BANCROFT 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL; 
 
 OB, 
 
 THE HUNT OF THE ILD HORSE. 
 
 of % Jrairit. 
 
 BY CAPTAIN MAYNE EEID, 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE "HUNTER'S FEAST," " SCALP HUNTERS," " BIFJUB RANGERS," "QUADBOO*," 
 
 AND "THE WHITE CHIEF." 
 
 Beautifully Illustrated with Original Designs Engraved by N. Orr 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 ROBERT M. DE WITT, PUBLISHER, 
 
 13 FRANKFORT STREET. 
 
3 
 
 ferniiD according to Act of CoogKM, in the year 1857, by 
 ROBERT M. DE WITT, 
 
 fe tie Clerk'* Oftce of the Pietrict Court of the United Slates, for the Southern Digtrict of New York. 
 
 TKF Publisher begs to inform the Trade and the Public, that portions of this work art 
 now first printed not having been published in England. This is done by expres 
 arrangement with the author, in order to protect the inviolability of the Copyright in 
 this country, as the advance sheets have been secured for the American house at con- 
 liderable expense. 
 
6 
 Bancroft Library 
 
 PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. 
 
 IN presenting to the American Public another volume of these 
 half-wild, half-civilized, half-hunter, half-military adventures, which 
 the author relates in a style so peculiarly his own, it is scarcely 
 necessary to urge any argument in its favor. MATNE REID is so well 
 known and so generally appreciated, that his books possess the 
 entree into every circle the public library, the bachelor's sanctum, 
 the hunter's cabin and the lady's boudoir all gratefully extend to 
 the redoubtable Captain a welcome, as warm as it is sincere. 
 
 There is a charm pervading these books which is to be found in 
 few others and it lies in that off-hand, dashing style with which 
 the author carries his reader along with him, through all sorts of 
 perils, verging on the very brink of destruction, but invariably, by 
 some happy chance, landing him safe on terra firma. Of course, 
 this is easily effected in a novel, and is what every writer aims at ; 
 but, with most of them, the reader can never lose sight of the fact 
 that he is reading, while in Mayne Reid's books the narration is so 
 blended with the action that we lose our identity, as it were, and all 
 our faculties are absorbed by the scene before us, until we feel as 
 if we ourselves were the participants in the fight or foray he h 
 describing. 
 
iv PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. 
 
 The "WAB-TKAIL" has been pronounced, by good judges, to be 
 the best of the series, which is no small praise when we refer 
 to the encomiums which the American press bestowed upon the 
 "Scalp Hunters," "Eifle Bangers," "White Chief," &c., awarding 
 to them a high position among works eminently instructive and 
 deeply interesting. 
 
 We congratulate the author upon the success he has achieved, and 
 have no doubt an appreciative public will cordially welcome this 
 his last production. 
 
 THE PTTBLISI > 
 YORK, June 10. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 I SOUVENIRS, . . 9 
 
