think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks +he had been following. + +The boys were eager to learn the _modus operandi_ of catching wild +mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was +obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would +ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it +was done. + +Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to +see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger," +rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a +small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away. + +As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too +wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by +"creasing." + +"How do you do that?" inquired Ned. + +"With my rifle," answered Antonio. + +"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal. + +"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it," +said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs +again, you'll know just what to do." + +It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they +started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that +we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly +curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away. +Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder. + +"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal. + +Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of +the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's +side, securing him with ropes. + +In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the +shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the +Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and +lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a +manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the +most determined efforts, to escape. + +They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized +this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently +caress him. He was a noble old fellow,--a snow-white stallion with brown +mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed. + +As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to +ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it +until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it. + +The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the +cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large +nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though +shot through the brain. + +We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly +entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated +Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of +camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river +bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with +this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content. + +The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay +over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a +prairie-dog town, and for hours my ears were greeted with-- + +"Did you see that one?"--"Ain't they funny little things? so cunning!"-- +"How can we catch one?"--"Just look at that owl!" and a hundred similar +exclamations. + +The boys were vastly amused by the curious antics of these little +fellows, who, although not human, possess many of the most distinguishing +characteristics of humanity, in their actions. They have often been +classed with the marmot by prairie Travellers; but, to my own mind, +partake more of the nature of the squirrel or rabbit. In frisking, +flirting, sitting erect, or barking, they resemble the former; while, in +feeding and burrowing, they may be classed with the latter. + +They are exclusively herbivorous, and live upon the fine, short grass +that is generally found growing in abundance in the vicinity of their +towns, which are always located upon arid, elevated plains, at a great +distance from water. + +[Illustration: Prairie-Dogs.] + +During the two days that our route lay through this town, we made many +attempts to capture one of the little fellows; but they cleverly evaded +all the snares set for them, invariably dodged at the flash of our +pistols, chattering away as lively as ever, while the little brown owls +and rattlesnakes that shared their houses with them fell frequent victims +to the boys' rifles. + +After leaving their town, Hal declared, that, if he and Ned could remain +behind the train for a few hours, he knew they could capture one; +becoming so urgent in his appeal, that I finally yielded a reluctant +consent to the project, cautioning them under no circumstances, to remain +away from the train more than two or three hours. This they faithfully +promised not to do, and departed; notwithstanding Jerry pronounced it as +downright foolish a proceedin' as he ever seed. + +Four or five hours later, when we reached our camping ground for the +night, neither of them had overtaken us, and I began to feel alarmed at +their prolonged absence. My apprehensions were somewhat relieved for the +moment by one of the men, who informed me he had seen their animals +coming over the "divide" some three or four miles in our rear. + +A few minutes later, however, when the riderless animals came galloping +furiously in, with their long lassos dragging in the dust behind them, +the camp became a scene of confusion indescribable. + +Labor of all kinds was suspended, and everyone anxious to hear what +everyone else thought. + +Jerry gave it as his opinion, that the animals had escaped from the place +where Hal and Ned had left them; still, he reckoned some one ought to go +back and search for them, "Cause the plains warn't no place for boys, no +how." + +Saddling our horses and taking three of the men with us, Jerry and myself +rode back towards the dog-town, discharging our pistols and making all +the noise possible, in order to attract the attention of the youngsters +in the darkness. Occasionally we listened for a reply; but not a sound +could we hear, save the snarling yelp of some prairie-dog, disturbed by +the unusual noises, or the sharp, shrill cry of the night-hawk, that +rapidly swooped over our heads. + +In a state of great anxiety, we passed a wretched night; and, at +daylight, commenced a thorough search for traces of the missing boys. +Finally Jerry discovered their tracks in the road leading towards camp; +and it seemed possible that we might have missed them in the darkness, +and, if we at once returned, should find them with the train. + +We had proceeded scarcely more than a mile on the way back to camp, when +I noticed that Jerry, who was a short distance in advance, suddenly +stopped, as though waiting for me to overtake him. As I rode up, he +pointed to a fresh Indian trail, crossing our road almost at right +angles, and said in a low tone,-- + +"Ez sartin ez you're livin', the Comanches hev got 'em! That trail ain't +twelve hours old, and there's a dozen of the varmints ef there's one." + +"Then let us instantly follow and retake them," was my reply. + +"That's a heap easier said than done," replied the old man. "We won't +stan' much show, chasin' a dozen or twenty Comanches, and they ez likely +ez not, forty miles ahead of us. Still, we've got ter git them boys +somehow; and the fust thing towards it is ter go ter camp and git some +grub, 'cause a man can't fite wuth a cent on a empty stomach." + +There was truth in Jerry's observation. We therefore urged our animals +into a brisk canter; but, when within about two miles of our camp, his +keen eyes detected, upon a rise of the ground some distance to our right, +a solitary figure, motionless upon a horse. + +At the sight we halted; for the figure commenced waving a large blanket +in the air, then urged his animal forward, and came toward us at full +run. + +[Illustration: Lone Indian.] + +"He shook that air blanket ter let us know that he's friendly and wants +ter speak to us; but I reckon I'd better find out who he is, afore he +comes any nearer" said Jerry, as he spurred his horse forward to meet him. + +Upon reaching a small knoll a few hundred yards in advance of us, Jerry +suddenly stopped and held up his right hand, with the palm outward. Then +he slowly moved it backward and forward a few times; when, to my great +surprise, the Indian checked his horse, and sat as though awaiting +further orders. Again Jerry raised his hand; this time moving it before +and across his face three or four times. + +The Indian, who appeared to comprehend these signs perfectly, answered by +making a graceful, undulating motion with his right hand, not unlike the +wriggling movement made by a snake in crawling. Then he elevated both +hands high above his head, clasped closely together; then, apparantly +satisfied with this pantomime, he started at a rapid pace toward us. +Jerry turned; and, seeing my looks of astonishment, hurriedly said,-- + +"That ere's the lingo of the plains. Every Injun understands that. I told +the feller to stop and explain who he was. He answered that he was a +Comanche, and friendly. Mebbe we can git some news of the boys from him, +though we shan't ef he ain't a mind to tell, for Injuns is mighty +clus-mouthed critters." + +At this moment the Comanche rode up. Bringing his horse abruptly to a +stand-still, he extended a very dirty hand, ornamented with finger-nails +that closely resembled the talons of an eagle. + +"Me Senaco, good Injun," he exclaimed, in pretty fair Spanish. + +"Of course you be," replied Jerry, in English. "Whoever seed a bad Injun, +ef you let him tell his story? + +"We've got to pretend to believe the lyin' varmint or we shan't find out +nothin' from him, that's sartin." + +As this was the first opportunity I ever had of examining a live +Comanche, I regarded this specimen with some curiosity; for a friendly +Comanche in those days was indeed an anomaly. + +The Indian's body was entirely naked, with the exception of a breech-cloth +and pair of leggins. The leggins extended from the knee, down; and, +with his moccasins, were made of buckskin, heavily fringed and +ornamented. + +A large red blanket covered his left shoulder, fastened beneath his right +arm in such a manner as to leave the arm free and unobstructed, and then +hung loosely behind him, almost touching the ground as he sat upon his +horse. The animal was a rough looking little pony, that bore evidence of +being both tough and fleet. + +The fellow's face was deeply marked by the small-pox, and hideously +painted with vermilion and ochre; while, from his ears, were suspended, +heavy rings of brass wire. These, with the paint, gave him a most +diabolical expression, that was in no manner relieved by the shaggy locks +of unkempt black hair that hung around his head. + +His only weapon was a long, murderous-looking, iron-headed spear, which, +with his lariat, he held in his right hand. + +We made several efforts to find out what the fellow's object in hailing +us was, before he condescended to give it. Then he said that he had that +mornin met with a party of Comanches, who had with them two prisoners,-- +mere boys. He was angry that braves should capture such children, for +only squaws, not warriors, made prisoners of boys. + +After much talk, he had made the Indians ashamed of the act, and they +were willing to release the captives for a small ransom. He was a friend, +and begged us to remember, was acting as an embassador, in search of the +party to which the children belonged. + +"The cussed, lyin' old heathen," exclaimed Jerry. "I wonder does he +'spose I'm green enuff to swaller that story o' his'n. It's true enuff +though, that they've got the youngsters, and it's likely we kin git 'em +agin, though I've always telled you, boys hain't no bizness on the +plains, no how." + +After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the +amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the +boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets, +powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for +them. + +An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high +ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to +make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse +expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing +their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little +confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs. + +We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry +was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip +across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the +manner of their capture. + +While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran +away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp. + +After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light +of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked +directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much +surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their +midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked, +painted savages. + +The Comanches immediately took possession of their fire-arms, and +stripped them of nearly all their clothing. Then they tried to ascertain +where they came from, and how they had become separated from their party. + +The boys told them, as well as they were able by signs, that they were +lost, and that their friends would give a great many goods if they would +show them the way back to our camp. + +This seemed to please the Indians, who soon after, took a large kettle +from off the fire and set it before them, motioning them to eat. The +kettle held a stew of what they thought was antelope meat, so they ate +heartily of it, for they were very hungry. When they had nearly satisfied +their appetites, Hal fished up from the depths of the mess the fore-leg +and foot of a dog. This was decidedly an unpleasant revelation, and both +became very sick and vomited freely, to the great amusement of the +Indians. + +They were then placed under guard, and soon after fell asleep. In the +morning they were rudely awakened and told to mount a pony, to which they +were securely tied, so as to prevent any attempt to escape. + +Many miles were travelled in this manner. The boys became anxious, and +were endeavoring to prepare themselves for the worst, when, from the top +of a high bluff, they saw us awaiting their arrival. + +The sudden transition from despondency to joy, quite overpowered them; +and, for the first time, they gave way to their feelings. + +"Both of us tried as hard as we could," said Ned, "to make 'em think we +didn't care a snap about it. But we did, though, I can tell you. We were +mighty glad when we saw you, wasn't we, Hal?" + +This question was too much for Hal. The boys looked into each others +faces for a moment, then burst into tears. + +Everybody about camp was delighted with their safe return, and they were +obliged many times to repeat their story, not forgetting a description of +their supper on dog meat, in the Comanches' camp. + + +CHAPTER V. + +On the following morning the camp was astir and we were under way at a +very early hour,--long before sunrise, in fact,--but we had hardly +proceeded a mile from our halting-place, before one of the Mexicans, who +was riding ahead of the wagons, came rushing back with the information +that there was a large body of Indians a short distance in advance of us. + +"It's the balance of them cusses that had the boys, as true as preachin," +exclaimed Jerry. "The sneaks! I s'pose they found out all they wanted to +from 'em, and then let 'em go. Ther best thing we kin do is ter camp +right here whar we've got water and grass, and git ready for a brush; +'cause they'll fight us, if ther's any show for 'em, you bet." + +"We'll jist camp right on this knoll, and then we shall have a fair +chance all round; get your animals corralled with the wagons, and then +we'll ride out and meet 'em, that is, we must keep 'em as far away from +the wagons as possible." + +Everything was soon arranged; but, to our surprise, the Indians made no +attack. + +[Illustration: The Comanche's Attack.] + +Jerry, myself and Hal rode out towards the spot where we had seen them, +and a very few moments served to convince us that they meant business; +for they were scattered, with the evident intention of surrounding us. + +"That won't work," said Jerry. "We'll just go back to the wagons and stay +there and fight it out on our own dung-hill. There ain't more'n a dozen +of 'em, and, ef we can't lick that number of thievin' Comanches, we don't +desarve to git to California, no how." + +We had hardly returned to the wagons before the Indians began to show +their tactics by riding around us in a circle, each time coming nearer +and nearer, until finally, when within easy range, they threw themselves +over upon the sides of their horses and let fly a shower of arrows, that +fell among us without doing any harm, other than frightening the stock. + +"Don't a man of yer fire till I giv the order, and when they come abreast +of us agin give it to 'em with your rifles; but don't one of yer waste a +shot." + +Once more we saw them coming--saw them preparing to throw themselves over +to shoot from under their horses' necks, and-- + +"Now for it," cried Jerry, "give it to 'em!" and we forthwith gave them a +volley that caused two of their number to fall headlong to the ground. +This brought the party to a halt, and they retreated out of the range of +our rifles, for the purpose of holding a consultation. + +While they were thus engaged, one of the Mexicans called Jerry's +attention to a solitary Indian who was approaching our wagons from the +rear. Jerry immediately pronounced him to be the Arapahoe, whom we had +seen with the party of Missourians. + +He soon came up with us, and brought the intelligence that his party was +only a short distance behind and would soon be in to help us. + +This was indeed good news; but, before they could possibly reach us, the +Comanches, who had evidently made up their minds to once more attack, +began their old plan of riding around us in a circle, discharging their +arrows with such good effect that one of the Mexicans was shot in the +thigh. + +Jerry, and the Indian guide, both advised us to reserve our fire until +the enemy should come within range of our revolvers; but their arrows +came so thick and fast we decided to give them one more volley from our +rifles; this we did, having the good fortune to see two more of the party +suddenly tumble from their horses' backs. This put an end for the time +being to their attack, for they soon disappeared over the bluff. + +"We was too much for 'em that time, old pard," said Jerry, familiarly +slapping the Arapahoe upon his naked shoulder. Then, turning to me,-- + +"I was s'prised, though' to see how them youngsters stood up ter the +rack. Boys as a gineral thing hain't got no bizness on the plains, no +how; but these are a-goin' to larn Injin fightin', sartin." + +"Umph! putty muche boy no good," responded the Arapahoe, in deep guttural +tones. + +"Where's your folks, old pard?" inquired Jerry. "Better be hurryin' up; +we've got ter be a-goin', as soon as I put this chaw er terbacy on that +Mexican feller's leg; nothin' like it to take the sore out, you know." + +The mules were now harnessed to the wagons, and everything ready for a +start, when the Missourians put in an appearance. We received them right +gladly, and joyfully welcomed them to our party. We started in company; +but soon ascertained it would be impossible for them to keep up with us +on the road, their oxen travelled so much slower than our own teams. We +parted from them with reluctance; for all the indications thus far seemed +to convince old Jerry that the Indians would without doubt prove very +troublesome on the trip, and the larger the party the more safety, +always. + +We saw no further signs of their presence until quite late in the +afternoon, when Jerry called my attention to a small, oblong pile of +stones, that stood in a conspicuous place a short distance from +the trail we were following. + +"That's a Comanche sign," said Jerry. + +"Pooh! it's nothing but a pile of stones," said Hal. + +"That's true enuff," said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did, +for sartin." + +"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal. + +"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin' +ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No, +sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten +ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too." + +An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently +collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of +giving information to some party who were expected over the route within +a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these +Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some +conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe +understand its meaning perfectly. + +Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away +from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the +night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll, +half a mile away. + +Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve +as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack. +We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to +the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved +every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark. + +We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but, +about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who +reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine. + +"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said +Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the +guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears, +accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads +into the darkness beyond. + +In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became +evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks +serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in +the darkness, from our bullets. + +"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot +from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for +they'll allus aim too high." + +"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh. + +"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the +ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side. + +"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said +Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We +must git inter their rear, somehow." + +"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them," +replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain +where we are." + +"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire +from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff +ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few +shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't +got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt." + +Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the +rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp. +Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something +crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this, +that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told +him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell +from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants. + +In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some +distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming +light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond +doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice +announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an +exploring tour. + +The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of +the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized +the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time +thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he +received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a +little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him. + +We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the +fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to +believe, had several wounded. + +The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the +protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred +without doubt. + +Old Jerry attributed the failure of the attack in a great measure, to the +fact that they were deprived of the use of their horses; for they rarely +go into a fight, except when on horseback. We were glad enough to see +daylight, as well as rejoiced to be able to once more resume our trip. + + +CHAPTER VI. + +We had been on the road several hours, when Hal came riding up, very much +excited, declaring that he had found a bear's track. + +Jerry, Ned, and myself at once went to the spot, and saw what I +immediately admitted to be the clear, well-defined track of a grizzly in +the sand. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Why, Jerry! I didn't know that grizzlies were +found on these plains." + +"No more they ain't," was the reply. + +"But how could that track be there, if there was no bear to make it?" +inquired Ned. + +"But it ain't a bear's track," said Jerry, attentively regarding it +without dismounting from his horse. + +"But it certainly is some creature's track," said I. "You'll admit that, +won't you?" + +"Admit it? No; sartin not: that ain't no critter's track," declared +Jerry. + +"It's a bear's track," rejoined I. "You certainly are mistaken, Jerry. +Look! here is the imprint of the heel, and there the toes, as plain as +the nose on your face, and as clear as though made not an hour ago." + +"Well, it may look like a bar's track, but 'tain't one. What you call the +heel and toes, is made by them spires of grass which the wind bends, +makin' 'em scoop out the sand, as you see thar. You ought to hev seen +that yourself; but you see you 'States' men never stop to think. If a +hundred was ter travel over them plains once a year for fifty years, not +more than one out er the hull lot would make a respectable woodsman." + +"Why not?" interrupted both Hal and Ned, in a breath. + +"Why not, youngsters? I'll tell you why: 'cause 'Mericans allus travel +with their mouths open and their eyes shet tight. A Mexican or Injun will +go all day without speakin', onless he's spoke to; but he'll see +everything there is ter be seen on the route: a 'Merican'll talk +continually, and see nothin' but a blasted dried-up country, that ain't +fit for nothin'." + +"I wish I knew something about trailing," remarked Ned. "Can't you give +us a few general rules, Jerry?" + +"Rules!" repeated Jerry, contemptuously, "what good d'yer s'pose rules 'ed +do you? Yer wouldn't foller 'em. P'r'aps ter-night, after we git inter +camp, if these cussed varmints'll let us alone long enuff, I'll give yer +a lectur' on trailin', ter pay fer yer killin' that Comanche last night;-- +there they be agin, surer'n shootin'," exclaimed he, suddenly pausing, +and pointing to a dark spot far away on the prairie. + +We had just reached the top of a long ridge that gave us an extensive +view of the country around; and far, very far in the distance, Jerry's +keen eyes had detected this moving object. + +I brought my glasses to bear upon it, and could distinctly see a party of +three or four Indians, and some one who was dressed in skirts, like a +woman. + +I remarked that I believed there was a woman with them, and Jerry, who +had been looking long and earnestly at the party, said,-- + +"Yes, there's six on 'em, and one hez got on a white woman's dress, ez +near ez I kin make out. We've hed 'bout 'nuff Comanche fightin', so far +ez I'm consarned; but ef them devils hev got a woman pris'ner, why we'd +be less than men not ter go arter her whatever happened. We kin head 'em +off easy enuff by riding along on this side the ridge; but we must stop +the wagons down in the holler there, so they won't see 'em." + +After some little hesitation, caused by a reluctance to leave the wagons +in the unprotected situation that we should if we attempted to overtake +the Indians, we finally decided that common humanity required we should +rescue the woman, if it could be done; and, procuring a good supply of +ammunition, Jerry, myself, Hal, and one of the Mexicans started, leaving +Ned in charge of the wagons, with directions relative to camping for the +night in case we did not return before dark. + +It was an oppressively warm day, and we had a ride of many miles before +us, ere we could hope to reach the point where we expected to intercept +the savages. We rode swiftly along over the beautiful green rolling +prairie, pausing for nothing, until Jerry proposed a halt for a few +moments, while he made a _reconnoissance_. + +Approaching the top of a slight eminence, he dismounted, and carefully +picketing his horse, dropped upon his hands and knees, and stealthily +crept to the top. A single glance sufficed to show him the situation; and +he returned to us, vainly endeavoring to repress the excitement that was +plainly visible in every movement, as he said, in a low voice,-- + +"We kin ketch 'em, boys, sartin. It's a woman, for sure, riding on a +pony, with one of the varmints on each side of her; but we've got to +hurry some." + +Then striking his spurs deep into his horse's flanks, he was soon far in +advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking +with sweat, and panting like frightened deer. + +Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw +his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that +grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing +erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and +quickly make his way towards us. + +I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not +repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had +come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he +had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were +evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in +between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and +rendering each other assistance. + +Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side, +whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our +rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages. + +We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three +Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously +back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet +in sight. + +It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we +rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring +his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in +the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up +from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without +looking towards him. + +His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over +upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our +expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a +rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do? + +Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still +followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept +close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I +watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we +seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to +escape us, surely. + +Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!" + +And "give 'em one" we did. + +One reels in his saddle, but clutches his horse's mane and saves himself; +then, a moment after, falls, and his horse dashes off over the plain, +while his comrade turns and rides madly away. + +"Now, boys, easy. We've got 'em," says Jerry. "Let's give our horses a +chance to breathe. Thar ain't no hurry, now; we'll have the varmints in a +few minutes. Here's their trail, now." + +Slowly we follow it, away from the flying fugitive towards the prisoner +and her captors;--carefully we examine every foot of ground. Old Jerry +says, "We must be near to 'em; but where are they? We must soon meet +them;"--but meet them we never did. + +In a little swale, a short distance from the trail, where the grass was +fresh and green, we came upon the body of a Mexican woman--dead. + +She had been scalped; and a single spear thrust, through her body, told +us all that could be told of her sad story. + +She had Apparantly been very feeble, and unable to keep up with the +savages; for her worn and bloody feet bore evidence that she had walked +many weary miles, while about her waist was a portion of the lariat that +had been used in leading her. + +Finding that she could no longer walk, her captors placed her on the +horse; but this had greatly delayed them, and they had disposed of her in +the manner above narrated. The bloody deed accomplished, the murderers +were hurrying on to join their comrades, when the sound of Jerry's rifle +warned them of danger; and they had made a long _detour_ from the +trail, and thus escaped us. + +It was growing too late to think of pursuing them farther; and we +reluctantly turned our horses' heads towards camp, which we reached just +after nightfall, very weary from our long afternoon's ride and quite +ready for bed; nor was our sleep any the less sweet for the attempt to +perform a kind action. + +Ned made an effort to have Jerry deliver his lecture upon the art of +trailing, but the old man appeared to think it would receive more +attention another time; and so it was postponed till the following +evening, when, true to his promise, he entertained us for a long hour; +giving us much useful information upon the subject, which I will endeavor +to repeat for the benefit of my young readers, some of whom may one day +be placed like Hal and Ned in a position where they will find it, not +merely a matter of entertainment, but exceedingly useful; for trailing is +as much an art as is painting or sculpture, and requires the most +constant practice to become a proficient in it. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, old Jerry began as follows:-- + +"There ain't no rules, boys, that anybody kin give yer. You must have a +sharp eye, a fine ear, and a still tongue;--these make your principal +stock in trade." + +But I do not propose to follow old Jerry _verbatim_ in his long talk +with the boys, but shall give you merely the substance of his remarks; +and here let me add, that, in addition to the above requirements, a +successful trailer should possess quick perception, fertile resources, +and great presence of mind. + +Almost any scout knows, that, in order to overtake a party of Indians who +have stampeded his stock the night previous, he should travel slowly at +the first, and follow persistantly at a moderate pace, giving his animals +the night to rest in, and starting at daybreak in the morning. By +following this course he is pretty certain of overtaking the party on the +third day, especially if they do not suspect pursuit. Then comes the time +when the services of an experienced trailer are requisite to tell you the +number and condition of the enemy, and how many hours have elapsed since +they passed a given point; for it is necessary to remain concealed after +you ascertain these facts, until you decide upon the manner of attack; +for, if Indians suspect pursuit, they always scatter, and it is +impossible to overtake them. + +One can easily tell from the appearance of a trail, if it be made by a +war-party or not, because there are no Indians who take their families +along when starting on the war-path; consequently, they never carry their +lodge-poles with them, which are always fastened to the sides of the +animals, and the ends permitted to drag on the ground behind. If there +should be no trace of these, it is safe to regard it as a war-party. + +It is always easy to distinguish the track of an Indian pony from that +made by a white man's horse; for the former will be much smaller, and +bear no impression of a shoe. + +One of the most difficult things to accomplish in trailing is to learn to +correctly ascertain the age of a trail. + +If a track is very fresh, it will show moisture when the earth is turned +up, which in a few hours becomes dry. If in the sand, little particles +will be found running into the impression left in the ground. Should rain +have fallen since the track was made, the sharp edges will have been +washed away. The condition of the ordure also furnishes an indication. + +I once employed as scout, a Mexican, who could tell by a single glance at +a trail, by what tribe it had been made, their number, its age, and in +fact every particular concerning the party, as truthfully as though he +had seen them. + +We were one time following an Apache trail, when we came to a ledge of +bare rock. I examined it carefully, and could detect no mark of any kind; +but the Mexican led us across as easily as though it had been a beaten +path, without even once hesitating a moment, during the two miles over +which it extended. + +When I asked him what he saw that indicated the course of the trail, he +showed me that the surface of the rock was covered with a very fine, dry +moss, that, with the closest scrutiny, bore evidence of having been +pressed by the foot: so slight was the impression made, it would have +escaped the notice of ninety-nine out of every hundred persons; yet his +keen eyes detected every footprint as plainly as though it had been made +in the grass. + +If a trail is for any reason lost, an expert will easily recover it by +following for a time its general direction and watching the formation of +the land; for all trails are made over the highest portions, thereby +affording a view of the entire country through which they pass. + +In the grass, a trail can be seen for a long time: the blades will be +trodden down and bent in the direction followed by the party; and, even +after it has recovered its natural position, a good trailer will have no +difficulty in following it; for his keen eye will detect a slight +difference in the color of the grass that has been stepped on from that +growing around it. + +So, also, the appearance of the tracks will at once show him the gait at +which the party were travelling, and he thus knows how to regulate his +pace so as to overtake them. + +It is exceedingly rare to find a white person that can retrace his steps +for any distance in an open country; while an Indian is always able to do +it. No matter how circuitous may be the route by which you may have +reached a certain locality, an Indian will find his way back to the place +of starting by the most direct route, though it be in the darkest night; +and, if you ask him how he does it, if he replies to your question at +all, he will simply shrug his shoulders and say, "_Quien sabe?_" or +who knows. + +No matter how agreeable he may be about camp; on the road he never +speaks, except it should be necessary to give some direction or order. + +Thus it will be seen, that he who would become a skilful trailer, must of +necessity be an observer, as well as thinker; and remember, boys, that he +who talks most, generally thinks the least. + + +CHAPTER VII. + +On the evening of the second day after the incidents narrated in the +previous chapter, we encamped on the banks of the San Pedro, with wood, +water, and grass in abundance; in fact, using the words of Hal: +"Everything to make us comfortable, but fresh meat; and meat we must +have. Let's go out and get some. We shall be sure to find a deer or +antelope in this beautiful bottom." + +"What say you, Jerry, shall we try it?" inquired I. + +"I reckon so. We've got plenty of time before night, and I 'spect I may +as well go and show you how ter hunt 'em; 'cause yer won't git none +unless I go 'long with yer, that's sartin." + +"Well, we'll see what we get if you do go along," responded Hal; "so come +on." + +Mounting our horses, Jerry, Hal, Ned, and myself set out in pursuit of +antelope, whose tracks could be seen in all directions about us. + +We had ridden two or three miles without starting game of any kind, when +Jerry, who was a short distance in advance of us, suddenly dismounted, +and began studying the ground attentively. + +"Hilloa!" exclaimed Ned, "Jerry's struck something." + +As we rode up to him, he said,-- + +"Wal, boys, here's game, sartin sure." + +"What is it, Jerry?" inquired Hal. + +"What is it? Why, a fresh Comanche trail; and 'tain't no war party, +neither, for they've got their lodges with 'em." + +"How do you know that?" inquired Ned." + +"How do you know you're settin' on that horse?" asked Jerry. "Why, I know +one just ez well ez you know t'other. Can't you see whar the ends of the +poles dragged in the dirt behind 'em. Anybody could see that, I should +think." + +"How old is the trail, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That trail waz made afore eight o'clock this mornin'," was the answer. + +"Before eight o'clock," sneered Hal. "Why don't you say that the +Comanches passed this spot at precisely seventeen minutes past six +o'clock this morning? You might just as well be particular, Jerry." + +"Come, Jerry, tell us how you know when the Indians passed?" said I. + +"Sartin I will," he good-humoredly replied. "Yer see we hed a purty hevy +dew last night, but the sun waz up so high that the grass waz all dry at +eight o'clock. Wall, now, if you'll look you'll see, that where the grass +was pressed down by the horses' feet into the earth, a little of the sand +stuck to it, (coz it waz damp), that has dried on since. Now if the trail +bed been made after eight o'clock, when the grass was dry, why, it +wouldn't stick eny more than it does now." + +"A very satisfactory explanation," said I. + +"Now what I propose is," continued Jerry, "thet we just foller the trail, +and we'll strike something afore many hours, ez sure's my name's Jerry +Vance." + +"But we may get into trouble," urged I. + +"Ther ain't no danger. It's a party of squaws and pappooses, I reckon, +coz yer see ther ain't more'n four horses with 'em." + +"I'm agreed," said I, and away we galloped over the beautiful green +prairie; but, before we had gone a mile, a fine large herd of antelope +appeared, quietly grazing upon a knoll at a little distance, who, when +they saw us, stood for an instant curiously regarding us, and then +trotted leisurely away. + +"They're kinder wild, I reckon," said Jerry. "These Injuns must hev bin +huntin' 'em, and we might chase 'em all day without gittin' a shot. So +we'll just tie our horses in thet chaparral down there, out of sight, and +then we'll call 'em up." + +We dismounted, and securing our horses, followed Jerry. He removed the +ramrod from his rifle, and tied to one end of it an old-fashioned, red +bandana handkerchief. This done, he planted the other end firmly in the +ground, leaving the flag to flutter in the breeze. + +"Now, boys, you just lie down here, in the tall grass, so thet the +critters won't see yer, and wait awhile." + +Following Jerry's instructions, we placed ourselves in the tall grass, +and lying still awaited the result of the experiment. + +"Yer see," continued he, talking in a low tone of voice, "antelope's the +most curious critters in the world, 'ceptin' women. Jist ez soon ez they +see thet red flag, they'll want to know what it means, and they won't +rest easy till they find out, either." + +And, sure enough, in a few moments we saw the graceful creatures, one +after another, turn and attentively look at the signal. Then they slowly +walked towards it. Then came a pause and a nibble of grass, and again, as +though they could not resist the desire to ascertain what this singular +thing fluttering in the breeze was, they hesitatingly came still nearer, +as though they feared some hidden danger. In this way they soon +approached within easy range, and we shot five with our revolvers. + +"There," said Jerry, as the remainder of the herd finally galloped away +over the plain, "you boys see what curiosity does. Yer kin allers fetch +'em with a red hankercher, and gin'rally by jist layin' down on yer back, +and holdin' up yer feet. They're awful curious critters, them antelopes +is. I reckon we'd better quit this trail, and git them air carcasses +inter camp. What d'yer say, youngsters?" + +"I declare, I forgot to fire at all!" exclaimed Ned. "I never once +thought of my pistol." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared Jerry. "You've got the 'buck-fever' my boy. I might +a knowed you wouldn't a fired; no, nor you, neither," continued he, +turning towards Hal. + +"But I did fire twice, though," said Hal. + +"Le'me see yer pistol, youngster," said Jerry; after examining it, he +again burst into a loud laugh. + +"Jest as I 'spected! Every barr'l loaded. Yer see you was so 'cited that +yer forgot all about firin'. You thought yer did, I s'pose; but don't be +too sartin next time, 'cause the fever allers takes what little sense a +feller's got, when it strikes him." + +The antelope were soon dressed; but Hal's chagrin was so great at the +thought of being so cleverly detected by Jerry's shrewdness, that I +attempted to comfort him by promising to relate my own misfortunes upon +experiencing my first attack. After supper, and while we were smoking our +pipes, the boys claimed the fulfilment of my promise. + +I only hope that the narrative may prove as interesting to my young +readers, as it did to Hal and Ned, who heard the story with roars of +laughter at my blunders. + +Well, boys, I was once passing through the Sacramento range of mountains +in New Mexico, in company with an old trapper and hunter, named Nat Beal. + +Nat was a jovial, pleasant companion; and, in truth one of the best +shots I ever saw. + +While riding through one of the numerous little valleys with which that +range abounds, we saw at a little distance, a magnificent specimen of a +black-tailed deer. + +Now I had always wanted to kill a black-tailed deer, and this was the +first time I had ever seen one, so I begged Nat to let me shoot it. + +He said, with a laugh, "Shoot away!" and I took deliberate aim and +fired. + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared he, as the fellow bounded away unharmed, "it's as +clear a case of 'buck-fever' as ever I saw." + +"Not at all. I aimed too high; that was the only trouble." + +"Jest so," replied Nat; "a man with the 'fever' always aims too high." + +"I'll bet I won't miss the next one," said I, angry at the imputation. + +"I'll bet you will, two to one on it," said Nat. "But it's too late to +get another shot to-night, so we'll wait until to-morrow evening; and, in +the mean time, I'll give you a few idees 'bout deer." + +"As soon as the sun had sunk to his rest the next evening, I borrowed +Nat's 'call' and started out." + +"What's a 'call'?" inquired Ned. + +"A 'call' is a whistle, made from an eagle's bone. It is generally +fancifully carved, and, when sounded, makes a noise that perfectly +resembles that made by a young one in calling its mother. So perfect is +the imitation of the bleating of a fawn, that, when properly sounded, you +will sometimes see half a dozen does, running to see if their young are +in danger." + +"But don't they stay with their little ones?" asked Hal. + +"No: they hide them in the tall grass at night. You see a fawn gives out +no scent until after it's a month old, and can run well; but the old one +does, and knowing this she goes off to sleep alone, so that the wolves +and panthers won't be attracted by her scent to the fawn. This she +continues doing until the fawn is able to protect itself by running. In +the fall of the year, therefore, if you select a spot near the foot of a +mountain where the grass is tall and free from bushes, and, between +sundown and dark, conceal yourself in it and sound your call, you are +very apt to get a choice between four or five good fat doe's." + +Well, I was determined to get a deer; so I borrowed the 'call,' and +started out. After walking a mile or two, I came to a beautiful stretch +of open prairie, where the tall grass served admirably for concealment. + +I lay down upon my belly, and commenced crawling towards a grove of +young cedars, near the base of the mountain. + +I very soon discovered that propelling myself along, Indian fashion, +with my elbows, was of itself no small job, especially when obliged to +carry a rifle and keep my head below the level of the grass about me. + +I persevered however, and after working like a beaver for nearly an +hour, began to wonder why I did not see any deer, when all at once it +occurred to me, that I hadn't sounded the call; and that made me +remember, that I had forgotton in which pocket I put it. + +I endeavored for some time to get hold of it, but was finally obliged to +roll over upon my back before I could fish it out of the depths of my +pantaloons pocket. This was easy enough to do, but to resume my former +position without betraying my presence--ah! that was another thing. I +eventually succeeded in doing it however, and placing the whistle between +my lips, put forth my hand to recover my rifle, when, to my horror and +dismay, I saw, within four feet of my face, a huge rattlesnake. + +To say that I got up, don't half express it, boys. I bounded as man +never bounded before, startling deer, fawn, and everything else about me, +but the snake. He didn't seem to care a particle, but retained his +position near the rifle, looking as angry as if he thought me to blame +for jumping; and the worst of it was, there was neither stick nor stone +within sight, that I could get hold of. + +I said, "Shoo!" but the snake wouldn't shoo worth a cent. I stamped on +the ground, and said, "Get out!" but he wouldn't move. There he was, +within six inches of my rifle; his long, slender body partially coiled so +that he could easily strike any object approaching; with form erect, and +long forked tongue, darting in and out of his half-opened mouth, as his +flat, ugly head slowly vibrated to and fro like the pendulum of a clock. + +It was growing dark too, and I was a long distance from camp, and the +country was full of Mescalero Apaches, and I hadn't even a stick to reach +him with. What could I do? + +I bethought myself of my powder-flask, and taking good aim, hurled it +with all the force I could muster. It struck him fairly on the body and +with a rattle of defiance, he sprang towards me, and I--well, I jumped. + +I managed to get hold of my rifle, but the snake was gone: he was +somewhere in the grass about me, and I didn't know where; so I concluded +to stand not on the order of my going, but go at once to camp, and go I +did; but, before I was a hundred yards away I remembered that I had left +my powder-flask behind. Nor could I find Nat's whistle anywhere about me, +or even remember what I had done with it. In the surprise occasioned by +my discovery of the snake, I had dropped it. + +It was too dark to think of returning to search for it that night; +besides, there was a snake loose in the vicinity that I didn't care to +encounter. + +I knew Nat would laugh at my returning without a deer, but I made up my +mind to endure that, without getting angry; for I felt confident, camp +was the place for me just then. + +Nat asked no questions; but after a time, I voluntarily related to him +the mishaps of the afternoon. He laughed heartily, and promised to go +with me in the morning and give me a practical lesson in deer-stalking. + +The next day we visited the scene of my discomfiture, which Nat +pronounced a splendid place for stalking, showing me where several fawns +had lain the previous night. We also found the 'call,' just where I +dropped it when I made my jump, which Nat pronounced, equal to any ever +made by a first-class circus-man: in fact, I felt rather proud of it +myself; and when Nat slyly remarked that I was better at jumping than at +hunting, I made up my mind that I would have a deer that night, come what +would. + +Sunset came; and telling Nat that I would not return to camp without the +deer, I started for the scene of my former ill luck. I was delighted to +find, that by following Nat's instructions, I was able to move over the +ground much easier than the night before. Still, it was pretty hard work. +But I persevered; and upon reaching the proper place, sounded my call-- +once, twice, thrice; and in a short time, saw a fine fat doe coming +directly towards me, apparantly listening for a repetition of the sound. +Once more I used the 'call:' the imitation was perfect. She approached a +little nearer to me, and stopped. + +I dropped my head, and once again sounded the 'call,' endeavoring to +give it the quick, impatient tone of the young when in danger. + +The effect was perfect. I fairly laughed to myself, to see the doe bound +towards me until she stood within easy rifle range, when she suddenly +stopped again, as though frightened at her own temerity. + +I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and was in the act of pulling the +trigger, when a slight rustling in the grass at my right attracted my +attention. Thinking of that snake, I turned my eyes in the direction of +the sound, and saw, to my horror and amazement, not the snake, but a +large panther, not twenty yards away, and creeping stealthily towards me, +with glaring eyes, gleaming white teeth, and ears well laid back upon his +head. For an instant I was dumbfounded; then, recollecting myself, I +turned the rifle and gave him its contents. + +The creature made a convulsive leap into the air, and dropped to the +ground--dead; and I--well, I believe I started for camp to tell Nat. + +We packed the carcass into camp and while removing the skin, Nat took +occasion to congratulate me, on being able to so perfectly imitate a fawn +as to lure a panther from its lair; advising me however, to give up +deer-stalking until I struck a better streak of luck. + +"There boys, you see what the 'buck-fever' did for me. We are all liable +to take it." + +"Yes; but you killed the panther," said Hal. + +"True; but it was only a piece of luck that might not happen again in a +dozen times, and I didn't kill the deer." + +The boys agreed that my story was both amusing and interesting; and as +for old Jerry, he laughed most heartily at my experience, saying that it +reminded him of his first adventure with a bear. + +The boys, eager for another story, urged him to relate it then, but Jerry +declined; promising them however, that they should have it the next +night. + +Early on the following morning, we once more started on the road; and for +two days, met with no incident worthy of note. + +We were now approaching the section of country bordering on the Rio +Pecos, one of the most barren and desolate portions on our whole route. + +This stream runs for hundreds of miles through the plains, its course +being marked by the growth of no living green thing: in fact, you do not +know of its presence, until you stand upon its banks. + +It is narrow, deep, extremely crooked, and very rapid, while the water is +both salt and bitter. The banks are very steep and there are but few +places throughout its entire length where it can be crossed in safety. + +But little grass grows near it, and neither man nor beast can drink the +water with impunity. + +Upon reaching the top of a long line of bluffs, towards which we had been +travelling for the last two days, we came in sight of a large wagon-train +encamped, apparantly upon the open plain. + +Jerry at once declared it to be Magoffin's; and the boys and myself +volunteered to ride forward and ascertain the cause of their delay. + +A brisk canter of a couple of hours brought us to the encampment, which +sure enough, proved to be Magoffin's train, delayed by the high water in +the Pecos. + +Right glad were we all, to fall in with our old companions once more; +for, aside from the company their presence furnished, we felt infinitely +safer than when travelling alone with our small party. + +As soon as Jerry arrived with the wagons, a consultation was held; and it +was decided to go into camp and wait for the water to subside. + +"It's high'n I ever see it afore," said Jerry, standing on the brink and +gazing at the turbid, swift current, that almost filled its banks; "and +the mischief is, that when she once gits up, there's no tellin' when +she'll go down. We may hev to lay here two weeks, afore we kin cross." + +"Two weeks!" exclaimed I, why we'd better build a boat." + +"Ef we hed a lot of empty casks, we might float our wagons over and swim +the mules; but we hain't got 'em, that's sartin." + +"I'll tell you what we can do," said Hal; "we can build a raft." + +"Yes; or better still, float the things over in one of the wagon-bodies," +suggested Ned. + +"Well thought of," exclaimed I: "we can at least make the attempt." + +We soon had one of the wagons unloaded and on the ground; beneath which +we carefully stretched a couple of the sheets. One of the men was sent +across the stream with a small cord, by which he drew over a rope, to +which was attached a common block, after which the wagon-body was +launched, and pulled across the river in safety. It was then returned and +loaded, reaching the opposite bank without mishap, or leaking a drop. + +The wagons were now taken apart; and piece by piece, carried across and +put together; into them, the goods as fast as ferried over, were +reloaded; and at the end of the second day we were ready to swim our +mules. This was accomplished without loss; and thanks to Ned, the day +following we were once more on the road. + +I ventured to remind Jerry of his favorite saying regarding boys, but the +old man had no reply to make, save that "Ned was a most 'stonishin' boy. +He'd killed a Injin, and had a wonderful head on him, which was more'n he +could say of t'other one." + +In consideration of Ned's valuable services, old Jerry consented that +evening, to relate for his especial benefit, the story of his first +experience in bear hunting, which I shall give as nearly as possible in +the old man's words:-- + +"Yer see boys, I was bringed up in Tennessee; leastways, I lived thar +till I was nigh onter seventeen year old, when I struck out and come to +Texas. + +"Father hed a farm in Tennessee, and ez I was the only boy, I had a heap +of work ter do on the cussid place. I didn't like fannin' much, and used +ter tease the old folks ter let me go down ter Knoxville and go into a +store, or enter inter some other ekelly 'spectable bizness. But the old +folks allowed that I must stay with 'em till I was twenty-one, any how. + +"One day when I was about sixteen year old, the old man said ter me, +'Jerry, I've got a lot of wood cut, up on the mountain-lot, that wants +piling up. Yer'd better take yer dinner and an axe along, and go up and +pile it. Do it nice now, 'cause I shall be up 'bout noon, ter see how you +git 'long.' + +"I knowed what that meant, well enuff; it meant that, if I didn't do it +right, I'd git a gaddin', 'cause the old man was famous for gaddins'. + +"Arter breakfast mother put me up a good dinner of bread and meat, and I +shouldered my axe and started for the wood-lot, 'bout three miles up the +mountain. + +"I whistled along and didn't think nothin' 'bout ther walk; 'cause, yer +see, I allus liked ther woods, and enjoyed bein' thar. Arter I got to the +lot, I found the wood, and went ter work to get it piled. 'Twarn't much +of a job, and I got it done afore noon and then sot down on a log and +waited for the old man ter come. Wal, I sot and waited, and begun ter get +mighty lonesome and ter think 'bout Injins, though I knowed there warn't +no Injins thar. I waited so long I got hungry, and concluded I'd take a +bite of the bread and meat mother'd put up. + +"I sot down on a log, and put my basket on the stump, and went ter +eatin'. I never smelt anything so good as that dinner smelt, less 'twas a +good venison steak on the coals, when you're putty hungry. + +"Wal, I sot there, eatin' away, and, the fust thing I knowed, I kind 'er +felt suthin' tetch my shoulder. I turned my head, and thar was a big +black bar, with his nose within a foot of mine. I've seen bars sence that +time, and big ones too, but that bar looked bigger'n a ox ter me. I +didn't stop for nothin', but jist lited out, and the bar arter me. Maybe +yer think you've seen runnin'; but I tell yer honestly, boys, yer never +see nothin', like ther time I made gittin' away from that bar. + +"I looked over my shoulder once in a while, but 'twarn't no use; thar was +that bar right behind me, growin' bigger and bigger every minute, it +seemed ter me. The harder I run, the wus I was off. I didn't gain a foot +on ther critter. My heart riz rite inter my throte, and my bar riz up so +I lost my cap,--leastways I've allus 'spected that was the reason I lost +it. I didn't know what ter do. I kep' on runnin', but my wind was givin' +out, and I knew I couldn't stan' it much longer; so I made a break for a +good sized white birch I see, and the way I shinned up thet tree, would a +bin a credit to any major-gen'ral, I tell yer. + +"When ther bar come to ther foot of ther tree he sot down on his +haunches, ter kinder get breath a little, and then he begun ter climb it; +and blast my picter boys, ef he couldn't giv me three pints in the game +of climbin', and then beat me. It didn't seem ter me he was more'n a +second, gittin' up. I kep' climbin' higher an' higher, and the bar kep' +a-follerin'. By and by I got so high, that ther tree begun ter bend +backwards and for'ards, but ther bar kep' comin' higher and higher. + +[Illustration: Jerry and the Bear.] + +"I saw 'twarn't no use, so I made up my mind ter swing ther tree over ez +far ez I could, and drop and try my legs onct more. So I clim' a little +higher, and when the tree begun ter bend, that bar sot thar and just +laffed, if ever a bar laffed in this world. The tree kep' swayin' +back'ards and for'ards jist like a cradle. + +"I watched my chance, and, when ther top come putty nigh ther ground, I +jist dropped, and, when I picked myself up, blast my eyes, ef thar warn't +ther bar, right side er me. Wal I started agin, but hadn't run more'n +fifty yards, afore I tripped and down I went. I knowed 'twas all up with +me then, so I jist laid still. Why, I was so scart I couldn't hev moved +ef I'd tried; but I did look up jist once, to see the bar set clus by, +watchin' me, and lookin' as mad as a wet hen. + +"I never was so scart afore nor since. I 'spected every minute to feel +his teeth and hear my bones a-crunchin', but I didn't. + +"Putty soon I heered somebody down in the woods a-callin'. I 'spectcd it +was dad, but I didn't dare to holler or make any noise. I heered 'em +callin' agin and agin; putty soon I jist looked out'er ther corner of my +eye, and see the bar was gone. At first I couldn't believe it, and +'spected he was playin' 'possum--waitin' ter see ef I moved, afore he +went for me. Well, I kep' putty still for a while, but not hearin' +anything from the bar, I finally looked up, and see that he'd gone for +good, and then I got up and started for home in just about ez big a +hurry, ez any feller ever went down a mountain. + +"I hadn't got more'n half a mile afore I see a feller rite ahead of me, +a-leadin' that identical bar, thet bed been chasin' me all day. + +"I never was so took down in my life boys, I wouldn't a bin s'prised at +anything, arter thet. I mustered up spunk enuff ter speak to the feller, +and he told me 'twas a tame bar, thet belonged ter him, thet hed got +loose thet day, and he'd bin up a-findin' him. + +"Well boys, I never felt so ashamed of myself afore nor since. + +"You may bet, I never told no one 'bout it afore, and I shan't agin. +That's all." + +We were very much amused at Jerry's story, and the boys pronounced it +decidedly the best they had yet heard, and as the hour was late, we all +"turned in," in search of a good night's rest. + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The following morning, we once more took the road, and for three days +followed the course of the river, which carried us through the most +undesirable portion of country we had yet seen; even game seemed to have +forsaken it. + +The route then brought us into the vicinity of the celebrated "Comanche +Springs," situated in the open prairie, at the crossing of the great +Comanche war trail that leads into Mexico--a trail that may with truth, +be said, to be marked with whitened bones, its entire distance. + +As we were likely at any time to meet with bands of Comanches in this +neighborhood, it became necessary to travel with the greatest precaution; +but even this did not appear to prevent one of the "varmints," as old +Jerry called him, from boldly coming into camp the next day, without any +one having seen his approach. Hal was the first who discovered him, and +as the fellow was alone, begged so hard for permission for him to remain, +that I yielded a reluctant assent, and permitted him to come into camp. + +The fellow claimed to be very hungry, a good friend of the whites, and +said he was on his way from Mexico, to his home on the Brazos, and only +wanted permission to remain, long enough to rest a little and obtain +something to eat. + +"I don't like the cut of any of them varmints," said Jerry, "they're all +natral thieves, and ez likely ez not, thet cuss is a spy. We can't tell +nothin' 'bout 'em, and ther best way is, ter steer clear on 'em, or at +any rate keep 'em at good rifle range." + +Telling Hal not to lose sight of the fellow for an instant, and as soon +as he had rested an hour, to start him on, I laid down under one of the +wagons for the purpose of taking a _siesta_, but was awakened by +hearing Hal loudly inquiring, if any body knew what had become of his +pony. No one appeared to know anything about it, but I heard Jerry's +voice suggest, that probably his Comanche friend could tell where it was. +This aroused me in an instant, and I crawled out from under the wagon, +and, calling Hal, asked him where his horse was, when he saw him last. + +He replied,-- + +"I saw him not half an hour ago, within twenty yards of this spot." + +"How did he get away? pull his picket-pin?" asked I. + +"No," replied Hal, "the lariat looks as though it had been cut." + +"It's plain enuff to tell who's got yer hoss; it's that Comanche. Them +varmints are nat'ral hoss thieves, any how." + +"Do you mean to tell me, that that Indian could steal my horse, right +here, under my very eyes, and I not see him?" angrily asked Hal. + +"Well, you see he has, don't yer?" replied Jerry; "and not only you +didn't see him, but nobody else; and didn't he come walkin' into camp +this mornin' and not a soul know it, till he was right amongst us?" + +"I don't care if he did, he never could have carried off my pony and I +not see him," declared Hal. + +"But he did though youngster, as sure's you're a livin boy." + +"I'm inclined to think you're right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the +pony without doubt," said I. + +"But how could he?" demanded Hal. "I was sitting right here, close by him +all the time." + +"Listen Hal, I'll give you a bit of my experience with these same +Comanches," said I: "About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of +my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for +food. + +"Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named 'Creeping +Serpent,' one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe. Naturally +enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a +bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill. + +"The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche +door. I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn't; but, in less +than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with +an Indian on his back. + +"I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made +him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I'm disposed to +believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, +without question." + +"But how did he do it?" persistantly questioned Hal. "He never would have +done it before my eyes." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed old Jerry. "Didn't one of the cussid varmints, just +play the same trick on you?" + +"But I won't admit he's got my pony," declared Hal. + +"Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?" inquired Ned. + +He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass +towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power. +This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least. Upon +reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily +withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear +above the top of the grass. + +"He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing +the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, +getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, +and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced +the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of +sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he +galloped rapidly away. + +"Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry's belief,-- +that the fellow has stolen your pony." + +"I can't think that he's got it," said Hal; "and I'd like to take Ned and +a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can't find him." + +"We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon," said Jerry. "Yer +see thet dust down thar to the southward, don't yer? Wall, that ain't no +whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that's Injins, and they're headed right +for our camp, too; so we'd better git reddy for 'em, and let the hoss go. +Maybe, though, they'll bring him back to yer. I've knowed sich things +done afore now," continued he, glancing at Hal. + +The Indians were still nearly half a mile away, when Jerry, handing me +the glasses through which he had been looking, said, in a low voice,-- + +"It's jest as I reckoned; there's Hal's pony, and an Injun on him, I'll +bet two ter one it's the same cusssed varmint thet was a-sneakin' about +camp here, not an hour ago." + +There were ten Indians in the party, who, even at that distance, +commenced riding around in a circle just out of range of our rifles, +yelling furiously, using the most insulting gestures towards us, and +daring us to come out and meet them. It was quite evident that the +savages had no weapons but their bows and arrows; consequently, did not +like to come within range of our rifles. Up to this time, neither of us +had fired a shot, and Jerry suddenly went to one of the wagons; and, +procuring an old Sharp's carbine, loaded it; and, taking good aim, fired +at a group of four or five, that were huddled together on the plain. + +To our amazement and delight, we saw one of the number throw his arms up +into the air and tumble headlong from his horse to the ground, while the +rest instantly scattered; nor did they come together again until they +were at least a mile away. + +"That was a good one Jerry," cried I. "Give 'em another." + +"'Twon't do no good; 'twan't nothin' but luck. I couldn't do it agin in +shootin' a dozen times, with this wind a-blowin'," muttered Jerry. +"That's enuff to scare 'em to death. They hadn't no more idee I could +reach 'em than I had." + +"I wonder what they'll do now? They must be going to try that circle +dodge," said I, seeing the party separate. + +In a very few moments, before either Jerry or myself realized what they +were doing, they had jumped from their horses, fired the tall, dry grass +to the windward of us, and were scudding away from it as fast as their +horses could carry them. + +Quicker than thought, the wind caught the flames, that seemed to leap +fifty feet into the air, which, in an instant, became so filled with heat +and smoke, that suffocation seemed inevitable. We could scarcely see or +breathe; and the wind was driving the flames directly towards us. + +The wagons, animals, ourselves even, were at their mercy. What could we +do to escape the horrible fate that stared us in the face? + +Jerry was the first to realize our danger. Starting in the direction of +the fire so fast approaching, as he yelled, at the top of his voice,-- + +"Git ther empty corn-sacks, blankets, anything ter keep ther fire off +from ther wagons and critters. Be quicker'n lightnin', thar!" cried he, +as he hastily set another fire, not twenty yards from us. + +In a second we were fighting the new fire with whatever we could lay our +hands upon. + +So vigorously did we work, that we succeeded in keeping the flames from +our wagons and stock, which, in a few minutes, rolled by us in huge +billows of fire. + +I never saw a grander sight than the vast blackened, smoking plain, +beyond which the flames raged and roared like thunder, while the dense +white smoke, settling low down, partially veiled the sunlight and gave a +weird, strange appearance, that is indescribable, to the scene. + +"The cowardly cusses!" said Jerry, as we paused to take breath from our +labors. "They wanted to smoke us out, did they? Well, I reckon, by the +looks round, thet maybe they'll have ter huff it putty lively themselves, +ef they git away from it. I've heerd of the biters gittin' bit +themselves, afore now." + +Notwithstanding our misfortune, we could hardly help laughing at the +sight of ourselves, as, with blacked faces, singed clothing, and +blistered hands, we talked the matter over. + +Of course we could do nothing but submit, and console ourselves by +wishing that we had the cowardly fellows where we could punish them. + +We passed a most uncomfortable night; and, as soon as daylight appeared, +were on the road, reaching the "Springs" late in the evening, and the +next morning taking up our line of march for Fort Davis. This fort is +situated upon Lympia Creek, in Wild Rose Pass, a most lovely +_cañon_, through the _Sierra Diablo_. It is about two hundred +feet wide, and carpeted with the richest green sward, while the sides, +composed of dark, columnar, basaltic rocks, rise to the height of a +thousand feet. Here, cozily nestled in this beautiful dell, surrounded by +lofty mountains, we came upon the white walls of the fort. + +We encamped within half a mile of the post; and, the next morning, the +boys and I rode in to pay our respects to Colonel Sewell, then in +command. + +The youngsters were delighted with everything they saw, and the sutler's +store proved a great attraction for them. They seemed determined to buy +out his entire stock in trade, this being their first opportunity to +spend money since we left San Antonio. + +Colonel Young, the sutler, informed me that a friend from Chihuahua, Don +Ramon Ortiz, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, with his daughter and five +servants, had been for several days at the fort, awaiting the arrival of +some train with which they might travel to El Paso. If agreeable, they +would be pleased to accompany us. + +I gladly gave assent, and was shortly introduced to the Don. He was a +fine-looking gentleman, about sixty years of age, intelligent, and +evidently a man of culture. The sickness of his daughter had caused his +delay at the fort; but, having recovered, he was anxious to resume his +journey. + +The young lady proved to be a lovely little body, who spoke English like +a native, and was about sixteen years old. Her wealth of raven hair, eyes +of jet, and natural pleasant manner made _El Señorita Juanita_ as +bewitching a little companion as one would meet in many a day's travel. + +From the instant Hal saw her he became a devoted admirer, and, I foresaw, +that so long as we travelled in company with Don Ramon, I need not again +fear his absence from the train. + +One of the officers of the fort came to me, during the evening, with the +request that I would permit a young lad to travel through with me to the +Pacific coast, saying that he was without money or friends, and it would +be a charity if I would allow him to work his passage. + +I had but just returned to camp when Ned appeared, bringing with him a +bright-looking Irish boy, about sixteen years of age. As he stood +twirling his hat, and resting awkwardly upon one foot, I asked,-- + +"What do you want of me, my boy?" + +"Av yez plaze, sur, I'd loike a job." + +"What kind of a job?" + +[Illustration: Introducing Patsey.] + +"A job ter go to Californy, shure, sur." + +"Well, what's your name?" + +"Patsey, yer honor; and a very good name it is, too. 'Twas my father's +before, me sur." + +"Where did you come from?" + +"The ould counthry, ov coorse, sur." + +"Yes, but where did you come from now?" + +"From the foort beyant, sur." + +"Well, Patsey, what can you do?" + +"Phat can I do, is it? Faix, yer honor, it's phat I can't do yer'd better +be axin'! There's nothin' in my loine that I don't understand parfectly, +sur." + +"Have you a recommendation?" + +"What's that, sur?" + +"Any paper recommending you." + +"Och, it's me characther, is it, yeze afther axin' fur? Will, thin, I've +gut it in me pocket, shure;" and, pulling out from the waistband of his +pants a well-worn piece of greasy paper, he proceeded to spit on it, +"jist for good luck," he said, and then, with a bow and a scrape, handed +it to me. + +The paper was from Captain Givens, of the Mounted Rifles, recommending +the bearer, Patsey McQuirk, as an honest but ignorant boy. + +I informed Patsey that his "character" was satisfactory, and I would take +him along, bidding him put his luggage in one of the wagons. + +He stood looking at me with a comically puzzled expression on his face, +and, thinking that perhaps he did not understand what I said, I again +told him to put his things into one of the wagons, for we should probably +start early in the morning. + +"What things'll I put in the wagin, sur?" + +"Your baggage,--your clothes," said I. + +"Shure, sur, ef I put my clothes in the wagin, it's little I'd hev to +wear mysilf," answered the boy. + +"Well, well, then, go with Ned; he'll show you what to do." + +It had been our intention to start early on the following morning; but, +information having been received at the fort that a large party of +Comanches had been seen, only two days before, on our direct route, it +was thought advisable to wait a short time, in the hope that Don Ignacio +and his train might overtake us. Nor did we wait in vain; for, on the +evening of the third day, he rode into camp, and announced his train a +short distance behind. + +This was good news for us, and we immediately commenced preparations for +our departure the following day. + +Hal begged permission to carry the news to Don Ramon, and I never saw a +happier boy than he, at the thought of once more being on the road. + +About eight o'clock the next morning we again started, passing through +the _cañon_, over a fine, natural road. Two hours later saw the +ambulance of Don Ramon, with its six white mules and four outriders, +approaching from the direction of the fort, at a pace that promised soon +to overtake us. + +Hal at once took a position beside the carriage, and, during the rest of +the day, hardly left it. I did not interfere until we were approaching +our camping-ground, when I sent Patsey back, to say that I wished to see +him. + +The boy returned, saying,-- + +"He's a-comin', but he says, kape yer timper." + +"What did he say?" inquired I, in no little astonishment. + +"He said, Yis, he'd come, but kape yer timper; shure, so he did." + +At this moment Hal rode up. I asked him what he meant by sending such an +extraordinary message, at the same time telling Patsey to repeat it. + +Hal heard it, and burst into a laugh, declaring that he told Patsey to +say he would be with me "_poko tiempo_,"--in a little while--which, +as Patsey did not understand Spanish, he had interpreted into "kape yer +timper." + +[Illustration: Antelope, Patsey and Ned.] + +The night passed quietly, and, just after sunrise we were again on the +road, bound for "Dead Man's Hole," which was our next camping ground. We +reached it quite early in the afternoon, and, shortly afterwards, Ned +came to me in great glee, saying that he'd shot an antelope, and wanted +Patsey to go and help him bring it in. + +Away they rushed, and soon returned, fairly staggering under the weight +of a fine fat antelope. + +I could fully understand Ned's feeling of pride, as the men, one after +another, examined the game, and complimented him on his success; for Ned +was a great favorite in the camp; but, when old Jerry graciously told him +that he was more'n twice as old afore he killed an antelope, the boy's +eyes fairly danced with joy. + +His greatest triumph, however, was at supper, when he helped Hal to a +bountiful supply of the fat, juicy steak. It had been a matter of rivalry +between the two, as to which of them would kill the first antelope; and +Hal was inclined to feel a little uncomfortable at Ned's victory, +especially before Patsey slyly suggested, that, ef he hadn't kilt an +antichoke, he'd got a _dear_ beyant, and that was betther than a +dozen artichokes. + +When I made my usual round of the camp, before going to bed, Jerry was +not to be found; so I concluded to sit up until his return. + +Half an hour later he came in, informing me that "he'd heerd a +_coyote_ bark four or five times rather suspiciously nigh camp, and +had been out to reconnoitre, thinkin' p'raps it was an Injun signal; but, +havin' seen more or less of the critters prowlin' about, he rekconed it +was all right." + +Commending him for his care and watchfulness, and, assured by his +confident manner that there was no danger, I "turned in," and soon fell +asleep. How long I had slept I could not tell, but I was awakened by a +sound that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and caused the blood to +curdle in my veins; for it was the terrible war-whoop ringing in my ears, +so close and distinct, that it seemed to be in my very tent. + +I sprang into a sitting posture, and hurriedly looked about me. I saw +Hal's and Ned's frightened faces, then seized my rifle and rushed out. As +I passed through the door of the tent, I received a blow that felled me +to the earth. When I recovered my senses, I found the camp a scene of +dire confusion: every one was hurrying hither and thither, giving orders, +and talking in the wildest manner. I caught sight of Don Ramon, +bare-headed, barefooted, and half clad, wringing his hands and calling in +frenzied tones for his darling Juanita. Hal was talking loudly one +minute, and, the next, crying, while Ned was vainly attempting to pacify +him. + +As Ned appeared to be the coolest person in sight, I asked him the cause +of the commotion, and learned that the Indians had attacked Don Ramon's +camp, and carried off his daughter and her maid, prisoners. + + +CHAPTER IX. + +As soon as I could get upon my feet, I inquired for Jerry, and was told +he was looking after the mules. I immediately sent for him, and he came, +accompanied by Don Ignacio, who, hearing the disturbance, had come over +to ascertain what it meant. When we could secure the presence of Don +Ramon, we learned from him the story of the surprise. + +[Illustration: Capture of Juanita.] + +Every heart was moved to pity as the old man, in broken sentences, told +us that he had been awakened by hearing his beautiful, his darling, +shriek. He had sprung to his feet, half asleep, and seen two Indians +tearing her from her bed in the ambulance, while calling upon him for +help. + +One of the Indians threw her across his horse, and then jumping upon the +animal himself, galloped madly off. Another seized her maid in the same +way; but she, poor girl, made such a desperate resistance that the savage +brutally plunged a knife into her heart, and then, with the rapidity of +lightning, scalped her and flung her body to the ground. + +Piteously the half-crazed father besought us to rescue his child from the +terrible fate in store for her. Offering half--yes, the whole of his +immense fortune to any one who would restore her once more to him. + +After a hurried consultation, we decided to send a messenger back to the +fort to notify the officers, and ask them to send a company of dragoons +in pursuit, at once; Don Ignacio offering to dispatch his assistant, a +thoroughly trustworthy man, who knew every foot of the country, with the +message. While I was writing the note to Colonel Sewall, Hal came to me, +and urged strongly to be allowed to accompany the messenger, saying that +Don Ignacio thought I should send some one, and had offered to mount him +upon one of his best horses if I would permit him to go. I hesitated a +long time before consenting; but he pleaded so earnestly, I finally said +yes, warning him on no account to leave the travelled road. This he +promised, and the two set out. + +A short time after they left, we decided to send a party out ourselves, +to follow the Indians and recapture the girl if possible, as well as +recover the mules stolen. Jerry offered to lead the party in person, +provided I would accompany it, and Don Ignacio could be induced to take +charge of the camp during our absence. The arrangements perfected, Jerry +selected a dozen of the best men; and before daylight, we were in the +saddle and on the trail. + +All day we rode over rocky _mesas_ or through dense +_chapparal_,--here fording a stream, now thundering over a barren +plain, or picking our way through gloomy _cañons_ or up steep +bluffs. + +The sun set; but Jerry did not pause in the pursuit. With his eyes on the +ground, and the same eager, anxious expression on his face, he rode as he +had ridden all day. Every nerve was strung to its utmost tension, every +sense was on the alert. Hardly had he spoken, not once hesitated as to +the course, nor for a single instant lost the track we had been +following. + +At last we came to a little valley, shut in by dark gray rocks and tall +mountains. At a signal from Jerry, we dismounted, unsaddled our animals, +and partook of a hasty supper; then again took to the trail; penetrating +deeper and deeper into the mountain fastnesses, over rocks and through +dense underbrush, until at last the shimmer of the waters of a broad +river met our gaze, and we paused upon its banks. + +It was the Rio Grande; and here we decided to encamp for the night. + +A few hours' rest and, just at daylight, we plunged into the water and +renewed our search, following the banks for miles; but no trace of the +track could we find. Just as we were giving up in despair, one of the +party, who was a long distance in the lead, uttered a shout: he had again +found the trail. It was evident now, that, in order to deceive any party +that might follow them, they had entered the river and followed its bed +through the water, nearly ten miles; hoping thereby to successfully hide +their course. + +We now sent one man back to the point where the trail entered the river, +that he might guide the soldiers, whom we every moment expected to arrive +from Fort Davis. + +It was a useless precaution however, for no soldier came. If we had but +known! but, alas! how could we? We waited until twilight came, and then +reluctantly retraced our steps, believing it useless to attempt to follow +the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape +with their prisoners. I was much pleased, however, to hear Jerry express +the opinion, that the Comanches would gladly ransom them, and that the +only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with +the band who made the capture; for it seemed probable that they belonged +in that, then, almost inaccessible portion of the state, known as the +"Pan-handle." + +When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort, we +reluctantly determined to start homeward. + +While pursuing our way towards camp, Jerry and myself determined to visit +a spring several miles to the east of our course, and then to overtake +our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains, +that ran far out into the plain. + +We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring; and, after a short +rest, filled our canteens with the cool, sparkling water, and started to +intercept our friends at the place agreed upon. + +Ere we were a mile upon the road. Jerry uttered a low whistle, and said, +"Look behind you, will you?" + +I turned; and, to my astonishment, not more than a mile away, saw eight +mounted Indians; and it was evident from the cloud of dust in which they +rode, that they were coming at no very slow gait. + +We were not an instant deciding that we had no wish to encounter eight +mounted Comanches, well armed, upon the open plain, if it were possible +to avoid them. + +The ground was a dead level for miles in every direction; and, in a +straight line six or seven miles away, we could see the spur of the +mountains where we expected to meet our party. If we could only reach +that, we were safe. + +We had more than a mile the start of our pursuers; but our horses were +worn with long travel, while it was evident theirs were comparatively +fresh and vigorous; our escape therefore, must be a question of speed and +endurance. + +"Now," said Jerry, as we shook our reins and put spurs into the flanks of +our horses, "set low, and bend in your saddle, take the motion of your +horse, and let's git." + +And "git" we did. Our animals seemed fairly to fly as we urged them +forward. They appeared to understand every word spoken, and to be quite +as anxious to escape capture as their riders. + +Every ejaculation uttered, every caress bestowed, gave them fresh +courage, urged them to greater exertions. Every nerve was braced, every +muscle strained to its utmost tension, while their foam-flecked sides +said, as plainly as words could say it, "We are doing our level best." + +I cast a glance over my shoulder and saw that the Indians were "spread" +in the pursuit, but evidently gaining on us. I looked at Jerry and then +at the goal, each moment growing nearer, and still so far away that I +began to doubt the ability of our horses to continue at the tremendous +pace they were going until we could reach it. + +Every minute seemed an age. + +Jerry's face was a study, as, with compressed lips, and eyes that +appeared to fairly flash fire, he bent so low in his saddle as to almost +touch his horse's mane. On, on, we sped! Not a word was spoken--not a +sound could be heard, save the dull, heavy thud of our horses' feet upon +the soft turf beneath us. + +Once I fancied I felt my horse waver, as though about to fall; but I +spoke sharply to him, and he straightened out, just as a bullet whistled +by our heads. + +"That's a Comanche sign; you can always tell them devils," muttered +Jerry, between his teeth. + +A mile farther, and we are safe. Can we make it? Why don't our men see +us, and hasten to the rescue? + +Another look behind. The Indians were still gaining on us, and I fancied +I could hear the breath of their unshod horses, as they thundered after +us; but it was only the distressed breathing of our own noble animals, +warning us that their strength was almost gone. + +Will our friends ever see us? Can we hold out five minutes longer? I hear +Jerry mutter something between his closed teeth; and, the next moment, +saw a dozen men dash out from behind the rocks. + +"We are saved! we are saved!" is my cry. I have just strength enough left +to pull up my weary horse, throw myself out of the saddle, and sink upon +the ground, when the faithful creature, completely exhausted, reels and +falls, as the men thunder past us, in pursuit of the now flying foe. + +"Wall," said Jerry, as he dismounted, "thet was a touch and go, and no +mistake. I've been chased many a time afore, but never come so near a go, +ez this has been. Them critters of ourn are worth a fortune, and no +mistake." + +We had a good hour's rest, before our friends returned from the pursuit; +and then, once more mounting, we set out for camp, which we reached late +in the afternoon, to learn that neither of the messengers sent to the +fort, had returned, nor had any tidings been received from them. + +What did it mean? Could they have been captured? + +Don Ramon was almost heart-broken, when he learned the result of our +pursuit; and nothing that we could say, afforded him any comfort. His +continual cry was, "Give me my daughter! my darling Juanita!" + +I was extremely anxious about Hal; and at once dispatched Don Ignacio to +the fort, to ascertain the reason of the non return of our messengers; +and then, as nothing further could be done, "turned in" for a little +sleep, giving Ned directions to call me immediately upon the arrival of +Don Ignacio. + +Just before daybreak, I was awakened by the startling intelligence, that +neither Hal or the messenger had reached the fort; but Colonel Sewell +had, upon Don Ignacio's request, immediately ordered a company of +dragoons in pursuit of the Indians. + +The only inference to be drawn from the facts was, that both Hal and the +messenger had been killed or taken prisoners, by a portion of the same +band that attacked our camp; and, although myself, greatly depressed by +the uncertainty attending their absence, I endeavored to assure Don +Ramon, that their capture was extremely fortunate, on his daughter's +account, for it would be certain to ensure her safe return to her +friends. + +This thought appeared to afford the old man a little comfort, and he +finally decided, to continue with the train, until we should arrive at El +Paso. We got under way about noon; and, with sad hearts, followed the +windings of the road through the _Cañon de los Camenos_, and on to +the Rio Grande; thence, following the course of the river, to the old +_Presidio_ of San Elezario, and so on to Fort Bliss, about one mile +below the town of El Paso. + +At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with +which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, +he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old +scout who had been in his employ for years. He was not only trustworthy, +but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and +customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to +communicate with his family, who resided near the fort. + +The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist +the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any +chance have crossed the river with their captives. + +We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this +would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a +much-needed rest. + +I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty +regarding Hal's fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I +must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, +and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver +mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post. + +The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we +set out upon our trip. + +The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, +so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of +cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry's keen eye +discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he +surmised might be a cave. + +With this idea, we started to explore it. Upon reaching the mouth of the +opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for +Ned and myself to join him. + +Upon reaching him, he said,--"It's a cave, but there's some kind of a +critter got possession of it. I reckon it's a bar." + +We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what +appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end +of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl. + +It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed +it prudent to retreat. + +"We've got to git the critter out, someway," said Jerry, "and the sooner +we go about it, the better for us." + +"Suppose we try smoking him out," said Ned. + +"I dunno but that's the best way, after all, youngster," said Jerry. +"Hand us the hatchet, and we'll soon have a fire here." We shortly had +some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while +a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the +smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect. + +In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we +proceeded to make an examination for the cause. We found that the bear +had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the +brands. + +"He's an old fellow, and won't be ketched napping," said Jerry. "The only +way is to meet him, on his own ground. I'll fix him! You get two or three +of them splinters, and light 'em, and foller me." + +We cautiously advanced upon Bruin, torches in one hand and revolvers in +the other, but his low, angry growl caused us, even then, to hesitate a +moment before venturing further. + +"Now, you take this 'ere torch, youngster," said Jerry, addressing Ned, +"and hold it so you kin see, and then I kin. My narves is steadier'n +clock-work, and I'll do the shootin'." + +Another forward movement, and another growl saluted our ears. + +"Steady, there," said Jerry, "I see him;" and the next instant, he fired. + +As soon as the almost deafening reverberations and din, caused by the +discharge, had subsided, holding our torches so as to throw the light as +far in advance as possible, we entered the cave, and in one corner found +a large black bear--dead. + +"Hurrah!" cried Ned. "We've got him! Ain't he a noble fellow?" + +"Here's room enough for all," said Jerry, as the extent of the cave was +made apparent. "We'll get our critters in, and have bar meat for supper, +sure." The apartment in which we were standing was about twenty feet +square, and nearly as many high, and, in one corner, we found a spring of +clear, cool water. + +"Nothing could be nicer than this," declared Ned. "I'd like to stay here +for a month; it's just splendid," But Ned's enthusiasm soon died out, for +we discovered unmistakable evidence that Indians were in the habit of +visiting it. We determined to pass the night there, however, which we did +without being disturbed, and the next morning again started for the mine, +which we reached about two o'clock in the afternoon. + +The mine consisted of a horizontal shaft, cut into the mountain-side, +that had reached a depth of between two and three hundred feet; the ore +being drawn up in large leathern buckets, by mule power, attached to a +windlass. Such portions as were deemed sufficiently rich were at once +conveyed to the smelting furnace, where the pure ore was melted down and +extracted from the virgin fossil. If of inferior quality, it was +submitted to the process of amalgamation. + +We found much to interest us while examining the working of the mine, +which was conducted upon the old Mexican plan. Ned was particularly +pleased with the manner of packing the silver, which was in rough cakes, +for transportation. + +These were placed in sacks made of raw hide, which, when dry, shrunk, and +thus pressed the contents so closely, that all friction was avoided. Two +of these sacks, each containing about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of +the ore, constituted an ordinary mule-load. + +We spent the entire day at the mine, watching the process of separating +the ore, extracting the gold, roasting, grinding, etc., and the following +day returned to El Paso, with the intention of leaving for Fort Fillmore +immediately. + +As soon as we arrived at this post, in company with Ned, I called upon +Lieutenant Howland, then in command, and communicated to him the facts +regarding the attack upon, and capture of a portion of our party, and +from him learned the startling intelligence that a scout from Fort +Stanton, had that day arrived at the post, reporting that, the day +previous, he had discovered the fresh trail of a party of Indians near +the eastern base of the Organos Mountains, who had with them, three white +persons, one of whom, was a woman. + +As soon as Ned heard the lieutenant make this statement, he started to +his feet, exclaiming, "That's them! that's them! Hurrah! we'll find 'em, +sure. Let's start now!" and away he went to carry the glad tidings to the +camp. + + +CHAPTER X. + +At my request, the scout was sent for. He proved to be a keen, shrewd +Yankee, who had spent the last twenty years of his life, among the +mountains of New Mexico. + +His statement was clear and concise, and showed a familiarity with Indian +manners and habits, that entitled his opinion to great weight. After a +long interview, both Lieutenant Howland and myself became convinced that +Hal and Juanita were with the party he described. So positive was the +lieutenant that he volunteered to send a force in pursuit early on the +following morning, with Tom Pope as guide. + +When this determination was announced I hastened back to camp to consult +old Jerry, and found all assembled around Ned, who was repeating over and +over again, the story told by Tom. Even Patsey, whom I had scarcely +noticed since he joined the train, was tossing his well-worn cap in the +air, catching it upon the toe of a toeless boot, while executing a lively +Irish jig, and exclaiming every time he drew a long breath,-- + +"Whoo-o-o-op! think of it now, will yez! The boss has got the byse, sure. +Whoo-o-o-op now, whoo-o-op!" + +In fact, all seemed delighted at the idea of our receiving even the +meagre information we had obtained at the fort. + +As soon as Jerry found a moment's leisure, I gave him a detailed account +of the interview with Tom Pope, as well as Lieutenant Howland's opinion +regarding it. + +He expressed much satisfaction at the Lieutenant's intention to pursue +the party, and asked, if I thought the guide would object to his +accompanying him on the expedition. + +While talking the matter over, we saw Tom himself approaching camp. Jerry +at once recognized him as an old Comanche scout, whom he had once met in +Texas; and the two were soon upon the most friendly terms. It was +understood, that Jerry and myself were to accompany Tom on the +expedition, and finally I obtained permission to take Ned along. + +I invited Tom to remain and take supper with us, and afterwards, while +Jerry was making his preparations for the morrow's expedition, Ned and +Patsey asked Tom for a story; but Tom said "he warn't no account at story +tellin' and would let that job out to somebody else." + +Remembering Jerry's remark, that Tom was a Comanche scout, I asked him if +he had had much experience with that tribe. + +"Consid'rable," answered he. + +"Is it a fact, that the Comanches frequently cook their meat by placing +it under the saddle and riding on it all day?" asked I. + +"I 'spect 'tis," replied Tom; "leastways, I've seen 'em do it, and done +it myself." + +"Oh! tell us all about it Tom, will you?" cried Ned. + +"Wall, I don't mind telling you about that, youngster, though I ain't +much of a story-teller. You just wait till I get my pipe filled, and I'll +spin a yarn for you, as they used to say down in New Bedford." + +"Be gorra, now, ain't this fun?" exclaimed Patsey, as he and Ned settled +themselves in a comfortable position by the fire, to listen to-- + +TOM'S STORY. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, he began. + +"Six years ago this fall, I had been down to Mattamoras on the Rio +Grande, and returning home, had camped for the night, in the ruins of an +Old ranche on the San Saba. Wall, I was alone and pretty tired. I didn't +think nothin' about Injuns, so I went ter sleep; and when I woke up I was +a prisoner, with a dozen Comanches caperin' round me." + +"I couldn't do nothin', 'cause they'd taken my rifle and my knife; so I +jist made up my mind, that I'd better keep still and wait for my chance +to come. They tied my hands behind me, and put me on a horse. Then we +started, and I soon saw that they had been down into Mexico on a stealing +expedition, and had had, good luck; for they had five scalps, and nearly +a hundred head of Spanish mares, that they were a-driving home with 'em +to their village, which was on the Clear Fork of the Brazos." + +"In ten days, we got to within about a mile of their home, and then we +halted; and one of the braves, all painted and fixed up in regular war +style, started in to let 'em know we were there." + +"Pretty soon one of their squaws came out to meet us, and then the +Injuns, fixed to a long lance the five scalps they had taken, and we all +started for the village, the squaw leading and carryin' the scalp-pole, +all the while singing a war-song." + +"Just before we got into their settlement we were met by a lot of the +women folks, who joined in the procession. Then we went through the +village. The squaws danced as they went along and made a great noise, +singing songs about the brave deeds of their husbands and sons, who had +taken so many scalps and stolen so many cattle." + +"I'd been wonderin' all the time what they were going ter do with me. +Then we stopped before the chief's lodge,--Tabba-ken, or the Big Eagle, +he was called,--and they motioned for me to dismount. I hadn't hardly +struck the ground, before I found what they were going to do with me; for +would you believe it, every old squaw and pappoose in that village, that +had strength enough, flew at me and commenced biting, and kicking, and +scratching me. You see I couldn't do much, for my hands were tied, but I +made up my mind that Tom Pope would die like a man, even though he never +had calculated to be bit and kicked to death, by a lot of Comanche +squaws." + +"So I jest set my teeth, and stood the pain the best I was able. After a +while, they got tired of the fun, and quit; but you never see such a +lookin' chap as I was when they got through. Why, there wasn't a spot on +me as big as a five-cent piece, that didn't show some kind of a mark. I +thought I had a pretty hard time in some of my travels, before, but +t'warn't no tetch ter that Comanche village. I was sore for a month after +it." + +"Arter they'd got through with their fun, they set me to work and kept me +at it, till I finally got away from 'em; though they treated me well +enough after the first few days. When I got into Phantom Hill, the +officers there told me, that they treated me as they always did all their +prisoners. I had enough to eat, such as it was, and hain't no complaints +to make on that score. They had two Mexican women who were prisoners +there, and old Tabba-ken himself had married one of 'em." + +"Do they have any particular ceremonies, when they start on the war-path, +Tom?" asked I. + +"I saw one party start out ter fight the Arapahoes; and I see 'em come +back, too," replied Tom. + +"One morning I see that a lot of the braves took their bows and arrows, +and placed 'em on the east side of their lodges. They was all ornamented +and fixed, and set where the sun's first rays should fall on 'em. That +night a lot of the squaws commenced going around through the village, +singing their war-songs, and making a great noise. They kept it up for +three nights, so that I couldn't sleep a wink; and I asked one of the +Mexican women what it all meant. She told me, that it was a war-party, +getting ready for an expedition. + +"I'd suspected as much, when I see the braves a-cavortin' around so +lively on their horses, and makin' such a fuss as they did. + +"She said, that they worshipped the sun, and their weapons was set out +there for the sun to bless, and give them good luck against their +enemies. They kept up these doin's for four or five days, and then they +had a grand war-dance; and the next morning at sunrise (they always start +on an expedition just at sunrise) a party of twenty braves, started off +to the north." + +"Do they make the squaws work, like the other Indian tribes, Tom?" asked +Ned. + +"Yes! Injuns is Injuns, wherever you find 'em," answered Tom. "The squaws +allers do the hard work, and the men the heavy layin' round and talkin'." + +"Oh! be gorra; don't I wish I was a Injin," exclaimed Patsey. + +"Well," continued Tom, "after I'd been with 'em a couple of months or so, +they kind er got a notion that I didn't care much about gittin' away, and +didn't keep a very strict watch over me; so, one night, when I see +Carline (that was my old rifle) lyin' by one of the lodges, I made up my +mind to scoot. They was havin' a big time that night, gittin' ready for +another expedition, and I knew they'd be putty busy. As soon as 'twas +dark, I picked up the rifle, and, kind er slowly, made my way down ter +where their critters was feedin', and picked out the best hoss of the +lot, put a saddle on him, and started down the river towards the fort at +Phantom Hill. 'Twas a good hundred miles away; but I made up my mind I'd +fetch it, if nothin' happened. + +"I rode putty hard all night; and, just after daylight, saw some deer on +the prairie, and shot one, never thinkin' that I hadn't another charge +for my rifle, and no way of buildin' a fire ter cook with. + +"Yer see the Injuns always start a fire by rubbin' two dry sticks +together, but I hadn't no time for that, 'cause I wanted to put as many +miles as I could between me and ther village. While I was a-wonderin' +what ter do, I happened to think about puttin' it under the saddle; so I +hunted round and found a sharp stone, and managed to cut some putty fair +slices out ev the leg, and clapped 'em under the saddle and rode on. + +"I got pretty hungry by noon, so I stopped to let my horse eat a little, +and looked at my steaks, and they was cooked just as nice as I ever see +steaks cooked in my life; and they was good, too, you bet. + +"I made a tip-top meal, and then thought I'd lay down and take a little +nap. I slept for an hour or two, and then saddled up, and rode along. +Putty soon I happened ter look round, and, blast my picter, ef there +warn't eight Comanches a-comin' after me like the very devil. + +"I just put the spurs to my hoss; and from the best calculations I could +make, I made up my mind thet they'd ketch me in just about ten miles +further. I see they was a-gainin' on me, and I hadn't nothin' to defend +myself with but a empty rifle, and that warn't no account agin bows and +arrows; so I throwed it away, and made up my mind, if wost came to wost, +I'd take my chances in the river, 'cause yer see the Comanches never let +a prisoner get away the second time. I kept urgin' my hoss, and the +critter kep' tryin', but I see he was about blowed, an' 'twarn't no use. +I had just concluded I must take to the river, when I happened to look up +and see a dozen soldiers coming right towards me. The Injuns see 'em as +quick as I did, and the way they turned and put back was a caution to +anything I ever see." + +"What were the soldiers doing there?" asked Ned. + +"Why, they was a scoutin' party out from the post, about twenty miles +below where we was. They chased the Injuns, but the devils scattered and +'twarn't no use. + +"I went in to the fort with 'em, and stayed thar about a week, and then +went down to San Antonio with Major Neighbors, the Injun agent. +Afterwards, I heard that the soldiers went up and cleaned the village +out, but I don't know nothin' about that. + +"There, youngsters, you've hed your story, and I reckon if you're goin' +with me to-morrow, you'd better go ter bed and git some sleep, and I'll +go back to the fort, and git ready, myself." + +Ned was delighted with Tom's story, while Patsey declared that "he'd thry +that way of cooking, steak the first blissid thing he did in the +mornin',--that he would, sure." + +With the first faint streak of light in the eastern sky, our little party +were on their way to the fort. We found that Lieutenant Howland had +detailed a squad of twenty of the "Mounted Rifles" under command of +Lieutenant Jackson, and ordered them provisions, for ten days. They were +to start at sunrise, and Tom Pope was to lead them directly to the +_cañon_, where he had seen the trail, which we were to follow, until +we overtook the thieves. + +Promptly, as the morning gun, announced the sun's appearance above the +horizon, Lieutenant Jackson, with the dragoons, rode into the parade- +ground, ready for a start. The final orders were given, and we fell into +line, and rode slowly forth in the direction of the mountains, followed, +not only by the good wishes of every man in the post, but by Patsey's +brogans, which he threw after us for "good luck, inyhow," with such force +that one struck a soldier in the head, and nearly knocked him out of the +saddle, much to his surprise and anger, and greatly to the amusement of +the spectators. + +We struck into a brisk canter, and were soon out of sight of the post and +settlements. Our course lay to the east of north, over an elevated, arid +plain, covered with a thick growth of prickly-pear, and scrubby mesquite. + +The mesquite is a shrub that somewhat resembles our locust. Its wood is +hard and close-grained, and its branches bear a long, narrow pod, filled +with saccharine matter, which, when ripe, furnishes a very palatable +article of food, that is relished both by men and animals. + +The principal value of the mesquite, however, is for its roots, which are +used for fuel and very fine fuel they make, quite equal to the best +hickory. + +The plain over which we were now travelling, was more than four thousand +feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its immense elevation, +it was covered with a peculiar kind of grass called _grama_, which +retains its nutritious qualities throughout the whole year. This grass is +sometimes cut by the inhabitants, who use for the purpose a hoe. It will +thus be seen, that, on these plains, wood is obtained with a spade and +hay secured by the hoe. + +A ride of seven hours brought us to the eastern side of the mountains, +whose lofty, pinnacled peaks rose above us to the height of more than +three thousand feet, strangely and perfectly resembling the pipes of an +immense organ, from which fact the _Sierra de los Organos_ takes its +name. + +As we approached this remarkable range, we found a thick growth of live-oak +skirting its base, and could hardly resist the temptation, to enjoy +the cool and delicious shade, which their thick branches afforded; but we +pushed on, and in another hour reached the entrance to the _cañon_, +in which Tom had discovered the Indians' trail. Here we found it +necessary to advance with the greatest precaution, as the dark pines and +evergreens, growing in the narrow defile, afforded an excellent place for +the concealment of our foes. + +Jerry and Tom, rode a short distance in advance of the party, and we +slowly made our way up the gorge for about four hundred yards, when we +came to a large reservoir, or basin, into which the water from a spring +high up on the mountain-side, slowly trickled. + +The guides examined this place with great care, for Tom declared it had +not been disturbed since he left it, two days before. We found evidence +sufficient to substantiate Tom's opinion fully, for we discovered the +tracks of three white persons, one of whom was a woman. Ned insisted that +he recognized Hal's footprints, while Jerry identified the peculiar shape +of one of the mule's tracks, by means of a shoe he himself fitted to the +animal. + +Satisfied at last that we were on the right trail, the lieutenant decided +to halt for a short time to feed and rest. + +While Ned was strolling about the encampment, he accidentally trod upon a +rattlesnake, and the venomous reptile, sounding his rattle, made a spring +and fastened his teeth into the boy's pants, just below the knee. I +chanced to be looking towards him at the moment, and saw him, without the +least hesitation draw his sheath-knife, and sever its head from its body, +with one stroke, leaving the head hanging to the leg of his pants. I +hurried towards him, but the boy was not in the least disconcerted or +frightened, although he could not tell if he had been bitten or not. An +examination showed that the fangs of the snake had passed through the +cloth and left their imprint upon the leather of his boot-leg, without +penetrating it. + +[Illustration: Snake Incident.] + +We all congratulated him upon his narrow escape, and Lieutenant Jackson +told him that few men would have shown more nerve or presence of mind +under the circumstances than he had done. Tom Pope asserted the boy was a +"born Injin hunter," and old Jerry declared that he was "willing to make +a 'ception, so fur as Ned was concarned, though he'd be darned if he'd do +it for t'other one; for boys like him hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +Once more mounting our horses, we emerged from the cool and grateful +shade, out into the burning sunshine of the plain, when, making sure of +the trail, our guides started at a brisk canter towards the north-east, +followed by the entire party. + +The trail was so plain and well-defined, that we were able to ride at a +good round pace, which was kept up until long after the sun had set and +darkness had fairly encompassed us. Finally we came to good grass, and +the lieutenant ordered a halt. + +Shortly after unsaddling our horses, Tom came to me, and said, "Be you +pretty sure, judge, that them fellers was Comanches, that attacked you?" + +I replied at once that I was. + +"What makes you think so?" inquired Tom. + +Up to this time I had not entertained a thought that they could be other +than Comanches. Now that my reasons for the opinion had been asked, I saw +that the only cause for it was the fact, that the attack had been made in +the Comanche country, and so far towards the interior, that the +possibility of their belonging to any other tribe had not entered my +mind. + +I replied, that I had no other reason for supposing them to be Comanches +than the one above given. + +"Well," said Tom, "as me and Jerry was ridin' along this arternoon, I +found this 'ere thing along side ther trail, so I picked it up ter show +yer." + +As he spoke, he produced an old, well-worn moccasin, which, at a glance, +I recognized as having been made by the Apaches, its shape being entirely +different from those manufactured or worn by any other tribe. + +For an instant I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed by the terrible +revelation. + +I thought of the warm-hearted, impulsive Hal, and the winsome, pretty +Juanita, prisoners in the hands of the cruel and merciless Apaches, who +were never known to surrender a captive alive. Then, as I thought of a +worse fate than death, that was in store for the bright, beautiful girl, +I thanked God that her old father was spared the anguish that such a +knowledge would have caused him. + + +CHAPTER XI. + +As soon as I dared trust myself to speak, I said, in a tone of voice that +I was conscious must betray my anxiety to hear my own opinion condemned,-- + +"This is an Apache's moccasin, isn't it?" + +"'Tis, for sartin," said Tom. "No other red-skinned varmint but a +devilish Apache, ever wore that moccasin." + +"And what do you argue from that, Tom?" inquired I. + +"Ther ain't nothin' to argue," sententiously answered Tom. "The gal's +been took by the Apaches instead of the Comanches, and that's all there +is of it; that moccasin tells the whole story. Ask Jerry. Me and him +agreed on that pint, as soon as ever we see it." + +"It's surer'n preachin', judge," said Jerry, as he came up to where we +were standing; "and there ain't no help for it." + +"Well, what can we do, Jerry?" + +"Do! foller till we git 'em, if we foiler 'em to hell. We mustn't leave +the trail now, till we know the gal's dead, for sartin. She'll be safe, +ez long ez they're travellin'; but if they ever git to where they're +going,--well judge, I'd rather see the pretty little critter layin' right +here, dead, than to meet her, that's sartin." + +I immediately sought the lieutenant, and informed him of the terrible +facts I had just learned. + +"I feared as much from the first," said he, "for during all the years +I've been stationed on this frontier, I've never known the Comanches to +venture so far 'up country' as this, but have frequently known the +Mescalleros to pass through the Comanche country into Mexico. I fear we +shall find this to be a band of Mescallero Apaches, but I shall follow +them, as long as my men and animals hold out. I have ordered a halt now, +because, twenty miles from here, in the direction that we are travelling, +we shall come to an extensive deposit of pure, white sand, in which we +shall be liable to lose the trail at night; and I want to reach there as +near daybreak as possible, so as not to waste more time than is necessary +in finding it. We shall rest here until midnight, so you'd better turn in +and get what sleep you can." + +Midnight found us once more in the saddle, and when, some hours later, we +reached the deposit referred to, an examination showed, that, instead of +crossing it, the trail skirted its southern edge for a couple of miles, +and then took an easterly course towards the Sacramento Mountains, +distant about twenty-five miles. + +Our course lay in the vicinity of two or three little _salinas_, or +salt lakes, but over an arid, barren plain, destitute of any vegetation, +except mesquite _chaparral_; and about three o'clock in the +afternoon, we reached the timber that skirted the base of the mountains. + +As the guides, who were some distance in advance, reached the extreme end +of a spur, around which the trail led, we saw them pause for a few +moments, and then hasten towards us. + +Upon reaching us, old Jerry, in a voice husky with emotion, said, +"They're there for sartin;" pointing towards the end of the spur. + +A retreat to the cover of the trees was instantly ordered, when the +guides informed us, that upon reaching the point of rocks, they +discovered several animals grazing in the meadow beyond, and that the +Indians must be encamped in the immediate vicinity; but in order to make +sure, would leave their horses with us, and return and make a +_reconnoissance_. + +They returned a couple of hours later, reporting that they had discovered +the camp, but owing to its situation, could not get near enough to see +into it, without running too much risk of discovery. There was one +"wickey-up," [The name given by scouts to Apache huts.] however, made of +brush, in which the girl was undoubtedly confined. From appearances they +thought the Indians intended to remain there, long enough to recruit +their stock, as the grass was very good; and that as soon as it should be +dark, they would return and take a closer inspection of the camp. Nothing +more remained for us to do therefore, but to "possess our souls with +patience" until darkness came. + +Now that we were so near the success or failure of the expedition for +which we had endured so much fatigue and anxiety, it was impossible to +remain quiet. Every moment seemed an hour. Ned was constantly on the +move, apparantly unable to remain in one position an instant. He had +anticipated accompanying us in the attack upon the Indian camp, but the +lieutenant positively forbade it, saying, that he was not only too young, +but too good a fellow to be shot by Apaches, that year. + +This did not satisfy Ned, however, who came to me to intercede for him, +saying, that he wanted so much to be the first one to greet Hal, and had +come so far to do it, it was pretty hard to be disappointed then. + +I spoke to the lieutenant in regard to the matter, but he was very +decided in his refusal, saying that the boy must stay in camp, and if +necessary, he should put him under guard. + +Ned bore his disappointment with wonderful fortitude, I thought, for he +made no remark, even when I spoke of the "guard" hinted at, except to say +that "he wished it was all over;" a wish that I echoed from the bottom of +my heart. + +It was with a feeling of relief that I saw the guides start to once more +reconnoitre the Indian camp. + +Everything had been prepared in our own camp for an immediate movement-- +the guard had been detailed, horses saddled and bridled, ready for use, +if needed, ammunition distributed, and every detail faithfully executed. + +The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together +in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the +sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon +the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of +firearms. + +What did it mean? + +The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, +was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound. + +The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, +saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed +in white. Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the +situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from +the weapons of Indians. + +Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, +in an excited manner. + +"Take keer o' her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!" + +Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and +Apparantly unharmed. I carried her to camp, when, finding she had +fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance +of the party. + +Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and +the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their +stock. + +While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they +discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in +my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears +running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a +little child, exclaiming,-- + +"Oh! I'm so glad! I'm so glad!" + +As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,-- + +"Where's Juanita?" + +I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; +and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had +recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return. + +Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was +well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,-- + +"Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth." + +"But didn't I tell you you would?" inquired Hal. + +"Yes," responded the girl, "you did; but I heard you and Anastacio--" + +"By the way, where is Anastacio?" interrupted I. Poor fellow! He had been +entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, +escorting him between them. + +There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness +and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its +ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners. I +could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so +short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity. +Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling _señorita_ who +entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking +young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand +alone. + +Hal, on the contrary, declared that he was "tougher than a knot," and +"dirtier than any greaser," a statement, which we readily believed when +he informed us "that he hadn't washed for ten days." + +I ordered supper prepared at once. The Lieutenant came in soon after, and +reported that three of the Indians had been killed, and two, badly +wounded. Besides this, fifteen animals had been captured, and all the +camp equipage of the savages. + +Looking around for Ned, he soon discovered him, and said,-- + +"You young rascal, you! I told you to stay in camp, and the first one I +saw over there, was you." Then, in a kinder tone, he inquired if he was +much hurt? + +Hurt! it was the first intimation I had that he had been hurt; and for a +moment, my heart almost jumped into my throat, notwithstanding the boy +insisted it was nothing. + +An examination showed that an arrow had penetrated the fleshy part of his +arm above the elbow, but without inflicting serious injury. The wound was +soon dressed, supper eaten, Juanita made as comfortable as possible for +the night, and then we gathered about the camp-fire to hear Tom Pope, +relate the story of the capture, as follows:-- + +"Me'n Jerry, started from here, and crawled through the grass and +underbrush, till we got pretty close to the varmints' camp. We seed ten +or a dozen of 'em layin' about, some doin' one thing and some another. +All of a suddent we seed the gal, there, crawl out of the 'wickey-up.' +She looked round as though she wanted to see somebody, for she started +and walked out a little ways. Jest then, a big buck Injun, got up and +follered her, but she walked on, right towards us, till she was within a +dozen feet of where me'n Jerry lay hid. + +"The Injun told her in Spanish, to go back, and took her by the shoulder +to make her do it. Quicker'n lightnin', Jerry made a spring, and, afore +the Injun see him, he give him a blow with the butt of his rifle, that +stunned him, and grabbed the gal and run. + +"The Injun give a kind of grunt as he fell. One of the others started to +see what was the matter, I s'pose, so I let Mertilda," patting his rifle, +"talk to him, and he laid right down without speakin' a word." + +"As soon as the Injuns in camp heard Mertilda speak, eight or ten of 'em +jumped up and started towards us. But yer see, Jerry'd got so fur, they +couldn't stop him. The sojers was right on to 'em, and give 'em 'Hail +Columby,' and no mistake. + +"That's my report, Lieutenant. That youngster there," pointing to Ned, +"is real grit. I seed the arrer strike him, and he a-pullin' of it out, +runnin' towards 'em all the time. Jest as sure's yer live, yer can call +Tom Pope a liar, if Jerry Vance didn't save that gal's life; 'cause, if +we'd ever attacked the Injuns in camp, the first thing they'd 'a' done, +would ha' been to killed the prisoners. I know the Apaches some, I +reckon." + +[Illustration: The Litter.] + +A consultation was now held as to the best manner of getting Juanita to +the fort comfortably, and it was decided to construct a "mountain-litter." +This was done the next morning, by procuring two stout poles, +about twenty feet in length, and lashing them firmly to two short pieces +of wood about three feet long and six feet apart: we then stretched a +blanket between the poles, so as to form a comfortable bed. Two steady +mules were selected and harnessed between the poles, in the front and +rear of the bed, thus making a comfortable carriage. + +Breakfast over, Juanita was placed in the carriage, and we started for +the fort, travelling slowly and making frequent halts. Ned scarcely +mentioned his wound; and, during the four days consumed on the trip, we +were all delighted to see that Juanita was daily recovering her bloom, +and buoyancy of spirits. + +Upon reaching Fillmore, I dispatched Anastacio at once to Fort Bliss, +informing Colonel Magoffin, of the result of our expedition, and asking +him to send an ambulance through to Chihuahua with Juanita, in charge of +Anastacio. + +Two days later, the colonel's own carriage, with four good road-mules, +arrived, with an invitation, asking Juanita to accept his hospitality at +Fort Bliss, and promising that Anastacio should accompany her, to her +father's _hacienda_. + +Juanita decided to leave on the following morning; and, during the +afternoon, I was surprised to learn, that Hal had ridden up to Las +Cruces, six miles above the fort; but, shortly after his return, I +noticed upon Juanita's finger, a little gold ring, that I had not seen +before, so I ventured pleasantly to refer to it, in the course of +conversation that evening, and was informed, with many blushes, that it +was-only a memento, of their trip through the Apache country. + +In the morning, however, I almost had a pitched battle with Hal, to +prevent him from accompanying Juanita to her home; and it was only +through compromising, and permitting him to ride a few miles in the +carriage with her, that I avoided it. + +We all bade her good-by, with hearts filled to overflowing with +thankfulness, for her release from the hands of her cruel captors; and, +wishing her all manner of good luck, and a happy reunion with her father, +the carriage drove off, but not until Hal had climbed in and taken the +vacant seat by her side. + +When he returned, a few hours later, his face radiant with happiness, I +made up my mind that it would not be his fault, if he did not again see +the young lady, before many months had elapsed. + +During the evening I was aroused from the revery into which I had fallen, +by an unusual disturbance in camp; and, on proceeding to ascertain the +cause, found that Hal, had been endeavoring to thrash Patsey. On calling +the delinquents before me, I was informed by Hal, that Patsey had spoken +insultingly of Juanita, an offence that he had at once resented by +attempting to chastise him. + +Upon inquiring as to the words used, Patsey said,-- + +"Sure, sur, I only axed him did Juanita look as tickled as he did, and he +come at me wid his phists, so he did; but he'll be aisy about sthriking +me the nixt time. Dye'r moind that, noo, yer honor!" + +"He'd no business to call her Juanita," angrily exclaimed Hal. + +"Phat would I call her, thin?" asked Patsey. + +"Call her by her proper name, the Senorita Ortiz," said Hal, with much +dignity. + +"And phat, would I be givin' her that jaw-crackin' name fur, when her +name's Juanita?" + +"But her name isn't Juanita to her inferiors, only to her intimate +friends," explained Hal. + +"Infariors, sure! Ain't an Irishman as good as a Mexican, any day? An', +if yez think I'm your infarior, jest come out here and thry it, sure; +that's all, Master Hal." + +I stopped the controversy at once, by telling Hal that Patsey had no +intention of offending, and there was no occasion for his attempt to +chastise him. + +"Oh, he won't thry it again, sur, niver fear," interrupted Patsey. "If he +does," declared he in a tone intended only for Hal's ear, "I'll break +ivery bone in his body, so I will." + +After Patsey had gone, I did not reprimand Hal, only sent him to his +tent; for, judging from his crestfallen air, he had suffered physically +as well as mentally in the encounter. + + +CHAPTER XII. + +We remained in camp the next day, visiting the officers at the fort, and +taking our farewell of them, with many regrets. Nor did we forget a +generous reminder to Tom Pope, to whose keen observation, quick wit, +daring bravery, and perseverance we owed, in so large a degree, the +success of our expedition. + +The following morning, we crossed the Rio Grande and found ourselves in +the celebrated Mesilla valley, one of the most fertile and productive, in +the Territory of New Mexico. + +The town itself has a population of about one thousand souls, and was +first settled in 1850, by colonists from Chihuahua. All land in this +portion of the territory is cultivated by irrigation; and, as this was +the first time Hal had ever seen it practiced to any extent, he asked +permission to remain behind in town a little while, to witness the +operation. Ned also expressed a desire to see it, and, after consulting +Jerry, I assented to their request, believing with him, "that they'd find +mighty hard work to git inter any scrape in such a God-forsaken town as +that was, anyhow." + +We crossed the valley, and then ascended the high lands west of the town, +through which our road lay, expecting to make our camp about sixteen +miles from the river, and get an early start in the morning, to enable us +to reach Cook's Springs, the following night. + +As we rode along, I noticed that the distant range of blue mountains +before us, seemed to have risen from the earth, and to be reposing upon +the line of flickering heat that marked the horizon, and, in a short +time, that groups of trees and huge rocks appeared, standing high in air, +like islands in mid ocean. + +Calling Jerry's attention to their singular appearance, he pronounced it +a _mirage_, which I watched with great curiosity; for it was the +first time I had ever seen the phenomenon. + +In a little while, the long line of trees connected themselves at each +end, with the land below, and then we saw, a beautiful lake, with its +white-capped waves gently driven before the breeze, rippling and dancing +in the bright sunlight, like living things of life and beauty. The +picture grew larger and larger as we rode, changing into a mighty ocean, +with a grand old rocky shore, which appeared to be indented with scores +of little bays and bayous, upon the banks of which, grew great live-oaks, +their umbrageous tops casting a shade so refreshing, that it was with the +greatest difficulty I could be persuaded that the scene was not a +reality. + +I could only console myself, however, with the wish that the boys were +along to enjoy it with me; but they were in Mesilla, and Jerry was so +accustomed to sights of the kind, that he merely gave the beautiful +picture a passing glance, regarding it as one of the matter-of-course +things, to be met with on a trip like ours. + +We went into camp about four o'clock; and, just at twilight, the guard +that had been stationed back on the road about a quarter of a mile, came +riding furiously in, his swarthy face almost white from fright, shouting +at the top of his voice,-- + +"_Los Indios! los Indios! Los Apaches!_" + +In an instant the quiet camp became a scene of the utmost confusion. +Jerry's first thought was for the animals; mine, for the absent boys. I +stationed the men at what I deemed the best points for defense; and +Jerry, as soon as he had secured the mules, hastened to my side. We then +called the Mexican who had given the alarm, and found that the fellow had +really not seen anything, but had heard strange noises, that he believed +came from Apaches. + +Jerry volunteered to ride back and ascertain, if possible, the cause of +the disturbance. He had scarcely been gone five minutes, before one of +the Mexicans rushed towards me, saying,-- + +"Don Jerry is shouting to _El Señor_ from the rise of ground out +back upon the road." + +Springing upon my horse I rode rapidly toward the spot where he stood, +when the sight that met my gaze, almost convulsed me with laughter. + +Coming up the road were the boys. Ned was mounted upon his pony, and +trying to lead Hal's mule. Like most Spanish mules, the animal had a will +of its own, and would not be led; but on the contrary, pulled back so +strongly upon the lariat, which Ned had attached to the pommel of his +saddle, that the pony could scarcely move a step. + +Hal's coat was off, his face black with dust and sweat, and he, tugging +at a lariat drawn tightly over his shoulder, at the end of which was a +small black bear, scarcely more than a cub. The animal insisted upon +squatting on his haunches, and in that position, Hal was dragging him +through the dust, the creature all the while expressing his disapprobation +by low, snarling growls of defiance, and a vigorous shaking of himself +between each growl. + +[Illustration: Boys and Bear.] + +The strange medley of noises caused by the boys, the snarling bear, and +the obstinate mule, had been heard in the still twilight for a long +distance, by the guard, and mistaken for the approach of a party of +Apaches. + +"I wish you'd take this devilish bear," said Hal. + +"And won't you take this plaguy mule?" exclaimed Ned. + +Both looked so harassed and tired, that, although Jerry and I could not +help laughing at their ludicrous situation, we nevertheless pitied them. + +"Where in the world did you get that bear, Hal?" said I. + +"Get him? I bought him of a Mexican at Mesilla, and I'm going to take him +to California with me for a pet. He's tame." + +"Well," exclaimed Ned, "if you don't get him along faster than you have +to-day, you'll die of old age before you get there. We've been ever since +eleven o'clock getting here, and I'm so hungry and tired I can hardly sit +on my horse." + +"Pooh!" retorted Hal; "this is nothing. You ought to be taken prisoner by +the Apaches if you want to know what 'tis to be hungry and tired." + +"How much did you pay for him?" inquired I. + +"Only fifteen dollars," answered Hal. + +"What's that?" ejaculated Jerry. "Fifteen dollars! Wall, I dunno which is +the biggest fool, you or the bar. The greaser that swindled yer, ought to +be thrashed; and I've a notion of goin' back and doin' it, for I've felt +like thrashin' somebody for a good while. The bar ain't wuth fifteen +cents, and won't be nothin' but a bother. Mebbe though he might be good +for 'fresh,' if we git hard up." + +"He won't be any bother, and you shan't use him for meat. He's just as +tame as he can be. See here, now," said Hal, approaching the bear, and +attempting to put his hand upon its head. But Bruin snapped so viciously +that the boy jumped back in dismay, exclaiming, "Poor fellow! he's awful +tired, I suppose!" + +"Yes," said Jerry; "he'll be wus tired, though, afore you git him to +Californy. You'll have to lead him, every step of the way. He shan't be +hitched to no wagon, for the mules has got all the load they want to +draw, now. But I reckon we'd better be gettin' back to camp, or the +men'll think, we've been took by the 'Paches." + +Supper was soon dispatched, after we reached camp, the events of the day +talked over, we "turned in," and in a short time were fast asleep. + +In the middle of the night we were awakened by the most agonizing yells +and screams. + +Springing to my feet, I recognized Patsey's voice, and, as I hurried in +the direction of the sounds, I met the boy, half dead with fright, +rushing towards my tent. + +As soon as he recognized me, he fell upon his knees, and, crossing +himself, besought me, in heartrending tones; to "protict him, for the +Blissed Vargin's sake. The divil himself, your honor, has intered the +camp, and he got into bed wid me, to ate me up intirely!" + +All the time the boy was howling, and holding one hand under his arm, +while he danced a hornpipe and protested, that, if I'd save him this +time, he'd "niver stale another cint's worth as long as he lived, sure!" + +The whole camp was roused, but no one appeared to understand the cause of +Patsey's outbreak, and Hal finally suggested that he'd been dreaming. + +"Dramin', is it! I wish it had been dramin' I wuz. Boo! hoo! Didn't I sae +him wid me own eyes, shure?" + +After we had partially quieted him he was able to tell us, that, as he +was "slapin' paceably, he all ov a suddint felt somethin' in bed wid him, +that wuz swallowin' him intirely. A big black thing wuz lyin' right by +the side ov him, and wuz jest a-suckin' him in whole, for he had his arrm +in his throat clane up to his ilbow!" + +"It's that cub of a bear!" exclaimed Ned, interrupting Patsey's story. + +At the sound of the word "bear," all of Patsey's fears returned, with +renewed power, and he again commenced calling for "protiction," in +frantic tones. + +Going to the wagon under which Patsey had spread his blanket for the +night, we found that Hal had tied the bear near it. Getting rested from +the fatigue of his forced journey, the animal had crawled beneath the +wagon, and, attracted by the warmth of the blankets, placed himself by +the side of the sleeping boy, and, finding his hand uncovered, commenced +licking it. + +Patsey, thus awakened, had seen the creature's glaring eyes and shaggy +black coat, and, not knowing in his fright what it was, concluded his +Satanic Majesty had come for him, on account of his many sins and +transgressions. + +[Illustration: Under the Wagon.] + +Order was at last restored, and we retired once more, to be awakened some +hours later by Jerry's voice calling the men to prepare for the day's +journey. Our breakfast was soon cooked and eaten, and Hal having finally +induced Jerry, to permit him to tie his bear to the hind wagon, we were +on the road an hour before sunrise, encamping that night at Cook's +Springs, and the next afternoon reaching the Membris River about three +o'clock, where, with good water, and plenty of grass and wood, we made a +very pleasant camp. + +Immediately upon our arrival, Hal and Ned went out hunting; and in less +than an hour returned with three fine, fat turkeys, which were soon +cooking after the most approved style, in one of the large camp-kettles +that adorned our fire. + +Supper over, Jerry suggested that, as some repairs were necessary to one +of the wagons, we should remain in camp, and make them the following day. +This suggestion was received with so much pleasure by the boys, I at once +determined to adopt it. + +Hal proposed a hunting expedition for the morning, leaving Jerry and +myself to attend to the wagon. + +This we agreed to; and, about sunrise, the boys started, confident of +their ability to furnish us with a fine quantity of game before night. + +As they mounted their ponies, Jerry gave them the following advice:-- + +"Be keerful ter keep yer eyes and ears open; foller the course of the +river, and don't git out'er sight of it, whatever yer do. There's three +kind 'er game in this country, yer want ter steer clear of, sartin: +them's Injins, bars, and painters. And be keerful to git back afore +sundown, whatever else you do." + +"I shan't steer clear of 'painters' or bears, you bet," said Hal. "If I +see one, I shall go for it, and as for Indians, I've had quite enough +experience to know how to handle them, without any advice from you, Mr. +Jerry. I guess we can take care of ourselves;" and away they rode. + +"That boy knows less, for a fellow that thinks he knows so much, than +anybody I ever see. Why, he don't know nothin', compared ter Ned, if he +does talk ten times as much. I used ter think, when I was a boy, thet the +feller thet hed the longest tongue, knowed the most; but them's the ones +that don't know nothin'; and he's one of 'em, sartin," said Jerry. + +I ventured to remark that Hal was a boy yet, and that we ought not to +expect too much wisdom in one so young as he. + +"But ain't t'other a boy, ez well?" inquired Jerry; "and hain't he got +ten times as much sense? However, less go and look at that wagon, and see +what's got ter be done to it." + +The repairs kept Jerry and myself busy during the forenoon; and, after +they were finished, Jerry proposed that we should take our rifles, and +see if we couldn't get some game on our own account. + +This suggestion met my cordial approval; and, after giving directions +concerning the camp, Jerry and myself started across the prairie, +intending to strike the river some miles above, and follow its course +down; hoping, in this way, to fall in with the boys, on their return. + +We rode along for several miles without seeing any game, save a few +antelope, and they at such a distance, that Jerry though it not best to +follow them; and, after a time, decided to make our way to the river and +follow it down to camp. + +It was a beautiful day: such a one as always brings peace and quiet to +the most restless mind. I felt its effects most sensibly, and remarked to +Jerry, that I rarely had seen so perfect a day in any country, and it +seemed almost too bad, that so lovely a section could be given over to +the possession of savages and wild beasts. + +"'Tis, sartin," he replied; "both on 'em thrive here. I'm thinkin', +though, 'twon't be many years afore white men'll git in here, and then +the Injuns and painters, and sich like'll, hev to leave it. Why, there's +lots o' gold jest above here. I've known plenty of scouts that hev brung +it in. The white folks'll git hold of it one of these days, and then the +country'll fill up like Californy. + +"Yer see thet little mountain right ahead of us, don't yer? Wall, I +r'member thet place. There's a narrer pass through thet hill, thet we've +got ter go through. I've been in it once afore, and it's a mighty +pokerish place, I tell yer: however, we'll git along all right, I +reckon." + +In a short time we reached the entrance to the _cañon_, which was +indeed a narrow pass. Huge rocks, hundreds of feet high, towered above +and upon each side of us, their dark, moss-grown surface rendering the +narrow passage so gloomy, that, in spite of myself, I felt a cold shiver +run over me, that gave me an involuntary sensation of danger, which I +could not throw off. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Isn't there any danger here?" + +"Danger!" repeated Jerry, "of course there's danger, everywhere in this +country. We ain't out of danger a minute. Ha! ha! ha!" and he laughed so +loudly, that the rocks above us caught the sound and hurled it against +the opposite side of the _cañon_, where it seemed to be detained for +a moment by some overhanging cliff, and then sent back, reverberating and +re-echoing, now faint and indistinct, then clear and well-defined, to +again die away in the distance, to once more approach nearer and nearer, +louder and louder, until finally catching upon the sharp edge of some +far-jutting crag, it shivered into a dozen, startlingly distinct peals of +laughter, that seemed to my terrified senses like the shouts of demons, +exulting at our temerity in venturing within their own well-chosen +realms. + +So terrifying was the effect upon me, that, for a few moments, I could +not persuade myself that it was but an echo I heard. The blood surged to +my heart and receeded so suddenly, that I was hardly able to sit erect +upon my horse. As soon as I could speak, I said,-- + +"Come, let us go back, Jerry. I want to get out of this, as soon as I +can." + +"We've got ter git ter camp, an' this's the nearest way; but, ef you're +afraid, we'll turn back. That warn't nothin' ter hurt, though, it did +sound kind er skeery. Ther shortest way's always ther best in this +country, so let's go ahead," said Jerry. + +"I don't know that we are any more likely to meet danger in this +_cañon_ than we are out of it," said I; "but it's one of the most +dismal and sunless places I ever was in." + +"Well, 'twon't be many minutes afore we're out on the plains agin, so +we'll ride along kind er midlin fast;" and, putting spurs to our horses, +we soon emerged from the gloomy defile, out into the bright sunshine +again. + +Once clear of the shadows, I seemed to overcome the forebodings of +danger, that had so oppressed me in the _cañon_; and, in a few +moments, the unpleasant sensations produced by the echo, entirely +disappeared. + +While thus riding along, the sound of a rifle-shot, a long distance away, +fell upon our ears. + +"That's them boys, for sartin," said Jerry. "They're in better luck than +we be, for they've seen somethin' to shoot at,--an' so do I," continued +he in a lower tone, pointing towards a little knoll a short distance away +from the trail we were following. + +I knew in an instant, from the tone of his voice, that he had made an +unpleasant discovery, and was satisfied it was Indians. Still I looked, +and saw, upon the top of the knoll, in bold relief against the sky, two +Indians sitting upon their ponies. + +One of them held a hand in the air above his head, which Jerry at once +said, was the Apache way of asking for a parley. + +"We'll hev ter give it to 'em, though we must be mighty keerful," +continued he, "'cause it's next to sartin, thet therain't no two on 'em +out there alone. We'll find thet out for ourselves, though, afore we're +many hours older. Keep your eyes wide open, and your finger on the +trigger o' yer rifle, and we'll go and see what they want." + +[Illustration: The Two Apaches.] + +Upon coming up with them, they each extended, an exceedingly dirty hand, +with finger-nails that looked almost like bear's claws After shaking +hands with them, Jerry proceeded to have a talk in Spanish. This gave me +an excellent opportunity to examine their personal appearance; one, that +I did not neglect. + +They were small in stature, with short, ugly faces, very dark +complexions, little, snapping black eyes, low foreheads, with coarse, +stringy, faded hair, that hung far down their backs, carrying in their +faces that nameless, but unmistakable impress of treachery and low +cunning, that constitutes so large a part of the Apache character. + +Around their bodies was wrapped an old blanket, so filthy, it was almost +impossible to detect any trace of its original color, which had +undoubtedly been blue. Each carried a bow and arrows, but was destitute +of either leggins or moccasins, although mounted upon very +respectable-looking ponies. + +After a short interview, which terminated with our presenting them all +the tobacco we had, with a shake of the hands we parted. + +As they rode away, Jerry said: "I wish them boys was well in camp." + +"You don't anticipate any trouble with these fellows?" inquired I. "What +did they say?" + +"Say? why, they said they was particular friends of the Americans," +replied Jerry. "Just what they all say; but they're treacherous cusses, +and either one of 'em, would shake with one hand and scalp with t'other +one, ef they got a chance. That little black cuss called himself _El +Chico_,--that means The small,--and said he belonged to the copper-mines +band, and hailed us to see if he couldn't get a little terbacker; +but all he wanted, was to see how we was armed, and if we had any larger +party. I filled him chock full, you bet; and mebbe we shan't see 'em +again, though it's likely we shall. I see one of 'em eyin' that rifle +o'your'n pretty sharp, and he didn't like the look of it much: I could +see that." + +We had ridden nearly a mile from the place of the interview, when Jerry +exclaimed, "There they be again, sure'n shootin';" and, pointing to the +mouth of a small _aroya_, that made back from the river, I +discovered six Apaches, coming towards us as fast as their horses would +bring them. + +We were within a quarter of a mile of a small mound, upon the top of +which was a peculiar sandstone formation, not unlike, in shape, a huge +bottle; and I suggested to Jerry, that we should ride to the top of this +mound, and, sheltering our horses behind the rock, await their approach +on foot. + +The suggestion seemed to be a good one, for it was no sooner made than +adopted, and we had barely time to reach the desired location, ere they +were upon us. + +"Steady," said Jerry; "let me give 'em one;" and taking deliberate aim' +he fired, killing one of the ponies, thereby forcing its rider to mount +behind one of the others; but on they came towards us, as fast as their +horses could bring them. + +"Now's your' time,--fire!" said Jerry. + +I brought my rifle to my face and blazed away; seemingly, however, +without effect. + +"That won't do. If you can't shoot surer'n that, you'd better load and +let me do it," said Jerry. + +The Indians were now so close that several of their arrows fell about us, +two or three striking the rock behind and shivering to pieces, and +enabling us to recognize among them, the two who had hailed us but a +short time before. + +"The treacherous cusses," said Jerry. "I'll pay them fellows off, afore I +git through with 'em, or my name ain't Jerry Vance, sartin." + +The Indians appeared to be in no hurry to come within range of our +rifles, but kept well out of the way, occasionally coming furiously to +wards us, and as we raised our rifles to our faces, they would hastily +throw themselves over upon the sides of their animals for protection, and +ride rapidly away. + +"They ain't goin' to hurt us much in this way," said I to Jerry. + +"No; but they're going to tire us out, for it'll soon be dark, and we've +got neither water nor food here; besides them fellers' eyes arc like +cats',--they kin see ez well in the dark, ez we kin in the daytime. We +kin hold 'em safe enuff now, but we must git a way from here before dark. +There goes for _El Chico_," said Jerry, suddenly bringing his rifle +to his face; and the next instant, an Indian fell heavily from his +horse, and was instantly caught up from the ground by one of his +companions, thrown across the horse before him and the party once more +galloped out of range. + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +"I reckon we'd better mount and ride slowly towards camp," said Jerry. +"Ef we do we shall get there some time ter-night, but ef we stay here we +shan't, that's sartin." + +"Do you suppose they'll follow us?" inquired I. + +"Sartin sure," responded Jerry; "but I reckon by good engineerin' we kin +keep 'em off, so that their arrers won't hurt us much: it's a mighty +lucky thing they ain't got no firearms." + +We immediately mounted our horses and rode out upon the plain. The +instant the Indians saw us they began whooping and yelling, as though we +had done the very thing, they most desired; but Jerry was strong in the +opinion that it was our best course and we continued on. + +Every few minutes they would make a rush towards us, and we would turn +and bring our rifles up; and then they would wheel and rapidly ride away +out of possible range, when we would continue our course towards camp. + +We made but little progress; and, after riding a couple of miles in this +way, determined to make a stand, in hopes of inducing some of them to +advance within rifle-range; but they were too wary to be caught in this +manner, although they would approach much nearer than they had done +before. + +While we were debating as to the best course to pursue, we were startled +by the report of a rifle-shot, far in the rear of the Indians, who, upon +hearing the sound, rode rapidly away to the right, just as a party of +four persons came in sight. + +They were soon near enough for us to distinguish Hal and Ned among the +number, and we at once rode towards them, glad enough to know they were +safe. Their companions proved to be a Mr. Mastin, with his Mexican +servant, on his way from the copper-mines to Mesilla. + +He had fallen in with the boys, and, upon their invitation, was +accompanying them to our camp; but, having heard the sound of our rifles, +and anticipating an encounter, had hurried on to join us. + +We were delighted to meet with the boys, safe and sound, and made good +time towards camp, which we reached just about sundown. + +We found Mr. Mastin a very intelligent American; and, as he informed us, +the discoverer and part owner of the Pino Alto gold-mines, about fifty +miles above, near the _Santa Rita del Cobre_. He had resided many +years in the country, and was thoroughly acquainted with the Apaches, and +familiar with their habits and customs. + +We succeeded in making a very comfortable meal, notwithstanding our ill +luck in procuring game; and, after supper was over, we seated ourselves +around the camp-fire to hear Mr. Mastin discourse upon Apaches. + +He had once met Mangas Colorado, the head chief of the tribe, who was +called Red Sleeve, from the fact that he never failed to besmear his arms +to the elbow, in the blood of his victims. + +He described him as over six feet in height, with an enormously large +head, a broad, bold forehead, large, aquiline nose, huge mouth, and +broad, heavy chin. His eyes were small, but very brilliant, and, when +under excitement, flashed like fire, although his demeanor was like that +of a cast-iron man. + +He said that Mangas was undoubtedly one of the ablest statesmen, as well +as the most influential and sagacious of all the Chiefs of the Indian +tribes of the southwest; and related many anecdotes illustrative of his +character,--incidents that had come under his own observation,--which +entertained us until a late hour, and gave us an insight into Apache +life, that was both amusing and instructive. + +Notwithstanding we had all been so much interested in Mr. Mastin's +conversation, the boys begged him to tell them one more story before they +retired; and, as he seemed perfectly willing to comply with their +request, we filled our pipes and again gathered about him, while he +related the following:-- + +"A couple of years ago, I had occasion to visit a _rancheria_ of +Pinal Apaches in the mountains just north of the copper mines. + +"While there, my attention was called to one of the warriors, a tall, +well-proportioned and very dignified Indian, about forty years of age. He +weighed nearly two hundred pounds, and, with his broad shoulders, deep +chest, and splendid muscle, was one of the finest-formed men I ever saw, +as well as one of the ugliest; for his face was certainly the most +hideous I ever beheld, being terribly disfigured by a broad, livid scar, +that extended from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Notwithstanding +this, the fellow was a great dandy, spending many hours each day in +greasing and arranging his long coarse hair, which he ornamented with +plates of silver, bits of gaudy-colored cloth, bright feathers, and +tinsel. Every hair was scrupulously plucked from his brows and eyelashes, +and the lids of his eyes were painted a bright vermilion, giving to his +face the expression of a demon rather than anything human. + +"That he was hideously ugly, and never known to smile, were two +indisputable facts; while it was equally sure that there was no greater +favorite with the Apache belles, no braver warrior, more sagacious +counselor, mighty hunter, or expert thief in the whole tribe. + +"I learned that his name was Cadette, and that he obtained it in the +following manner:-- + +"Upon the headwaters of the Rio Gila, in Arizona, is a vast forest, that +has been the hunting-ground, as well as the home of the Apaches for +centuries. Here they have never been disturbed by the visits of the +'White Eyes,' as they term all Americans. + +"Occasionally a party of hardy prospectors, lured by reports of fabulous +quantities of gold and silver in the possession of these Indians, would +venture within the gloomy recesses of this unexplored region; but few of +them ever returned. + +"One day, while passing near the banks of the river, Cadette discovered +the footprints of a very large lion in the sand. Though armed with no +weapon but his spear, he at once determined to follow the trail. This he +decided, after a careful examination, to have been made some four hours +previous, in the early morning. It led towards a dense jungle, some two +or three miles down the river, which he concluded was the creature's +lair. + +"As he drew near the thicket, he dismounted from his pony and approached +the jungle with great caution. At this place, the river was quite narrow +and very deep, and upon its bank stood a large cedar, whose wide, +spreading branches, extending far over the stream, afforded him an +excellent opportunity to examine the interior of the thicket. + +"Into this tree the Indian climbed, and crawled out upon a large limb +directly over the river, which he fancied would enable him to obtain a +view of the supposed lair. + +"While he was peering into the jungle, he became suddenly conscious of a +movement in the thick branches over his head. Looking up, he discovered, +lying upon a large limb about ten feet above him, a panther. The animal +was preparing to spring; and, in an instant, like a flash, it sprang +towards him. + +"Almost as quick as thought itself, Cadette dropped from the limb into +the water beneath, just as the panther landed upon the spot he had so +recently vacated. + +"Once in the water, the Indian swam silently and expeditiously beneath +the surface, until he was some distance down the stream and out of sight +of the tree, when he landed under the shelter of the bank. + +"Just then a slight noise attracted his attention, and he discovered his +enemy, partially concealed in the tall bottom grass, and evidently +determined that his prey should not escape so easily. + +"Cadette was brave, but he fully realized that an unarmed Apache, +courageous as he might be, was no match for a panther; and the wary +Indian began to look about him for some means of retreat from his +unpleasant situation. While he was doing this, the creature worked +himself into a position between the Indian and the river, thus +effectually cutting off his only hope of escape. + +"What should he do? The panther was not twenty feet away from him: he +well knew that the animal could reach him at a single bound. Keeping his +eye fixed steadily upon the crouching form, the Indian began to slowly +retreat backwards. + +"While he was retreating before the stealthy, cat-like approach of the +panther, the most piercing cries, as of some human being in terrible +agony, filled the air, startling the Indian, and causing the panther to +rise from its crouching position, and listen intently for a moment with +well-erected ears, and tail gently lashing the earth. The cries were +repeated. The next moment the great creature turned, and slowly moved +away in the direction from whence the noise came, while Cadette hastily +returned to the foot of the tree where he had left his spear. + +"After securing his weapon, he started for the place where he had left +his pony; but, to his surprise, the animal was not there. Following its +trail, he soon came upon bear tracks, and concluded that his horse had +been attacked by the bear, and in his agony had uttered the cries that +had so startled him, and attracted the attention of the panther. + +"Continuing his search, he found the dead body of his pony upon the +ground. Near it was the panther, crouched, as though about to make a +spring; while, at a short distance, standing erect upon his hind-legs, +with his back against a large rock, was a huge cinnamon bear, evidently +at bay. + +"The Indian crept cautiously forward, and concealed himself behind a +great stone, from whence he could watch the approaching combat. + +"The panther lay close to the ground, with his eyes fixed intently upon +the bear, his huge fore-paws nervously contracted, while the long claws +grappled the rocks and gravel. Occasionally he uttered a low menacing +growl that showed his gleaming white teeth and blood-red tongue, from +which the saliva fell in great drops. + +"Meanwhile, the bear remained on the defensive, apparantly fearing to +move from his position, lest his more nimble adversary should take +advantage of him. + +"The savage creatures maintained their relative positions, eyeing one +another for several minutes. Then the panther gave a tremendous leap, and +grappled the bear. It was a frightful contest: each animal uttering the +most piercing cries, biting, hugging, and tearing one another as they +rolled over and over in the dust. + +"It was evident to the Indian that this fearful struggle could last but a +short time; and soon the animals, as if by mutual agreement, separated, +and, moving a short distance from one another, lay down and began to lick +their wounds. + +"While thus engaged, the panther became by some means, aware of Cadette's +presence. As though angry at such an interruption, he turned, and, with a +fierce growl, sprang towards him, instead of the bear. + +"Unexpected as was the movement, it did not find the Indian unprepared. +Planting the handle of his spear firmly in the earth, he so adroitly held +it that the panther alighted upon its sharp iron head, which passed +directly through the creature's heart; not, however, before the maddened +animal had dealt Cadette the blow that crushed his face, and inflicted a +wound the scar of which, had so terribly disfigured him for life. + +"As soon as the Indian recovered from the effect of the blow, he +succeeded in withdrawing his spear from the carcass of the panther, and +went in search of the bear, who had retreated to some distance, and was +engaged in licking the wounds he had received in his encounter with the +panther. + +"Cadette at once attacked the creature so vigorously with his spear, that +he soon succeeded in killing him; and, although suffering great pain, +managed to remove the skin from both animals; and, taking them upon his +back, bore them in triumph to the _rancheria_, more than twenty +miles distant, as trophies of his prowess in the chase." + +After thanking Mr. Mastin for a very pleasant evening, we all retired, +and were soon asleep, nor did we awake the next morning until the sun was +far up in the heavens. + +Breakfast over, we bid our guest a hearty farewell; and, with good wishes +for our safe arrival upon the Pacific Coast, he left us to pursue our +journey still further into the Apache country. + +It was after we were comfortably seated about our camp-fire, in the +evening, that I bethought myself that we had not as yet, heard Hal's +story of his capture and adventures with the Apaches. So I called him, +with the request he would narrate what had befallen him, from the time he +left our camp at Dead-Man's Hole until his release by us in the +Sacramento Mountains. + +Hal, who had evidently been expecting the invitation for some time, at +once seated himself, and, with Jerry, Ned and myself as listeners, +commenced as follows:-- + +"When Anastacio and I started for Fort Davis, we hadn't been on the road +fifteen minutes, before five Indians set upon us, from a thicket by the +road side. + +"They followed up the attack so briskly, that before we had time to +think, they had our revolvers, and our hands tied behind us. They then +took our horses and mounted us upon two of their own. We travelled over +the roughest, hardest country I ever saw in my life, until daybreak, when +they stopped at a spring to water. + +"Here they stripped us of most of our clothes, and made us ride bare-backed +until noon, when they stopped for a few minutes. I noticed that, +whenever they halted, one of them always rode to the top of the highest +hill near, and remained on the lookout there, until we were ready to +start again. + +"Before we had been long at this last place, the lookout signaled, and, +in about an hour, eight more Indians joined us, with Juanita. + +"She was very tired and terribly frightened, but when she saw me she just +cried for joy, and I tried to comfort her as much as I could; but, while +I was talking to her, a great, greasy-looking fellow came up to me, and, +taking me by the collar, pulled me away, and, putting the muzzle of my +own revolver to my head, made signs that, if I dared to speak "-- + +Here Patsey came running up, yelling at the top of his voice,-- + +"The bear's goned! The bear's goned!" Hal and Ned jumped to their feet, +exclaiming,--"Which way did he go?" and, without waiting for a reply, +darted off in search of him. + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"I hope they won't git the critter: he ain't nothin' but a cussid +nuisance, no how," said Jerry, as Hal disappeared in the gloaming. + +"It's so dark they won't be very likely to," was my reply. + +"I 'spect the Irishman had a hand in startin' him," continued Jerry. +"He's owed the critter a grudge ever since he tarred his clo'es so, the +other night." + +"How was that, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"Why, yer see the boy had been a-proddin' the critter with a sharp stick; +and, arter he got through, he was a-standin' by the wagon, and the bar +made a jump and ketched him right by his trousers-leg. This kind er scart +the feller, and he made a leap, and left the biggest part of his breeches +in the critter's mouth. Ned laughed, and told him, that one bar(e) in +camp was enough, and he'd better go an' mend up--thar he is, now," +pointing towards one of the wagons. + +I called him, and he came towards me, looking decidedly guilty. I said to +him, "Patsey, how did the bear get away?" + +"He runned away, sure, sur." + +"Yes; but how did he get loose?" + +"He aited the rope aff, I suppose, sure. I seed him goin', and thought +it'd be no harm to spake to the boys, sur." + +"That was all right, Patsey; but you didn't turn him loose, did you?" + +"I turn him loose, sur! Phat would I be doin' that fur?" + +"Well, why didn't you go out and help find him?" + +"I was afraid, sur;" examining the huge rent in his pantaloons. + +"Afraid!" said I. "What under the sun was you afraid of? your bare legs?" + +"Will, sur, I didn't know what the quinisquences might be if two bears +(bares) happened to mate in the woods." + +Just here Jerry gave one of his peculiar chuckles; and, seeing that I got +but little information from the boy, I dismissed him with the remark, +that, when we got to Tucson, he should have a suit of clothes. + +"That'll _suit_ me, your honor," was the reply, as he moved briskly +off. + +The boys soon returned, after an unsuccessful search for the bear. + +Hal was disposed to blame everybody but himself for the escape, while +Ned, with whom the bear had never been a great favorite, was inclined to +laugh at the matter, to Hal's great disgust. + +His ill nature reached its culminating point, however, when Jerry +suggested, that, "if he lied fifteen dollars more to git rid of, he'd +better bury it than give it for a cussid, good-for-nothin' bar, that +warn't nothin' but a infernal nuisance to everybody, anyway." + +Hal accepted the gauntlet thus thrown down by Jerry, and was about to +reply in no very polite language, when I changed the conversation, by +requesting him to finish the narrative of his visit to the Apaches; and, +after a little hesitation, he resumed his story as follows:-- + +"The Indian told me, that, if I spoke to Juanita again, he'd send a +bullet through my head; so Anastacio said, for the Indian spoke in +Spanish. + +"I didn't talk to her any more for several hours, but rode all the +afternoon by her side. When we got to the top of the bluff from which we +could see the Rio Grande, Juanita cried, and said that her home was +there, and Anastacio felt so bad for her that he led her horse all the +way after that. + +"When we got to the river, instead of crossing, the Indians rode into it; +and they made us all wade through the water for three or four miles, +though the whole party came out on the same side. From here we struck +into the prairie again; and, after riding for two or three hours, we +camped. + +"Juanita was so tired, she dropped to sleep as soon as we stopped; but +Anastacio and I kept awake, and saw the Indians cast a mule, and open his +veins and suck the warm blood from them. After this, they cut off +portions of the flesh and roasted it over the coals, and made motions to +us, that, if we wanted any, we must cook for ourselves. + +"We were both hungry, but we couldn't eat mule meat, then, although we +had to come to it in a little time. + +"We started by daybreak the next morning; and Juanita became so +exhausted, that, before night, she asked me two or three times to kill +her. Finally, she appealed to Anastacio; and I heard him promise her, on +a little cross she wore around her neck, that, if worse came to worse, he +would do it. + +"That day one of the Indians killed an antelope, and we all ate heartily +of it, but Anastacio. He took the meat they gave to him, and saved it for +Juanita. He carried it in his hand all day, and walked beside her horse, +telling her stories in Spanish, and trying to cheer her. He was as kind +to her as he could be, during the whole seventeen days we were together. + +"One night we slept in a great cave in a mountain,[Probably the Waco +Mountain, thirty miles east of El Paso.] where there were four or five +deep pools, of nice, clear water. Juanita was so delighted at the sight +of them that she sat on the brink of one and put her feet in it, to 'rest +them,' she said. When the Indians saw her do this, one of them struck her +with his quirt [A small, heavy whip.] over the shoulders. + +"Anastacio sprang at him like a wild beast, and I believe would have +killed him, but the other Indians took him off. They seemed greatly +amused at the fight; but said they were only saving us for their squaws +to torture, after they got us home. + +"After this they made us all walk; although Juanita's feet and ankles +were swelled so terribly that she could scarcely move: whenever Anastacio +got the chance though, he carried her in his arms. + +"One day one of the Indians brought her some fresh mule's blood to drink, +and, because she wouldn't take it, he threw it in her face, and told her +in Spanish, that, when they got to their village, he should make her his +squaw. This made her cry terribly; and I heard Anastacio tell her he'd +certainly kill her, before the Indians should have her. After that I +thought she seemed happier, and repeatedly said, if she could only see +her dear old father once more, she should be glad to die. + +"We all suffered terribly from fatigue and thirst; for, after they +thought Juanita was going to drown herself in the pool, they were very +cross to us, and used to make us do all their work about the camp. If we +refused, they stuck sharp-pointed knives into us, and struck us with +their quirts; though, after Anastacio made the fuss, they didn't strike +Juanita any more. + +"The night you rescued us was the first time they hadn't put a guard out, +since we were captured. + +"You see, they always sent one of their party back a mile or two, to +watch the trail, so as to avoid being surprised; but they had got so near +home, they didn't dream of being pursued, I suppose. + +"That day Anastacio told me they were talking of having a big dance when +they got to the village, and he was going to kill Juanita before we +reached it. He cried about it, and wanted to know if I supposed the +Blessed Virgin would forgive him if he did it. We'd just been talking +about it, when we heard the crack of Tom's rifle, and saw the Indians run +towards the wood. + +"I tell you what it was, when I heard that shot, I felt that it wasn't an +Indian's gun (it didn't sound a bit like one), and my heart jumped right +up into my mouth. + +"The Indians appeared so anxious about Juanita, that they seemed to +forget Anastacio and I, when they heard the rifle. We both run for the +hut, and saw that she wasn't there, and supposed the Indians had taken +her. Then we heard the soldiers' guns, and run towards them; and, the +next I knew, I met Ned, and was hugging and kissing him just like a girl, +I was so glad to see him. I tell you 'twas jolly, though; and, when I +found that Juanita was all right, I felt like dancing and crying in the +same minute. + +"One thing is certain: you saved Anastacio from killing Juanita, for she +never would have gone into that village alive." + +"Wall, youngster," said Jerry, "I've heered you through; and now I'd +like ter know what you think of the 'Paches; 'cause, you see, we've got +ter travel a good many hundred miles through their country, and I'd like +ter hev your opinion of 'em." + +"Why, I think they are a cruel, cowardly, treacherous tribe, as Mr. +Mastin said; and the dirtiest things I ever saw." + +"Tell me, Jerry, do you know much about them?" interrupted I. "If you do, +tell us something of their character and habits, as you've seen them." + +"Wall, I've been through their country seven times, and I've met a heap +of 'em, one way and another; but I hain't got no better opinion of 'em +than Mr. Mastin hed. They're the smartest, wickedest and cunningest, +Injins I ever seed. A Comanche ain't a touch to 'em, and I've never yet +seed a white man smart enuff to beat 'em." + +"You don't exactly mean that, do you, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That's exactly what I do mean: no more and no less," was the reply. +"You'll hev a chance ter see for yourself, afore we git through this +trip, I'm thinkin, or you'll be the only man thet ever travelled through +their country that hain't; that's my idee, sartin. Why, the cusses'll +telegraph to one another all over the country, and know just what's goin' +on a hundred miles away. + +"Americans can't understand 'em, and never will. No one ever saw a white +man look at a country as a 'Pache does: he'll see everything. Ther ain't +a ravine, gully, rock, bush, or tree, a foot high, thet he don't hev his +eye on. Now, a white man don't look at a country in that way, does he? + +[Illustration: Apache Trailing.] + +"Jest ez likely ez not, there's a Injin within a dozen yards of us; but +we wouldn't think it." + +"A dozen yards of us!" exclaimed Hal, looking around; "why, where could +he hide, I'd like to know?" + +"That's jest it, youngster. We might go within ten feet of him, and never +see him. Why, I've knowed 'em to hide behind a brown-bush, clump er +cactus, or a rock, so mighty cunnin' thet ther ain't one scout in fifty +would see 'em, let alone a stranger. + +"They'll kiver therselves with grass, and lay on the ground all day, +without movin', waitin' for a party to pass. I've been within ten foot of +one myself, and seed him, too, and thought 'twas a part of the rock he +was lying agin. + +"I tell yer, them fellers's smarter'n a whip! They be, sartin, now." + +"Well," said Ned, who had been listening attentively to Jerry's +description of the Apache character, "if I'd had any idea these Indians +were half as smart as you say they are, I'd rather have stayed in Texas +than started on the trip." + +"I wouldn't," declared Hal. "I've had about as much experience with 'em +as anybody in the party, and I don't believe they're half as smart as you +make 'em out. At any rate, I wouldn't be afraid to put my brain against +theirs." + +"Put your what, youngster?" inquired Jerry, in such an incredulous tone, +that we all burst into a hearty laugh, in the midst of which Hal retired, +leaving Jerry, Ned, and myself to continue the Apache question alone. + +"You may depend on't, we ain't a-goin' ter git through this blasted +country without more'n one brush with them fellers; and my way is ter +keep our ears and eyes open, our rifles and pistols well loaded, and meet +'em when they come;--for come they will, sartin," said Jerry. + +"Well, you must adopt such precautions and make such rules as you think +proper," was my reply. "We'll all obey them." + +"I'll set ther guard ter-night, and yer may ez well turn in now, 'cause +we must make a early start." + +We had hardly been on the road an hour the next day, before we observed +one of the remarkable signal-smokes (used by the Apaches to give warning +of the approach of strangers into their country), suddenly shoot up into +the air from a spur of the mountains several miles distant. + +Although the morning was windy, the smoke arose in a straight column to a +great height, then spread out like a huge umbrella at the top, and, in +the twinkling of an eye, was gone. + +"That means 'look out,' plain enuff, don't it?" asked Jerry. "That's what +I call telegraphin'. Now, putty soon you'll see some more answerin' of +'em." + +"Do you know what that means?" inquired Ned. + +"That means, 'Strangers is comin'.' If they'd repeated it three or four +times, it would have said, 'The party's a big one, and wants watchin'.' +But they're so fur off, I reckon they'll send two or three spies in ter +see how many thar is of us, afore we shall hear from 'em. Hilloa! there +they go," continued he, pointing to three more of the signals that were +suddenly sent up in different directions. "We're in amongst 'em, sure, +boys; so let's keep our eyes open." + +Notwithstanding we maintained the utmost vigilance during the entire +day's journey, we saw nothing of Indians, or any signs indicating their +presence; but, upon camping at night, we so disposed our wagons, that we +should be able to make a vigorous resistance in case of attack. The guard +was posted, to be relieved every two hours. Our camp was on an open +plain, with no shrubbery save an occasional brown-bush or _yucca_ +near us; and we retired, feeling as safe as we had any time since +crossing the Rio Grande. + +The night passed quietly; and, just as the grey dawn began to make +objects visible about camp, I awoke. + +I saw the guard sitting over the smoldering fire, the mules hitched to +the wagon-wheels as usual, and the remainder of the party wrapped in +their blankets, apparantly sleeping soundly; so I determined to take +another nap before rising. + +While thus lying, half awake and half asleep, I dreamily turned my eyes +towards a small bush that stood a few yards from the place where I was +lying, and, to my horror, discovered a pair of bright eyes peering at me +from between the branches. + +My first thought, that it was some animal, was speedily dissipated by +discovering the fingers of a human hand holding aside the branches so as +to give its owner an uninterrupted view of our camp; and it required but +little stretch of the imagination to plainly see the features of a +swarthy, ugly face behind them. + +In an instant I remembered the conversation with Jerry the day previous, +and decided that it must be the face of an Apache spy, and that I had +better remain quiet; knowing, that, if my surmise was correct, we need +not fear an attack from him or his companions, at that time. + +I lay for some moments,--it seemed hours,--spell-bound, watching the +face, but not daring to move even an eyelid, lest the discovery of the +fact that I was awake, should be the signal for my own destruction. I +expected every moment to hear the twang of a bow-string, and feel the +head of an arrow penetrate my flesh; for I felt confident the spy was not +alone. + +I remember watching the eyes, so steadily gleaming from between the +boughs, and comparing them to those of a tiger, about to spring upon its +prey, and then, I found myself speculating as to whether a flint +arrow-head would cause more pain than an iron one. + +While these thoughts were passing through my mind, I noticed the branches +almost imperceptibly resume their natural position and the eyes disappear +from view. + +My first impulse was to spring to my feet and alarm the camp. Then I +bethought myself of the well-known cunning of the Apaches, and determined +to remain quiet for a few moments, lest a ruse had been adopted to +ascertain if their presence had been discovered. + +Just at this moment, the guard, who had been sitting over the dying +embers of the camp-fire, arose, drew his coat closer about him to shield +him from the chill morning air, and, after taking a look around, again +sat down. As he did so, I saw the branches once more cautiously pushed +aside, and two pairs of eyes, instead of one, survey the scene. + +What should I do? A cold sweat started from every pore of my body, and my +heart almost ceased to beat, as I realized that the least movement of +either of my sleeping companions might precipitate upon us a foe, of +whose numbers I could form no estimate. + +Conscious that I had acted wisely in doing nothing myself to hasten it, I +felt equally certain I could have done nothing to avert it. + +There I lay waiting, I knew not for what. The suspense became terrible. +It seemed as though every moment had become a long hour,--as though I +dared not breathe, lest the breath should be my last. + +Suddenly, I felt that the boughs had again resumed their natural +position, and the eyes were gone. Yes! they were there no longer. Once +more I breathed freely. + +Why I did not instantly arouse the camp, I cannot tell. I waited several +minutes, then quietly cocked my rifle beneath my blankets, and touched +Jerry on the shoulder. The instant he felt it, he started; but my low "s-h" +apprised him of danger, and he again resumed his old position. + +In a low tone, I told him what I had seen. He waited a few moments and +then aroused the camp. + +No one was aware, that, during the night, Indians had been so near us, +nor did the camp show any evidence that they had entered it; but the +ground in the vicinity of the bush, which had concealed the foe revealed +very plainly the track of four moccasined feet. Although we found it +difficult to tell in what direction they had gone, yet it was quite +evident that we might, at any time, expect a visit from our Apache +friends, and our only course was to be ready when they appeared. + +Hal and Ned were disposed, at first, to imagine that the visitors of the +night previous were the creation of a dream; but the sight of their +footprints in the sand, soon dissipated that theory, while they plainly +told them the necessity of greater caution. + +Breakfast dispatched, we got under way once more; and, during the next +three or four days crossed several spurs of the Burro and Pelloncillo +ranges of mountains, and over that portion of the great Madre Plateau, +that lies along the thirty-second parallel,--but saw no Indians. + +This fact gave Hal a good opportunity to laugh at what he termed my +vision; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity. + +Jerry and I often consulted together, and wondered why it was that we +heard nothing more from the spies that had visited us; for, as Jerry +wisely said, "If they'd come along and have it out with us, one way or +t'other, he wouldn't keer; but ter keep us always expectin' 'em, is what +wears a feller out. By'm by, when we git keerless, they'll ketch us +nappin', and then, God help us, that's all." + +Our route, the next day, passed through a fertile +_cienega_,[Valley.] thence over an alkali plain. It was while +crossing this latter, that I met with an adventure, the most desperate we +encountered on the trip. Our route carried us over this vast plain, +strongly impregnated with alkali, and sparsely covered with dwarfed +mesquite with an occasional cluster of _yuccas_, scarce two feet in +height; and was so level, we could see for miles over it in any +direction. + +The road was thickly covered from five to six inches deep, with an +impalpable dust, so fine that the lightest footstep, or breath of air, +sent it in clouds above our heads. So dense was it, that it completely +enveloped our whole party, making it impossible for us to distinguish one +another, at a distance even of three or four feet. + +Jerry and myself had been riding a few rods in advance of the wagons; but +he returned to them for the purpose of giving some order, while I +continued on. So open was the plain, that it seemed impossible for any +foe to be concealed upon its surface; and we naturally abated somewhat, +the vigilance we should have maintained, had we been passing through a +rocky _cañon_, or wooded defile. We therefore rode carefully along, +shrouded in dust, but not dreaming of danger. + +Suddenly, without the least warning, three or four muskets, and a shower +of arrows, were discharged upon us from a spot not twenty yards away. + +A clap of thunder from a clear sky would not have astonished me more. + +The thought, that Hal or Ned might have been killed, passed like a flash +of lightning through my mind; for the dust was so dense, I could not +distinguish friend from foe; but I heard Jerry shout, "_Adelante! +Adelante hombres_!" and forgetting for the moment that I was already +in the advance, in obedience to the order, I spurred my horse forward, +just as the Apache war-whoop sounded, apparantly upon all sides of me. + +The spot selected for the ambush was at a point where the road passed +though a large body of prickly-pear, the terrible thorns of which, in +connection with the sharp-pointed leaves of the Spanish-bayonet, formed a +natural _chevaux-de-frise_ that no living creature could penetrate. + +I soon discovered this; and, in the expectation of reaching the train, +turned my horse's head and rode blindly back through the thick dust, +although unable to see more than a few feet from me in any direction. + +Suddenly I found myself surrounded by Indians. One stout, sinewy fellow, +naked, with the exception of a breechcloth, seized my horse by the bits, +and by main strength, forced him back upon his haunches, and in the +twinkling of an eye, I lay upon my back in the dust of the road, deprived +of my weapons, with an Apache, whose nude body had been well smeared with +grease, sitting squarely astride me, with a knee upon each arm. + +It was impossible for me to move; and I gave myself up for lost, as I +noticed the wicked, fiendish expression upon the hideously painted face +of the savage, and heard him mutter a malediction in Spanish through his +closed teeth. The next instant, the welcome crack of three or four rifles +greeted my ears. The Indian gave a start, and I saw the blood spurt from +his side. + +He gnashed his teeth, uttered a harsh, fierce exclamation of rage, and +seized my throat with one hand, while he made a desperate attempt, with +the other, to grasp my knife, which, in the struggle, had fortunately +fallen just beyond his reach. + +As he stretched forward, I felt his hold upon my throat relax; and, +making a tremendous effort, I succeeded in pitching him over my head; +then, springing to my feet, ran like a race-horse in the direction of the +shots just fired; and, the next moment, was with Jerry and the boys. + +I was so excited and bewildered, that, for a few seconds, I could hardly +realize what had passed. I soon learned, however, that, immediately upon +the attack being made, Jerry had halted the wagons, and, as he was unable +in the dense dust to form any estimate of the number of the foe, was +advancing with the men on foot, at the time they so opportunely fired the +volley which rid me of my foe. + +The Apaches left two dead bodies upon the ground; and we, three horses, +while ever after I followed the advice I had so frequently given Hal and +Ned, and kept with the wagons. + +My adventure furnished a fruitful theme for conversation around the +camp-fire for many nights. Jerry, Hal, Ned, Patsey, and even the Mexican +teamsters had a theory as to the course they should pursue under the same +circumstances; and I believe it is an unsettled question to this day, +whether I did right in turning back instead of riding forward, after I +heard the order given. + +The evening of the succeeding day brought us to the entrance of the +Apache Pass, the only _cañon_ through which we could cross the +Chirichui range of mountains, that for many years had been the home of +Cochise's band of Apaches, one of the worst that ever infested the +country. Here, it was necessary to exercise the greatest caution; for the +place was notoriously the most dangerous upon the entire route. + +Extra guards were sent out, the animals securely corralled, each man +required to sleep upon his arms, and every precaution taken to enable us +to repel an attack at a moment's notice. + +The night passed without any alarm, and Jerry chuckled at the thought +that we should probably get through without being molested. Just as we +were starting, however, it was found that one of our wagons required +repairs, that would cause a delay of several hours. As the water was good +and the grass luxuriant, we concluded to run the risk of an attack, and +to remain for the day where we were and give our animals, which were sent +to graze a limit a mile from camp, a much-needed rest. + +Jerry undertook the repair of the wagon; and, as the day was bright, the +boys determined to do some washing. + +I had thrown myself upon my blanket, and was lazily admiring the beauties +of an Arizona landscape, when Patsey approached me, and, pulling off his +brimless hat, said, "Ef yer plase, sur, the byze wants to git some +sooap." + +"What is it, Patsey?" said I. + +"It's the sooap, sur. Where'll the byze git the sooap ter wash wid?" + +"Tell them to take a spade, and go and dig some," was my reply. + +Patsey looked at me a moment, as though half inclined to think I had +suddenly taken leave of my senses, and then exclaimed, in tones of +astonishment,-- + +"Dig sooap! Where'll they go to dig it, shure?" + +"Right there," said I, pointing to a small palmilla,[The palmilla is a +species of palm, known as the soap-plant, whose roots, when bruised in +water, make a very thick and remarkably soft and white lather. The plant +is much used by the natives for cleansing clothes, and is far superior to +any manufactured soap for scouring woolens. It also makes an admirable +shampoo mixture.] numbers of which were growing all about us. + +Patsey looked in the direction indicated; and, seeing nothing that +resembled soap, regarded me attentively for a moment, and then wheeled +and darted away. + +Presently I saw the three boys coming towards me, and Ned laughingly +remarked that he and Hal wanted some soap to wash their shirts with. + +I answered, that I had just sent them word by Patsey, to go and dig some. + +Evidently Ned was as much surprised at my answer as Patsey had been; but +he mustered courage enough to inquire where he should find it. + +"There, there, and there!" replied I, pointing in rapid succession to the +plants that were growing around us. Ned stood spell-bound for a moment, +and then slowly turned towards Hal and Patsey, who were standing at a +little distance. + +As he approached them, Patsey caught him by the arm, and, with a most +knowing look on his broad, Irish face, exclaimed, "Didn't I tell yez the +boss wuz crazy, an' I wouldn't git my new clo'es, any how?" + +Wishing them to learn the merits of this truly wonderful plant that +grows so common throughout this region, I rose from the ground. Patsey +beat a hurried retreat, taking refuge with Jerry, saying, the "Boss had +gone as crazy as a bidbug, wid his diggin' sooap and givin' clo'es away, +to be shure." + +Sending Ned for a spade, I soon unearthed one of the large bulbous roots, +which I divided into pieces, and, accompanying the boys to the spring, +practically demonstrated its remarkable saponaceous qualities, leaving +them delighted with the experiment; but had hardly returned to my blanket +again when I was startled by the report of two rifles, that came from +below us, near the base of the mountains where our animals were grazing. + +However commonplace this incident may appear to the reader, to us it was +the tocsin of danger. Before the lofty crags above us had ceased to +reverberate the echoes, every man was on the alert. + +The boys came running to the spot where I stood, their bare arms dripping +with soap-suds, while the men rushed to the wagons to procure their +firearms and ammunition. + +Before we had time to fully equip ourselves, the sight of one of the +herders, rapidly approaching, told the story. He rode near enough to make +himself heard, then, checking his horse so suddenly as to almost throw +him upon his haunches, he brandished his revolver and shouted,-- + +"_Los Indios! Los Apaches!