 II. A MEXICAN FRONTIER VILLAGE, , .2 
 
 - THE RANGERS ON PICKET, . . 16 
 
 IV. MAKING A CAPTIVE, . 23 
 
 V. MY CAPTIVE, . .. . . . .28 
 
 VI. ISOLINA DE VARGAS, . V 32 
 
 VII. AN ORDER TO FORAGE, . . . . . . .41 
 
 vm. SON RAMON, . . 49 
 
 ix. "UN PAPELCITO," . * 63 
 
 X. AN OLD ENMITY, . ' * . 59 
 
 XI. RAFAEL LRJRRA, . 65 
 
 XII. THE YELLOW DOMINO, 73 
 
 XIII. THE BLUE DOMINO, . . '' -; . . f . .78 
 XIV. LOVE-THOUGHTS, . . t . . . . 87 
 
 XV. AN ODD EPISTLE, . % - * .91 
 
 XVI. THE MANADA, .,*. . ... .96 
 
 XVII THE HUNT OF THE WILD HORSE, 102 
 
 XVIII. THE PHANTOM HORSE, , f 105 
 
 XIX. A PRAIRIE DREAM, . ... Ill 
 
 XX. LOST UPON THE PRAIRIE, 115 
 
 XXI. A PRAIRIE REPAST, ' . . . . 119 
 
 XXII. CHASED BY A "GRIZZLY," * ~ , , 123 
 
 XXIII. THE TOUGHEST STRUGGLE OF MY LIFE, ... . 130 
 
 XXIV. OLD COMRADES, .*.. 134 
 
 XXV. A QUEER CONVERSATION, , * . * ... 139 
 
 XXVI. VOWS OF VENGEANCE, .......... 145 
 
 xxvii. A "WEED" PRAIRIE ON FIRE, . 151 
 
 XXVni. RUBE ROASTED ALIVE, . . . . . . . . .159 
 
 XXIX. THE MESA, .166 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTEB .' PAUH 
 
 XXX GUERBtLLEROS, . .. 172 
 
 XXXI. THE PARLEY, . . . 17* 
 
 XXXII. A DEAD SHOT, 181 
 
 XXXIII. A RUNNING-SHOT, 186 
 
 xxxiv. RUBE'S CHARGER, 193 
 
 XXXV. EL ZORRO, 198 
 
 XXXVI. A PLAN OF ESCAPE, 202 
 
 XXXVII. ELIJAH QUACKENBOSS, . . . . > ... 206 
 
 XXXVIII. THE TRAP EMPTY, 210 
 
 XXXIX. SCALING THE CLIFF, . 215 
 
 XL. A REINFORCEMENT, . . . . . . ' V " . 222 
 
 XLI. THE INDIAN SPY, . . , 226 
 
 XLII. THE CABALLADA, . . i . . . "" ' . . 229 
 
 XLIII. A CHAPTER OF EXPLANATIONS, 234 
 
 XLIV. DUTCH LIGE IN A DIFFICULTY, 241 
 
 XLV. A LOVER ON THE TRAIL, ... . . . . . 245 
 
 XLVI. A DECLARATION ON HORSEBACK, 253 
 
 XLVII. STRAYED FROM THE TRACK, 259 
 
 XL VIII. AN ADIOS, . . .,. 266 
 
 XLLX. THREATS, . . * ^ f 270 
 
 L. AWKWARD ODDS, ... . 276 
 
 LI. AN OFFICIAL BLACK LIST, ........ 282 
 
 LII. THE ROUTE, 287 
 
 LIU. CAMP GOSSIP, 292 
 
 LIV. THE RUINED RANCHO, 298 
 
 LV. A CRUEL PROSCRIPTION, 302 
 
 LVI. THE BIVOUAC OF THE GUERRILLA, 307 
 
 LVII. TAKING THE TRAIL, '!' %' . 312 
 
 &YIII. THE VOYAGEUR, ^. :,>.v.,v.^, .317 
 
 LIX. TRAILING BY TORCH-LIGHT, , . . . . '. . . . 320 
 
 LX. THE SOMBRERO, V ' . . 324 
 
 LXI. THE TRAIL RECOVERED, ' ' . 327 
 
 LXII. WOLVES ON THE TRACK, . . . . " ' -i . 332 
 
 LXIII. ACROSS THE TORRENT, . .335 
 
 LXIV. A LILLIPUTIAN FOREST, 340 
 
 LXV. SCATTERING THE WILD STALLIONS, 344 
 
 LXVI. LOST IN A CHAPARRAL, . . . . ' . . . . 349 
 
 LXVII. ENCOUNTER WITH JAVALI, 352 
 
 IXVIII. THE WOODS ON FIRE, 356 
 
 LXIX. SMOKE AND THIRST, ' . . 369 
 
 LXX. A BURNT PRAIRIE, . 364 
 
 LXXI. THE TALK OF THE TRACKERS, .... '' . .367 
 LXXII. " INJUN SIGN," ,, . 372 
 
CONTENTS. Vll 
 
 CHAPTER FAQS 
 
 LXXIH TRANSLATING THE "SIGN," 376 
 
 LXXIV. THE STEED LAZOED, 379 
 
 LXXV. THE "INDIOS BRAVOS," 382 
 
 LXXVI. ON THE WAR-TRAIL, . .* . 387 
 
 LXXVII. THE "WRITING ON THE MAOUEY, 391 
 
 LXXVIII. THE SOUTHERN SAVAGE, 395 
 
 LXXIX. A SUBTERRANEAN FIRB, ...... 398 
 LXXX. A RED EPISTLE, . . i 403 
 
 LXXXI. MORE WRITING IN RED, , .- /' ^ 407 
 
 T.TTTTT. AN INJUN ON THE BACK TRACK, 411 
 
 LXXXIII. CAPTURING A COMANCHE, . 416 
 
 LXXXIV. "PAINTING INJUN," . ? 419 
 
 LXXXV. THE LAST HOURS ON THE TRAIL, 424 
 
 L XXXVI. THE COMANCHE CAMP, . . .-,_,,. . . 427 
 
 LXXXVII. NO COVER, . . . . >, -,>,, . . . . -431 
 
 LXXXVIII. RUBE CONSULTING HIS ORACLE, % 435 
 
 LXXXIX. THE TRAPPER'S COUNSEL, 439 
 
 XC. TAKING TO THE WATER, 443 
 
 XCI. UP STREAM, 447 
 
 xcii. COUP D'CEIL OF THE CAMP, 452 
 
 XCIII. A FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER, ........ 455 
 
 XCIV. SPY IN COUNCIL, 460 
 
 XCV. THE COUNCIL IN SESSION, 463 
 