_" and, turning, rode rapidly in the +direction whence he came. + + +CHAPTER XV. + +Jerry sprang upon a horse; and shouting, "Take care er the camp!" rode +rapidly in the direction of the herd. + +Telling Hal and Ned to climb the rocks and report what they saw, I +ordered the wagons to be drawn up in a line parallel with the foot of the +bluff, thus improvising a sort of corral. + +The boys, by this time, had discovered eight or ten Indians following the +herders, who were driving the animals towards camp. I immediately rode +out to assist them. At the moment I reached the plain, a little puff of +white smoke rose on the air, far to the rear of the herders. A second +after, I saw a riderless horse galloping wildly towards the herd, where +he was lost to view. I urged my horse forward; and, by our combined +exertions, the animals were safely brought into camp and corralled. + +These secured, we turned our attention to the Indians, who were coming +down upon us like a whirlwind. + +"Don't a man fire till I give the word," said Jerry; "and remember not to +throw away a bullet." + +The Indians had paused upon the plain, nearly half a mile from our camp; +and, sitting upon their horses, were evidently considering the best plan +of attack. Suddenly, two of their number turned, and rode back towards +the spot where we had first seen them. + +"What can they be going back for?" asked Hal, who, rifle in hand, was +standing by Jerry's side, evidently anxious for an opportunity to wipe +out old scores. + +"What are they going back for?" repeated Jerry; "why, to scalp that poor +cuss they shot, I reckon. Judge," continued he, turning toward me, "jest +you try a crack at them fellers with yer new-fashioned 'dust-raiser,' +will yer?" pointing to my Sharpe's carbine. + +"I don't believe that I can reach them: it will only be throwing away a +cartridge, to make the attempt," replied I. + +"Well, jest try it," continued he; "'cause, if yer could hit one of 'em, +they'd leave mighty sudden, and save us considerable trouble." + +"Yes, you can reach 'em," said Ned. "I wish you would try." + +Dismounting, and resting the carbine over the back of my horse, I took +careful, deliberate aim, and fired. + +That the bullet did reach them, and they were badly frightened, was +evident from the suddenness with which they wheeled, and galloped over +the plain, in an opposite direction. + +The next moment, Jerry grasped my shoulder, and shouted, "You hit one of +the devils, sartin." + +Bringing my glass to bear, I saw one of the Indians reel in his saddle, +then recover himself a little, again waver, and finally fall to the +ground, while his horse continued on with the remainder of the party, +who, after riding some distance, stopped. + +In a little time, they were joined by the two who had previously left +them. Then three of their number rode towards the spot where their fallen +comrade lay; and, securing his body, one of them took it before him on +the horse, and the whole party galloped off. + +"That ere shot of yourn was a good one," said Jerry. "Tit for tat is my +rule for them varmints; an' we're even with 'em on this arternoon's work. +I reckon we'd better take a shovel along, an' bury that poor feller +that's a-lyin' there." + +"Certainly, Jerry; but wouldn't it be better to bring the body in, and +bury it here?" asked I. + +"We don't want the men to see it, ef we kin help it. It allus makes 'em +skeery; for there ain't nobody that wants to be cut and hacked to pieces, +ef they be dead, as them red devils have sarved that poor Mexican, +sartin." + +Directing Patsey to bring a shovel, Jerry and I started on our sad +errand. After riding about a mile, we came upon the body of the dead man, +stretched upon the green grass, naked, scalped, and terribly mutilated. + +For a few moments we sat upon our horses, silently gazing upon the +horrible spectacle, too much shocked to speak. The silence was broken by +Jerry, who exclaimed,-- + +"Ef them 'Paches ain't devils, then thar ain't no use of havin' any, +that's all I've got to say. A pictur like that ain't a very appetizin' +thing for a Traveller that's like to git ketched the same way, any day; +so I reckon we'd better git it under kiver." + +A grave was soon dug; and, wrapping the poor mutilated body in my +saddle-blanket, we laid it within the narrow walls, and hastily covered +it from sight; then, remounting oar horses, silently rode back to camp. + +No question was asked upon our return, and neither Jerry nor myself felt +much like talking; for the scene we had just witnessed impressed upon us +more strongly than words could have done, the responsibility as well as +constant watchfulness and care necessary in travelling through a country +so full of peril. + +The miserable fate of poor Gonzales seemed to throw a gloom over the +entire camp; for it forced all to realize how beset with danger was every +step we took, and how easily it might have been one of us, lying cold in +death, instead of the poor Mexican. + +We retired early, after taking every precaution possible to guard against +surprise, and I soon fell asleep, but was aroused a few hours later, by +terrific screams and howls from Patsey, who was capering around the camp +in the most ridiculous manner, executing as many singular and grotesque +gyrations as an Apache in celebrating the scalp-dance. The entire camp +was roused: even the guards rushed in from their posts to ascertain the +cause of the disturbance. + +[Illustration: Patsey and the Snake.] + +Neither Jerry, Hal, nor Ned could discover the cause of Patsey's terror; +for, in response to our many inquiries, he would only scratch his leg +through the rent in his trousers, and constantly jump up and down, as +though standing upon a hot griddle, all the while howling at the top of +his lungs. + +Becoming, at last, thoroughly angry, I seized the boy by the collar, and +gave him such a shaking that I finally succeeded in getting an answer to +the question, as to what was the matter. + +"Mather!" roared Patsey. "Mather enuff, God knows! Shnakes is the +mather!" making a desperate dive down into the leg of his pants. "I'm +bited to death wid a shnake, so I am. Can't yez all sae I'm a did mon?" + +Now, as far as appearances went, Patsey was a long way from being a dead +man, for he still indulged in more lively contortions than a corpse was +ever known to execute; each movement accompanied by a yell almost loud +enough to wake the dead. + +An examination revealed the fact, that the boy had heedlessly spread his +blanket over the entrance to the home of a colony of large black ants, +and the little fellows, angry at his presumption, had attacked him, in +the most spiteful manner, through the rents in his trousers. Patsey, +awakened out of a sound sleep by their stings, and remembering Ned's +adventure in the Organos mountains, had fancied himself the unfortunate +victim of a like attack. We finally succeeded in convincing him that he +was not dead, nor likely to die; and then, the camp resumed its usual +quiet. + +Early in the morning, before we were ready to start, Jerry called my +attention to several "bighorns,"--or, more properly speaking, +Rocky-Mountain sheep,--that stood perched upon a high cliff which overhung +our camp several hundred feet in the air. As these were the first we had +seen upon the route, I at once called Hal and Ned to witness the sight, +who immediately proposed to make the attempt to capture one. + +Jerry assured them it was impossible; for it would take hours to reach +the spot where they stood, or even to get within rifle-range of them. +This fact alone would prevent starting on a hunt, as we were exceedingly +anxious to get through the pass without being obliged to spend another +night in so dangerous a locality. + +This animal is somewhat larger than the common sheep, is covered with +brownish hair instead of wool, and is chiefly remarkable for its huge +spiral horns, resembling those of a sheep, but frequently three feet in +length, and from four to six inches in diameter at the base. + +It is very agile; and, secluding itself among the most inaccessible +mountain-crags, delights in capering upon the very verge of the most +frightful precipices, and skipping from rock to rock across yawning +chasms hundreds of feet in depth. + +I have been assured by old hunters, that, if pursued, it will leap from a +cliff into the valley a hundred feet below, where, alighting upon its +huge horns, it springs to its feet, uninjured, its neck being so thick +and strong, that it endures the greatest shock without injury. + +This animal more closely resembles the _chamois_ than any other +species found upon this continent, and is almost as difficult to capture. + +After leaving the pass and coming out upon the open plain, west of the +mountains, we saw, in the distance, a wild ox. + +Now the boys had, for some time, fancied that they were very expert in +the use of the lasso; and, upon seeing this ox, became seized with the +insane desire to capture him with that weapon, after the most-approved +style of the Mexican _lazador_. Remonstrance was in vain. They knew +they could do it; and away they went on their ponies, eager for the +sport, leaving the remainder of the party to watch them from a distance. + +Upon their approaching near to the old fellow, he threw up his head, +elevated his tail, brandished his long horns, and, with a loud bellow of +defiance, started directly for them. The boys evidently had not +anticipated this, for they slackened their pace at the sight, riding very +slowly towards him. + +As they approached, he commenced shaking his head, pawing the earth, and +bellowing furiously. Then he began to move slowly around in a circle, +throwing clouds of dust high in the air, and almost making the ground +shake with his angry bellowings; finally turning, however, he galloped +slowly away over the plain. + +Away went the ox, and away went the boys after him: it was a run for life +on the one side; on the other, a chase for glory. + +Hal, who was a short distance in advance of Ned, anxious to get his rope +first over the horns, finally made a cast with his lasso. At the same +moment, his pony stumbled, and away went Hal over his head, landing some +feet nearer the ox than he expected to do when he made the cast. + +Ned, who was just behind, now thundered past with lasso in hand, ready +raised to take advantage of Hal's mishap. He threw it; but the noose fell +short of the object aimed at, and encircled a stout _yucca_, that +_would_ stand directly in the way. + +And now the ox, as though understanding the misfortunes that had befallen +his pursuers, turned, and made a furious charge in the direction of the +already discomforted _lazadors_. Seeing him coming towards them, +with lolling tongue, protruding eyes, and angry bellowings, they began to +realize, that, in their case at least, discretion was the better part of +valor. Both turned and fled, leaving pony, lasso, and their courage, +behind them. + +The race now assumed another phrase: it was for safety on the one side, +and revenge on the other. + +On came the boys, Ned in the lead, on his pony, and Hal bringing up the +rear on foot; behind them, the ox, whose bellowing each moment grew +louder and more furious. Suddenly, Hal disappeared behind a clump of +mesquite; but the ox kept on in his efforts to overtake Ned, whose pony +was straining every nerve to reach the wagons in advance of his pursuer. + +When the animal came within rifle-range, Jerry quietly stepped out and +shot him through the head. Ned rode up breathless, upon his panting pony, +and said to one of the Mexicans,-- + +"Say, Juan, how do you throw a lasso? I thought I knew all about it; but +I reckon I don't." + +Hal soon came in, his hands full of thorns, his eyes full of dust, and +his clothes much the worse for his encounter with the ground, protesting, +however, that, if his pony hadn't stumbled, he should have had the old +fellow, sure. + +"But your pony did stumble, and you didn't get him; nor I, either," +remarked Ned. "And I don't think you and I had better brag any more about +lassoing until you can catch your pony down there in the +_chaparral_;" and Hal went for his pony. + +The evening of the third day from the pass brought us to the head of +Quercos _cañon_, where we came upon a party of Mexicans and Papago +Indians, engaged in manufacturing _mescal_, the native whiskey of +the country. + +This beverage is made from the roots of the _maguey_, a plant common +to this region. The roots are bulbous, and are gathered in large +quantities, and thrown into pits containing red-hot stones. + +These being filled, they are covered with grass or brush, over which +blankets are spread. The roots are allowed to remain until thoroughly +steamed, when they are taken out, placed in sacks of rawhide and crushed, +the juice escaping into earthen vessels. It is afterwards fermented in +the sun, when it becomes an intoxicating liquor, very closely resembling +Irish whiskey in taste, smell, and effect upon the brain. + +Patsey enjoyed its pungent, smoky _aroma_, with the keenest +pleasure, and, after several times tasting it, pronounced it quite "aquil +to the bist rale ould Irish whiskey," an opinion that we all endorsed +after witnessing his condition a few hours later. + +While encamped here, Ned came to me and reminded me of my promise to +Patsey; saying, that one of the Mexicans had a splendid suit of buckskin, +that he would dispose of very cheap. I traded for it, and Ned arrayed +Patsey in it. Never did king, clothed in robes of royal purple, exhibit +greater pride than did Patsey in his buckskin suit. But, alas! pride must +have a fall; and, within a very few hours, I saw him sitting on the +ground, clothed in his new suit, and protesting with maudlin earnestness +that he was the "veritable Bryan O'Linn himsilf." + +Three days later, we reached the old Mission of _San Xavier del +Bac_, one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Spanish rule, +to be found in this country. + +It was built by the Jesuits nearly two hundred years ago, and is one of +the finest specimens of Saracenic architecture to be found on this +continent. It is located on the lands of the Papago Indians, in whose +charge it now is. + +We encamped beneath the shadow of this massive pile, surrounded by the +thatched huts of the Papagos, who cluster about its cruciform walls as +though confident of its power to protect them, as it did their ancestors, +from the contaminating influences of the outside world. + +These Indians are a simple, honest, industrious tribe, quite superior to +their present situation, and claim that their ancestors have occupied the +country for more than a thousand years, and were far more civilized than +themselves. + +Many of them are as black as negroes, and nearly all are fine specimens +of physical beauty. Still, as a race, they, like the old church, are but +a wreck of former greatness. + +A ride of eight miles brought us to the town of Tucson, through which our +wagons passed to the Pico Chico Mountain, five miles beyond, where we +made our camp. + +This was formerly an old Mexican fort, and was abandoned in 1853, after +the survey of the boundary line between Mexico and the United States. + +We were here informed, that the Apaches had attacked and captured a small +train that was travelling over the route we were following, only the week +before; consequently, our chances of getting through unmolested were very +good; a piece of information that we received gladly. + +The boys and myself spent several hours in Tucson, looking about the +town, and its many curiosities, being especially interested in several +half-naked, dirty Apaches, which were lounging about, with large nuggets +of gold tied up in their filthy rags. + +Horse-racing, wrestling, gambling, drinking mescal, and shooting people, +seemed to be the principal occupation of its inhabitants, who, as a +whole, were about as villainous a looking set of cut-throats as could be +found west of the Rio Grande. + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Tucson is located in the heart of the great silver and gold bearing +regions of Arizona, and it was exceedingly difficult to prevent the boys +from loading themselves with specimens of the many ores offered for sale, +by every loafer, greaser, and Indian, that we met on the street. + +Hal managed to absent himself for a short time; and, when I found him, +had traded Ned's watch for about as small and lively a specimen of a +Mexican mule as I ever saw, which, he assured me in good faith, he had +bought for Patsey's exclusive use. + +I afterwards learned from Ned, that, ever since the boy had become the +owner of a buckskin suit, he imagined that it little comported with the +dignity of a person who could sport "sich an illegant suit, to ride in +wagins, or walk afoot, whin he ought to ride on horseback, like a +gintilmon;" promising, that, if Hal would procure him a mule in Tucson, +he would pay him double price on reaching California. + +The bargain had been made, and the mule delivered, and all I could do was +to make the best of it. I was extremely glad to get out of town so +cheaply, however; and, as it was, it became very dark before we reached +camp; for the new purchase would not be driven, and only consented to be +led, because Hal's pony was the stronger. + +Jerry's opinion of the animal was given in words more forcible that +elegant; and Hal's purchase was laughed at by all. Many were the bets +offered, that Patsey couldn't ride him; but Patsey stoutly asserted he'd +"ridden mules in the ould country, and why couldn't he do it in Ameriky?" + +Shortly after leaving camp, the road crossed a small stream, which we +knew could be easily forded. Jerry, with an eye to some sport, ordered +Patsey, who, mounted upon his mule, was feeling very grand, to lead the +way; and Patsey, nothing loth, started; but, alas! the animal refused to +take the water. + +Four times did he attempt to force him, and four times he was unseated +and violently hurled to the ground: at each overthrow, however, he +returned to the charge with fond hopes, fresh courage, and a stronger +determination to make the animal enter the stream. + +Upon the fifth trial, somewhat to our surprise and Patsey's delight, the +mule quietly approached and entered the stream, without the least +reluctance. + +We all shouted our congratulations at the boy's well-deserved victory; +while Patsey himself was so elated at his success, that he could not +resist manifesting his exultation by digging his heels into the animal's +sides, with a vindictiveness, that could not fail to stir up all its +vicious propensities; while he kept up a running tirade of abuse, after +the Mexican style, as follows:-- + +"So yez thought yez wouldn't cross the wathers, did yez (a dig with his +heels). I'm the bye that'll show yez, that, whin Patsey McQuirk's aboard +(another dig), and say's crass, ye'll crass, so yez will (dig). Ye moight +jist ez well done it first ez last, so yez moight (dig, dig), but ye'll +understand it next time, so yez will (dig, dig)." + +The mule waded on, apparantly in meek submission, until he had nearly +reached the middle of the stream, when, without the least warning, he +laid back his ears, lowered his head, and elevated his heels so quickly, +that Patsey went flying, heels over head into the stream, far towards the +opposite shore, amid the shouts and laughter of the whole party. + +He floundered about in the water for some minutes, completely bewildered. +Occasionally he would disappear; then come to the surface, half +suffocated, to again stumble, fall, and disappear; all the time calling +for "Hilp! hilp! hilp!" + +He finally reached the bank, the most woe begone, discouraged Irish boy +ever seen clothed in a buckskin suit; nor did our screams of laughter +tend to console him for his unwelcome bath: on the contrary, he began to +look about him for some one upon whom to vent his anger. + +Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, +he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started +back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground. + +At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; +but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined +to make one final effort to conquer him. + +"Ye cussid lithle hay then," cried Patsey to the mule; "I'll taych yez to +sarve an honist b'y sich a thrick ez thet, noo. Ye'll just sae how yez'll +loik the batin' ye'll get, noo;" and he proceeded to cut a stick with +which to administer the "batin';" but Jerry interrupted, and ordered +Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the +water, the mule followed without the least difficulty. + +After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what +the trouble seemed to be with his mule. + +"Faith," said he, "don't I know well enuff? The craythur's bin put up to +thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I'll be avin wid some +one, if it takes a wake's wages, whin I git to Californy." + +From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby +growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the +_Cerus Grandes,_ a remarkable species of cactus, called by the +Indians _Petahaya_, which grows to the height of forty or fifty +feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference. It is +fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that +resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by +the natives as an article of food. + +The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would +permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several +miles from our intended camping-ground. + +Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in +an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, +completely shutting in every ray of light. The darkness was so intense, +that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, +Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp. + +Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain +descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid +lightning. The thunder was terrific. As peal after peal echoed and +reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park +of artillery. So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we +involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, +and plunged and struggled to escape from the men. + +Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, +and forced to take refuge under the wagons. No attempt was made to light +a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night. + +Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our +wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the +Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall. + +We had heard many accounts of this remarkable tribe of Indians, who, for +the past eight or ten centuries, have resided upon, and cultivated the +same land. High as our expectations had been raised, we were in no +measure disappointed upon meeting them. We found them friendly, and +disposed to treat us with great kindness, freely furnishing such articles +of food as we were in need of. + +The Pimos raise fine crops of cotton, corn, wheat, melons, and +vegetables. The women weave, spin, make blankets, grind the corn, and +gather mesquite-beans. Besides doing such work, they attend to their +children, and bring all the water from the river on their heads, in large +earthen jars, frequently holding six or seven gallons, which they balance +so perfectly that they rarely spill a drop. + +The boys were much pleased with the primitive but comfortable houses, +made of poles, bent at the top to a common centre, and wattled in with +straw and corn-shucks. Each house was situated in a separate enclosure, +and surrounded by a small garden. + +The only weapon these Indians use is a bow and arrow, with which they are +very expert. + +While stopping here, we were much amused by watching a party of them +engaged in hunting ducks in one of the lagoons making up from the Gila. + +Placing a number of gourds in the water upon the windward side of the +lagoon, they were gently propelled by the wind to the opposite shore, +where they were picked up, carried back, and again sent adrift. + +At first the birds exhibited no little fear at these singular objects +floating about among them; but eventually became so used to the sight, +that they paid no attention to them. + +Observing this, each Indian cut, in a large gourd, holes for his eyes, +nose, and mouth, and then fitted it upon his head. Taking with him a long +bag, he entered the water, until nothing was seen but the gourd on his +head. Then the peculiar bobbing motion of the gourd was imitated so +exactly, that the wily hunter easily approached near enough to the birds +to seize them by the feet and drag them suddenly under the water. + +Scores of them were thus captured, and securely stowed in the bags that +they carried. + +So nicely and naturally was this done, and so great was the admiration +expressed by us all at the dexterity displayed by the hunters, that +Patsey, who had been remarkably quiet since his experience with the mule, +ventured to whisper to Ned, that "he'd aften hoonted dooks that way, in +the ould country." + +This statement, coming to the ears of Hal, by way of a joke, he proposed +that Patsey should give him a lesson in the art of gourd-hunting. The boy +at once assented to the suggestion, provided he would keep the matter a +secret from all but Ned. To this Hal agreed, at the same time taking good +care that Ned should inform us of the intended sport. + +After the Indians had obtained all the game they desired for themselves, +and we had all left the ground, Hal borrowed one of the gourds for +Patsey. This the boy fitted to his head, and, bag in hand, boldly started +into the water, just as Jerry and myself arrived upon the field of +observation. + +He waded some distance down the lagoon without meeting with any mishap; +but, just as he came near to a large flock, unfortunately stepped into a +hole, and at once disappeared from sight. + +The next moment he rose to the surface with arms extended, thrashing the +water like the paddles of a side-wheel steamboat, and making a noise not +unlike the first attempt of a young mule to bray. + +This strange performance of course frightened the birds, who rose in a +body, with a tremendous flapping of wings. This, joined to our own shouts +of laughter, so terrified Patsey, that he started for the shore, +floundering about in the water like a porpoise. + +He finally reached the bank; and then we discovered that the gourd had +slipped down under his chin, and turned completely around, with the holes +at the back of his head, in which position it was stuck fast. + +Patsey groped blindly about for a few minutes, greatly incensed at our +roars of laughter; and then, convinced of his inability to get rid of the +mask unaided, seated himself upon the ground, and quietly submitted to +have it removed by breaking it with rocks. + +The instant it was off, he flew at Hal, and would have soundly thrashed +him, "for the thrick he had put upon him," had not Jerry interfered to +prevent. This adventure, however, completely cured Patsey of boasting; +for not once again during the entire trip did he indulge in what had +heretofore been a favorite pastime. Nor was Patsey the only one who +learned a lesson while at the Pimo villages. Master Hal, who was +determined to try his hand at trading with the natives, found it anything +but a profitable business; for he disposed of nearly his entire share of +the stock of goods, for articles that were utterly useless to us, and +which we were obliged to abandon before getting through. + +Five days from the Pimo villages, we reached Fort Yuma, at the junction +of the Gila and Colorado rivers; but, with the thermometer at 118° in the +shade, we remained at this post only long enough to cross our wagons over +the Colorado, when we found ourselves upon the borders of the great +California desert, which extends in all directions as far as the eye can +reach, except towards the south-west, where, fifty miles away, a +mountain-range is to be seen, its blue peaks towering high in mid-air. + +The entire country, for hundreds of miles, is covered with a loose, +shifting, blinding, white sand, and is entirely destitute of vegetation +or water. + +We fancied we were well prepared for the journey over this vast plain; +but, notwithstanding the care taken, we suffered all the torments that +thirst can inflict, while our poor animals almost famished by the way. +Our route was plainly marked, the entire distance, by the bleached bones +and dried carcasses of mules, oxen, and sheep, interspersed with +abandoned wagons and whitened skeletons of emigrants, who had perished on +the way. At one place, we came upon a train of seven abandoned wagons, +loaded with household goods. The harnesses remained where they had been +thrown, after removing them; provisions were lying exposed upon a box, as +though the family had been obliged to leave before finishing the meal; +but not a living creature was in sight and, from the general appearance +of the scene, we judged it must have been deserted for weeks. It was a +sad sight: such a picture of desolation, as I care never again to +witness. + +Who the owners were, from whence they came, whither they were bound, or +what was their fate,--must stand one of the secrets of the desert, until +revealed at the final day. + +After three days of terrible suffering, we reached the banks of Carrizo +Creek. It would be impossible to describe the eagerness with which all, +men and animals, plunged down its steep banks, or how we laughed and +shouted as the murmur of its sparkling waters fell upon our ears, or with +what pleasure we laved our burning flesh in its coolness. + +This oasis in the desert is deserving a more extended description than I +can give here; for it probably has not its equal in the world. The stream +rises in sand, flows through sand, and disappears in sand; having worn +for itself a channel about a mile in length, fifteen or twenty feet deep, +and nearly thirty in width. The water is clear, and deliciously cool and +sweet. + +Here, under the benign influence exerted by this spring, we all for a +time forgot our troubles: even Patsey so far forgave Hal for the "thricks +he had put upon him," that I saw them sitting together, waist-deep in the +water; the Irish boy utterly oblivious of the fact that he had neglected, +before taking his bath, to remove the "buckskin suit," which had already +become considerably shrunken and curtailed, of its fair proportions, by +reason of its previous wettings. + +During the night we encamped here, I suddenly awoke from a very sound +sleep, and saw the form of old Jerry, standing in bold relief in the +moonlight upon the top of the bank, and Apparantly gazing far out into +the desert. + +He stood so long motionless, that I thought him asleep; but, upon +speaking, to my surprise he came and seated himself by my side, and said, +"Look here, judge, I want to tell yer a story. Will yer hear it?" + +I told him I would, with pleasure; and he began as follows:-- + +"It was nine year ago this spring, and the first trip I ever made across +this desert. We hed been six days from Yuma to this place: the sun all +the time like a ball of fire, and the sand so hot it burnt one's naked +feet to a blister. Not a drop of water hed we hed for our animals for +three days, and only a teaspoonful for ourselves. + +"On the mornin' of the sixth day, my thirst became so great, that I +determined to start out by myself, and find water. I give my mule the +rein, and he brought me to the edge of this gully; and, when I looked +down into it and see the clear, cold water sparklin' and shinin' like +diamonds, why, I burst right out into a loud laugh. + +"After I stopped laughin', and was a-gittin' down towards the water, I +heerd a kind of noise from the other side of the creek, and looked up; +and, the first thing I see, settin' on the edge on t'other side, was a +boy about twelve years old, tryin' ter call to me. + +"At first I couldn't believe my own eyes; but I shut 'em up for a minute, +and looked again, and there he was, as plain as day, and not another +livin' creeter but my old hoss in sight. + +"Well, I was beat, an'no mistake. Bless me! I kin see the little feller +jest as I seen him that morning,--and a perfect little gentleman he was +too. Yes, and I've seen his pale, thin face and great starin' brown eyes +a-lookin' into mine, a thousand times since that day. + +"I went right over to where he was, and spoke ter him. The little feller +smiled when I came up, and shook his head, as much as to say, that he +couldn't speak. I asked him where he came from, and where his folks was, +and how they come ter leave him alone on the plains, with nobody to look +out for and take care of him; but he only shook his head, and looked up +into my face so piteous and sorrowful like, that I felt my heart go right +out to him. I couldn't understand how the little feller got there; for +his clothes were all new,--the soles of his little boots warn't even +stained. + +[Illustration: A Mystery.] + +"Well, I talked to him a long time afore I remembered I hadn't had a +drink myself; so I asked him if he wanted water, and he nodded his head. +I went down to the creek there, and filled my hat, and warn't away more +than three minutes; but, when I got back, he was gone."--"Where did he go +to, Jerry?" asked Ned, who, unperceived, had been listening to the story. + +"Go to," echoed Jerry, "ther ain't anybody kin tell that. Why, I hunted +every foot, for a mile around, and couldn't find a sign of his trail; and +I never have seen or heerd of him since. Now, judge, I seen him, felt +him, talked to him, and know he was there; and thar hain't never been a +doubt in my mind as to what become of him." + +"Well, Jerry, how do you account for his disappearance?" inquired I. + +"Angels!" was the sententious reply. + +"Pooh!" remarked the matter-of-fact Ned; "angels don't wear clothes and +boots." + +"How do you know?" inquired Jerry. + +"Why, I never heard they did," answered Ned. + +"Did you ever hear they didn't?" continued the old man. "I never believed +in 'em much afore then, and I sartin hain't bed no reason to, on this +trip, so far as I know. Now, judge, you're the first one I ever told that +story to; and it's true, every word of it. What do yer reckon become of +him, if 'twain't angels?" + +"I can't say, Jerry," was my reply. "That is one of the secrets of the +desert, which I cannot answer." + +"Well, I reckon I've talked, about as long as I ought to, at this time of +night; but I've never come this way since then, without thinkin' thet +perhaps I might see him again. I never shall, though, I reckon; and I +s'pose I'd better give up all hopes of it, and may as well go to bed +again." + +As soon as he had gone, Ned crawled over to my side, and said, "Do you +really believe that it was an angel Jerry saw?" + +I endeavored to explain to the boy, that Jerry had been the victim of one +of those strange illusions defined in Sanskrit, as "The thirst of the +gazelle," which is frequently experienced by travellers in the desert, +causing them to imagine they see those objects in which their souls most +delight, but which exist only, in their imaginations. Nor is it possible, +ever after to convince the beholder, that the vision was not real. + +The following day's journey carried us out of the arid, desert country, +through magnificent groves of oak, over beautiful green prairies, and by +ranches, whose cattle were, in truth, "feeding on a thousand hills." The +contrast was as surprising, as it was graceful and pleasing; and, when at +last we reached the summit of the high land that overlooked the beautiful +blue waters of the Pacific, and saw, cozily nestled on the plain below +us, facing the sea, the quaint old town of San Diego, with its +magnificent date-palms, and rare old architecture, we all fairly shouted +for joy. + +The dangers and perils we had passed through, the privations we had +suffered, the petty jealousies that had arisen, the unkind words spoken, +--all were alike forgiven and forgotton in the rapture caused by the sight +of that "shining shore" we had travelled so many weary miles to see. + +Our arrival at San Diego was most opportune, for there was a great +scarcity of goods in the market, which enabled us to dispose of ours, at +such prices that we realized a handsome profit, after paying the expenses +of our entire trip. + +Indeed, we found ourselves in the possession of so much money, that we +deemed it advisable to hold a consultation, as to the best manner of +investing it. + +Hal declared, that he would speculate with it; and thereby take the +chance of doubling the capital in a few weeks, perhaps days. + +Ned was for purchasing a stock of goods in San Francisco, and going into +general merchandise. + +Jerry declared for a stock-ranche, and I--why, I decided with Jerry, of +course. + +"And what do you say, Patsey," called out Ned. + +"Well, I'd take the money, an' buy me a new buckskin suit, and sthart +back for the ould country, shure. Divil a day would yez kitch me stoppin' +in a counthry like this, iny longer thin it would take to git out of it." + +After properly canvassing the matter, we decided to purchase a ranche, +stock it well with cattle, and place it in charge of old Jerry, with Hal +and Ned as assistants, and Patsey as "general utility boy." + +The ranche, under old Jerry's management, has become a valuable piece of +property, branding over a thousand calves the last spring. + +Hal, who, since his arrival here, has corresponded regularly with +Juanita, is now on a visit to Chihuahua, and the last letter I received +from him spoke of his marriage as a settled thing in the coming fall. +After that interesting event is over, he proposes to bring his wife home +with him. + +Ned is one of the most respected and honored citizens of San-Diego +county, and Patsey is growing rich from the profits of a small country +store. + +Old Jerry is alive, and insists upon having his camp-fire lighted every +night, smoking his pipe by the cheerful blaze, and telling a story. Then +he spreads his "painter-skin," and "turns in;" for nothing will induce +the old man to sleep within the four walls of a house. He says "it chocks +him right up, so, he can't; fur the life of him, he don't see how a white +man can stan' it." + +And now, my dear readers, having crossed the Continent together, and at +last found a home upon the shores of the beautiful Pacific, you and I +must part; but, if you ever chance to visit San Diego, come and see us at +the Buena-Vista stock-ranche, and you shall hear old Jerry tell a "story +of the road," beside his camp-fire, and receive from Hal and Ned a +genuine Western welcome. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + + +******* This file should be named 10810-8.txt or 10810-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/1/10810 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a> + +Title: The Young Trail Hunters + +Author: Samuel Woodworth Cozzens + +Release Date: January 23, 2004 [eBook #10810] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + +</pre> + +<center><b>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Gary Toffelmire, Sjaani,<br /> + and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr /> +<br /> +<br /> +<table width="80%" border="0" align="center"> + <tr> + <td> + <h1 align="center">THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS</h1> + <div align="center"><img src="images/img01.jpg" alt="Prairie On Fire" /> </div> + <h2 align="center">OR, THE WILD RIDERS OF THE PLAINS.</h2> +</td> +<td> + +<br /><hr style="width: 45%;" /><br /> + +<p>THE VERITABLE ADVENTURES OF HAL HYDE AND NED BROWN, +ON THEIR JOURNEY ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS +OF THE SOUTH-WEST.</p> + +<br /><hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <div align="center"><br /> + </div> + <h2 align="center">BY</h2> + <h2 align="center">SAMUEL WOODWORTH COZZENS</h2> + + <h3 align="center">1877</h3> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<h3>TO THE READER.</h3> + +<p>From my youth up, no book ever fascinated me like one of travel and +adventure in Indian lands, where danger attends every step; and, +believing that the hair-breadth escapes of my young friends, Hal and Ned, +in crossing with me, the great plains of the South-West, a few years +since, will prove entertaining, as well as instructive, I have taken +great pleasure in recounting them.</p> + +<p>The delineation of the habits, characteristics, and barbarous customs of +the savages, who, for centuries, have roamed over those vast plains, is +the result of my personal observation among these, now fast vanishing, +Indian tribes.</p> + +<p>If this narrative proves a sufficient inducement for you to follow "THE +TRAIL HUNTERS," to the end, a future volume to be entitled "CROSSING THE +QUICKSANDS, OR HAL AND NED ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE," will acquaint you with +some of the startling adventures befalling my young friends, after +reaching their homes in the far west.</p> + +<p>Hoping to merit your hearty commendation, I have the honor to subscribe +myself, THE AUTHOR.</p> +<br /> + +<h3>CONTENTS.</h3> +<br /> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap1">CHAPTER I.</a></strong><br /> +The Wild Mustangs.—Hal and Ned.—The Black and the Bay.—Manuel the +Herder.—The Mustang-breaker.—Life on a Stock Ranche.—A Sudden Start.— +On the Road.—The Lone Mule.—The Stampede.—Attacked by Comanches.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap2">CHAPTER II.</a></strong><br /> +Under the Wagons.—The Lost Stock.—Jerry Vance the Wagon-master.—His +Pluck is aroused.—We take the Trail.—The Comanche Camp.—A Surprise.— +The Result.—Visitors.—Cuchillo, the Comanche Chief.—The Missourians. +—The Arapahoe Guide.—The Farewell.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap3">CHAPTER III.</a></strong><br /> +The Return to Camp.—The' Boys Missing.—A Search.—Treed.—The Wild +Mexican Hogs.—An Adventure.-The Combat.—The Release.—A Cry of +Distress.—An Ugly Customer—The Panther.—A Terrible Struggle.— +Victory.—Old Jerry wounded.—Camp at last.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap4">CHAPTER IV.</a></strong><br /> +Jerry's Story.—"Byse hain't got no Bizness on the Plains, nohow."—A +Hunting Expedition.—Antonio, the "Mustanger" of the Leona.—"Creasing" a +Wild Horse.—The Prairie-dog Town.—Wild Turkeys.—The Missing Boys. +Prisoners in the Hands of the Comanches.—The "Lingo" of the Plains.—The +Ransom and Rescue.—Dog Meat.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap5">CHAPTER V.</a></strong><br /> +Comanches in the Distance.—Attacked.—The Fight.—The Arapahoe Scout to +the Rescue.—Wounded.—Comanche Signals.—More Trouble.—The Ambuscade.— +A Night Attack.—A Mule killed.—Ned's first Indian.—"A'stonishin' +Boy."—Old Jerry's Pride.—Once more on the Road.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap6">CHAPTER VI.</a></strong><br /> +The Track in the Sand.—What made it.—A Lesson on Trailing.—What +constitutes a good Woodsman.—A Discovery.—Indians.—A Female Captive +To the Rescue.—Our Ride.—A Run for Life.—The Fight.—Death.—More +Hints about Trailing.—The Mexican.—Old Jerry's Observation.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap7">CHAPTER VII.</a></strong><br /> +The San Pedro.—An Antelope Hunt.—We strike a Fresh Trail.—An Attack of +"Buck Fever."—Hal a Victim.—I endeavor to comfort him.—A Promise.—The +Black-tailed Deer.—The Call and the Snake.—Another Attempt.—Defeated +by a Panther.—The Rio Pecos.—The Country through which it runs.—Old +Acquaintances in the Distance.—On a Bender.—Ned to the Rescue.—Old +Jerry's Bear Story.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></strong><br /> +The Comanche War Trail.—A Visitor in Camp.—Hal loses his Pony.—An +Adventure with a Horse-thief.—Creeping Serpent.—Hints on Horse-stealing. +—Dust in the Distance. Hal recognizes his Pony.—A Good Shot.— +Its Effect.—The Prairie on Fire.—Imminent Peril.—Hard Work.—Comanche +Springs.—Fort Davis.—A Pretty Girl,—Patsey McQuirk.—Ned kills an +Antelope.—Don Ramon.—The Camp attacked.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap9">CHAPTER IX.</a></strong><br /> +Juanita captured.—A Brutal Murder.—Once more on the Trail.—We lose +it.—The Hide for Life.—Return to Camp.—The Messenger to the Fort.— +Terrible News.—The Dragoons in the Saddle.—Hal taken Prisoner.—Off for +El Paso.—We start for the Silver Mines.—The Cave.—Adventure with a +Bear.—The Mine.—What we saw.—We start for Fillmore.—Good News.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap10">CHAPTER X.</a></strong><br /> +Tom Pope the Scout.—His Report.—An Expedition planned.—Tom's Story.— +A Comanche Village.—The Prisoner.—A New Way of Cooking Steak.—Big +Eagle the Chief.—An Escape, and Pursuit.—Soldiers from the Fort.—Our +Expedition starts.—The Organos Mountains,—Ned's Adventure with a +Rattlesnake.—We strike the Trail and follow it.—Hard Riding.—A +Discovery.—Is it Comanche or Apache?—The Moccasin.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap11">CHAPTER XI.</a></strong><br /> +The Tell-tale, and what it said.—Jerry's Decision.—The Ride.—A +Reconnoissance.—The Indian Camp.—Military Rule.—A Happy Thought.—The +Rifle-shot.—The Rescue.—How Ned obeyed the Lieutenant's Orders.—On +the Rampage.—Hal on Hand.—The Spoils.—Rejoicings over Juanita's +Return.—What Tom says.—Ned wounded.—A Mountain Carriage.—Arrival at +the Fort.—The Little Gold Ring.—Good-bye, Juanita.—"Disrispict."—A +Fight.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap12">CHAPTER XII.</a></strong><br /> +Once more on the Road.—We cross the Rio Grande.—Mesilla.—Hal's +Purchase.—A False Alarm.—A Ludicrous Scene.—An Unexpected Arrival in +Camp.—Patsey's Adventure with the "Divil."—"That bar" again.—What +Jerry says.—An Unsuccessful Hunt.—A Startling Echo.—Apache Visitors.— +El Chico.—The Apache Chief.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></strong><br /> +Mr. Mastin.—Mangas Colorado.—Cadette.—A Terrible Battle.—Hal begins +his Story of Apache Land.—An Interruption.—"The Bear's goned."—The +Pursuit.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></strong><br /> +A Bear Hunt.—Patsey explains.—A Promise.—Continuation of Hal's Story.— +Warm Blood.—A Feast of Mule Meat.—The Mountain Cave.—A Punishment.— +Despair.—The Crack of a Rifle.—Liberty.—The Smoke Signal.—The Spy.— +The Two Eyes.—A Horrible Situation.—Relief at last.—A Dissertation on +Apaches.—Their Manners and Customs.—A Surprise.—A Desperate +Adventure.—Arrival at Apache Pass.—"Sooap."—An Attack.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap15">CHAPTER XV.</a></strong><br /> +The Herd in Danger.—We rally.—The Fight.—Death and Burial.—Patsey in +Trouble.—"Shnakes."—A Lively Dance for a "ded Mon."—Rocky Mountain +Sheep.—A Description of them.—The Wild Ox.—Not a Success as +<i>Lazadors</i>.—An Exciting Chase.—Tit for Tat.—The Boys worsted.— +Mountain Dew.—Patsey pronounces.—The Buckskin Suit.—The Old Mission.— +Arrival at Tucson.</p> + + <p><strong><a href="#chap16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></strong><br /> +Hal's Trade.—The New Mule.—A Storm.—Patsey's Ride. A Laughable +Adventure.—We start at last.—The Pimo Indians.—Manners and +Manufactures.—A Duck Hunt.—"How they hoont Ducks in the ould +Counthry."—A Bath.—Arrive at Yuma.—Crossing the Desert.—Terrible +Suffering.—Carrizo Creek, and the "Thirst of the Gazelle."—Jerry's +Story.—Angels.—Arrival at San Diego.—Good News.—A Stock Ranche.—Mrs. +Hyde that is to be.—An Invitation from Old Jerry.</p> + + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<h1>THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS.</h1> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap1"></a><h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<p>"Boys, the mustangs will be up from the range this morning. Which of you +want to go down to the corral with me?"</p> + +<p>"I do! I do!" exclaimed both in the same breath.</p> + +<p>"I spoke first," cried Hal.</p> + +<p>"No, you didn't; I spoke first myself," retorted Ned.</p> + +<p>"I say you didn't," rejoined Hal.</p> + +<p>Seeing that the dispute was likely to become a serious one, I interrupted +it by saying,—</p> + +<p>"Well, boys, I'll settle the matter at once by taking you both with me. +In this way there'll be no chance for a quarrel."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" exclaimed Ned. "We can both go; ain't that nice?"</p> + +<p>"But I spoke first, though," declared Hal. "Never mind which spoke first. +If either of you want to go with me, you must come now."</p> + +<p>We immediately started towards the corral; but, before reaching it, I saw +the herd coming over the plain towards us, their heads high in air, as +though sniffing the morning breeze, their necks proudly arched, and long +manes and tails gracefully flowing to the wind, as they pranced and +gambolled along the high swell of land that marked the gentle descent to +the valley where we stood.</p> + +<p>As soon as the boys discovered them, they went into raptures, +exclaiming,—</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a big drove of horses! Whose are they? Are they all yours? +Can't I have one to ride? What are you going to do with them?" and a +hundred other questions, asked more rapidly than I could possibly find +opportunity to answer.</p> + +<p>As the mustangs came nearer, and the boys began to distinguish more +clearly their elegant forms and beautiful color, they became greatly +excited, declaring loudly, that, if they could only have one of them to +ride, they should be perfectly happy.</p> + +<p>I found great difficulty in so far repressing them, that they would not +frighten the herd which was now close to the enclosure; but finally +succeeded in keeping them quiet, by promising that each should have one +for his own.</p> + +<p>When the last of the gang had passed into the corral and the gate was +shut, the boys mounted the wall, eager to select their ponies. This was +soon done: Hal choosing a beautiful black, and Ned deciding upon a +spirited blood-bay mare.</p> + + <img src="images/img02.jpg" alt="In Camp" align="left" /> + <p>Calling Manuel, the Mexican herder, I gave the requisite order, and he +entered the corral, lasso in hand. He stood for a moment, waiting his +opportunity, and then, swinging the rope gracefully over his head, the +noose dropped upon the neck of the black.</p> + +<p>The instant she felt it touch, she lowered her head, in an endeavor to +throw it off; but Manuel anticipated the movement, and gently tightened +it; when, with a snort of defiance, she settled back on her haunches, as +though inviting him to a trial of strength.</p> + +<p>After many and repeated failures, by the exercise of great patience and +skill, Manuel succeeded in separating her from the remainder of the herd, +and leading her into another and smaller enclosure.</p> + +<p>And then commenced the contest with the bay. The herd had by this time +become very sensitive, and it was with great difficulty that Manuel +managed to cast his noose over the mare's head; and, even when this had +been accomplished, she seemed disposed to make him all the trouble +possible; but, after a long time, he obtained the mastery, and led her +out to share the fate of her black companion.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, you've got the ponies, what are you going to do with them?" +asked I.</p> + +<p>"Do with 'em? Why, ride 'em, of course," answered Hal.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see some one ride mine, before I back her," remarked Ned.</p> + +<p>"And so you shall," said I. "Come, Manuel, let's see you ride the bay."</p> + +<p>First obtaining one end of the lasso, which still encircled her neck, he +made a turn around a stout post, which enabled him to bring her head so +perfectly under his control, that, with comparative ease, he made a loop +with his lasso around her lower jaw; then, leading her into the open +plain, he vaulted lightly upon her back.</p> + +<p>The moment she felt his weight she uttered a scream of rage, and raised +herself upright upon her hind legs, standing so admirably poised that +Manuel was only able to retain his seat by clinging with both arms around +her neck. Unable to rid herself of her burden in this manner, she planted +her fore feet firmly on the earth, and elevated her hind legs high in the +air with great rapidity and fury, forcing the rider to turn quickly upon +her back and clasp his arms tightly around the barrel of her body, +bracing his toes against the point of her fore shoulders, and thus +rendering futile all her frantic efforts to unseat him.</p> + +<p>Apparantly convinced that neither of these methods would relieve her, she +stood still for a moment, as if to gather strength for a last, grand, +final effort for her freedom; then, bounding like a deer, she dashed +furiously over the plain.</p> + +<p>Away she sped, Manuel still upon her back, now disappearing for a moment +in some ravine, to again come in sight, galloping madly over the swell of +the plain, swerving neither to the right nor the left, but once more +disappearing, to finally become lost in the distance.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I ain't on her," said Ned. "Will she ever come back? If she +does, I don't want to ride her. Didn't she just fly, though? Do you +believe I shall ever be able to manage her?"</p> + +<p>"I think perhaps after Manuel gets through with her, you'll find it +easier than you imagine," was my answer.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to ride as well as Manuel," remarked Hal. "I wonder if all +Mexicans ride as nicely as he does."</p> + +<p>"Many do; and there are thousands of Americans in Texas who ride equally +well, if they do not surpass him in horsemanship."</p> + +<p>"Then I mean to learn how to do it," rejoined Hal; "and I won't be +satisfied until I do."</p> + +<p>"You may as well commence now, on your black, Hal. She's waiting and +ready for you," remarked Ned.</p> + +<p>"Thank you! but I believe I'll wait and see how the bay comes out. Come, +let's go and see the beauty," said Hal; and the two started for the +corral, to discuss the probable relative speed of the captives.</p> + +<p>A couple of hours later, we saw Manuel returning; the mare trotting as +quietly as though she had been accustomed to the saddle for years. Riding +up to where we stood, he dismounted; and, handing Ned the end of the +lasso, said,—</p> + +<p>"There, youngster, throw this over her head, and lead her to the corral. +She'll fancy you're the one who first gained the mastery over her, and +you won't have no trouble in riding her when you want to."</p> + +<p>Ned led her to the corral, and then Hal's mare was obliged to submit to a +similar experience; and, after that, the boys, with Manuel to instruct, +mounted their ponies and took their first lesson in mustang riding.</p> + +<p>Hal Hyde and Ned Brown were two boys who had arrived from the East the +night previous to the morning on which our story opens.</p> + +<p>They were the sons of two old friends of mine, and had been sent to +Texas that they might learn something of life upon a stock-ranche.</p> + +<p>It is not my intention, however, to relate their experience during the +few months they remained on the Ranchee; for they found, after the first +novelty had worn off, the life was dull and exceedingly tiresome. So +monotonous did it become in fact, that it was with difficulty I persuaded +them to remain, even until the fall, when I intended to make a journey +overland to California.</p> + +<p>As the time drew near for me to start, the boys became so anxious to +accompany me, that I finally decided to travel with my own team, instead +of taking the stage to San Diego, as I had originally intended. I +purchased four stout wagons, and thirty mules with harness and outfit for +the road, complete; and engaged the services of an old Texan named Jerry +Vance, as wagon-master for the trip. We also bought a small but +well-selected lot of goods, suitable for either the Mexican or Indian +trade; laid in a large stock of stores for use on the road; and then +awaited the departure of some "freighter" for the "Upper Country," that +we might take advantage of the better protection afforded by a large +party in travelling through a country infested by hostile bands of +Indians.</p> + +<p>The boys became very impatient to be off; for we had gone into camp near +the headwaters of the San Pedro, four miles above the city of San +Antonio, and their only amusement consisted in practising with their +rifles or revolvers or exercising their ponies.</p> + +<p>At last (it was the first day of September) Jerry brought word to camp, +that, on the following morning, Magoffin's train, consisting of seventeen +wagons, forty men, and two hundred mules, would start for Fort Fillmore, +nearly a thousand miles away upon our direct route.</p> + +<p>This was indeed agreeable news; and the boys could hardly contain +themselves for joy at the thought of so soon being on the road.</p> + +<p>Every one about camp went to work with a will; for there were many things +yet to be done before we should be ready to leave.</p> + +<p>Mules were to be shod, harness examined, wheels greased, nuts tightened, +firearms put in order and freshly loaded, wagons repacked, and, in fact, +a thousand things that are always postponed until the last minute before +starting on a trip like ours.</p> + +<p>Shortly after sundown, however, old Jerry announced everything ready, and +then we gathered around our camp-fire, and the boys spent the evening in +asking him questions about the route, which were easily answered; for he +had passed over it seven times, and met with hundreds of adventures on +the road, that afforded both instruction and amusement for his listeners.</p> + +<p>It is the story of our trip across the plains, from San Antonio, Texas, +to San Diego, California, as well as some of the adventures we +encountered on the road, that I have to tell you.</p> + +<p>Long before daylight the next morning I was awakened by the noise and +confusion in camp, incident to a first start. Men were shouting at the +mules; mules were braying; whips cracking; wheels creaking; and, far +above all, I could hear the loud voices of Hal and Ned, now giving orders +and endeavoring to instruct old Jerry how to catch an unruly mule that +seemed disposed to make some trouble, and again cautioning every one to +make no noise, for fear of disturbing me before my breakfast should be +ready.</p> + +<p>Springing to my feet, I found that the teams were already harnessed, and +only waiting the appearance of our travelling companions to start.</p> + +<p>Breakfast was soon dispatched, the camp equipage, blankets, etc., stowed +in one of the wagons; and very shortly the still morning air bore to our +ears the distant rumble of heavy wagons, the shouts of the teamsters, and +the many sounds indicating the approach of a large train. Presently the +herd of spare mules was seen, and then the covers of the wagons. We +mounted our ponies, old Jerry called out in a cherry tone, +"<i>Vamose</i>!" the teamsters cracked their whips, the mules pulled with +a will, and we fell in behind the wagons, and were at last fairly on the +road, bound for the "Golden State."</p> + +<p>As the first rays of the rising sun flashed athwart the beautiful green +prairie, the boys gave a yell of delight at the sight, which was indeed a +glorious one;—the long line of wagons, each drawn by eight mules, +stretching far ahead and following the tortuous windings of the road, +their white covers, blue bodies, and bright red wheels presenting a +contrast to the sober green of the surrounding country that was at once +pleasing and unique.</p> + + <img src="images/img03.jpg" alt="Leading The Train" align="left" /> + <p>As we realized the truly formidable appearance of the caravan, Hal, with +his usual impetuosity, declared that there wern't Indians enough in the +country to whip us; for confirmation of his opinion, appealing to old +Jerry, who, however, only shrugged his shoulders after the peculiar +manner of frontiersmen, and said, "<i>Quien sabe?</i>" or, who knows?</p> + +<p>For five long days we followed the road, without meeting with any +incident worthy of note. The settlements had all been passed, Fort Clark +left far behind, and not an Indian been seen by any of our party.</p> + +<p>On the evening of the eighth day, we encamped upon the banks of the +Nucces. It was a beautiful night. The young moon was fast sinking behind +the line of the distant mountains, leaving us to enjoy the light of our +camp-fire, and admire its ruddy glow, reflected on the snow-white covers +of our wagons. These were parked in a semi-circle around us, and forcibly +recalled to my mind the stories I had read in my boyhood, of gipsy +encampments upon some grand old English barren.</p> + +<p>"Now I call this comfort," said Hal, as he lazily stretched himself upon +a blanket before the fire. "Eight days on the road, and we haven't seen +an Indian. I don't believe there are any. Now what's the use of standing +guard and shivering round the camp half the night, watching for Indians +that never come?"</p> + +<p>"I come on first to-night, and shall stand my watch, at any rate," said +Ned. "And before it gets any darker, we'd better drive the mules down to +water."</p> + +<p>"Do you think," asked Hal, appealing to me, "that there's any need of +standing guard to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly I do," replied I. "It's always best to be on the safe side. +Why not exercise the same precaution to-night that we have since we left +San Antonio? It is impossible to tell how near Indians may be, or when +they will attack us. Travellers on the plains should be prepared for any +emergency."</p> + +<p>"True as preachin'," interrupted old Jerry. "They ain't so very fur off, +either. I've seen 'em signalin' all the afternoon, and signalin' allers +means bizness with them red varmints. If we don't see 'em to-night, we +shall afore a great while, and I think—"</p> + +<p>"Never mind what you think," interrupted Hal, saucily. "You are always +imagining things that never come to pass. I guess you've been pretty +badly scared some time by Indians."</p> + +<p>"Wal, young man, when you've travelled over these plains as many years as +I hev, maybe you'll know more about Injuns than you do now, and maybe you +won't," rejoined Jerry, in a tone of contempt, as he slowly moved away in +the direction of the herd.</p> + +<p>Asking Jerry to make sure that the animals were properly secured, I threw +myself down on Hal's blanket, and gazed into the fire.</p> + +<p>Jerry and the boys soon returned, saying that the animals were perfectly +safe; but somehow I found it impossible to rid myself of the impression +made by Jerry's casual remark. Calling him to me, I asked him more +particularly about the signals he had seen. His answer did not relieve my +uneasiness, for he said,—</p> + +<p>"Them varmints don't make smoke for nothing; and, when you see 'em in so +many directions, it's a sure sign that they're gatherin' for mischief: at +least, that's my 'sperience."</p> + +<p>As it was still early in the evening, I determined to walk over to +Magoffin's camp, which was about a quarter of a mile above us, and +ascertain if his men had seen anything to cause them to apprehend danger. +I found that Don Ignacio, the wagon-master, fully corroborated Jerry's +statements about the smoke signals, adding that he intended to have a +very strict watch kept that night.</p> + +<p>With, tins information I returned to camp; and, after telling the boys +what I had heard and cautioning them to keep a sharp lookout during their +watch, I "turned in," resolved to nap "with one eye open" myself.</p> + +<p>I lay for a long time trying in vain to compose myself to sleep; but, +finding it impossible to do so, concluded to rise and endeavor to walk my +nervousness away.</p> + +<p>Without thinking of my firearms, I sallied forth, and must have travelled +nearly a mile, when I came suddenly upon a mule, standing alone, a short +distance from the roadside.</p> + +<p>Supposing it to be one of our own, which, through carelessness, had been +permitted to stray from the herd, I attempted to secure it, with the +intention of leading it back; but, to my surprise, it started and dashed +furiously away across the prairie, in an opposite direction from camp.</p> + +<p>I well knew that a mule, when alone on the plains, is one of the most +docile creatures in the world, and will permit any one save an Indian to +approach it without making an effort to escape; consequently, the more I +thought of the matter the more singular it seemed. Returning to camp, I +found old Jerry awake and on the alert, and briefly told him what I had +seen, asking him if he did not think it a strange thing for the animal to +do.</p> + +<p>Without a moment's hesitation he replied,—</p> + +<p>"Strange? no! That air lost critter of yourn was a Comanche scout's, you +bet; and, bein' a scout, he couldn't have done nothin' else, 'cause it +might hev spilt their entire calculation. You'll hev a chance ter see him +agin afore mornin', I reckon."</p> + +<p>"But there was no Indian with the mule," I insisted.</p> + + <img src="images/img04.jpg" alt="Comanche Riding" align="right" /> + <p>"Ten to one there was, though," replied Jerry. "You ain't so well +'quainted with them Comanches as I be. They're cunnin' fellers! They +never show themselves when they're on a horse, or in a fight. They just +stick closer'n a tick to their hoss's side, and do a heap of mighty good +shootin' from under his neck, I can tell you. Why, I've seen forty of 'em +comin' full tilt right towards me, and narry Injun in sight."</p> + +<p>"If you think they are going to attack us, Jerry, hadn't we better rouse +the camp at once, and notify Magoffin's people?"</p> + +<p>"We'd better just tend to ourselves, and let other folks do the same; and +as to rousin' the camp, why them boys is a heap better off asleep than +they would be round here. That's a nice sort of a guard, ain't it?" said +Jerry, pointing to Hal, who was slumbering soundly near the fire. "That's +just what he was doin' when I got up; and on his watch too. We can git +along without any such help as thet. Air your shootin'-irons reddy?"</p> + +<p>Before I had time to reply to his question, the sharp, shrill war-whoop of +the Comanches fell upon our ears, ringing out on the still night air with +a yell fiendish enough to paralyze the stoutest heart. For a single +instant it lasted, and then the most unearthly din that can possibly be +imagined filled the air; while the neighing of horses, the braying of +mules, beating of drums, and discordant jangle of bells, accompanied by +an occasional discharge of firearms, rendered the scene as near +pandemonium as it is possible to conceive.</p> + +<p>We saw a dozen or more dusky forms coming towards us, and Jerry and +myself raised our rifles and fired.</p> + +<p>Hal, Ned, and the teamsters were by this time awake; the latter being +obliged to give their whole attention to the animals, which were making +frantic exertions to escape.</p> + +<p>The boys rushed in the most frightened manner from one place to another,—not knowing what to do or where to go,—only adding to the terrible +confusion; until, by Jerry's direction, they ensconced themselves under +one of the wagons, with orders not to leave it without express +permission.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap2"></a><h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<p>As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them +ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If +ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us, +that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't +no more danger to-night."</p> + +<p>At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon, +both looking exceedingly foolish.</p> + +<p>"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal, +turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I +wasn't scart a particle."</p> + +<p>"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you +won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we +shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man."</p> + +<p>"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see +about the mules, Jerry."</p> + +<p>"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now," +said Jerry.</p> + +<p>An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken +in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised, +they were the ones that had been tied by the boys.</p> + +<p>"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would," said Jerry; "and, judge, ef they've lost any, and +will let me hev twenty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back +afore ter-morrow night at this time, or you may call old Jerry a liar, +and that's what no man ever done yet, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think it can be done, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sartin of it," was the confident reply.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll go over and talk with Magoffin; and, if he's lost any stock +and will lend us the men, I've no objection to your making the attempt."</p> + +<p>"You bet, judge, he'll see for himself, that them cussed varmints won't +hev more'n four hours the start; an', ef he'll let us hev the men, we kin +ketch 'em, sartin."</p> + +<p>I visited Magoffin's camp, and found it, like our own, in some confusion. +I ascertained, however, that Magoffin himself was not with the train, +which was in charge of his <i>major-domo,</i> or head man, Don Ignacio. +Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules +were missing. I then briefly stated Jerry's proposition, to which Don +Ignacio immediately assented, offering to accompany the expedition +himself.</p> + +<p>Word was sent to Jerry; and, half an hour afterwards, when I reached +camp, I found him ready for a start.</p> + +<p>Hal and Ned were both extremely anxious to go; but Jerry would not hear +to it for a moment, declaring they must remain and take charge of camp +during our absence.</p> + +<p>The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from +Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three +days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of <i>atole</i> [Wheat and +brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold +water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked +beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every +man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty +rounds of ammunition in his belt.</p> + +<p>A delay of a few moments only, and we were off.</p> + +<p>We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly +direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,—</p> + +<p>"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for +the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the +Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the +Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean, +and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur +as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on."</p> + + <img src="images/img05.jpg" alt="Trailing" align="right" /> + <p>Uttering the single word, '<i>Adelante!</i>' or 'Forward!' we started in +a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily +followed.</p> + +<p>Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success +of our expedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the +Indians must necessarily be somewhat impeded by the large number of +animals they were driving before them.</p> + +<p>The trail followed the course of the river for several miles in the +direction of the Concho Springs; but, at last, turned abruptly to the +left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the +waters of the Pecos from the headwaters of the San Pedro, leading us +directly towards the former stream.</p> + +<p>For many hours we rode, hoping each moment to obtain a sight of the +Indians. No stops were made, except to permit our animals to drink a few +swallows from the streams we crossed, or when we removed the saddle and +bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass +through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and +animals began to show unmistakable signs of fatigue, and it became +evident that we must halt for rest and supper. While discussing the +subject with Jerry, he suddenly grasped my bridle-rein, and pointed out a +bright speck on the distant horizon.</p> + +<p>"St! there they be!" he exclaimed. "That's them. The fools didn't 'spect +ter be follered, and they've lighted some rosin weeds ter cook their +supper with. We've got 'em, sartin."</p> + +<p>A halt was ordered; and, in an incredibly short time, our animals were +picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a <i>reconnoissance</i> +of the Comanche camp, and the men were enjoying a hearty supper.</p> + +<p>I was greatly amused to see the facility with which they accommodated +themselves to the situation. No sooner were their suppers eaten and +cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, +with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to +sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake.</p> + +<p>While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight +eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, +and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some +settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment.</p> + +<p>At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had +been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his +master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal +in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me.</p> + +<p>Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into +it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the +animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had +undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently +gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly.</p> + +<p>Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should +have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our +animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for +the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two +miles distant.</p> + +<p>The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to +remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into +two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don +Ignacio.</p> + +<p>Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible +until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. +Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to +pay its respects to the camp itself.</p> + +<p>Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable +each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from +Jerry, which was to be the bark of a <i>coyote</i>, or prairie wolf, +three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every +man was expected to take care of himself.</p> + +<p>The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the +darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio +and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to +the top of a slight elevation, where we dropped upon our faces and peered +over into the enemy's camp.</p> + +<p>With the aid of my glasses, by the uncertain, flickering light of their +fire, I could see every object in the camp distinctly.</p> + +<p>One Indian was bending over the coals, as though in the act of warming +himself; while, about the fire, lay five others, wrapped in their +blankets, and evidently fast asleep.</p> + +<p>A little distance below them, I could just discern the dark outline of +the herd, quietly feeding. It was evident that they neither knew nor +dreamed of pursuit.</p> + +<p>It was a splendid night: not a cloud was to be seen; and, although there +was no moon, the heavens were thickly studded with stars. No sound +disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and +listened for the signal that was to decide our fate. How many voices, +before another hour, might be hushed in death? I asked myself the +question, but there came no answer.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, the stillness was disturbed by the quick, snarling yelp of a +<i>coyote</i>, so natural, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it +was the creature itself and not old Jerry. Again I heard it, seemingly +more distinct and nearer than before. Would it be repeated?</p> + +<p>My heart almost ceased to beat as I asked the question, and I held my +breath in my anxiety to hear. Will it ever come?</p> + +<p>Ah, yes! there it is: quick, sharp, and unmistakable, followed by the +report of a single rifle.</p> + +<p>The next instant, the sound of a dozen shots burst upon the air, mingled +with the terrible, unearthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all +rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, through the whizzing of arrows, +the ping of bullets, the shouts of Mexicans, and the yells of Indians.</p> + +<p>It was such a scene of excitement that I hardly knew what I was doing, +although I fully realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time +to do more than this, I saw Jerry coming towards me. As he came up, he +said, in tones that carried cheer with them,—</p> + +<p>"Well, Judge, we're in luck; fifty mules and two varmints is a pretty +good night's work. How many hev you got up here?"</p> + +<p>An examination revealed three dead bodies in camp, making in all, five +Indians killed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We +quickly despoiled the camp; giving the plunder to the men, and leaving +the dead bodies behind us.</p> + +<p>But two of our party were injured—and they slightly—by arrows. Upon +reaching camp their wounds were carefully dressed; after which we partook +of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of +the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as his presence +was really very necessary in camp, with my permission, he would take his +men—leaving enough behind to assist in driving the <br /> +stock—and hurry on.</p> + +<p>This would not inconvenience us, and enable him to arrive in camp several +hours earlier than ourselves.</p> + +<p>Jerry at once acquiesced in the arrangement, saying that three men, +besides ourselves, would be all we should require.</p> + +<p>Don Ignacio detailed that number to remain with us; and, with the balance +of the party, left us.</p> + +<p>We made very fair progress during the night; and, when morning dawned, +were a long distance on our road.</p> + +<p>An hour or two after daylight, old Jerry's keen eye detected, upon an +elevation in the distance, a party of three Comanches. We were in hope +that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that +they had seen us, for one of their number turned and rode towards us, +waving a blanket in the air. This, Jerry said, was indicative of a desire +for a parley.</p> + +<p>After a short conference together, Jerry decided it was better for us to +ride out and meet the party, rather than permit them to join us.</p> + +<p>We accordingly prepared for the expedition, giving the Mexicans +instructions to proceed quietly with the stock.</p> + +<p>As we approached the Indians, their leader, an old man apparantly about +sixty years of age, with a singularly cunning and wicked looking +countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while, +with much solemnity, he announced himself as <i>Cuchillo</i>, a Comanche +chief, and a great friend of the whites.</p> + +<p>While Jerry was conversing with the old fellow in Spanish, I made myself +familiar with the general appearance of the party. They were dressed each +with a buffalo rug thrown over his left shoulder in such a manner as to +allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their +feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the +seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon the ground. These, +with leggins made from a piece of blanket, which was wrapped about the +leg below the knee and fastened with a thong of buckskin, heavily +fringed, and the breechcloth, completed the dress.</p> + +<p>Each was painted in a most hideous manner, in ochre and vermilion mixed +with a whitish clay.</p> + +<p>Cuchillo shortly produced a well-worn greasy paper from a small bag he +wore around his neck, which he handed me, making a sign that I was to +read it.</p> + +<p>It was as follows:—</p> + +<p>"The Bearer, Cuchillo, is a Comanche Chief, who says he is a friend of +the White's. My advice is not to Trust him, or any other sneakin' varmint +like him. BILL POPE."</p> + +<p>I handed the paper to Jerry; who, after reading it, gave it back to its +owner with the remark, it was <i>muncho bueno</i>, or very good.</p> + +<p>The chief received it with a smile; and, as he returned it to the little +bag, remarked,—</p> + +<p>"Very good, <i>me bueno amigo</i>" (good friend).</p> + +<p>"P'raps yer be," remarked Jerry, in English, "but yer ain't ther sort I +hanker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we +must be a-goin', an' you an' me hain't got no use for one another, no +how."</p> + +<p>But our Comanche friends were not to be shaken off, so easily; for, even +after bidding them good by, Cuchillo insisted upon accompanying us; and, +rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry was +obliged to make a virtue of necessity, and assent to the proposition with +as good a grace as possible.</p> + +<p>It was evident that curiosity at least was one of the motives that +actuated the Indians; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about +them, evidently expecting to see a larger party with us, and expressing +surprise at the quantity of stock we were driving.</p> + +<p>Jerry informed them that we had a large company a few hours' ride to the +north; and had been out purchasing some stock from another party, who +were encamped to the south of us a few miles.</p> + +<p>This information seemed to cause them some surprise; for they asked many +questions concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, +etc., all of which Jerry answered in a straightforward manner, to their +evident satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Cuchillo was very curious in regard to our revolvers,—of which each man +in our party had two, in addition to his rifle,—and at last we +determined to show them that we were well armed, and ready for any +emergency. I set up a small mark at the distance of sixty or seventy +feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of +both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest +astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition +to leave. With many professions of friendship, Jerry endeavored to +persuade them to accompany us to our camp; but they declined, promising +to visit us on the morrow; and, after a most affectionate farewell, +Cuchillo and his braves left us, riding towards the south-west.</p> + +<p>"There," exclaimed Jerry, as soon as they were fairly off, "ef there +don't go as sneakin' a varmint as there is in the whole Comanche nation, +I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, +expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may find 'em. The +thing for us to do is to git our cattle into camp ez soon as possible. We +kin hurry 'em some, and I reckon we'd better do it."</p> + +<p>We made good progress for a couple of hours; and, on reaching the top of +a "divide," saw a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, +slowly making its way through the tall bottom grass of the valley beneath +us, surrounded by quite a number of men on horseback.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" cried Jerry, "there's friends. This is the fust party we've +seen out on the plains since we left San Antonio. We mustn't let 'em go +by without overhaulin' 'em."</p> + +<p>We soon came up with them; and they proved to be Capt. Blodget and four +companions from Missouri, on the way to Fort Davis, accompanied by an +Arapahoe Indian as guide.</p> + +<p>We were, of course, delighted to meet with Americans, and eagerly +questioned them as to their adventures on the road; but they had seen no +Indians; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from +the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of +meeting the prowling bands, who generally followed the course of the +road, in expectation of more successfully conducting their thieving +operations.</p> + +<p>We soon parted with our new friends, and set out once more on our way to +the Nueces.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img06.jpg" alt="The Missourians" /> <br /> + </div> + <hr align="center" style="width:45%;" /> + <div align="center"><br /> + <a name="chap3"></a></div> + <h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<p>Our arrival in camp, during the afternoon, was the signal for a general +rejoicing among the men, who loudly applauded the determination and pluck +shown by Jerry in pursuing and overtaking the thieves.</p> + +<p>My first inquiry was for Hal and Ned, and was told that they had gone out +after a flock of wild turkeys that had been heard clucking in the pecan +trees, not far from camp. They had taken their guns with them, and +expected to be back by noon.</p> + +<p>Thinking they would soon return, I went over to consult with Don Ignacio +about resuming our journey; but, as the water and grass were much better +where we then were than at the next stopping-place, the California +Springs, it was decided to remain encamped until morning.</p> + +<p>Accepting an invitation to dine with Don Ignacio. I did not return to my +own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that +the boys had not put in an appearance.</p> + +<p>Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen +them.</p> + +<p>His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and +they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought +to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't +afraid of Injuns, no how."</p> + +<p>"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we +ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing +had happened, they would have returned before this."</p> + +<p>"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business +travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched +up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and +set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their +trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks +of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a +large post-oak opening, three or four miles away.</p> + +<p>The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to +dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding +beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for +some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks +in the earth.</p> + +<p>"Antelope tracks," said I.</p> + +<p>"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's <i>havilina</i> +tracks."</p> + +<p>"What are they?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, +ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a +dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of +them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know +where ter find them boys."</p> + +<p>"Where?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an' +good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of +them, if possible," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so +fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no +bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a +sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin' +critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each +moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of +the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest +as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing +to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin."</p> + +<p>As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention +of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near +them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost +impossible to hear the sound of our own voices.</p> + +<p>My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention +of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite +as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs +could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be.</p> + +<p>As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"Take keer! take keer! we'd better look out;" and, without further +explanation, he began to climb a tree.</p> + +<p>I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches +of a post-oak.</p> + +<p>We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us. I must +say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw +the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures. They crowded beneath +the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white +tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and +striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that +the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault.</p> + +<p>They seemed as agile as cats, and occasionally one more ferocious than +the others would bound up, until I began to think I should be obliged to +leave the limb on which I was sitting.</p> + +<p>As soon as we were fairly fixed on our perches, and had time to take a +survey of the situation, we opened fire upon them to such good purpose +that we killed nine with our revolvers. This wholesale slaughter seemed +only to excite the fury of the others, for they commenced gnawing the +trees so fiercely that Jerry became alarmed, and urged me to use all +possible dispatch in reloading my pistol.</p> + +<p>Fortunately there were only ten of the animals left, and these we finally +managed to silence. After descending from the tree, I found Jerry in +anything but an amiable mood, at "the idee of an old hunter like he was, +bein' treed by a lot of hogs;" and, as usual, he declared that "them +cussid boys" was to blame, "for boys hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how."</p> + +<p>By the exercise of considerable caution in approaching the herd, we +managed to get quite near without attracting their attention; and I asked +Jerry if it wasn't strange that the boys gave no sign of being aware of +our presence.</p> + +<p>"Sign!" said Jerry; "how could they give any sign when I couldn't hear my +own shots? Why, the only way I knowed if thet pistol went off or not was +by watchin' fur the smoke: the critters kep' up such a squealin' that I +couldn't hear you speak a word. I'll bet my hoss agin a chaw of terbacker +that them boys hain't heerd a shot we've fired, an' dunno we're within five +miles on 'em."</p> + +<p>Taking advantage of our former experience, we approached as near and as +quietly as possible, obtaining position beneath a tree,—in the branches +of which we could place ourselves if necessary,—and then opened fire +upon them with our revolvers, with such good effect, that the remainder +of the herd took to their long legs and were soon out of sight.</p> + + <img src="images/img07.jpg" alt="Wild Hogs" align="left" /> + <p>When the last of them disappeared, the boys dropped to the ground; but so +cramped were their limbs from their long confinement, that it was some +time before they could stand. While they were getting "the kinks out of +their legs," as Jerry termed it, we counted our game and found twenty-two +of the creatures dead, and the ground strewn with portions of flesh, +bristles and bones, all bearing evidence of a fearful fray.</p> + +<p>As the boys claimed to have killed but one of the creatures, we called +upon them for an explanation; and, from their story, it appeared, that, +shortly after leaving camp, Ned, who was in advance, had come upon a +large flock of turkeys, and discharged one of the barrels of his gun at +them without effect.</p> + +<p>Soon afterwards they discovered the tracks of the <i>havilinas</i>. +Supposing they were either antelope or deer tracks, they followed them +into the grove, where they discovered the herd of hogs, quietly feeding +upon the mast with which the ground was thickly strewn.</p> + +<p>Without a moment's hesitation Ned discharged the contents of his other +barrel at the animals, thinking they were hogs that had escaped from some +herd that had been driven across the country.</p> + +<p>The shot did not penetrate their thick hides far enough to do anything +but irritate and madden them, and the whole herd rushed towards the boys, +who, frightened at their formidable appearance, jumped into the nearest +tree, where they had been obliged to remain until released by us.</p> + +<p>Once fairly out of reach of the infuriated creatures, they rather enjoyed +the situation for a time; Hal feeling confident that he could, at any +moment, frighten them away by the discharge of his rifle.</p> + +<p>Finally, becoming tired of the fun, he discharged his rifle and killed +his hog; but this only seemed to make the creatures more ferocious, and +then, for the first time, the boys became really alarmed.</p> + +<p>As hour after hour passed, and the hogs showed no disposition to depart, +Hal began to despond, declaring that no help would reach them before they +should starve. Ned, however, kept up heart, until the infuriated +creatures began to devour the dead body of their comrade.</p> + +<p>The smell of the blood and taste of the flesh maddened them to such a +degree that they began a warfare among themselves, furiously striking at +and cutting one another with their long, sharp tusks, killing and +trampling under their feet the weaker, and then greedily devouring the +dead; all the while filling the air with their sharp, shrill cries.</p> + +<p>The boys, who had, up to this time, been hoping that assistance would +come from some source, were about giving up in despair, when they +witnessed the slaughter made by our revolvers and knew that succor had at +last arrived.</p> + +<p>As soon as they were able to walk, we guided them to the spot where we +had left our mules, and placed them in the saddles, directing them to +camp; Jerry and myself resolving to walk.</p> + +<p>Shouldering our rifles, we started towards the bank of the river, +believing it to be a shorter route than the way we had come. Although it +was fast growing dark, we had no fear but that by this route we should +reach camp quite as soon as the boys.</p> + +<p>While passing through a grove of pecan trees, about a couple of miles +from camp, my attention was suddenly arrested by the cry of some person, +apparantly in distress.</p> + +<p>"Hark, Jerry," said I; "did you hear that? Some one's in trouble—wait a +minute."</p> + +<p>"Thunder! judge, hain't you been in Texas long enough to know a painter's +yell when you hear it? That was a reg'lar out-and-out painter you heard. +I've—"</p> + +<p>Just at this moment, a prolonged, heart-rending wail trembled upon the +stillness of the evening air: so piercing, yet so plaintive, was it, that +it sent a shudder through my frame I have not forgotton to this day.</p> + +<p>"That critter ain't very far off," exclaimed Jerry. "Mebbe we'll git a +shot at him; though they're nasty things to hunt at night, fer yer can't +see 'em, they lay so clus onto the limbs."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever kill one?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"Yes, four on 'em; the last one was down on the Sabinal, just about a +year this time. I was—"</p> + +<p>At this point, he was again interrupted by the animal's cry; this time so +near, that we both stopped short and cocked our rifles, for it seemed as +though he could be but a few feet from us.</p> + +<p>"I tell you one thing, Jerry, I don't much like walking through this +grove, with one of those creatures so near; I'd rather take to the open +prairie. Besides, it's getting so dark I can't see anything."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! yer ain't afraid o' one of them critters, be yer? You jest foller +me; they never trouble any one unless they're hungry."</p> + +<p>"But this one may be hungry," suggested I.</p> + +<p>"Well, never you fear, you jest foller me," said Jerry, starting on.</p> + +<p>I followed as quickly as possible; but had hardly taken a dozen steps, +ere I heard a quick exclamation, as of pain or surprise from Jerry's +lips, accompanied by a low, snarling growl, followed by a sound like that +produced by two persons rolling on the ground together. There was violent +breathing, angry ejaculations, the crashing of underbrush, and, before I +had time to think what it meant, I caught sight of a dark mass, evidently +rolling over and over upon the ground, a few feet in advance of me. I +could not distinguish what it was in the darkness, but suddenly caught +sight of two balls of living fire.</p> + +<p>Bringing my rifle to my shoulder, and scarcely pausing to take aim or to +reflect upon the consequences of the shot, I fired.</p> + +<p>The next moment Jerry sprang to his feet with a—</p> + +<p>"Thunder! that was a tight squeak, and no mistake. Ef you hadn't fired +when you did, it'd been all up with me afore this time. The critter +didn't give me no fair show; he lit right onter my shoulder here, and's +tared it some I reckon, by the feel; howsoever, we kin git at it easy +anyway, but if it hadn't a bin for them boys—well, boys haint got no +bizness on the plains, no how."</p> + +<p>I made an examination of the wounded shoulder, as well as I could in the +darkness, and found that the creature's claws had entirely stripped it of +clothing, besides badly lacerating the flesh.</p> + +<p>Jerry declared, 'twasn't much, no how; and he could walk to camp as well +as not. As soon as we arrived there, I made a more thorough examination, +dressed the arm carefully, and was soon utterly oblivious of the fatigues +of the previous forty-eight hours.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap4"></a><h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<p>The sound of Jerry's voice, as he related the story of his adventures the +night previous, awoke me in the early morning.</p> + +<p>I, dreamingly, heard him say,—</p> + +<p>"I didn't see the critter when he jumped; not till he lit right onto my +shoulder, and the heft of him hed knocked me down and he was atop o' me. +Yer see that gin him a heap the start.</p> + +<p>"I seed his big mouth right clus to my face, an' his jaws wide open; so I +rammed my left arm right in a 'tween 'em, so that he couldn't git no +purchase onto me to chaw, and he hadn't really hed no chance ter bite, +when the judge fired. He didn't do it a mite too soon, though, you bet. +Ef it hadn't a bin for you boys—well, boys hain't got no bizness on the +plains, no how. I'm all right now, and good for a dozen painters yet; but +this is the biggest one I ever seed. Thunder! but I must hev thet skin; +ain't it putty?"</p> + +<p>I laid and listened for a short time to the exclamations of wonder and +admiration uttered by the boys while examining the carcass, with no +little amusement.</p> + +<p>"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have +shot him with my rifle as easily as any one."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a +bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old +Jerry, I'd a shown 'em—"</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that +tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned.</p> + +<p>"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal.</p> + +<p>"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster. +Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder +this morning?"</p> + +<p>"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty +sore, but I kin git along all right with it."</p> + +<p>I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry +advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although +Magoffin's train had been gone some hours.</p> + +<p>After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain +in search of antelope, and had gone some three or four miles from camp, +when Ned called my attention to a horseman in the distance, leisurely +riding along, almost diagonally to our own course.</p> + +<p>We hastened forward so as to intercept him; but, seeing us approach, he +turned and rode towards us.</p> + +<p>He was a Mexican, tall and gaunt, mounted upon a superb black mustang +stallion. His dress consisted of a short spencer jacket of dark blue +cloth, with loose sleeves; gaudily embroidered and laced along the seams; +pants, confined by a scarlet silk sash at the waist, and open at the +sides, through which the wide Mexican drawers were plainly visible; a +broad, brimmed, low-crowned hat, of Spanish manufacture, with a band of +silver bullion, covered his head, and boots of alligator hide, heavily +spurred, were upon his feet.</p> + +<p>He rode a deep-treed Mexican saddle, with housings of leather, +grotesquely stamped: upon the pommel hung, neatly coiled, a lasso of +beautifully braided rawhide.</p> + +<p>He also carried a long rifle. His powder-horn and bullet-pouch, being +suspended from his left shoulder.</p> + +<p>As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired +if we had chanced to see a "gang" of wild mustangs during the day; saying +that he was known as Antonio, the "mustanger" of the Leona, and that his +occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs.</p> + +<p>We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to +think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks +he had been following.</p> + +<p>The boys were eager to learn the <i>modus operandi</i> of catching wild +mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was +obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would +ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it +was done.</p> + +<p>Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to +see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger," +rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a +small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away.</p> + +<p>As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too +wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by +"creasing."</p> + +<p>"How do you do that?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"With my rifle," answered Antonio.</p> + +<p>"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal.</p> + +<p>"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it," +said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs +again, you'll know just what to do."</p> + +<p>It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they +started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that +we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly +curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away. +Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal.</p> + +<p>Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of +the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's +side, securing him with ropes.</p> + +<p>In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the +shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the +Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and +lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a +manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the +most determined efforts, to escape.</p> + +<p>They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized +this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently +caress him. He was a noble old fellow,—a snow-white stallion with brown +mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed.</p> + +<p>As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to +ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it +until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it.</p> + +<p>The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the +cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large +nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though +shot through the brain.</p> + +<p>We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly +entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated +Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of +camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river +bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with +this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content.</p> + +<p>The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay +over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a +prairie-dog town, and for hours my ears were greeted with—</p> + +<p>"Did you see that one?"—"Ain't they funny little things? so cunning!"— +"How can we catch one?"—"Just look at that owl!" and a hundred similar +exclamations.</p> + +<p>The boys were vastly amused by the curious antics of these little +fellows, who, although not human, possess many of the most distinguishing +characteristics of humanity, in their actions. They have often been +classed with the marmot by prairie Travellers; but, to my own mind, +partake more of the nature of the squirrel or rabbit. In frisking, +flirting, sitting erect, or barking, they resemble the former; while, in +feeding and burrowing, they may be classed with the latter.</p> + +<p>They are exclusively herbivorous, and live upon the fine, short grass +that is generally found growing in abundance in the vicinity of their +towns, which are always located upon arid, elevated plains, at a great +distance from water.</p> + + <img src="images/img08.jpg" alt="Prairie Dogs" align="right" /> + <p>During the two days that our route lay through this town, we made many +attempts to capture one of the little fellows; but they cleverly evaded +all the snares set for them, invariably dodged at the flash of our +pistols, chattering away as lively as ever, while the little brown owls +and rattlesnakes that shared their houses with them fell frequent victims +to the boys' rifles.</p> + +<p>After leaving their town, Hal declared, that, if he and Ned could remain +behind the train for a few hours, he knew they could capture one; +becoming so urgent in his appeal, that I finally yielded a reluctant +consent to the project, cautioning them under no circumstances, to remain +away from the train more than two or three hours. This they faithfully +promised not to do, and departed; notwithstanding Jerry pronounced it as +downright foolish a proceedin' as he ever seed.</p> + +<p>Four or five hours later, when we reached our camping ground for the +night, neither of them had overtaken us, and I began to feel alarmed at +their prolonged absence. My apprehensions were somewhat relieved for the +moment by one of the men, who informed me he had seen their animals +coming over the "divide" some three or four miles in our rear.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later, however, when the riderless animals came galloping +furiously in, with their long lassos dragging in the dust behind them, +the camp became a scene of confusion indescribable.</p> + +<p>Labor of all kinds was suspended, and everyone anxious to hear what +everyone else thought.</p> + +<p>Jerry gave it as his opinion, that the animals had escaped from the place +where Hal and Ned had left them; still, he reckoned some one ought to go +back and search for them, "Cause the plains warn't no place for boys, no +how."</p> + +<p>Saddling our horses and taking three of the men with us, Jerry and myself +rode back towards the dog-town, discharging our pistols and making all +the noise possible, in order to attract the attention of the youngsters +in the darkness. Occasionally we listened for a reply; but not a sound +could we hear, save the snarling yelp of some prairie-dog, disturbed by +the unusual noises, or the sharp, shrill cry of the night-hawk, that +rapidly swooped over our heads.</p> + +<p>In a state of great anxiety, we passed a wretched night; and, at +daylight, commenced a thorough search for traces of the missing boys. +Finally Jerry discovered their tracks in the road leading towards camp; +and it seemed possible that we might have missed them in the darkness, +and, if we at once returned, should find them with the train.</p> + +<p>We had proceeded scarcely more than a mile on the way back to camp, when +I noticed that Jerry, who was a short distance in advance, suddenly +stopped, as though waiting for me to overtake him. As I rode up, he +pointed to a fresh Indian trail, crossing our road almost at right +angles, and said in a low tone,—</p> + +<p>"Ez sartin ez you're livin', the Comanches hev got 'em! That trail ain't +twelve hours old, and there's a dozen of the varmints ef there's one."</p> + +<p>"Then let us instantly follow and retake them," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"That's a heap easier said than done," replied the old man. "We won't +stan' much show, chasin' a dozen or twenty Comanches, and they ez likely +ez not, forty miles ahead of us. Still, we've got ter git them boys +somehow; and the fust thing towards it is ter go ter camp and git some +grub, 'cause a man can't fite wuth a cent on a empty stomach."</p> + +<p>There was truth in Jerry's observation. We therefore urged our animals +into a brisk canter; but, when within about two miles of our camp, his +keen eyes detected, upon a rise of the ground some distance to our right, +a solitary figure, motionless upon a horse.</p> + +<p>At the sight we halted; for the figure commenced waving a large blanket +in the air, then urged his animal forward, and came toward us at full +run.</p> + + <img src="images/img09.jpg" alt="Lone Indian" align="right" /> + <p>"He shook that air blanket ter let us know that he's friendly and wants +ter speak to us; but I reckon I'd better find out who he is, afore he +comes any nearer" said Jerry, as he spurred his horse forward to meet him.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching a small knoll a few hundred yards in advance of us, Jerry +suddenly stopped and held up his right hand, with the palm outward. Then +he slowly moved it backward and forward a few times; when, to my great +surprise, the Indian checked his horse, and sat as though awaiting +further orders. Again Jerry raised his hand; this time moving it before +and across his face three or four times.</p> + +<p>The Indian, who appeared to comprehend these signs perfectly, answered by +making a graceful, undulating motion with his right hand, not unlike the +wriggling movement made by a snake in crawling. Then he elevated both +hands high above his head, clasped closely together; then, apparantly +satisfied with this pantomime, he started at a rapid pace toward us. +Jerry turned; and, seeing my looks of astonishment, hurriedly said,—</p> + +<p>"That ere's the lingo of the plains. Every Injun understands that. I told +the feller to stop and explain who he was. He answered that he was a +Comanche, and friendly. Mebbe we can git some news of the boys from him, +though we shan't ef he ain't a mind to tell, for Injuns is mighty +clus-mouthed critters."</p> + +<p>At this moment the Comanche rode up. Bringing his horse abruptly to a +stand-still, he extended a very dirty hand, ornamented with finger-nails +that closely resembled the talons of an eagle.</p> + +<p>"Me Senaco, good Injun," he exclaimed, in pretty fair Spanish.</p> + +<p>"Of course you be," replied Jerry, in English. "Whoever seed a bad Injun, +ef you let him tell his story?</p> + +<p>"We've got to pretend to believe the lyin' varmint or we shan't find out +nothin' from him, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>As this was the first opportunity I ever had of examining a live +Comanche, I regarded this specimen with some curiosity; for a friendly +Comanche in those days was indeed an anomaly.</p> + +<p>The Indian's body was entirely naked, with the exception of a breech-cloth +and pair of leggins. The leggins extended from the knee, down; and, +with his moccasins, were made of buckskin, heavily fringed and +ornamented.</p> + +<p>A large red blanket covered his left shoulder, fastened beneath his right +arm in such a manner as to leave the arm free and unobstructed, and then +hung loosely behind him, almost touching the ground as he sat upon his +horse. The animal was a rough looking little pony, that bore evidence of +being both tough and fleet.</p> + +<p>The fellow's face was deeply marked by the small-pox, and hideously +painted with vermilion and ochre; while, from his ears, were suspended, +heavy rings of brass wire. These, with the paint, gave him a most +diabolical expression, that was in no manner relieved by the shaggy locks +of unkempt black hair that hung around his head.</p> + +<p>His only weapon was a long, murderous-looking, iron-headed spear, which, +with his lariat, he held in his right hand.</p> + +<p>We made several efforts to find out what the fellow's object in hailing +us was, before he condescended to give it. Then he said that he had that +mornin met with a party of Comanches, who had with them two prisoners,— +mere boys. He was angry that braves should capture such children, for +only squaws, not warriors, made prisoners of boys.</p> + +<p>After much talk, he had made the Indians ashamed of the act, and they +were willing to release the captives for a small ransom. He was a friend, +and begged us to remember, was acting as an embassador, in search of the +party to which the children belonged.</p> + +<p>"The cussed, lyin' old heathen," exclaimed Jerry. "I wonder does he +'spose I'm green enuff to swaller that story o' his'n. It's true enuff +though, that they've got the youngsters, and it's likely we kin git 'em +agin, though I've always telled you, boys hain't no bizness on the +plains, no how."</p> + +<p>After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the +amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the +boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets, +powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for +them.</p> + +<p>An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high +ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to +make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse +expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing +their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little +confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs.</p> + +<p>We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry +was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip +across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the +manner of their capture.</p> + +<p>While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran +away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp.</p> + +<p>After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light +of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked +directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much +surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their +midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked, +painted savages.</p> + +<p>The Comanches immediately took possession of their fire-arms, and +stripped them of nearly all their clothing. Then they tried to ascertain +where they came from, and how they had become separated from their party.</p> + +<p>The boys told them, as well as they were able by signs, that they were +lost, and that their friends would give a great many goods if they would +show them the way back to our camp.</p> + +<p>This seemed to please the Indians, who soon after, took a large kettle +from off the fire and set it before them, motioning them to eat. The +kettle held a stew of what they thought was antelope meat, so they ate +heartily of it, for they were very hungry. When they had nearly satisfied +their appetites, Hal fished up from the depths of the mess the fore-leg +and foot of a dog. This was decidedly an unpleasant revelation, and both +became very sick and vomited freely, to the great amusement of the +Indians.</p> + +<p>They were then placed under guard, and soon after fell asleep. In the +morning they were rudely awakened and told to mount a pony, to which they +were securely tied, so as to prevent any attempt to escape.</p> + +<p>Many miles were travelled in this manner. The boys became anxious, and +were endeavoring to prepare themselves for the worst, when, from the top +of a high bluff, they saw us awaiting their arrival.</p> + +<p>The sudden transition from despondency to joy, quite overpowered them; +and, for the first time, they gave way to their feelings.</p> + +<p>"Both of us tried as hard as we could," said Ned, "to make 'em think we +didn't care a snap about it. But we did, though, I can tell you. We were +mighty glad when we saw you, wasn't we, Hal?"</p> + +<p>This question was too much for Hal. The boys looked into each others +faces for a moment, then burst into tears.</p> + +<p>Everybody about camp was delighted with their safe return, and they were +obliged many times to repeat their story, not forgetting a description of +their supper on dog meat, in the Comanches' camp.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap5"></a><h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<p>On the following morning the camp was astir and we were under way at a +very early hour,—long before sunrise, in fact,—but we had hardly +proceeded a mile from our halting-place, before one of the Mexicans, who +was riding ahead of the wagons, came rushing back with the information +that there was a large body of Indians a short distance in advance of us.</p> + +<p>"It's the balance of them cusses that had the boys, as true as preachin," +exclaimed Jerry. "The sneaks! I s'pose they found out all they wanted to +from 'em, and then let 'em go. Ther best thing we kin do is ter camp +right here whar we've got water and grass, and git ready for a brush; +'cause they'll fight us, if ther's any show for 'em, you bet."</p> + +<p>"We'll jist camp right on this knoll, and then we shall have a fair +chance all round; get your animals corralled with the wagons, and then +we'll ride out and meet 'em, that is, we must keep 'em as far away from +the wagons as possible."</p> + +<p>Everything was soon arranged; but, to our surprise, the Indians made no +attack.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img10.jpg" alt="The Comanche's Attack" /> + </div> + <p>Jerry, myself and Hal rode out towards the spot where we had seen them, +and a very few moments served to convince us that they meant business; +for they were scattered, with the evident intention of surrounding us.</p> + +<p>"That won't work," said Jerry. "We'll just go back to the wagons and stay +there and fight it out on our own dung-hill. There ain't more'n a dozen +of 'em, and, ef we can't lick that number of thievin' Comanches, we don't +desarve to git to California, no how."</p> + +<p>We had hardly returned to the wagons before the Indians began to show +their tactics by riding around us in a circle, each time coming nearer +and nearer, until finally, when within easy range, they threw themselves +over upon the sides of their horses and let fly a shower of arrows, that +fell among us without doing any harm, other than frightening the stock.</p> + +<p>"Don't a man of yer fire till I giv the order, and when they come abreast +of us agin give it to 'em with your rifles; but don't one of yer waste a +shot."</p> + +<p>Once more we saw them coming—saw them preparing to throw themselves over +to shoot from under their horses' necks, and—</p> + +<p>"Now for it," cried Jerry, "give it to 'em!" and we forthwith gave them a +volley that caused two of their number to fall headlong to the ground. +This brought the party to a halt, and they retreated out of the range of +our rifles, for the purpose of holding a consultation.</p> + +<p>While they were thus engaged, one of the Mexicans called Jerry's +attention to a solitary Indian who was approaching our wagons from the +rear. Jerry immediately pronounced him to be the Arapahoe, whom we had +seen with the party of Missourians.</p> + +<p>He soon came up with us, and brought the intelligence that his party was +only a short distance behind and would soon be in to help us.</p> + +<p>This was indeed good news; but, before they could possibly reach us, the +Comanches, who had evidently made up their minds to once more attack, +began their old plan of riding around us in a circle, discharging their +arrows with such good effect that one of the Mexicans was shot in the +thigh.</p> + +<p>Jerry, and the Indian guide, both advised us to reserve our fire until +the enemy should come within range of our revolvers; but their arrows +came so thick and fast we decided to give them one more volley from our +rifles; this we did, having the good fortune to see two more of the party +suddenly tumble from their horses' backs. This put an end for the time +being to their attack, for they soon disappeared over the bluff.</p> + +<p>"We was too much for 'em that time, old pard," said Jerry, familiarly +slapping the Arapahoe upon his naked shoulder. Then, turning to me,—</p> + +<p>"I was s'prised, though' to see how them youngsters stood up ter the +rack. Boys as a gineral thing hain't got no bizness on the plains, no +how; but these are a-goin' to larn Injin fightin', sartin."</p> + +<p>"Umph! putty muche boy no good," responded the Arapahoe, in deep guttural +tones.</p> + +<p>"Where's your folks, old pard?" inquired Jerry. "Better be hurryin' up; +we've got ter be a-goin', as soon as I put this chaw er terbacy on that +Mexican feller's leg; nothin' like it to take the sore out, you know."</p> + +<p>The mules were now harnessed to the wagons, and everything ready for a +start, when the Missourians put in an appearance. We received them right +gladly, and joyfully welcomed them to our party. We started in company; +but soon ascertained it would be impossible for them to keep up with us +on the road, their oxen travelled so much slower than our own teams. We +parted from them with reluctance; for all the indications thus far seemed +to convince old Jerry that the Indians would without doubt prove very +troublesome on the trip, and the larger the party the more safety, +always.</p> + +<p>We saw no further signs of their presence until quite late in the +afternoon, when Jerry called my attention to a small, oblong pile of +stones, that stood in a conspicuous place a short distance from +the trail we were following.</p> + +<p>"That's a Comanche sign," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Pooh! it's nothing but a pile of stones," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"That's true enuff," said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did, +for sartin."</p> + +<p>"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin' +ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No, +sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten +ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too."</p> + +<p>An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently +collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of +giving information to some party who were expected over the route within +a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these +Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some +conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe +understand its meaning perfectly.</p> + +<p>Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away +from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the +night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll, +half a mile away.</p> + +<p>Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve +as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack. +We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to +the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved +every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark.</p> + +<p>We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but, +about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who +reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine.</p> + +<p>"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said +Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the +guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears, +accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads +into the darkness beyond.</p> + +<p>In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became +evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks +serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in +the darkness, from our bullets.</p> + +<p>"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot +from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for +they'll allus aim too high."</p> + +<p>"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh.</p> + +<p>"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the +ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side.</p> + +<p>"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said +Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We +must git inter their rear, somehow."</p> + +<p>"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them," +replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain +where we are."</p> + +<p>"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire +from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff +ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few +shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't +got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt."</p> + +<p>Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the +rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp. +Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something +crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this, +that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told +him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell +from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants.</p> + +<p>In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some +distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming +light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond +doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice +announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an +exploring tour.</p> + +<p>The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of +the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized +the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time +thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he +received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a +little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him.</p> + +<p>We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the +fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to +believe, had several wounded.</p> + +<p>The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the +protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred +without doubt.</p> + +<p>Old Jerry attributed the failure of the attack in a great measure, to the +fact that they were deprived of the use of their horses; for they rarely +go into a fight, except when on horseback. We were glad enough to see +daylight, as well as rejoiced to be able to once more resume our trip.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap6"></a><h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<p>We had been on the road several hours, when Hal came riding up, very much +excited, declaring that he had found a bear's track.</p> + +<p>Jerry, Ned, and myself at once went to the spot, and saw what I +immediately admitted to be the clear, well-defined track of a grizzly in +the sand.</p> + +<p>Turning to Jerry, I said, "Why, Jerry! I didn't know that grizzlies were +found on these plains."</p> + +<p>"No more they ain't," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"But how could that track be there, if there was no bear to make it?" +inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"But it ain't a bear's track," said Jerry, attentively regarding it +without dismounting from his horse.</p> + +<p>"But it certainly is some creature's track," said I. "You'll admit that, +won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Admit it? No; sartin not: that ain't no critter's track," declared +Jerry.</p> + +<p>"It's a bear's track," rejoined I. "You certainly are mistaken, Jerry. +Look! here is the imprint of the heel, and there the toes, as plain as +the nose on your face, and as clear as though made not an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"Well, it may look like a bar's track, but 'tain't one. What you call the +heel and toes, is made by them spires of grass which the wind bends, +makin' 'em scoop out the sand, as you see thar. You ought to hev seen +that yourself; but you see you 'States' men never stop to think. If a +hundred was ter travel over them plains once a year for fifty years, not +more than one out er the hull lot would make a respectable woodsman."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" interrupted both Hal and Ned, in a breath.</p> + +<p>"Why not, youngsters? I'll tell you why: 'cause 'Mericans allus travel +with their mouths open and their eyes shet tight. A Mexican or Injun will +go all day without speakin', onless he's spoke to; but he'll see +everything there is ter be seen on the route: a 'Merican'll talk +continually, and see nothin' but a blasted dried-up country, that ain't +fit for nothin'."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew something about trailing," remarked Ned. "Can't you give +us a few general rules, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"Rules!" repeated Jerry, contemptuously, "what good d'yer s'pose rules 'ed +do you? Yer wouldn't foller 'em. P'r'aps ter-night, after we git inter +camp, if these cussed varmints'll let us alone long enuff, I'll give yer +a lectur' on trailin', ter pay fer yer killin' that Comanche last night;— +there they be agin, surer'n shootin'," exclaimed he, suddenly pausing, +and pointing to a dark spot far away on the prairie.</p> + +<p>We had just reached the top of a long ridge that gave us an extensive +view of the country around; and far, very far in the distance, Jerry's +keen eyes had detected this moving object.</p> + +<p>I brought my glasses to bear upon it, and could distinctly see a party of +three or four Indians, and some one who was dressed in skirts, like a +woman.</p> + +<p>I remarked that I believed there was a woman with them, and Jerry, who +had been looking long and earnestly at the party, said,—</p> + +<p>"Yes, there's six on 'em, and one hez got on a white woman's dress, ez +near ez I kin make out. We've hed 'bout 'nuff Comanche fightin', so far +ez I'm consarned; but ef them devils hev got a woman pris'ner, why we'd +be less than men not ter go arter her whatever happened. We kin head 'em +off easy enuff by riding along on this side the ridge; but we must stop +the wagons down in the holler there, so they won't see 'em."</p> + +<p>After some little hesitation, caused by a reluctance to leave the wagons +in the unprotected situation that we should if we attempted to overtake +the Indians, we finally decided that common humanity required we should +rescue the woman, if it could be done; and, procuring a good supply of +ammunition, Jerry, myself, Hal, and one of the Mexicans started, leaving +Ned in charge of the wagons, with directions relative to camping for the +night in case we did not return before dark.</p> + +<p>It was an oppressively warm day, and we had a ride of many miles before +us, ere we could hope to reach the point where we expected to intercept +the savages. We rode swiftly along over the beautiful green rolling +prairie, pausing for nothing, until Jerry proposed a halt for a few +moments, while he made a <i>reconnoissance</i>.</p> + +<p>Approaching the top of a slight eminence, he dismounted, and carefully +picketing his horse, dropped upon his hands and knees, and stealthily +crept to the top. A single glance sufficed to show him the situation; and +he returned to us, vainly endeavoring to repress the excitement that was +plainly visible in every movement, as he said, in a low voice,—</p> + +<p>"We kin ketch 'em, boys, sartin. It's a woman, for sure, riding on a +pony, with one of the varmints on each side of her; but we've got to +hurry some."</p> + +<p>Then striking his spurs deep into his horse's flanks, he was soon far in +advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking +with sweat, and panting like frightened deer.</p> + +<p>Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw +his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that +grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing +erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and +quickly make his way towards us.</p> + +<p>I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not +repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had +come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he +had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were +evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in +between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and +rendering each other assistance.</p> + +<p>Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side, +whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our +rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages.</p> + +<p>We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three +Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously +back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet +in sight.</p> + +<p>It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we +rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring +his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in +the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up +from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without +looking towards him.</p> + +<p>His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over +upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our +expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a +rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do?</p> + +<p>Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still +followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept +close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I +watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we +seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to +escape us, surely.</p> + +<p>Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!"</p> + +<p>And "give 'em one" we did.</p> + +<p>One reels in his saddle, but clutches his horse's mane and saves himself; +then, a moment after, falls, and his horse dashes off over the plain, +while his comrade turns and rides madly away.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, easy. We've got 'em," says Jerry. "Let's give our horses a +chance to breathe. Thar ain't no hurry, now; we'll have the varmints in a +few minutes. Here's their trail, now."</p> + +<p>Slowly we follow it, away from the flying fugitive towards the prisoner +and her captors;—carefully we examine every foot of ground. Old Jerry +says, "We must be near to 'em; but where are they? We must soon meet +them;"—but meet them we never did.</p> + +<p>In a little swale, a short distance from the trail, where the grass was +fresh and green, we came upon the body of a Mexican woman—dead.</p> + +<p>She had been scalped; and a single spear thrust, through her body, told +us all that could be told of her sad story.</p> + +<p>She had Apparantly been very feeble, and unable to keep up with the +savages; for her worn and bloody feet bore evidence that she had walked +many weary miles, while about her waist was a portion of the lariat that +had been used in leading her.</p> + +<p>Finding that she could no longer walk, her captors placed her on the +horse; but this had greatly delayed them, and they had disposed of her in +the manner above narrated. The bloody deed accomplished, the murderers +were hurrying on to join their comrades, when the sound of Jerry's rifle +warned them of danger; and they had made a long <i>detour</i> from the +trail, and thus escaped us.</p> + +<p>It was growing too late to think of pursuing them farther; and we +reluctantly turned our horses' heads towards camp, which we reached just +after nightfall, very weary from our long afternoon's ride and quite +ready for bed; nor was our sleep any the less sweet for the attempt to +perform a kind action.</p> + +<p>Ned made an effort to have Jerry deliver his lecture upon the art of +trailing, but the old man appeared to think it would receive more +attention another time; and so it was postponed till the following +evening, when, true to his promise, he entertained us for a long hour; +giving us much useful information upon the subject, which I will endeavor +to repeat for the benefit of my young readers, some of whom may one day +be placed like Hal and Ned in a position where they will find it, not +merely a matter of entertainment, but exceedingly useful; for trailing is +as much an art as is painting or sculpture, and requires the most +constant practice to become a proficient in it.</p> + +<p>Having filled and lighted his pipe, old Jerry began as follows:—</p> + +<p>"There ain't no rules, boys, that anybody kin give yer. You must have a +sharp eye, a fine ear, and a still tongue;—these make your principal +stock in trade."</p> + +<p>But I do not propose to follow old Jerry <i>verbatim</i> in his long talk +with the boys, but shall give you merely the substance of his remarks; +and here let me add, that, in addition to the above requirements, a +successful trailer should possess quick perception, fertile resources, +and great presence of mind.</p> + +<p>Almost any scout knows, that, in order to overtake a party of Indians who +have stampeded his stock the night previous, he should travel slowly at +the first, and follow persistantly at a moderate pace, giving his animals +the night to rest in, and starting at daybreak in the morning. By +following this course he is pretty certain of overtaking the party on the +third day, especially if they do not suspect pursuit. Then comes the time +when the services of an experienced trailer are requisite to tell you the +number and condition of the enemy, and how many hours have elapsed since +they passed a given point; for it is necessary to remain concealed after +you ascertain these facts, until you decide upon the manner of attack; +for, if Indians suspect pursuit, they always scatter, and it is +impossible to overtake them.</p> + +<p>One can easily tell from the appearance of a trail, if it be made by a +war-party or not, because there are no Indians who take their families +along when starting on the war-path; consequently, they never carry their +lodge-poles with them, which are always fastened to the sides of the +animals, and the ends permitted to drag on the ground behind. If there +should be no trace of these, it is safe to regard it as a war-party.</p> + +<p>It is always easy to distinguish the track of an Indian pony from that +made by a white man's horse; for the former will be much smaller, and +bear no impression of a shoe.</p> + +<p>One of the most difficult things to accomplish in trailing is to learn to +correctly ascertain the age of a trail.</p> + +<p>If a track is very fresh, it will show moisture when the earth is turned +up, which in a few hours becomes dry. If in the sand, little particles +will be found running into the impression left in the ground. Should rain +have fallen since the track was made, the sharp edges will have been +washed away. The condition of the ordure also furnishes an indication.</p> + +<p>I once employed as scout, a Mexican, who could tell by a single glance at +a trail, by what tribe it had been made, their number, its age, and in +fact every particular concerning the party, as truthfully as though he +had seen them.</p> + +<p>We were one time following an Apache trail, when we came to a ledge of +bare rock. I examined it carefully, and could detect no mark of any kind; +but the Mexican led us across as easily as though it had been a beaten +path, without even once hesitating a moment, during the two miles over +which it extended.</p> + +<p>When I asked him what he saw that indicated the course of the trail, he +showed me that the surface of the rock was covered with a very fine, dry +moss, that, with the closest scrutiny, bore evidence of having been +pressed by the foot: so slight was the impression made, it would have +escaped the notice of ninety-nine out of every hundred persons; yet his +keen eyes detected every footprint as plainly as though it had been made +in the grass.</p> + +<p>If a trail is for any reason lost, an expert will easily recover it by +following for a time its general direction and watching the formation of +the land; for all trails are made over the highest portions, thereby +affording a view of the entire country through which they pass.</p> + +<p>In the grass, a trail can be seen for a long time: the blades will be +trodden down and bent in the direction followed by the party; and, even +after it has recovered its natural position, a good trailer will have no +difficulty in following it; for his keen eye will detect a slight +difference in the color of the grass that has been stepped on from that +growing around it.</p> + +<p>So, also, the appearance of the tracks will at once show him the gait at +which the party were travelling, and he thus knows how to regulate his +pace so as to overtake them.</p> + +<p>It is exceedingly rare to find a white person that can retrace his steps +for any distance in an open country; while an Indian is always able to do +it. No matter how circuitous may be the route by which you may have +reached a certain locality, an Indian will find his way back to the place +of starting by the most direct route, though it be in the darkest night; +and, if you ask him how he does it, if he replies to your question at +all, he will simply shrug his shoulders and say, "<i>Quien sabe?</i>" or +who knows.</p> + +<p>No matter how agreeable he may be about camp; on the road he never +speaks, except it should be necessary to give some direction or order.</p> + +<p>Thus it will be seen, that he who would become a skilful trailer, must of +necessity be an observer, as well as thinker; and remember, boys, that he +who talks most, generally thinks the least.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap7"></a><h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<p>On the evening of the second day after the incidents narrated in the +previous chapter, we encamped on the banks of the San Pedro, with wood, +water, and grass in abundance; in fact, using the words of Hal: +"Everything to make us comfortable, but fresh meat; and meat we must +have. Let's go out and get some. We shall be sure to find a deer or +antelope in this beautiful bottom."</p> + +<p>"What say you, Jerry, shall we try it?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"I reckon so. We've got plenty of time before night, and I 'spect I may +as well go and show you how ter hunt 'em; 'cause yer won't git none +unless I go 'long with yer, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll see what we get if you do go along," responded Hal; "so come +on."</p> + +<p>Mounting our horses, Jerry, Hal, Ned, and myself set out in pursuit of +antelope, whose tracks could be seen in all directions about us.</p> + +<p>We had ridden two or three miles without starting game of any kind, when +Jerry, who was a short distance in advance of us, suddenly dismounted, +and began studying the ground attentively.</p> + +<p>"Hilloa!" exclaimed Ned, "Jerry's struck something."</p> + +<p>As we rode up to him, he said,—</p> + +<p>"Wal, boys, here's game, sartin sure."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Jerry?" inquired Hal.</p> + +<p>"What is it? Why, a fresh Comanche trail; and 'tain't no war party, +neither, for they've got their lodges with 'em."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that?" inquired Ned."</p> + +<p>"How do you know you're settin' on that horse?" asked Jerry. "Why, I know +one just ez well ez you know t'other. Can't you see whar the ends of the +poles dragged in the dirt behind 'em. Anybody could see that, I should +think."</p> + +<p>"How old is the trail, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"That trail waz made afore eight o'clock this mornin'," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Before eight o'clock," sneered Hal. "Why don't you say that the +Comanches passed this spot at precisely seventeen minutes past six +o'clock this morning? You might just as well be particular, Jerry."</p> + +<p>"Come, Jerry, tell us how you know when the Indians passed?" said I.</p> + +<p>"Sartin I will," he good-humoredly replied. "Yer see we hed a purty hevy +dew last night, but the sun waz up so high that the grass waz all dry at +eight o'clock. Wall, now, if you'll look you'll see, that where the grass +was pressed down by the horses' feet into the earth, a little of the sand +stuck to it, (coz it waz damp), that has dried on since. Now if the trail +bed been made after eight o'clock, when the grass was dry, why, it +wouldn't stick eny more than it does now."</p> + +<p>"A very satisfactory explanation," said I.</p> + +<p>"Now what I propose is," continued Jerry, "thet we just foller the trail, +and we'll strike something afore many hours, ez sure's my name's Jerry +Vance."</p> + +<p>"But we may get into trouble," urged I.</p> + +<p>"Ther ain't no danger. It's a party of squaws and pappooses, I reckon, +coz yer see ther ain't more'n four horses with 'em."</p> + +<p>"I'm agreed," said I, and away we galloped over the beautiful green +prairie; but, before we had gone a mile, a fine large herd of antelope +appeared, quietly grazing upon a knoll at a little distance, who, when +they saw us, stood for an instant curiously regarding us, and then +trotted leisurely away.</p> + +<p>"They're kinder wild, I reckon," said Jerry. "These Injuns must hev bin +huntin' 'em, and we might chase 'em all day without gittin' a shot. So +we'll just tie our horses in thet chaparral down there, out of sight, and +then we'll call 'em up."</p> + +<p>We dismounted, and securing our horses, followed Jerry. He removed the +ramrod from his rifle, and tied to one end of it an old-fashioned, red +bandana handkerchief. This done, he planted the other end firmly in the +ground, leaving the flag to flutter in the breeze.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, you just lie down here, in the tall grass, so thet the +critters won't see yer, and wait awhile."</p> + +<p>Following Jerry's instructions, we placed ourselves in the tall grass, +and lying still awaited the result of the experiment.</p> + +<p>"Yer see," continued he, talking in a low tone of voice, "antelope's the +most curious critters in the world, 'ceptin' women. Jist ez soon ez they +see thet red flag, they'll want to know what it means, and they won't +rest easy till they find out, either."</p> + +<p>And, sure enough, in a few moments we saw the graceful creatures, one +after another, turn and attentively look at the signal. Then they slowly +walked towards it. Then came a pause and a nibble of grass, and again, as +though they could not resist the desire to ascertain what this singular +thing fluttering in the breeze was, they hesitatingly came still nearer, +as though they feared some hidden danger. In this way they soon +approached within easy range, and we shot five with our revolvers.</p> + +<p>"There," said Jerry, as the remainder of the herd finally galloped away +over the plain, "you boys see what curiosity does. Yer kin allers fetch +'em with a red hankercher, and gin'rally by jist layin' down on yer back, +and holdin' up yer feet. They're awful curious critters, them antelopes +is. I reckon we'd better quit this trail, and git them air carcasses +inter camp. What d'yer say, youngsters?"</p> + +<p>"I declare, I forgot to fire at all!" exclaimed Ned. "I never once +thought of my pistol."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" roared Jerry. "You've got the 'buck-fever' my boy. I might +a knowed you wouldn't a fired; no, nor you, neither," continued he, +turning towards Hal.</p> + +<p>"But I did fire twice, though," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"Le'me see yer pistol, youngster," said Jerry; after examining it, he +again burst into a loud laugh.</p> + +<p>"Jest as I 'spected! Every barr'l loaded. Yer see you was so 'cited that +yer forgot all about firin'. You thought yer did, I s'pose; but don't be +too sartin next time, 'cause the fever allers takes what little sense a +feller's got, when it strikes him."</p> + +<p>The antelope were soon dressed; but Hal's chagrin was so great at the +thought of being so cleverly detected by Jerry's shrewdness, that I +attempted to comfort him by promising to relate my own misfortunes upon +experiencing my first attack. After supper, and while we were smoking our +pipes, the boys claimed the fulfilment of my promise.</p> + +<p>I only hope that the narrative may prove as interesting to my young +readers, as it did to Hal and Ned, who heard the story with roars of +laughter at my blunders.</p> + +<p>Well, boys, I was once passing through the Sacramento range of mountains +in New Mexico, in company with an old trapper and hunter, named Nat Beal.</p> + +<p>Nat was a jovial, pleasant companion; and, in truth one of the best +shots I ever saw.</p> + +<p>While riding through one of the numerous little valleys with which that +range abounds, we saw at a little distance, a magnificent specimen of a +black-tailed deer.</p> + +<p>Now I had always wanted to kill a black-tailed deer, and this was the +first time I had ever seen one, so I begged Nat to let me shoot it.</p> + +<p>He said, with a laugh, "Shoot away!" and I took deliberate aim and +fired.</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" roared he, as the fellow bounded away unharmed, "it's as +clear a case of 'buck-fever' as ever I saw."</p> + +<p>"Not at all. I aimed too high; that was the only trouble."</p> + +<p>"Jest so," replied Nat; "a man with the 'fever' always aims too high."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet I won't miss the next one," said I, angry at the imputation.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet you will, two to one on it," said Nat. "But it's too late to +get another shot to-night, so we'll wait until to-morrow evening; and, in +the mean time, I'll give you a few idees 'bout deer."</p> + +<p>"As soon as the sun had sunk to his rest the next evening, I borrowed +Nat's 'call' and started out."</p> + +<p>"What's a 'call'?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"A 'call' is a whistle, made from an eagle's bone. It is generally +fancifully carved, and, when sounded, makes a noise that perfectly +resembles that made by a young one in calling its mother. So perfect is +the imitation of the bleating of a fawn, that, when properly sounded, you +will sometimes see half a dozen does, running to see if their young are +in danger."</p> + +<p>"But don't they stay with their little ones?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"No: they hide them in the tall grass at night. You see a fawn gives out +no scent until after it's a month old, and can run well; but the old one +does, and knowing this she goes off to sleep alone, so that the wolves +and panthers won't be attracted by her scent to the fawn. This she +continues doing until the fawn is able to protect itself by running. In +the fall of the year, therefore, if you select a spot near the foot of a +mountain where the grass is tall and free from bushes, and, between +sundown and dark, conceal yourself in it and sound your call, you are +very apt to get a choice between four or five good fat doe's."</p> + +<p>Well, I was determined to get a deer; so I borrowed the 'call,' and +started out. After walking a mile or two, I came to a beautiful stretch +of open prairie, where the tall grass served admirably for concealment.</p> + +<p>I lay down upon my belly, and commenced crawling towards a grove of +young cedars, near the base of the mountain.</p> + +<p>I very soon discovered that propelling myself along, Indian fashion, +with my elbows, was of itself no small job, especially when obliged to +carry a rifle and keep my head below the level of the grass about me.</p> + +<p>I persevered however, and after working like a beaver for nearly an +hour, began to wonder why I did not see any deer, when all at once it +occurred to me, that I hadn't sounded the call; and that made me +remember, that I had forgotton in which pocket I put it.</p> + +<p>I endeavored for some time to get hold of it, but was finally obliged to +roll over upon my back before I could fish it out of the depths of my +pantaloons pocket. This was easy enough to do, but to resume my former +position without betraying my presence—ah! that was another thing. I +eventually succeeded in doing it however, and placing the whistle between +my lips, put forth my hand to recover my rifle, when, to my horror and +dismay, I saw, within four feet of my face, a huge rattlesnake.</p> + +<p>To say that I got up, don't half express it, boys. I bounded as man +never bounded before, startling deer, fawn, and everything else about me, +but the snake. He didn't seem to care a particle, but retained his +position near the rifle, looking as angry as if he thought me to blame +for jumping; and the worst of it was, there was neither stick nor stone +within sight, that I could get hold of.</p> + +<p>I said, "Shoo!" but the snake wouldn't shoo worth a cent. I stamped on +the ground, and said, "Get out!" but he wouldn't move. There he was, +within six inches of my rifle; his long, slender body partially coiled so +that he could easily strike any object approaching; with form erect, and +long forked tongue, darting in and out of his half-opened mouth, as his +flat, ugly head slowly vibrated to and fro like the pendulum of a clock.</p> + +<p>It was growing dark too, and I was a long distance from camp, and the +country was full of Mescalero Apaches, and I hadn't even a stick to reach +him with. What could I do?</p> + +<p>I bethought myself of my powder-flask, and taking good aim, hurled it +with all the force I could muster. It struck him fairly on the body and +with a rattle of defiance, he sprang towards me, and I—well, I jumped.</p> + +<p>I managed to get hold of my rifle, but the snake was gone: he was +somewhere in the grass about me, and I didn't know where; so I concluded +to stand not on the order of my going, but go at once to camp, and go I +did; but, before I was a hundred yards away I remembered that I had left +my powder-flask behind. Nor could I find Nat's whistle anywhere about me, +or even remember what I had done with it. In the surprise occasioned by +my discovery of the snake, I had dropped it.</p> + +<p>It was too dark to think of returning to search for it that night; +besides, there was a snake loose in the vicinity that I didn't care to +encounter.</p> + +<p>I knew Nat would laugh at my returning without a deer, but I made up my +mind to endure that, without getting angry; for I felt confident, camp +was the place for me just then.</p> + +<p>Nat asked no questions; but after a time, I voluntarily related to him +the mishaps of the afternoon. He laughed heartily, and promised to go +with me in the morning and give me a practical lesson in deer-stalking.</p> + +<p>The next day we visited the scene of my discomfiture, which Nat +pronounced a splendid place for stalking, showing me where several fawns +had lain the previous night. We also found the 'call,' just where I +dropped it when I made my jump, which Nat pronounced, equal to any ever +made by a first-class circus-man: in fact, I felt rather proud of it +myself; and when Nat slyly remarked that I was better at jumping than at +hunting, I made up my mind that I would have a deer that night, come what +would.</p> + +<p>Sunset came; and telling Nat that I would not return to camp without the +deer, I started for the scene of my former ill luck. I was delighted to +find, that by following Nat's instructions, I was able to move over the +ground much easier than the night before. Still, it was pretty hard work. +But I persevered; and upon reaching the proper place, sounded my call— +once, twice, thrice; and in a short time, saw a fine fat doe coming +directly towards me, apparantly listening for a repetition of the sound. +Once more I used the 'call:' the imitation was perfect. She approached a +little nearer to me, and stopped.</p> + +<p>I dropped my head, and once again sounded the 'call,' endeavoring to +give it the quick, impatient tone of the young when in danger.</p> + +<p>The effect was perfect. I fairly laughed to myself, to see the doe bound +towards me until she stood within easy rifle range, when she suddenly +stopped again, as though frightened at her own temerity.</p> + +<p>I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and was in the act of pulling the +trigger, when a slight rustling in the grass at my right attracted my +attention. Thinking of that snake, I turned my eyes in the direction of +the sound, and saw, to my horror and amazement, not the snake, but a +large panther, not twenty yards away, and creeping stealthily towards me, +with glaring eyes, gleaming white teeth, and ears well laid back upon his +head. For an instant I was dumbfounded; then, recollecting myself, I +turned the rifle and gave him its contents.</p> + +<p>The creature made a convulsive leap into the air, and dropped to the +ground—dead; and I—well, I believe I started for camp to tell Nat.</p> + +<p>We packed the carcass into camp and while removing the skin, Nat took +occasion to congratulate me, on being able to so perfectly imitate a fawn +as to lure a panther from its lair; advising me however, to give up +deer-stalking until I struck a better streak of luck.</p> + +<p>"There boys, you see what the 'buck-fever' did for me. We are all liable +to take it."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but you killed the panther," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"True; but it was only a piece of luck that might not happen again in a +dozen times, and I didn't kill the deer."</p> + +<p>The boys agreed that my story was both amusing and interesting; and as +for old Jerry, he laughed most heartily at my experience, saying that it +reminded him of his first adventure with a bear.</p> + +<p>The boys, eager for another story, urged him to relate it then, but Jerry +declined; promising them however, that they should have it the next +night.</p> + +<p>Early on the following morning, we once more started on the road; and for +two days, met with no incident worthy of note.</p> + +<p>We were now approaching the section of country bordering on the Rio +Pecos, one of the most barren and desolate portions on our whole route.</p> + +<p>This stream runs for hundreds of miles through the plains, its course +being marked by the growth of no living green thing: in fact, you do not +know of its presence, until you stand upon its banks.</p> + +<p>It is narrow, deep, extremely crooked, and very rapid, while the water is +both salt and bitter. The banks are very steep and there are but few +places throughout its entire length where it can be crossed in safety.</p> + +<p>But little grass grows near it, and neither man nor beast can drink the +water with impunity.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching the top of a long line of bluffs, towards which we had been +travelling for the last two days, we came in sight of a large wagon-train +encamped, apparantly upon the open plain.</p> + +<p>Jerry at once declared it to be Magoffin's; and the boys and myself +volunteered to ride forward and ascertain the cause of their delay.</p> + +<p>A brisk canter of a couple of hours brought us to the encampment, which +sure enough, proved to be Magoffin's train, delayed by the high water in +the Pecos.</p> + +<p>Right glad were we all, to fall in with our old companions once more; +for, aside from the company their presence furnished, we felt infinitely +safer than when travelling alone with our small party.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry arrived with the wagons, a consultation was held; and it +was decided to go into camp and wait for the water to subside.</p> + +<p>"It's high'n I ever see it afore," said Jerry, standing on the brink and +gazing at the turbid, swift current, that almost filled its banks; "and +the mischief is, that when she once gits up, there's no tellin' when +she'll go down. We may hev to lay here two weeks, afore we kin cross."</p> + +<p>"Two weeks!" exclaimed I, why we'd better build a boat."</p> + +<p>"Ef we hed a lot of empty casks, we might float our wagons over and swim +the mules; but we hain't got 'em, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what we can do," said Hal; "we can build a raft."</p> + +<p>"Yes; or better still, float the things over in one of the wagon-bodies," +suggested Ned.</p> + +<p>"Well thought of," exclaimed I: "we can at least make the attempt."</p> + +<p>We soon had one of the wagons unloaded and on the ground; beneath which +we carefully stretched a couple of the sheets. One of the men was sent +across the stream with a small cord, by which he drew over a rope, to +which was attached a common block, after which the wagon-body was +launched, and pulled across the river in safety. It was then returned and +loaded, reaching the opposite bank without mishap, or leaking a drop.</p> + +<p>The wagons were now taken apart; and piece by piece, carried across and +put together; into them, the goods as fast as ferried over, were +reloaded; and at the end of the second day we were ready to swim our +mules. This was accomplished without loss; and thanks to Ned, the day +following we were once more on the road.</p> + +<p>I ventured to remind Jerry of his favorite saying regarding boys, but the +old man had no reply to make, save that "Ned was a most 'stonishin' boy. +He'd killed a Injin, and had a wonderful head on him, which was more'n he +could say of t'other one."</p> + +<p>In consideration of Ned's valuable services, old Jerry consented that +evening, to relate for his especial benefit, the story of his first +experience in bear hunting, which I shall give as nearly as possible in +the old man's words:—</p> + +<p>"Yer see boys, I was bringed up in Tennessee; leastways, I lived thar +till I was nigh onter seventeen year old, when I struck out and come to +Texas.</p> + +<p>"Father hed a farm in Tennessee, and ez I was the only boy, I had a heap +of work ter do on the cussid place. I didn't like fannin' much, and used +ter tease the old folks ter let me go down ter Knoxville and go into a +store, or enter inter some other ekelly 'spectable bizness. But the old +folks allowed that I must stay with 'em till I was twenty-one, any how.</p> + +<p>"One day when I was about sixteen year old, the old man said ter me, +'Jerry, I've got a lot of wood cut, up on the mountain-lot, that wants +piling up. Yer'd better take yer dinner and an axe along, and go up and +pile it. Do it nice now, 'cause I shall be up 'bout noon, ter see how you +git 'long.'</p> + +<p>"I knowed what that meant, well enuff; it meant that, if I didn't do it +right, I'd git a gaddin', 'cause the old man was famous for gaddins'.</p> + +<p>"Arter breakfast mother put me up a good dinner of bread and meat, and I +shouldered my axe and started for the wood-lot, 'bout three miles up the +mountain.</p> + +<p>"I whistled along and didn't think nothin' 'bout ther walk; 'cause, yer +see, I allus liked ther woods, and enjoyed bein' thar. Arter I got to the +lot, I found the wood, and went ter work to get it piled. 'Twarn't much +of a job, and I got it done afore noon and then sot down on a log and +waited for the old man ter come. Wal, I sot and waited, and begun ter get +mighty lonesome and ter think 'bout Injins, though I knowed there warn't +no Injins thar. I waited so long I got hungry, and concluded I'd take a +bite of the bread and meat mother'd put up.</p> + +<p>"I sot down on a log, and put my basket on the stump, and went ter +eatin'. I never smelt anything so good as that dinner smelt, less 'twas a +good venison steak on the coals, when you're putty hungry.</p> + +<p>"Wal, I sot there, eatin' away, and, the fust thing I knowed, I kind 'er +felt suthin' tetch my shoulder. I turned my head, and thar was a big +black bar, with his nose within a foot of mine. I've seen bars sence that +time, and big ones too, but that bar looked bigger'n a ox ter me. I +didn't stop for nothin', but jist lited out, and the bar arter me. Maybe +yer think you've seen runnin'; but I tell yer honestly, boys, yer never +see nothin', like ther time I made gittin' away from that bar.</p> + +<p>"I looked over my shoulder once in a while, but 'twarn't no use; thar was +that bar right behind me, growin' bigger and bigger every minute, it +seemed ter me. The harder I run, the wus I was off. I didn't gain a foot +on ther critter. My heart riz rite inter my throte, and my bar riz up so +I lost my cap,—leastways I've allus 'spected that was the reason I lost +it. I didn't know what ter do. I kep' on runnin', but my wind was givin' +out, and I knew I couldn't stan' it much longer; so I made a break for a +good sized white birch I see, and the way I shinned up thet tree, would a +bin a credit to any major-gen'ral, I tell yer.</p> + +<p>"When ther bar come to ther foot of ther tree he sot down on his +haunches, ter kinder get breath a little, and then he begun ter climb it; +and blast my picter boys, ef he couldn't giv me three pints in the game +of climbin', and then beat me. It didn't seem ter me he was more'n a +second, gittin' up. I kep' climbin' higher an' higher, and the bar kep' +a-follerin'. By and by I got so high, that ther tree begun ter bend +backwards and for'ards, but ther bar kep' comin' higher and higher.</p> + + <div align="center"><img src="images/img11.jpg" alt="Jerry And The Bear" /> </div> + <p>"I saw 'twarn't no use, so I made up my mind ter swing ther tree over ez +far ez I could, and drop and try my legs onct more. So I clim' a little +higher, and when the tree begun ter bend, that bar sot thar and just +laffed, if ever a bar laffed in this world. The tree kep' swayin' +back'ards and for'ards jist like a cradle.</p> + +<p>"I watched my chance, and, when ther top come putty nigh ther ground, I +jist dropped, and, when I picked myself up, blast my eyes, ef thar warn't +ther bar, right side er me. Wal I started agin, but hadn't run more'n +fifty yards, afore I tripped and down I went. I knowed 'twas all up with +me then, so I jist laid still. Why, I was so scart I couldn't hev moved +ef I'd tried; but I did look up jist once, to see the bar set clus by, +watchin' me, and lookin' as mad as a wet hen.</p> + +<p>"I never was so scart afore nor since. I 'spected every minute to feel +his teeth and hear my bones a-crunchin', but I didn't.</p> + +<p>"Putty soon I heered somebody down in the woods a-callin'. I 'spectcd it +was dad, but I didn't dare to holler or make any noise. I heered 'em +callin' agin and agin; putty soon I jist looked out'er ther corner of my +eye, and see the bar was gone. At first I couldn't believe it, and +'spected he was playin' 'possum—waitin' ter see ef I moved, afore he +went for me. Well, I kep' putty still for a while, but not hearin' +anything from the bar, I finally looked up, and see that he'd gone for +good, and then I got up and started for home in just about ez big a +hurry, ez any feller ever went down a mountain.</p> + +<p>"I hadn't got more'n half a mile afore I see a feller rite ahead of me, +a-leadin' that identical bar, thet bed been chasin' me all day.</p> + +<p>"I never was so took down in my life boys, I wouldn't a bin s'prised at +anything, arter thet. I mustered up spunk enuff ter speak to the feller, +and he told me 'twas a tame bar, thet belonged ter him, thet hed got +loose thet day, and he'd bin up a-findin' him.</p> + +<p>"Well boys, I never felt so ashamed of myself afore nor since.</p> + +<p>"You may bet, I never told no one 'bout it afore, and I shan't agin. +That's all."</p> + +<p>We were very much amused at Jerry's story, and the boys pronounced it +decidedly the best they had yet heard, and as the hour was late, we all +"turned in," in search of a good night's rest.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap8"></a><h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<p>The following morning, we once more took the road, and for three days +followed the course of the river, which carried us through the most +undesirable portion of country we had yet seen; even game seemed to have +forsaken it.</p> + +<p>The route then brought us into the vicinity of the celebrated "Comanche +Springs," situated in the open prairie, at the crossing of the great +Comanche war trail that leads into Mexico—a trail that may with truth, +be said, to be marked with whitened bones, its entire distance.</p> + +<p>As we were likely at any time to meet with bands of Comanches in this +neighborhood, it became necessary to travel with the greatest precaution; +but even this did not appear to prevent one of the "varmints," as old +Jerry called him, from boldly coming into camp the next day, without any +one having seen his approach. Hal was the first who discovered him, and +as the fellow was alone, begged so hard for permission for him to remain, +that I yielded a reluctant assent, and permitted him to come into camp.</p> + +<p>The fellow claimed to be very hungry, a good friend of the whites, and +said he was on his way from Mexico, to his home on the Brazos, and only +wanted permission to remain, long enough to rest a little and obtain +something to eat.</p> + +<p>"I don't like the cut of any of them varmints," said Jerry, "they're all +natral thieves, and ez likely ez not, thet cuss is a spy. We can't tell +nothin' 'bout 'em, and ther best way is, ter steer clear on 'em, or at +any rate keep 'em at good rifle range."</p> + +<p>Telling Hal not to lose sight of the fellow for an instant, and as soon +as he had rested an hour, to start him on, I laid down under one of the +wagons for the purpose of taking a <i>siesta</i>, but was awakened by +hearing Hal loudly inquiring, if any body knew what had become of his +pony. No one appeared to know anything about it, but I heard Jerry's +voice suggest, that probably his Comanche friend could tell where it was. +This aroused me in an instant, and I crawled out from under the wagon, +and, calling Hal, asked him where his horse was, when he saw him last.</p> + +<p>He replied,—</p> + +<p>"I saw him not half an hour ago, within twenty yards of this spot."</p> + +<p>"How did he get away? pull his picket-pin?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Hal, "the lariat looks as though it had been cut."</p> + +<p>"It's plain enuff to tell who's got yer hoss; it's that Comanche. Them +varmints are nat'ral hoss thieves, any how."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to tell me, that that Indian could steal my horse, right +here, under my very eyes, and I not see him?" angrily asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see he has, don't yer?" replied Jerry; "and not only you +didn't see him, but nobody else; and didn't he come walkin' into camp +this mornin' and not a soul know it, till he was right amongst us?"</p> + +<p>"I don't care if he did, he never could have carried off my pony and I +not see him," declared Hal.</p> + +<p>"But he did though youngster, as sure's you're a livin boy."</p> + +<p>"I'm inclined to think you're right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the +pony without doubt," said I.</p> + +<p>"But how could he?" demanded Hal. "I was sitting right here, close by him +all the time."</p> + +<p>"Listen Hal, I'll give you a bit of my experience with these same +Comanches," said I: "About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of +my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for +food.</p> + +<p>"Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named 'Creeping +Serpent,' one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe. Naturally +enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a +bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill.</p> + +<p>"The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche +door. I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn't; but, in less +than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with +an Indian on his back.</p> + +<p>"I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made +him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I'm disposed to +believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, +without question."</p> + +<p>"But how did he do it?" persistantly questioned Hal. "He never would have +done it before my eyes."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed old Jerry. "Didn't one of the cussid varmints, just +play the same trick on you?"</p> + +<p>"But I won't admit he's got my pony," declared Hal.</p> + +<p>"Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass +towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power. +This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least. Upon +reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily +withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear +above the top of the grass.</p> + +<p>"He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing +the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, +getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, +and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced +the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of +sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he +galloped rapidly away.</p> + +<p>"Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry's belief,— +that the fellow has stolen your pony."</p> + +<p>"I can't think that he's got it," said Hal; "and I'd like to take Ned and +a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can't find him."</p> + +<p>"We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon," said Jerry. "Yer +see thet dust down thar to the southward, don't yer? Wall, that ain't no +whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that's Injins, and they're headed right +for our camp, too; so we'd better git reddy for 'em, and let the hoss go. +Maybe, though, they'll bring him back to yer. I've knowed sich things +done afore now," continued he, glancing at Hal.</p> + +<p>The Indians were still nearly half a mile away, when Jerry, handing me +the glasses through which he had been looking, said, in a low voice,—</p> + +<p>"It's jest as I reckoned; there's Hal's pony, and an Injun on him, I'll +bet two ter one it's the same cusssed varmint thet was a-sneakin' about +camp here, not an hour ago."</p> + +<p>There were ten Indians in the party, who, even at that distance, +commenced riding around in a circle just out of range of our rifles, +yelling furiously, using the most insulting gestures towards us, and +daring us to come out and meet them. It was quite evident that the +savages had no weapons but their bows and arrows; consequently, did not +like to come within range of our rifles. Up to this time, neither of us +had fired a shot, and Jerry suddenly went to one of the wagons; and, +procuring an old Sharp's carbine, loaded it; and, taking good aim, fired +at a group of four or five, that were huddled together on the plain.</p> + +<p>To our amazement and delight, we saw one of the number throw his arms up +into the air and tumble headlong from his horse to the ground, while the +rest instantly scattered; nor did they come together again until they +were at least a mile away.</p> + +<p>"That was a good one Jerry," cried I. "Give 'em another."</p> + +<p>"'Twon't do no good; 'twan't nothin' but luck. I couldn't do it agin in +shootin' a dozen times, with this wind a-blowin'," muttered Jerry. +"That's enuff to scare 'em to death. They hadn't no more idee I could +reach 'em than I had."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what they'll do now? They must be going to try that circle +dodge," said I, seeing the party separate.</p> + +<p>In a very few moments, before either Jerry or myself realized what they +were doing, they had jumped from their horses, fired the tall, dry grass +to the windward of us, and were scudding away from it as fast as their +horses could carry them.</p> + +<p>Quicker than thought, the wind caught the flames, that seemed to leap +fifty feet into the air, which, in an instant, became so filled with heat +and smoke, that suffocation seemed inevitable. We could scarcely see or +breathe; and the wind was driving the flames directly towards us.</p> + +<p>The wagons, animals, ourselves even, were at their mercy. What could we +do to escape the horrible fate that stared us in the face?</p> + +<p>Jerry was the first to realize our danger. Starting in the direction of +the fire so fast approaching, as he yelled, at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"Git ther empty corn-sacks, blankets, anything ter keep ther fire off +from ther wagons and critters. Be quicker'n lightnin', thar!" cried he, +as he hastily set another fire, not twenty yards from us.</p> + +<p>In a second we were fighting the new fire with whatever we could lay our +hands upon.</p> + +<p>So vigorously did we work, that we succeeded in keeping the flames from +our wagons and stock, which, in a few minutes, rolled by us in huge +billows of fire.</p> + +<p>I never saw a grander sight than the vast blackened, smoking plain, +beyond which the flames raged and roared like thunder, while the dense +white smoke, settling low down, partially veiled the sunlight and gave a +weird, strange appearance, that is indescribable, to the scene.</p> + +<p>"The cowardly cusses!" said Jerry, as we paused to take breath from our +labors. "They wanted to smoke us out, did they? Well, I reckon, by the +looks round, thet maybe they'll have ter huff it putty lively themselves, +ef they git away from it. I've heerd of the biters gittin' bit +themselves, afore now."</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding our misfortune, we could hardly help laughing at the +sight of ourselves, as, with blacked faces, singed clothing, and +blistered hands, we talked the matter over.</p> + +<p>Of course we could do nothing but submit, and console ourselves by +wishing that we had the cowardly fellows where we could punish them.</p> + +<p>We passed a most uncomfortable night; and, as soon as daylight appeared, +were on the road, reaching the "Springs" late in the evening, and the +next morning taking up our line of march for Fort Davis. This fort is +situated upon Lympia Creek, in Wild Rose Pass, a most lovely +<i>cañon</i>, through the <i>Sierra Diablo</i>. It is about two hundred +feet wide, and carpeted with the richest green sward, while the sides, +composed of dark, columnar, basaltic rocks, rise to the height of a +thousand feet. Here, cozily nestled in this beautiful dell, surrounded by +lofty mountains, we came upon the white walls of the fort.</p> + +<p>We encamped within half a mile of the post; and, the next morning, the +boys and I rode in to pay our respects to Colonel Sewell, then in +command.</p> + +<p>The youngsters were delighted with everything they saw, and the sutler's +store proved a great attraction for them. They seemed determined to buy +out his entire stock in trade, this being their first opportunity to +spend money since we left San Antonio.</p> + +<p>Colonel Young, the sutler, informed me that a friend from Chihuahua, Don +Ramon Ortiz, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, with his daughter and five +servants, had been for several days at the fort, awaiting the arrival of +some train with which they might travel to El Paso. If agreeable, they +would be pleased to accompany us.</p> + +<p>I gladly gave assent, and was shortly introduced to the Don. He was a +fine-looking gentleman, about sixty years of age, intelligent, and +evidently a man of culture. The sickness of his daughter had caused his +delay at the fort; but, having recovered, he was anxious to resume his +journey.</p> + +<p>The young lady proved to be a lovely little body, who spoke English like +a native, and was about sixteen years old. Her wealth of raven hair, eyes +of jet, and natural pleasant manner made <i>El Señorita Juanita</i> as +bewitching a little companion as one would meet in many a day's travel.</p> + +<p>From the instant Hal saw her he became a devoted admirer, and, I foresaw, +that so long as we travelled in company with Don Ramon, I need not again +fear his absence from the train.</p> + +<p>One of the officers of the fort came to me, during the evening, with the +request that I would permit a young lad to travel through with me to the +Pacific coast, saying that he was without money or friends, and it would +be a charity if I would allow him to work his passage.</p> + +<p>I had but just returned to camp when Ned appeared, bringing with him a +bright-looking Irish boy, about sixteen years of age. As he stood +twirling his hat, and resting awkwardly upon one foot, I asked,—</p> + +<p>"What do you want of me, my boy?"</p> + +<p>"Av yez plaze, sur, I'd loike a job."</p> + +<p>"What kind of a job?"</p> + + <img src="images/img12.jpg" alt="Introducing Patsey" align="right" /> + <p>"A job ter go to Californy, shure, sur."</p> + +<p>"Well, what's your name?"</p> + +<p>"Patsey, yer honor; and a very good name it is, too. 'Twas my father's +before, me sur."</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from?"</p> + +<p>"The ould counthry, ov coorse, sur."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but where did you come from now?"</p> + +<p>"From the foort beyant, sur."</p> + +<p>"Well, Patsey, what can you do?"</p> + +<p>"Phat can I do, is it? Faix, yer honor, it's phat I can't do yer'd better +be axin'! There's nothin' in my loine that I don't understand parfectly, +sur."</p> + +<p>"Have you a recommendation?"</p> + +<p>"What's that, sur?"</p> + +<p>"Any paper recommending you."</p> + +<p>"Och, it's me characther, is it, yeze afther axin' fur? Will, thin, I've +gut it in me pocket, shure;" and, pulling out from the waistband of his +pants a well-worn piece of greasy paper, he proceeded to spit on it, +"jist for good luck," he said, and then, with a bow and a scrape, handed +it to me.</p> + +<p>The paper was from Captain Givens, of the Mounted Rifles, recommending +the bearer, Patsey McQuirk, as an honest but ignorant boy.</p> + +<p>I informed Patsey that his "character" was satisfactory, and I would take +him along, bidding him put his luggage in one of the wagons.</p> + +<p>He stood looking at me with a comically puzzled expression on his face, +and, thinking that perhaps he did not understand what I said, I again +told him to put his things into one of the wagons, for we should probably +start early in the morning.</p> + +<p>"What things'll I put in the wagin, sur?"</p> + +<p>"Your baggage,—your clothes," said I.</p> + +<p>"Shure, sur, ef I put my clothes in the wagin, it's little I'd hev to +wear mysilf," answered the boy.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, then, go with Ned; he'll show you what to do."</p> + +<p>It had been our intention to start early on the following morning; but, +information having been received at the fort that a large party of +Comanches had been seen, only two days before, on our direct route, it +was thought advisable to wait a short time, in the hope that Don Ignacio +and his train might overtake us. Nor did we wait in vain; for, on the +evening of the third day, he rode into camp, and announced his train a +short distance behind.</p> + +<p>This was good news for us, and we immediately commenced preparations for +our departure the following day.</p> + +<p>Hal begged permission to carry the news to Don Ramon, and I never saw a +happier boy than he, at the thought of once more being on the road.</p> + +<p>About eight o'clock the next morning we again started, passing through +the <i>cañon</i>, over a fine, natural road. Two hours later saw the +ambulance of Don Ramon, with its six white mules and four outriders, +approaching from the direction of the fort, at a pace that promised soon +to overtake us.</p> + +<p>Hal at once took a position beside the carriage, and, during the rest of +the day, hardly left it. I did not interfere until we were approaching +our camping-ground, when I sent Patsey back, to say that I wished to see +him.</p> + +<p>The boy returned, saying,—</p> + +<p>"He's a-comin', but he says, kape yer timper."</p> + +<p>"What did he say?" inquired I, in no little astonishment.</p> + +<p>"He said, Yis, he'd come, but kape yer timper; shure, so he did."</p> + +<p>At this moment Hal rode up. I asked him what he meant by sending such an +extraordinary message, at the same time telling Patsey to repeat it.</p> + +<p>Hal heard it, and burst into a laugh, declaring that he told Patsey to +say he would be with me "<i>poko tiempo</i>,"—in a little while—which, +as Patsey did not understand Spanish, he had interpreted into "kape yer +timper."</p> + + <img src="images/img13.jpg" alt="Antelope, Patsey And Ned" align="right" /> + <p>The night passed quietly, and, just after sunrise we were again on the +road, bound for "Dead Man's Hole," which was our next camping ground. We +reached it quite early in the afternoon, and, shortly afterwards, Ned +came to me in great glee, saying that he'd shot an antelope, and wanted +Patsey to go and help him bring it in.</p> + +<p>Away they rushed, and soon returned, fairly staggering under the weight +of a fine fat antelope.</p> + +<p>I could fully understand Ned's feeling of pride, as the men, one after +another, examined the game, and complimented him on his success; for Ned +was a great favorite in the camp; but, when old Jerry graciously told him +that he was more'n twice as old afore he killed an antelope, the boy's +eyes fairly danced with joy.</p> + +<p>His greatest triumph, however, was at supper, when he helped Hal to a +bountiful supply of the fat, juicy steak. It had been a matter of rivalry +between the two, as to which of them would kill the first antelope; and +Hal was inclined to feel a little uncomfortable at Ned's victory, +especially before Patsey slyly suggested, that, ef he hadn't kilt an +antichoke, he'd got a <i>dear</i> beyant, and that was betther than a +dozen artichokes.</p> + +<p>When I made my usual round of the camp, before going to bed, Jerry was +not to be found; so I concluded to sit up until his return.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later he came in, informing me that "he'd heerd a +<i>coyote</i> bark four or five times rather suspiciously nigh camp, and +had been out to reconnoitre, thinkin' p'raps it was an Injun signal; but, +havin' seen more or less of the critters prowlin' about, he rekconed it +was all right."</p> + +<p>Commending him for his care and watchfulness, and, assured by his +confident manner that there was no danger, I "turned in," and soon fell +asleep. How long I had slept I could not tell, but I was awakened by a +sound that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and caused the blood to +curdle in my veins; for it was the terrible war-whoop ringing in my ears, +so close and distinct, that it seemed to be in my very tent.</p> + +<p>I sprang into a sitting posture, and hurriedly looked about me. I saw +Hal's and Ned's frightened faces, then seized my rifle and rushed out. As +I passed through the door of the tent, I received a blow that felled me +to the earth. When I recovered my senses, I found the camp a scene of +dire confusion: every one was hurrying hither and thither, giving orders, +and talking in the wildest manner. I caught sight of Don Ramon, +bare-headed, barefooted, and half clad, wringing his hands and calling in +frenzied tones for his darling Juanita. Hal was talking loudly one +minute, and, the next, crying, while Ned was vainly attempting to pacify +him.</p> + +<p>As Ned appeared to be the coolest person in sight, I asked him the cause +of the commotion, and learned that the Indians had attacked Don Ramon's +camp, and carried off his daughter and her maid, prisoners.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap9"></a><h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<p>As soon as I could get upon my feet, I inquired for Jerry, and was told +he was looking after the mules. I immediately sent for him, and he came, +accompanied by Don Ignacio, who, hearing the disturbance, had come over +to ascertain what it meant. When we could secure the presence of Don +Ramon, we learned from him the story of the surprise.</p> + + <img src="images/img14.jpg" alt="Capture Of Juanita" align="left" /> + <p>Every heart was moved to pity as the old man, in broken sentences, told +us that he had been awakened by hearing his beautiful, his darling, +shriek. He had sprung to his feet, half asleep, and seen two Indians +tearing her from her bed in the ambulance, while calling upon him for +help.</p> + +<p>One of the Indians threw her across his horse, and then jumping upon the +animal himself, galloped madly off. Another seized her maid in the same +way; but she, poor girl, made such a desperate resistance that the savage +brutally plunged a knife into her heart, and then, with the rapidity of +lightning, scalped her and flung her body to the ground.</p> + +<p>Piteously the half-crazed father besought us to rescue his child from the +terrible fate in store for her. Offering half—yes, the whole of his +immense fortune to any one who would restore her once more to him.</p> + +<p>After a hurried consultation, we decided to send a messenger back to the +fort to notify the officers, and ask them to send a company of dragoons +in pursuit, at once; Don Ignacio offering to dispatch his assistant, a +thoroughly trustworthy man, who knew every foot of the country, with the +message. While I was writing the note to Colonel Sewall, Hal came to me, +and urged strongly to be allowed to accompany the messenger, saying that +Don Ignacio thought I should send some one, and had offered to mount him +upon one of his best horses if I would permit him to go. I hesitated a +long time before consenting; but he pleaded so earnestly, I finally said +yes, warning him on no account to leave the travelled road. This he +promised, and the two set out.</p> + +<p>A short time after they left, we decided to send a party out ourselves, +to follow the Indians and recapture the girl if possible, as well as +recover the mules stolen. Jerry offered to lead the party in person, +provided I would accompany it, and Don Ignacio could be induced to take +charge of the camp during our absence. The arrangements perfected, Jerry +selected a dozen of the best men; and before daylight, we were in the +saddle and on the trail.</p> + +<p>All day we rode over rocky <i>mesas</i> or through dense +<i>chapparal</i>,—here fording a stream, now thundering over a barren +plain, or picking our way through gloomy <i>cañons</i> or up steep +bluffs.</p> + +<p>The sun set; but Jerry did not pause in the pursuit. With his eyes on the +ground, and the same eager, anxious expression on his face, he rode as he +had ridden all day. Every nerve was strung to its utmost tension, every +sense was on the alert. Hardly had he spoken, not once hesitated as to +the course, nor for a single instant lost the track we had been +following.</p> + +<p>At last we came to a little valley, shut in by dark gray rocks and tall +mountains. At a signal from Jerry, we dismounted, unsaddled our animals, +and partook of a hasty supper; then again took to the trail; penetrating +deeper and deeper into the mountain fastnesses, over rocks and through +dense underbrush, until at last the shimmer of the waters of a broad +river met our gaze, and we paused upon its banks.</p> + +<p>It was the Rio Grande; and here we decided to encamp for the night.</p> + +<p>A few hours' rest and, just at daylight, we plunged into the water and +renewed our search, following the banks for miles; but no trace of the +track could we find. Just as we were giving up in despair, one of the +party, who was a long distance in the lead, uttered a shout: he had again +found the trail. It was evident now, that, in order to deceive any party +that might follow them, they had entered the river and followed its bed +through the water, nearly ten miles; hoping thereby to successfully hide +their course.</p> + +<p>We now sent one man back to the point where the trail entered the river, +that he might guide the soldiers, whom we every moment expected to arrive +from Fort Davis.</p> + +<p>It was a useless precaution however, for no soldier came. If we had but +known! but, alas! how could we? We waited until twilight came, and then +reluctantly retraced our steps, believing it useless to attempt to follow +the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape +with their prisoners. I was much pleased, however, to hear Jerry express +the opinion, that the Comanches would gladly ransom them, and that the +only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with +the band who made the capture; for it seemed probable that they belonged +in that, then, almost inaccessible portion of the state, known as the +"Pan-handle."</p> + +<p>When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort, we +reluctantly determined to start homeward.</p> + +<p>While pursuing our way towards camp, Jerry and myself determined to visit +a spring several miles to the east of our course, and then to overtake +our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains, +that ran far out into the plain.</p> + +<p>We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring; and, after a short +rest, filled our canteens with the cool, sparkling water, and started to +intercept our friends at the place agreed upon.</p> + +<p>Ere we were a mile upon the road. Jerry uttered a low whistle, and said, +"Look behind you, will you?"</p> + +<p>I turned; and, to my astonishment, not more than a mile away, saw eight +mounted Indians; and it was evident from the cloud of dust in which they +rode, that they were coming at no very slow gait.</p> + +<p>We were not an instant deciding that we had no wish to encounter eight +mounted Comanches, well armed, upon the open plain, if it were possible +to avoid them.</p> + +<p>The ground was a dead level for miles in every direction; and, in a +straight line six or seven miles away, we could see the spur of the +mountains where we expected to meet our party. If we could only reach +that, we were safe.</p> + +<p>We had more than a mile the start of our pursuers; but our horses were +worn with long travel, while it was evident theirs were comparatively +fresh and vigorous; our escape therefore, must be a question of speed and +endurance.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Jerry, as we shook our reins and put spurs into the flanks of +our horses, "set low, and bend in your saddle, take the motion of your +horse, and let's git."</p> + +<p>And "git" we did. Our animals seemed fairly to fly as we urged them +forward. They appeared to understand every word spoken, and to be quite +as anxious to escape capture as their riders.</p> + +<p>Every ejaculation uttered, every caress bestowed, gave them fresh +courage, urged them to greater exertions. Every nerve was braced, every +muscle strained to its utmost tension, while their foam-flecked sides +said, as plainly as words could say it, "We are doing our level best."</p> + +<p>I cast a glance over my shoulder and saw that the Indians were "spread" +in the pursuit, but evidently gaining on us. I looked at Jerry and then +at the goal, each moment growing nearer, and still so far away that I +began to doubt the ability of our horses to continue at the tremendous +pace they were going until we could reach it.</p> + +<p>Every minute seemed an age.</p> + +<p>Jerry's face was a study, as, with compressed lips, and eyes that +appeared to fairly flash fire, he bent so low in his saddle as to almost +touch his horse's mane. On, on, we sped! Not a word was spoken—not a +sound could be heard, save the dull, heavy thud of our horses' feet upon +the soft turf beneath us.</p> + +<p>Once I fancied I felt my horse waver, as though about to fall; but I +spoke sharply to him, and he straightened out, just as a bullet whistled +by our heads.</p> + +<p>"That's a Comanche sign; you can always tell them devils," muttered +Jerry, between his teeth.</p> + +<p>A mile farther, and we are safe. Can we make it? Why don't our men see +us, and hasten to the rescue?</p> + +<p>Another look behind. The Indians were still gaining on us, and I fancied +I could hear the breath of their unshod horses, as they thundered after +us; but it was only the distressed breathing of our own noble animals, +warning us that their strength was almost gone.</p> + +<p>Will our friends ever see us? Can we hold out five minutes longer? I hear +Jerry mutter something between his closed teeth; and, the next moment, +saw a dozen men dash out from behind the rocks.</p> + +<p>"We are saved! we are saved!" is my cry. I have just strength enough left +to pull up my weary horse, throw myself out of the saddle, and sink upon +the ground, when the faithful creature, completely exhausted, reels and +falls, as the men thunder past us, in pursuit of the now flying foe.</p> + +<p>"Wall," said Jerry, as he dismounted, "thet was a touch and go, and no +mistake. I've been chased many a time afore, but never come so near a go, +ez this has been. Them critters of ourn are worth a fortune, and no +mistake."</p> + +<p>We had a good hour's rest, before our friends returned from the pursuit; +and then, once more mounting, we set out for camp, which we reached late +in the afternoon, to learn that neither of the messengers sent to the +fort, had returned, nor had any tidings been received from them.</p> + +<p>What did it mean? Could they have been captured?</p> + +<p>Don Ramon was almost heart-broken, when he learned the result of our +pursuit; and nothing that we could say, afforded him any comfort. His +continual cry was, "Give me my daughter! my darling Juanita!"</p> + +<p>I was extremely anxious about Hal; and at once dispatched Don Ignacio to +the fort, to ascertain the reason of the non return of our messengers; +and then, as nothing further could be done, "turned in" for a little +sleep, giving Ned directions to call me immediately upon the arrival of +Don Ignacio.</p> + +<p>Just before daybreak, I was awakened by the startling intelligence, that +neither Hal or the messenger had reached the fort; but Colonel Sewell +had, upon Don Ignacio's request, immediately ordered a company of +dragoons in pursuit of the Indians.</p> + +<p>The only inference to be drawn from the facts was, that both Hal and the +messenger had been killed or taken prisoners, by a portion of the same +band that attacked our camp; and, although myself, greatly depressed by +the uncertainty attending their absence, I endeavored to assure Don +Ramon, that their capture was extremely fortunate, on his daughter's +account, for it would be certain to ensure her safe return to her +friends.</p> + +<p>This thought appeared to afford the old man a little comfort, and he +finally decided, to continue with the train, until we should arrive at El +Paso. We got under way about noon; and, with sad hearts, followed the +windings of the road through the <i>Cañon de los Camenos</i>, and on to +the Rio Grande; thence, following the course of the river, to the old +<i>Presidio</i> of San Elezario, and so on to Fort Bliss, about one mile +below the town of El Paso.</p> + +<p>At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with +which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, +he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old +scout who had been in his employ for years. He was not only trustworthy, +but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and +customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to +communicate with his family, who resided near the fort.</p> + +<p>The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist +the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any +chance have crossed the river with their captives.</p> + +<p>We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this +would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a +much-needed rest.</p> + +<p>I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty +regarding Hal's fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I +must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, +and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver +mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post.</p> + +<p>The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we +set out upon our trip.</p> + +<p>The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, +so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of +cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry's keen eye +discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he +surmised might be a cave.</p> + +<p>With this idea, we started to explore it. Upon reaching the mouth of the +opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for +Ned and myself to join him.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching him, he said,—"It's a cave, but there's some kind of a +critter got possession of it. I reckon it's a bar."</p> + +<p>We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what +appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end +of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl.</p> + +<p>It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed +it prudent to retreat.</p> + +<p>"We've got to git the critter out, someway," said Jerry, "and the sooner +we go about it, the better for us."</p> + +<p>"Suppose we try smoking him out," said Ned.</p> + +<p>"I dunno but that's the best way, after all, youngster," said Jerry. +"Hand us the hatchet, and we'll soon have a fire here." We shortly had +some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while +a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the +smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect.</p> + +<p>In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we +proceeded to make an examination for the cause. We found that the bear +had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the +brands.</p> + +<p>"He's an old fellow, and won't be ketched napping," said Jerry. "The only +way is to meet him, on his own ground. I'll fix him! You get two or three +of them splinters, and light 'em, and foller me."</p> + +<p>We cautiously advanced upon Bruin, torches in one hand and revolvers in +the other, but his low, angry growl caused us, even then, to hesitate a +moment before venturing further.</p> + +<p>"Now, you take this 'ere torch, youngster," said Jerry, addressing Ned, +"and hold it so you kin see, and then I kin. My narves is steadier'n +clock-work, and I'll do the shootin'."</p> + +<p>Another forward movement, and another growl saluted our ears.</p> + +<p>"Steady, there," said Jerry, "I see him;" and the next instant, he fired.</p> + +<p>As soon as the almost deafening reverberations and din, caused by the +discharge, had subsided, holding our torches so as to throw the light as +far in advance as possible, we entered the cave, and in one corner found +a large black bear—dead.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" cried Ned. "We've got him! Ain't he a noble fellow?"</p> + +<p>"Here's room enough for all," said Jerry, as the extent of the cave was +made apparent. "We'll get our critters in, and have bar meat for supper, +sure." The apartment in which we were standing was about twenty feet +square, and nearly as many high, and, in one corner, we found a spring of +clear, cool water.</p> + +<p>"Nothing could be nicer than this," declared Ned. "I'd like to stay here +for a month; it's just splendid," But Ned's enthusiasm soon died out, for +we discovered unmistakable evidence that Indians were in the habit of +visiting it. We determined to pass the night there, however, which we did +without being disturbed, and the next morning again started for the mine, +which we reached about two o'clock in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>The mine consisted of a horizontal shaft, cut into the mountain-side, +that had reached a depth of between two and three hundred feet; the ore +being drawn up in large leathern buckets, by mule power, attached to a +windlass. Such portions as were deemed sufficiently rich were at once +conveyed to the smelting furnace, where the pure ore was melted down and +extracted from the virgin fossil. If of inferior quality, it was +submitted to the process of amalgamation.</p> + +<p>We found much to interest us while examining the working of the mine, +which was conducted upon the old Mexican plan. Ned was particularly +pleased with the manner of packing the silver, which was in rough cakes, +for transportation.</p> + +<p>These were placed in sacks made of raw hide, which, when dry, shrunk, and +thus pressed the contents so closely, that all friction was avoided. Two +of these sacks, each containing about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of +the ore, constituted an ordinary mule-load.</p> + +<p>We spent the entire day at the mine, watching the process of separating +the ore, extracting the gold, roasting, grinding, etc., and the following +day returned to El Paso, with the intention of leaving for Fort Fillmore +immediately.</p> + +<p>As soon as we arrived at this post, in company with Ned, I called upon +Lieutenant Howland, then in command, and communicated to him the facts +regarding the attack upon, and capture of a portion of our party, and +from him learned the startling intelligence that a scout from Fort +Stanton, had that day arrived at the post, reporting that, the day +previous, he had discovered the fresh trail of a party of Indians near +the eastern base of the Organos Mountains, who had with them, three white +persons, one of whom, was a woman.</p> + +<p>As soon as Ned heard the lieutenant make this statement, he started to +his feet, exclaiming, "That's them! that's them! Hurrah! we'll find 'em, +sure. Let's start now!" and away he went to carry the glad tidings to the +camp.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap10"></a><h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<p>At my request, the scout was sent for. He proved to be a keen, shrewd +Yankee, who had spent the last twenty years of his life, among the +mountains of New Mexico.</p> + +<p>His statement was clear and concise, and showed a familiarity with Indian +manners and habits, that entitled his opinion to great weight. After a +long interview, both Lieutenant Howland and myself became convinced that +Hal and Juanita were with the party he described. So positive was the +lieutenant that he volunteered to send a force in pursuit early on the +following morning, with Tom Pope as guide.</p> + +<p>When this determination was announced I hastened back to camp to consult +old Jerry, and found all assembled around Ned, who was repeating over and +over again, the story told by Tom. Even Patsey, whom I had scarcely +noticed since he joined the train, was tossing his well-worn cap in the +air, catching it upon the toe of a toeless boot, while executing a lively +Irish jig, and exclaiming every time he drew a long breath,—</p> + +<p>"Whoo-o-o-op! think of it now, will yez! The boss has got the byse, sure. +Whoo-o-o-op now, whoo-o-op!"</p> + +<p>In fact, all seemed delighted at the idea of our receiving even the +meagre information we had obtained at the fort.</p> + +<p>As soon as Jerry found a moment's leisure, I gave him a detailed account +of the interview with Tom Pope, as well as Lieutenant Howland's opinion +regarding it.</p> + +<p>He expressed much satisfaction at the Lieutenant's intention to pursue +the party, and asked, if I thought the guide would object to his +accompanying him on the expedition.</p> + +<p>While talking the matter over, we saw Tom himself approaching camp. Jerry +at once recognized him as an old Comanche scout, whom he had once met in +Texas; and the two were soon upon the most friendly terms. It was +understood, that Jerry and myself were to accompany Tom on the +expedition, and finally I obtained permission to take Ned along.</p> + +<p>I invited Tom to remain and take supper with us, and afterwards, while +Jerry was making his preparations for the morrow's expedition, Ned and +Patsey asked Tom for a story; but Tom said "he warn't no account at story +tellin' and would let that job out to somebody else."</p> + +<p>Remembering Jerry's remark, that Tom was a Comanche scout, I asked him if +he had had much experience with that tribe.</p> + +<p>"Consid'rable," answered he.</p> + +<p>"Is it a fact, that the Comanches frequently cook their meat by placing +it under the saddle and riding on it all day?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"I 'spect 'tis," replied Tom; "leastways, I've seen 'em do it, and done +it myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh! tell us all about it Tom, will you?" cried Ned.</p> + +<p>"Wall, I don't mind telling you about that, youngster, though I ain't +much of a story-teller. You just wait till I get my pipe filled, and I'll +spin a yarn for you, as they used to say down in New Bedford."</p> + +<p>"Be gorra, now, ain't this fun?" exclaimed Patsey, as he and Ned settled +themselves in a comfortable position by the fire, to listen to—</p> + +<p>TOM'S STORY.</p> + +<p>Having filled and lighted his pipe, he began.</p> + +<p>"Six years ago this fall, I had been down to Mattamoras on the Rio +Grande, and returning home, had camped for the night, in the ruins of an +Old ranche on the San Saba. Wall, I was alone and pretty tired. I didn't +think nothin' about Injuns, so I went ter sleep; and when I woke up I was +a prisoner, with a dozen Comanches caperin' round me."</p> + +<p>"I couldn't do nothin', 'cause they'd taken my rifle and my knife; so I +jist made up my mind, that I'd better keep still and wait for my chance +to come. They tied my hands behind me, and put me on a horse. Then we +started, and I soon saw that they had been down into Mexico on a stealing +expedition, and had had, good luck; for they had five scalps, and nearly +a hundred head of Spanish mares, that they were a-driving home with 'em +to their village, which was on the Clear Fork of the Brazos."</p> + +<p>"In ten days, we got to within about a mile of their home, and then we +halted; and one of the braves, all painted and fixed up in regular war +style, started in to let 'em know we were there."</p> + +<p>"Pretty soon one of their squaws came out to meet us, and then the +Injuns, fixed to a long lance the five scalps they had taken, and we all +started for the village, the squaw leading and carryin' the scalp-pole, +all the while singing a war-song."</p> + +<p>"Just before we got into their settlement we were met by a lot of the +women folks, who joined in the procession. Then we went through the +village. The squaws danced as they went along and made a great noise, +singing songs about the brave deeds of their husbands and sons, who had +taken so many scalps and stolen so many cattle."</p> + +<p>"I'd been wonderin' all the time what they were going ter do with me. +Then we stopped before the chief's lodge,—Tabba-ken, or the Big Eagle, +he was called,—and they motioned for me to dismount. I hadn't hardly +struck the ground, before I found what they were going to do with me; for +would you believe it, every old squaw and pappoose in that village, that +had strength enough, flew at me and commenced biting, and kicking, and +scratching me. You see I couldn't do much, for my hands were tied, but I +made up my mind that Tom Pope would die like a man, even though he never +had calculated to be bit and kicked to death, by a lot of Comanche +squaws."</p> + +<p>"So I jest set my teeth, and stood the pain the best I was able. After a +while, they got tired of the fun, and quit; but you never see such a +lookin' chap as I was when they got through. Why, there wasn't a spot on +me as big as a five-cent piece, that didn't show some kind of a mark. I +thought I had a pretty hard time in some of my travels, before, but +t'warn't no tetch ter that Comanche village. I was sore for a month after +it."</p> + +<p>"Arter they'd got through with their fun, they set me to work and kept me +at it, till I finally got away from 'em; though they treated me well +enough after the first few days. When I got into Phantom Hill, the +officers there told me, that they treated me as they always did all their +prisoners. I had enough to eat, such as it was, and hain't no complaints +to make on that score. They had two Mexican women who were prisoners +there, and old Tabba-ken himself had married one of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Do they have any particular ceremonies, when they start on the war-path, +Tom?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"I saw one party start out ter fight the Arapahoes; and I see 'em come +back, too," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"One morning I see that a lot of the braves took their bows and arrows, +and placed 'em on the east side of their lodges. They was all ornamented +and fixed, and set where the sun's first rays should fall on 'em. That +night a lot of the squaws commenced going around through the village, +singing their war-songs, and making a great noise. They kept it up for +three nights, so that I couldn't sleep a wink; and I asked one of the +Mexican women what it all meant. She told me, that it was a war-party, +getting ready for an expedition.</p> + +<p>"I'd suspected as much, when I see the braves a-cavortin' around so +lively on their horses, and makin' such a fuss as they did.</p> + +<p>"She said, that they worshipped the sun, and their weapons was set out +there for the sun to bless, and give them good luck against their +enemies. They kept up these doin's for four or five days, and then they +had a grand war-dance; and the next morning at sunrise (they always start +on an expedition just at sunrise) a party of twenty braves, started off +to the north."</p> + +<p>"Do they make the squaws work, like the other Indian tribes, Tom?" asked +Ned.</p> + +<p>"Yes! Injuns is Injuns, wherever you find 'em," answered Tom. "The squaws +allers do the hard work, and the men the heavy layin' round and talkin'."</p> + +<p>"Oh! be gorra; don't I wish I was a Injin," exclaimed Patsey.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued Tom, "after I'd been with 'em a couple of months or so, +they kind er got a notion that I didn't care much about gittin' away, and +didn't keep a very strict watch over me; so, one night, when I see +Carline (that was my old rifle) lyin' by one of the lodges, I made up my +mind to scoot. They was havin' a big time that night, gittin' ready for +another expedition, and I knew they'd be putty busy. As soon as 'twas +dark, I picked up the rifle, and, kind er slowly, made my way down ter +where their critters was feedin', and picked out the best hoss of the +lot, put a saddle on him, and started down the river towards the fort at +Phantom Hill. 'Twas a good hundred miles away; but I made up my mind I'd +fetch it, if nothin' happened.</p> + +<p>"I rode putty hard all night; and, just after daylight, saw some deer on +the prairie, and shot one, never thinkin' that I hadn't another charge +for my rifle, and no way of buildin' a fire ter cook with.</p> + +<p>"Yer see the Injuns always start a fire by rubbin' two dry sticks +together, but I hadn't no time for that, 'cause I wanted to put as many +miles as I could between me and ther village. While I was a-wonderin' +what ter do, I happened to think about puttin' it under the saddle; so I +hunted round and found a sharp stone, and managed to cut some putty fair +slices out ev the leg, and clapped 'em under the saddle and rode on.</p> + +<p>"I got pretty hungry by noon, so I stopped to let my horse eat a little, +and looked at my steaks, and they was cooked just as nice as I ever see +steaks cooked in my life; and they was good, too, you bet.</p> + +<p>"I made a tip-top meal, and then thought I'd lay down and take a little +nap. I slept for an hour or two, and then saddled up, and rode along. +Putty soon I happened ter look round, and, blast my picter, ef there +warn't eight Comanches a-comin' after me like the very devil.</p> + +<p>"I just put the spurs to my hoss; and from the best calculations I could +make, I made up my mind thet they'd ketch me in just about ten miles +further. I see they was a-gainin' on me, and I hadn't nothin' to defend +myself with but a empty rifle, and that warn't no account agin bows and +arrows; so I throwed it away, and made up my mind, if wost came to wost, +I'd take my chances in the river, 'cause yer see the Comanches never let +a prisoner get away the second time. I kept urgin' my hoss, and the +critter kep' tryin', but I see he was about blowed, an' 'twarn't no use. +I had just concluded I must take to the river, when I happened to look up +and see a dozen soldiers coming right towards me. The Injuns see 'em as +quick as I did, and the way they turned and put back was a caution to +anything I ever see."</p> + +<p>"What were the soldiers doing there?" asked Ned.</p> + +<p>"Why, they was a scoutin' party out from the post, about twenty miles +below where we was. They chased the Injuns, but the devils scattered and +'twarn't no use.</p> + +<p>"I went in to the fort with 'em, and stayed thar about a week, and then +went down to San Antonio with Major Neighbors, the Injun agent. +Afterwards, I heard that the soldiers went up and cleaned the village +out, but I don't know nothin' about that.</p> + +<p>"There, youngsters, you've hed your story, and I reckon if you're goin' +with me to-morrow, you'd better go ter bed and git some sleep, and I'll +go back to the fort, and git ready, myself."</p> + +<p>Ned was delighted with Tom's story, while Patsey declared that "he'd thry +that way of cooking, steak the first blissid thing he did in the +mornin',—that he would, sure."</p> + +<p>With the first faint streak of light in the eastern sky, our little party +were on their way to the fort. We found that Lieutenant Howland had +detailed a squad of twenty of the "Mounted Rifles" under command of +Lieutenant Jackson, and ordered them provisions, for ten days. They were +to start at sunrise, and Tom Pope was to lead them directly to the +<i>cañon</i>, where he had seen the trail, which we were to follow, until +we overtook the thieves.</p> + +<p>Promptly, as the morning gun, announced the sun's appearance above the +horizon, Lieutenant Jackson, with the dragoons, rode into the parade- +ground, ready for a start. The final orders were given, and we fell into +line, and rode slowly forth in the direction of the mountains, followed, +not only by the good wishes of every man in the post, but by Patsey's +brogans, which he threw after us for "good luck, inyhow," with such force +that one struck a soldier in the head, and nearly knocked him out of the +saddle, much to his surprise and anger, and greatly to the amusement of +the spectators.</p> + +<p>We struck into a brisk canter, and were soon out of sight of the post and +settlements. Our course lay to the east of north, over an elevated, arid +plain, covered with a thick growth of prickly-pear, and scrubby mesquite.</p> + +<p>The mesquite is a shrub that somewhat resembles our locust. Its wood is +hard and close-grained, and its branches bear a long, narrow pod, filled +with saccharine matter, which, when ripe, furnishes a very palatable +article of food, that is relished both by men and animals.</p> + +<p>The principal value of the mesquite, however, is for its roots, which are +used for fuel and very fine fuel they make, quite equal to the best +hickory.</p> + +<p>The plain over which we were now travelling, was more than four thousand +feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its immense elevation, +it was covered with a peculiar kind of grass called <i>grama</i>, which +retains its nutritious qualities throughout the whole year. This grass is +sometimes cut by the inhabitants, who use for the purpose a hoe. It will +thus be seen, that, on these plains, wood is obtained with a spade and +hay secured by the hoe.</p> + +<p>A ride of seven hours brought us to the eastern side of the mountains, +whose lofty, pinnacled peaks rose above us to the height of more than +three thousand feet, strangely and perfectly resembling the pipes of an +immense organ, from which fact the <i>Sierra de los Organos</i> takes its +name.</p> + +<p>As we approached this remarkable range, we found a thick growth of live-oak +skirting its base, and could hardly resist the temptation, to enjoy +the cool and delicious shade, which their thick branches afforded; but we +pushed on, and in another hour reached the entrance to the <i>cañon</i>, +in which Tom had discovered the Indians' trail. Here we found it +necessary to advance with the greatest precaution, as the dark pines and +evergreens, growing in the narrow defile, afforded an excellent place for +the concealment of our foes.</p> + +<p>Jerry and Tom, rode a short distance in advance of the party, and we +slowly made our way up the gorge for about four hundred yards, when we +came to a large reservoir, or basin, into which the water from a spring +high up on the mountain-side, slowly trickled.</p> + +<p>The guides examined this place with great care, for Tom declared it had +not been disturbed since he left it, two days before. We found evidence +sufficient to substantiate Tom's opinion fully, for we discovered the +tracks of three white persons, one of whom was a woman. Ned insisted that +he recognized Hal's footprints, while Jerry identified the peculiar shape +of one of the mule's tracks, by means of a shoe he himself fitted to the +animal.</p> + +<p>Satisfied at last that we were on the right trail, the lieutenant decided +to halt for a short time to feed and rest.</p> + +<p>While Ned was strolling about the encampment, he accidentally trod upon a +rattlesnake, and the venomous reptile, sounding his rattle, made a spring +and fastened his teeth into the boy's pants, just below the knee. I +chanced to be looking towards him at the moment, and saw him, without the +least hesitation draw his sheath-knife, and sever its head from its body, +with one stroke, leaving the head hanging to the leg of his pants. I +hurried towards him, but the boy was not in the least disconcerted or +frightened, although he could not tell if he had been bitten or not. An +examination showed that the fangs of the snake had passed through the +cloth and left their imprint upon the leather of his boot-leg, without +penetrating it.</p> + + <img src="images/img15.jpg" alt="Snake Incident" align="left" /> + <p>We all congratulated him upon his narrow escape, and Lieutenant Jackson +told him that few men would have shown more nerve or presence of mind +under the circumstances than he had done. Tom Pope asserted the boy was a +"born Injin hunter," and old Jerry declared that he was "willing to make +a 'ception, so fur as Ned was concarned, though he'd be darned if he'd do +it for t'other one; for boys like him hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how."</p> + +<p>Once more mounting our horses, we emerged from the cool and grateful +shade, out into the burning sunshine of the plain, when, making sure of +the trail, our guides started at a brisk canter towards the north-east, +followed by the entire party.</p> + +<p>The trail was so plain and well-defined, that we were able to ride at a +good round pace, which was kept up until long after the sun had set and +darkness had fairly encompassed us. Finally we came to good grass, and +the lieutenant ordered a halt.</p> + +<p>Shortly after unsaddling our horses, Tom came to me, and said, "Be you +pretty sure, judge, that them fellers was Comanches, that attacked you?"