 XCVI. THE RENEGADE CLAIMS HIS CAPTIVES, 467 
 
 XCVII. SPEECHES IN COUNCIL, , 470 
 
 XCVIII. A ROUGH COURTSHIP, 475 
 
 ZOIX. THE CRISIS, 479 
 
 C THE LAST GALLOP, . ....... 485 
 
 CJ -CONCLUSION, . . ^ 
 
THE WAE-TEAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 SOUVENIRS. 
 
 LAND of the nopal and maguey home of Moctezuma and 
 Malinchd ! I cannot wring thy memories from my heart ! 
 Years may roll on, hand wax weak, and heart grow old, bat 
 never till both are cold can I forget thee ! I would not ; for thee 
 would I remember. Not for all the world would I bathe my 
 soul in the waters of Lethe. Blessed be memory for thy sake I 
 
 Bright land of Anahuac ! my spirit mounts upon the ae'rial 
 wings of Fancy, and once more I stand upon thy shores! Over 
 thy broad savannahs I spur my noble steed, whose joyous neigh 
 tells that he too is inspired by the scene. I rest under the 
 shade of the corozo palm, and quaff the wine of the acrocomia. 
 I climb thy mountains of amygdaloid and porphyry thy crags 
 of quartz, that yield the white silver and the yellow gold. I 
 cross the fields of lava, rugged in outline, and yet more rugged 
 with their coverture of strange vegetable forms the cycas and 
 cactus, yuccas and zamias. I traverse thy table-plains through 
 bristling rows of giant aloes, whose sparkling juice cheers ms 
 on my path. I stand upon the limits of eternal snow; crushing 
 
 1* fl 
 
10 THE WAE-TRAIL. 
 
 the Alpine lichen under my heel ; while down in the deep bar 
 ranca, far down below, I behold the feathery fronds of the palm, 
 the wax-like foliage of the orange, the broad shining leaves of 
 the pathos, the arums, and bananas! O that I could look 
 with living eye on these bright pictures! But even palely out 
 lined upon the retina of memory, they impart a soothing plea 
 sure to my soul 
 
 Land of Moctezuma! I have other souvenirs of thee, more 
 deeply graven on my memery than these pictures of peace. 
 Thou recallest scenes of war. I traversed thy fields a foeman 
 sword in hand and now, after years gone by, many a wild 
 scene of soldier-life springs up before me with all the vividness 
 of reality. 
 
 The, Bivouac, I I sit by the night camp-fire ; around are war 
 like forms and bearded faces. The blazing log reflects the sheen 
 of arms and accoutrements saddles, rifles, pistols, canteens, 
 strewing the ground, or hanging from the branches of adjacent 
 trees. Picketed steeds loom large in the darkness, their forms 
 dimly outlined against the sombre background of the forest. A 
 solitary palm stands near, its curving fronds looking hoary 
 under the fire-light. The same light gleams upon the fluted 
 columns of the great organ-cactus, upon agaves and bromelias, 
 upon the silvery tillandsia, that drapes the tall trees as with a 
 toga. 
 
 The wild tale is told the song is sung the jest goes round 
 the hoarse peal echoes through the aisles of the forest, fright 
 ing the parrot on its perch, and the wolf upon his prowl. Little 
 reck they who sing, and jest, and laugh little reck they of the 
 morrow. 
 
 ******* 
 
 The Skirmish! Morning breaks. The fragrant forest is 
 silent, and the white blue light is just tinging the tree-tops. A 
 shot rings upon the air: it is the warning-gun of the picket- 
 sentinel, v>o comes galloping in upon the guard. The enemy 
 
SOUVENIRS. 11 
 
 npproaches! " To horse!" the bugle thrills in clear loud notes 
 Th'e slumberers spring to their feet they seize their rifles, 
 pistols, and sabres, and dash through the smouldering fires till 
 ashes cloud the air. The steeds snort and neigh ; in a trice 
 they are saddled, bridled, and mounted ; and away sweeps the 
 troop along the forest road. 
 