</p> + +<p>I replied at once that I was.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?" inquired Tom.</p> + +<p>Up to this time I had not entertained a thought that they could be other +than Comanches. Now that my reasons for the opinion had been asked, I saw +that the only cause for it was the fact, that the attack had been made in +the Comanche country, and so far towards the interior, that the +possibility of their belonging to any other tribe had not entered my +mind.</p> + +<p>I replied, that I had no other reason for supposing them to be Comanches +than the one above given.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Tom, "as me and Jerry was ridin' along this arternoon, I +found this 'ere thing along side ther trail, so I picked it up ter show +yer."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, he produced an old, well-worn moccasin, which, at a glance, +I recognized as having been made by the Apaches, its shape being entirely +different from those manufactured or worn by any other tribe.</p> + +<p>For an instant I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed by the terrible +revelation.</p> + +<p>I thought of the warm-hearted, impulsive Hal, and the winsome, pretty +Juanita, prisoners in the hands of the cruel and merciless Apaches, who +were never known to surrender a captive alive. Then, as I thought of a +worse fate than death, that was in store for the bright, beautiful girl, +I thanked God that her old father was spared the anguish that such a +knowledge would have caused him.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap11"></a><h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<p>As soon as I dared trust myself to speak, I said, in a tone of voice that +I was conscious must betray my anxiety to hear my own opinion condemned,—</p> + +<p>"This is an Apache's moccasin, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"'Tis, for sartin," said Tom. "No other red-skinned varmint but a +devilish Apache, ever wore that moccasin."</p> + +<p>"And what do you argue from that, Tom?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Ther ain't nothin' to argue," sententiously answered Tom. "The gal's +been took by the Apaches instead of the Comanches, and that's all there +is of it; that moccasin tells the whole story. Ask Jerry. Me and him +agreed on that pint, as soon as ever we see it."</p> + +<p>"It's surer'n preachin', judge," said Jerry, as he came up to where we +were standing; "and there ain't no help for it."</p> + +<p>"Well, what can we do, Jerry?"</p> + +<p>"Do! foller till we git 'em, if we foiler 'em to hell. We mustn't leave +the trail now, till we know the gal's dead, for sartin. She'll be safe, +ez long ez they're travellin'; but if they ever git to where they're +going,—well judge, I'd rather see the pretty little critter layin' right +here, dead, than to meet her, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>I immediately sought the lieutenant, and informed him of the terrible +facts I had just learned.</p> + +<p>"I feared as much from the first," said he, "for during all the years +I've been stationed on this frontier, I've never known the Comanches to +venture so far 'up country' as this, but have frequently known the +Mescalleros to pass through the Comanche country into Mexico. I fear we +shall find this to be a band of Mescallero Apaches, but I shall follow +them, as long as my men and animals hold out. I have ordered a halt now, +because, twenty miles from here, in the direction that we are travelling, +we shall come to an extensive deposit of pure, white sand, in which we +shall be liable to lose the trail at night; and I want to reach there as +near daybreak as possible, so as not to waste more time than is necessary +in finding it. We shall rest here until midnight, so you'd better turn in +and get what sleep you can."</p> + +<p>Midnight found us once more in the saddle, and when, some hours later, we +reached the deposit referred to, an examination showed, that, instead of +crossing it, the trail skirted its southern edge for a couple of miles, +and then took an easterly course towards the Sacramento Mountains, +distant about twenty-five miles.</p> + +<p>Our course lay in the vicinity of two or three little <i>salinas</i>, or +salt lakes, but over an arid, barren plain, destitute of any vegetation, +except mesquite <i>chaparral</i>; and about three o'clock in the +afternoon, we reached the timber that skirted the base of the mountains.</p> + +<p>As the guides, who were some distance in advance, reached the extreme end +of a spur, around which the trail led, we saw them pause for a few +moments, and then hasten towards us.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching us, old Jerry, in a voice husky with emotion, said, +"They're there for sartin;" pointing towards the end of the spur.</p> + +<p>A retreat to the cover of the trees was instantly ordered, when the +guides informed us, that upon reaching the point of rocks, they +discovered several animals grazing in the meadow beyond, and that the +Indians must be encamped in the immediate vicinity; but in order to make +sure, would leave their horses with us, and return and make a +<i>reconnoissance</i>.</p> + +<p>They returned a couple of hours later, reporting that they had discovered +the camp, but owing to its situation, could not get near enough to see +into it, without running too much risk of discovery. There was one +"wickey-up," [The name given by scouts to Apache huts.] however, made of +brush, in which the girl was undoubtedly confined. From appearances they +thought the Indians intended to remain there, long enough to recruit +their stock, as the grass was very good; and that as soon as it should be +dark, they would return and take a closer inspection of the camp. Nothing +more remained for us to do therefore, but to "possess our souls with +patience" until darkness came.</p> + +<p>Now that we were so near the success or failure of the expedition for +which we had endured so much fatigue and anxiety, it was impossible to +remain quiet. Every moment seemed an hour. Ned was constantly on the +move, apparantly unable to remain in one position an instant. He had +anticipated accompanying us in the attack upon the Indian camp, but the +lieutenant positively forbade it, saying, that he was not only too young, +but too good a fellow to be shot by Apaches, that year.</p> + +<p>This did not satisfy Ned, however, who came to me to intercede for him, +saying, that he wanted so much to be the first one to greet Hal, and had +come so far to do it, it was pretty hard to be disappointed then.</p> + +<p>I spoke to the lieutenant in regard to the matter, but he was very +decided in his refusal, saying that the boy must stay in camp, and if +necessary, he should put him under guard.</p> + +<p>Ned bore his disappointment with wonderful fortitude, I thought, for he +made no remark, even when I spoke of the "guard" hinted at, except to say +that "he wished it was all over;" a wish that I echoed from the bottom of +my heart.</p> + +<p>It was with a feeling of relief that I saw the guides start to once more +reconnoitre the Indian camp.</p> + +<p>Everything had been prepared in our own camp for an immediate movement— +the guard had been detailed, horses saddled and bridled, ready for use, +if needed, ammunition distributed, and every detail faithfully executed.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together +in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the +sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon +the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of +firearms.</p> + +<p>What did it mean?</p> + +<p>The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, +was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, +saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed +in white. Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the +situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from +the weapons of Indians.</p> + +<p>Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, +in an excited manner.</p> + +<p>"Take keer o' her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!"</p> + +<p>Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and +Apparantly unharmed. I carried her to camp, when, finding she had +fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance +of the party.</p> + +<p>Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and +the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their +stock.</p> + +<p>While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they +discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in +my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears +running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a +little child, exclaiming,—</p> + +<p>"Oh! I'm so glad! I'm so glad!"</p> + +<p>As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,—</p> + +<p>"Where's Juanita?"</p> + +<p>I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; +and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had +recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return.</p> + +<p>Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was +well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,—</p> + +<p>"Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth."</p> + +<p>"But didn't I tell you you would?" inquired Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded the girl, "you did; but I heard you and Anastacio—"</p> + +<p>"By the way, where is Anastacio?" interrupted I. Poor fellow! He had been +entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, +escorting him between them.</p> + +<p>There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness +and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its +ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners. I +could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so +short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity. +Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling <i>señorita</i> who +entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking +young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand +alone.</p> + +<p>Hal, on the contrary, declared that he was "tougher than a knot," and +"dirtier than any greaser," a statement, which we readily believed when +he informed us "that he hadn't washed for ten days."</p> + +<p>I ordered supper prepared at once. The Lieutenant came in soon after, and +reported that three of the Indians had been killed, and two, badly +wounded. Besides this, fifteen animals had been captured, and all the +camp equipage of the savages.</p> + +<p>Looking around for Ned, he soon discovered him, and said,—</p> + +<p>"You young rascal, you! I told you to stay in camp, and the first one I +saw over there, was you." Then, in a kinder tone, he inquired if he was +much hurt?</p> + +<p>Hurt! it was the first intimation I had that he had been hurt; and for a +moment, my heart almost jumped into my throat, notwithstanding the boy +insisted it was nothing.</p> + +<p>An examination showed that an arrow had penetrated the fleshy part of his +arm above the elbow, but without inflicting serious injury. The wound was +soon dressed, supper eaten, Juanita made as comfortable as possible for +the night, and then we gathered about the camp-fire to hear Tom Pope, +relate the story of the capture, as follows:—</p> + +<p>"Me'n Jerry, started from here, and crawled through the grass and +underbrush, till we got pretty close to the varmints' camp. We seed ten +or a dozen of 'em layin' about, some doin' one thing and some another. +All of a suddent we seed the gal, there, crawl out of the 'wickey-up.' +She looked round as though she wanted to see somebody, for she started +and walked out a little ways. Jest then, a big buck Injun, got up and +follered her, but she walked on, right towards us, till she was within a +dozen feet of where me'n Jerry lay hid.</p> + +<p>"The Injun told her in Spanish, to go back, and took her by the shoulder +to make her do it. Quicker'n lightnin', Jerry made a spring, and, afore +the Injun see him, he give him a blow with the butt of his rifle, that +stunned him, and grabbed the gal and run.</p> + +<p>"The Injun give a kind of grunt as he fell. One of the others started to +see what was the matter, I s'pose, so I let Mertilda," patting his rifle, +"talk to him, and he laid right down without speakin' a word."</p> + +<p>"As soon as the Injuns in camp heard Mertilda speak, eight or ten of 'em +jumped up and started towards us. But yer see, Jerry'd got so fur, they +couldn't stop him. The sojers was right on to 'em, and give 'em 'Hail +Columby,' and no mistake.</p> + +<p>"That's my report, Lieutenant. That youngster there," pointing to Ned, +"is real grit. I seed the arrer strike him, and he a-pullin' of it out, +runnin' towards 'em all the time. Jest as sure's yer live, yer can call +Tom Pope a liar, if Jerry Vance didn't save that gal's life; 'cause, if +we'd ever attacked the Injuns in camp, the first thing they'd 'a' done, +would ha' been to killed the prisoners. I know the Apaches some, I +reckon."</p> + + <img src="images/img16.jpg" alt="The Litter" align="right" /> + <p>A consultation was now held as to the best manner of getting Juanita to +the fort comfortably, and it was decided to construct a "mountain-litter." +This was done the next morning, by procuring two stout poles, +about twenty feet in length, and lashing them firmly to two short pieces +of wood about three feet long and six feet apart: we then stretched a +blanket between the poles, so as to form a comfortable bed. Two steady +mules were selected and harnessed between the poles, in the front and +rear of the bed, thus making a comfortable carriage.</p> + +<p>Breakfast over, Juanita was placed in the carriage, and we started for +the fort, travelling slowly and making frequent halts. Ned scarcely +mentioned his wound; and, during the four days consumed on the trip, we +were all delighted to see that Juanita was daily recovering her bloom, +and buoyancy of spirits.</p> + +<p>Upon reaching Fillmore, I dispatched Anastacio at once to Fort Bliss, +informing Colonel Magoffin, of the result of our expedition, and asking +him to send an ambulance through to Chihuahua with Juanita, in charge of +Anastacio.</p> + +<p>Two days later, the colonel's own carriage, with four good road-mules, +arrived, with an invitation, asking Juanita to accept his hospitality at +Fort Bliss, and promising that Anastacio should accompany her, to her +father's <i>hacienda</i>.</p> + +<p>Juanita decided to leave on the following morning; and, during the +afternoon, I was surprised to learn, that Hal had ridden up to Las +Cruces, six miles above the fort; but, shortly after his return, I +noticed upon Juanita's finger, a little gold ring, that I had not seen +before, so I ventured pleasantly to refer to it, in the course of +conversation that evening, and was informed, with many blushes, that it +was-only a memento, of their trip through the Apache country.</p> + +<p>In the morning, however, I almost had a pitched battle with Hal, to +prevent him from accompanying Juanita to her home; and it was only +through compromising, and permitting him to ride a few miles in the +carriage with her, that I avoided it.</p> + +<p>We all bade her good-by, with hearts filled to overflowing with +thankfulness, for her release from the hands of her cruel captors; and, +wishing her all manner of good luck, and a happy reunion with her father, +the carriage drove off, but not until Hal had climbed in and taken the +vacant seat by her side.</p> + +<p>When he returned, a few hours later, his face radiant with happiness, I +made up my mind that it would not be his fault, if he did not again see +the young lady, before many months had elapsed.</p> + +<p>During the evening I was aroused from the revery into which I had fallen, +by an unusual disturbance in camp; and, on proceeding to ascertain the +cause, found that Hal, had been endeavoring to thrash Patsey. On calling +the delinquents before me, I was informed by Hal, that Patsey had spoken +insultingly of Juanita, an offence that he had at once resented by +attempting to chastise him.</p> + +<p>Upon inquiring as to the words used, Patsey said,—</p> + +<p>"Sure, sur, I only axed him did Juanita look as tickled as he did, and he +come at me wid his phists, so he did; but he'll be aisy about sthriking +me the nixt time. Dye'r moind that, noo, yer honor!"</p> + +<p>"He'd no business to call her Juanita," angrily exclaimed Hal.</p> + +<p>"Phat would I call her, thin?" asked Patsey.</p> + +<p>"Call her by her proper name, the Senorita Ortiz," said Hal, with much +dignity.</p> + +<p>"And phat, would I be givin' her that jaw-crackin' name fur, when her +name's Juanita?"</p> + +<p>"But her name isn't Juanita to her inferiors, only to her intimate +friends," explained Hal.</p> + +<p>"Infariors, sure! Ain't an Irishman as good as a Mexican, any day? An', +if yez think I'm your infarior, jest come out here and thry it, sure; +that's all, Master Hal."</p> + +<p>I stopped the controversy at once, by telling Hal that Patsey had no +intention of offending, and there was no occasion for his attempt to +chastise him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he won't thry it again, sur, niver fear," interrupted Patsey. "If he +does," declared he in a tone intended only for Hal's ear, "I'll break +ivery bone in his body, so I will."</p> + +<p>After Patsey had gone, I did not reprimand Hal, only sent him to his +tent; for, judging from his crestfallen air, he had suffered physically +as well as mentally in the encounter.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap12"></a><h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<p>We remained in camp the next day, visiting the officers at the fort, and +taking our farewell of them, with many regrets. Nor did we forget a +generous reminder to Tom Pope, to whose keen observation, quick wit, +daring bravery, and perseverance we owed, in so large a degree, the +success of our expedition.</p> + +<p>The following morning, we crossed the Rio Grande and found ourselves in +the celebrated Mesilla valley, one of the most fertile and productive, in +the Territory of New Mexico.</p> + +<p>The town itself has a population of about one thousand souls, and was +first settled in 1850, by colonists from Chihuahua. All land in this +portion of the territory is cultivated by irrigation; and, as this was +the first time Hal had ever seen it practiced to any extent, he asked +permission to remain behind in town a little while, to witness the +operation. Ned also expressed a desire to see it, and, after consulting +Jerry, I assented to their request, believing with him, "that they'd find +mighty hard work to git inter any scrape in such a God-forsaken town as +that was, anyhow."</p> + +<p>We crossed the valley, and then ascended the high lands west of the town, +through which our road lay, expecting to make our camp about sixteen +miles from the river, and get an early start in the morning, to enable us +to reach Cook's Springs, the following night.</p> + +<p>As we rode along, I noticed that the distant range of blue mountains +before us, seemed to have risen from the earth, and to be reposing upon +the line of flickering heat that marked the horizon, and, in a short +time, that groups of trees and huge rocks appeared, standing high in air, +like islands in mid ocean.</p> + +<p>Calling Jerry's attention to their singular appearance, he pronounced it +a <i>mirage</i>, which I watched with great curiosity; for it was the +first time I had ever seen the phenomenon.</p> + +<p>In a little while, the long line of trees connected themselves at each +end, with the land below, and then we saw, a beautiful lake, with its +white-capped waves gently driven before the breeze, rippling and dancing +in the bright sunlight, like living things of life and beauty. The +picture grew larger and larger as we rode, changing into a mighty ocean, +with a grand old rocky shore, which appeared to be indented with scores +of little bays and bayous, upon the banks of which, grew great live-oaks, +their umbrageous tops casting a shade so refreshing, that it was with the +greatest difficulty I could be persuaded that the scene was not a +reality.</p> + +<p>I could only console myself, however, with the wish that the boys were +along to enjoy it with me; but they were in Mesilla, and Jerry was so +accustomed to sights of the kind, that he merely gave the beautiful +picture a passing glance, regarding it as one of the matter-of-course +things, to be met with on a trip like ours.</p> + +<p>We went into camp about four o'clock; and, just at twilight, the guard +that had been stationed back on the road about a quarter of a mile, came +riding furiously in, his swarthy face almost white from fright, shouting +at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"<i>Los Indios! los Indios! Los Apaches!</i>"</p> + +<p>In an instant the quiet camp became a scene of the utmost confusion. +Jerry's first thought was for the animals; mine, for the absent boys. I +stationed the men at what I deemed the best points for defense; and +Jerry, as soon as he had secured the mules, hastened to my side. We then +called the Mexican who had given the alarm, and found that the fellow had +really not seen anything, but had heard strange noises, that he believed +came from Apaches.</p> + +<p>Jerry volunteered to ride back and ascertain, if possible, the cause of +the disturbance. He had scarcely been gone five minutes, before one of +the Mexicans rushed towards me, saying,—</p> + +<p>"Don Jerry is shouting to <i>El Señor</i> from the rise of ground out +back upon the road."</p> + +<p>Springing upon my horse I rode rapidly toward the spot where he stood, +when the sight that met my gaze, almost convulsed me with laughter.</p> + +<p>Coming up the road were the boys. Ned was mounted upon his pony, and +trying to lead Hal's mule. Like most Spanish mules, the animal had a will +of its own, and would not be led; but on the contrary, pulled back so +strongly upon the lariat, which Ned had attached to the pommel of his +saddle, that the pony could scarcely move a step.</p> + +<p>Hal's coat was off, his face black with dust and sweat, and he, tugging +at a lariat drawn tightly over his shoulder, at the end of which was a +small black bear, scarcely more than a cub. The animal insisted upon +squatting on his haunches, and in that position, Hal was dragging him +through the dust, the creature all the while expressing his disapprobation +by low, snarling growls of defiance, and a vigorous shaking of himself +between each growl.</p> + + <img src="images/img17.jpg" alt="Boys And Bear" align="right" /> + <p>The strange medley of noises caused by the boys, the snarling bear, and +the obstinate mule, had been heard in the still twilight for a long +distance, by the guard, and mistaken for the approach of a party of +Apaches.</p> + +<p>"I wish you'd take this devilish bear," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"And won't you take this plaguy mule?" exclaimed Ned.</p> + +<p>Both looked so harassed and tired, that, although Jerry and I could not +help laughing at their ludicrous situation, we nevertheless pitied them.</p> + +<p>"Where in the world did you get that bear, Hal?" said I.</p> + +<p>"Get him? I bought him of a Mexican at Mesilla, and I'm going to take him +to California with me for a pet. He's tame."</p> + +<p>"Well," exclaimed Ned, "if you don't get him along faster than you have +to-day, you'll die of old age before you get there. We've been ever since +eleven o'clock getting here, and I'm so hungry and tired I can hardly sit +on my horse."</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" retorted Hal; "this is nothing. You ought to be taken prisoner by +the Apaches if you want to know what 'tis to be hungry and tired."</p> + +<p>"How much did you pay for him?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Only fifteen dollars," answered Hal.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" ejaculated Jerry. "Fifteen dollars! Wall, I dunno which is +the biggest fool, you or the bar. The greaser that swindled yer, ought to +be thrashed; and I've a notion of goin' back and doin' it, for I've felt +like thrashin' somebody for a good while. The bar ain't wuth fifteen +cents, and won't be nothin' but a bother. Mebbe though he might be good +for 'fresh,' if we git hard up."</p> + +<p>"He won't be any bother, and you shan't use him for meat. He's just as +tame as he can be. See here, now," said Hal, approaching the bear, and +attempting to put his hand upon its head. But Bruin snapped so viciously +that the boy jumped back in dismay, exclaiming, "Poor fellow! he's awful +tired, I suppose!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Jerry; "he'll be wus tired, though, afore you git him to +Californy. You'll have to lead him, every step of the way. He shan't be +hitched to no wagon, for the mules has got all the load they want to +draw, now. But I reckon we'd better be gettin' back to camp, or the +men'll think, we've been took by the 'Paches."</p> + +<p>Supper was soon dispatched, after we reached camp, the events of the day +talked over, we "turned in," and in a short time were fast asleep.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the night we were awakened by the most agonizing yells +and screams.</p> + +<p>Springing to my feet, I recognized Patsey's voice, and, as I hurried in +the direction of the sounds, I met the boy, half dead with fright, +rushing towards my tent.</p> + +<p>As soon as he recognized me, he fell upon his knees, and, crossing +himself, besought me, in heartrending tones; to "protict him, for the +Blissed Vargin's sake. The divil himself, your honor, has intered the +camp, and he got into bed wid me, to ate me up intirely!"</p> + +<p>All the time the boy was howling, and holding one hand under his arm, +while he danced a hornpipe and protested, that, if I'd save him this +time, he'd "niver stale another cint's worth as long as he lived, sure!"</p> + +<p>The whole camp was roused, but no one appeared to understand the cause of +Patsey's outbreak, and Hal finally suggested that he'd been dreaming.</p> + +<p>"Dramin', is it! I wish it had been dramin' I wuz. Boo! hoo! Didn't I sae +him wid me own eyes, shure?"</p> + +<p>After we had partially quieted him he was able to tell us, that, as he +was "slapin' paceably, he all ov a suddint felt somethin' in bed wid him, +that wuz swallowin' him intirely. A big black thing wuz lyin' right by +the side ov him, and wuz jest a-suckin' him in whole, for he had his arrm +in his throat clane up to his ilbow!"</p> + +<p>"It's that cub of a bear!" exclaimed Ned, interrupting Patsey's story.</p> + +<p>At the sound of the word "bear," all of Patsey's fears returned, with +renewed power, and he again commenced calling for "protiction," in +frantic tones.</p> + +<p>Going to the wagon under which Patsey had spread his blanket for the +night, we found that Hal had tied the bear near it. Getting rested from +the fatigue of his forced journey, the animal had crawled beneath the +wagon, and, attracted by the warmth of the blankets, placed himself by +the side of the sleeping boy, and, finding his hand uncovered, commenced +licking it.</p> + +<p>Patsey, thus awakened, had seen the creature's glaring eyes and shaggy +black coat, and, not knowing in his fright what it was, concluded his +Satanic Majesty had come for him, on account of his many sins and +transgressions.</p> + + <img src="images/img18.jpg" alt="Under The Wagon" align="left" /> + <p>Order was at last restored, and we retired once more, to be awakened some +hours later by Jerry's voice calling the men to prepare for the day's +journey. Our breakfast was soon cooked and eaten, and Hal having finally +induced Jerry, to permit him to tie his bear to the hind wagon, we were +on the road an hour before sunrise, encamping that night at Cook's +Springs, and the next afternoon reaching the Membris River about three +o'clock, where, with good water, and plenty of grass and wood, we made a +very pleasant camp.</p> + +<p>Immediately upon our arrival, Hal and Ned went out hunting; and in less +than an hour returned with three fine, fat turkeys, which were soon +cooking after the most approved style, in one of the large camp-kettles +that adorned our fire.</p> + +<p>Supper over, Jerry suggested that, as some repairs were necessary to one +of the wagons, we should remain in camp, and make them the following day. +This suggestion was received with so much pleasure by the boys, I at once +determined to adopt it.</p> + +<p>Hal proposed a hunting expedition for the morning, leaving Jerry and +myself to attend to the wagon.</p> + +<p>This we agreed to; and, about sunrise, the boys started, confident of +their ability to furnish us with a fine quantity of game before night.</p> + +<p>As they mounted their ponies, Jerry gave them the following advice:—</p> + +<p>"Be keerful ter keep yer eyes and ears open; foller the course of the +river, and don't git out'er sight of it, whatever yer do. There's three +kind 'er game in this country, yer want ter steer clear of, sartin: +them's Injins, bars, and painters. And be keerful to git back afore +sundown, whatever else you do."</p> + +<p>"I shan't steer clear of 'painters' or bears, you bet," said Hal. "If I +see one, I shall go for it, and as for Indians, I've had quite enough +experience to know how to handle them, without any advice from you, Mr. +Jerry. I guess we can take care of ourselves;" and away they rode.</p> + +<p>"That boy knows less, for a fellow that thinks he knows so much, than +anybody I ever see. Why, he don't know nothin', compared ter Ned, if he +does talk ten times as much. I used ter think, when I was a boy, thet the +feller thet hed the longest tongue, knowed the most; but them's the ones +that don't know nothin'; and he's one of 'em, sartin," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>I ventured to remark that Hal was a boy yet, and that we ought not to +expect too much wisdom in one so young as he.</p> + +<p>"But ain't t'other a boy, ez well?" inquired Jerry; "and hain't he got +ten times as much sense? However, less go and look at that wagon, and see +what's got ter be done to it."</p> + +<p>The repairs kept Jerry and myself busy during the forenoon; and, after +they were finished, Jerry proposed that we should take our rifles, and +see if we couldn't get some game on our own account.</p> + +<p>This suggestion met my cordial approval; and, after giving directions +concerning the camp, Jerry and myself started across the prairie, +intending to strike the river some miles above, and follow its course +down; hoping, in this way, to fall in with the boys, on their return.</p> + +<p>We rode along for several miles without seeing any game, save a few +antelope, and they at such a distance, that Jerry though it not best to +follow them; and, after a time, decided to make our way to the river and +follow it down to camp.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful day: such a one as always brings peace and quiet to +the most restless mind. I felt its effects most sensibly, and remarked to +Jerry, that I rarely had seen so perfect a day in any country, and it +seemed almost too bad, that so lovely a section could be given over to +the possession of savages and wild beasts.</p> + +<p>"'Tis, sartin," he replied; "both on 'em thrive here. I'm thinkin', +though, 'twon't be many years afore white men'll git in here, and then +the Injuns and painters, and sich like'll, hev to leave it. Why, there's +lots o' gold jest above here. I've known plenty of scouts that hev brung +it in. The white folks'll git hold of it one of these days, and then the +country'll fill up like Californy.</p> + +<p>"Yer see thet little mountain right ahead of us, don't yer? Wall, I +r'member thet place. There's a narrer pass through thet hill, thet we've +got ter go through. I've been in it once afore, and it's a mighty +pokerish place, I tell yer: however, we'll git along all right, I +reckon."</p> + +<p>In a short time we reached the entrance to the <i>cañon</i>, which was +indeed a narrow pass. Huge rocks, hundreds of feet high, towered above +and upon each side of us, their dark, moss-grown surface rendering the +narrow passage so gloomy, that, in spite of myself, I felt a cold shiver +run over me, that gave me an involuntary sensation of danger, which I +could not throw off.</p> + +<p>Turning to Jerry, I said, "Isn't there any danger here?"</p> + +<p>"Danger!" repeated Jerry, "of course there's danger, everywhere in this +country. We ain't out of danger a minute. Ha! ha! ha!" and he laughed so +loudly, that the rocks above us caught the sound and hurled it against +the opposite side of the <i>cañon</i>, where it seemed to be detained for +a moment by some overhanging cliff, and then sent back, reverberating and +re-echoing, now faint and indistinct, then clear and well-defined, to +again die away in the distance, to once more approach nearer and nearer, +louder and louder, until finally catching upon the sharp edge of some +far-jutting crag, it shivered into a dozen, startlingly distinct peals of +laughter, that seemed to my terrified senses like the shouts of demons, +exulting at our temerity in venturing within their own well-chosen +realms.</p> + +<p>So terrifying was the effect upon me, that, for a few moments, I could +not persuade myself that it was but an echo I heard. The blood surged to +my heart and receeded so suddenly, that I was hardly able to sit erect +upon my horse. As soon as I could speak, I said,—</p> + +<p>"Come, let us go back, Jerry. I want to get out of this, as soon as I +can."</p> + +<p>"We've got ter git ter camp, an' this's the nearest way; but, ef you're +afraid, we'll turn back. That warn't nothin' ter hurt, though, it did +sound kind er skeery. Ther shortest way's always ther best in this +country, so let's go ahead," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"I don't know that we are any more likely to meet danger in this +<i>cañon</i> than we are out of it," said I; "but it's one of the most +dismal and sunless places I ever was in."</p> + +<p>"Well, 'twon't be many minutes afore we're out on the plains agin, so +we'll ride along kind er midlin fast;" and, putting spurs to our horses, +we soon emerged from the gloomy defile, out into the bright sunshine +again.</p> + +<p>Once clear of the shadows, I seemed to overcome the forebodings of +danger, that had so oppressed me in the <i>cañon</i>; and, in a few +moments, the unpleasant sensations produced by the echo, entirely +disappeared.</p> + +<p>While thus riding along, the sound of a rifle-shot, a long distance away, +fell upon our ears.</p> + +<p>"That's them boys, for sartin," said Jerry. "They're in better luck than +we be, for they've seen somethin' to shoot at,—an' so do I," continued +he in a lower tone, pointing towards a little knoll a short distance away +from the trail we were following.</p> + +<p>I knew in an instant, from the tone of his voice, that he had made an +unpleasant discovery, and was satisfied it was Indians. Still I looked, +and saw, upon the top of the knoll, in bold relief against the sky, two +Indians sitting upon their ponies.</p> + +<p>One of them held a hand in the air above his head, which Jerry at once +said, was the Apache way of asking for a parley.</p> + +<p>"We'll hev ter give it to 'em, though we must be mighty keerful," +continued he, "'cause it's next to sartin, thet therain't no two on 'em +out there alone. We'll find thet out for ourselves, though, afore we're +many hours older. Keep your eyes wide open, and your finger on the +trigger o' yer rifle, and we'll go and see what they want."</p> + + <img src="images/img19.jpg" alt="The Two Apaches" align="left" /> + <p>Upon coming up with them, they each extended, an exceedingly dirty hand, +with finger-nails that looked almost like bear's claws After shaking +hands with them, Jerry proceeded to have a talk in Spanish. This gave me +an excellent opportunity to examine their personal appearance; one, that +I did not neglect.</p> + +<p>They were small in stature, with short, ugly faces, very dark +complexions, little, snapping black eyes, low foreheads, with coarse, +stringy, faded hair, that hung far down their backs, carrying in their +faces that nameless, but unmistakable impress of treachery and low +cunning, that constitutes so large a part of the Apache character.</p> + +<p>Around their bodies was wrapped an old blanket, so filthy, it was almost +impossible to detect any trace of its original color, which had +undoubtedly been blue. Each carried a bow and arrows, but was destitute +of either leggins or moccasins, although mounted upon very +respectable-looking ponies.</p> + +<p>After a short interview, which terminated with our presenting them all +the tobacco we had, with a shake of the hands we parted.</p> + +<p>As they rode away, Jerry said: "I wish them boys was well in camp."</p> + +<p>"You don't anticipate any trouble with these fellows?" inquired I. "What +did they say?"</p> + +<p>"Say? why, they said they was particular friends of the Americans," +replied Jerry. "Just what they all say; but they're treacherous cusses, +and either one of 'em, would shake with one hand and scalp with t'other +one, ef they got a chance. That little black cuss called himself <i>El +Chico</i>,—that means The small,—and said he belonged to the copper-mines +band, and hailed us to see if he couldn't get a little terbacker; +but all he wanted, was to see how we was armed, and if we had any larger +party. I filled him chock full, you bet; and mebbe we shan't see 'em +again, though it's likely we shall. I see one of 'em eyin' that rifle +o'your'n pretty sharp, and he didn't like the look of it much: I could +see that."</p> + +<p>We had ridden nearly a mile from the place of the interview, when Jerry +exclaimed, "There they be again, sure'n shootin';" and, pointing to the +mouth of a small <i>aroya</i>, that made back from the river, I +discovered six Apaches, coming towards us as fast as their horses would +bring them.</p> + +<p>We were within a quarter of a mile of a small mound, upon the top of +which was a peculiar sandstone formation, not unlike, in shape, a huge +bottle; and I suggested to Jerry, that we should ride to the top of this +mound, and, sheltering our horses behind the rock, await their approach +on foot.</p> + +<p>The suggestion seemed to be a good one, for it was no sooner made than +adopted, and we had barely time to reach the desired location, ere they +were upon us.</p> + +<p>"Steady," said Jerry; "let me give 'em one;" and taking deliberate aim' +he fired, killing one of the ponies, thereby forcing its rider to mount +behind one of the others; but on they came towards us, as fast as their +horses could bring them.</p> + +<p>"Now's your' time,—fire!" said Jerry.</p> + +<p>I brought my rifle to my face and blazed away; seemingly, however, +without effect.</p> + +<p>"That won't do. If you can't shoot surer'n that, you'd better load and +let me do it," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>The Indians were now so close that several of their arrows fell about us, +two or three striking the rock behind and shivering to pieces, and +enabling us to recognize among them, the two who had hailed us but a +short time before.</p> + +<p>"The treacherous cusses," said Jerry. "I'll pay them fellows off, afore I +git through with 'em, or my name ain't Jerry Vance, sartin."</p> + +<p>The Indians appeared to be in no hurry to come within range of our +rifles, but kept well out of the way, occasionally coming furiously to +wards us, and as we raised our rifles to our faces, they would hastily +throw themselves over upon the sides of their animals for protection, and +ride rapidly away.</p> + +<p>"They ain't goin' to hurt us much in this way," said I to Jerry.</p> + +<p>"No; but they're going to tire us out, for it'll soon be dark, and we've +got neither water nor food here; besides them fellers' eyes arc like +cats',—they kin see ez well in the dark, ez we kin in the daytime. We +kin hold 'em safe enuff now, but we must git a way from here before dark. +There goes for <i>El Chico</i>," said Jerry, suddenly bringing his rifle +to his face; and the next instant, an Indian fell heavily from his +horse, and was instantly caught up from the ground by one of his +companions, thrown across the horse before him and the party once more +galloped out of range.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap13"></a><h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<p>"I reckon we'd better mount and ride slowly towards camp," said Jerry. +"Ef we do we shall get there some time ter-night, but ef we stay here we +shan't, that's sartin."</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose they'll follow us?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Sartin sure," responded Jerry; "but I reckon by good engineerin' we kin +keep 'em off, so that their arrers won't hurt us much: it's a mighty +lucky thing they ain't got no firearms."</p> + +<p>We immediately mounted our horses and rode out upon the plain. The +instant the Indians saw us they began whooping and yelling, as though we +had done the very thing, they most desired; but Jerry was strong in the +opinion that it was our best course and we continued on.</p> + +<p>Every few minutes they would make a rush towards us, and we would turn +and bring our rifles up; and then they would wheel and rapidly ride away +out of possible range, when we would continue our course towards camp.</p> + +<p>We made but little progress; and, after riding a couple of miles in this +way, determined to make a stand, in hopes of inducing some of them to +advance within rifle-range; but they were too wary to be caught in this +manner, although they would approach much nearer than they had done +before.</p> + +<p>While we were debating as to the best course to pursue, we were startled +by the report of a rifle-shot, far in the rear of the Indians, who, upon +hearing the sound, rode rapidly away to the right, just as a party of +four persons came in sight.</p> + +<p>They were soon near enough for us to distinguish Hal and Ned among the +number, and we at once rode towards them, glad enough to know they were +safe. Their companions proved to be a Mr. Mastin, with his Mexican +servant, on his way from the copper-mines to Mesilla.</p> + +<p>He had fallen in with the boys, and, upon their invitation, was +accompanying them to our camp; but, having heard the sound of our rifles, +and anticipating an encounter, had hurried on to join us.</p> + +<p>We were delighted to meet with the boys, safe and sound, and made good +time towards camp, which we reached just about sundown.</p> + +<p>We found Mr. Mastin a very intelligent American; and, as he informed us, +the discoverer and part owner of the Pino Alto gold-mines, about fifty +miles above, near the <i>Santa Rita del Cobre</i>. He had resided many +years in the country, and was thoroughly acquainted with the Apaches, and +familiar with their habits and customs.</p> + +<p>We succeeded in making a very comfortable meal, notwithstanding our ill +luck in procuring game; and, after supper was over, we seated ourselves +around the camp-fire to hear Mr. Mastin discourse upon Apaches.</p> + +<p>He had once met Mangas Colorado, the head chief of the tribe, who was +called Red Sleeve, from the fact that he never failed to besmear his arms +to the elbow, in the blood of his victims.</p> + +<p>He described him as over six feet in height, with an enormously large +head, a broad, bold forehead, large, aquiline nose, huge mouth, and +broad, heavy chin. His eyes were small, but very brilliant, and, when +under excitement, flashed like fire, although his demeanor was like that +of a cast-iron man.</p> + +<p>He said that Mangas was undoubtedly one of the ablest statesmen, as well +as the most influential and sagacious of all the Chiefs of the Indian +tribes of the southwest; and related many anecdotes illustrative of his +character,—incidents that had come under his own observation,—which +entertained us until a late hour, and gave us an insight into Apache +life, that was both amusing and instructive.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding we had all been so much interested in Mr. Mastin's +conversation, the boys begged him to tell them one more story before they +retired; and, as he seemed perfectly willing to comply with their +request, we filled our pipes and again gathered about him, while he +related the following:—</p> + +<p>"A couple of years ago, I had occasion to visit a <i>rancheria</i> of +Pinal Apaches in the mountains just north of the copper mines.</p> + +<p>"While there, my attention was called to one of the warriors, a tall, +well-proportioned and very dignified Indian, about forty years of age. He +weighed nearly two hundred pounds, and, with his broad shoulders, deep +chest, and splendid muscle, was one of the finest-formed men I ever saw, +as well as one of the ugliest; for his face was certainly the most +hideous I ever beheld, being terribly disfigured by a broad, livid scar, +that extended from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Notwithstanding +this, the fellow was a great dandy, spending many hours each day in +greasing and arranging his long coarse hair, which he ornamented with +plates of silver, bits of gaudy-colored cloth, bright feathers, and +tinsel. Every hair was scrupulously plucked from his brows and eyelashes, +and the lids of his eyes were painted a bright vermilion, giving to his +face the expression of a demon rather than anything human.</p> + +<p>"That he was hideously ugly, and never known to smile, were two +indisputable facts; while it was equally sure that there was no greater +favorite with the Apache belles, no braver warrior, more sagacious +counselor, mighty hunter, or expert thief in the whole tribe.</p> + +<p>"I learned that his name was Cadette, and that he obtained it in the +following manner:—</p> + +<p>"Upon the headwaters of the Rio Gila, in Arizona, is a vast forest, that +has been the hunting-ground, as well as the home of the Apaches for +centuries. Here they have never been disturbed by the visits of the +'White Eyes,' as they term all Americans.</p> + +<p>"Occasionally a party of hardy prospectors, lured by reports of fabulous +quantities of gold and silver in the possession of these Indians, would +venture within the gloomy recesses of this unexplored region; but few of +them ever returned.</p> + +<p>"One day, while passing near the banks of the river, Cadette discovered +the footprints of a very large lion in the sand. Though armed with no +weapon but his spear, he at once determined to follow the trail. This he +decided, after a careful examination, to have been made some four hours +previous, in the early morning. It led towards a dense jungle, some two +or three miles down the river, which he concluded was the creature's +lair.</p> + +<p>"As he drew near the thicket, he dismounted from his pony and approached +the jungle with great caution. At this place, the river was quite narrow +and very deep, and upon its bank stood a large cedar, whose wide, +spreading branches, extending far over the stream, afforded him an +excellent opportunity to examine the interior of the thicket.</p> + +<p>"Into this tree the Indian climbed, and crawled out upon a large limb +directly over the river, which he fancied would enable him to obtain a +view of the supposed lair.</p> + +<p>"While he was peering into the jungle, he became suddenly conscious of a +movement in the thick branches over his head. Looking up, he discovered, +lying upon a large limb about ten feet above him, a panther. The animal +was preparing to spring; and, in an instant, like a flash, it sprang +towards him.</p> + +<p>"Almost as quick as thought itself, Cadette dropped from the limb into +the water beneath, just as the panther landed upon the spot he had so +recently vacated.</p> + +<p>"Once in the water, the Indian swam silently and expeditiously beneath +the surface, until he was some distance down the stream and out of sight +of the tree, when he landed under the shelter of the bank.</p> + +<p>"Just then a slight noise attracted his attention, and he discovered his +enemy, partially concealed in the tall bottom grass, and evidently +determined that his prey should not escape so easily.</p> + +<p>"Cadette was brave, but he fully realized that an unarmed Apache, +courageous as he might be, was no match for a panther; and the wary +Indian began to look about him for some means of retreat from his +unpleasant situation. While he was doing this, the creature worked +himself into a position between the Indian and the river, thus +effectually cutting off his only hope of escape.</p> + +<p>"What should he do? The panther was not twenty feet away from him: he +well knew that the animal could reach him at a single bound. Keeping his +eye fixed steadily upon the crouching form, the Indian began to slowly +retreat backwards.</p> + +<p>"While he was retreating before the stealthy, cat-like approach of the +panther, the most piercing cries, as of some human being in terrible +agony, filled the air, startling the Indian, and causing the panther to +rise from its crouching position, and listen intently for a moment with +well-erected ears, and tail gently lashing the earth. The cries were +repeated. The next moment the great creature turned, and slowly moved +away in the direction from whence the noise came, while Cadette hastily +returned to the foot of the tree where he had left his spear.</p> + +<p>"After securing his weapon, he started for the place where he had left +his pony; but, to his surprise, the animal was not there. Following its +trail, he soon came upon bear tracks, and concluded that his horse had +been attacked by the bear, and in his agony had uttered the cries that +had so startled him, and attracted the attention of the panther.</p> + +<p>"Continuing his search, he found the dead body of his pony upon the +ground. Near it was the panther, crouched, as though about to make a +spring; while, at a short distance, standing erect upon his hind-legs, +with his back against a large rock, was a huge cinnamon bear, evidently +at bay.</p> + +<p>"The Indian crept cautiously forward, and concealed himself behind a +great stone, from whence he could watch the approaching combat.</p> + +<p>"The panther lay close to the ground, with his eyes fixed intently upon +the bear, his huge fore-paws nervously contracted, while the long claws +grappled the rocks and gravel. Occasionally he uttered a low menacing +growl that showed his gleaming white teeth and blood-red tongue, from +which the saliva fell in great drops.</p> + +<p>"Meanwhile, the bear remained on the defensive, apparantly fearing to +move from his position, lest his more nimble adversary should take +advantage of him.</p> + +<p>"The savage creatures maintained their relative positions, eyeing one +another for several minutes. Then the panther gave a tremendous leap, and +grappled the bear. It was a frightful contest: each animal uttering the +most piercing cries, biting, hugging, and tearing one another as they +rolled over and over in the dust.</p> + +<p>"It was evident to the Indian that this fearful struggle could last but a +short time; and soon the animals, as if by mutual agreement, separated, +and, moving a short distance from one another, lay down and began to lick +their wounds.</p> + +<p>"While thus engaged, the panther became by some means, aware of Cadette's +presence. As though angry at such an interruption, he turned, and, with a +fierce growl, sprang towards him, instead of the bear.</p> + +<p>"Unexpected as was the movement, it did not find the Indian unprepared. +Planting the handle of his spear firmly in the earth, he so adroitly held +it that the panther alighted upon its sharp iron head, which passed +directly through the creature's heart; not, however, before the maddened +animal had dealt Cadette the blow that crushed his face, and inflicted a +wound the scar of which, had so terribly disfigured him for life.</p> + +<p>"As soon as the Indian recovered from the effect of the blow, he +succeeded in withdrawing his spear from the carcass of the panther, and +went in search of the bear, who had retreated to some distance, and was +engaged in licking the wounds he had received in his encounter with the +panther.</p> + +<p>"Cadette at once attacked the creature so vigorously with his spear, that +he soon succeeded in killing him; and, although suffering great pain, +managed to remove the skin from both animals; and, taking them upon his +back, bore them in triumph to the <i>rancheria</i>, more than twenty +miles distant, as trophies of his prowess in the chase."</p> + +<p>After thanking Mr. Mastin for a very pleasant evening, we all retired, +and were soon asleep, nor did we awake the next morning until the sun was +far up in the heavens.</p> + +<p>Breakfast over, we bid our guest a hearty farewell; and, with good wishes +for our safe arrival upon the Pacific Coast, he left us to pursue our +journey still further into the Apache country.</p> + +<p>It was after we were comfortably seated about our camp-fire, in the +evening, that I bethought myself that we had not as yet, heard Hal's +story of his capture and adventures with the Apaches. So I called him, +with the request he would narrate what had befallen him, from the time he +left our camp at Dead-Man's Hole until his release by us in the +Sacramento Mountains.</p> + +<p>Hal, who had evidently been expecting the invitation for some time, at +once seated himself, and, with Jerry, Ned and myself as listeners, +commenced as follows:—</p> + +<p>"When Anastacio and I started for Fort Davis, we hadn't been on the road +fifteen minutes, before five Indians set upon us, from a thicket by the +road side.</p> + +<p>"They followed up the attack so briskly, that before we had time to +think, they had our revolvers, and our hands tied behind us. They then +took our horses and mounted us upon two of their own. We travelled over +the roughest, hardest country I ever saw in my life, until daybreak, when +they stopped at a spring to water.</p> + +<p>"Here they stripped us of most of our clothes, and made us ride bare-backed +until noon, when they stopped for a few minutes. I noticed that, +whenever they halted, one of them always rode to the top of the highest +hill near, and remained on the lookout there, until we were ready to +start again.</p> + +<p>"Before we had been long at this last place, the lookout signaled, and, +in about an hour, eight more Indians joined us, with Juanita.</p> + +<p>"She was very tired and terribly frightened, but when she saw me she just +cried for joy, and I tried to comfort her as much as I could; but, while +I was talking to her, a great, greasy-looking fellow came up to me, and, +taking me by the collar, pulled me away, and, putting the muzzle of my +own revolver to my head, made signs that, if I dared to speak "—</p> + +<p>Here Patsey came running up, yelling at the top of his voice,—</p> + +<p>"The bear's goned! The bear's goned!" Hal and Ned jumped to their feet, +exclaiming,—"Which way did he go?" and, without waiting for a reply, +darted off in search of him.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap14"></a><h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<p>"I hope they won't git the critter: he ain't nothin' but a cussid +nuisance, no how," said Jerry, as Hal disappeared in the gloaming.</p> + +<p>"It's so dark they won't be very likely to," was my reply.</p> + +<p>"I 'spect the Irishman had a hand in startin' him," continued Jerry. +"He's owed the critter a grudge ever since he tarred his clo'es so, the +other night."</p> + +<p>"How was that, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Why, yer see the boy had been a-proddin' the critter with a sharp stick; +and, arter he got through, he was a-standin' by the wagon, and the bar +made a jump and ketched him right by his trousers-leg. This kind er scart +the feller, and he made a leap, and left the biggest part of his breeches +in the critter's mouth. Ned laughed, and told him, that one bar(e) in +camp was enough, and he'd better go an' mend up—thar he is, now," +pointing towards one of the wagons.</p> + +<p>I called him, and he came towards me, looking decidedly guilty. I said to +him, "Patsey, how did the bear get away?"</p> + +<p>"He runned away, sure, sur."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but how did he get loose?"</p> + +<p>"He aited the rope aff, I suppose, sure. I seed him goin', and thought +it'd be no harm to spake to the boys, sur."</p> + +<p>"That was all right, Patsey; but you didn't turn him loose, did you?"</p> + +<p>"I turn him loose, sur! Phat would I be doin' that fur?"</p> + +<p>"Well, why didn't you go out and help find him?"</p> + +<p>"I was afraid, sur;" examining the huge rent in his pantaloons.</p> + +<p>"Afraid!" said I. "What under the sun was you afraid of? your bare legs?"</p> + +<p>"Will, sur, I didn't know what the quinisquences might be if two bears +(bares) happened to mate in the woods."</p> + +<p>Just here Jerry gave one of his peculiar chuckles; and, seeing that I got +but little information from the boy, I dismissed him with the remark, +that, when we got to Tucson, he should have a suit of clothes.</p> + +<p>"That'll <i>suit</i> me, your honor," was the reply, as he moved briskly +off.</p> + +<p>The boys soon returned, after an unsuccessful search for the bear.</p> + +<p>Hal was disposed to blame everybody but himself for the escape, while +Ned, with whom the bear had never been a great favorite, was inclined to +laugh at the matter, to Hal's great disgust.</p> + +<p>His ill nature reached its culminating point, however, when Jerry +suggested, that, "if he lied fifteen dollars more to git rid of, he'd +better bury it than give it for a cussid, good-for-nothin' bar, that +warn't nothin' but a infernal nuisance to everybody, anyway."</p> + +<p>Hal accepted the gauntlet thus thrown down by Jerry, and was about to +reply in no very polite language, when I changed the conversation, by +requesting him to finish the narrative of his visit to the Apaches; and, +after a little hesitation, he resumed his story as follows:—</p> + +<p>"The Indian told me, that, if I spoke to Juanita again, he'd send a +bullet through my head; so Anastacio said, for the Indian spoke in +Spanish.</p> + +<p>"I didn't talk to her any more for several hours, but rode all the +afternoon by her side. When we got to the top of the bluff from which we +could see the Rio Grande, Juanita cried, and said that her home was +there, and Anastacio felt so bad for her that he led her horse all the +way after that.</p> + +<p>"When we got to the river, instead of crossing, the Indians rode into it; +and they made us all wade through the water for three or four miles, +though the whole party came out on the same side. From here we struck +into the prairie again; and, after riding for two or three hours, we +camped.</p> + +<p>"Juanita was so tired, she dropped to sleep as soon as we stopped; but +Anastacio and I kept awake, and saw the Indians cast a mule, and open his +veins and suck the warm blood from them. After this, they cut off +portions of the flesh and roasted it over the coals, and made motions to +us, that, if we wanted any, we must cook for ourselves.</p> + +<p>"We were both hungry, but we couldn't eat mule meat, then, although we +had to come to it in a little time.</p> + +<p>"We started by daybreak the next morning; and Juanita became so +exhausted, that, before night, she asked me two or three times to kill +her. Finally, she appealed to Anastacio; and I heard him promise her, on +a little cross she wore around her neck, that, if worse came to worse, he +would do it.</p> + +<p>"That day one of the Indians killed an antelope, and we all ate heartily +of it, but Anastacio. He took the meat they gave to him, and saved it for +Juanita. He carried it in his hand all day, and walked beside her horse, +telling her stories in Spanish, and trying to cheer her. He was as kind +to her as he could be, during the whole seventeen days we were together.</p> + +<p>"One night we slept in a great cave in a mountain,[Probably the Waco +Mountain, thirty miles east of El Paso.] where there were four or five +deep pools, of nice, clear water. Juanita was so delighted at the sight +of them that she sat on the brink of one and put her feet in it, to 'rest +them,' she said. When the Indians saw her do this, one of them struck her +with his quirt [A small, heavy whip.] over the shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Anastacio sprang at him like a wild beast, and I believe would have +killed him, but the other Indians took him off. They seemed greatly +amused at the fight; but said they were only saving us for their squaws +to torture, after they got us home.</p> + +<p>"After this they made us all walk; although Juanita's feet and ankles +were swelled so terribly that she could scarcely move: whenever Anastacio +got the chance though, he carried her in his arms.</p> + +<p>"One day one of the Indians brought her some fresh mule's blood to drink, +and, because she wouldn't take it, he threw it in her face, and told her +in Spanish, that, when they got to their village, he should make her his +squaw. This made her cry terribly; and I heard Anastacio tell her he'd +certainly kill her, before the Indians should have her. After that I +thought she seemed happier, and repeatedly said, if she could only see +her dear old father once more, she should be glad to die.</p> + +<p>"We all suffered terribly from fatigue and thirst; for, after they +thought Juanita was going to drown herself in the pool, they were very +cross to us, and used to make us do all their work about the camp. If we +refused, they stuck sharp-pointed knives into us, and struck us with +their quirts; though, after Anastacio made the fuss, they didn't strike +Juanita any more.</p> + +<p>"The night you rescued us was the first time they hadn't put a guard out, +since we were captured.</p> + +<p>"You see, they always sent one of their party back a mile or two, to +watch the trail, so as to avoid being surprised; but they had got so near +home, they didn't dream of being pursued, I suppose.</p> + +<p>"That day Anastacio told me they were talking of having a big dance when +they got to the village, and he was going to kill Juanita before we +reached it. He cried about it, and wanted to know if I supposed the +Blessed Virgin would forgive him if he did it. We'd just been talking +about it, when we heard the crack of Tom's rifle, and saw the Indians run +towards the wood.</p> + +<p>"I tell you what it was, when I heard that shot, I felt that it wasn't an +Indian's gun (it didn't sound a bit like one), and my heart jumped right +up into my mouth.</p> + +<p>"The Indians appeared so anxious about Juanita, that they seemed to +forget Anastacio and I, when they heard the rifle. We both run for the +hut, and saw that she wasn't there, and supposed the Indians had taken +her. Then we heard the soldiers' guns, and run towards them; and, the +next I knew, I met Ned, and was hugging and kissing him just like a girl, +I was so glad to see him. I tell you 'twas jolly, though; and, when I +found that Juanita was all right, I felt like dancing and crying in the +same minute.</p> + +<p>"One thing is certain: you saved Anastacio from killing Juanita, for she +never would have gone into that village alive."</p> + +<p>"Wall, youngster," said Jerry, "I've heered you through; and now I'd +like ter know what you think of the 'Paches; 'cause, you see, we've got +ter travel a good many hundred miles through their country, and I'd like +ter hev your opinion of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Why, I think they are a cruel, cowardly, treacherous tribe, as Mr. +Mastin said; and the dirtiest things I ever saw."</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Jerry, do you know much about them?" interrupted I. "If you do, +tell us something of their character and habits, as you've seen them."</p> + +<p>"Wall, I've been through their country seven times, and I've met a heap +of 'em, one way and another; but I hain't got no better opinion of 'em +than Mr. Mastin hed. They're the smartest, wickedest and cunningest, +Injins I ever seed. A Comanche ain't a touch to 'em, and I've never yet +seed a white man smart enuff to beat 'em."</p> + +<p>"You don't exactly mean that, do you, Jerry?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"That's exactly what I do mean: no more and no less," was the reply. +"You'll hev a chance ter see for yourself, afore we git through this +trip, I'm thinkin, or you'll be the only man thet ever travelled through +their country that hain't; that's my idee, sartin. Why, the cusses'll +telegraph to one another all over the country, and know just what's goin' +on a hundred miles away.</p> + +<p>"Americans can't understand 'em, and never will. No one ever saw a white +man look at a country as a 'Pache does: he'll see everything. Ther ain't +a ravine, gully, rock, bush, or tree, a foot high, thet he don't hev his +eye on. Now, a white man don't look at a country in that way, does he?</p> + + <img src="images/img20.jpg" alt="Apache Trailing" align="right" /> + <p>"Jest ez likely ez not, there's a Injin within a dozen yards of us; but +we wouldn't think it."</p> + +<p>"A dozen yards of us!" exclaimed Hal, looking around; "why, where could +he hide, I'd like to know?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest it, youngster. We might go within ten feet of him, and never +see him. Why, I've knowed 'em to hide behind a brown-bush, clump er +cactus, or a rock, so mighty cunnin' thet ther ain't one scout in fifty +would see 'em, let alone a stranger.</p> + +<p>"They'll kiver therselves with grass, and lay on the ground all day, +without movin', waitin' for a party to pass. I've been within ten foot of +one myself, and seed him, too, and thought 'twas a part of the rock he +was lying agin.</p> + +<p>"I tell yer, them fellers's smarter'n a whip! They be, sartin, now."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Ned, who had been listening attentively to Jerry's +description of the Apache character, "if I'd had any idea these Indians +were half as smart as you say they are, I'd rather have stayed in Texas +than started on the trip."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't," declared Hal. "I've had about as much experience with 'em +as anybody in the party, and I don't believe they're half as smart as you +make 'em out. At any rate, I wouldn't be afraid to put my brain against +theirs."</p> + +<p>"Put your what, youngster?" inquired Jerry, in such an incredulous tone, +that we all burst into a hearty laugh, in the midst of which Hal retired, +leaving Jerry, Ned, and myself to continue the Apache question alone.</p> + +<p>"You may depend on't, we ain't a-goin' ter git through this blasted +country without more'n one brush with them fellers; and my way is ter +keep our ears and eyes open, our rifles and pistols well loaded, and meet +'em when they come;—for come they will, sartin," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Well, you must adopt such precautions and make such rules as you think +proper," was my reply. "We'll all obey them."</p> + +<p>"I'll set ther guard ter-night, and yer may ez well turn in now, 'cause +we must make a early start."</p> + +<p>We had hardly been on the road an hour the next day, before we observed +one of the remarkable signal-smokes (used by the Apaches to give warning +of the approach of strangers into their country), suddenly shoot up into +the air from a spur of the mountains several miles distant.</p> + +<p>Although the morning was windy, the smoke arose in a straight column to a +great height, then spread out like a huge umbrella at the top, and, in +the twinkling of an eye, was gone.</p> + +<p>"That means 'look out,' plain enuff, don't it?" asked Jerry. "That's what +I call telegraphin'. Now, putty soon you'll see some more answerin' of +'em."</p> + +<p>"Do you know what that means?" inquired Ned.</p> + +<p>"That means, 'Strangers is comin'.' If they'd repeated it three or four +times, it would have said, 'The party's a big one, and wants watchin'.' +But they're so fur off, I reckon they'll send two or three spies in ter +see how many thar is of us, afore we shall hear from 'em. Hilloa! there +they go," continued he, pointing to three more of the signals that were +suddenly sent up in different directions. "We're in amongst 'em, sure, +boys; so let's keep our eyes open."</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding we maintained the utmost vigilance during the entire +day's journey, we saw nothing of Indians, or any signs indicating their +presence; but, upon camping at night, we so disposed our wagons, that we +should be able to make a vigorous resistance in case of attack. The guard +was posted, to be relieved every two hours. Our camp was on an open +plain, with no shrubbery save an occasional brown-bush or <i>yucca</i> +near us; and we retired, feeling as safe as we had any time since +crossing the Rio Grande.</p> + +<p>The night passed quietly; and, just as the grey dawn began to make +objects visible about camp, I awoke.</p> + +<p>I saw the guard sitting over the smoldering fire, the mules hitched to +the wagon-wheels as usual, and the remainder of the party wrapped in +their blankets, apparantly sleeping soundly; so I determined to take +another nap before rising.</p> + +<p>While thus lying, half awake and half asleep, I dreamily turned my eyes +towards a small bush that stood a few yards from the place where I was +lying, and, to my horror, discovered a pair of bright eyes peering at me +from between the branches.</p> + +<p>My first thought, that it was some animal, was speedily dissipated by +discovering the fingers of a human hand holding aside the branches so as +to give its owner an uninterrupted view of our camp; and it required but +little stretch of the imagination to plainly see the features of a +swarthy, ugly face behind them.</p> + +<p>In an instant I remembered the conversation with Jerry the day previous, +and decided that it must be the face of an Apache spy, and that I had +better remain quiet; knowing, that, if my surmise was correct, we need +not fear an attack from him or his companions, at that time.</p> + +<p>I lay for some moments,—it seemed hours,—spell-bound, watching the +face, but not daring to move even an eyelid, lest the discovery of the +fact that I was awake, should be the signal for my own destruction. I +expected every moment to hear the twang of a bow-string, and feel the +head of an arrow penetrate my flesh; for I felt confident the spy was not +alone.</p> + +<p>I remember watching the eyes, so steadily gleaming from between the +boughs, and comparing them to those of a tiger, about to spring upon its +prey, and then, I found myself speculating as to whether a flint +arrow-head would cause more pain than an iron one.</p> + +<p>While these thoughts were passing through my mind, I noticed the branches +almost imperceptibly resume their natural position and the eyes disappear +from view.</p> + +<p>My first impulse was to spring to my feet and alarm the camp. Then I +bethought myself of the well-known cunning of the Apaches, and determined +to remain quiet for a few moments, lest a ruse had been adopted to +ascertain if their presence had been discovered.</p> + +<p>Just at this moment, the guard, who had been sitting over the dying +embers of the camp-fire, arose, drew his coat closer about him to shield +him from the chill morning air, and, after taking a look around, again +sat down. As he did so, I saw the branches once more cautiously pushed +aside, and two pairs of eyes, instead of one, survey the scene.</p> + +<p>What should I do? A cold sweat started from every pore of my body, and my +heart almost ceased to beat, as I realized that the least movement of +either of my sleeping companions might precipitate upon us a foe, of +whose numbers I could form no estimate.</p> + +<p>Conscious that I had acted wisely in doing nothing myself to hasten it, I +felt equally certain I could have done nothing to avert it.</p> + +<p>There I lay waiting, I knew not for what. The suspense became terrible. +It seemed as though every moment had become a long hour,—as though I +dared not breathe, lest the breath should be my last.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, I felt that the boughs had again resumed their natural +position, and the eyes were gone. Yes! they were there no longer. Once +more I breathed freely.</p> + +<p>Why I did not instantly arouse the camp, I cannot tell. I waited several +minutes, then quietly cocked my rifle beneath my blankets, and touched +Jerry on the shoulder. The instant he felt it, he started; but my low "s-h" +apprised him of danger, and he again resumed his old position.</p> + +<p>In a low tone, I told him what I had seen. He waited a few moments and +then aroused the camp.</p> + +<p>No one was aware, that, during the night, Indians had been so near us, +nor did the camp show any evidence that they had entered it; but the +ground in the vicinity of the bush, which had concealed the foe revealed +very plainly the track of four moccasined feet. Although we found it +difficult to tell in what direction they had gone, yet it was quite +evident that we might, at any time, expect a visit from our Apache +friends, and our only course was to be ready when they appeared.</p> + +<p>Hal and Ned were disposed, at first, to imagine that the visitors of the +night previous were the creation of a dream; but the sight of their +footprints in the sand, soon dissipated that theory, while they plainly +told them the necessity of greater caution.</p> + +<p>Breakfast dispatched, we got under way once more; and, during the next +three or four days crossed several spurs of the Burro and Pelloncillo +ranges of mountains, and over that portion of the great Madre Plateau, +that lies along the thirty-second parallel,—but saw no Indians.</p> + +<p>This fact gave Hal a good opportunity to laugh at what he termed my +vision; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity.</p> + +<p>Jerry and I often consulted together, and wondered why it was that we +heard nothing more from the spies that had visited us; for, as Jerry +wisely said, "If they'd come along and have it out with us, one way or +t'other, he wouldn't keer; but ter keep us always expectin' 'em, is what +wears a feller out. By'm by, when we git keerless, they'll ketch us +nappin', and then, God help us, that's all."</p> + +<p>Our route, the next day, passed through a fertile +<i>cienega</i>,[Valley.] thence over an alkali plain. It was while +crossing this latter, that I met with an adventure, the most desperate we +encountered on the trip. Our route carried us over this vast plain, +strongly impregnated with alkali, and sparsely covered with dwarfed +mesquite with an occasional cluster of <i>yuccas</i>, scarce two feet in +height; and was so level, we could see for miles over it in any +direction.</p> + +<p>The road was thickly covered from five to six inches deep, with an +impalpable dust, so fine that the lightest footstep, or breath of air, +sent it in clouds above our heads. So dense was it, that it completely +enveloped our whole party, making it impossible for us to distinguish one +another, at a distance even of three or four feet.</p> + +<p>Jerry and myself had been riding a few rods in advance of the wagons; but +he returned to them for the purpose of giving some order, while I +continued on. So open was the plain, that it seemed impossible for any +foe to be concealed upon its surface; and we naturally abated somewhat, +the vigilance we should have maintained, had we been passing through a +rocky <i>cañon</i>, or wooded defile. We therefore rode carefully along, +shrouded in dust, but not dreaming of danger.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, without the least warning, three or four muskets, and a shower +of arrows, were discharged upon us from a spot not twenty yards away.</p> + +<p>A clap of thunder from a clear sky would not have astonished me more.</p> + +<p>The thought, that Hal or Ned might have been killed, passed like a flash +of lightning through my mind; for the dust was so dense, I could not +distinguish friend from foe; but I heard Jerry shout, "<i>Adelante! +Adelante hombres</i>!" and forgetting for the moment that I was already +in the advance, in obedience to the order, I spurred my horse forward, +just as the Apache war-whoop sounded, apparantly upon all sides of me.</p> + +<p>The spot selected for the ambush was at a point where the road passed +though a large body of prickly-pear, the terrible thorns of which, in +connection with the sharp-pointed leaves of the Spanish-bayonet, formed a +natural <i>chevaux-de-frise</i> that no living creature could penetrate.</p> + +<p>I soon discovered this; and, in the expectation of reaching the train, +turned my horse's head and rode blindly back through the thick dust, +although unable to see more than a few feet from me in any direction.</p> + +<p>Suddenly I found myself surrounded by Indians. One stout, sinewy fellow, +naked, with the exception of a breechcloth, seized my horse by the bits, +and by main strength, forced him back upon his haunches, and in the +twinkling of an eye, I lay upon my back in the dust of the road, deprived +of my weapons, with an Apache, whose nude body had been well smeared with +grease, sitting squarely astride me, with a knee upon each arm.</p> + +<p>It was impossible for me to move; and I gave myself up for lost, as I +noticed the wicked, fiendish expression upon the hideously painted face +of the savage, and heard him mutter a malediction in Spanish through his +closed teeth. The next instant, the welcome crack of three or four rifles +greeted my ears. The Indian gave a start, and I saw the blood spurt from +his side.</p> + +<p>He gnashed his teeth, uttered a harsh, fierce exclamation of rage, and +seized my throat with one hand, while he made a desperate attempt, with +the other, to grasp my knife, which, in the struggle, had fortunately +fallen just beyond his reach.</p> + +<p>As he stretched forward, I felt his hold upon my throat relax; and, +making a tremendous effort, I succeeded in pitching him over my head; +then, springing to my feet, ran like a race-horse in the direction of the +shots just fired; and, the next moment, was with Jerry and the boys.</p> + +<p>I was so excited and bewildered, that, for a few seconds, I could hardly +realize what had passed. I soon learned, however, that, immediately upon +the attack being made, Jerry had halted the wagons, and, as he was unable +in the dense dust to form any estimate of the number of the foe, was +advancing with the men on foot, at the time they so opportunely fired the +volley which rid me of my foe.</p> + +<p>The Apaches left two dead bodies upon the ground; and we, three horses, +while ever after I followed the advice I had so frequently given Hal and +Ned, and kept with the wagons.</p> + +<p>My adventure furnished a fruitful theme for conversation around the +camp-fire for many nights. Jerry, Hal, Ned, Patsey, and even the Mexican +teamsters had a theory as to the course they should pursue under the same +circumstances; and I believe it is an unsettled question to this day, +whether I did right in turning back instead of riding forward, after I +heard the order given.</p> + +<p>The evening of the succeeding day brought us to the entrance of the +Apache Pass, the only <i>cañon</i> through which we could cross the +Chirichui range of mountains, that for many years had been the home of +Cochise's band of Apaches, one of the worst that ever infested the +country. Here, it was necessary to exercise the greatest caution; for the +place was notoriously the most dangerous upon the entire route.</p> + +<p>Extra guards were sent out, the animals securely corralled, each man +required to sleep upon his arms, and every precaution taken to enable us +to repel an attack at a moment's notice.</p> + +<p>The night passed without any alarm, and Jerry chuckled at the thought +that we should probably get through without being molested. Just as we +were starting, however, it was found that one of our wagons required +repairs, that would cause a delay of several hours. As the water was good +and the grass luxuriant, we concluded to run the risk of an attack, and +to remain for the day where we were and give our animals, which were sent +to graze a limit a mile from camp, a much-needed rest.</p> + +<p>Jerry undertook the repair of the wagon; and, as the day was bright, the +boys determined to do some washing.</p> + +<p>I had thrown myself upon my blanket, and was lazily admiring the beauties +of an Arizona landscape, when Patsey approached me, and, pulling off his +brimless hat, said, "Ef yer plase, sur, the byze wants to git some +sooap."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Patsey?" said I.</p> + +<p>"It's the sooap, sur. Where'll the byze git the sooap ter wash wid?"</p> + +<p>"Tell them to take a spade, and go and dig some," was my reply.</p> + +<p>Patsey looked at me a moment, as though half inclined to think I had +suddenly taken leave of my senses, and then exclaimed, in tones of +astonishment,—</p> + +<p>"Dig sooap! Where'll they go to dig it, shure?"</p> + +<p>"Right there," said I, pointing to a small palmilla,[The palmilla is a +species of palm, known as the soap-plant, whose roots, when bruised in +water, make a very thick and remarkably soft and white lather. The plant +is much used by the natives for cleansing clothes, and is far superior to +any manufactured soap for scouring woolens. It also makes an admirable +shampoo mixture.] numbers of which were growing all about us.</p> + +<p>Patsey looked in the direction indicated; and, seeing nothing that +resembled soap, regarded me attentively for a moment, and then wheeled +and darted away.</p> + +<p>Presently I saw the three boys coming towards me, and Ned laughingly +remarked that he and Hal wanted some soap to wash their shirts with.</p> + +<p>I answered, that I had just sent them word by Patsey, to go and dig some.</p> + +<p>Evidently Ned was as much surprised at my answer as Patsey had been; but +he mustered courage enough to inquire where he should find it.</p> + +<p>"There, there, and there!" replied I, pointing in rapid succession to the +plants that were growing around us. Ned stood spell-bound for a moment, +and then slowly turned towards Hal and Patsey, who were standing at a +little distance.</p> + +<p>As he approached them, Patsey caught him by the arm, and, with a most +knowing look on his broad, Irish face, exclaimed, "Didn't I tell yez the +boss wuz crazy, an' I wouldn't git my new clo'es, any how?"</p> + +<p>Wishing them to learn the merits of this truly wonderful plant that +grows so common throughout this region, I rose from the ground. Patsey +beat a hurried retreat, taking refuge with Jerry, saying, the "Boss had +gone as crazy as a bidbug, wid his diggin' sooap and givin' clo'es away, +to be shure."</p> + +<p>Sending Ned for a spade, I soon unearthed one of the large bulbous roots, +which I divided into pieces, and, accompanying the boys to the spring, +practically demonstrated its remarkable saponaceous qualities, leaving +them delighted with the experiment; but had hardly returned to my blanket +again when I was startled by the report of two rifles, that came from +below us, near the base of the mountains where our animals were grazing.</p> + +<p>However commonplace this incident may appear to the reader, to us it was +the tocsin of danger. Before the lofty crags above us had ceased to +reverberate the echoes, every man was on the alert.</p> + +<p>The boys came running to the spot where I stood, their bare arms dripping +with soap-suds, while the men rushed to the wagons to procure their +firearms and ammunition.</p> + +<p>Before we had time to fully equip ourselves, the sight of one of the +herders, rapidly approaching, told the story. He rode near enough to make +himself heard, then, checking his horse so suddenly as to almost throw +him upon his haunches, he brandished his revolver and shouted,—</p> + +<p>"<i>Los Indios! Los Apaches!</i>" and, turning, rode rapidly in the +direction whence he came.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap15"></a><h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<p>Jerry sprang upon a horse; and shouting, "Take care er the camp!" rode +rapidly in the direction of the herd.</p> + +<p>Telling Hal and Ned to climb the rocks and report what they saw, I +ordered the wagons to be drawn up in a line parallel with the foot of the +bluff, thus improvising a sort of corral.</p> + +<p>The boys, by this time, had discovered eight or ten Indians following the +herders, who were driving the animals towards camp. I immediately rode +out to assist them. At the moment I reached the plain, a little puff of +white smoke rose on the air, far to the rear of the herders. A second +after, I saw a riderless horse galloping wildly towards the herd, where +he was lost to view. I urged my horse forward; and, by our combined +exertions, the animals were safely brought into camp and corralled.</p> + +<p>These secured, we turned our attention to the Indians, who were coming +down upon us like a whirlwind.</p> + +<p>"Don't a man fire till I give the word," said Jerry; "and remember not to +throw away a bullet."</p> + +<p>The Indians had paused upon the plain, nearly half a mile from our camp; +and, sitting upon their horses, were evidently considering the best plan +of attack. Suddenly, two of their number turned, and rode back towards +the spot where we had first seen them.</p> + +<p>"What can they be going back for?" asked Hal, who, rifle in hand, was +standing by Jerry's side, evidently anxious for an opportunity to wipe +out old scores.</p> + +<p>"What are they going back for?" repeated Jerry; "why, to scalp that poor +cuss they shot, I reckon. Judge," continued he, turning toward me, "jest +you try a crack at them fellers with yer new-fashioned 'dust-raiser,' +will yer?" pointing to my Sharpe's carbine.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe that I can reach them: it will only be throwing away a +cartridge, to make the attempt," replied I.</p> + +<p>"Well, jest try it," continued he; "'cause, if yer could hit one of 'em, +they'd leave mighty sudden, and save us considerable trouble."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you can reach 'em," said Ned. "I wish you would try."</p> + +<p>Dismounting, and resting the carbine over the back of my horse, I took +careful, deliberate aim, and fired.</p> + +<p>That the bullet did reach them, and they were badly frightened, was +evident from the suddenness with which they wheeled, and galloped over +the plain, in an opposite direction.</p> + +<p>The next moment, Jerry grasped my shoulder, and shouted, "You hit one of +the devils, sartin."</p> + +<p>Bringing my glass to bear, I saw one of the Indians reel in his saddle, +then recover himself a little, again waver, and finally fall to the +ground, while his horse continued on with the remainder of the party, +who, after riding some distance, stopped.</p> + +<p>In a little time, they were joined by the two who had previously left +them. Then three of their number rode towards the spot where their fallen +comrade lay; and, securing his body, one of them took it before him on +the horse, and the whole party galloped off.</p> + +<p>"That ere shot of yourn was a good one," said Jerry. "Tit for tat is my +rule for them varmints; an' we're even with 'em on this arternoon's work. +I reckon we'd better take a shovel along, an' bury that poor feller +that's a-lyin' there."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Jerry; but wouldn't it be better to bring the body in, and +bury it here?" asked I.</p> + +<p>"We don't want the men to see it, ef we kin help it. It allus makes 'em +skeery; for there ain't nobody that wants to be cut and hacked to pieces, +ef they be dead, as them red devils have sarved that poor Mexican, +sartin."</p> + +<p>Directing Patsey to bring a shovel, Jerry and I started on our sad +errand. After riding about a mile, we came upon the body of the dead man, +stretched upon the green grass, naked, scalped, and terribly mutilated.</p> + +<p>For a few moments we sat upon our horses, silently gazing upon the +horrible spectacle, too much shocked to speak. The silence was broken by +Jerry, who exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"Ef them 'Paches ain't devils, then thar ain't no use of havin' any, +that's all I've got to say. A pictur like that ain't a very appetizin' +thing for a Traveller that's like to git ketched the same way, any day; +so I reckon we'd better git it under kiver."</p> + +<p>A grave was soon dug; and, wrapping the poor mutilated body in my +saddle-blanket, we laid it within the narrow walls, and hastily covered +it from sight; then, remounting oar horses, silently rode back to camp.</p> + +<p>No question was asked upon our return, and neither Jerry nor myself felt +much like talking; for the scene we had just witnessed impressed upon us +more strongly than words could have done, the responsibility as well as +constant watchfulness and care necessary in travelling through a country +so full of peril.</p> + +<p>The miserable fate of poor Gonzales seemed to throw a gloom over the +entire camp; for it forced all to realize how beset with danger was every +step we took, and how easily it might have been one of us, lying cold in +death, instead of the poor Mexican.</p> + +<p>We retired early, after taking every precaution possible to guard against +surprise, and I soon fell asleep, but was aroused a few hours later, by +terrific screams and howls from Patsey, who was capering around the camp +in the most ridiculous manner, executing as many singular and grotesque +gyrations as an Apache in celebrating the scalp-dance. The entire camp +was roused: even the guards rushed in from their posts to ascertain the +cause of the disturbance.</p> + + <img src="images/img21.jpg" alt="Patsey And The Snake" align="right" /> + <p>Neither Jerry, Hal, nor Ned could discover the cause of Patsey's terror; +for, in response to our many inquiries, he would only scratch his leg +through the rent in his trousers, and constantly jump up and down, as +though standing upon a hot griddle, all the while howling at the top of +his lungs.</p> + +<p>Becoming, at last, thoroughly angry, I seized the boy by the collar, and +gave him such a shaking that I finally succeeded in getting an answer to +the question, as to what was the matter.</p> + +<p>"Mather!" roared Patsey. "Mather enuff, God knows! Shnakes is the +mather!" making a desperate dive down into the leg of his pants. "I'm +bited to death wid a shnake, so I am. Can't yez all sae I'm a did mon?"</p> + +<p>Now, as far as appearances went, Patsey was a long way from being a dead +man, for he still indulged in more lively contortions than a corpse was +ever known to execute; each movement accompanied by a yell almost loud +enough to wake the dead.</p> + +<p>An examination revealed the fact, that the boy had heedlessly spread his +blanket over the entrance to the home of a colony of large black ants, +and the little fellows, angry at his presumption, had attacked him, in +the most spiteful manner, through the rents in his trousers. Patsey, +awakened out of a sound sleep by their stings, and remembering Ned's +adventure in the Organos mountains, had fancied himself the unfortunate +victim of a like attack. We finally succeeded in convincing him that he +was not dead, nor likely to die; and then, the camp resumed its usual +quiet.</p> + +<p>Early in the morning, before we were ready to start, Jerry called my +attention to several "bighorns,"—or, more properly speaking, +Rocky-Mountain sheep,—that stood perched upon a high cliff which overhung +our camp several hundred feet in the air. As these were the first we had +seen upon the route, I at once called Hal and Ned to witness the sight, +who immediately proposed to make the attempt to capture one.</p> + +<p>Jerry assured them it was impossible; for it would take hours to reach +the spot where they stood, or even to get within rifle-range of them. +This fact alone would prevent starting on a hunt, as we were exceedingly +anxious to get through the pass without being obliged to spend another +night in so dangerous a locality.</p> + +<p>This animal is somewhat larger than the common sheep, is covered with +brownish hair instead of wool, and is chiefly remarkable for its huge +spiral horns, resembling those of a sheep, but frequently three feet in +length, and from four to six inches in diameter at the base.</p> + +<p>It is very agile; and, secluding itself among the most inaccessible +mountain-crags, delights in capering upon the very verge of the most +frightful precipices, and skipping from rock to rock across yawning +chasms hundreds of feet in depth.</p> + +<p>I have been assured by old hunters, that, if pursued, it will leap from a +cliff into the valley a hundred feet below, where, alighting upon its +huge horns, it springs to its feet, uninjured, its neck being so thick +and strong, that it endures the greatest shock without injury.</p> + +<p>This animal more closely resembles the <i>chamois</i> than any other +species found upon this continent, and is almost as difficult to capture.</p> + +<p>After leaving the pass and coming out upon the open plain, west of the +mountains, we saw, in the distance, a wild ox.</p> + +<p>Now the boys had, for some time, fancied that they were very expert in +the use of the lasso; and, upon seeing this ox, became seized with the +insane desire to capture him with that weapon, after the most-approved +style of the Mexican <i>lazador</i>. Remonstrance was in vain. They knew +they could do it; and away they went on their ponies, eager for the +sport, leaving the remainder of the party to watch them from a distance.</p> + +<p>Upon their approaching near to the old fellow, he threw up his head, +elevated his tail, brandished his long horns, and, with a loud bellow of +defiance, started directly for them. The boys evidently had not +anticipated this, for they slackened their pace at the sight, riding very +slowly towards him.</p> + +<p>As they approached, he commenced shaking his head, pawing the earth, and +bellowing furiously. Then he began to move slowly around in a circle, +throwing clouds of dust high in the air, and almost making the ground +shake with his angry bellowings; finally turning, however, he galloped +slowly away over the plain.</p> + +<p>Away went the ox, and away went the boys after him: it was a run for life +on the one side; on the other, a chase for glory.</p> + +<p>Hal, who was a short distance in advance of Ned, anxious to get his rope +first over the horns, finally made a cast with his lasso. At the same +moment, his pony stumbled, and away went Hal over his head, landing some +feet nearer the ox than he expected to do when he made the cast.</p> + +<p>Ned, who was just behind, now thundered past with lasso in hand, ready +raised to take advantage of Hal's mishap. He threw it; but the noose fell +short of the object aimed at, and encircled a stout <i>yucca</i>, that +<i>would</i> stand directly in the way.</p> + +<p>And now the ox, as though understanding the misfortunes that had befallen +his pursuers, turned, and made a furious charge in the direction of the +already discomforted <i>lazadors</i>. Seeing him coming towards them, +with lolling tongue, protruding eyes, and angry bellowings, they began to +realize, that, in their case at least, discretion was the better part of +valor. Both turned and fled, leaving pony, lasso, and their courage, +behind them.</p> + +<p>The race now assumed another phrase: it was for safety on the one side, +and revenge on the other.</p> + +<p>On came the boys, Ned in the lead, on his pony, and Hal bringing up the +rear on foot; behind them, the ox, whose bellowing each moment grew +louder and more furious. Suddenly, Hal disappeared behind a clump of +mesquite; but the ox kept on in his efforts to overtake Ned, whose pony +was straining every nerve to reach the wagons in advance of his pursuer.</p> + +<p>When the animal came within rifle-range, Jerry quietly stepped out and +shot him through the head. Ned rode up breathless, upon his panting pony, +and said to one of the Mexicans,—</p> + +<p>"Say, Juan, how do you throw a lasso? I thought I knew all about it; but +I reckon I don't."</p> + +<p>Hal soon came in, his hands full of thorns, his eyes full of dust, and +his clothes much the worse for his encounter with the ground, protesting, +however, that, if his pony hadn't stumbled, he should have had the old +fellow, sure.</p> + +<p>"But your pony did stumble, and you didn't get him; nor I, either," +remarked Ned. "And I don't think you and I had better brag any more about +lassoing until you can catch your pony down there in the +<i>chaparral</i>;" and Hal went for his pony.</p> + +<p>The evening of the third day from the pass brought us to the head of +Quercos <i>cañon</i>, where we came upon a party of Mexicans and Papago +Indians, engaged in manufacturing <i>mescal</i>, the native whiskey of +the country.</p> + +<p>This beverage is made from the roots of the <i>maguey</i>, a plant common +to this region. The roots are bulbous, and are gathered in large +quantities, and thrown into pits containing red-hot stones.</p> + +<p>These being filled, they are covered with grass or brush, over which +blankets are spread. The roots are allowed to remain until thoroughly +steamed, when they are taken out, placed in sacks of rawhide and crushed, +the juice escaping into earthen vessels. It is afterwards fermented in +the sun, when it becomes an intoxicating liquor, very closely resembling +Irish whiskey in taste, smell, and effect upon the brain.</p> + +<p>Patsey enjoyed its pungent, smoky <i>aroma</i>, with the keenest +pleasure, and, after several times tasting it, pronounced it quite "aquil +to the bist rale ould Irish whiskey," an opinion that we all endorsed +after witnessing his condition a few hours later.</p> + +<p>While encamped here, Ned came to me and reminded me of my promise to +Patsey; saying, that one of the Mexicans had a splendid suit of buckskin, +that he would dispose of very cheap. I traded for it, and Ned arrayed +Patsey in it. Never did king, clothed in robes of royal purple, exhibit +greater pride than did Patsey in his buckskin suit. But, alas! pride must +have a fall; and, within a very few hours, I saw him sitting on the +ground, clothed in his new suit, and protesting with maudlin earnestness +that he was the "veritable Bryan O'Linn himsilf."</p> + +<p>Three days later, we reached the old Mission of <i>San Xavier del +Bac</i>, one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Spanish rule, +to be found in this country.</p> + +<p>It was built by the Jesuits nearly two hundred years ago, and is one of +the finest specimens of Saracenic architecture to be found on this +continent. It is located on the lands of the Papago Indians, in whose +charge it now is.</p> + +<p>We encamped beneath the shadow of this massive pile, surrounded by the +thatched huts of the Papagos, who cluster about its cruciform walls as +though confident of its power to protect them, as it did their ancestors, +from the contaminating influences of the outside world.</p> + +<p>These Indians are a simple, honest, industrious tribe, quite superior to +their present situation, and claim that their ancestors have occupied the +country for more than a thousand years, and were far more civilized than +themselves.</p> + +<p>Many of them are as black as negroes, and nearly all are fine specimens +of physical beauty. Still, as a race, they, like the old church, are but +a wreck of former greatness.</p> + +<p>A ride of eight miles brought us to the town of Tucson, through which our +wagons passed to the Pico Chico Mountain, five miles beyond, where we +made our camp.</p> + +<p>This was formerly an old Mexican fort, and was abandoned in 1853, after +the survey of the boundary line between Mexico and the United States.</p> + +<p>We were here informed, that the Apaches had attacked and captured a small +train that was travelling over the route we were following, only the week +before; consequently, our chances of getting through unmolested were very +good; a piece of information that we received gladly.</p> + +<p>The boys and myself spent several hours in Tucson, looking about the +town, and its many curiosities, being especially interested in several +half-naked, dirty Apaches, which were lounging about, with large nuggets +of gold tied up in their filthy rags.</p> + +<p>Horse-racing, wrestling, gambling, drinking mescal, and shooting people, +seemed to be the principal occupation of its inhabitants, who, as a +whole, were about as villainous a looking set of cut-throats as could be +found west of the Rio Grande.</p> +<br /> + +<br /><hr style="width:45%;" /><br /> +<a name="chap16"></a><h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<p>Tucson is located in the heart of the great silver and gold bearing +regions of Arizona, and it was exceedingly difficult to prevent the boys +from loading themselves with specimens of the many ores offered for sale, +by every loafer, greaser, and Indian, that we met on the street.</p> + +<p>Hal managed to absent himself for a short time; and, when I found him, +had traded Ned's watch for about as small and lively a specimen of a +Mexican mule as I ever saw, which, he assured me in good faith, he had +bought for Patsey's exclusive use.</p> + +<p>I afterwards learned from Ned, that, ever since the boy had become the +owner of a buckskin suit, he imagined that it little comported with the +dignity of a person who could sport "sich an illegant suit, to ride in +wagins, or walk afoot, whin he ought to ride on horseback, like a +gintilmon;" promising, that, if Hal would procure him a mule in Tucson, +he would pay him double price on reaching California.</p> + +<p>The bargain had been made, and the mule delivered, and all I could do was +to make the best of it. I was extremely glad to get out of town so +cheaply, however; and, as it was, it became very dark before we reached +camp; for the new purchase would not be driven, and only consented to be +led, because Hal's pony was the stronger.</p> + +<p>Jerry's opinion of the animal was given in words more forcible that +elegant; and Hal's purchase was laughed at by all. Many were the bets +offered, that Patsey couldn't ride him; but Patsey stoutly asserted he'd +"ridden mules in the ould country, and why couldn't he do it in Ameriky?"</p> + +<p>Shortly after leaving camp, the road crossed a small stream, which we +knew could be easily forded. Jerry, with an eye to some sport, ordered +Patsey, who, mounted upon his mule, was feeling very grand, to lead the +way; and Patsey, nothing loth, started; but, alas! the animal refused to +take the water.</p> + +<p>Four times did he attempt to force him, and four times he was unseated +and violently hurled to the ground: at each overthrow, however, he +returned to the charge with fond hopes, fresh courage, and a stronger +determination to make the animal enter the stream.</p> + +<p>Upon the fifth trial, somewhat to our surprise and Patsey's delight, the +mule quietly approached and entered the stream, without the least +reluctance.</p> + +<p>We all shouted our congratulations at the boy's well-deserved victory; +while Patsey himself was so elated at his success, that he could not +resist manifesting his exultation by digging his heels into the animal's +sides, with a vindictiveness, that could not fail to stir up all its +vicious propensities; while he kept up a running tirade of abuse, after +the Mexican style, as follows:—</p> + +<p>"So yez thought yez wouldn't cross the wathers, did yez (a dig with his +heels). I'm the bye that'll show yez, that, whin Patsey McQuirk's aboard +(another dig), and say's crass, ye'll crass, so yez will (dig). Ye moight +jist ez well done it first ez last, so yez moight (dig, dig), but ye'll +understand it next time, so yez will (dig, dig)."</p> + +<p>The mule waded on, apparantly in meek submission, until he had nearly +reached the middle of the stream, when, without the least warning, he +laid back his ears, lowered his head, and elevated his heels so quickly, +that Patsey went flying, heels over head into the stream, far towards the +opposite shore, amid the shouts and laughter of the whole party.</p> + +<p>He floundered about in the water for some minutes, completely bewildered. +Occasionally he would disappear; then come to the surface, half +suffocated, to again stumble, fall, and disappear; all the time calling +for "Hilp! hilp! hilp!"</p> + +<p>He finally reached the bank, the most woe begone, discouraged Irish boy +ever seen clothed in a buckskin suit; nor did our screams of laughter +tend to console him for his unwelcome bath: on the contrary, he began to +look about him for some one upon whom to vent his anger.</p> + +<p>Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, +he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started +back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground.</p> + +<p>At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; +but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined +to make one final effort to conquer him.</p> + +<p>"Ye cussid lithle hay then," cried Patsey to the mule; "I'll taych yez to +sarve an honist b'y sich a thrick ez thet, noo. Ye'll just sae how yez'll +loik the batin' ye'll get, noo;" and he proceeded to cut a stick with +which to administer the "batin';" but Jerry interrupted, and ordered +Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the +water, the mule followed without the least difficulty.</p> + +<p>After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what +the trouble seemed to be with his mule.</p> + +<p>"Faith," said he, "don't I know well enuff? The craythur's bin put up to +thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I'll be avin wid some +one, if it takes a wake's wages, whin I git to Californy."</p> + +<p>From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby +growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the +<i>Cerus Grandes,</i> a remarkable species of cactus, called by the +Indians <i>Petahaya</i>, which grows to the height of forty or fifty +feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference. It is +fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that +resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by +the natives as an article of food.</p> + +<p>The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would +permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several +miles from our intended camping-ground.</p> + +<p>Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in +an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, +completely shutting in every ray of light. The darkness was so intense, +that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, +Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp.</p> + +<p>Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain +descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid +lightning. The thunder was terrific. As peal after peal echoed and +reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park +of artillery. So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we +involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, +and plunged and struggled to escape from the men.</p> + +<p>Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, +and forced to take refuge under the wagons. No attempt was made to light +a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night.</p> + +<p>Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our +wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the +Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall.</p> + +<p>We had heard many accounts of this remarkable tribe of Indians, who, for +the past eight or ten centuries, have resided upon, and cultivated the +same land. High as our expectations had been raised, we were in no +measure disappointed upon meeting them. We found them friendly, and +disposed to treat us with great kindness, freely furnishing such articles +of food as we were in need of.</p> + +<p>The Pimos raise fine crops of cotton, corn, wheat, melons, and +vegetables. The women weave, spin, make blankets, grind the corn, and +gather mesquite-beans. Besides doing such work, they attend to their +children, and bring all the water from the river on their heads, in large +earthen jars, frequently holding six or seven gallons, which they balance +so perfectly that they rarely spill a drop.</p> + +<p>The boys were much pleased with the primitive but comfortable houses, +made of poles, bent at the top to a common centre, and wattled in with +straw and corn-shucks. Each house was situated in a separate enclosure, +and surrounded by a small garden.</p> + +<p>The only weapon these Indians use is a bow and arrow, with which they are +very expert.</p> + +<p>While stopping here, we were much amused by watching a party of them +engaged in hunting ducks in one of the lagoons making up from the Gila.</p> + +<p>Placing a number of gourds in the water upon the windward side of the +lagoon, they were gently propelled by the wind to the opposite shore, +where they were picked up, carried back, and again sent adrift.</p> + +<p>At first the birds exhibited no little fear at these singular objects +floating about among them; but eventually became so used to the sight, +that they paid no attention to them.</p> + +<p>Observing this, each Indian cut, in a large gourd, holes for his eyes, +nose, and mouth, and then fitted it upon his head. Taking with him a long +bag, he entered the water, until nothing was seen but the gourd on his +head. Then the peculiar bobbing motion of the gourd was imitated so +exactly, that the wily hunter easily approached near enough to the birds +to seize them by the feet and drag them suddenly under the water.</p> + +<p>Scores of them were thus captured, and securely stowed in the bags that +they carried.</p> + +<p>So nicely and naturally was this done, and so great was the admiration +expressed by us all at the dexterity displayed by the hunters, that +Patsey, who had been remarkably quiet since his experience with the mule, +ventured to whisper to Ned, that "he'd aften hoonted dooks that way, in +the ould country."</p> + +<p>This statement, coming to the ears of Hal, by way of a joke, he proposed +that Patsey should give him a lesson in the art of gourd-hunting. The boy +at once assented to the suggestion, provided he would keep the matter a +secret from all but Ned. To this Hal agreed, at the same time taking good +care that Ned should inform us of the intended sport.</p> + +<p>After the Indians had obtained all the game they desired for themselves, +and we had all left the ground, Hal borrowed one of the gourds for +Patsey. This the boy fitted to his head, and, bag in hand, boldly started +into the water, just as Jerry and myself arrived upon the field of +observation.</p> + +<p>He waded some distance down the lagoon without meeting with any mishap; +but, just as he came near to a large flock, unfortunately stepped into a +hole, and at once disappeared from sight.</p> + +<p>The next moment he rose to the surface with arms extended, thrashing the +water like the paddles of a side-wheel steamboat, and making a noise not +unlike the first attempt of a young mule to bray.</p> + +<p>This strange performance of course frightened the birds, who rose in a +body, with a tremendous flapping of wings. This, joined to our own shouts +of laughter, so terrified Patsey, that he started for the shore, +floundering about in the water like a porpoise.</p> + +<p>He finally reached the bank; and then we discovered that the gourd had +slipped down under his chin, and turned completely around, with the holes +at the back of his head, in which position it was stuck fast.</p> + +<p>Patsey groped blindly about for a few minutes, greatly incensed at our +roars of laughter; and then, convinced of his inability to get rid of the +mask unaided, seated himself upon the ground, and quietly submitted to +have it removed by breaking it with rocks.</p> + +<p>The instant it was off, he flew at Hal, and would have soundly thrashed +him, "for the thrick he had put upon him," had not Jerry interfered to +prevent. This adventure, however, completely cured Patsey of boasting; +for not once again during the entire trip did he indulge in what had +heretofore been a favorite pastime. Nor was Patsey the only one who +learned a lesson while at the Pimo villages. Master Hal, who was +determined to try his hand at trading with the natives, found it anything +but a profitable business; for he disposed of nearly his entire share of +the stock of goods, for articles that were utterly useless to us, and +which we were obliged to abandon before getting through.</p> + +<p>Five days from the Pimo villages, we reached Fort Yuma, at the junction +of the Gila and Colorado rivers; but, with the thermometer at 118° in the +shade, we remained at this post only long enough to cross our wagons over +the Colorado, when we found ourselves upon the borders of the great +California desert, which extends in all directions as far as the eye can +reach, except towards the south-west, where, fifty miles away, a +mountain-range is to be seen, its blue peaks towering high in mid-air.</p> + +<p>The entire country, for hundreds of miles, is covered with a loose, +shifting, blinding, white sand, and is entirely destitute of vegetation +or water.</p> + +<p>We fancied we were well prepared for the journey over this vast plain; +but, notwithstanding the care taken, we suffered all the torments that +thirst can inflict, while our poor animals almost famished by the way. +Our route was plainly marked, the entire distance, by the bleached bones +and dried carcasses of mules, oxen, and sheep, interspersed with +abandoned wagons and whitened skeletons of emigrants, who had perished on +the way. At one place, we came upon a train of seven abandoned wagons, +loaded with household goods. The harnesses remained where they had been +thrown, after removing them; provisions were lying exposed upon a box, as +though the family had been obliged to leave before finishing the meal; +but not a living creature was in sight and, from the general appearance +of the scene, we judged it must have been deserted for weeks. It was a +sad sight: such a picture of desolation, as I care never again to +witness.</p> + +<p>Who the owners were, from whence they came, whither they were bound, or +what was their fate,—must stand one of the secrets of the desert, until +revealed at the final day.</p> + +<p>After three days of terrible suffering, we reached the banks of Carrizo +Creek. It would be impossible to describe the eagerness with which all, +men and animals, plunged down its steep banks, or how we laughed and +shouted as the murmur of its sparkling waters fell upon our ears, or with +what pleasure we laved our burning flesh in its coolness.</p> + +<p>This oasis in the desert is deserving a more extended description than I +can give here; for it probably has not its equal in the world. The stream +rises in sand, flows through sand, and disappears in sand; having worn +for itself a channel about a mile in length, fifteen or twenty feet deep, +and nearly thirty in width. The water is clear, and deliciously cool and +sweet.</p> + +<p>Here, under the benign influence exerted by this spring, we all for a +time forgot our troubles: even Patsey so far forgave Hal for the "thricks +he had put upon him," that I saw them sitting together, waist-deep in the +water; the Irish boy utterly oblivious of the fact that he had neglected, +before taking his bath, to remove the "buckskin suit," which had already +become considerably shrunken and curtailed, of its fair proportions, by +reason of its previous wettings.</p> + +<p>During the night we encamped here, I suddenly awoke from a very sound +sleep, and saw the form of old Jerry, standing in bold relief in the +moonlight upon the top of the bank, and Apparantly gazing far out into +the desert.</p> + +<p>He stood so long motionless, that I thought him asleep; but, upon +speaking, to my surprise he came and seated himself by my side, and said, +"Look here, judge, I want to tell yer a story. Will yer hear it?"</p> + +<p>I told him I would, with pleasure; and he began as follows:—</p> + +<p>"It was nine year ago this spring, and the first trip I ever made across +this desert. We hed been six days from Yuma to this place: the sun all +the time like a ball of fire, and the sand so hot it burnt one's naked +feet to a blister. Not a drop of water hed we hed for our animals for +three days, and only a teaspoonful for ourselves.</p> + +<p>"On the mornin' of the sixth day, my thirst became so great, that I +determined to start out by myself, and find water. I give my mule the +rein, and he brought me to the edge of this gully; and, when I looked +down into it and see the clear, cold water sparklin' and shinin' like +diamonds, why, I burst right out into a loud laugh.</p> + +<p>"After I stopped laughin', and was a-gittin' down towards the water, I +heerd a kind of noise from the other side of the creek, and looked up; +and, the first thing I see, settin' on the edge on t'other side, was a +boy about twelve years old, tryin' ter call to me.</p> + +<p>"At first I couldn't believe my own eyes; but I shut 'em up for a minute, +and looked again, and there he was, as plain as day, and not another +livin' creeter but my old hoss in sight.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was beat, an'no mistake. Bless me! I kin see the little feller +jest as I seen him that morning,—and a perfect little gentleman he was +too. Yes, and I've seen his pale, thin face and great starin' brown eyes +a-lookin' into mine, a thousand times since that day.</p> + +<p>"I went right over to where he was, and spoke ter him. The little feller +smiled when I came up, and shook his head, as much as to say, that he +couldn't speak. I asked him where he came from, and where his folks was, +and how they come ter leave him alone on the plains, with nobody to look +out for and take care of him; but he only shook his head, and looked up +into my face so piteous and sorrowful like, that I felt my heart go right +out to him. I couldn't understand how the little feller got there; for +his clothes were all new,—the soles of his little boots warn't even +stained.</p> + + <img src="images/img22.jpg" alt="A Mystery" align="left" /> + <p>"Well, I talked to him a long time afore I remembered I hadn't had a +drink myself; so I asked him if he wanted water, and he nodded his head. +I went down to the creek there, and filled my hat, and warn't away more +than three minutes; but, when I got back, he was gone."—"Where did he go +to, Jerry?" asked Ned, who, unperceived, had been listening to the story.</p> + +<p>"Go to," echoed Jerry, "ther ain't anybody kin tell that. Why, I hunted +every foot, for a mile around, and couldn't find a sign of his trail; and +I never have seen or heerd of him since. Now, judge, I seen him, felt +him, talked to him, and know he was there; and thar hain't never been a +doubt in my mind as to what become of him."</p> + +<p>"Well, Jerry, how do you account for his disappearance?" inquired I.</p> + +<p>"Angels!" was the sententious reply.</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" remarked the matter-of-fact Ned; "angels don't wear clothes and +boots."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" inquired Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Why, I never heard they did," answered Ned.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever hear they didn't?" continued the old man. "I never believed +in 'em much afore then, and I sartin hain't bed no reason to, on this +trip, so far as I know. Now, judge, you're the first one I ever told that +story to; and it's true, every word of it. What do yer reckon become of +him, if 'twain't angels?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say, Jerry," was my reply. "That is one of the secrets of the +desert, which I cannot answer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I reckon I've talked, about as long as I ought to, at this time of +night; but I've never come this way since then, without thinkin' thet +perhaps I might see him again. I never shall, though, I reckon; and I +s'pose I'd better give up all hopes of it, and may as well go to bed +again."</p> + +<p>As soon as he had gone, Ned crawled over to my side, and said, "Do you +really believe that it was an angel Jerry saw?"</p> + +<p>I endeavored to explain to the boy, that Jerry had been the victim of one +of those strange illusions defined in Sanskrit, as "The thirst of the +gazelle," which is frequently experienced by travellers in the desert, +causing them to imagine they see those objects in which their souls most +delight, but which exist only, in their imaginations. Nor is it possible, +ever after to convince the beholder, that the vision was not real.</p> + +<p>The following day's journey carried us out of the arid, desert country, +through magnificent groves of oak, over beautiful green prairies, and by +ranches, whose cattle were, in truth, "feeding on a thousand hills." The +contrast was as surprising, as it was graceful and pleasing; and, when at +last we reached the summit of the high land that overlooked the beautiful +blue waters of the Pacific, and saw, cozily nestled on the plain below +us, facing the sea, the quaint old town of San Diego, with its +magnificent date-palms, and rare old architecture, we all fairly shouted +for joy.</p> + +<p>The dangers and perils we had passed through, the privations we had +suffered, the petty jealousies that had arisen, the unkind words spoken, +—all were alike forgiven and forgotton in the rapture caused by the sight +of that "shining shore" we had travelled so many weary miles to see.</p> + +<p>Our arrival at San Diego was most opportune, for there was a great +scarcity of goods in the market, which enabled us to dispose of ours, at +such prices that we realized a handsome profit, after paying the expenses +of our entire trip.</p> + +<p>Indeed, we found ourselves in the possession of so much money, that we +deemed it advisable to hold a consultation, as to the best manner of +investing it.</p> + +<p>Hal declared, that he would speculate with it; and thereby take the +chance of doubling the capital in a few weeks, perhaps days.</p> + +<p>Ned was for purchasing a stock of goods in San Francisco, and going into +general merchandise.</p> + +<p>Jerry declared for a stock-ranche, and I—why, I decided with Jerry, of +course.</p> + +<p>"And what do you say, Patsey," called out Ned.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd take the money, an' buy me a new buckskin suit, and sthart +back for the ould country, shure. Divil a day would yez kitch me stoppin' +in a counthry like this, iny longer thin it would take to git out of it."</p> + +<p>After properly canvassing the matter, we decided to purchase a ranche, +stock it well with cattle, and place it in charge of old Jerry, with Hal +and Ned as assistants, and Patsey as "general utility boy."</p> + +<p>The ranche, under old Jerry's management, has become a valuable piece of +property, branding over a thousand calves the last spring.</p> + +<p>Hal, who, since his arrival here, has corresponded regularly with +Juanita, is now on a visit to Chihuahua, and the last letter I received +from him spoke of his marriage as a settled thing in the coming fall. +After that interesting event is over, he proposes to bring his wife home +with him.</p> + +<p>Ned is one of the most respected and honored citizens of San-Diego +county, and Patsey is growing rich from the profits of a small country +store.</p> + +<p>Old Jerry is alive, and insists upon having his camp-fire lighted every +night, smoking his pipe by the cheerful blaze, and telling a story. Then +he spreads his "painter-skin," and "turns in;" for nothing will induce +the old man to sleep within the four walls of a house. He says "it chocks +him right up, so, he can't; fur the life of him, he don't see how a white +man can stan' it."</p> + +<p>And now, my dear readers, having crossed the Continent together, and at +last found a home upon the shores of the beautiful Pacific, you and I +must part; but, if you ever chance to visit San Diego, come and see us at +the Buena-Vista stock-ranche, and you shall hear old Jerry tell a "story +of the road," beside his camp-fire, and receive from Hal and Ned a +genuine Western welcome.</p> +</td> + </tr> +</table> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr /> +<pre> + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + +******* This file should be named 10810-h.txt or 10810-h.zip ******* + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/1/10810">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/1/10810</a> + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Young Trail Hunters + +Author: Samuel Woodworth Cozzens + +Release Date: January 23, 2004 [eBook #10810] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Gary Toffelmire, Sjaani, and Project +Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders + + + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS; + +OR, THE WILD RIDERS OF THE PLAINS. + +THE VERITABLE ADVENTURES OF HAL HYDE AND NED BROWN, ON THEIR +JOURNEY ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS OF THE SOUTH-WEST. + +BY + +SAMUEL WOODWORTH COZZENS + +1877 + + + + + + +[Illustration: Prairie on Fire.] + + + + +TO THE READER. + +From my youth up, no book ever fascinated me like one of travel and +adventure in Indian lands, where danger attends every step; and, +believing that the hair-breadth escapes of my young friends, Hal and Ned, +in crossing with me, the great plains of the South-West, a few years +since, will prove entertaining, as well as instructive, I have taken +great pleasure in recounting them. + +The delineation of the habits, characteristics, and barbarous customs of +the savages, who, for centuries, have roamed over those vast plains, is +the result of my personal observation among these, now fast vanishing, +Indian tribes. + +If this narrative proves a sufficient inducement for you to follow "THE +TRAIL HUNTERS," to the end, a future volume to be entitled "CROSSING THE +QUICKSANDS, OR HAL AND NED ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE," will acquaint you with +some of the startling adventures befalling my young friends, after +reaching their homes in the far west. + +Hoping to merit your hearty commendation, I have the honor to subscribe +myself, THE AUTHOR. + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +The Wild Mustangs.--Hal and Ned.--The Black and the Bay.--Manuel the +Herder.--The Mustang-breaker.--Life on a Stock Ranche.--A Sudden Start.-- +On the Road.--The Lone Mule.--The Stampede.--Attacked by Comanches. + +CHAPTER II. + +Under the Wagons.--The Lost Stock.--Jerry Vance the Wagon-master.--His +Pluck is aroused.--We take the Trail.--The Comanche Camp.--A Surprise.-- +The Result.--Visitors.--Cuchillo, the Comanche Chief.--The Missourians. +--The Arapahoe Guide.--The Farewell. + +CHAPTER III. + +The Return to Camp.--The Boys Missing.--A Search.--Treed.--The Wild +Mexican Hogs.--An Adventure.-The Combat.--The Release.--A Cry of +Distress.--An Ugly Customer--The Panther.--A Terrible Struggle.-- +Victory.--Old Jerry wounded.--Camp at last. + +CHAPTER IV. + +Jerry's Story.--"Byse hain't got no Bizness on the Plains, nohow."--A +Hunting Expedition.--Antonio, the "Mustanger" of the Leona.--"Creasing" a +Wild Horse.--The Prairie-dog Town.--Wild Turkeys.--The Missing Boys. +Prisoners in the Hands of the Comanches.--The "Lingo" of the Plains.--The +Ransom and Rescue.--Dog Meat. + +CHAPTER V. + +Comanches in the Distance.--Attacked.--The Fight.--The Arapahoe Scout to +the Rescue.--Wounded.--Comanche Signals.--More Trouble.--The Ambuscade.-- +A Night Attack.--A Mule killed.--Ned's first Indian.--"A'stonishin' +Boy."--Old Jerry's Pride.--Once more on the Road. + +CHAPTER VI. + +The Track in the Sand.--What made it.--A Lesson on Trailing.--What +constitutes a good Woodsman.--A Discovery.--Indians.--A Female Captive +To the Rescue.--Our Ride.--A Run for Life.--The Fight.--Death.--More +Hints about Trailing.--The Mexican.--Old Jerry's Observation. + +CHAPTER VII. + +The San Pedro.--An Antelope Hunt.--We strike a Fresh Trail.--An Attack of +"Buck Fever."--Hal a Victim.--I endeavor to comfort him.--A Promise.--The +Black-tailed Deer.--The Call and the Snake.--Another Attempt.--Defeated +by a Panther.--The Rio Pecos.--The Country through which it runs.--Old +Acquaintances in the Distance.--On a Bender.--Ned to the Rescue.--Old +Jerry's Bear Story. + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Comanche War Trail.--A Visitor in Camp.--Hal loses his Pony.--An +Adventure with a Horse-thief.--Creeping Serpent.--Hints on Horse-stealing. +--Dust in the Distance. Hal recognizes his Pony.--A Good Shot.-- +Its Effect.--The Prairie on Fire.--Imminent Peril.--Hard Work.--Comanche +Springs.--Fort Davis.--A Pretty Girl,--Patsey McQuirk.--Ned kills an +Antelope.--Don Ramon.--The Camp attacked. + +CHAPTER IX. + +Juanita captured.--A Brutal Murder.--Once more on the Trail.--We lose +it.--The Hide for Life.--Return to Camp.--The Messenger to the Fort.-- +Terrible News.--The Dragoons in the Saddle.--Hal taken Prisoner.--Off for +El Paso.--We start for the Silver Mines.--The Cave.--Adventure with a +Bear.--The Mine.--What we saw.--We start for Fillmore.--Good News. + +CHAPTER X. + +Tom Pope the Scout.--His Report.--An Expedition planned.--Tom's Story.-- +A Comanche Village.--The Prisoner.--A New Way of Cooking Steak.--Big +Eagle the Chief.--An Escape, and Pursuit.--Soldiers from the Fort.--Our +Expedition starts.--The Organos Mountains,--Ned's Adventure with a +Rattlesnake.--We strike the Trail and follow it.--Hard Riding.--A +Discovery.--Is it Comanche or Apache?--The Moccasin. + +CHAPTER XI. + +The Tell-tale, and what it said.--Jerry's Decision.--The Ride.--A +Reconnoissance.--The Indian Camp.--Military Rule.--A Happy Thought.--The +Rifle-shot.--The Rescue.--How Ned obeyed the Lieutenant's Orders.--On +the Rampage.--Hal on Hand.--The Spoils.--Rejoicings over Juanita's +Return.--What Tom says.--Ned wounded.--A Mountain Carriage.--Arrival at +the Fort.--The Little Gold Ring.--Good-bye, Juanita.--"Disrispict."--A +Fight. + +CHAPTER XII. + +Once more on the Road.--We cross the Rio Grande.--Mesilla.--Hal's +Purchase.--A False Alarm.--A Ludicrous Scene.--An Unexpected Arrival in +Camp.--Patsey's Adventure with the "Divil."--"That bar" again.--What +Jerry says.--An Unsuccessful Hunt.--A Startling Echo.--Apache Visitors.-- +El Chico.--The Apache Chief. + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Mr. Mastin.--Mangas Colorado.--Cadette.--A Terrible Battle.--Hal begins +his Story of Apache Land.--An Interruption.--"The Bear's goned."--The +Pursuit. + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A Bear Hunt.--Patsey explains.--A Promise.--Continuation of Hal's Story.-- +Warm Blood.--A Feast of Mule Meat.--The Mountain Cave.--A Punishment.-- +Despair.--The Crack of a Rifle.--Liberty.--The Smoke Signal.--The Spy.-- +The Two Eyes.--A Horrible Situation.--Relief at last.--A Dissertation on +Apaches.--Their Manners and Customs.--A Surprise.--A Desperate +Adventure.--Arrival at Apache Pass.--"Sooap."--An Attack. + +CHAPTER XV. + +The Herd in Danger.--We rally.--The Fight.--Death and Burial.--Patsey in +Trouble.--"Shnakes."--A Lively Dance for a "ded Mon."--Rocky Mountain +Sheep.--A Description of them.--The Wild Ox.--Not a Success as +_Lazadors_.--An Exciting Chase.--Tit for Tat.--The Boys worsted.-- +Mountain Dew.--Patsey pronounces.--The Buckskin Suit.--The Old Mission.-- +Arrival at Tucson. + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Hal's Trade.--The New Mule.--A Storm.--Patsey's Ride. A Laughable +Adventure.--We start at last.--The Pimo Indians.--Manners and +Manufactures.--A Duck Hunt.--"How they hoont Ducks in the ould +Counthry."--A Bath.--Arrive at Yuma.--Crossing the Desert.--Terrible +Suffering.--Carrizo Creek, and the "Thirst of the Gazelle."--Jerry's +Story.--Angels.--Arrival at San Diego.--Good News.--A Stock Ranche.--Mrs. +Hyde that is to be.--An Invitation from Old Jerry. + + + +THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +"Boys, the mustangs will be up from the range this morning. Which of you +want to go down to the corral with me?" + +"I do! I do!" exclaimed both in the same breath. + +"I spoke first," cried Hal. + +"No, you didn't; I spoke first myself," retorted Ned. + +"I say you didn't," rejoined Hal. + +Seeing that the dispute was likely to become a serious one, I interrupted +it by saying,-- + +"Well, boys, I'll settle the matter at once by taking you both with me. +In this way there'll be no chance for a quarrel." + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" exclaimed Ned. "We can both go; ain't that nice?" + +"But I spoke first, though," declared Hal. "Never mind which spoke first. +If either of you want to go with me, you must come now." + +We immediately started towards the corral; but, before reaching it, I saw +the herd coming over the plain towards us, their heads high in air, as +though sniffing the morning breeze, their necks proudly arched, and long +manes and tails gracefully flowing to the wind, as they pranced and +gambolled along the high swell of land that marked the gentle descent to +the valley where we stood. + +As soon as the boys discovered them, they went into raptures, +exclaiming,-- + +"Oh, what a big drove of horses! Whose are they? Are they all yours? +Can't I have one to ride? What are you going to do with them?" and a +hundred other questions, asked more rapidly than I could possibly find +opportunity to answer. + +As the mustangs came nearer, and the boys began to distinguish more +clearly their elegant forms and beautiful color, they became greatly +excited, declaring loudly, that, if they could only have one of them to +ride, they should be perfectly happy. + +I found great difficulty in so far repressing them, that they would not +frighten the herd which was now close to the enclosure; but finally +succeeded in keeping them quiet, by promising that each should have one +for his own. + +When the last of the gang had passed into the corral and the gate was +shut, the boys mounted the wall, eager to select their ponies. This was +soon done: Hal choosing a beautiful black, and Ned deciding upon a +spirited blood-bay mare. + +[Illustration: In Camp.] + +Calling Manuel, the Mexican herder, I gave the requisite order, and he +entered the corral, lasso in hand. He stood for a moment, waiting his +opportunity, and then, swinging the rope gracefully over his head, the +noose dropped upon the neck of the black. + +The instant she felt it touch, she lowered her head, in an endeavor to +throw it off; but Manuel anticipated the movement, and gently tightened +it; when, with a snort of defiance, she settled back on her haunches, as +though inviting him to a trial of strength. + +After many and repeated failures, by the exercise of great patience and +skill, Manuel succeeded in separating her from the remainder of the herd, +and leading her into another and smaller enclosure. + +And then commenced the contest with the bay. The herd had by this time +become very sensitive, and it was with great difficulty that Manuel +managed to cast his noose over the mare's head; and, even when this had +been accomplished, she seemed disposed to make him all the trouble +possible; but, after a long time, he obtained the mastery, and led her +out to share the fate of her black companion. + +"Now, boys, you've got the ponies, what are you going to do with them?" +asked I. + +"Do with 'em? Why, ride 'em, of course," answered Hal. + +"I'd like to see some one ride mine, before I back her," remarked Ned. + +"And so you shall," said I. "Come, Manuel, let's see you ride the bay." + +First obtaining one end of the lasso, which still encircled her neck, he +made a turn around a stout post, which enabled him to bring her head so +perfectly under his control, that, with comparative ease, he made a loop +with his lasso around her lower jaw; then, leading her into the open +plain, he vaulted lightly upon her back. + +The moment she felt his weight she uttered a scream of rage, and raised +herself upright upon her hind legs, standing so admirably poised that +Manuel was only able to retain his seat by clinging with both arms around +her neck. Unable to rid herself of her burden in this manner, she planted +her fore feet firmly on the earth, and elevated her hind legs high in the +air with great rapidity and fury, forcing the rider to turn quickly upon +her back and clasp his arms tightly around the barrel of her body, +bracing his toes against the point of her fore shoulders, and thus +rendering futile all her frantic efforts to unseat him. + +Apparantly convinced that neither of these methods would relieve her, she +stood still for a moment, as if to gather strength for a last, grand, +final effort for her freedom; then, bounding like a deer, she dashed +furiously over the plain. + +Away she sped, Manuel still upon her back, now disappearing for a moment +in some ravine, to again come in sight, galloping madly over the swell of +the plain, swerving neither to the right nor the left, but once more +disappearing, to finally become lost in the distance. + +"I'm glad I ain't on her," said Ned. "Will she ever come back? If she +does, I don't want to ride her. Didn't she just fly, though? Do you +believe I shall ever be able to manage her?" + +"I think perhaps after Manuel gets through with her, you'll find it +easier than you imagine," was my answer. + +"I'd like to ride as well as Manuel," remarked Hal. "I wonder if all +Mexicans ride as nicely as he does." + +"Many do; and there are thousands of Americans in Texas who ride equally +well, if they do not surpass him in horsemanship." + +"Then I mean to learn how to do it," rejoined Hal; "and I won't be +satisfied until I do." + +"You may as well commence now, on your black, Hal. She's waiting and +ready for you," remarked Ned. + +"Thank you! but I believe I'll wait and see how the bay comes out. Come, +let's go and see the beauty," said Hal; and the two started for the +corral, to discuss the probable relative speed of the captives. + +A couple of hours later, we saw Manuel returning; the mare trotting as +quietly as though she had been accustomed to the saddle for years. Riding +up to where we stood, he dismounted; and, handing Ned the end of the +lasso, said,-- + +"There, youngster, throw this over her head, and lead her to the corral. +She'll fancy you're the one who first gained the mastery over her, and +you won't have no trouble in riding her when you want to." + +Ned led her to the corral, and then Hal's mare was obliged to submit to a +similar experience; and, after that, the boys, with Manuel to instruct, +mounted their ponies and took their first lesson in mustang riding. + +Hal Hyde and Ned Brown were two boys who had arrived from the East the +night previous to the morning on which our story opens. + +They were the sons of two old friends of mine, and had been sent to +Texas that they might learn something of life upon a stock-ranche. + +It is not my intention, however, to relate their experience during the +few months they remained on the Ranchee; for they found, after the first +novelty had worn off, the life was dull and exceedingly tiresome. So +monotonous did it become in fact, that it was with difficulty I persuaded +them to remain, even until the fall, when I intended to make a journey +overland to California. + +As the time drew near for me to start, the boys became so anxious to +accompany me, that I finally decided to travel with my own team, instead +of taking the stage to San Diego, as I had originally intended. I +purchased four stout wagons, and thirty mules with harness and outfit for +the road, complete; and engaged the services of an old Texan named Jerry +Vance, as wagon-master for the trip. We also bought a small but +well-selected lot of goods, suitable for either the Mexican or Indian +trade; laid in a large stock of stores for use on the road; and then +awaited the departure of some "freighter" for the "Upper Country," that +we might take advantage of the better protection afforded by a large +party in travelling through a country infested by hostile bands of +Indians. + +The boys became very impatient to be off; for we had gone into camp near +the headwaters of the San Pedro, four miles above the city of San +Antonio, and their only amusement consisted in practising with their +rifles or revolvers or exercising their ponies. + +At last (it was the first day of September) Jerry brought word to camp, +that, on the following morning, Magoffin's train, consisting of seventeen +wagons, forty men, and two hundred mules, would start for Fort Fillmore, +nearly a thousand miles away upon our direct route. + +This was indeed agreeable news; and the boys could hardly contain +themselves for joy at the thought of so soon being on the road. + +Every one about camp went to work with a will; for there were many things +yet to be done before we should be ready to leave. + +Mules were to be shod, harness examined, wheels greased, nuts tightened, +firearms put in order and freshly loaded, wagons repacked, and, in fact, +a thousand things that are always postponed until the last minute before +starting on a trip like ours. + +Shortly after sundown, however, old Jerry announced everything ready, and +then we gathered around our camp-fire, and the boys spent the evening in +asking him questions about the route, which were easily answered; for he +had passed over it seven times, and met with hundreds of adventures on +the road, that afforded both instruction and amusement for his listeners. + +It is the story of our trip across the plains, from San Antonio, Texas, +to San Diego, California, as well as some of the adventures we +encountered on the road, that I have to tell you. + +Long before daylight the next morning I was awakened by the noise and +confusion in camp, incident to a first start. Men were shouting at the +mules; mules were braying; whips cracking; wheels creaking; and, far +above all, I could hear the loud voices of Hal and Ned, now giving orders +and endeavoring to instruct old Jerry how to catch an unruly mule that +seemed disposed to make some trouble, and again cautioning every one to +make no noise, for fear of disturbing me before my breakfast should be +ready. + +Springing to my feet, I found that the teams were already harnessed, and +only waiting the appearance of our travelling companions to start. + +Breakfast was soon dispatched, the camp equipage, blankets, etc., stowed +in one of the wagons; and very shortly the still morning air bore to our +ears the distant rumble of heavy wagons, the shouts of the teamsters, and +the many sounds indicating the approach of a large train. Presently the +herd of spare mules was seen, and then the covers of the wagons. We +mounted our ponies, old Jerry called out in a cherry tone, +"_Vamose_!" the teamsters cracked their whips, the mules pulled with +a will, and we fell in behind the wagons, and were at last fairly on the +road, bound for the "Golden State." + +As the first rays of the rising sun flashed athwart the beautiful green +prairie, the boys gave a yell of delight at the sight, which was indeed a +glorious one;--the long line of wagons, each drawn by eight mules, +stretching far ahead and following the tortuous windings of the road, +their white covers, blue bodies, and bright red wheels presenting a +contrast to the sober green of the surrounding country that was at once +pleasing and unique. + +[Illustration: Leading the Train.] + +As we realized the truly formidable appearance of the caravan, Hal, with +his usual impetuosity, declared that there wern't Indians enough in the +country to whip us; for confirmation of his opinion, appealing to old +Jerry, who, however, only shrugged his shoulders after the peculiar +manner of frontiersmen, and said, "_Quien sabe?_" or, who knows? + +For five long days we followed the road, without meeting with any +incident worthy of note. The settlements had all been passed, Fort Clark +left far behind, and not an Indian been seen by any of our party. + +On the evening of the eighth day, we encamped upon the banks of the +Nucces. It was a beautiful night. The young moon was fast sinking behind +the line of the distant mountains, leaving us to enjoy the light of our +camp-fire, and admire its ruddy glow, reflected on the snow-white covers +of our wagons. These were parked in a semi-circle around us, and forcibly +recalled to my mind the stories I had read in my boyhood, of gipsy +encampments upon some grand old English barren. + +"Now I call this comfort," said Hal, as he lazily stretched himself upon +a blanket before the fire. "Eight days on the road, and we haven't seen +an Indian. I don't believe there are any. Now what's the use of standing +guard and shivering round the camp half the night, watching for Indians +that never come?" + +"I come on first to-night, and shall stand my watch, at any rate," said +Ned. "And before it gets any darker, we'd better drive the mules down to +water." + +"Do you think," asked Hal, appealing to me, "that there's any need of +standing guard to-night?" + +"Certainly I do," replied I. "It's always best to be on the safe side. +Why not exercise the same precaution to-night that we have since we left +San Antonio? It is impossible to tell how near Indians may be, or when +they will attack us. Travellers on the plains should be prepared for any +emergency." + +"True as preachin'," interrupted old Jerry. "They ain't so very fur off, +either. I've seen 'em signalin' all the afternoon, and signalin' allers +means bizness with them red varmints. If we don't see 'em to-night, we +shall afore a great while, and I think--" + +"Never mind what you think," interrupted Hal, saucily. "You are always +imagining things that never come to pass. I guess you've been pretty +badly scared some time by Indians." + +"Wal, young man, when you've travelled over these plains as many years as +I hev, maybe you'll know more about Injuns than you do now, and maybe you +won't," rejoined Jerry, in a tone of contempt, as he slowly moved away in +the direction of the herd. + +Asking Jerry to make sure that the animals were properly secured, I threw +myself down on Hal's blanket, and gazed into the fire. + +Jerry and the boys soon returned, saying that the animals were perfectly +safe; but somehow I found it impossible to rid myself of the impression +made by Jerry's casual remark. Calling him to me, I asked him more +particularly about the signals he had seen. His answer did not relieve my +uneasiness, for he said,-- + +"Them varmints don't make smoke for nothing; and, when you see 'em in so +many directions, it's a sure sign that they're gatherin' for mischief: at +least, that's my 'sperience." + +As it was still early in the evening, I determined to walk over to +Magoffin's camp, which was about a quarter of a mile above us, and +ascertain if his men had seen anything to cause them to apprehend danger. +I found that Don Ignacio, the wagon-master, fully corroborated Jerry's +statements about the smoke signals, adding that he intended to have a +very strict watch kept that night. + +With, tins information I returned to camp; and, after telling the boys +what I had heard and cautioning them to keep a sharp lookout during their +watch, I "turned in," resolved to nap "with one eye open" myself. + +I lay for a long time trying in vain to compose myself to sleep; but, +finding it impossible to do so, concluded to rise and endeavor to walk my +nervousness away. + +Without thinking of my firearms, I sallied forth, and must have travelled +nearly a mile, when I came suddenly upon a mule, standing alone, a short +distance from the roadside. + +Supposing it to be one of our own, which, through carelessness, had been +permitted to stray from the herd, I attempted to secure it, with the +intention of leading it back; but, to my surprise, it started and dashed +furiously away across the prairie, in an opposite direction from camp. + +I well knew that a mule, when alone on the plains, is one of the most +docile creatures in the world, and will permit any one save an Indian to +approach it without making an effort to escape; consequently, the more I +thought of the matter the more singular it seemed. Returning to camp, I +found old Jerry awake and on the alert, and briefly told him what I had +seen, asking him if he did not think it a strange thing for the animal to +do. + +Without a moment's hesitation he replied,-- + +"Strange? no! That air lost critter of yourn was a Comanche scout's, you +bet; and, bein' a scout, he couldn't have done nothin' else, 'cause it +might hev spilt their entire calculation. You'll hev a chance ter see him +agin afore mornin', I reckon." + +"But there was no Indian with the mule," I insisted. + +[Illustration: Comanche Riding.] + +"Ten to one there was, though," replied Jerry. "You ain't so well +'quainted with them Comanches as I be. They're cunnin' fellers! They +never show themselves when they're on a horse, or in a fight. They just +stick closer'n a tick to their hoss's side, and do a heap of mighty good +shootin' from under his neck, I can tell you. Why, I've seen forty of 'em +comin' full tilt right towards me, and narry Injun in sight." + +"If you think they are going to attack us, Jerry, hadn't we better rouse +the camp at once, and notify Magoffin's people?" + +"We'd better just tend to ourselves, and let other folks do the same; and +as to rousin' the camp, why them boys is a heap better off asleep than +they would be round here. That's a nice sort of a guard, ain't it?" said +Jerry, pointing to Hal, who was slumbering soundly near the fire. "That's +just what he was doin' when I got up; and on his watch too. We can git +along without any such help as thet. Air your shootin'-irons reddy?" + +Before I had time to reply to his question, the sharp, shrill war-whoop of +the Comanches fell upon our ears, ringing out on the still night air with +a yell fiendish enough to paralyze the stoutest heart. For a single +instant it lasted, and then the most unearthly din that can possibly be +imagined filled the air; while the neighing of horses, the braying of +mules, beating of drums, and discordant jangle of bells, accompanied by +an occasional discharge of firearms, rendered the scene as near +pandemonium as it is possible to conceive. + +We saw a dozen or more dusky forms coming towards us, and Jerry and +myself raised our rifles and fired. + +Hal, Ned, and the teamsters were by this time awake; the latter being +obliged to give their whole attention to the animals, which were making +frantic exertions to escape. + +The boys rushed in the most frightened manner from one place to another, +--not knowing what to do or where to go,--only adding to the terrible +confusion; until, by Jerry's direction, they ensconced themselves under +one of the wagons, with orders not to leave it without express +permission. + + +CHAPTER II. + +As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them +ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If +ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us, +that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't +no more danger to-night." + +At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon, +both looking exceedingly foolish. + +"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal, +turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I +wasn't scart a particle." + +"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you +won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we +shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man." + +"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see +about the mules, Jerry." + +"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now," +said Jerry. + +An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken +in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised, +they were the ones that had been tied by the boys. + +"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry. + +"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain." + +"I wish you would," said Jerry; "and, judge, ef they've lost any, and +will let me hev twenty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back +afore ter-morrow night at this time, or you may call old Jerry a liar, +and that's what no man ever done yet, that's sartin." + +"Do you really think it can be done, Jerry?" + +"I'm sartin of it," was the confident reply. + +"Well, I'll go over and talk with Magoffin; and, if he's lost any stock +and will lend us the men, I've no objection to your making the attempt." + +"You bet, judge, he'll see for himself, that them cussed varmints won't +hev more'n four hours the start; an', ef he'll let us hev the men, we kin +ketch 'em, sartin." + +I visited Magoffin's camp, and found it, like our own, in some confusion. +I ascertained, however, that Magoffin himself was not with the train, +which was in charge of his _major-domo,_ or head man, Don Ignacio. +Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules +were missing. I then briefly stated Jerry's proposition, to which Don +Ignacio immediately assented, offering to accompany the expedition +himself. + +Word was sent to Jerry; and, half an hour afterwards, when I reached +camp, I found him ready for a start. + +Hal and Ned were both extremely anxious to go; but Jerry would not hear +to it for a moment, declaring they must remain and take charge of camp +during our absence. + +The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from +Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three +days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of _atole_ [Wheat and +brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold +water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked +beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every +man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty +rounds of ammunition in his belt. + +A delay of a few moments only, and we were off. + +We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly +direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,-- + +"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for +the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the +Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the +Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean, +and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur +as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on." + +[Illustration: Trailing.] + +Uttering the single word, '_Adelante!_' or 'Forward!' we started in +a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily +followed. + +Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success +of our expedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the +Indians must necessarily be somewhat impeded by the large number of +animals they were driving before them. + +The trail followed the course of the river for several miles in the +direction of the Concho Springs; but, at last, turned abruptly to the +left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the +waters of the Pecos from the headwaters of the San Pedro, leading us +directly towards the former stream. + +For many hours we rode, hoping each moment to obtain a sight of the +Indians. No stops were made, except to permit our animals to drink a few +swallows from the streams we crossed, or when we removed the saddle and +bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass +through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and +animals began to show unmistakable signs of fatigue, and it became +evident that we must halt for rest and supper. While discussing the +subject with Jerry, he suddenly grasped my bridle-rein, and pointed out a +bright speck on the distant horizon. + +"St! there they be!" he exclaimed. "That's them. The fools didn't 'spect +ter be follered, and they've lighted some rosin weeds ter cook their +supper with. We've got 'em, sartin." + +A halt was ordered; and, in an incredibly short time, our animals were +picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a _reconnoissance_ +of the Comanche camp, and the men were enjoying a hearty supper. + +I was greatly amused to see the facility with which they accommodated +themselves to the situation. No sooner were their suppers eaten and +cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, +with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to +sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake. + +While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight +eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, +and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some +settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment. + +At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had +been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his +master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal +in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me. + +Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into +it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the +animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had +undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently +gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly. + +Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should +have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our +animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for +the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two +miles distant. + +The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to +remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into +two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don +Ignacio. + +Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible +until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. +Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to +pay its respects to the camp itself. + +Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable +each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from +Jerry, which was to be the bark of a _coyote_, or prairie wolf, +three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every +man was expected to take care of himself. + +The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the +darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio +and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to +the top of a slight elevation, where we dropped upon our faces and peered +over into the enemy's camp. + +With the aid of my glasses, by the uncertain, flickering light of their +fire, I could see every object in the camp distinctly. + +One Indian was bending over the coals, as though in the act of warming +himself; while, about the fire, lay five others, wrapped in their +blankets, and evidently fast asleep. + +A little distance below them, I could just discern the dark outline of +the herd, quietly feeding. It was evident that they neither knew nor +dreamed of pursuit. + +It was a splendid night: not a cloud was to be seen; and, although there +was no moon, the heavens were thickly studded with stars. No sound +disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and +listened for the signal that was to decide our fate. How many voices, +before another hour, might be hushed in death? I asked myself the +question, but there came no answer. + +Suddenly, the stillness was disturbed by the quick, snarling yelp of a +_coyote_, so natural, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it +was the creature itself and not old Jerry. Again I heard it, seemingly +more distinct and nearer than before. Would it be repeated? + +My heart almost ceased to beat as I asked the question, and I held my +breath in my anxiety to hear. Will it ever come? + +Ah, yes! there it is: quick, sharp, and unmistakable, followed by the +report of a single rifle. + +The next instant, the sound of a dozen shots burst upon the air, mingled +with the terrible, unearthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all +rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, through the whizzing of arrows, +the ping of bullets, the shouts of Mexicans, and the yells of Indians. + +It was such a scene of excitement that I hardly knew what I was doing, +although I fully realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time +to do more than this, I saw Jerry coming towards me. As he came up, he +said, in tones that carried cheer with them,-- + +"Well, Judge, we're in luck; fifty mules and two varmints is a pretty +good night's work. How many hev you got up here?" + +An examination revealed three dead bodies in camp, making in all, five +Indians killed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We +quickly despoiled the camp; giving the plunder to the men, and leaving +the dead bodies behind us. + +But two of our party were injured--and they slightly--by arrows. Upon +reaching camp their wounds were carefully dressed; after which we partook +of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of +the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as his presence +was really very necessary in camp, with my permission, he would take his +men--leaving enough behind to assist in driving the stock--and hurry on. + +This would not inconvenience us, and enable him to arrive in camp several +hours earlier than ourselves. + +Jerry at once acquiesced in the arrangement, saying that three men, +besides ourselves, would be all we should require. + +Don Ignacio detailed that number to remain with us; and, with the balance +of the party, left us. + +We made very fair progress during the night; and, when morning dawned, +were a long distance on our road. + +An hour or two after daylight, old Jerry's keen eye detected, upon an +elevation in the distance, a party of three Comanches. We were in hope +that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that +they had seen us, for one of their number turned and rode towards us, +waving a blanket in the air. This, Jerry said, was indicative of a desire +for a parley. + +After a short conference together, Jerry decided it was better for us to +ride out and meet the party, rather than permit them to join us. + +We accordingly prepared for the expedition, giving the Mexicans +instructions to proceed quietly with the stock. + +As we approached the Indians, their leader, an old man apparantly about +sixty years of age, with a singularly cunning and wicked looking +countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while, +with much solemnity, he announced himself as _Cuchillo_, a Comanche +chief, and a great friend of the whites. + +While Jerry was conversing with the old fellow in Spanish, I made myself +familiar with the general appearance of the party. They were dressed each +with a buffalo rug thrown over his left shoulder in such a manner as to +allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their +feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the +seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon the ground. These, +with leggins made from a piece of blanket, which was wrapped about the +leg below the knee and fastened with a thong of buckskin, heavily +fringed, and the breechcloth, completed the dress. + +Each was painted in a most hideous manner, in ochre and vermilion mixed +with a whitish clay. + +Cuchillo shortly produced a well-worn greasy paper from a small bag he +wore around his neck, which he handed me, making a sign that I was to +read it. + +It was as follows:-- + +"The Bearer, Cuchillo, is a Comanche Chief, who says he is a friend of +the White's. My advice is not to Trust him, or any other sneakin' varmint +like him. BILL POPE." + +I handed the paper to Jerry; who, after reading it, gave it back to its +owner with the remark, it was _muncho bueno_, or very good. + +The chief received it with a smile; and, as he returned it to the little +bag, remarked,-- + +"Very good, _me bueno amigo_" (good friend). + +"P'raps yer be," remarked Jerry, in English, "but yer ain't ther sort I +hanker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we +must be a-goin', an' you an' me hain't got no use for one another, no +how." + +But our Comanche friends were not to be shaken off, so easily; for, even +after bidding them good by, Cuchillo insisted upon accompanying us; and, +rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry was +obliged to make a virtue of necessity, and assent to the proposition with +as good a grace as possible. + +It was evident that curiosity at least was one of the motives that +actuated the Indians; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about +them, evidently expecting to see a larger party with us, and expressing +surprise at the quantity of stock we were driving. + +Jerry informed them that we had a large company a few hours' ride to the +north; and had been out purchasing some stock from another party, who +were encamped to the south of us a few miles. + +This information seemed to cause them some surprise; for they asked many +questions concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, +etc., all of which Jerry answered in a straightforward manner, to their +evident satisfaction. + +Cuchillo was very curious in regard to our revolvers,--of which each man +in our party had two, in addition to his rifle,--and at last we +determined to show them that we were well armed, and ready for any +emergency. I set up a small mark at the distance of sixty or seventy +feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of +both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest +astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition +to leave. With many professions of friendship, Jerry endeavored to +persuade them to accompany us to our camp; but they declined, promising +to visit us on the morrow; and, after a most affectionate farewell, +Cuchillo and his braves left us, riding towards the south-west. + +"There," exclaimed Jerry, as soon as they were fairly off, "ef there +don't go as sneakin' a varmint as there is in the whole Comanche nation, +I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, +expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may find 'em. The +thing for us to do is to git our cattle into camp ez soon as possible. We +kin hurry 'em some, and I reckon we'd better do it." + +We made good progress for a couple of hours; and, on reaching the top of +a "divide," saw a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, +slowly making its way through the tall bottom grass of the valley beneath +us, surrounded by quite a number of men on horseback. + +"Hurrah!" cried Jerry, "there's friends. This is the fust party we've +seen out on the plains since we left San Antonio. We mustn't let 'em go +by without overhaulin' 'em." + +We soon came up with them; and they proved to be Capt. Blodget and four +companions from Missouri, on the way to Fort Davis, accompanied by an +Arapahoe Indian as guide. + +We were, of course, delighted to meet with Americans, and eagerly +questioned them as to their adventures on the road; but they had seen no +Indians; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from +the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of +meeting the prowling bands, who generally followed the course of the +road, in expectation of more successfully conducting their thieving +operations. + +We soon parted with our new friends, and set out once more on our way to +the Nueces. + +[Illustration: The Missourians.] + + + +CHAPTER III + +Our arrival in camp, during the afternoon, was the signal for a general +rejoicing among the men, who loudly applauded the determination and pluck +shown by Jerry in pursuing and overtaking the thieves. + +My first inquiry was for Hal and Ned, and was told that they had gone out +after a flock of wild turkeys that had been heard clucking in the pecan +trees, not far from camp. They had taken their guns with them, and +expected to be back by noon. + +Thinking they would soon return, I went over to consult with Don Ignacio +about resuming our journey; but, as the water and grass were much better +where we then were than at the next stopping-place, the California +Springs, it was decided to remain encamped until morning. + +Accepting an invitation to dine with Don Ignacio. I did not return to my +own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that +the boys had not put in an appearance. + +Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen +them. + +His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and +they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought +to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't +afraid of Injuns, no how." + +"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we +ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing +had happened, they would have returned before this." + +"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business +travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched +up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry. + +The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and +set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their +trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks +of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a +large post-oak opening, three or four miles away. + +The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to +dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding +beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for +some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks +in the earth. + +"Antelope tracks," said I. + +"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's _havilina_ +tracks." + +"What are they?" inquired I. + +"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, +ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a +dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of +them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know +where ter find them boys." + +"Where?" inquired I. + +"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an' +good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how." + +"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of +them, if possible," was my reply. + +"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so +fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a +sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin' +critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each +moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of +the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak. + +As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest +as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin." + +"How do you know?" inquired I. + +"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing +to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin." + +As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention +of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near +them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost +impossible to hear the sound of our own voices. + +My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention +of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite +as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs +could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be. + +As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,-- + +"Take keer! take keer! we'd better look out;" and, without further +explanation, he began to climb a tree. + +I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches +of a post-oak. + +We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us. I must +say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw +the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures. They crowded beneath +the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white +tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and +striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that +the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault. + +They seemed as agile as cats, and occasionally one more ferocious than +the others would bound up, until I began to think I should be obliged to +leave the limb on which I was sitting. + +As soon as we were fairly fixed on our perches, and had time to take a +survey of the situation, we opened fire upon them to such good purpose +that we killed nine with our revolvers. This wholesale slaughter seemed +only to excite the fury of the others, for they commenced gnawing the +trees so fiercely that Jerry became alarmed, and urged me to use all +possible dispatch in reloading my pistol. + +Fortunately there were only ten of the animals left, and these we finally +managed to silence. After descending from the tree, I found Jerry in +anything but an amiable mood, at "the idee of an old hunter like he was, +bein' treed by a lot of hogs;" and, as usual, he declared that "them +cussid boys" was to blame, "for boys hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +By the exercise of considerable caution in approaching the herd, we +managed to get quite near without attracting their attention; and I asked +Jerry if it wasn't strange that the boys gave no sign of being aware of +our presence. + +"Sign!" said Jerry; "how could they give any sign when I couldn't hear my +own shots? Why, the only way I knowed if thet pistol went off or not was +by watchin' fur the smoke: the critters kep' up such a squealin' that I +couldn't hear you speak a word. I'll bet my hoss agin a chaw of terbacker +that them boys hain't heerd a shot we've fired, an' dunno we're within five +miles on 'em." + +Taking advantage of our former experience, we approached as near and as +quietly as possible, obtaining position beneath a tree,--in the branches +of which we could place ourselves if necessary,--and then opened fire +upon them with our revolvers, with such good effect, that the remainder +of the herd took to their long legs and were soon out of sight. + +[Illustration: Wild Hogs.] + +When the last of them disappeared, the boys dropped to the ground; but so +cramped were their limbs from their long confinement, that it was some +time before they could stand. While they were getting "the kinks out of +their legs," as Jerry termed it, we counted our game and found twenty-two +of the creatures dead, and the ground strewn with portions of flesh, +bristles and bones, all bearing evidence of a fearful fray. + +As the boys claimed to have killed but one of the creatures, we called +upon them for an explanation; and, from their story, it appeared, that, +shortly after leaving camp, Ned, who was in advance, had come upon a +large flock of turkeys, and discharged one of the barrels of his gun at +them without effect. + +Soon afterwards they discovered the tracks of the _havilinas_. +Supposing they were either antelope or deer tracks, they followed them +into the grove, where they discovered the herd of hogs, quietly feeding +upon the mast with which the ground was thickly strewn. + +Without a moment's hesitation Ned discharged the contents of his other +barrel at the animals, thinking they were hogs that had escaped from some +herd that had been driven across the country. + +The shot did not penetrate their thick hides far enough to do anything +but irritate and madden them, and the whole herd rushed towards the boys, +who, frightened at their formidable appearance, jumped into the nearest +tree, where they had been obliged to remain until released by us. + +Once fairly out of reach of the infuriated creatures, they rather enjoyed +the situation for a time; Hal feeling confident that he could, at any +moment, frighten them away by the discharge of his rifle. + +Finally, becoming tired of the fun, he discharged his rifle and killed +his hog; but this only seemed to make the creatures more ferocious, and +then, for the first time, the boys became really alarmed. + +As hour after hour passed, and the hogs showed no disposition to depart, +Hal began to despond, declaring that no help would reach them before they +should starve. Ned, however, kept up heart, until the infuriated +creatures began to devour the dead body of their comrade. + +The smell of the blood and taste of the flesh maddened them to such a +degree that they began a warfare among themselves, furiously striking at +and cutting one another with their long, sharp tusks, killing and +trampling under their feet the weaker, and then greedily devouring the +dead; all the while filling the air with their sharp, shrill cries. + +The boys, who had, up to this time, been hoping that assistance would +come from some source, were about giving up in despair, when they +witnessed the slaughter made by our revolvers and knew that succor had at +last arrived. + +As soon as they were able to walk, we guided them to the spot where we +had left our mules, and placed them in the saddles, directing them to +camp; Jerry and myself resolving to walk. + +Shouldering our rifles, we started towards the bank of the river, +believing it to be a shorter route than the way we had come. Although it +was fast growing dark, we had no fear but that by this route we should +reach camp quite as soon as the boys. + +While passing through a grove of pecan trees, about a couple of miles +from camp, my attention was suddenly arrested by the cry of some person, +apparantly in distress. + +"Hark, Jerry," said I; "did you hear that? Some one's in trouble--wait a +minute." + +"Thunder! judge, hain't you been in Texas long enough to know a painter's +yell when you hear it? That was a reg'lar out-and-out painter you heard. +I've--" + +Just at this moment, a prolonged, heart-rending wail trembled upon the +stillness of the evening air: so piercing, yet so plaintive, was it, that +it sent a shudder through my frame I have not forgotton to this day. + +"That critter ain't very far off," exclaimed Jerry. "Mebbe we'll git a +shot at him; though they're nasty things to hunt at night, fer yer can't +see 'em, they lay so clus onto the limbs." + +"Did you ever kill one?" asked I. + +"Yes, four on 'em; the last one was down on the Sabinal, just about a +year this time. I was--" + +At this point, he was again interrupted by the animal's cry; this time so +near, that we both stopped short and cocked our rifles, for it seemed as +though he could be but a few feet from us. + +"I tell you one thing, Jerry, I don't much like walking through this +grove, with one of those creatures so near; I'd rather take to the open +prairie. Besides, it's getting so dark I can't see anything." + +"Pshaw! yer ain't afraid o' one of them critters, be yer? You jest foller +me; they never trouble any one unless they're hungry." + +"But this one may be hungry," suggested I. + +"Well, never you fear, you jest foller me," said Jerry, starting on. + +I followed as quickly as possible; but had hardly taken a dozen steps, +ere I heard a quick exclamation, as of pain or surprise from Jerry's +lips, accompanied by a low, snarling growl, followed by a sound like that +produced by two persons rolling on the ground together. There was violent +breathing, angry ejaculations, the crashing of underbrush, and, before I +had time to think what it meant, I caught sight of a dark mass, evidently +rolling over and over upon the ground, a few feet in advance of me. I +could not distinguish what it was in the darkness, but suddenly caught +sight of two balls of living fire. + +Bringing my rifle to my shoulder, and scarcely pausing to take aim or to +reflect upon the consequences of the shot, I fired. + +The next moment Jerry sprang to his feet with a-- + +"Thunder! that was a tight squeak, and no mistake. Ef you hadn't fired +when you did, it'd been all up with me afore this time. The critter +didn't give me no fair show; he lit right onter my shoulder here, and's +tared it some I reckon, by the feel; howsoever, we kin git at it easy +anyway, but if it hadn't a bin for them boys--well, boys haint got no +bizness on the plains, no how." + +I made an examination of the wounded shoulder, as well as I could in the +darkness, and found that the creature's claws had entirely stripped it of +clothing, besides badly lacerating the flesh. + +Jerry declared, 'twasn't much, no how; and he could walk to camp as well +as not. As soon as we arrived there, I made a more thorough examination, +dressed the arm carefully, and was soon utterly oblivious of the fatigues +of the previous forty-eight hours. + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The sound of Jerry's voice, as he related the story of his adventures the +night previous, awoke me in the early morning. + +I, dreamingly, heard him say,-- + +"I didn't see the critter when he jumped; not till he lit right onto my +shoulder, and the heft of him hed knocked me down and he was atop o' me. +Yer see that gin him a heap the start. + +"I seed his big mouth right clus to my face, an' his jaws wide open; so I +rammed my left arm right in a 'tween 'em, so that he couldn't git no +purchase onto me to chaw, and he hadn't really hed no chance ter bite, +when the judge fired. He didn't do it a mite too soon, though, you bet. +Ef it hadn't a bin for you boys--well, boys hain't got no bizness on the +plains, no how. I'm all right now, and good for a dozen painters yet; but +this is the biggest one I ever seed. Thunder! but I must hev thet skin; +ain't it putty?" + +I laid and listened for a short time to the exclamations of wonder and +admiration uttered by the boys while examining the carcass, with no +little amusement. + +"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have +shot him with my rifle as easily as any one." + +"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned. + +"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a +bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old +Jerry, I'd a shown 'em--" + +"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that +tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned. + +"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal. + +"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster. +Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry. + +"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder +this morning?" + +"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty +sore, but I kin git along all right with it." + +I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry +advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although +Magoffin's train had been gone some hours. + +After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain +in search of antelope, and had gone some three or four miles from camp, +when Ned called my attention to a horseman in the distance, leisurely +riding along, almost diagonally to our own course. + +We hastened forward so as to intercept him; but, seeing us approach, he +turned and rode towards us. + +He was a Mexican, tall and gaunt, mounted upon a superb black mustang +stallion. His dress consisted of a short spencer jacket of dark blue +cloth, with loose sleeves; gaudily embroidered and laced along the seams; +pants, confined by a scarlet silk sash at the waist, and open at the +sides, through which the wide Mexican drawers were plainly visible; a +broad, brimmed, low-crowned hat, of Spanish manufacture, with a band of +silver bullion, covered his head, and boots of alligator hide, heavily +spurred, were upon his feet. + +He rode a deep-treed Mexican saddle, with housings of leather, +grotesquely stamped: upon the pommel hung, neatly coiled, a lasso of +beautifully braided rawhide. + +He also carried a long rifle. His powder-horn and bullet-pouch, being +suspended from his left shoulder. + +As he approached he bid us a courteous good-day in English, and inquired +if we had chanced to see a "gang" of wild mustangs during the day; saying +that he was known as Antonio, the "mustanger" of the Leona, and that his +occupation was catching and taming wild mustangs. + +We assured him we had seen nothing of the herd, which he appeared to +think must be in our immediate vicinity, from the character of the tracks +he had been following. + +The boys were eager to learn the _modus operandi_ of catching wild +mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was +obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would +ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it +was done. + +Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to +see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger," +rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a +small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away. + +As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too +wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by +"creasing." + +"How do you do that?" inquired Ned. + +"With my rifle," answered Antonio. + +"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal. + +"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it," +said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs +again, you'll know just what to do." + +It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they +started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that +we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly +curvetted and gamboled over the plain fully five hundred yards away. +Suddenly Antonio halted and raised his rifle to his shoulder. + +"Oh! don't shoot, please," cried Hal. + +Before the words were well out of his mouth, the man fired, and one of +the herd dropped to the ground. The next instant he was by the mustang's +side, securing him with ropes. + +In a little while the animal so far recovered from the effect of the +shot, as to make the most violent attempts to get upon his feet; but the +Mexican had so effectually secured him, he soon ceased his efforts, and +lay perfectly still. Antonio then cautiously loosed the rope in such a +manner that he finally struggled to his feet, all the time, making the +most determined efforts, to escape. + +They were of no avail, however; and, when the mustang fully realized +this, he stood perfectly still, permitting Antonio to approach and gently +caress him. He was a noble old fellow,--a snow-white stallion with brown +mane and tail, and trim, clean limbs that gave promise of great speed. + +As no wound was visible upon the animal, I became quite as anxious to +ascertain the philosophy of "creasing" as the boys themselves; nor was it +until Antonio explained the point aimed at, that I understood it. + +The ball had passed close to the upper crease of the neck, just above the +cervical vertebrae; and, for the moment, completely paralyzed the large +nerve of the spine, causing the creature to drop as quickly as though +shot through the brain. + +We stopped some time to admire the splendid fellow, who had Apparantly +entirely recovered from the effect of the shot. We all congratulated +Antonio upon his skill as a marksman, and then turned in the direction of +camp without starting any game, however, until we reached the river +bottom, when Hal was fortunate enough to secure a wild-turkey; and, with +this trophy of his skill, we were obliged to be content. + +The following morning found us on the road right early. Our route lay +over a high, arid plain covered, as far as the eye could see, with a +prairie-dog town, and for hours my ears were greeted with-- + +"Did you see that one?"--"Ain't they funny little things? so cunning!"-- +"How can we catch one?"--"Just look at that owl!" and a hundred similar +exclamations. + +The boys were vastly amused by the curious antics of these little +fellows, who, although not human, possess many of the most distinguishing +characteristics of humanity, in their actions. They have often been +classed with the marmot by prairie Travellers; but, to my own mind, +partake more of the nature of the squirrel or rabbit. In frisking, +flirting, sitting erect, or barking, they resemble the former; while, in +feeding and burrowing, they may be classed with the latter. + +They are exclusively herbivorous, and live upon the fine, short grass +that is generally found growing in abundance in the vicinity of their +towns, which are always located upon arid, elevated plains, at a great +distance from water. + +[Illustration: Prairie-Dogs.] + +During the two days that our route lay through this town, we made many +attempts to capture one of the little fellows; but they cleverly evaded +all the snares set for them, invariably dodged at the flash of our +pistols, chattering away as lively as ever, while the little brown owls +and rattlesnakes that shared their houses with them fell frequent victims +to the boys' rifles. + +After leaving their town, Hal declared, that, if he and Ned could remain +behind the train for a few hours, he knew they could capture one; +becoming so urgent in his appeal, that I finally yielded a reluctant +consent to the project, cautioning them under no circumstances, to remain +away from the train more than two or three hours. This they faithfully +promised not to do, and departed; notwithstanding Jerry pronounced it as +downright foolish a proceedin' as he ever seed. + +Four or five hours later, when we reached our camping ground for the +night, neither of them had overtaken us, and I began to feel alarmed at +their prolonged absence. My apprehensions were somewhat relieved for the +moment by one of the men, who informed me he had seen their animals +coming over the "divide" some three or four miles in our rear. + +A few minutes later, however, when the riderless animals came galloping +furiously in, with their long lassos dragging in the dust behind them, +the camp became a scene of confusion indescribable. + +Labor of all kinds was suspended, and everyone anxious to hear what +everyone else thought. + +Jerry gave it as his opinion, that the animals had escaped from the place +where Hal and Ned had left them; still, he reckoned some one ought to go +back and search for them, "Cause the plains warn't no place for boys, no +how." + +Saddling our horses and taking three of the men with us, Jerry and myself +rode back towards the dog-town, discharging our pistols and making all +the noise possible, in order to attract the attention of the youngsters +in the darkness. Occasionally we listened for a reply; but not a sound +could we hear, save the snarling yelp of some prairie-dog, disturbed by +the unusual noises, or the sharp, shrill cry of the night-hawk, that +rapidly swooped over our heads. + +In a state of great anxiety, we passed a wretched night; and, at +daylight, commenced a thorough search for traces of the missing boys. +Finally Jerry discovered their tracks in the road leading towards camp; +and it seemed possible that we might have missed them in the darkness, +and, if we at once returned, should find them with the train. + +We had proceeded scarcely more than a mile on the way back to camp, when +I noticed that Jerry, who was a short distance in advance, suddenly +stopped, as though waiting for me to overtake him. As I rode up, he +pointed to a fresh Indian trail, crossing our road almost at right +angles, and said in a low tone,-- + +"Ez sartin ez you're livin', the Comanches hev got 'em! That trail ain't +twelve hours old, and there's a dozen of the varmints ef there's one." + +"Then let us instantly follow and retake them," was my reply. + +"That's a heap easier said than done," replied the old man. "We won't +stan' much show, chasin' a dozen or twenty Comanches, and they ez likely +ez not, forty miles ahead of us. Still, we've got ter git them boys +somehow; and the fust thing towards it is ter go ter camp and git some +grub, 'cause a man can't fite wuth a cent on a empty stomach." + +There was truth in Jerry's observation. We therefore urged our animals +into a brisk canter; but, when within about two miles of our camp, his +keen eyes detected, upon a rise of the ground some distance to our right, +a solitary figure, motionless upon a horse. + +At the sight we halted; for the figure commenced waving a large blanket +in the air, then urged his animal forward, and came toward us at full +run. + +[Illustration: Lone Indian.] + +"He shook that air blanket ter let us know that he's friendly and wants +ter speak to us; but I reckon I'd better find out who he is, afore he +comes any nearer" said Jerry, as he spurred his horse forward to meet him. + +Upon reaching a small knoll a few hundred yards in advance of us, Jerry +suddenly stopped and held up his right hand, with the palm outward. Then +he slowly moved it backward and forward a few times; when, to my great +surprise, the Indian checked his horse, and sat as though awaiting +further orders. Again Jerry raised his hand; this time moving it before +and across his face three or four times. + +The Indian, who appeared to comprehend these signs perfectly, answered by +making a graceful, undulating motion with his right hand, not unlike the +wriggling movement made by a snake in crawling. Then he elevated both +hands high above his head, clasped closely together; then, apparantly +satisfied with this pantomime, he started at a rapid pace toward us. +Jerry turned; and, seeing my looks of astonishment, hurriedly said,-- + +"That ere's the lingo of the plains. Every Injun understands that. I told +the feller to stop and explain who he was. He answered that he was a +Comanche, and friendly. Mebbe we can git some news of the boys from him, +though we shan't ef he ain't a mind to tell, for Injuns is mighty +clus-mouthed critters." + +At this moment the Comanche rode up. Bringing his horse abruptly to a +stand-still, he extended a very dirty hand, ornamented with finger-nails +that closely resembled the talons of an eagle. + +"Me Senaco, good Injun," he exclaimed, in pretty fair Spanish. + +"Of course you be," replied Jerry, in English. "Whoever seed a bad Injun, +ef you let him tell his story? + +"We've got to pretend to believe the lyin' varmint or we shan't find out +nothin' from him, that's sartin." + +As this was the first opportunity I ever had of examining a live +Comanche, I regarded this specimen with some curiosity; for a friendly +Comanche in those days was indeed an anomaly. + +The Indian's body was entirely naked, with the exception of a breech-cloth +and pair of leggins. The leggins extended from the knee, down; and, +with his moccasins, were made of buckskin, heavily fringed and +ornamented. + +A large red blanket covered his left shoulder, fastened beneath his right +arm in such a manner as to leave the arm free and unobstructed, and then +hung loosely behind him, almost touching the ground as he sat upon his +horse. The animal was a rough looking little pony, that bore evidence of +being both tough and fleet. + +The fellow's face was deeply marked by the small-pox, and hideously +painted with vermilion and ochre; while, from his ears, were suspended, +heavy rings of brass wire. These, with the paint, gave him a most +diabolical expression, that was in no manner relieved by the shaggy locks +of unkempt black hair that hung around his head. + +His only weapon was a long, murderous-looking, iron-headed spear, which, +with his lariat, he held in his right hand. + +We made several efforts to find out what the fellow's object in hailing +us was, before he condescended to give it. Then he said that he had that +mornin met with a party of Comanches, who had with them two prisoners,-- +mere boys. He was angry that braves should capture such children, for +only squaws, not warriors, made prisoners of boys. + +After much talk, he had made the Indians ashamed of the act, and they +were willing to release the captives for a small ransom. He was a friend, +and begged us to remember, was acting as an embassador, in search of the +party to which the children belonged. + +"The cussed, lyin' old heathen," exclaimed Jerry. "I wonder does he +'spose I'm green enuff to swaller that story o' his'n. It's true enuff +though, that they've got the youngsters, and it's likely we kin git 'em +agin, though I've always telled you, boys hain't no bizness on the +plains, no how." + +After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the +amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the +boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets, +powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for +them. + +An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high +ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to +make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse +expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing +their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little +confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs. + +We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry +was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip +across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the +manner of their capture. + +While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran +away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp. + +After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light +of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked +directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much +surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their +midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked, +painted savages. + +The Comanches immediately took possession of their fire-arms, and +stripped them of nearly all their clothing. Then they tried to ascertain +where they came from, and how they had become separated from their party. + +The boys told them, as well as they were able by signs, that they were +lost, and that their friends would give a great many goods if they would +show them the way back to our camp. + +This seemed to please the Indians, who soon after, took a large kettle +from off the fire and set it before them, motioning them to eat. The +kettle held a stew of what they thought was antelope meat, so they ate +heartily of it, for they were very hungry. When they had nearly satisfied +their appetites, Hal fished up from the depths of the mess the fore-leg +and foot of a dog. This was decidedly an unpleasant revelation, and both +became very sick and vomited freely, to the great amusement of the +Indians. + +They were then placed under guard, and soon after fell asleep. In the +morning they were rudely awakened and told to mount a pony, to which they +were securely tied, so as to prevent any attempt to escape. + +Many miles were travelled in this manner. The boys became anxious, and +were endeavoring to prepare themselves for the worst, when, from the top +of a high bluff, they saw us awaiting their arrival. + +The sudden transition from despondency to joy, quite overpowered them; +and, for the first time, they gave way to their feelings. + +"Both of us tried as hard as we could," said Ned, "to make 'em think we +didn't care a snap about it. But we did, though, I can tell you. We were +mighty glad when we saw you, wasn't we, Hal?" + +This question was too much for Hal. The boys looked into each others +faces for a moment, then burst into tears. + +Everybody about camp was delighted with their safe return, and they were +obliged many times to repeat their story, not forgetting a description of +their supper on dog meat, in the Comanches' camp. + + +CHAPTER V. + +On the following morning the camp was astir and we were under way at a +very early hour,--long before sunrise, in fact,--but we had hardly +proceeded a mile from our halting-place, before one of the Mexicans, who +was riding ahead of the wagons, came rushing back with the information +that there was a large body of Indians a short distance in advance of us. + +"It's the balance of them cusses that had the boys, as true as preachin," +exclaimed Jerry. "The sneaks! I s'pose they found out all they wanted to +from 'em, and then let 'em go. Ther best thing we kin do is ter camp +right here whar we've got water and grass, and git ready for a brush; +'cause they'll fight us, if ther's any show for 'em, you bet." + +"We'll jist camp right on this knoll, and then we shall have a fair +chance all round; get your animals corralled with the wagons, and then +we'll ride out and meet 'em, that is, we must keep 'em as far away from +the wagons as possible." + +Everything was soon arranged; but, to our surprise, the Indians made no +attack. + +[Illustration: The Comanche's Attack.] + +Jerry, myself and Hal rode out towards the spot where we had seen them, +and a very few moments served to convince us that they meant business; +for they were scattered, with the evident intention of surrounding us. + +"That won't work," said Jerry. "We'll just go back to the wagons and stay +there and fight it out on our own dung-hill. There ain't more'n a dozen +of 'em, and, ef we can't lick that number of thievin' Comanches, we don't +desarve to git to California, no how." + +We had hardly returned to the wagons before the Indians began to show +their tactics by riding around us in a circle, each time coming nearer +and nearer, until finally, when within easy range, they threw themselves +over upon the sides of their horses and let fly a shower of arrows, that +fell among us without doing any harm, other than frightening the stock. + +"Don't a man of yer fire till I giv the order, and when they come abreast +of us agin give it to 'em with your rifles; but don't one of yer waste a +shot." + +Once more we saw them coming--saw them preparing to throw themselves over +to shoot from under their horses' necks, and-- + +"Now for it," cried Jerry, "give it to 'em!" and we forthwith gave them a +volley that caused two of their number to fall headlong to the ground. +This brought the party to a halt, and they retreated out of the range of +our rifles, for the purpose of holding a consultation. + +While they were thus engaged, one of the Mexicans called Jerry's +attention to a solitary Indian who was approaching our wagons from the +rear. Jerry immediately pronounced him to be the Arapahoe, whom we had +seen with the party of Missourians. + +He soon came up with us, and brought the intelligence that his party was +only a short distance behind and would soon be in to help us. + +This was indeed good news; but, before they could possibly reach us, the +Comanches, who had evidently made up their minds to once more attack, +began their old plan of riding around us in a circle, discharging their +arrows with such good effect that one of the Mexicans was shot in the +thigh. + +Jerry, and the Indian guide, both advised us to reserve our fire until +the enemy should come within range of our revolvers; but their arrows +came so thick and fast we decided to give them one more volley from our +rifles; this we did, having the good fortune to see two more of the party +suddenly tumble from their horses' backs. This put an end for the time +being to their attack, for they soon disappeared over the bluff. + +"We was too much for 'em that time, old pard," said Jerry, familiarly +slapping the Arapahoe upon his naked shoulder. Then, turning to me,-- + +"I was s'prised, though' to see how them youngsters stood up ter the +rack. Boys as a gineral thing hain't got no bizness on the plains, no +how; but these are a-goin' to larn Injin fightin', sartin." + +"Umph! putty muche boy no good," responded the Arapahoe, in deep guttural +tones. + +"Where's your folks, old pard?" inquired Jerry. "Better be hurryin' up; +we've got ter be a-goin', as soon as I put this chaw er terbacy on that +Mexican feller's leg; nothin' like it to take the sore out, you know." + +The mules were now harnessed to the wagons, and everything ready for a +start, when the Missourians put in an appearance. We received them right +gladly, and joyfully welcomed them to our party. We started in company; +but soon ascertained it would be impossible for them to keep up with us +on the road, their oxen travelled so much slower than our own teams. We +parted from them with reluctance; for all the indications thus far seemed +to convince old Jerry that the Indians would without doubt prove very +troublesome on the trip, and the larger the party the more safety, +always. + +We saw no further signs of their presence until quite late in the +afternoon, when Jerry called my attention to a small, oblong pile of +stones, that stood in a conspicuous place a short distance from +the trail we were following. + +"That's a Comanche sign," said Jerry. + +"Pooh! it's nothing but a pile of stones," said Hal. + +"That's true enuff," said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did, +for sartin." + +"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal. + +"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin' +ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No, +sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten +ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too." + +An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently +collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of +giving information to some party who were expected over the route within +a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these +Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some +conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe +understand its meaning perfectly. + +Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away +from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the +night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll, +half a mile away. + +Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve +as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack. +We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to +the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved +every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark. + +We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but, +about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who +reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine. + +"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said +Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the +guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears, +accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads +into the darkness beyond. + +In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became +evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks +serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in +the darkness, from our bullets. + +"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot +from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for +they'll allus aim too high." + +"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me in the thigh. + +"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the +ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side. + +"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said +Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We +must git inter their rear, somehow." + +"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them," +replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain +where we are." + +"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire +from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff +ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few +shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't +got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt." + +Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the +rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp. +Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something +crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this, +that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told +him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell +from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants. + +In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some +distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming +light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond +doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice +announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an +exploring tour. + +The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of +the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized +the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time +thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he +received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a +little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him. + +We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the +fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to +believe, had several wounded. + +The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the +protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred +without doubt. + +Old Jerry attributed the failure of the attack in a great measure, to the +fact that they were deprived of the use of their horses; for they rarely +go into a fight, except when on horseback. We were glad enough to see +daylight, as well as rejoiced to be able to once more resume our trip. + + +CHAPTER VI. + +We had been on the road several hours, when Hal came riding up, very much +excited, declaring that he had found a bear's track. + +Jerry, Ned, and myself at once went to the spot, and saw what I +immediately admitted to be the clear, well-defined track of a grizzly in +the sand. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Why, Jerry! I didn't know that grizzlies were +found on these plains." + +"No more they ain't," was the reply. + +"But how could that track be there, if there was no bear to make it?" +inquired Ned. + +"But it ain't a bear's track," said Jerry, attentively regarding it +without dismounting from his horse. + +"But it certainly is some creature's track," said I. "You'll admit that, +won't you?" + +"Admit it? No; sartin not: that ain't no critter's track," declared +Jerry. + +"It's a bear's track," rejoined I. "You certainly are mistaken, Jerry. +Look! here is the imprint of the heel, and there the toes, as plain as +the nose on your face, and as clear as though made not an hour ago." + +"Well, it may look like a bar's track, but 'tain't one. What you call the +heel and toes, is made by them spires of grass which the wind bends, +makin' 'em scoop out the sand, as you see thar. You ought to hev seen +that yourself; but you see you 'States' men never stop to think. If a +hundred was ter travel over them plains once a year for fifty years, not +more than one out er the hull lot would make a respectable woodsman." + +"Why not?" interrupted both Hal and Ned, in a breath. + +"Why not, youngsters? I'll tell you why: 'cause 'Mericans allus travel +with their mouths open and their eyes shet tight. A Mexican or Injun will +go all day without speakin', onless he's spoke to; but he'll see +everything there is ter be seen on the route: a 'Merican'll talk +continually, and see nothin' but a blasted dried-up country, that ain't +fit for nothin'." + +"I wish I knew something about trailing," remarked Ned. "Can't you give +us a few general rules, Jerry?" + +"Rules!" repeated Jerry, contemptuously, "what good d'yer s'pose rules 'ed +do you? Yer wouldn't foller 'em. P'r'aps ter-night, after we git inter +camp, if these cussed varmints'll let us alone long enuff, I'll give yer +a lectur' on trailin', ter pay fer yer killin' that Comanche last night;-- +there they be agin, surer'n shootin'," exclaimed he, suddenly pausing, +and pointing to a dark spot far away on the prairie. + +We had just reached the top of a long ridge that gave us an extensive +view of the country around; and far, very far in the distance, Jerry's +keen eyes had detected this moving object. + +I brought my glasses to bear upon it, and could distinctly see a party of +three or four Indians, and some one who was dressed in skirts, like a +woman. + +I remarked that I believed there was a woman with them, and Jerry, who +had been looking long and earnestly at the party, said,-- + +"Yes, there's six on 'em, and one hez got on a white woman's dress, ez +near ez I kin make out. We've hed 'bout 'nuff Comanche fightin', so far +ez I'm consarned; but ef them devils hev got a woman pris'ner, why we'd +be less than men not ter go arter her whatever happened. We kin head 'em +off easy enuff by riding along on this side the ridge; but we must stop +the wagons down in the holler there, so they won't see 'em." + +After some little hesitation, caused by a reluctance to leave the wagons +in the unprotected situation that we should if we attempted to overtake +the Indians, we finally decided that common humanity required we should +rescue the woman, if it could be done; and, procuring a good supply of +ammunition, Jerry, myself, Hal, and one of the Mexicans started, leaving +Ned in charge of the wagons, with directions relative to camping for the +night in case we did not return before dark. + +It was an oppressively warm day, and we had a ride of many miles before +us, ere we could hope to reach the point where we expected to intercept +the savages. We rode swiftly along over the beautiful green rolling +prairie, pausing for nothing, until Jerry proposed a halt for a few +moments, while he made a _reconnoissance_. + +Approaching the top of a slight eminence, he dismounted, and carefully +picketing his horse, dropped upon his hands and knees, and stealthily +crept to the top. A single glance sufficed to show him the situation; and +he returned to us, vainly endeavoring to repress the excitement that was +plainly visible in every movement, as he said, in a low voice,-- + +"We kin ketch 'em, boys, sartin. It's a woman, for sure, riding on a +pony, with one of the varmints on each side of her; but we've got to +hurry some." + +Then striking his spurs deep into his horse's flanks, he was soon far in +advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking +with sweat, and panting like frightened deer. + +Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw +his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that +grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing +erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and +quickly make his way towards us. + +I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not +repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had +come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he +had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were +evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in +between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and +rendering each other assistance. + +Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side, +whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our +rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages. + +We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three +Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously +back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet +in sight. + +It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we +rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring +his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in +the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up +from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without +looking towards him. + +His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over +upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our +expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a +rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do? + +Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still +followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept +close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I +watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we +seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to +escape us, surely. + +Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!" + +And "give 'em one" we did. + +One reels in his saddle, but clutches his horse's mane and saves himself; +then, a moment after, falls, and his horse dashes off over the plain, +while his comrade turns and rides madly away. + +"Now, boys, easy. We've got 'em," says Jerry. "Let's give our horses a +chance to breathe. Thar ain't no hurry, now; we'll have the varmints in a +few minutes. Here's their trail, now." + +Slowly we follow it, away from the flying fugitive towards the prisoner +and her captors;--carefully we examine every foot of ground. Old Jerry +says, "We must be near to 'em; but where are they? We must soon meet +them;"--but meet them we never did. + +In a little swale, a short distance from the trail, where the grass was +fresh and green, we came upon the body of a Mexican woman--dead. + +She had been scalped; and a single spear thrust, through her body, told +us all that could be told of her sad story. + +She had Apparantly been very feeble, and unable to keep up with the +savages; for her worn and bloody feet bore evidence that she had walked +many weary miles, while about her waist was a portion of the lariat that +had been used in leading her. + +Finding that she could no longer walk, her captors placed her on the +horse; but this had greatly delayed them, and they had disposed of her in +the manner above narrated. The bloody deed accomplished, the murderers +were hurrying on to join their comrades, when the sound of Jerry's rifle +warned them of danger; and they had made a long _detour_ from the +trail, and thus escaped us. + +It was growing too late to think of pursuing them farther; and we +reluctantly turned our horses' heads towards camp, which we reached just +after nightfall, very weary from our long afternoon's ride and quite +ready for bed; nor was our sleep any the less sweet for the attempt to +perform a kind action. + +Ned made an effort to have Jerry deliver his lecture upon the art of +trailing, but the old man appeared to think it would receive more +attention another time; and so it was postponed till the following +evening, when, true to his promise, he entertained us for a long hour; +giving us much useful information upon the subject, which I will endeavor +to repeat for the benefit of my young readers, some of whom may one day +be placed like Hal and Ned in a position where they will find it, not +merely a matter of entertainment, but exceedingly useful; for trailing is +as much an art as is painting or sculpture, and requires the most +constant practice to become a proficient in it. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, old Jerry began as follows:-- + +"There ain't no rules, boys, that anybody kin give yer. You must have a +sharp eye, a fine ear, and a still tongue;--these make your principal +stock in trade." + +But I do not propose to follow old Jerry _verbatim_ in his long talk +with the boys, but shall give you merely the substance of his remarks; +and here let me add, that, in addition to the above requirements, a +successful trailer should possess quick perception, fertile resources, +and great presence of mind. + +Almost any scout knows, that, in order to overtake a party of Indians who +have stampeded his stock the night previous, he should travel slowly at +the first, and follow persistantly at a moderate pace, giving his animals +the night to rest in, and starting at daybreak in the morning. By +following this course he is pretty certain of overtaking the party on the +third day, especially if they do not suspect pursuit. Then comes the time +when the services of an experienced trailer are requisite to tell you the +number and condition of the enemy, and how many hours have elapsed since +they passed a given point; for it is necessary to remain concealed after +you ascertain these facts, until you decide upon the manner of attack; +for, if Indians suspect pursuit, they always scatter, and it is +impossible to overtake them. + +One can easily tell from the appearance of a trail, if it be made by a +war-party or not, because there are no Indians who take their families +along when starting on the war-path; consequently, they never carry their +lodge-poles with them, which are always fastened to the sides of the +animals, and the ends permitted to drag on the ground behind. If there +should be no trace of these, it is safe to regard it as a war-party. + +It is always easy to distinguish the track of an Indian pony from that +made by a white man's horse; for the former will be much smaller, and +bear no impression of a shoe. + +One of the most difficult things to accomplish in trailing is to learn to +correctly ascertain the age of a trail. + +If a track is very fresh, it will show moisture when the earth is turned +up, which in a few hours becomes dry. If in the sand, little particles +will be found running into the impression left in the ground. Should rain +have fallen since the track was made, the sharp edges will have been +washed away. The condition of the ordure also furnishes an indication. + +I once employed as scout, a Mexican, who could tell by a single glance at +a trail, by what tribe it had been made, their number, its age, and in +fact every particular concerning the party, as truthfully as though he +had seen them. + +We were one time following an Apache trail, when we came to a ledge of +bare rock. I examined it carefully, and could detect no mark of any kind; +but the Mexican led us across as easily as though it had been a beaten +path, without even once hesitating a moment, during the two miles over +which it extended. + +When I asked him what he saw that indicated the course of the trail, he +showed me that the surface of the rock was covered with a very fine, dry +moss, that, with the closest scrutiny, bore evidence of having been +pressed by the foot: so slight was the impression made, it would have +escaped the notice of ninety-nine out of every hundred persons; yet his +keen eyes detected every footprint as plainly as though it had been made +in the grass. + +If a trail is for any reason lost, an expert will easily recover it by +following for a time its general direction and watching the formation of +the land; for all trails are made over the highest portions, thereby +affording a view of the entire country through which they pass. + +In the grass, a trail can be seen for a long time: the blades will be +trodden down and bent in the direction followed by the party; and, even +after it has recovered its natural position, a good trailer will have no +difficulty in following it; for his keen eye will detect a slight +difference in the color of the grass that has been stepped on from that +growing around it. + +So, also, the appearance of the tracks will at once show him the gait at +which the party were travelling, and he thus knows how to regulate his +pace so as to overtake them. + +It is exceedingly rare to find a white person that can retrace his steps +for any distance in an open country; while an Indian is always able to do +it. No matter how circuitous may be the route by which you may have +reached a certain locality, an Indian will find his way back to the place +of starting by the most direct route, though it be in the darkest night; +and, if you ask him how he does it, if he replies to your question at +all, he will simply shrug his shoulders and say, "_Quien sabe?_" or +who knows. + +No matter how agreeable he may be about camp; on the road he never +speaks, except it should be necessary to give some direction or order. + +Thus it will be seen, that he who would become a skilful trailer, must of +necessity be an observer, as well as thinker; and remember, boys, that he +who talks most, generally thinks the least. + + +CHAPTER VII. + +On the evening of the second day after the incidents narrated in the +previous chapter, we encamped on the banks of the San Pedro, with wood, +water, and grass in abundance; in fact, using the words of Hal: +"Everything to make us comfortable, but fresh meat; and meat we must +have. Let's go out and get some. We shall be sure to find a deer or +antelope in this beautiful bottom." + +"What say you, Jerry, shall we try it?" inquired I. + +"I reckon so. We've got plenty of time before night, and I 'spect I may +as well go and show you how ter hunt 'em; 'cause yer won't git none +unless I go 'long with yer, that's sartin." + +"Well, we'll see what we get if you do go along," responded Hal; "so come +on." + +Mounting our horses, Jerry, Hal, Ned, and myself set out in pursuit of +antelope, whose tracks could be seen in all directions about us. + +We had ridden two or three miles without starting game of any kind, when +Jerry, who was a short distance in advance of us, suddenly dismounted, +and began studying the ground attentively. + +"Hilloa!" exclaimed Ned, "Jerry's struck something." + +As we rode up to him, he said,-- + +"Wal, boys, here's game, sartin sure." + +"What is it, Jerry?" inquired Hal. + +"What is it? Why, a fresh Comanche trail; and 'tain't no war party, +neither, for they've got their lodges with 'em." + +"How do you know that?" inquired Ned." + +"How do you know you're settin' on that horse?" asked Jerry. "Why, I know +one just ez well ez you know t'other. Can't you see whar the ends of the +poles dragged in the dirt behind 'em. Anybody could see that, I should +think." + +"How old is the trail, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That trail waz made afore eight o'clock this mornin'," was the answer. + +"Before eight o'clock," sneered Hal. "Why don't you say that the +Comanches passed this spot at precisely seventeen minutes past six +o'clock this morning? You might just as well be particular, Jerry." + +"Come, Jerry, tell us how you know when the Indians passed?" said I. + +"Sartin I will," he good-humoredly replied. "Yer see we hed a purty hevy +dew last night, but the sun waz up so high that the grass waz all dry at +eight o'clock. Wall, now, if you'll look you'll see, that where the grass +was pressed down by the horses' feet into the earth, a little of the sand +stuck to it, (coz it waz damp), that has dried on since. Now if the trail +bed been made after eight o'clock, when the grass was dry, why, it +wouldn't stick eny more than it does now." + +"A very satisfactory explanation," said I. + +"Now what I propose is," continued Jerry, "thet we just foller the trail, +and we'll strike something afore many hours, ez sure's my name's Jerry +Vance." + +"But we may get into trouble," urged I. + +"Ther ain't no danger. It's a party of squaws and pappooses, I reckon, +coz yer see ther ain't more'n four horses with 'em." + +"I'm agreed," said I, and away we galloped over the beautiful green +prairie; but, before we had gone a mile, a fine large herd of antelope +appeared, quietly grazing upon a knoll at a little distance, who, when +they saw us, stood for an instant curiously regarding us, and then +trotted leisurely away. + +"They're kinder wild, I reckon," said Jerry. "These Injuns must hev bin +huntin' 'em, and we might chase 'em all day without gittin' a shot. So +we'll just tie our horses in thet chaparral down there, out of sight, and +then we'll call 'em up." + +We dismounted, and securing our horses, followed Jerry. He removed the +ramrod from his rifle, and tied to one end of it an old-fashioned, red +bandana handkerchief. This done, he planted the other end firmly in the +ground, leaving the flag to flutter in the breeze. + +"Now, boys, you just lie down here, in the tall grass, so thet the +critters won't see yer, and wait awhile." + +Following Jerry's instructions, we placed ourselves in the tall grass, +and lying still awaited the result of the experiment. + +"Yer see," continued he, talking in a low tone of voice, "antelope's the +most curious critters in the world, 'ceptin' women. Jist ez soon ez they +see thet red flag, they'll want to know what it means, and they won't +rest easy till they find out, either." + +And, sure enough, in a few moments we saw the graceful creatures, one +after another, turn and attentively look at the signal. Then they slowly +walked towards it. Then came a pause and a nibble of grass, and again, as +though they could not resist the desire to ascertain what this singular +thing fluttering in the breeze was, they hesitatingly came still nearer, +as though they feared some hidden danger. In this way they soon +approached within easy range, and we shot five with our revolvers. + +"There," said Jerry, as the remainder of the herd finally galloped away +over the plain, "you boys see what curiosity does. Yer kin allers fetch +'em with a red hankercher, and gin'rally by jist layin' down on yer back, +and holdin' up yer feet. They're awful curious critters, them antelopes +is. I reckon we'd better quit this trail, and git them air carcasses +inter camp. What d'yer say, youngsters?" + +"I declare, I forgot to fire at all!" exclaimed Ned. "I never once +thought of my pistol." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared Jerry. "You've got the 'buck-fever' my boy. I might +a knowed you wouldn't a fired; no, nor you, neither," continued he, +turning towards Hal. + +"But I did fire twice, though," said Hal. + +"Le'me see yer pistol, youngster," said Jerry; after examining it, he +again burst into a loud laugh. + +"Jest as I 'spected! Every barr'l loaded. Yer see you was so 'cited that +yer forgot all about firin'. You thought yer did, I s'pose; but don't be +too sartin next time, 'cause the fever allers takes what little sense a +feller's got, when it strikes him." + +The antelope were soon dressed; but Hal's chagrin was so great at the +thought of being so cleverly detected by Jerry's shrewdness, that I +attempted to comfort him by promising to relate my own misfortunes upon +experiencing my first attack. After supper, and while we were smoking our +pipes, the boys claimed the fulfilment of my promise. + +I only hope that the narrative may prove as interesting to my young +readers, as it did to Hal and Ned, who heard the story with roars of +laughter at my blunders. + +Well, boys, I was once passing through the Sacramento range of mountains +in New Mexico, in company with an old trapper and hunter, named Nat Beal. + +Nat was a jovial, pleasant companion; and, in truth one of the best +shots I ever saw. + +While riding through one of the numerous little valleys with which that +range abounds, we saw at a little distance, a magnificent specimen of a +black-tailed deer. + +Now I had always wanted to kill a black-tailed deer, and this was the +first time I had ever seen one, so I begged Nat to let me shoot it. + +He said, with a laugh, "Shoot away!" and I took deliberate aim and +fired. + +"Ha! ha! ha!" roared he, as the fellow bounded away unharmed, "it's as +clear a case of 'buck-fever' as ever I saw." + +"Not at all. I aimed too high; that was the only trouble." + +"Jest so," replied Nat; "a man with the 'fever' always aims too high." + +"I'll bet I won't miss the next one," said I, angry at the imputation. + +"I'll bet you will, two to one on it," said Nat. "But it's too late to +get another shot to-night, so we'll wait until to-morrow evening; and, in +the mean time, I'll give you a few idees 'bout deer." + +"As soon as the sun had sunk to his rest the next evening, I borrowed +Nat's 'call' and started out." + +"What's a 'call'?" inquired Ned. + +"A 'call' is a whistle, made from an eagle's bone. It is generally +fancifully carved, and, when sounded, makes a noise that perfectly +resembles that made by a young one in calling its mother. So perfect is +the imitation of the bleating of a fawn, that, when properly sounded, you +will sometimes see half a dozen does, running to see if their young are +in danger." + +"But don't they stay with their little ones?" asked Hal. + +"No: they hide them in the tall grass at night. You see a fawn gives out +no scent until after it's a month old, and can run well; but the old one +does, and knowing this she goes off to sleep alone, so that the wolves +and panthers won't be attracted by her scent to the fawn. This she +continues doing until the fawn is able to protect itself by running. In +the fall of the year, therefore, if you select a spot near the foot of a +mountain where the grass is tall and free from bushes, and, between +sundown and dark, conceal yourself in it and sound your call, you are +very apt to get a choice between four or five good fat doe's." + +Well, I was determined to get a deer; so I borrowed the 'call,' and +started out. After walking a mile or two, I came to a beautiful stretch +of open prairie, where the tall grass served admirably for concealment. + +I lay down upon my belly, and commenced crawling towards a grove of +young cedars, near the base of the mountain. + +I very soon discovered that propelling myself along, Indian fashion, +with my elbows, was of itself no small job, especially when obliged to +carry a rifle and keep my head below the level of the grass about me. + +I persevered however, and after working like a beaver for nearly an +hour, began to wonder why I did not see any deer, when all at once it +occurred to me, that I hadn't sounded the call; and that made me +remember, that I had forgotton in which pocket I put it. + +I endeavored for some time to get hold of it, but was finally obliged to +roll over upon my back before I could fish it out of the depths of my +pantaloons pocket. This was easy enough to do, but to resume my former +position without betraying my presence--ah! that was another thing. I +eventually succeeded in doing it however, and placing the whistle between +my lips, put forth my hand to recover my rifle, when, to my horror and +dismay, I saw, within four feet of my face, a huge rattlesnake. + +To say that I got up, don't half express it, boys. I bounded as man +never bounded before, startling deer, fawn, and everything else about me, +but the snake. He didn't seem to care a particle, but retained his +position near the rifle, looking as angry as if he thought me to blame +for jumping; and the worst of it was, there was neither stick nor stone +within sight, that I could get hold of. + +I said, "Shoo!" but the snake wouldn't shoo worth a cent. I stamped on +the ground, and said, "Get out!" but he wouldn't move. There he was, +within six inches of my rifle; his long, slender body partially coiled so +that he could easily strike any object approaching; with form erect, and +long forked tongue, darting in and out of his half-opened mouth, as his +flat, ugly head slowly vibrated to and fro like the pendulum of a clock. + +It was growing dark too, and I was a long distance from camp, and the +country was full of Mescalero Apaches, and I hadn't even a stick to reach +him with. What could I do? + +I bethought myself of my powder-flask, and taking good aim, hurled it +with all the force I could muster. It struck him fairly on the body and +with a rattle of defiance, he sprang towards me, and I--well, I jumped. + +I managed to get hold of my rifle, but the snake was gone: he was +somewhere in the grass about me, and I didn't know where; so I concluded +to stand not on the order of my going, but go at once to camp, and go I +did; but, before I was a hundred yards away I remembered that I had left +my powder-flask behind. Nor could I find Nat's whistle anywhere about me, +or even remember what I had done with it. In the surprise occasioned by +my discovery of the snake, I had dropped it. + +It was too dark to think of returning to search for it that night; +besides, there was a snake loose in the vicinity that I didn't care to +encounter. + +I knew Nat would laugh at my returning without a deer, but I made up my +mind to endure that, without getting angry; for I felt confident, camp +was the place for me just then. + +Nat asked no questions; but after a time, I voluntarily related to him +the mishaps of the afternoon. He laughed heartily, and promised to go +with me in the morning and give me a practical lesson in deer-stalking. + +The next day we visited the scene of my discomfiture, which Nat +pronounced a splendid place for stalking, showing me where several fawns +had lain the previous night. We also found the 'call,' just where I +dropped it when I made my jump, which Nat pronounced, equal to any ever +made by a first-class circus-man: in fact, I felt rather proud of it +myself; and when Nat slyly remarked that I was better at jumping than at +hunting, I made up my mind that I would have a deer that night, come what +would. + +Sunset came; and telling Nat that I would not return to camp without the +deer, I started for the scene of my former ill luck. I was delighted to +find, that by following Nat's instructions, I was able to move over the +ground much easier than the night before. Still, it was pretty hard work. +But I persevered; and upon reaching the proper place, sounded my call-- +once, twice, thrice; and in a short time, saw a fine fat doe coming +directly towards me, apparantly listening for a repetition of the sound. +Once more I used the 'call:' the imitation was perfect. She approached a +little nearer to me, and stopped. + +I dropped my head, and once again sounded the 'call,' endeavoring to +give it the quick, impatient tone of the young when in danger. + +The effect was perfect. I fairly laughed to myself, to see the doe bound +towards me until she stood within easy rifle range, when she suddenly +stopped again, as though frightened at her own temerity. + +I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and was in the act of pulling the +trigger, when a slight rustling in the grass at my right attracted my +attention. Thinking of that snake, I turned my eyes in the direction of +the sound, and saw, to my horror and amazement, not the snake, but a +large panther, not twenty yards away, and creeping stealthily towards me, +with glaring eyes, gleaming white teeth, and ears well laid back upon his +head. For an instant I was dumbfounded; then, recollecting myself, I +turned the rifle and gave him its contents. + +The creature made a convulsive leap into the air, and dropped to the +ground--dead; and I--well, I believe I started for camp to tell Nat. + +We packed the carcass into camp and while removing the skin, Nat took +occasion to congratulate me, on being able to so perfectly imitate a fawn +as to lure a panther from its lair; advising me however, to give up +deer-stalking until I struck a better streak of luck. + +"There boys, you see what the 'buck-fever' did for me. We are all liable +to take it." + +"Yes; but you killed the panther," said Hal. + +"True; but it was only a piece of luck that might not happen again in a +dozen times, and I didn't kill the deer." + +The boys agreed that my story was both amusing and interesting; and as +for old Jerry, he laughed most heartily at my experience, saying that it +reminded him of his first adventure with a bear. + +The boys, eager for another story, urged him to relate it then, but Jerry +declined; promising them however, that they should have it the next +night. + +Early on the following morning, we once more started on the road; and for +two days, met with no incident worthy of note. + +We were now approaching the section of country bordering on the Rio +Pecos, one of the most barren and desolate portions on our whole route. + +This stream runs for hundreds of miles through the plains, its course +being marked by the growth of no living green thing: in fact, you do not +know of its presence, until you stand upon its banks. + +It is narrow, deep, extremely crooked, and very rapid, while the water is +both salt and bitter. The banks are very steep and there are but few +places throughout its entire length where it can be crossed in safety. + +But little grass grows near it, and neither man nor beast can drink the +water with impunity. + +Upon reaching the top of a long line of bluffs, towards which we had been +travelling for the last two days, we came in sight of a large wagon-train +encamped, apparantly upon the open plain. + +Jerry at once declared it to be Magoffin's; and the boys and myself +volunteered to ride forward and ascertain the cause of their delay. + +A brisk canter of a couple of hours brought us to the encampment, which +sure enough, proved to be Magoffin's train, delayed by the high water in +the Pecos. + +Right glad were we all, to fall in with our old companions once more; +for, aside from the company their presence furnished, we felt infinitely +safer than when travelling alone with our small party. + +As soon as Jerry arrived with the wagons, a consultation was held; and it +was decided to go into camp and wait for the water to subside. + +"It's high'n I ever see it afore," said Jerry, standing on the brink and +gazing at the turbid, swift current, that almost filled its banks; "and +the mischief is, that when she once gits up, there's no tellin' when +she'll go down. We may hev to lay here two weeks, afore we kin cross." + +"Two weeks!" exclaimed I, why we'd better build a boat." + +"Ef we hed a lot of empty casks, we might float our wagons over and swim +the mules; but we hain't got 'em, that's sartin." + +"I'll tell you what we can do," said Hal; "we can build a raft." + +"Yes; or better still, float the things over in one of the wagon-bodies," +suggested Ned. + +"Well thought of," exclaimed I: "we can at least make the attempt." + +We soon had one of the wagons unloaded and on the ground; beneath which +we carefully stretched a couple of the sheets. One of the men was sent +across the stream with a small cord, by which he drew over a rope, to +which was attached a common block, after which the wagon-body was +launched, and pulled across the river in safety. It was then returned and +loaded, reaching the opposite bank without mishap, or leaking a drop. + +The wagons were now taken apart; and piece by piece, carried across and +put together; into them, the goods as fast as ferried over, were +reloaded; and at the end of the second day we were ready to swim our +mules. This was accomplished without loss; and thanks to Ned, the day +following we were once more on the road. + +I ventured to remind Jerry of his favorite saying regarding boys, but the +old man had no reply to make, save that "Ned was a most 'stonishin' boy. +He'd killed a Injin, and had a wonderful head on him, which was more'n he +could say of t'other one." + +In consideration of Ned's valuable services, old Jerry consented that +evening, to relate for his especial benefit, the story of his first +experience in bear hunting, which I shall give as nearly as possible in +the old man's words:-- + +"Yer see boys, I was bringed up in Tennessee; leastways, I lived thar +till I was nigh onter seventeen year old, when I struck out and come to +Texas. + +"Father hed a farm in Tennessee, and ez I was the only boy, I had a heap +of work ter do on the cussid place. I didn't like fannin' much, and used +ter tease the old folks ter let me go down ter Knoxville and go into a +store, or enter inter some other ekelly 'spectable bizness. But the old +folks allowed that I must stay with 'em till I was twenty-one, any how. + +"One day when I was about sixteen year old, the old man said ter me, +'Jerry, I've got a lot of wood cut, up on the mountain-lot, that wants +piling up. Yer'd better take yer dinner and an axe along, and go up and +pile it. Do it nice now, 'cause I shall be up 'bout noon, ter see how you +git 'long.' + +"I knowed what that meant, well enuff; it meant that, if I didn't do it +right, I'd git a gaddin', 'cause the old man was famous for gaddins'. + +"Arter breakfast mother put me up a good dinner of bread and meat, and I +shouldered my axe and started for the wood-lot, 'bout three miles up the +mountain. + +"I whistled along and didn't think nothin' 'bout ther walk; 'cause, yer +see, I allus liked ther woods, and enjoyed bein' thar. Arter I got to the +lot, I found the wood, and went ter work to get it piled. 'Twarn't much +of a job, and I got it done afore noon and then sot down on a log and +waited for the old man ter come. Wal, I sot and waited, and begun ter get +mighty lonesome and ter think 'bout Injins, though I knowed there warn't +no Injins thar. I waited so long I got hungry, and concluded I'd take a +bite of the bread and meat mother'd put up. + +"I sot down on a log, and put my basket on the stump, and went ter +eatin'. I never smelt anything so good as that dinner smelt, less 'twas a +good venison steak on the coals, when you're putty hungry. + +"Wal, I sot there, eatin' away, and, the fust thing I knowed, I kind 'er +felt suthin' tetch my shoulder. I turned my head, and thar was a big +black bar, with his nose within a foot of mine. I've seen bars sence that +time, and big ones too, but that bar looked bigger'n a ox ter me. I +didn't stop for nothin', but jist lited out, and the bar arter me. Maybe +yer think you've seen runnin'; but I tell yer honestly, boys, yer never +see nothin', like ther time I made gittin' away from that bar. + +"I looked over my shoulder once in a while, but 'twarn't no use; thar was +that bar right behind me, growin' bigger and bigger every minute, it +seemed ter me. The harder I run, the wus I was off. I didn't gain a foot +on ther critter. My heart riz rite inter my throte, and my bar riz up so +I lost my cap,--leastways I've allus 'spected that was the reason I lost +it. I didn't know what ter do. I kep' on runnin', but my wind was givin' +out, and I knew I couldn't stan' it much longer; so I made a break for a +good sized white birch I see, and the way I shinned up thet tree, would a +bin a credit to any major-gen'ral, I tell yer. + +"When ther bar come to ther foot of ther tree he sot down on his +haunches, ter kinder get breath a little, and then he begun ter climb it; +and blast my picter boys, ef he couldn't giv me three pints in the game +of climbin', and then beat me. It didn't seem ter me he was more'n a +second, gittin' up. I kep' climbin' higher an' higher, and the bar kep' +a-follerin'. By and by I got so high, that ther tree begun ter bend +backwards and for'ards, but ther bar kep' comin' higher and higher. + +[Illustration: Jerry and the Bear.] + +"I saw 'twarn't no use, so I made up my mind ter swing ther tree over ez +far ez I could, and drop and try my legs onct more. So I clim' a little +higher, and when the tree begun ter bend, that bar sot thar and just +laffed, if ever a bar laffed in this world. The tree kep' swayin' +back'ards and for'ards jist like a cradle. + +"I watched my chance, and, when ther top come putty nigh ther ground, I +jist dropped, and, when I picked myself up, blast my eyes, ef thar warn't +ther bar, right side er me. Wal I started agin, but hadn't run more'n +fifty yards, afore I tripped and down I went. I knowed 'twas all up with +me then, so I jist laid still. Why, I was so scart I couldn't hev moved +ef I'd tried; but I did look up jist once, to see the bar set clus by, +watchin' me, and lookin' as mad as a wet hen. + +"I never was so scart afore nor since. I 'spected every minute to feel +his teeth and hear my bones a-crunchin', but I didn't. + +"Putty soon I heered somebody down in the woods a-callin'. I 'spectcd it +was dad, but I didn't dare to holler or make any noise. I heered 'em +callin' agin and agin; putty soon I jist looked out'er ther corner of my +eye, and see the bar was gone. At first I couldn't believe it, and +'spected he was playin' 'possum--waitin' ter see ef I moved, afore he +went for me. Well, I kep' putty still for a while, but not hearin' +anything from the bar, I finally looked up, and see that he'd gone for +good, and then I got up and started for home in just about ez big a +hurry, ez any feller ever went down a mountain. + +"I hadn't got more'n half a mile afore I see a feller rite ahead of me, +a-leadin' that identical bar, thet bed been chasin' me all day. + +"I never was so took down in my life boys, I wouldn't a bin s'prised at +anything, arter thet. I mustered up spunk enuff ter speak to the feller, +and he told me 'twas a tame bar, thet belonged ter him, thet hed got +loose thet day, and he'd bin up a-findin' him. + +"Well boys, I never felt so ashamed of myself afore nor since. + +"You may bet, I never told no one 'bout it afore, and I shan't agin. +That's all." + +We were very much amused at Jerry's story, and the boys pronounced it +decidedly the best they had yet heard, and as the hour was late, we all +"turned in," in search of a good night's rest. + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The following morning, we once more took the road, and for three days +followed the course of the river, which carried us through the most +undesirable portion of country we had yet seen; even game seemed to have +forsaken it. + +The route then brought us into the vicinity of the celebrated "Comanche +Springs," situated in the open prairie, at the crossing of the great +Comanche war trail that leads into Mexico--a trail that may with truth, +be said, to be marked with whitened bones, its entire distance. + +As we were likely at any time to meet with bands of Comanches in this +neighborhood, it became necessary to travel with the greatest precaution; +but even this did not appear to prevent one of the "varmints," as old +Jerry called him, from boldly coming into camp the next day, without any +one having seen his approach. Hal was the first who discovered him, and +as the fellow was alone, begged so hard for permission for him to remain, +that I yielded a reluctant assent, and permitted him to come into camp. + +The fellow claimed to be very hungry, a good friend of the whites, and +said he was on his way from Mexico, to his home on the Brazos, and only +wanted permission to remain, long enough to rest a little and obtain +something to eat. + +"I don't like the cut of any of them varmints," said Jerry, "they're all +natral thieves, and ez likely ez not, thet cuss is a spy. We can't tell +nothin' 'bout 'em, and ther best way is, ter steer clear on 'em, or at +any rate keep 'em at good rifle range." + +Telling Hal not to lose sight of the fellow for an instant, and as soon +as he had rested an hour, to start him on, I laid down under one of the +wagons for the purpose of taking a _siesta_, but was awakened by +hearing Hal loudly inquiring, if any body knew what had become of his +pony. No one appeared to know anything about it, but I heard Jerry's +voice suggest, that probably his Comanche friend could tell where it was. +This aroused me in an instant, and I crawled out from under the wagon, +and, calling Hal, asked him where his horse was, when he saw him last. + +He replied,-- + +"I saw him not half an hour ago, within twenty yards of this spot." + +"How did he get away? pull his picket-pin?" asked I. + +"No," replied Hal, "the lariat looks as though it had been cut." + +"It's plain enuff to tell who's got yer hoss; it's that Comanche. Them +varmints are nat'ral hoss thieves, any how." + +"Do you mean to tell me, that that Indian could steal my horse, right +here, under my very eyes, and I not see him?" angrily asked Hal. + +"Well, you see he has, don't yer?" replied Jerry; "and not only you +didn't see him, but nobody else; and didn't he come walkin' into camp +this mornin' and not a soul know it, till he was right amongst us?" + +"I don't care if he did, he never could have carried off my pony and I +not see him," declared Hal. + +"But he did though youngster, as sure's you're a livin boy." + +"I'm inclined to think you're right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the +pony without doubt," said I. + +"But how could he?" demanded Hal. "I was sitting right here, close by him +all the time." + +"Listen Hal, I'll give you a bit of my experience with these same +Comanches," said I: "About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of +my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for +food. + +"Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named 'Creeping +Serpent,' one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe. Naturally +enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a +bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill. + +"The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche +door. I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn't; but, in less +than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with +an Indian on his back. + +"I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made +him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I'm disposed to +believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, +without question." + +"But how did he do it?" persistantly questioned Hal. "He never would have +done it before my eyes." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed old Jerry. "Didn't one of the cussid varmints, just +play the same trick on you?" + +"But I won't admit he's got my pony," declared Hal. + +"Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?" inquired Ned. + +He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass +towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power. +This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least. Upon +reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily +withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear +above the top of the grass. + +"He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing +the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, +getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, +and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced +the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of +sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he +galloped rapidly away. + +"Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry's belief,-- +that the fellow has stolen your pony." + +"I can't think that he's got it," said Hal; "and I'd like to take Ned and +a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can't find him." + +"We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon," said Jerry. "Yer +see thet dust down thar to the southward, don't yer? Wall, that ain't no +whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that's Injins, and they're headed right +for our camp, too; so we'd better git reddy for 'em, and let the hoss go. +Maybe, though, they'll bring him back to yer. I've knowed sich things +done afore now," continued he, glancing at Hal. + +The Indians were still nearly half a mile away, when Jerry, handing me +the glasses through which he had been looking, said, in a low voice,-- + +"It's jest as I reckoned; there's Hal's pony, and an Injun on him, I'll +bet two ter one it's the same cusssed varmint thet was a-sneakin' about +camp here, not an hour ago." + +There were ten Indians in the party, who, even at that distance, +commenced riding around in a circle just out of range of our rifles, +yelling furiously, using the most insulting gestures towards us, and +daring us to come out and meet them. It was quite evident that the +savages had no weapons but their bows and arrows; consequently, did not +like to come within range of our rifles. Up to this time, neither of us +had fired a shot, and Jerry suddenly went to one of the wagons; and, +procuring an old Sharp's carbine, loaded it; and, taking good aim, fired +at a group of four or five, that were huddled together on the plain. + +To our amazement and delight, we saw one of the number throw his arms up +into the air and tumble headlong from his horse to the ground, while the +rest instantly scattered; nor did they come together again until they +were at least a mile away. + +"That was a good one Jerry," cried I. "Give 'em another." + +"'Twon't do no good; 'twan't nothin' but luck. I couldn't do it agin in +shootin' a dozen times, with this wind a-blowin'," muttered Jerry. +"That's enuff to scare 'em to death. They hadn't no more idee I could +reach 'em than I had." + +"I wonder what they'll do now? They must be going to try that circle +dodge," said I, seeing the party separate. + +In a very few moments, before either Jerry or myself realized what they +were doing, they had jumped from their horses, fired the tall, dry grass +to the windward of us, and were scudding away from it as fast as their +horses could carry them. + +Quicker than thought, the wind caught the flames, that seemed to leap +fifty feet into the air, which, in an instant, became so filled with heat +and smoke, that suffocation seemed inevitable. We could scarcely see or +breathe; and the wind was driving the flames directly towards us. + +The wagons, animals, ourselves even, were at their mercy. What could we +do to escape the horrible fate that stared us in the face? + +Jerry was the first to realize our danger. Starting in the direction of +the fire so fast approaching, as he yelled, at the top of his voice,-- + +"Git ther empty corn-sacks, blankets, anything ter keep ther fire off +from ther wagons and critters. Be quicker'n lightnin', thar!" cried he, +as he hastily set another fire, not twenty yards from us. + +In a second we were fighting the new fire with whatever we could lay our +hands upon. + +So vigorously did we work, that we succeeded in keeping the flames from +our wagons and stock, which, in a few minutes, rolled by us in huge +billows of fire. + +I never saw a grander sight than the vast blackened, smoking plain, +beyond which the flames raged and roared like thunder, while the dense +white smoke, settling low down, partially veiled the sunlight and gave a +weird, strange appearance, that is indescribable, to the scene. + +"The cowardly cusses!" said Jerry, as we paused to take breath from our +labors. "They wanted to smoke us out, did they? Well, I reckon, by the +looks round, thet maybe they'll have ter huff it putty lively themselves, +ef they git away from it. I've heerd of the biters gittin' bit +themselves, afore now." + +Notwithstanding our misfortune, we could hardly help laughing at the +sight of ourselves, as, with blacked faces, singed clothing, and +blistered hands, we talked the matter over. + +Of course we could do nothing but submit, and console ourselves by +wishing that we had the cowardly fellows where we could punish them. + +We passed a most uncomfortable night; and, as soon as daylight appeared, +were on the road, reaching the "Springs" late in the evening, and the +next morning taking up our line of march for Fort Davis. This fort is +situated upon Lympia Creek, in Wild Rose Pass, a most lovely +_canon_, through the _Sierra Diablo_. It is about two hundred +feet wide, and carpeted with the richest green sward, while the sides, +composed of dark, columnar, basaltic rocks, rise to the height of a +thousand feet. Here, cozily nestled in this beautiful dell, surrounded by +lofty mountains, we came upon the white walls of the fort. + +We encamped within half a mile of the post; and, the next morning, the +boys and I rode in to pay our respects to Colonel Sewell, then in +command. + +The youngsters were delighted with everything they saw, and the sutler's +store proved a great attraction for them. They seemed determined to buy +out his entire stock in trade, this being their first opportunity to +spend money since we left San Antonio. + +Colonel Young, the sutler, informed me that a friend from Chihuahua, Don +Ramon Ortiz, a wealthy Spanish gentleman, with his daughter and five +servants, had been for several days at the fort, awaiting the arrival of +some train with which they might travel to El Paso. If agreeable, they +would be pleased to accompany us. + +I gladly gave assent, and was shortly introduced to the Don. He was a +fine-looking gentleman, about sixty years of age, intelligent, and +evidently a man of culture. The sickness of his daughter had caused his +delay at the fort; but, having recovered, he was anxious to resume his +journey. + +The young lady proved to be a lovely little body, who spoke English like +a native, and was about sixteen years old. Her wealth of raven hair, eyes +of jet, and natural pleasant manner made _El Senorita Juanita_ as +bewitching a little companion as one would meet in many a day's travel. + +From the instant Hal saw her he became a devoted admirer, and, I foresaw, +that so long as we travelled in company with Don Ramon, I need not again +fear his absence from the train. + +One of the officers of the fort came to me, during the evening, with the +request that I would permit a young lad to travel through with me to the +Pacific coast, saying that he was without money or friends, and it would +be a charity if I would allow him to work his passage. + +I had but just returned to camp when Ned appeared, bringing with him a +bright-looking Irish boy, about sixteen years of age. As he stood +twirling his hat, and resting awkwardly upon one foot, I asked,-- + +"What do you want of me, my boy?" + +"Av yez plaze, sur, I'd loike a job." + +"What kind of a job?" + +[Illustration: Introducing Patsey.] + +"A job ter go to Californy, shure, sur." + +"Well, what's your name?" + +"Patsey, yer honor; and a very good name it is, too. 'Twas my father's +before, me sur." + +"Where did you come from?" + +"The ould counthry, ov coorse, sur." + +"Yes, but where did you come from now?" + +"From the foort beyant, sur." + +"Well, Patsey, what can you do?" + +"Phat can I do, is it? Faix, yer honor, it's phat I can't do yer'd better +be axin'! There's nothin' in my loine that I don't understand parfectly, +sur." + +"Have you a recommendation?" + +"What's that, sur?" + +"Any paper recommending you." + +"Och, it's me characther, is it, yeze afther axin' fur? Will, thin, I've +gut it in me pocket, shure;" and, pulling out from the waistband of his +pants a well-worn piece of greasy paper, he proceeded to spit on it, +"jist for good luck," he said, and then, with a bow and a scrape, handed +it to me. + +The paper was from Captain Givens, of the Mounted Rifles, recommending +the bearer, Patsey McQuirk, as an honest but ignorant boy. + +I informed Patsey that his "character" was satisfactory, and I would take +him along, bidding him put his luggage in one of the wagons. + +He stood looking at me with a comically puzzled expression on his face, +and, thinking that perhaps he did not understand what I said, I again +told him to put his things into one of the wagons, for we should probably +start early in the morning. + +"What things'll I put in the wagin, sur?" + +"Your baggage,--your clothes," said I. + +"Shure, sur, ef I put my clothes in the wagin, it's little I'd hev to +wear mysilf," answered the boy. + +"Well, well, then, go with Ned; he'll show you what to do." + +It had been our intention to start early on the following morning; but, +information having been received at the fort that a large party of +Comanches had been seen, only two days before, on our direct route, it +was thought advisable to wait a short time, in the hope that Don Ignacio +and his train might overtake us. Nor did we wait in vain; for, on the +evening of the third day, he rode into camp, and announced his train a +short distance behind. + +This was good news for us, and we immediately commenced preparations for +our departure the following day. + +Hal begged permission to carry the news to Don Ramon, and I never saw a +happier boy than he, at the thought of once more being on the road. + +About eight o'clock the next morning we again started, passing through +the _canon_, over a fine, natural road. Two hours later saw the +ambulance of Don Ramon, with its six white mules and four outriders, +approaching from the direction of the fort, at a pace that promised soon +to overtake us. + +Hal at once took a position beside the carriage, and, during the rest of +the day, hardly left it. I did not interfere until we were approaching +our camping-ground, when I sent Patsey back, to say that I wished to see +him. + +The boy returned, saying,-- + +"He's a-comin', but he says, kape yer timper." + +"What did he say?" inquired I, in no little astonishment. + +"He said, Yis, he'd come, but kape yer timper; shure, so he did." + +At this moment Hal rode up. I asked him what he meant by sending such an +extraordinary message, at the same time telling Patsey to repeat it. + +Hal heard it, and burst into a laugh, declaring that he told Patsey to +say he would be with me "_poko tiempo_,"--in a little while--which, +as Patsey did not understand Spanish, he had interpreted into "kape yer +timper." + +[Illustration: Antelope, Patsey and Ned.] + +The night passed quietly, and, just after sunrise we were again on the +road, bound for "Dead Man's Hole," which was our next camping ground. We +reached it quite early in the afternoon, and, shortly afterwards, Ned +came to me in great glee, saying that he'd shot an antelope, and wanted +Patsey to go and help him bring it in. + +Away they rushed, and soon returned, fairly staggering under the weight +of a fine fat antelope. + +I could fully understand Ned's feeling of pride, as the men, one after +another, examined the game, and complimented him on his success; for Ned +was a great favorite in the camp; but, when old Jerry graciously told him +that he was more'n twice as old afore he killed an antelope, the boy's +eyes fairly danced with joy. + +His greatest triumph, however, was at supper, when he helped Hal to a +bountiful supply of the fat, juicy steak. It had been a matter of rivalry +between the two, as to which of them would kill the first antelope; and +Hal was inclined to feel a little uncomfortable at Ned's victory, +especially before Patsey slyly suggested, that, ef he hadn't kilt an +antichoke, he'd got a _dear_ beyant, and that was betther than a +dozen artichokes. + +When I made my usual round of the camp, before going to bed, Jerry was +not to be found; so I concluded to sit up until his return. + +Half an hour later he came in, informing me that "he'd heerd a +_coyote_ bark four or five times rather suspiciously nigh camp, and +had been out to reconnoitre, thinkin' p'raps it was an Injun signal; but, +havin' seen more or less of the critters prowlin' about, he rekconed it +was all right." + +Commending him for his care and watchfulness, and, assured by his +confident manner that there was no danger, I "turned in," and soon fell +asleep. How long I had slept I could not tell, but I was awakened by a +sound that sent a thrill of terror to my heart, and caused the blood to +curdle in my veins; for it was the terrible war-whoop ringing in my ears, +so close and distinct, that it seemed to be in my very tent. + +I sprang into a sitting posture, and hurriedly looked about me. I saw +Hal's and Ned's frightened faces, then seized my rifle and rushed out. As +I passed through the door of the tent, I received a blow that felled me +to the earth. When I recovered my senses, I found the camp a scene of +dire confusion: every one was hurrying hither and thither, giving orders, +and talking in the wildest manner. I caught sight of Don Ramon, +bare-headed, barefooted, and half clad, wringing his hands and calling in +frenzied tones for his darling Juanita. Hal was talking loudly one +minute, and, the next, crying, while Ned was vainly attempting to pacify +him. + +As Ned appeared to be the coolest person in sight, I asked him the cause +of the commotion, and learned that the Indians had attacked Don Ramon's +camp, and carried off his daughter and her maid, prisoners. + + +CHAPTER IX. + +As soon as I could get upon my feet, I inquired for Jerry, and was told +he was looking after the mules. I immediately sent for him, and he came, +accompanied by Don Ignacio, who, hearing the disturbance, had come over +to ascertain what it meant. When we could secure the presence of Don +Ramon, we learned from him the story of the surprise. + +[Illustration: Capture of Juanita.] + +Every heart was moved to pity as the old man, in broken sentences, told +us that he had been awakened by hearing his beautiful, his darling, +shriek. He had sprung to his feet, half asleep, and seen two Indians +tearing her from her bed in the ambulance, while calling upon him for +help. + +One of the Indians threw her across his horse, and then jumping upon the +animal himself, galloped madly off. Another seized her maid in the same +way; but she, poor girl, made such a desperate resistance that the savage +brutally plunged a knife into her heart, and then, with the rapidity of +lightning, scalped her and flung her body to the ground. + +Piteously the half-crazed father besought us to rescue his child from the +terrible fate in store for her. Offering half--yes, the whole of his +immense fortune to any one who would restore her once more to him. + +After a hurried consultation, we decided to send a messenger back to the +fort to notify the officers, and ask them to send a company of dragoons +in pursuit, at once; Don Ignacio offering to dispatch his assistant, a +thoroughly trustworthy man, who knew every foot of the country, with the +message. While I was writing the note to Colonel Sewall, Hal came to me, +and urged strongly to be allowed to accompany the messenger, saying that +Don Ignacio thought I should send some one, and had offered to mount him +upon one of his best horses if I would permit him to go. I hesitated a +long time before consenting; but he pleaded so earnestly, I finally said +yes, warning him on no account to leave the travelled road. This he +promised, and the two set out. + +A short time after they left, we decided to send a party out ourselves, +to follow the Indians and recapture the girl if possible, as well as +recover the mules stolen. Jerry offered to lead the party in person, +provided I would accompany it, and Don Ignacio could be induced to take +charge of the camp during our absence. The arrangements perfected, Jerry +selected a dozen of the best men; and before daylight, we were in the +saddle and on the trail. + +All day we rode over rocky _mesas_ or through dense +_chapparal_,--here fording a stream, now thundering over a barren +plain, or picking our way through gloomy _canons_ or up steep +bluffs. + +The sun set; but Jerry did not pause in the pursuit. With his eyes on the +ground, and the same eager, anxious expression on his face, he rode as he +had ridden all day. Every nerve was strung to its utmost tension, every +sense was on the alert. Hardly had he spoken, not once hesitated as to +the course, nor for a single instant lost the track we had been +following. + +At last we came to a little valley, shut in by dark gray rocks and tall +mountains. At a signal from Jerry, we dismounted, unsaddled our animals, +and partook of a hasty supper; then again took to the trail; penetrating +deeper and deeper into the mountain fastnesses, over rocks and through +dense underbrush, until at last the shimmer of the waters of a broad +river met our gaze, and we paused upon its banks. + +It was the Rio Grande; and here we decided to encamp for the night. + +A few hours' rest and, just at daylight, we plunged into the water and +renewed our search, following the banks for miles; but no trace of the +track could we find. Just as we were giving up in despair, one of the +party, who was a long distance in the lead, uttered a shout: he had again +found the trail. It was evident now, that, in order to deceive any party +that might follow them, they had entered the river and followed its bed +through the water, nearly ten miles; hoping thereby to successfully hide +their course. + +We now sent one man back to the point where the trail entered the river, +that he might guide the soldiers, whom we every moment expected to arrive +from Fort Davis. + +It was a useless precaution however, for no soldier came. If we had but +known! but, alas! how could we? We waited until twilight came, and then +reluctantly retraced our steps, believing it useless to attempt to follow +the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape +with their prisoners. I was much pleased, however, to hear Jerry express +the opinion, that the Comanches would gladly ransom them, and that the +only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with +the band who made the capture; for it seemed probable that they belonged +in that, then, almost inaccessible portion of the state, known as the +"Pan-handle." + +When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort, we +reluctantly determined to start homeward. + +While pursuing our way towards camp, Jerry and myself determined to visit +a spring several miles to the east of our course, and then to overtake +our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains, +that ran far out into the plain. + +We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring; and, after a short +rest, filled our canteens with the cool, sparkling water, and started to +intercept our friends at the place agreed upon. + +Ere we were a mile upon the road. Jerry uttered a low whistle, and said, +"Look behind you, will you?" + +I turned; and, to my astonishment, not more than a mile away, saw eight +mounted Indians; and it was evident from the cloud of dust in which they +rode, that they were coming at no very slow gait. + +We were not an instant deciding that we had no wish to encounter eight +mounted Comanches, well armed, upon the open plain, if it were possible +to avoid them. + +The ground was a dead level for miles in every direction; and, in a +straight line six or seven miles away, we could see the spur of the +mountains where we expected to meet our party. If we could only reach +that, we were safe. + +We had more than a mile the start of our pursuers; but our horses were +worn with long travel, while it was evident theirs were comparatively +fresh and vigorous; our escape therefore, must be a question of speed and +endurance. + +"Now," said Jerry, as we shook our reins and put spurs into the flanks of +our horses, "set low, and bend in your saddle, take the motion of your +horse, and let's git." + +And "git" we did. Our animals seemed fairly to fly as we urged them +forward. They appeared to understand every word spoken, and to be quite +as anxious to escape capture as their riders. + +Every ejaculation uttered, every caress bestowed, gave them fresh +courage, urged them to greater exertions. Every nerve was braced, every +muscle strained to its utmost tension, while their foam-flecked sides +said, as plainly as words could say it, "We are doing our level best." + +I cast a glance over my shoulder and saw that the Indians were "spread" +in the pursuit, but evidently gaining on us. I looked at Jerry and then +at the goal, each moment growing nearer, and still so far away that I +began to doubt the ability of our horses to continue at the tremendous +pace they were going until we could reach it. + +Every minute seemed an age. + +Jerry's face was a study, as, with compressed lips, and eyes that +appeared to fairly flash fire, he bent so low in his saddle as to almost +touch his horse's mane. On, on, we sped! Not a word was spoken--not a +sound could be heard, save the dull, heavy thud of our horses' feet upon +the soft turf beneath us. + +Once I fancied I felt my horse waver, as though about to fall; but I +spoke sharply to him, and he straightened out, just as a bullet whistled +by our heads. + +"That's a Comanche sign; you can always tell them devils," muttered +Jerry, between his teeth. + +A mile farther, and we are safe. Can we make it? Why don't our men see +us, and hasten to the rescue? + +Another look behind. The Indians were still gaining on us, and I fancied +I could hear the breath of their unshod horses, as they thundered after +us; but it was only the distressed breathing of our own noble animals, +warning us that their strength was almost gone. + +Will our friends ever see us? Can we hold out five minutes longer? I hear +Jerry mutter something between his closed teeth; and, the next moment, +saw a dozen men dash out from behind the rocks. + +"We are saved! we are saved!" is my cry. I have just strength enough left +to pull up my weary horse, throw myself out of the saddle, and sink upon +the ground, when the faithful creature, completely exhausted, reels and +falls, as the men thunder past us, in pursuit of the now flying foe. + +"Wall," said Jerry, as he dismounted, "thet was a touch and go, and no +mistake. I've been chased many a time afore, but never come so near a go, +ez this has been. Them critters of ourn are worth a fortune, and no +mistake." + +We had a good hour's rest, before our friends returned from the pursuit; +and then, once more mounting, we set out for camp, which we reached late +in the afternoon, to learn that neither of the messengers sent to the +fort, had returned, nor had any tidings been received from them. + +What did it mean? Could they have been captured? + +Don Ramon was almost heart-broken, when he learned the result of our +pursuit; and nothing that we could say, afforded him any comfort. His +continual cry was, "Give me my daughter! my darling Juanita!" + +I was extremely anxious about Hal; and at once dispatched Don Ignacio to +the fort, to ascertain the reason of the non return of our messengers; +and then, as nothing further could be done, "turned in" for a little +sleep, giving Ned directions to call me immediately upon the arrival of +Don Ignacio. + +Just before daybreak, I was awakened by the startling intelligence, that +neither Hal or the messenger had reached the fort; but Colonel Sewell +had, upon Don Ignacio's request, immediately ordered a company of +dragoons in pursuit of the Indians. + +The only inference to be drawn from the facts was, that both Hal and the +messenger had been killed or taken prisoners, by a portion of the same +band that attacked our camp; and, although myself, greatly depressed by +the uncertainty attending their absence, I endeavored to assure Don +Ramon, that their capture was extremely fortunate, on his daughter's +account, for it would be certain to ensure her safe return to her +friends. + +This thought appeared to afford the old man a little comfort, and he +finally decided, to continue with the train, until we should arrive at El +Paso. We got under way about noon; and, with sad hearts, followed the +windings of the road through the _Canon de los Camenos_, and on to +the Rio Grande; thence, following the course of the river, to the old +_Presidio_ of San Elezario, and so on to Fort Bliss, about one mile +below the town of El Paso. + +At this post we found Colonel Jim Magoffin, the owner of the train with +which we had travelled from San Antonio; and, upon conferring with him, +he informed me that Anastacio, who had been captured with Hal, was an old +scout who had been in his employ for years. He was not only trustworthy, +but thoroughly acquainted with the country, as well as the habits and +customs of the Indians; and, if alive, would certainly find means to +communicate with his family, who resided near the fort. + +The colonel also recommended, that Don Ramon, should endeavor to enlist +the Mexican authorities in the matter, in case the Indians, should by any +chance have crossed the river with their captives. + +We decided, therefore, to remain a few days in camp at El Paso, as this +would give our animals an opportunity to recruit, and ourselves a +much-needed rest. + +I found by carefully watching Ned, that the terrible uncertainty +regarding Hal's fate was preying upon his mind to such an extent, that I +must do something to rouse him from the apathy into which he had fallen, +and for this purpose proposed a visit to the celebrated Stephenson silver +mine, in the Organos Mountains, only a few miles distant from the post. + +The proposed plan pleased the boy so much, that, accompanied by Jerry, we +set out upon our trip. + +The first day after reaching the mountains, a severe storm came upon us, +so suddenly, that we were forced to take shelter beneath a grove of +cedar; and, while waiting for the storm to pass over, Jerry's keen eye +discovered, some distance above us, an opening in the rocks, that he +surmised might be a cave. + +With this idea, we started to explore it. Upon reaching the mouth of the +opening, Jerry entered it, and in a few moments reappeared, beckoning for +Ned and myself to join him. + +Upon reaching him, he said,--"It's a cave, but there's some kind of a +critter got possession of it. I reckon it's a bar." + +We hastened to secure our animals, and then cautiously entered what +appeared to be a large crack between the rocks; but, upon nearing the end +of it, we distinctly heard a deep, angry growl. + +It was so dark within, that, upon this protest of-its occupant, we deemed +it prudent to retreat. + +"We've got to git the critter out, someway," said Jerry, "and the sooner +we go about it, the better for us." + +"Suppose we try smoking him out," said Ned. + +"I dunno but that's the best way, after all, youngster," said Jerry. +"Hand us the hatchet, and we'll soon have a fire here." We shortly had +some splinters from a prostrate pine that lay near, and in a little while +a brisk fire was burning, which we covered with pine brush to make the +smoke more dense, and then retreated to watch the effect. + +In a little time the flame and smoke appeared to die out, and we +proceeded to make an examination for the cause. We found that the bear +had advanced to the fire, and, with his paws, succeeded in scattering the +brands. + +"He's an old fellow, and won't be ketched napping," said Jerry. "The only +way is to meet him, on his own ground. I'll fix him! You get two or three +of them splinters, and light 'em, and foller me." + +We cautiously advanced upon Bruin, torches in one hand and revolvers in +the other, but his low, angry growl caused us, even then, to hesitate a +moment before venturing further. + +"Now, you take this 'ere torch, youngster," said Jerry, addressing Ned, +"and hold it so you kin see, and then I kin. My narves is steadier'n +clock-work, and I'll do the shootin'." + +Another forward movement, and another growl saluted our ears. + +"Steady, there," said Jerry, "I see him;" and the next instant, he fired. + +As soon as the almost deafening reverberations and din, caused by the +discharge, had subsided, holding our torches so as to throw the light as +far in advance as possible, we entered the cave, and in one corner found +a large black bear--dead. + +"Hurrah!" cried Ned. "We've got him! Ain't he a noble fellow?" + +"Here's room enough for all," said Jerry, as the extent of the cave was +made apparent. "We'll get our critters in, and have bar meat for supper, +sure." The apartment in which we were standing was about twenty feet +square, and nearly as many high, and, in one corner, we found a spring of +clear, cool water. + +"Nothing could be nicer than this," declared Ned. "I'd like to stay here +for a month; it's just splendid," But Ned's enthusiasm soon died out, for +we discovered unmistakable evidence that Indians were in the habit of +visiting it. We determined to pass the night there, however, which we did +without being disturbed, and the next morning again started for the mine, +which we reached about two o'clock in the afternoon. + +The mine consisted of a horizontal shaft, cut into the mountain-side, +that had reached a depth of between two and three hundred feet; the ore +being drawn up in large leathern buckets, by mule power, attached to a +windlass. Such portions as were deemed sufficiently rich were at once +conveyed to the smelting furnace, where the pure ore was melted down and +extracted from the virgin fossil. If of inferior quality, it was +submitted to the process of amalgamation. + +We found much to interest us while examining the working of the mine, +which was conducted upon the old Mexican plan. Ned was particularly +pleased with the manner of packing the silver, which was in rough cakes, +for transportation. + +These were placed in sacks made of raw hide, which, when dry, shrunk, and +thus pressed the contents so closely, that all friction was avoided. Two +of these sacks, each containing about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of +the ore, constituted an ordinary mule-load. + +We spent the entire day at the mine, watching the process of separating +the ore, extracting the gold, roasting, grinding, etc., and the following +day returned to El Paso, with the intention of leaving for Fort Fillmore +immediately. + +As soon as we arrived at this post, in company with Ned, I called upon +Lieutenant Howland, then in command, and communicated to him the facts +regarding the attack upon, and capture of a portion of our party, and +from him learned the startling intelligence that a scout from Fort +Stanton, had that day arrived at the post, reporting that, the day +previous, he had discovered the fresh trail of a party of Indians near +the eastern base of the Organos Mountains, who had with them, three white +persons, one of whom, was a woman. + +As soon as Ned heard the lieutenant make this statement, he started to +his feet, exclaiming, "That's them! that's them! Hurrah! we'll find 'em, +sure. Let's start now!" and away he went to carry the glad tidings to the +camp. + + +CHAPTER X. + +At my request, the scout was sent for. He proved to be a keen, shrewd +Yankee, who had spent the last twenty years of his life, among the +mountains of New Mexico. + +His statement was clear and concise, and showed a familiarity with Indian +manners and habits, that entitled his opinion to great weight. After a +long interview, both Lieutenant Howland and myself became convinced that +Hal and Juanita were with the party he described. So positive was the +lieutenant that he volunteered to send a force in pursuit early on the +following morning, with Tom Pope as guide. + +When this determination was announced I hastened back to camp to consult +old Jerry, and found all assembled around Ned, who was repeating over and +over again, the story told by Tom. Even Patsey, whom I had scarcely +noticed since he joined the train, was tossing his well-worn cap in the +air, catching it upon the toe of a toeless boot, while executing a lively +Irish jig, and exclaiming every time he drew a long breath,-- + +"Whoo-o-o-op! think of it now, will yez! The boss has got the byse, sure. +Whoo-o-o-op now, whoo-o-op!" + +In fact, all seemed delighted at the idea of our receiving even the +meagre information we had obtained at the fort. + +As soon as Jerry found a moment's leisure, I gave him a detailed account +of the interview with Tom Pope, as well as Lieutenant Howland's opinion +regarding it. + +He expressed much satisfaction at the Lieutenant's intention to pursue +the party, and asked, if I thought the guide would object to his +accompanying him on the expedition. + +While talking the matter over, we saw Tom himself approaching camp. Jerry +at once recognized him as an old Comanche scout, whom he had once met in +Texas; and the two were soon upon the most friendly terms. It was +understood, that Jerry and myself were to accompany Tom on the +expedition, and finally I obtained permission to take Ned along. + +I invited Tom to remain and take supper with us, and afterwards, while +Jerry was making his preparations for the morrow's expedition, Ned and +Patsey asked Tom for a story; but Tom said "he warn't no account at story +tellin' and would let that job out to somebody else." + +Remembering Jerry's remark, that Tom was a Comanche scout, I asked him if +he had had much experience with that tribe. + +"Consid'rable," answered he. + +"Is it a fact, that the Comanches frequently cook their meat by placing +it under the saddle and riding on it all day?" asked I. + +"I 'spect 'tis," replied Tom; "leastways, I've seen 'em do it, and done +it myself." + +"Oh! tell us all about it Tom, will you?" cried Ned. + +"Wall, I don't mind telling you about that, youngster, though I ain't +much of a story-teller. You just wait till I get my pipe filled, and I'll +spin a yarn for you, as they used to say down in New Bedford." + +"Be gorra, now, ain't this fun?" exclaimed Patsey, as he and Ned settled +themselves in a comfortable position by the fire, to listen to-- + +TOM'S STORY. + +Having filled and lighted his pipe, he began. + +"Six years ago this fall, I had been down to Mattamoras on the Rio +Grande, and returning home, had camped for the night, in the ruins of an +Old ranche on the San Saba. Wall, I was alone and pretty tired. I didn't +think nothin' about Injuns, so I went ter sleep; and when I woke up I was +a prisoner, with a dozen Comanches caperin' round me." + +"I couldn't do nothin', 'cause they'd taken my rifle and my knife; so I +jist made up my mind, that I'd better keep still and wait for my chance +to come. They tied my hands behind me, and put me on a horse. Then we +started, and I soon saw that they had been down into Mexico on a stealing +expedition, and had had, good luck; for they had five scalps, and nearly +a hundred head of Spanish mares, that they were a-driving home with 'em +to their village, which was on the Clear Fork of the Brazos." + +"In ten days, we got to within about a mile of their home, and then we +halted; and one of the braves, all painted and fixed up in regular war +style, started in to let 'em know we were there." + +"Pretty soon one of their squaws came out to meet us, and then the +Injuns, fixed to a long lance the five scalps they had taken, and we all +started for the village, the squaw leading and carryin' the scalp-pole, +all the while singing a war-song." + +"Just before we got into their settlement we were met by a lot of the +women folks, who joined in the procession. Then we went through the +village. The squaws danced as they went along and made a great noise, +singing songs about the brave deeds of their husbands and sons, who had +taken so many scalps and stolen so many cattle." + +"I'd been wonderin' all the time what they were going ter do with me. +Then we stopped before the chief's lodge,--Tabba-ken, or the Big Eagle, +he was called,--and they motioned for me to dismount. I hadn't hardly +struck the ground, before I found what they were going to do with me; for +would you believe it, every old squaw and pappoose in that village, that +had strength enough, flew at me and commenced biting, and kicking, and +scratching me. You see I couldn't do much, for my hands were tied, but I +made up my mind that Tom Pope would die like a man, even though he never +had calculated to be bit and kicked to death, by a lot of Comanche +squaws." + +"So I jest set my teeth, and stood the pain the best I was able. After a +while, they got tired of the fun, and quit; but you never see such a +lookin' chap as I was when they got through. Why, there wasn't a spot on +me as big as a five-cent piece, that didn't show some kind of a mark. I +thought I had a pretty hard time in some of my travels, before, but +t'warn't no tetch ter that Comanche village. I was sore for a month after +it." + +"Arter they'd got through with their fun, they set me to work and kept me +at it, till I finally got away from 'em; though they treated me well +enough after the first few days. When I got into Phantom Hill, the +officers there told me, that they treated me as they always did all their +prisoners. I had enough to eat, such as it was, and hain't no complaints +to make on that score. They had two Mexican women who were prisoners +there, and old Tabba-ken himself had married one of 'em." + +"Do they have any particular ceremonies, when they start on the war-path, +Tom?" asked I. + +"I saw one party start out ter fight the Arapahoes; and I see 'em come +back, too," replied Tom. + +"One morning I see that a lot of the braves took their bows and arrows, +and placed 'em on the east side of their lodges. They was all ornamented +and fixed, and set where the sun's first rays should fall on 'em. That +night a lot of the squaws commenced going around through the village, +singing their war-songs, and making a great noise. They kept it up for +three nights, so that I couldn't sleep a wink; and I asked one of the +Mexican women what it all meant. She told me, that it was a war-party, +getting ready for an expedition. + +"I'd suspected as much, when I see the braves a-cavortin' around so +lively on their horses, and makin' such a fuss as they did. + +"She said, that they worshipped the sun, and their weapons was set out +there for the sun to bless, and give them good luck against their +enemies. They kept up these doin's for four or five days, and then they +had a grand war-dance; and the next morning at sunrise (they always start +on an expedition just at sunrise) a party of twenty braves, started off +to the north." + +"Do they make the squaws work, like the other Indian tribes, Tom?" asked +Ned. + +"Yes! Injuns is Injuns, wherever you find 'em," answered Tom. "The squaws +allers do the hard work, and the men the heavy layin' round and talkin'." + +"Oh! be gorra; don't I wish I was a Injin," exclaimed Patsey. + +"Well," continued Tom, "after I'd been with 'em a couple of months or so, +they kind er got a notion that I didn't care much about gittin' away, and +didn't keep a very strict watch over me; so, one night, when I see +Carline (that was my old rifle) lyin' by one of the lodges, I made up my +mind to scoot. They was havin' a big time that night, gittin' ready for +another expedition, and I knew they'd be putty busy. As soon as 'twas +dark, I picked up the rifle, and, kind er slowly, made my way down ter +where their critters was feedin', and picked out the best hoss of the +lot, put a saddle on him, and started down the river towards the fort at +Phantom Hill. 'Twas a good hundred miles away; but I made up my mind I'd +fetch it, if nothin' happened. + +"I rode putty hard all night; and, just after daylight, saw some deer on +the prairie, and shot one, never thinkin' that I hadn't another charge +for my rifle, and no way of buildin' a fire ter cook with. + +"Yer see the Injuns always start a fire by rubbin' two dry sticks +together, but I hadn't no time for that, 'cause I wanted to put as many +miles as I could between me and ther village. While I was a-wonderin' +what ter do, I happened to think about puttin' it under the saddle; so I +hunted round and found a sharp stone, and managed to cut some putty fair +slices out ev the leg, and clapped 'em under the saddle and rode on. + +"I got pretty hungry by noon, so I stopped to let my horse eat a little, +and looked at my steaks, and they was cooked just as nice as I ever see +steaks cooked in my life; and they was good, too, you bet. + +"I made a tip-top meal, and then thought I'd lay down and take a little +nap. I slept for an hour or two, and then saddled up, and rode along. +Putty soon I happened ter look round, and, blast my picter, ef there +warn't eight Comanches a-comin' after me like the very devil. + +"I just put the spurs to my hoss; and from the best calculations I could +make, I made up my mind thet they'd ketch me in just about ten miles +further. I see they was a-gainin' on me, and I hadn't nothin' to defend +myself with but a empty rifle, and that warn't no account agin bows and +arrows; so I throwed it away, and made up my mind, if wost came to wost, +I'd take my chances in the river, 'cause yer see the Comanches never let +a prisoner get away the second time. I kept urgin' my hoss, and the +critter kep' tryin', but I see he was about blowed, an' 'twarn't no use. +I had just concluded I must take to the river, when I happened to look up +and see a dozen soldiers coming right towards me. The Injuns see 'em as +quick as I did, and the way they turned and put back was a caution to +anything I ever see." + +"What were the soldiers doing there?" asked Ned. + +"Why, they was a scoutin' party out from the post, about twenty miles +below where we was. They chased the Injuns, but the devils scattered and +'twarn't no use. + +"I went in to the fort with 'em, and stayed thar about a week, and then +went down to San Antonio with Major Neighbors, the Injun agent. +Afterwards, I heard that the soldiers went up and cleaned the village +out, but I don't know nothin' about that. + +"There, youngsters, you've hed your story, and I reckon if you're goin' +with me to-morrow, you'd better go ter bed and git some sleep, and I'll +go back to the fort, and git ready, myself." + +Ned was delighted with Tom's story, while Patsey declared that "he'd thry +that way of cooking, steak the first blissid thing he did in the +mornin',--that he would, sure." + +With the first faint streak of light in the eastern sky, our little party +were on their way to the fort. We found that Lieutenant Howland had +detailed a squad of twenty of the "Mounted Rifles" under command of +Lieutenant Jackson, and ordered them provisions, for ten days. They were +to start at sunrise, and Tom Pope was to lead them directly to the +_canon_, where he had seen the trail, which we were to follow, until +we overtook the thieves. + +Promptly, as the morning gun, announced the sun's appearance above the +horizon, Lieutenant Jackson, with the dragoons, rode into the parade- +ground, ready for a start. The final orders were given, and we fell into +line, and rode slowly forth in the direction of the mountains, followed, +not only by the good wishes of every man in the post, but by Patsey's +brogans, which he threw after us for "good luck, inyhow," with such force +that one struck a soldier in the head, and nearly knocked him out of the +saddle, much to his surprise and anger, and greatly to the amusement of +the spectators. + +We struck into a brisk canter, and were soon out of sight of the post and +settlements. Our course lay to the east of north, over an elevated, arid +plain, covered with a thick growth of prickly-pear, and scrubby mesquite. + +The mesquite is a shrub that somewhat resembles our locust. Its wood is +hard and close-grained, and its branches bear a long, narrow pod, filled +with saccharine matter, which, when ripe, furnishes a very palatable +article of food, that is relished both by men and animals. + +The principal value of the mesquite, however, is for its roots, which are +used for fuel and very fine fuel they make, quite equal to the best +hickory. + +The plain over which we were now travelling, was more than four thousand +feet above the level of the sea. Notwithstanding its immense elevation, +it was covered with a peculiar kind of grass called _grama_, which +retains its nutritious qualities throughout the whole year. This grass is +sometimes cut by the inhabitants, who use for the purpose a hoe. It will +thus be seen, that, on these plains, wood is obtained with a spade and +hay secured by the hoe. + +A ride of seven hours brought us to the eastern side of the mountains, +whose lofty, pinnacled peaks rose above us to the height of more than +three thousand feet, strangely and perfectly resembling the pipes of an +immense organ, from which fact the _Sierra de los Organos_ takes its +name. + +As we approached this remarkable range, we found a thick growth of live-oak +skirting its base, and could hardly resist the temptation, to enjoy +the cool and delicious shade, which their thick branches afforded; but we +pushed on, and in another hour reached the entrance to the _canon_, +in which Tom had discovered the Indians' trail. Here we found it +necessary to advance with the greatest precaution, as the dark pines and +evergreens, growing in the narrow defile, afforded an excellent place for +the concealment of our foes. + +Jerry and Tom, rode a short distance in advance of the party, and we +slowly made our way up the gorge for about four hundred yards, when we +came to a large reservoir, or basin, into which the water from a spring +high up on the mountain-side, slowly trickled. + +The guides examined this place with great care, for Tom declared it had +not been disturbed since he left it, two days before. We found evidence +sufficient to substantiate Tom's opinion fully, for we discovered the +tracks of three white persons, one of whom was a woman. Ned insisted that +he recognized Hal's footprints, while Jerry identified the peculiar shape +of one of the mule's tracks, by means of a shoe he himself fitted to the +animal. + +Satisfied at last that we were on the right trail, the lieutenant decided +to halt for a short time to feed and rest. + +While Ned was strolling about the encampment, he accidentally trod upon a +rattlesnake, and the venomous reptile, sounding his rattle, made a spring +and fastened his teeth into the boy's pants, just below the knee. I +chanced to be looking towards him at the moment, and saw him, without the +least hesitation draw his sheath-knife, and sever its head from its body, +with one stroke, leaving the head hanging to the leg of his pants. I +hurried towards him, but the boy was not in the least disconcerted or +frightened, although he could not tell if he had been bitten or not. An +examination showed that the fangs of the snake had passed through the +cloth and left their imprint upon the leather of his boot-leg, without +penetrating it. + +[Illustration: Snake Incident.] + +We all congratulated him upon his narrow escape, and Lieutenant Jackson +told him that few men would have shown more nerve or presence of mind +under the circumstances than he had done. Tom Pope asserted the boy was a +"born Injin hunter," and old Jerry declared that he was "willing to make +a 'ception, so fur as Ned was concarned, though he'd be darned if he'd do +it for t'other one; for boys like him hadn't no bizness on the plains, no +how." + +Once more mounting our horses, we emerged from the cool and grateful +shade, out into the burning sunshine of the plain, when, making sure of +the trail, our guides started at a brisk canter towards the north-east, +followed by the entire party. + +The trail was so plain and well-defined, that we were able to ride at a +good round pace, which was kept up until long after the sun had set and +darkness had fairly encompassed us. Finally we came to good grass, and +the lieutenant ordered a halt. + +Shortly after unsaddling our horses, Tom came to me, and said, "Be you +pretty sure, judge, that them fellers was Comanches, that attacked you?" + +I replied at once that I was. + +"What makes you think so?" inquired Tom. + +Up to this time I had not entertained a thought that they could be other +than Comanches. Now that my reasons for the opinion had been asked, I saw +that the only cause for it was the fact, that the attack had been made in +the Comanche country, and so far towards the interior, that the +possibility of their belonging to any other tribe had not entered my +mind. + +I replied, that I had no other reason for supposing them to be Comanches +than the one above given. + +"Well," said Tom, "as me and Jerry was ridin' along this arternoon, I +found this 'ere thing along side ther trail, so I picked it up ter show +yer." + +As he spoke, he produced an old, well-worn moccasin, which, at a glance, +I recognized as having been made by the Apaches, its shape being entirely +different from those manufactured or worn by any other tribe. + +For an instant I was speechless, utterly overwhelmed by the terrible +revelation. + +I thought of the warm-hearted, impulsive Hal, and the winsome, pretty +Juanita, prisoners in the hands of the cruel and merciless Apaches, who +were never known to surrender a captive alive. Then, as I thought of a +worse fate than death, that was in store for the bright, beautiful girl, +I thanked God that her old father was spared the anguish that such a +knowledge would have caused him. + + +CHAPTER XI. + +As soon as I dared trust myself to speak, I said, in a tone of voice that +I was conscious must betray my anxiety to hear my own opinion condemned,-- + +"This is an Apache's moccasin, isn't it?" + +"'Tis, for sartin," said Tom. "No other red-skinned varmint but a +devilish Apache, ever wore that moccasin." + +"And what do you argue from that, Tom?" inquired I. + +"Ther ain't nothin' to argue," sententiously answered Tom. "The gal's +been took by the Apaches instead of the Comanches, and that's all there +is of it; that moccasin tells the whole story. Ask Jerry. Me and him +agreed on that pint, as soon as ever we see it." + +"It's surer'n preachin', judge," said Jerry, as he came up to where we +were standing; "and there ain't no help for it." + +"Well, what can we do, Jerry?" + +"Do! foller till we git 'em, if we foiler 'em to hell. We mustn't leave +the trail now, till we know the gal's dead, for sartin. She'll be safe, +ez long ez they're travellin'; but if they ever git to where they're +going,--well judge, I'd rather see the pretty little critter layin' right +here, dead, than to meet her, that's sartin." + +I immediately sought the lieutenant, and informed him of the terrible +facts I had just learned. + +"I feared as much from the first," said he, "for during all the years +I've been stationed on this frontier, I've never known the Comanches to +venture so far 'up country' as this, but have frequently known the +Mescalleros to pass through the Comanche country into Mexico. I fear we +shall find this to be a band of Mescallero Apaches, but I shall follow +them, as long as my men and animals hold out. I have ordered a halt now, +because, twenty miles from here, in the direction that we are travelling, +we shall come to an extensive deposit of pure, white sand, in which we +shall be liable to lose the trail at night; and I want to reach there as +near daybreak as possible, so as not to waste more time than is necessary +in finding it. We shall rest here until midnight, so you'd better turn in +and get what sleep you can." + +Midnight found us once more in the saddle, and when, some hours later, we +reached the deposit referred to, an examination showed, that, instead of +crossing it, the trail skirted its southern edge for a couple of miles, +and then took an easterly course towards the Sacramento Mountains, +distant about twenty-five miles. + +Our course lay in the vicinity of two or three little _salinas_, or +salt lakes, but over an arid, barren plain, destitute of any vegetation, +except mesquite _chaparral_; and about three o'clock in the +afternoon, we reached the timber that skirted the base of the mountains. + +As the guides, who were some distance in advance, reached the extreme end +of a spur, around which the trail led, we saw them pause for a few +moments, and then hasten towards us. + +Upon reaching us, old Jerry, in a voice husky with emotion, said, +"They're there for sartin;" pointing towards the end of the spur. + +A retreat to the cover of the trees was instantly ordered, when the +guides informed us, that upon reaching the point of rocks, they +discovered several animals grazing in the meadow beyond, and that the +Indians must be encamped in the immediate vicinity; but in order to make +sure, would leave their horses with us, and return and make a +_reconnoissance_. + +They returned a couple of hours later, reporting that they had discovered +the camp, but owing to its situation, could not get near enough to see +into it, without running too much risk of discovery. There was one +"wickey-up," [The name given by scouts to Apache huts.] however, made of +brush, in which the girl was undoubtedly confined. From appearances they +thought the Indians intended to remain there, long enough to recruit +their stock, as the grass was very good; and that as soon as it should be +dark, they would return and take a closer inspection of the camp. Nothing +more remained for us to do therefore, but to "possess our souls with +patience" until darkness came. + +Now that we were so near the success or failure of the expedition for +which we had endured so much fatigue and anxiety, it was impossible to +remain quiet. Every moment seemed an hour. Ned was constantly on the +move, apparantly unable to remain in one position an instant. He had +anticipated accompanying us in the attack upon the Indian camp, but the +lieutenant positively forbade it, saying, that he was not only too young, +but too good a fellow to be shot by Apaches, that year. + +This did not satisfy Ned, however, who came to me to intercede for him, +saying, that he wanted so much to be the first one to greet Hal, and had +come so far to do it, it was pretty hard to be disappointed then. + +I spoke to the lieutenant in regard to the matter, but he was very +decided in his refusal, saying that the boy must stay in camp, and if +necessary, he should put him under guard. + +Ned bore his disappointment with wonderful fortitude, I thought, for he +made no remark, even when I spoke of the "guard" hinted at, except to say +that "he wished it was all over;" a wish that I echoed from the bottom of +my heart. + +It was with a feeling of relief that I saw the guides start to once more +reconnoitre the Indian camp. + +Everything had been prepared in our own camp for an immediate movement-- +the guard had been detailed, horses saddled and bridled, ready for use, +if needed, ammunition distributed, and every detail faithfully executed. + +The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together +in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the +sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon +the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of +firearms. + +What did it mean? + +The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, +was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound. + +The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, +saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed +in white. Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the +situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from +the weapons of Indians. + +Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, +in an excited manner. + +"Take keer o' her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!" + +Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and +Apparantly unharmed. I carried her to camp, when, finding she had +fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance +of the party. + +Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and +the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their +stock. + +While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they +discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in +my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears +running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a +little child, exclaiming,-- + +"Oh! I'm so glad! I'm so glad!" + +As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,-- + +"Where's Juanita?" + +I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; +and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had +recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return. + +Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was +well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,-- + +"Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth." + +"But didn't I tell you you would?" inquired Hal. + +"Yes," responded the girl, "you did; but I heard you and Anastacio--" + +"By the way, where is Anastacio?" interrupted I. Poor fellow! He had been +entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, +escorting him between them. + +There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness +and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its +ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners. I +could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so +short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity. +Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling _senorita_ who +entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking +young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand +alone. + +Hal, on the contrary, declared that he was "tougher than a knot," and +"dirtier than any greaser," a statement, which we readily believed when +he informed us "that he hadn't washed for ten days." + +I ordered supper prepared at once. The Lieutenant came in soon after, and +reported that three of the Indians had been killed, and two, badly +wounded. Besides this, fifteen animals had been captured, and all the +camp equipage of the savages. + +Looking around for Ned, he soon discovered him, and said,-- + +"You young rascal, you! I told you to stay in camp, and the first one I +saw over there, was you." Then, in a kinder tone, he inquired if he was +much hurt? + +Hurt! it was the first intimation I had that he had been hurt; and for a +moment, my heart almost jumped into my throat, notwithstanding the boy +insisted it was nothing. + +An examination showed that an arrow had penetrated the fleshy part of his +arm above the elbow, but without inflicting serious injury. The wound was +soon dressed, supper eaten, Juanita made as comfortable as possible for +the night, and then we gathered about the camp-fire to hear Tom Pope, +relate the story of the capture, as follows:-- + +"Me'n Jerry, started from here, and crawled through the grass and +underbrush, till we got pretty close to the varmints' camp. We seed ten +or a dozen of 'em layin' about, some doin' one thing and some another. +All of a suddent we seed the gal, there, crawl out of the 'wickey-up.' +She looked round as though she wanted to see somebody, for she started +and walked out a little ways. Jest then, a big buck Injun, got up and +follered her, but she walked on, right towards us, till she was within a +dozen feet of where me'n Jerry lay hid. + +"The Injun told her in Spanish, to go back, and took her by the shoulder +to make her do it. Quicker'n lightnin', Jerry made a spring, and, afore +the Injun see him, he give him a blow with the butt of his rifle, that +stunned him, and grabbed the gal and run. + +"The Injun give a kind of grunt as he fell. One of the others started to +see what was the matter, I s'pose, so I let Mertilda," patting his rifle, +"talk to him, and he laid right down without speakin' a word." + +"As soon as the Injuns in camp heard Mertilda speak, eight or ten of 'em +jumped up and started towards us. But yer see, Jerry'd got so fur, they +couldn't stop him. The sojers was right on to 'em, and give 'em 'Hail +Columby,' and no mistake. + +"That's my report, Lieutenant. That youngster there," pointing to Ned, +"is real grit. I seed the arrer strike him, and he a-pullin' of it out, +runnin' towards 'em all the time. Jest as sure's yer live, yer can call +Tom Pope a liar, if Jerry Vance didn't save that gal's life; 'cause, if +we'd ever attacked the Injuns in camp, the first thing they'd 'a' done, +would ha' been to killed the prisoners. I know the Apaches some, I +reckon." + +[Illustration: The Litter.] + +A consultation was now held as to the best manner of getting Juanita to +the fort comfortably, and it was decided to construct a "mountain-litter." +This was done the next morning, by procuring two stout poles, +about twenty feet in length, and lashing them firmly to two short pieces +of wood about three feet long and six feet apart: we then stretched a +blanket between the poles, so as to form a comfortable bed. Two steady +mules were selected and harnessed between the poles, in the front and +rear of the bed, thus making a comfortable carriage. + +Breakfast over, Juanita was placed in the carriage, and we started for +the fort, travelling slowly and making frequent halts. Ned scarcely +mentioned his wound; and, during the four days consumed on the trip, we +were all delighted to see that Juanita was daily recovering her bloom, +and buoyancy of spirits. + +Upon reaching Fillmore, I dispatched Anastacio at once to Fort Bliss, +informing Colonel Magoffin, of the result of our expedition, and asking +him to send an ambulance through to Chihuahua with Juanita, in charge of +Anastacio. + +Two days later, the colonel's own carriage, with four good road-mules, +arrived, with an invitation, asking Juanita to accept his hospitality at +Fort Bliss, and promising that Anastacio should accompany her, to her +father's _hacienda_. + +Juanita decided to leave on the following morning; and, during the +afternoon, I was surprised to learn, that Hal had ridden up to Las +Cruces, six miles above the fort; but, shortly after his return, I +noticed upon Juanita's finger, a little gold ring, that I had not seen +before, so I ventured pleasantly to refer to it, in the course of +conversation that evening, and was informed, with many blushes, that it +was-only a memento, of their trip through the Apache country. + +In the morning, however, I almost had a pitched battle with Hal, to +prevent him from accompanying Juanita to her home; and it was only +through compromising, and permitting him to ride a few miles in the +carriage with her, that I avoided it. + +We all bade her good-by, with hearts filled to overflowing with +thankfulness, for her release from the hands of her cruel captors; and, +wishing her all manner of good luck, and a happy reunion with her father, +the carriage drove off, but not until Hal had climbed in and taken the +vacant seat by her side. + +When he returned, a few hours later, his face radiant with happiness, I +made up my mind that it would not be his fault, if he did not again see +the young lady, before many months had elapsed. + +During the evening I was aroused from the revery into which I had fallen, +by an unusual disturbance in camp; and, on proceeding to ascertain the +cause, found that Hal, had been endeavoring to thrash Patsey. On calling +the delinquents before me, I was informed by Hal, that Patsey had spoken +insultingly of Juanita, an offence that he had at once resented by +attempting to chastise him. + +Upon inquiring as to the words used, Patsey said,-- + +"Sure, sur, I only axed him did Juanita look as tickled as he did, and he +come at me wid his phists, so he did; but he'll be aisy about sthriking +me the nixt time. Dye'r moind that, noo, yer honor!" + +"He'd no business to call her Juanita," angrily exclaimed Hal. + +"Phat would I call her, thin?" asked Patsey. + +"Call her by her proper name, the Senorita Ortiz," said Hal, with much +dignity. + +"And phat, would I be givin' her that jaw-crackin' name fur, when her +name's Juanita?" + +"But her name isn't Juanita to her inferiors, only to her intimate +friends," explained Hal. + +"Infariors, sure! Ain't an Irishman as good as a Mexican, any day? An', +if yez think I'm your infarior, jest come out here and thry it, sure; +that's all, Master Hal." + +I stopped the controversy at once, by telling Hal that Patsey had no +intention of offending, and there was no occasion for his attempt to +chastise him. + +"Oh, he won't thry it again, sur, niver fear," interrupted Patsey. "If he +does," declared he in a tone intended only for Hal's ear, "I'll break +ivery bone in his body, so I will." + +After Patsey had gone, I did not reprimand Hal, only sent him to his +tent; for, judging from his crestfallen air, he had suffered physically +as well as mentally in the encounter. + + +CHAPTER XII. + +We remained in camp the next day, visiting the officers at the fort, and +taking our farewell of them, with many regrets. Nor did we forget a +generous reminder to Tom Pope, to whose keen observation, quick wit, +daring bravery, and perseverance we owed, in so large a degree, the +success of our expedition. + +The following morning, we crossed the Rio Grande and found ourselves in +the celebrated Mesilla valley, one of the most fertile and productive, in +the Territory of New Mexico. + +The town itself has a population of about one thousand souls, and was +first settled in 1850, by colonists from Chihuahua. All land in this +portion of the territory is cultivated by irrigation; and, as this was +the first time Hal had ever seen it practiced to any extent, he asked +permission to remain behind in town a little while, to witness the +operation. Ned also expressed a desire to see it, and, after consulting +Jerry, I assented to their request, believing with him, "that they'd find +mighty hard work to git inter any scrape in such a God-forsaken town as +that was, anyhow." + +We crossed the valley, and then ascended the high lands west of the town, +through which our road lay, expecting to make our camp about sixteen +miles from the river, and get an early start in the morning, to enable us +to reach Cook's Springs, the following night. + +As we rode along, I noticed that the distant range of blue mountains +before us, seemed to have risen from the earth, and to be reposing upon +the line of flickering heat that marked the horizon, and, in a short +time, that groups of trees and huge rocks appeared, standing high in air, +like islands in mid ocean. + +Calling Jerry's attention to their singular appearance, he pronounced it +a _mirage_, which I watched with great curiosity; for it was the +first time I had ever seen the phenomenon. + +In a little while, the long line of trees connected themselves at each +end, with the land below, and then we saw, a beautiful lake, with its +white-capped waves gently driven before the breeze, rippling and dancing +in the bright sunlight, like living things of life and beauty. The +picture grew larger and larger as we rode, changing into a mighty ocean, +with a grand old rocky shore, which appeared to be indented with scores +of little bays and bayous, upon the banks of which, grew great live-oaks, +their umbrageous tops casting a shade so refreshing, that it was with the +greatest difficulty I could be persuaded that the scene was not a +reality. + +I could only console myself, however, with the wish that the boys were +along to enjoy it with me; but they were in Mesilla, and Jerry was so +accustomed to sights of the kind, that he merely gave the beautiful +picture a passing glance, regarding it as one of the matter-of-course +things, to be met with on a trip like ours. + +We went into camp about four o'clock; and, just at twilight, the guard +that had been stationed back on the road about a quarter of a mile, came +riding furiously in, his swarthy face almost white from fright, shouting +at the top of his voice,-- + +"_Los Indios! los Indios! Los Apaches!