 The enemy is in sight a band of guerillas, in all their pictu- 
 resqueness manga and scrape of scarlet, purple, and gold. 
 Lances, with shining points and streaming pennons, overtop the 
 trees. 
 
 The bugle sounds the charge ; its notes are drowned by the 
 charging cheer. We meet our swarthy foemen face to face ; 
 spear-thrusts are answered by pistol-shots; our sabres cross and 
 clink, but our snorting steeds rear back, and will not let us kill 
 each other. We wheel and meet again, with deadlier aim, and 
 more determined arm ; we strike without remorse we strike 
 
 for freedom 1 
 
 * * * * * * * 
 
 The. Battle-field I The serried columns and the bristling guns 
 the roar of cannon and the hoarse roll of drums the bugle's 
 wildest notes, the cheer, the charge the struggle hand to hand 
 the falling foeman and his dying groan the rout, retreat, the 
 hoarse huzza for victory ! I well remember, but I cannot paint 
 
 them. . 
 
 ******* 
 
 Land of Anahuac! thou recallest other scenes, far different 
 from these scenes of tender love or stormy passion. The 
 strife is o'er the war-drum has ceased to beat, ancl the bugle 
 to bray ; the steed stands chafing in his stall, and the conqueror 
 dallies in the halls of the conquered. Love is now the victor, 
 and the stern soldier, himself subdued, is transformed into a 
 suing lover. In gilded hall or garden bower, behold him on 
 bended knee, whispering his soft tale in the ear of some dark 
 eyed donfdla, Andalusian, or Aztec! 
 
 ******* 
 
12 THE WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 Lovely land! I have sweet memories of thee ; for who could 
 traverse thy fields without beholding some fair flower, ever after 
 to be borne upon his bosom. And yet, not all my souvenirs 
 are glad. Pleasant and painful, sweet and sad, they thrill my 
 heart with alternate throes. But the sad emotions have been 
 tempered by time, and the glad ones, at each returning tide, 
 seem tinged with brighter glow. In thy bowers, as elsewhere, 
 roses must be plucked from thorns ; but in memory's mellowed 
 light I see not the thorns I behold only the bright and beauti 
 ful 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A MEXICAN FRONTIER VILLAGE. 
 
 A MEXICAN pueblita on the banks of the Rio Bravo del 
 Nort6 a mere rancheria or hamlet. The quaint old church of 
 Morisco-Italian style, with its cupola of motley japan, the resi 
 dence of the cura, and the house of the alcalde, are the only 
 stone structures in the place. These constitute three sides of 
 the plaza, a somewhat spacious square. The remaining side is 
 taken up with shops or dwellings of the common people. They 
 are built of large unburnt bricks (adobes), some of them washed 
 with lime, others gradually colored like the proscenium of a 
 theatre, but most of them uniform in their muddy and forbidding 
 brown. All have heavy, jail-like doors, and windows without 
 glass or sash. The reja of iron bars set vertically, opposes the 
 burglar, not the weather. 
 
 From the four corners of the plaza, narrow, unpaved, dusty 
 lanes lead off to the country, for some distance bordered on 
 both sides by the adobe* houses. Still further out, on the skirts 
 of the village, and sparsely placed, are dwellings of frailer build 
 
A MEXICAN FRONTIER VILLAGE. 13 
 
 out more picturesque appearance ; they are ridge-roofed struc 
 tures, of the split trunks of that gigantic lily, the arborescent 
 yucca. Its branches form the rafters, its tough fibrous leaves 
 the hatch. In these ranchitos dwell the poor peons, the descend 
 ants of the conquered race. 
 
 The stone dwellings, and those of mud likewise, are fiat-roofed, 
 tiled or cemented, sometimes tastefully japanned, with a para 
 pet breast-high running round the edge. This flat roof is the 
 azotea, characteristic of Mexican architecture. 
 
 When the sun is low and the evening cool, the azotea is a 
 pleasant lounging-place, especially when the proprietor of the 
 house has a taste for flowers ; then it is converted into an aerial 
 garden, and displays the rich flora, for which the picture-land of 
 Mexico is justly celebrated. It is just the place to enjoy a cigar, 
 a glass of pinole, or, if you prefer it, Catalan. The smoke is 
 wafted away, and the open air gives a relish to the beverage. 
 Besides, your eye is feasted ; you enjoy the privacy of a draw 
 ing-room, while you command what is passing in the street. The 
 slight parapet gives security, while hindering a too free view 
 from below ; you see, without being seen. The world moves 
 on, busied with earthly affairs, and does not think of looking 
 up. 
 