_" + +In an instant the quiet camp became a scene of the utmost confusion. +Jerry's first thought was for the animals; mine, for the absent boys. I +stationed the men at what I deemed the best points for defense; and +Jerry, as soon as he had secured the mules, hastened to my side. We then +called the Mexican who had given the alarm, and found that the fellow had +really not seen anything, but had heard strange noises, that he believed +came from Apaches. + +Jerry volunteered to ride back and ascertain, if possible, the cause of +the disturbance. He had scarcely been gone five minutes, before one of +the Mexicans rushed towards me, saying,-- + +"Don Jerry is shouting to _El Senor_ from the rise of ground out +back upon the road." + +Springing upon my horse I rode rapidly toward the spot where he stood, +when the sight that met my gaze, almost convulsed me with laughter. + +Coming up the road were the boys. Ned was mounted upon his pony, and +trying to lead Hal's mule. Like most Spanish mules, the animal had a will +of its own, and would not be led; but on the contrary, pulled back so +strongly upon the lariat, which Ned had attached to the pommel of his +saddle, that the pony could scarcely move a step. + +Hal's coat was off, his face black with dust and sweat, and he, tugging +at a lariat drawn tightly over his shoulder, at the end of which was a +small black bear, scarcely more than a cub. The animal insisted upon +squatting on his haunches, and in that position, Hal was dragging him +through the dust, the creature all the while expressing his disapprobation +by low, snarling growls of defiance, and a vigorous shaking of himself +between each growl. + +[Illustration: Boys and Bear.] + +The strange medley of noises caused by the boys, the snarling bear, and +the obstinate mule, had been heard in the still twilight for a long +distance, by the guard, and mistaken for the approach of a party of +Apaches. + +"I wish you'd take this devilish bear," said Hal. + +"And won't you take this plaguy mule?" exclaimed Ned. + +Both looked so harassed and tired, that, although Jerry and I could not +help laughing at their ludicrous situation, we nevertheless pitied them. + +"Where in the world did you get that bear, Hal?" said I. + +"Get him? I bought him of a Mexican at Mesilla, and I'm going to take him +to California with me for a pet. He's tame." + +"Well," exclaimed Ned, "if you don't get him along faster than you have +to-day, you'll die of old age before you get there. We've been ever since +eleven o'clock getting here, and I'm so hungry and tired I can hardly sit +on my horse." + +"Pooh!" retorted Hal; "this is nothing. You ought to be taken prisoner by +the Apaches if you want to know what 'tis to be hungry and tired." + +"How much did you pay for him?" inquired I. + +"Only fifteen dollars," answered Hal. + +"What's that?" ejaculated Jerry. "Fifteen dollars! Wall, I dunno which is +the biggest fool, you or the bar. The greaser that swindled yer, ought to +be thrashed; and I've a notion of goin' back and doin' it, for I've felt +like thrashin' somebody for a good while. The bar ain't wuth fifteen +cents, and won't be nothin' but a bother. Mebbe though he might be good +for 'fresh,' if we git hard up." + +"He won't be any bother, and you shan't use him for meat. He's just as +tame as he can be. See here, now," said Hal, approaching the bear, and +attempting to put his hand upon its head. But Bruin snapped so viciously +that the boy jumped back in dismay, exclaiming, "Poor fellow! he's awful +tired, I suppose!" + +"Yes," said Jerry; "he'll be wus tired, though, afore you git him to +Californy. You'll have to lead him, every step of the way. He shan't be +hitched to no wagon, for the mules has got all the load they want to +draw, now. But I reckon we'd better be gettin' back to camp, or the +men'll think, we've been took by the 'Paches." + +Supper was soon dispatched, after we reached camp, the events of the day +talked over, we "turned in," and in a short time were fast asleep. + +In the middle of the night we were awakened by the most agonizing yells +and screams. + +Springing to my feet, I recognized Patsey's voice, and, as I hurried in +the direction of the sounds, I met the boy, half dead with fright, +rushing towards my tent. + +As soon as he recognized me, he fell upon his knees, and, crossing +himself, besought me, in heartrending tones; to "protict him, for the +Blissed Vargin's sake. The divil himself, your honor, has intered the +camp, and he got into bed wid me, to ate me up intirely!" + +All the time the boy was howling, and holding one hand under his arm, +while he danced a hornpipe and protested, that, if I'd save him this +time, he'd "niver stale another cint's worth as long as he lived, sure!" + +The whole camp was roused, but no one appeared to understand the cause of +Patsey's outbreak, and Hal finally suggested that he'd been dreaming. + +"Dramin', is it! I wish it had been dramin' I wuz. Boo! hoo! Didn't I sae +him wid me own eyes, shure?" + +After we had partially quieted him he was able to tell us, that, as he +was "slapin' paceably, he all ov a suddint felt somethin' in bed wid him, +that wuz swallowin' him intirely. A big black thing wuz lyin' right by +the side ov him, and wuz jest a-suckin' him in whole, for he had his arrm +in his throat clane up to his ilbow!" + +"It's that cub of a bear!" exclaimed Ned, interrupting Patsey's story. + +At the sound of the word "bear," all of Patsey's fears returned, with +renewed power, and he again commenced calling for "protiction," in +frantic tones. + +Going to the wagon under which Patsey had spread his blanket for the +night, we found that Hal had tied the bear near it. Getting rested from +the fatigue of his forced journey, the animal had crawled beneath the +wagon, and, attracted by the warmth of the blankets, placed himself by +the side of the sleeping boy, and, finding his hand uncovered, commenced +licking it. + +Patsey, thus awakened, had seen the creature's glaring eyes and shaggy +black coat, and, not knowing in his fright what it was, concluded his +Satanic Majesty had come for him, on account of his many sins and +transgressions. + +[Illustration: Under the Wagon.] + +Order was at last restored, and we retired once more, to be awakened some +hours later by Jerry's voice calling the men to prepare for the day's +journey. Our breakfast was soon cooked and eaten, and Hal having finally +induced Jerry, to permit him to tie his bear to the hind wagon, we were +on the road an hour before sunrise, encamping that night at Cook's +Springs, and the next afternoon reaching the Membris River about three +o'clock, where, with good water, and plenty of grass and wood, we made a +very pleasant camp. + +Immediately upon our arrival, Hal and Ned went out hunting; and in less +than an hour returned with three fine, fat turkeys, which were soon +cooking after the most approved style, in one of the large camp-kettles +that adorned our fire. + +Supper over, Jerry suggested that, as some repairs were necessary to one +of the wagons, we should remain in camp, and make them the following day. +This suggestion was received with so much pleasure by the boys, I at once +determined to adopt it. + +Hal proposed a hunting expedition for the morning, leaving Jerry and +myself to attend to the wagon. + +This we agreed to; and, about sunrise, the boys started, confident of +their ability to furnish us with a fine quantity of game before night. + +As they mounted their ponies, Jerry gave them the following advice:-- + +"Be keerful ter keep yer eyes and ears open; foller the course of the +river, and don't git out'er sight of it, whatever yer do. There's three +kind 'er game in this country, yer want ter steer clear of, sartin: +them's Injins, bars, and painters. And be keerful to git back afore +sundown, whatever else you do." + +"I shan't steer clear of 'painters' or bears, you bet," said Hal. "If I +see one, I shall go for it, and as for Indians, I've had quite enough +experience to know how to handle them, without any advice from you, Mr. +Jerry. I guess we can take care of ourselves;" and away they rode. + +"That boy knows less, for a fellow that thinks he knows so much, than +anybody I ever see. Why, he don't know nothin', compared ter Ned, if he +does talk ten times as much. I used ter think, when I was a boy, thet the +feller thet hed the longest tongue, knowed the most; but them's the ones +that don't know nothin'; and he's one of 'em, sartin," said Jerry. + +I ventured to remark that Hal was a boy yet, and that we ought not to +expect too much wisdom in one so young as he. + +"But ain't t'other a boy, ez well?" inquired Jerry; "and hain't he got +ten times as much sense? However, less go and look at that wagon, and see +what's got ter be done to it." + +The repairs kept Jerry and myself busy during the forenoon; and, after +they were finished, Jerry proposed that we should take our rifles, and +see if we couldn't get some game on our own account. + +This suggestion met my cordial approval; and, after giving directions +concerning the camp, Jerry and myself started across the prairie, +intending to strike the river some miles above, and follow its course +down; hoping, in this way, to fall in with the boys, on their return. + +We rode along for several miles without seeing any game, save a few +antelope, and they at such a distance, that Jerry though it not best to +follow them; and, after a time, decided to make our way to the river and +follow it down to camp. + +It was a beautiful day: such a one as always brings peace and quiet to +the most restless mind. I felt its effects most sensibly, and remarked to +Jerry, that I rarely had seen so perfect a day in any country, and it +seemed almost too bad, that so lovely a section could be given over to +the possession of savages and wild beasts. + +"'Tis, sartin," he replied; "both on 'em thrive here. I'm thinkin', +though, 'twon't be many years afore white men'll git in here, and then +the Injuns and painters, and sich like'll, hev to leave it. Why, there's +lots o' gold jest above here. I've known plenty of scouts that hev brung +it in. The white folks'll git hold of it one of these days, and then the +country'll fill up like Californy. + +"Yer see thet little mountain right ahead of us, don't yer? Wall, I +r'member thet place. There's a narrer pass through thet hill, thet we've +got ter go through. I've been in it once afore, and it's a mighty +pokerish place, I tell yer: however, we'll git along all right, I +reckon." + +In a short time we reached the entrance to the _canon_, which was +indeed a narrow pass. Huge rocks, hundreds of feet high, towered above +and upon each side of us, their dark, moss-grown surface rendering the +narrow passage so gloomy, that, in spite of myself, I felt a cold shiver +run over me, that gave me an involuntary sensation of danger, which I +could not throw off. + +Turning to Jerry, I said, "Isn't there any danger here?" + +"Danger!" repeated Jerry, "of course there's danger, everywhere in this +country. We ain't out of danger a minute. Ha! ha! ha!" and he laughed so +loudly, that the rocks above us caught the sound and hurled it against +the opposite side of the _canon_, where it seemed to be detained for +a moment by some overhanging cliff, and then sent back, reverberating and +re-echoing, now faint and indistinct, then clear and well-defined, to +again die away in the distance, to once more approach nearer and nearer, +louder and louder, until finally catching upon the sharp edge of some +far-jutting crag, it shivered into a dozen, startlingly distinct peals of +laughter, that seemed to my terrified senses like the shouts of demons, +exulting at our temerity in venturing within their own well-chosen +realms. + +So terrifying was the effect upon me, that, for a few moments, I could +not persuade myself that it was but an echo I heard. The blood surged to +my heart and receeded so suddenly, that I was hardly able to sit erect +upon my horse. As soon as I could speak, I said,-- + +"Come, let us go back, Jerry. I want to get out of this, as soon as I +can." + +"We've got ter git ter camp, an' this's the nearest way; but, ef you're +afraid, we'll turn back. That warn't nothin' ter hurt, though, it did +sound kind er skeery. Ther shortest way's always ther best in this +country, so let's go ahead," said Jerry. + +"I don't know that we are any more likely to meet danger in this +_canon_ than we are out of it," said I; "but it's one of the most +dismal and sunless places I ever was in." + +"Well, 'twon't be many minutes afore we're out on the plains agin, so +we'll ride along kind er midlin fast;" and, putting spurs to our horses, +we soon emerged from the gloomy defile, out into the bright sunshine +again. + +Once clear of the shadows, I seemed to overcome the forebodings of +danger, that had so oppressed me in the _canon_; and, in a few +moments, the unpleasant sensations produced by the echo, entirely +disappeared. + +While thus riding along, the sound of a rifle-shot, a long distance away, +fell upon our ears. + +"That's them boys, for sartin," said Jerry. "They're in better luck than +we be, for they've seen somethin' to shoot at,--an' so do I," continued +he in a lower tone, pointing towards a little knoll a short distance away +from the trail we were following. + +I knew in an instant, from the tone of his voice, that he had made an +unpleasant discovery, and was satisfied it was Indians. Still I looked, +and saw, upon the top of the knoll, in bold relief against the sky, two +Indians sitting upon their ponies. + +One of them held a hand in the air above his head, which Jerry at once +said, was the Apache way of asking for a parley. + +"We'll hev ter give it to 'em, though we must be mighty keerful," +continued he, "'cause it's next to sartin, thet therain't no two on 'em +out there alone. We'll find thet out for ourselves, though, afore we're +many hours older. Keep your eyes wide open, and your finger on the +trigger o' yer rifle, and we'll go and see what they want." + +[Illustration: The Two Apaches.] + +Upon coming up with them, they each extended, an exceedingly dirty hand, +with finger-nails that looked almost like bear's claws After shaking +hands with them, Jerry proceeded to have a talk in Spanish. This gave me +an excellent opportunity to examine their personal appearance; one, that +I did not neglect. + +They were small in stature, with short, ugly faces, very dark +complexions, little, snapping black eyes, low foreheads, with coarse, +stringy, faded hair, that hung far down their backs, carrying in their +faces that nameless, but unmistakable impress of treachery and low +cunning, that constitutes so large a part of the Apache character. + +Around their bodies was wrapped an old blanket, so filthy, it was almost +impossible to detect any trace of its original color, which had +undoubtedly been blue. Each carried a bow and arrows, but was destitute +of either leggins or moccasins, although mounted upon very +respectable-looking ponies. + +After a short interview, which terminated with our presenting them all +the tobacco we had, with a shake of the hands we parted. + +As they rode away, Jerry said: "I wish them boys was well in camp." + +"You don't anticipate any trouble with these fellows?" inquired I. "What +did they say?" + +"Say? why, they said they was particular friends of the Americans," +replied Jerry. "Just what they all say; but they're treacherous cusses, +and either one of 'em, would shake with one hand and scalp with t'other +one, ef they got a chance. That little black cuss called himself _El +Chico_,--that means The small,--and said he belonged to the copper-mines +band, and hailed us to see if he couldn't get a little terbacker; +but all he wanted, was to see how we was armed, and if we had any larger +party. I filled him chock full, you bet; and mebbe we shan't see 'em +again, though it's likely we shall. I see one of 'em eyin' that rifle +o'your'n pretty sharp, and he didn't like the look of it much: I could +see that." + +We had ridden nearly a mile from the place of the interview, when Jerry +exclaimed, "There they be again, sure'n shootin';" and, pointing to the +mouth of a small _aroya_, that made back from the river, I +discovered six Apaches, coming towards us as fast as their horses would +bring them. + +We were within a quarter of a mile of a small mound, upon the top of +which was a peculiar sandstone formation, not unlike, in shape, a huge +bottle; and I suggested to Jerry, that we should ride to the top of this +mound, and, sheltering our horses behind the rock, await their approach +on foot. + +The suggestion seemed to be a good one, for it was no sooner made than +adopted, and we had barely time to reach the desired location, ere they +were upon us. + +"Steady," said Jerry; "let me give 'em one;" and taking deliberate aim' +he fired, killing one of the ponies, thereby forcing its rider to mount +behind one of the others; but on they came towards us, as fast as their +horses could bring them. + +"Now's your' time,--fire!" said Jerry. + +I brought my rifle to my face and blazed away; seemingly, however, +without effect. + +"That won't do. If you can't shoot surer'n that, you'd better load and +let me do it," said Jerry. + +The Indians were now so close that several of their arrows fell about us, +two or three striking the rock behind and shivering to pieces, and +enabling us to recognize among them, the two who had hailed us but a +short time before. + +"The treacherous cusses," said Jerry. "I'll pay them fellows off, afore I +git through with 'em, or my name ain't Jerry Vance, sartin." + +The Indians appeared to be in no hurry to come within range of our +rifles, but kept well out of the way, occasionally coming furiously to +wards us, and as we raised our rifles to our faces, they would hastily +throw themselves over upon the sides of their animals for protection, and +ride rapidly away. + +"They ain't goin' to hurt us much in this way," said I to Jerry. + +"No; but they're going to tire us out, for it'll soon be dark, and we've +got neither water nor food here; besides them fellers' eyes arc like +cats',--they kin see ez well in the dark, ez we kin in the daytime. We +kin hold 'em safe enuff now, but we must git a way from here before dark. +There goes for _El Chico_," said Jerry, suddenly bringing his rifle +to his face; and the next instant, an Indian fell heavily from his +horse, and was instantly caught up from the ground by one of his +companions, thrown across the horse before him and the party once more +galloped out of range. + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +"I reckon we'd better mount and ride slowly towards camp," said Jerry. +"Ef we do we shall get there some time ter-night, but ef we stay here we +shan't, that's sartin." + +"Do you suppose they'll follow us?" inquired I. + +"Sartin sure," responded Jerry; "but I reckon by good engineerin' we kin +keep 'em off, so that their arrers won't hurt us much: it's a mighty +lucky thing they ain't got no firearms." + +We immediately mounted our horses and rode out upon the plain. The +instant the Indians saw us they began whooping and yelling, as though we +had done the very thing, they most desired; but Jerry was strong in the +opinion that it was our best course and we continued on. + +Every few minutes they would make a rush towards us, and we would turn +and bring our rifles up; and then they would wheel and rapidly ride away +out of possible range, when we would continue our course towards camp. + +We made but little progress; and, after riding a couple of miles in this +way, determined to make a stand, in hopes of inducing some of them to +advance within rifle-range; but they were too wary to be caught in this +manner, although they would approach much nearer than they had done +before. + +While we were debating as to the best course to pursue, we were startled +by the report of a rifle-shot, far in the rear of the Indians, who, upon +hearing the sound, rode rapidly away to the right, just as a party of +four persons came in sight. + +They were soon near enough for us to distinguish Hal and Ned among the +number, and we at once rode towards them, glad enough to know they were +safe. Their companions proved to be a Mr. Mastin, with his Mexican +servant, on his way from the copper-mines to Mesilla. + +He had fallen in with the boys, and, upon their invitation, was +accompanying them to our camp; but, having heard the sound of our rifles, +and anticipating an encounter, had hurried on to join us. + +We were delighted to meet with the boys, safe and sound, and made good +time towards camp, which we reached just about sundown. + +We found Mr. Mastin a very intelligent American; and, as he informed us, +the discoverer and part owner of the Pino Alto gold-mines, about fifty +miles above, near the _Santa Rita del Cobre_. He had resided many +years in the country, and was thoroughly acquainted with the Apaches, and +familiar with their habits and customs. + +We succeeded in making a very comfortable meal, notwithstanding our ill +luck in procuring game; and, after supper was over, we seated ourselves +around the camp-fire to hear Mr. Mastin discourse upon Apaches. + +He had once met Mangas Colorado, the head chief of the tribe, who was +called Red Sleeve, from the fact that he never failed to besmear his arms +to the elbow, in the blood of his victims. + +He described him as over six feet in height, with an enormously large +head, a broad, bold forehead, large, aquiline nose, huge mouth, and +broad, heavy chin. His eyes were small, but very brilliant, and, when +under excitement, flashed like fire, although his demeanor was like that +of a cast-iron man. + +He said that Mangas was undoubtedly one of the ablest statesmen, as well +as the most influential and sagacious of all the Chiefs of the Indian +tribes of the southwest; and related many anecdotes illustrative of his +character,--incidents that had come under his own observation,--which +entertained us until a late hour, and gave us an insight into Apache +life, that was both amusing and instructive. + +Notwithstanding we had all been so much interested in Mr. Mastin's +conversation, the boys begged him to tell them one more story before they +retired; and, as he seemed perfectly willing to comply with their +request, we filled our pipes and again gathered about him, while he +related the following:-- + +"A couple of years ago, I had occasion to visit a _rancheria_ of +Pinal Apaches in the mountains just north of the copper mines. + +"While there, my attention was called to one of the warriors, a tall, +well-proportioned and very dignified Indian, about forty years of age. He +weighed nearly two hundred pounds, and, with his broad shoulders, deep +chest, and splendid muscle, was one of the finest-formed men I ever saw, +as well as one of the ugliest; for his face was certainly the most +hideous I ever beheld, being terribly disfigured by a broad, livid scar, +that extended from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Notwithstanding +this, the fellow was a great dandy, spending many hours each day in +greasing and arranging his long coarse hair, which he ornamented with +plates of silver, bits of gaudy-colored cloth, bright feathers, and +tinsel. Every hair was scrupulously plucked from his brows and eyelashes, +and the lids of his eyes were painted a bright vermilion, giving to his +face the expression of a demon rather than anything human. + +"That he was hideously ugly, and never known to smile, were two +indisputable facts; while it was equally sure that there was no greater +favorite with the Apache belles, no braver warrior, more sagacious +counselor, mighty hunter, or expert thief in the whole tribe. + +"I learned that his name was Cadette, and that he obtained it in the +following manner:-- + +"Upon the headwaters of the Rio Gila, in Arizona, is a vast forest, that +has been the hunting-ground, as well as the home of the Apaches for +centuries. Here they have never been disturbed by the visits of the +'White Eyes,' as they term all Americans. + +"Occasionally a party of hardy prospectors, lured by reports of fabulous +quantities of gold and silver in the possession of these Indians, would +venture within the gloomy recesses of this unexplored region; but few of +them ever returned. + +"One day, while passing near the banks of the river, Cadette discovered +the footprints of a very large lion in the sand. Though armed with no +weapon but his spear, he at once determined to follow the trail. This he +decided, after a careful examination, to have been made some four hours +previous, in the early morning. It led towards a dense jungle, some two +or three miles down the river, which he concluded was the creature's +lair. + +"As he drew near the thicket, he dismounted from his pony and approached +the jungle with great caution. At this place, the river was quite narrow +and very deep, and upon its bank stood a large cedar, whose wide, +spreading branches, extending far over the stream, afforded him an +excellent opportunity to examine the interior of the thicket. + +"Into this tree the Indian climbed, and crawled out upon a large limb +directly over the river, which he fancied would enable him to obtain a +view of the supposed lair. + +"While he was peering into the jungle, he became suddenly conscious of a +movement in the thick branches over his head. Looking up, he discovered, +lying upon a large limb about ten feet above him, a panther. The animal +was preparing to spring; and, in an instant, like a flash, it sprang +towards him. + +"Almost as quick as thought itself, Cadette dropped from the limb into +the water beneath, just as the panther landed upon the spot he had so +recently vacated. + +"Once in the water, the Indian swam silently and expeditiously beneath +the surface, until he was some distance down the stream and out of sight +of the tree, when he landed under the shelter of the bank. + +"Just then a slight noise attracted his attention, and he discovered his +enemy, partially concealed in the tall bottom grass, and evidently +determined that his prey should not escape so easily. + +"Cadette was brave, but he fully realized that an unarmed Apache, +courageous as he might be, was no match for a panther; and the wary +Indian began to look about him for some means of retreat from his +unpleasant situation. While he was doing this, the creature worked +himself into a position between the Indian and the river, thus +effectually cutting off his only hope of escape. + +"What should he do? The panther was not twenty feet away from him: he +well knew that the animal could reach him at a single bound. Keeping his +eye fixed steadily upon the crouching form, the Indian began to slowly +retreat backwards. + +"While he was retreating before the stealthy, cat-like approach of the +panther, the most piercing cries, as of some human being in terrible +agony, filled the air, startling the Indian, and causing the panther to +rise from its crouching position, and listen intently for a moment with +well-erected ears, and tail gently lashing the earth. The cries were +repeated. The next moment the great creature turned, and slowly moved +away in the direction from whence the noise came, while Cadette hastily +returned to the foot of the tree where he had left his spear. + +"After securing his weapon, he started for the place where he had left +his pony; but, to his surprise, the animal was not there. Following its +trail, he soon came upon bear tracks, and concluded that his horse had +been attacked by the bear, and in his agony had uttered the cries that +had so startled him, and attracted the attention of the panther. + +"Continuing his search, he found the dead body of his pony upon the +ground. Near it was the panther, crouched, as though about to make a +spring; while, at a short distance, standing erect upon his hind-legs, +with his back against a large rock, was a huge cinnamon bear, evidently +at bay. + +"The Indian crept cautiously forward, and concealed himself behind a +great stone, from whence he could watch the approaching combat. + +"The panther lay close to the ground, with his eyes fixed intently upon +the bear, his huge fore-paws nervously contracted, while the long claws +grappled the rocks and gravel. Occasionally he uttered a low menacing +growl that showed his gleaming white teeth and blood-red tongue, from +which the saliva fell in great drops. + +"Meanwhile, the bear remained on the defensive, apparantly fearing to +move from his position, lest his more nimble adversary should take +advantage of him. + +"The savage creatures maintained their relative positions, eyeing one +another for several minutes. Then the panther gave a tremendous leap, and +grappled the bear. It was a frightful contest: each animal uttering the +most piercing cries, biting, hugging, and tearing one another as they +rolled over and over in the dust. + +"It was evident to the Indian that this fearful struggle could last but a +short time; and soon the animals, as if by mutual agreement, separated, +and, moving a short distance from one another, lay down and began to lick +their wounds. + +"While thus engaged, the panther became by some means, aware of Cadette's +presence. As though angry at such an interruption, he turned, and, with a +fierce growl, sprang towards him, instead of the bear. + +"Unexpected as was the movement, it did not find the Indian unprepared. +Planting the handle of his spear firmly in the earth, he so adroitly held +it that the panther alighted upon its sharp iron head, which passed +directly through the creature's heart; not, however, before the maddened +animal had dealt Cadette the blow that crushed his face, and inflicted a +wound the scar of which, had so terribly disfigured him for life. + +"As soon as the Indian recovered from the effect of the blow, he +succeeded in withdrawing his spear from the carcass of the panther, and +went in search of the bear, who had retreated to some distance, and was +engaged in licking the wounds he had received in his encounter with the +panther. + +"Cadette at once attacked the creature so vigorously with his spear, that +he soon succeeded in killing him; and, although suffering great pain, +managed to remove the skin from both animals; and, taking them upon his +back, bore them in triumph to the _rancheria_, more than twenty +miles distant, as trophies of his prowess in the chase." + +After thanking Mr. Mastin for a very pleasant evening, we all retired, +and were soon asleep, nor did we awake the next morning until the sun was +far up in the heavens. + +Breakfast over, we bid our guest a hearty farewell; and, with good wishes +for our safe arrival upon the Pacific Coast, he left us to pursue our +journey still further into the Apache country. + +It was after we were comfortably seated about our camp-fire, in the +evening, that I bethought myself that we had not as yet, heard Hal's +story of his capture and adventures with the Apaches. So I called him, +with the request he would narrate what had befallen him, from the time he +left our camp at Dead-Man's Hole until his release by us in the +Sacramento Mountains. + +Hal, who had evidently been expecting the invitation for some time, at +once seated himself, and, with Jerry, Ned and myself as listeners, +commenced as follows:-- + +"When Anastacio and I started for Fort Davis, we hadn't been on the road +fifteen minutes, before five Indians set upon us, from a thicket by the +road side. + +"They followed up the attack so briskly, that before we had time to +think, they had our revolvers, and our hands tied behind us. They then +took our horses and mounted us upon two of their own. We travelled over +the roughest, hardest country I ever saw in my life, until daybreak, when +they stopped at a spring to water. + +"Here they stripped us of most of our clothes, and made us ride bare-backed +until noon, when they stopped for a few minutes. I noticed that, +whenever they halted, one of them always rode to the top of the highest +hill near, and remained on the lookout there, until we were ready to +start again. + +"Before we had been long at this last place, the lookout signaled, and, +in about an hour, eight more Indians joined us, with Juanita. + +"She was very tired and terribly frightened, but when she saw me she just +cried for joy, and I tried to comfort her as much as I could; but, while +I was talking to her, a great, greasy-looking fellow came up to me, and, +taking me by the collar, pulled me away, and, putting the muzzle of my +own revolver to my head, made signs that, if I dared to speak "-- + +Here Patsey came running up, yelling at the top of his voice,-- + +"The bear's goned! The bear's goned!" Hal and Ned jumped to their feet, +exclaiming,--"Which way did he go?" and, without waiting for a reply, +darted off in search of him. + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"I hope they won't git the critter: he ain't nothin' but a cussid +nuisance, no how," said Jerry, as Hal disappeared in the gloaming. + +"It's so dark they won't be very likely to," was my reply. + +"I 'spect the Irishman had a hand in startin' him," continued Jerry. +"He's owed the critter a grudge ever since he tarred his clo'es so, the +other night." + +"How was that, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"Why, yer see the boy had been a-proddin' the critter with a sharp stick; +and, arter he got through, he was a-standin' by the wagon, and the bar +made a jump and ketched him right by his trousers-leg. This kind er scart +the feller, and he made a leap, and left the biggest part of his breeches +in the critter's mouth. Ned laughed, and told him, that one bar(e) in +camp was enough, and he'd better go an' mend up--thar he is, now," +pointing towards one of the wagons. + +I called him, and he came towards me, looking decidedly guilty. I said to +him, "Patsey, how did the bear get away?" + +"He runned away, sure, sur." + +"Yes; but how did he get loose?" + +"He aited the rope aff, I suppose, sure. I seed him goin', and thought +it'd be no harm to spake to the boys, sur." + +"That was all right, Patsey; but you didn't turn him loose, did you?" + +"I turn him loose, sur! Phat would I be doin' that fur?" + +"Well, why didn't you go out and help find him?" + +"I was afraid, sur;" examining the huge rent in his pantaloons. + +"Afraid!" said I. "What under the sun was you afraid of? your bare legs?" + +"Will, sur, I didn't know what the quinisquences might be if two bears +(bares) happened to mate in the woods." + +Just here Jerry gave one of his peculiar chuckles; and, seeing that I got +but little information from the boy, I dismissed him with the remark, +that, when we got to Tucson, he should have a suit of clothes. + +"That'll _suit_ me, your honor," was the reply, as he moved briskly +off. + +The boys soon returned, after an unsuccessful search for the bear. + +Hal was disposed to blame everybody but himself for the escape, while +Ned, with whom the bear had never been a great favorite, was inclined to +laugh at the matter, to Hal's great disgust. + +His ill nature reached its culminating point, however, when Jerry +suggested, that, "if he lied fifteen dollars more to git rid of, he'd +better bury it than give it for a cussid, good-for-nothin' bar, that +warn't nothin' but a infernal nuisance to everybody, anyway." + +Hal accepted the gauntlet thus thrown down by Jerry, and was about to +reply in no very polite language, when I changed the conversation, by +requesting him to finish the narrative of his visit to the Apaches; and, +after a little hesitation, he resumed his story as follows:-- + +"The Indian told me, that, if I spoke to Juanita again, he'd send a +bullet through my head; so Anastacio said, for the Indian spoke in +Spanish. + +"I didn't talk to her any more for several hours, but rode all the +afternoon by her side. When we got to the top of the bluff from which we +could see the Rio Grande, Juanita cried, and said that her home was +there, and Anastacio felt so bad for her that he led her horse all the +way after that. + +"When we got to the river, instead of crossing, the Indians rode into it; +and they made us all wade through the water for three or four miles, +though the whole party came out on the same side. From here we struck +into the prairie again; and, after riding for two or three hours, we +camped. + +"Juanita was so tired, she dropped to sleep as soon as we stopped; but +Anastacio and I kept awake, and saw the Indians cast a mule, and open his +veins and suck the warm blood from them. After this, they cut off +portions of the flesh and roasted it over the coals, and made motions to +us, that, if we wanted any, we must cook for ourselves. + +"We were both hungry, but we couldn't eat mule meat, then, although we +had to come to it in a little time. + +"We started by daybreak the next morning; and Juanita became so +exhausted, that, before night, she asked me two or three times to kill +her. Finally, she appealed to Anastacio; and I heard him promise her, on +a little cross she wore around her neck, that, if worse came to worse, he +would do it. + +"That day one of the Indians killed an antelope, and we all ate heartily +of it, but Anastacio. He took the meat they gave to him, and saved it for +Juanita. He carried it in his hand all day, and walked beside her horse, +telling her stories in Spanish, and trying to cheer her. He was as kind +to her as he could be, during the whole seventeen days we were together. + +"One night we slept in a great cave in a mountain,[Probably the Waco +Mountain, thirty miles east of El Paso.] where there were four or five +deep pools, of nice, clear water. Juanita was so delighted at the sight +of them that she sat on the brink of one and put her feet in it, to 'rest +them,' she said. When the Indians saw her do this, one of them struck her +with his quirt [A small, heavy whip.] over the shoulders. + +"Anastacio sprang at him like a wild beast, and I believe would have +killed him, but the other Indians took him off. They seemed greatly +amused at the fight; but said they were only saving us for their squaws +to torture, after they got us home. + +"After this they made us all walk; although Juanita's feet and ankles +were swelled so terribly that she could scarcely move: whenever Anastacio +got the chance though, he carried her in his arms. + +"One day one of the Indians brought her some fresh mule's blood to drink, +and, because she wouldn't take it, he threw it in her face, and told her +in Spanish, that, when they got to their village, he should make her his +squaw. This made her cry terribly; and I heard Anastacio tell her he'd +certainly kill her, before the Indians should have her. After that I +thought she seemed happier, and repeatedly said, if she could only see +her dear old father once more, she should be glad to die. + +"We all suffered terribly from fatigue and thirst; for, after they +thought Juanita was going to drown herself in the pool, they were very +cross to us, and used to make us do all their work about the camp. If we +refused, they stuck sharp-pointed knives into us, and struck us with +their quirts; though, after Anastacio made the fuss, they didn't strike +Juanita any more. + +"The night you rescued us was the first time they hadn't put a guard out, +since we were captured. + +"You see, they always sent one of their party back a mile or two, to +watch the trail, so as to avoid being surprised; but they had got so near +home, they didn't dream of being pursued, I suppose. + +"That day Anastacio told me they were talking of having a big dance when +they got to the village, and he was going to kill Juanita before we +reached it. He cried about it, and wanted to know if I supposed the +Blessed Virgin would forgive him if he did it. We'd just been talking +about it, when we heard the crack of Tom's rifle, and saw the Indians run +towards the wood. + +"I tell you what it was, when I heard that shot, I felt that it wasn't an +Indian's gun (it didn't sound a bit like one), and my heart jumped right +up into my mouth. + +"The Indians appeared so anxious about Juanita, that they seemed to +forget Anastacio and I, when they heard the rifle. We both run for the +hut, and saw that she wasn't there, and supposed the Indians had taken +her. Then we heard the soldiers' guns, and run towards them; and, the +next I knew, I met Ned, and was hugging and kissing him just like a girl, +I was so glad to see him. I tell you 'twas jolly, though; and, when I +found that Juanita was all right, I felt like dancing and crying in the +same minute. + +"One thing is certain: you saved Anastacio from killing Juanita, for she +never would have gone into that village alive." + +"Wall, youngster," said Jerry, "I've heered you through; and now I'd +like ter know what you think of the 'Paches; 'cause, you see, we've got +ter travel a good many hundred miles through their country, and I'd like +ter hev your opinion of 'em." + +"Why, I think they are a cruel, cowardly, treacherous tribe, as Mr. +Mastin said; and the dirtiest things I ever saw." + +"Tell me, Jerry, do you know much about them?" interrupted I. "If you do, +tell us something of their character and habits, as you've seen them." + +"Wall, I've been through their country seven times, and I've met a heap +of 'em, one way and another; but I hain't got no better opinion of 'em +than Mr. Mastin hed. They're the smartest, wickedest and cunningest, +Injins I ever seed. A Comanche ain't a touch to 'em, and I've never yet +seed a white man smart enuff to beat 'em." + +"You don't exactly mean that, do you, Jerry?" inquired I. + +"That's exactly what I do mean: no more and no less," was the reply. +"You'll hev a chance ter see for yourself, afore we git through this +trip, I'm thinkin, or you'll be the only man thet ever travelled through +their country that hain't; that's my idee, sartin. Why, the cusses'll +telegraph to one another all over the country, and know just what's goin' +on a hundred miles away. + +"Americans can't understand 'em, and never will. No one ever saw a white +man look at a country as a 'Pache does: he'll see everything. Ther ain't +a ravine, gully, rock, bush, or tree, a foot high, thet he don't hev his +eye on. Now, a white man don't look at a country in that way, does he? + +[Illustration: Apache Trailing.] + +"Jest ez likely ez not, there's a Injin within a dozen yards of us; but +we wouldn't think it." + +"A dozen yards of us!" exclaimed Hal, looking around; "why, where could +he hide, I'd like to know?" + +"That's jest it, youngster. We might go within ten feet of him, and never +see him. Why, I've knowed 'em to hide behind a brown-bush, clump er +cactus, or a rock, so mighty cunnin' thet ther ain't one scout in fifty +would see 'em, let alone a stranger. + +"They'll kiver therselves with grass, and lay on the ground all day, +without movin', waitin' for a party to pass. I've been within ten foot of +one myself, and seed him, too, and thought 'twas a part of the rock he +was lying agin. + +"I tell yer, them fellers's smarter'n a whip! They be, sartin, now." + +"Well," said Ned, who had been listening attentively to Jerry's +description of the Apache character, "if I'd had any idea these Indians +were half as smart as you say they are, I'd rather have stayed in Texas +than started on the trip." + +"I wouldn't," declared Hal. "I've had about as much experience with 'em +as anybody in the party, and I don't believe they're half as smart as you +make 'em out. At any rate, I wouldn't be afraid to put my brain against +theirs." + +"Put your what, youngster?" inquired Jerry, in such an incredulous tone, +that we all burst into a hearty laugh, in the midst of which Hal retired, +leaving Jerry, Ned, and myself to continue the Apache question alone. + +"You may depend on't, we ain't a-goin' ter git through this blasted +country without more'n one brush with them fellers; and my way is ter +keep our ears and eyes open, our rifles and pistols well loaded, and meet +'em when they come;--for come they will, sartin," said Jerry. + +"Well, you must adopt such precautions and make such rules as you think +proper," was my reply. "We'll all obey them." + +"I'll set ther guard ter-night, and yer may ez well turn in now, 'cause +we must make a early start." + +We had hardly been on the road an hour the next day, before we observed +one of the remarkable signal-smokes (used by the Apaches to give warning +of the approach of strangers into their country), suddenly shoot up into +the air from a spur of the mountains several miles distant. + +Although the morning was windy, the smoke arose in a straight column to a +great height, then spread out like a huge umbrella at the top, and, in +the twinkling of an eye, was gone. + +"That means 'look out,' plain enuff, don't it?" asked Jerry. "That's what +I call telegraphin'. Now, putty soon you'll see some more answerin' of +'em." + +"Do you know what that means?" inquired Ned. + +"That means, 'Strangers is comin'.' If they'd repeated it three or four +times, it would have said, 'The party's a big one, and wants watchin'.' +But they're so fur off, I reckon they'll send two or three spies in ter +see how many thar is of us, afore we shall hear from 'em. Hilloa! there +they go," continued he, pointing to three more of the signals that were +suddenly sent up in different directions. "We're in amongst 'em, sure, +boys; so let's keep our eyes open." + +Notwithstanding we maintained the utmost vigilance during the entire +day's journey, we saw nothing of Indians, or any signs indicating their +presence; but, upon camping at night, we so disposed our wagons, that we +should be able to make a vigorous resistance in case of attack. The guard +was posted, to be relieved every two hours. Our camp was on an open +plain, with no shrubbery save an occasional brown-bush or _yucca_ +near us; and we retired, feeling as safe as we had any time since +crossing the Rio Grande. + +The night passed quietly; and, just as the grey dawn began to make +objects visible about camp, I awoke. + +I saw the guard sitting over the smoldering fire, the mules hitched to +the wagon-wheels as usual, and the remainder of the party wrapped in +their blankets, apparantly sleeping soundly; so I determined to take +another nap before rising. + +While thus lying, half awake and half asleep, I dreamily turned my eyes +towards a small bush that stood a few yards from the place where I was +lying, and, to my horror, discovered a pair of bright eyes peering at me +from between the branches. + +My first thought, that it was some animal, was speedily dissipated by +discovering the fingers of a human hand holding aside the branches so as +to give its owner an uninterrupted view of our camp; and it required but +little stretch of the imagination to plainly see the features of a +swarthy, ugly face behind them. + +In an instant I remembered the conversation with Jerry the day previous, +and decided that it must be the face of an Apache spy, and that I had +better remain quiet; knowing, that, if my surmise was correct, we need +not fear an attack from him or his companions, at that time. + +I lay for some moments,--it seemed hours,--spell-bound, watching the +face, but not daring to move even an eyelid, lest the discovery of the +fact that I was awake, should be the signal for my own destruction. I +expected every moment to hear the twang of a bow-string, and feel the +head of an arrow penetrate my flesh; for I felt confident the spy was not +alone. + +I remember watching the eyes, so steadily gleaming from between the +boughs, and comparing them to those of a tiger, about to spring upon its +prey, and then, I found myself speculating as to whether a flint +arrow-head would cause more pain than an iron one. + +While these thoughts were passing through my mind, I noticed the branches +almost imperceptibly resume their natural position and the eyes disappear +from view. + +My first impulse was to spring to my feet and alarm the camp. Then I +bethought myself of the well-known cunning of the Apaches, and determined +to remain quiet for a few moments, lest a ruse had been adopted to +ascertain if their presence had been discovered. + +Just at this moment, the guard, who had been sitting over the dying +embers of the camp-fire, arose, drew his coat closer about him to shield +him from the chill morning air, and, after taking a look around, again +sat down. As he did so, I saw the branches once more cautiously pushed +aside, and two pairs of eyes, instead of one, survey the scene. + +What should I do? A cold sweat started from every pore of my body, and my +heart almost ceased to beat, as I realized that the least movement of +either of my sleeping companions might precipitate upon us a foe, of +whose numbers I could form no estimate. + +Conscious that I had acted wisely in doing nothing myself to hasten it, I +felt equally certain I could have done nothing to avert it. + +There I lay waiting, I knew not for what. The suspense became terrible. +It seemed as though every moment had become a long hour,--as though I +dared not breathe, lest the breath should be my last. + +Suddenly, I felt that the boughs had again resumed their natural +position, and the eyes were gone. Yes! they were there no longer. Once +more I breathed freely. + +Why I did not instantly arouse the camp, I cannot tell. I waited several +minutes, then quietly cocked my rifle beneath my blankets, and touched +Jerry on the shoulder. The instant he felt it, he started; but my low "s-h" +apprised him of danger, and he again resumed his old position. + +In a low tone, I told him what I had seen. He waited a few moments and +then aroused the camp. + +No one was aware, that, during the night, Indians had been so near us, +nor did the camp show any evidence that they had entered it; but the +ground in the vicinity of the bush, which had concealed the foe revealed +very plainly the track of four moccasined feet. Although we found it +difficult to tell in what direction they had gone, yet it was quite +evident that we might, at any time, expect a visit from our Apache +friends, and our only course was to be ready when they appeared. + +Hal and Ned were disposed, at first, to imagine that the visitors of the +night previous were the creation of a dream; but the sight of their +footprints in the sand, soon dissipated that theory, while they plainly +told them the necessity of greater caution. + +Breakfast dispatched, we got under way once more; and, during the next +three or four days crossed several spurs of the Burro and Pelloncillo +ranges of mountains, and over that portion of the great Madre Plateau, +that lies along the thirty-second parallel,--but saw no Indians. + +This fact gave Hal a good opportunity to laugh at what he termed my +vision; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity. + +Jerry and I often consulted together, and wondered why it was that we +heard nothing more from the spies that had visited us; for, as Jerry +wisely said, "If they'd come along and have it out with us, one way or +t'other, he wouldn't keer; but ter keep us always expectin' 'em, is what +wears a feller out. By'm by, when we git keerless, they'll ketch us +nappin', and then, God help us, that's all." + +Our route, the next day, passed through a fertile +_cienega_,[Valley.] thence over an alkali plain. It was while +crossing this latter, that I met with an adventure, the most desperate we +encountered on the trip. Our route carried us over this vast plain, +strongly impregnated with alkali, and sparsely covered with dwarfed +mesquite with an occasional cluster of _yuccas_, scarce two feet in +height; and was so level, we could see for miles over it in any +direction. + +The road was thickly covered from five to six inches deep, with an +impalpable dust, so fine that the lightest footstep, or breath of air, +sent it in clouds above our heads. So dense was it, that it completely +enveloped our whole party, making it impossible for us to distinguish one +another, at a distance even of three or four feet. + +Jerry and myself had been riding a few rods in advance of the wagons; but +he returned to them for the purpose of giving some order, while I +continued on. So open was the plain, that it seemed impossible for any +foe to be concealed upon its surface; and we naturally abated somewhat, +the vigilance we should have maintained, had we been passing through a +rocky _canon_, or wooded defile. We therefore rode carefully along, +shrouded in dust, but not dreaming of danger. + +Suddenly, without the least warning, three or four muskets, and a shower +of arrows, were discharged upon us from a spot not twenty yards away. + +A clap of thunder from a clear sky would not have astonished me more. + +The thought, that Hal or Ned might have been killed, passed like a flash +of lightning through my mind; for the dust was so dense, I could not +distinguish friend from foe; but I heard Jerry shout, "_Adelante! +Adelante hombres_!" and forgetting for the moment that I was already +in the advance, in obedience to the order, I spurred my horse forward, +just as the Apache war-whoop sounded, apparantly upon all sides of me. + +The spot selected for the ambush was at a point where the road passed +though a large body of prickly-pear, the terrible thorns of which, in +connection with the sharp-pointed leaves of the Spanish-bayonet, formed a +natural _chevaux-de-frise_ that no living creature could penetrate. + +I soon discovered this; and, in the expectation of reaching the train, +turned my horse's head and rode blindly back through the thick dust, +although unable to see more than a few feet from me in any direction. + +Suddenly I found myself surrounded by Indians. One stout, sinewy fellow, +naked, with the exception of a breechcloth, seized my horse by the bits, +and by main strength, forced him back upon his haunches, and in the +twinkling of an eye, I lay upon my back in the dust of the road, deprived +of my weapons, with an Apache, whose nude body had been well smeared with +grease, sitting squarely astride me, with a knee upon each arm. + +It was impossible for me to move; and I gave myself up for lost, as I +noticed the wicked, fiendish expression upon the hideously painted face +of the savage, and heard him mutter a malediction in Spanish through his +closed teeth. The next instant, the welcome crack of three or four rifles +greeted my ears. The Indian gave a start, and I saw the blood spurt from +his side. + +He gnashed his teeth, uttered a harsh, fierce exclamation of rage, and +seized my throat with one hand, while he made a desperate attempt, with +the other, to grasp my knife, which, in the struggle, had fortunately +fallen just beyond his reach. + +As he stretched forward, I felt his hold upon my throat relax; and, +making a tremendous effort, I succeeded in pitching him over my head; +then, springing to my feet, ran like a race-horse in the direction of the +shots just fired; and, the next moment, was with Jerry and the boys. + +I was so excited and bewildered, that, for a few seconds, I could hardly +realize what had passed. I soon learned, however, that, immediately upon +the attack being made, Jerry had halted the wagons, and, as he was unable +in the dense dust to form any estimate of the number of the foe, was +advancing with the men on foot, at the time they so opportunely fired the +volley which rid me of my foe. + +The Apaches left two dead bodies upon the ground; and we, three horses, +while ever after I followed the advice I had so frequently given Hal and +Ned, and kept with the wagons. + +My adventure furnished a fruitful theme for conversation around the +camp-fire for many nights. Jerry, Hal, Ned, Patsey, and even the Mexican +teamsters had a theory as to the course they should pursue under the same +circumstances; and I believe it is an unsettled question to this day, +whether I did right in turning back instead of riding forward, after I +heard the order given. + +The evening of the succeeding day brought us to the entrance of the +Apache Pass, the only _canon_ through which we could cross the +Chirichui range of mountains, that for many years had been the home of +Cochise's band of Apaches, one of the worst that ever infested the +country. Here, it was necessary to exercise the greatest caution; for the +place was notoriously the most dangerous upon the entire route. + +Extra guards were sent out, the animals securely corralled, each man +required to sleep upon his arms, and every precaution taken to enable us +to repel an attack at a moment's notice. + +The night passed without any alarm, and Jerry chuckled at the thought +that we should probably get through without being molested. Just as we +were starting, however, it was found that one of our wagons required +repairs, that would cause a delay of several hours. As the water was good +and the grass luxuriant, we concluded to run the risk of an attack, and +to remain for the day where we were and give our animals, which were sent +to graze a limit a mile from camp, a much-needed rest. + +Jerry undertook the repair of the wagon; and, as the day was bright, the +boys determined to do some washing. + +I had thrown myself upon my blanket, and was lazily admiring the beauties +of an Arizona landscape, when Patsey approached me, and, pulling off his +brimless hat, said, "Ef yer plase, sur, the byze wants to git some +sooap." + +"What is it, Patsey?" said I. + +"It's the sooap, sur. Where'll the byze git the sooap ter wash wid?" + +"Tell them to take a spade, and go and dig some," was my reply. + +Patsey looked at me a moment, as though half inclined to think I had +suddenly taken leave of my senses, and then exclaimed, in tones of +astonishment,-- + +"Dig sooap! Where'll they go to dig it, shure?" + +"Right there," said I, pointing to a small palmilla,[The palmilla is a +species of palm, known as the soap-plant, whose roots, when bruised in +water, make a very thick and remarkably soft and white lather. The plant +is much used by the natives for cleansing clothes, and is far superior to +any manufactured soap for scouring woolens. It also makes an admirable +shampoo mixture.] numbers of which were growing all about us. + +Patsey looked in the direction indicated; and, seeing nothing that +resembled soap, regarded me attentively for a moment, and then wheeled +and darted away. + +Presently I saw the three boys coming towards me, and Ned laughingly +remarked that he and Hal wanted some soap to wash their shirts with. + +I answered, that I had just sent them word by Patsey, to go and dig some. + +Evidently Ned was as much surprised at my answer as Patsey had been; but +he mustered courage enough to inquire where he should find it. + +"There, there, and there!" replied I, pointing in rapid succession to the +plants that were growing around us. Ned stood spell-bound for a moment, +and then slowly turned towards Hal and Patsey, who were standing at a +little distance. + +As he approached them, Patsey caught him by the arm, and, with a most +knowing look on his broad, Irish face, exclaimed, "Didn't I tell yez the +boss wuz crazy, an' I wouldn't git my new clo'es, any how?" + +Wishing them to learn the merits of this truly wonderful plant that +grows so common throughout this region, I rose from the ground. Patsey +beat a hurried retreat, taking refuge with Jerry, saying, the "Boss had +gone as crazy as a bidbug, wid his diggin' sooap and givin' clo'es away, +to be shure." + +Sending Ned for a spade, I soon unearthed one of the large bulbous roots, +which I divided into pieces, and, accompanying the boys to the spring, +practically demonstrated its remarkable saponaceous qualities, leaving +them delighted with the experiment; but had hardly returned to my blanket +again when I was startled by the report of two rifles, that came from +below us, near the base of the mountains where our animals were grazing. + +However commonplace this incident may appear to the reader, to us it was +the tocsin of danger. Before the lofty crags above us had ceased to +reverberate the echoes, every man was on the alert. + +The boys came running to the spot where I stood, their bare arms dripping +with soap-suds, while the men rushed to the wagons to procure their +firearms and ammunition. + +Before we had time to fully equip ourselves, the sight of one of the +herders, rapidly approaching, told the story. He rode near enough to make +himself heard, then, checking his horse so suddenly as to almost throw +him upon his haunches, he brandished his revolver and shouted,-- + +"_Los Indios! Los Apaches!_" and, turning, rode rapidly in the +direction whence he came. + + +CHAPTER XV. + +Jerry sprang upon a horse; and shouting, "Take care er the camp!" rode +rapidly in the direction of the herd. + +Telling Hal and Ned to climb the rocks and report what they saw, I +ordered the wagons to be drawn up in a line parallel with the foot of the +bluff, thus improvising a sort of corral. + +The boys, by this time, had discovered eight or ten Indians following the +herders, who were driving the animals towards camp. I immediately rode +out to assist them. At the moment I reached the plain, a little puff of +white smoke rose on the air, far to the rear of the herders. A second +after, I saw a riderless horse galloping wildly towards the herd, where +he was lost to view. I urged my horse forward; and, by our combined +exertions, the animals were safely brought into camp and corralled. + +These secured, we turned our attention to the Indians, who were coming +down upon us like a whirlwind. + +"Don't a man fire till I give the word," said Jerry; "and remember not to +throw away a bullet." + +The Indians had paused upon the plain, nearly half a mile from our camp; +and, sitting upon their horses, were evidently considering the best plan +of attack. Suddenly, two of their number turned, and rode back towards +the spot where we had first seen them. + +"What can they be going back for?" asked Hal, who, rifle in hand, was +standing by Jerry's side, evidently anxious for an opportunity to wipe +out old scores. + +"What are they going back for?" repeated Jerry; "why, to scalp that poor +cuss they shot, I reckon. Judge," continued he, turning toward me, "jest +you try a crack at them fellers with yer new-fashioned 'dust-raiser,' +will yer?" pointing to my Sharpe's carbine. + +"I don't believe that I can reach them: it will only be throwing away a +cartridge, to make the attempt," replied I. + +"Well, jest try it," continued he; "'cause, if yer could hit one of 'em, +they'd leave mighty sudden, and save us considerable trouble." + +"Yes, you can reach 'em," said Ned. "I wish you would try." + +Dismounting, and resting the carbine over the back of my horse, I took +careful, deliberate aim, and fired. + +That the bullet did reach them, and they were badly frightened, was +evident from the suddenness with which they wheeled, and galloped over +the plain, in an opposite direction. + +The next moment, Jerry grasped my shoulder, and shouted, "You hit one of +the devils, sartin." + +Bringing my glass to bear, I saw one of the Indians reel in his saddle, +then recover himself a little, again waver, and finally fall to the +ground, while his horse continued on with the remainder of the party, +who, after riding some distance, stopped. + +In a little time, they were joined by the two who had previously left +them. Then three of their number rode towards the spot where their fallen +comrade lay; and, securing his body, one of them took it before him on +the horse, and the whole party galloped off. + +"That ere shot of yourn was a good one," said Jerry. "Tit for tat is my +rule for them varmints; an' we're even with 'em on this arternoon's work. +I reckon we'd better take a shovel along, an' bury that poor feller +that's a-lyin' there." + +"Certainly, Jerry; but wouldn't it be better to bring the body in, and +bury it here?" asked I. + +"We don't want the men to see it, ef we kin help it. It allus makes 'em +skeery; for there ain't nobody that wants to be cut and hacked to pieces, +ef they be dead, as them red devils have sarved that poor Mexican, +sartin." + +Directing Patsey to bring a shovel, Jerry and I started on our sad +errand. After riding about a mile, we came upon the body of the dead man, +stretched upon the green grass, naked, scalped, and terribly mutilated. + +For a few moments we sat upon our horses, silently gazing upon the +horrible spectacle, too much shocked to speak. The silence was broken by +Jerry, who exclaimed,-- + +"Ef them 'Paches ain't devils, then thar ain't no use of havin' any, +that's all I've got to say. A pictur like that ain't a very appetizin' +thing for a Traveller that's like to git ketched the same way, any day; +so I reckon we'd better git it under kiver." + +A grave was soon dug; and, wrapping the poor mutilated body in my +saddle-blanket, we laid it within the narrow walls, and hastily covered +it from sight; then, remounting oar horses, silently rode back to camp. + +No question was asked upon our return, and neither Jerry nor myself felt +much like talking; for the scene we had just witnessed impressed upon us +more strongly than words could have done, the responsibility as well as +constant watchfulness and care necessary in travelling through a country +so full of peril. + +The miserable fate of poor Gonzales seemed to throw a gloom over the +entire camp; for it forced all to realize how beset with danger was every +step we took, and how easily it might have been one of us, lying cold in +death, instead of the poor Mexican. + +We retired early, after taking every precaution possible to guard against +surprise, and I soon fell asleep, but was aroused a few hours later, by +terrific screams and howls from Patsey, who was capering around the camp +in the most ridiculous manner, executing as many singular and grotesque +gyrations as an Apache in celebrating the scalp-dance. The entire camp +was roused: even the guards rushed in from their posts to ascertain the +cause of the disturbance. + +[Illustration: Patsey and the Snake.] + +Neither Jerry, Hal, nor Ned could discover the cause of Patsey's terror; +for, in response to our many inquiries, he would only scratch his leg +through the rent in his trousers, and constantly jump up and down, as +though standing upon a hot griddle, all the while howling at the top of +his lungs. + +Becoming, at last, thoroughly angry, I seized the boy by the collar, and +gave him such a shaking that I finally succeeded in getting an answer to +the question, as to what was the matter. + +"Mather!" roared Patsey. "Mather enuff, God knows! Shnakes is the +mather!" making a desperate dive down into the leg of his pants. "I'm +bited to death wid a shnake, so I am. Can't yez all sae I'm a did mon?" + +Now, as far as appearances went, Patsey was a long way from being a dead +man, for he still indulged in more lively contortions than a corpse was +ever known to execute; each movement accompanied by a yell almost loud +enough to wake the dead. + +An examination revealed the fact, that the boy had heedlessly spread his +blanket over the entrance to the home of a colony of large black ants, +and the little fellows, angry at his presumption, had attacked him, in +the most spiteful manner, through the rents in his trousers. Patsey, +awakened out of a sound sleep by their stings, and remembering Ned's +adventure in the Organos mountains, had fancied himself the unfortunate +victim of a like attack. We finally succeeded in convincing him that he +was not dead, nor likely to die; and then, the camp resumed its usual +quiet. + +Early in the morning, before we were ready to start, Jerry called my +attention to several "bighorns,"--or, more properly speaking, +Rocky-Mountain sheep,--that stood perched upon a high cliff which overhung +our camp several hundred feet in the air. As these were the first we had +seen upon the route, I at once called Hal and Ned to witness the sight, +who immediately proposed to make the attempt to capture one. + +Jerry assured them it was impossible; for it would take hours to reach +the spot where they stood, or even to get within rifle-range of them. +This fact alone would prevent starting on a hunt, as we were exceedingly +anxious to get through the pass without being obliged to spend another +night in so dangerous a locality. + +This animal is somewhat larger than the common sheep, is covered with +brownish hair instead of wool, and is chiefly remarkable for its huge +spiral horns, resembling those of a sheep, but frequently three feet in +length, and from four to six inches in diameter at the base. + +It is very agile; and, secluding itself among the most inaccessible +mountain-crags, delights in capering upon the very verge of the most +frightful precipices, and skipping from rock to rock across yawning +chasms hundreds of feet in depth. + +I have been assured by old hunters, that, if pursued, it will leap from a +cliff into the valley a hundred feet below, where, alighting upon its +huge horns, it springs to its feet, uninjured, its neck being so thick +and strong, that it endures the greatest shock without injury. + +This animal more closely resembles the _chamois_ than any other +species found upon this continent, and is almost as difficult to capture. + +After leaving the pass and coming out upon the open plain, west of the +mountains, we saw, in the distance, a wild ox. + +Now the boys had, for some time, fancied that they were very expert in +the use of the lasso; and, upon seeing this ox, became seized with the +insane desire to capture him with that weapon, after the most-approved +style of the Mexican _lazador_. Remonstrance was in vain. They knew +they could do it; and away they went on their ponies, eager for the +sport, leaving the remainder of the party to watch them from a distance. + +Upon their approaching near to the old fellow, he threw up his head, +elevated his tail, brandished his long horns, and, with a loud bellow of +defiance, started directly for them. The boys evidently had not +anticipated this, for they slackened their pace at the sight, riding very +slowly towards him. + +As they approached, he commenced shaking his head, pawing the earth, and +bellowing furiously. Then he began to move slowly around in a circle, +throwing clouds of dust high in the air, and almost making the ground +shake with his angry bellowings; finally turning, however, he galloped +slowly away over the plain. + +Away went the ox, and away went the boys after him: it was a run for life +on the one side; on the other, a chase for glory. + +Hal, who was a short distance in advance of Ned, anxious to get his rope +first over the horns, finally made a cast with his lasso. At the same +moment, his pony stumbled, and away went Hal over his head, landing some +feet nearer the ox than he expected to do when he made the cast. + +Ned, who was just behind, now thundered past with lasso in hand, ready +raised to take advantage of Hal's mishap. He threw it; but the noose fell +short of the object aimed at, and encircled a stout _yucca_, that +_would_ stand directly in the way. + +And now the ox, as though understanding the misfortunes that had befallen +his pursuers, turned, and made a furious charge in the direction of the +already discomforted _lazadors_. Seeing him coming towards them, +with lolling tongue, protruding eyes, and angry bellowings, they began to +realize, that, in their case at least, discretion was the better part of +valor. Both turned and fled, leaving pony, lasso, and their courage, +behind them. + +The race now assumed another phrase: it was for safety on the one side, +and revenge on the other. + +On came the boys, Ned in the lead, on his pony, and Hal bringing up the +rear on foot; behind them, the ox, whose bellowing each moment grew +louder and more furious. Suddenly, Hal disappeared behind a clump of +mesquite; but the ox kept on in his efforts to overtake Ned, whose pony +was straining every nerve to reach the wagons in advance of his pursuer. + +When the animal came within rifle-range, Jerry quietly stepped out and +shot him through the head. Ned rode up breathless, upon his panting pony, +and said to one of the Mexicans,-- + +"Say, Juan, how do you throw a lasso? I thought I knew all about it; but +I reckon I don't." + +Hal soon came in, his hands full of thorns, his eyes full of dust, and +his clothes much the worse for his encounter with the ground, protesting, +however, that, if his pony hadn't stumbled, he should have had the old +fellow, sure. + +"But your pony did stumble, and you didn't get him; nor I, either," +remarked Ned. "And I don't think you and I had better brag any more about +lassoing until you can catch your pony down there in the +_chaparral_;" and Hal went for his pony. + +The evening of the third day from the pass brought us to the head of +Quercos _canon_, where we came upon a party of Mexicans and Papago +Indians, engaged in manufacturing _mescal_, the native whiskey of +the country. + +This beverage is made from the roots of the _maguey_, a plant common +to this region. The roots are bulbous, and are gathered in large +quantities, and thrown into pits containing red-hot stones. + +These being filled, they are covered with grass or brush, over which +blankets are spread. The roots are allowed to remain until thoroughly +steamed, when they are taken out, placed in sacks of rawhide and crushed, +the juice escaping into earthen vessels. It is afterwards fermented in +the sun, when it becomes an intoxicating liquor, very closely resembling +Irish whiskey in taste, smell, and effect upon the brain. + +Patsey enjoyed its pungent, smoky _aroma_, with the keenest +pleasure, and, after several times tasting it, pronounced it quite "aquil +to the bist rale ould Irish whiskey," an opinion that we all endorsed +after witnessing his condition a few hours later. + +While encamped here, Ned came to me and reminded me of my promise to +Patsey; saying, that one of the Mexicans had a splendid suit of buckskin, +that he would dispose of very cheap. I traded for it, and Ned arrayed +Patsey in it. Never did king, clothed in robes of royal purple, exhibit +greater pride than did Patsey in his buckskin suit. But, alas! pride must +have a fall; and, within a very few hours, I saw him sitting on the +ground, clothed in his new suit, and protesting with maudlin earnestness +that he was the "veritable Bryan O'Linn himsilf." + +Three days later, we reached the old Mission of _San Xavier del +Bac_, one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Spanish rule, +to be found in this country. + +It was built by the Jesuits nearly two hundred years ago, and is one of +the finest specimens of Saracenic architecture to be found on this +continent. It is located on the lands of the Papago Indians, in whose +charge it now is. + +We encamped beneath the shadow of this massive pile, surrounded by the +thatched huts of the Papagos, who cluster about its cruciform walls as +though confident of its power to protect them, as it did their ancestors, +from the contaminating influences of the outside world. + +These Indians are a simple, honest, industrious tribe, quite superior to +their present situation, and claim that their ancestors have occupied the +country for more than a thousand years, and were far more civilized than +themselves. + +Many of them are as black as negroes, and nearly all are fine specimens +of physical beauty. Still, as a race, they, like the old church, are but +a wreck of former greatness. + +A ride of eight miles brought us to the town of Tucson, through which our +wagons passed to the Pico Chico Mountain, five miles beyond, where we +made our camp. + +This was formerly an old Mexican fort, and was abandoned in 1853, after +the survey of the boundary line between Mexico and the United States. + +We were here informed, that the Apaches had attacked and captured a small +train that was travelling over the route we were following, only the week +before; consequently, our chances of getting through unmolested were very +good; a piece of information that we received gladly. + +The boys and myself spent several hours in Tucson, looking about the +town, and its many curiosities, being especially interested in several +half-naked, dirty Apaches, which were lounging about, with large nuggets +of gold tied up in their filthy rags. + +Horse-racing, wrestling, gambling, drinking mescal, and shooting people, +seemed to be the principal occupation of its inhabitants, who, as a +whole, were about as villainous a looking set of cut-throats as could be +found west of the Rio Grande. + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Tucson is located in the heart of the great silver and gold bearing +regions of Arizona, and it was exceedingly difficult to prevent the boys +from loading themselves with specimens of the many ores offered for sale, +by every loafer, greaser, and Indian, that we met on the street. + +Hal managed to absent himself for a short time; and, when I found him, +had traded Ned's watch for about as small and lively a specimen of a +Mexican mule as I ever saw, which, he assured me in good faith, he had +bought for Patsey's exclusive use. + +I afterwards learned from Ned, that, ever since the boy had become the +owner of a buckskin suit, he imagined that it little comported with the +dignity of a person who could sport "sich an illegant suit, to ride in +wagins, or walk afoot, whin he ought to ride on horseback, like a +gintilmon;" promising, that, if Hal would procure him a mule in Tucson, +he would pay him double price on reaching California. + +The bargain had been made, and the mule delivered, and all I could do was +to make the best of it. I was extremely glad to get out of town so +cheaply, however; and, as it was, it became very dark before we reached +camp; for the new purchase would not be driven, and only consented to be +led, because Hal's pony was the stronger. + +Jerry's opinion of the animal was given in words more forcible that +elegant; and Hal's purchase was laughed at by all. Many were the bets +offered, that Patsey couldn't ride him; but Patsey stoutly asserted he'd +"ridden mules in the ould country, and why couldn't he do it in Ameriky?" + +Shortly after leaving camp, the road crossed a small stream, which we +knew could be easily forded. Jerry, with an eye to some sport, ordered +Patsey, who, mounted upon his mule, was feeling very grand, to lead the +way; and Patsey, nothing loth, started; but, alas! the animal refused to +take the water. + +Four times did he attempt to force him, and four times he was unseated +and violently hurled to the ground: at each overthrow, however, he +returned to the charge with fond hopes, fresh courage, and a stronger +determination to make the animal enter the stream. + +Upon the fifth trial, somewhat to our surprise and Patsey's delight, the +mule quietly approached and entered the stream, without the least +reluctance. + +We all shouted our congratulations at the boy's well-deserved victory; +while Patsey himself was so elated at his success, that he could not +resist manifesting his exultation by digging his heels into the animal's +sides, with a vindictiveness, that could not fail to stir up all its +vicious propensities; while he kept up a running tirade of abuse, after +the Mexican style, as follows:-- + +"So yez thought yez wouldn't cross the wathers, did yez (a dig with his +heels). I'm the bye that'll show yez, that, whin Patsey McQuirk's aboard +(another dig), and say's crass, ye'll crass, so yez will (dig). Ye moight +jist ez well done it first ez last, so yez moight (dig, dig), but ye'll +understand it next time, so yez will (dig, dig)." + +The mule waded on, apparantly in meek submission, until he had nearly +reached the middle of the stream, when, without the least warning, he +laid back his ears, lowered his head, and elevated his heels so quickly, +that Patsey went flying, heels over head into the stream, far towards the +opposite shore, amid the shouts and laughter of the whole party. + +He floundered about in the water for some minutes, completely bewildered. +Occasionally he would disappear; then come to the surface, half +suffocated, to again stumble, fall, and disappear; all the time calling +for "Hilp! hilp! hilp!" + +He finally reached the bank, the most woe begone, discouraged Irish boy +ever seen clothed in a buckskin suit; nor did our screams of laughter +tend to console him for his unwelcome bath: on the contrary, he began to +look about him for some one upon whom to vent his anger. + +Seeing the mule meekly standing by, looking both sorrowful and innocent, +he approached him quickly, and seized the bridle, when the animal started +back so suddenly that Patsey measured his length upon the ground. + +At this point the boy was evidently very willing to give up the contest; +but, knowing the laugh that would be raised at his expense, he determined +to make one final effort to conquer him. + +"Ye cussid lithle hay then," cried Patsey to the mule; "I'll taych yez to +sarve an honist b'y sich a thrick ez thet, noo. Ye'll just sae how yez'll +loik the batin' ye'll get, noo;" and he proceeded to cut a stick with +which to administer the "batin';" but Jerry interrupted, and ordered +Patsey to once more mount the mule, then, riding his own horse into the +water, the mule followed without the least difficulty. + +After we had all crossed, and were again on the road, I asked Patsey what +the trouble seemed to be with his mule. + +"Faith," said he, "don't I know well enuff? The craythur's bin put up to +thim thricks by min as ought to know bother; but I'll be avin wid some +one, if it takes a wake's wages, whin I git to Californy." + +From this point the face of the country was covered by a low, scrubby +growth of mesquite, interspersed with magnificent specimens of the +_Cerus Grandes,_ a remarkable species of cactus, called by the +Indians _Petahaya_, which grows to the height of forty or fifty +feet, and measure from eighteen to twenty inches in circumference. It is +fluted with the regularity of a Corinthian column, and bears a fruit that +resembles a fig in shape, size, and flavor, which is extensively used by +the natives as an article of food. + +The road was fine, and we hurried on as fast as the oppressive heat would +permit; but, with our best exertions, evening found us still several +miles from our intended camping-ground. + +Shortly after sunset a dark bank of clouds arose in the south, which, in +an incredibly short space of time, spread over the face of the heavens, +completely shutting in every ray of light. The darkness was so intense, +that it was with much difficulty we could make any progress, and finally, +Jerry reluctantly gave the order to encamp. + +Before we had time to unharness the mules the storm burst, and the rain +descended in perfect torrents, accompanied by clouds of sand and vivid +lightning. The thunder was terrific. As peal after peal echoed and +reverberated over the vast plain, it sounded like the discharge of a park +of artillery. So nearly above our heads did the sounds come, that we +involuntarily cringed, while the animals became almost frantic with fear, +and plunged and struggled to escape from the men. + +Before we could possibly shelter ourselves, we were drenched to the skin, +and forced to take refuge under the wagons. No attempt was made to light +a fire or prepare supper; and we passed a most uncomfortable night. + +Morning came at last, and, with the sunshine and a good breakfast, our +wonted equanimity was restored; and we again set out, hoping to reach the +Pimo villages, on the Gila, before night-fall. + +We had heard many accounts of this remarkable tribe of Indians, who, for +the past eight or ten centuries, have resided upon, and cultivated the +same land. High as our expectations had been raised, we were in no +measure disappointed upon meeting them. We found them friendly, and +disposed to treat us with great kindness, freely furnishing such articles +of food as we were in need of. + +The Pimos raise fine crops of cotton, corn, wheat, melons, and +vegetables. The women weave, spin, make blankets, grind the corn, and +gather mesquite-beans. Besides doing such work, they attend to their +children, and bring all the water from the river on their heads, in large +earthen jars, frequently holding six or seven gallons, which they balance +so perfectly that they rarely spill a drop. + +The boys were much pleased with the primitive but comfortable houses, +made of poles, bent at the top to a common centre, and wattled in with +straw and corn-shucks. Each house was situated in a separate enclosure, +and surrounded by a small garden. + +The only weapon these Indians use is a bow and arrow, with which they are +very expert. + +While stopping here, we were much amused by watching a party of them +engaged in hunting ducks in one of the lagoons making up from the Gila. + +Placing a number of gourds in the water upon the windward side of the +lagoon, they were gently propelled by the wind to the opposite shore, +where they were picked up, carried back, and again sent adrift. + +At first the birds exhibited no little fear at these singular objects +floating about among them; but eventually became so used to the sight, +that they paid no attention to them. + +Observing this, each Indian cut, in a large gourd, holes for his eyes, +nose, and mouth, and then fitted it upon his head. Taking with him a long +bag, he entered the water, until nothing was seen but the gourd on his +head. Then the peculiar bobbing motion of the gourd was imitated so +exactly, that the wily hunter easily approached near enough to the birds +to seize them by the feet and drag them suddenly under the water. + +Scores of them were thus captured, and securely stowed in the bags that +they carried. + +So nicely and naturally was this done, and so great was the admiration +expressed by us all at the dexterity displayed by the hunters, that +Patsey, who had been remarkably quiet since his experience with the mule, +ventured to whisper to Ned, that "he'd aften hoonted dooks that way, in +the ould country." + +This statement, coming to the ears of Hal, by way of a joke, he proposed +that Patsey should give him a lesson in the art of gourd-hunting. The boy +at once assented to the suggestion, provided he would keep the matter a +secret from all but Ned. To this Hal agreed, at the same time taking good +care that Ned should inform us of the intended sport. + +After the Indians had obtained all the game they desired for themselves, +and we had all left the ground, Hal borrowed one of the gourds for +Patsey. This the boy fitted to his head, and, bag in hand, boldly started +into the water, just as Jerry and myself arrived upon the field of +observation. + +He waded some distance down the lagoon without meeting with any mishap; +but, just as he came near to a large flock, unfortunately stepped into a +hole, and at once disappeared from sight. + +The next moment he rose to the surface with arms extended, thrashing the +water like the paddles of a side-wheel steamboat, and making a noise not +unlike the first attempt of a young mule to bray. + +This strange performance of course frightened the birds, who rose in a +body, with a tremendous flapping of wings. This, joined to our own shouts +of laughter, so terrified Patsey, that he started for the shore, +floundering about in the water like a porpoise. + +He finally reached the bank; and then we discovered that the gourd had +slipped down under his chin, and turned completely around, with the holes +at the back of his head, in which position it was stuck fast. + +Patsey groped blindly about for a few minutes, greatly incensed at our +roars of laughter; and then, convinced of his inability to get rid of the +mask unaided, seated himself upon the ground, and quietly submitted to +have it removed by breaking it with rocks. + +The instant it was off, he flew at Hal, and would have soundly thrashed +him, "for the thrick he had put upon him," had not Jerry interfered to +prevent. This adventure, however, completely cured Patsey of boasting; +for not once again during the entire trip did he indulge in what had +heretofore been a favorite pastime. Nor was Patsey the only one who +learned a lesson while at the Pimo villages. Master Hal, who was +determined to try his hand at trading with the natives, found it anything +but a profitable business; for he disposed of nearly his entire share of +the stock of goods, for articles that were utterly useless to us, and +which we were obliged to abandon before getting through. + +Five days from the Pimo villages, we reached Fort Yuma, at the junction +of the Gila and Colorado rivers; but, with the thermometer at 118 deg. in +the shade, we remained at this post only long enough to cross our wagons +over the Colorado, when we found ourselves upon the borders of the great +California desert, which extends in all directions as far as the eye can +reach, except towards the south-west, where, fifty miles away, a +mountain-range is to be seen, its blue peaks towering high in mid-air. + +The entire country, for hundreds of miles, is covered with a loose, +shifting, blinding, white sand, and is entirely destitute of vegetation +or water. + +We fancied we were well prepared for the journey over this vast plain; +but, notwithstanding the care taken, we suffered all the torments that +thirst can inflict, while our poor animals almost famished by the way. +Our route was plainly marked, the entire distance, by the bleached bones +and dried carcasses of mules, oxen, and sheep, interspersed with +abandoned wagons and whitened skeletons of emigrants, who had perished on +the way. At one place, we came upon a train of seven abandoned wagons, +loaded with household goods. The harnesses remained where they had been +thrown, after removing them; provisions were lying exposed upon a box, as +though the family had been obliged to leave before finishing the meal; +but not a living creature was in sight and, from the general appearance +of the scene, we judged it must have been deserted for weeks. It was a +sad sight: such a picture of desolation, as I care never again to +witness. + +Who the owners were, from whence they came, whither they were bound, or +what was their fate,--must stand one of the secrets of the desert, until +revealed at the final day. + +After three days of terrible suffering, we reached the banks of Carrizo +Creek. It would be impossible to describe the eagerness with which all, +men and animals, plunged down its steep banks, or how we laughed and +shouted as the murmur of its sparkling waters fell upon our ears, or with +what pleasure we laved our burning flesh in its coolness. + +This oasis in the desert is deserving a more extended description than I +can give here; for it probably has not its equal in the world. The stream +rises in sand, flows through sand, and disappears in sand; having worn +for itself a channel about a mile in length, fifteen or twenty feet deep, +and nearly thirty in width. The water is clear, and deliciously cool and +sweet. + +Here, under the benign influence exerted by this spring, we all for a +time forgot our troubles: even Patsey so far forgave Hal for the "thricks +he had put upon him," that I saw them sitting together, waist-deep in the +water; the Irish boy utterly oblivious of the fact that he had neglected, +before taking his bath, to remove the "buckskin suit," which had already +become considerably shrunken and curtailed, of its fair proportions, by +reason of its previous wettings. + +During the night we encamped here, I suddenly awoke from a very sound +sleep, and saw the form of old Jerry, standing in bold relief in the +moonlight upon the top of the bank, and Apparantly gazing far out into +the desert. + +He stood so long motionless, that I thought him asleep; but, upon +speaking, to my surprise he came and seated himself by my side, and said, +"Look here, judge, I want to tell yer a story. Will yer hear it?" + +I told him I would, with pleasure; and he began as follows:-- + +"It was nine year ago this spring, and the first trip I ever made across +this desert. We hed been six days from Yuma to this place: the sun all +the time like a ball of fire, and the sand so hot it burnt one's naked +feet to a blister. Not a drop of water hed we hed for our animals for +three days, and only a teaspoonful for ourselves. + +"On the mornin' of the sixth day, my thirst became so great, that I +determined to start out by myself, and find water. I give my mule the +rein, and he brought me to the edge of this gully; and, when I looked +down into it and see the clear, cold water sparklin' and shinin' like +diamonds, why, I burst right out into a loud laugh. + +"After I stopped laughin', and was a-gittin' down towards the water, I +heerd a kind of noise from the other side of the creek, and looked up; +and, the first thing I see, settin' on the edge on t'other side, was a +boy about twelve years old, tryin' ter call to me. + +"At first I couldn't believe my own eyes; but I shut 'em up for a minute, +and looked again, and there he was, as plain as day, and not another +livin' creeter but my old hoss in sight. + +"Well, I was beat, an'no mistake. Bless me! I kin see the little feller +jest as I seen him that morning,--and a perfect little gentleman he was +too. Yes, and I've seen his pale, thin face and great starin' brown eyes +a-lookin' into mine, a thousand times since that day. + +"I went right over to where he was, and spoke ter him. The little feller +smiled when I came up, and shook his head, as much as to say, that he +couldn't speak. I asked him where he came from, and where his folks was, +and how they come ter leave him alone on the plains, with nobody to look +out for and take care of him; but he only shook his head, and looked up +into my face so piteous and sorrowful like, that I felt my heart go right +out to him. I couldn't understand how the little feller got there; for +his clothes were all new,--the soles of his little boots warn't even +stained. + +[Illustration: A Mystery.] + +"Well, I talked to him a long time afore I remembered I hadn't had a +drink myself; so I asked him if he wanted water, and he nodded his head. +I went down to the creek there, and filled my hat, and warn't away more +than three minutes; but, when I got back, he was gone."--"Where did he go +to, Jerry?" asked Ned, who, unperceived, had been listening to the story. + +"Go to," echoed Jerry, "ther ain't anybody kin tell that. Why, I hunted +every foot, for a mile around, and couldn't find a sign of his trail; and +I never have seen or heerd of him since. Now, judge, I seen him, felt +him, talked to him, and know he was there; and thar hain't never been a +doubt in my mind as to what become of him." + +"Well, Jerry, how do you account for his disappearance?" inquired I. + +"Angels!" was the sententious reply. + +"Pooh!" remarked the matter-of-fact Ned; "angels don't wear clothes and +boots." + +"How do you know?" inquired Jerry. + +"Why, I never heard they did," answered Ned. + +"Did you ever hear they didn't?" continued the old man. "I never believed +in 'em much afore then, and I sartin hain't bed no reason to, on this +trip, so far as I know. Now, judge, you're the first one I ever told that +story to; and it's true, every word of it. What do yer reckon become of +him, if 'twain't angels?" + +"I can't say, Jerry," was my reply. "That is one of the secrets of the +desert, which I cannot answer." + +"Well, I reckon I've talked, about as long as I ought to, at this time of +night; but I've never come this way since then, without thinkin' thet +perhaps I might see him again. I never shall, though, I reckon; and I +s'pose I'd better give up all hopes of it, and may as well go to bed +again." + +As soon as he had gone, Ned crawled over to my side, and said, "Do you +really believe that it was an angel Jerry saw?" + +I endeavored to explain to the boy, that Jerry had been the victim of one +of those strange illusions defined in Sanskrit, as "The thirst of the +gazelle," which is frequently experienced by travellers in the desert, +causing them to imagine they see those objects in which their souls most +delight, but which exist only, in their imaginations. Nor is it possible, +ever after to convince the beholder, that the vision was not real. + +The following day's journey carried us out of the arid, desert country, +through magnificent groves of oak, over beautiful green prairies, and by +ranches, whose cattle were, in truth, "feeding on a thousand hills." The +contrast was as surprising, as it was graceful and pleasing; and, when at +last we reached the summit of the high land that overlooked the beautiful +blue waters of the Pacific, and saw, cozily nestled on the plain below +us, facing the sea, the quaint old town of San Diego, with its +magnificent date-palms, and rare old architecture, we all fairly shouted +for joy. + +The dangers and perils we had passed through, the privations we had +suffered, the petty jealousies that had arisen, the unkind words spoken, +--all were alike forgiven and forgotton in the rapture caused by the sight +of that "shining shore" we had travelled so many weary miles to see. + +Our arrival at San Diego was most opportune, for there was a great +scarcity of goods in the market, which enabled us to dispose of ours, at +such prices that we realized a handsome profit, after paying the expenses +of our entire trip. + +Indeed, we found ourselves in the possession of so much money, that we +deemed it advisable to hold a consultation, as to the best manner of +investing it. + +Hal declared, that he would speculate with it; and thereby take the +chance of doubling the capital in a few weeks, perhaps days. + +Ned was for purchasing a stock of goods in San Francisco, and going into +general merchandise. + +Jerry declared for a stock-ranche, and I--why, I decided with Jerry, of +course. + +"And what do you say, Patsey," called out Ned. + +"Well, I'd take the money, an' buy me a new buckskin suit, and sthart +back for the ould country, shure. Divil a day would yez kitch me stoppin' +in a counthry like this, iny longer thin it would take to git out of it." + +After properly canvassing the matter, we decided to purchase a ranche, +stock it well with cattle, and place it in charge of old Jerry, with Hal +and Ned as assistants, and Patsey as "general utility boy." + +The ranche, under old Jerry's management, has become a valuable piece of +property, branding over a thousand calves the last spring. + +Hal, who, since his arrival here, has corresponded regularly with +Juanita, is now on a visit to Chihuahua, and the last letter I received +from him spoke of his marriage as a settled thing in the coming fall. +After that interesting event is over, he proposes to bring his wife home +with him. + +Ned is one of the most respected and honored citizens of San-Diego +county, and Patsey is growing rich from the profits of a small country +store. + +Old Jerry is alive, and insists upon having his camp-fire lighted every +night, smoking his pipe by the cheerful blaze, and telling a story. Then +he spreads his "painter-skin," and "turns in;" for nothing will induce +the old man to sleep within the four walls of a house. He says "it chocks +him right up, so, he can't; fur the life of him, he don't see how a white +man can stan' it." + +And now, my dear readers, having crossed the Continent together, and at +last found a home upon the shores of the beautiful Pacific, you and I +must part; but, if you ever chance to visit San Diego, come and see us at +the Buena-Vista stock-ranche, and you shall hear old Jerry tell a "story +of the road," beside his camp-fire, and receive from Hal and Ned a +genuine Western welcome. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG TRAIL HUNTERS*** + + +******* This file should be named 10810.txt or 10810.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/1/10810 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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