 I stand upon such an azotea: it is that over the house of the 
 alcalde;, and his being the tallest roof in the village, I command 
 a view of all the others. I can see beyond them all, and note 
 the prominent features of the surrounding country. My eye 
 wanders with delight over the deep rich verdure of its tropic 
 vegetation; I can even distinguish its more characteristic forms 
 the cactus, the yucca, and the agave. I observe that the 
 village is girdled by a belt of open ground cultivated fields 
 where the maize waves its silken tassels in the breeze, contrast 
 ing with the darker leaves of the capsicums and beau-plants 
 (frijoles). This open ground is of limited extent. The chappa- 
 ral, with its thorny thicket of acacias, mimosae, ingas, and Tobi 
 
4 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 nias a perfect maze oi leguminous trees hems it in; and sc 
 near is the verge of this jungle, that I can distinguish its 
 undergrowth of stemless sabal palms and bromelias the sun- 
 scorched and scarlet leaves of the pita plant shining in the dis 
 tance like lists of fire. 
 
 This propinquity of forest to the little pueblita bespeaks the 
 indolence of the inhabitants ; perhaps not. It must be remem 
 bered that these people are not agriculturists, but vaqueros 
 (herdsmen) ; and that the glades and openings of that thick 
 chapparal are speckled with herds of fierce Spanish cattle, and 
 droves of small sharp-eared Andalusian horses, of the race of 
 the Barb. The fact of so little cultivation does not abnegate 
 the existence of industry on the part of the villagers. Grazing 
 is their occupation, not farming ; only a little of the latter to 
 give them maize for their tortillas, child to season it with, and 
 black beans to complete the repast. These three, with the half- 
 wild beef of their wide pastures, constitute the staple of food 
 throughout all Mexico. For drink, the denizen of the high 
 table-land finds his favorite beverage the rival of champagne 
 in the core of the gigantic aloe ; while he of the tropic coast- 
 land refreshes himself from the stem of another native endogen, 
 the acrocomia palm. 
 
 Favored land! Ceres loves thee, and Bacchus too. To thy 
 fields both the god and the goddess have been freely bounteous. 
 Food and drink may be had from them on easy terras. Alas ! 
 as in all other lands one only excepted Nature's divine views 
 have been thwarted, her aim set aside, by the malignity of man. 
 As over the broad world, the blight of the despot is upon thy 
 beauty. 
 
 Why are these people crowded together hived, as it were, 
 in towns and villages? Herdsmen, one would expect to find 
 scattered by reason of their occupation. Besides, a sky con 
 tinually bright, a genial clime, a picturesqueness of scene all 
 seem to invite to rural life ; and yet I Lave ridden for hours, u 
 
A MEXICAN FRONTIER VILLAGE. 15 
 
 succession of lovely landscapes rising before my eyes, all of 
 them wild, wanting in that one feature which makes the ruraj 
 picture perfect the house, the dwelling of man ! Towns there 
 are, and at long intervals the huge hacienda of the landed lord, 
 walled in like a fortress ; but where are the ranches, the homes 
 of the common people ? True, I have noticed the ruins of many, 
 and that explains the puzzle. I remember, now that I am on 
 the frontier, that for years past the banks of the Rio Bravo, 
 from its source to the sea, have been hostile ground a war- 
 border 1500 miles in length ! Many a red conflict has occurred 
 is still occurring between those Arabs of the American 
 desert the Horse Indians and the pale-faced descendants of 
 the Spaniard. That is why the ranches exist only in ruins 
 that is why the haciendas are loopholed, and the populace pent 
 up within walls. The condition of feudal Europe exists in free 
 America, on the banks of the Rio Bravo del Norte ! 
 
 ******* 
 
 Nearly a mile off, looking westward, I perceive the sheen of 
 water : it is a reach of the great river that glances under the 
 setting sun. The river curves at that point-; and the sum- 
 rait of a gentle hill, half girdled by the stream, is crowLed by 
 the low white walls of a hacienda. Though only one story 
 high, this hacienda appears, from its extent, and the style of its 
 architecture, to be a noble mansion. Like all of its class, it is 
 flat-roofed ; but the parapet is crenated, and small ornamental 
 turrets over the angles and the great gateway relieve the mono 
 tony of its outlines. A larger tower, the belfry, appears in the 
 background, for the Mexican hacienda is usually provided with 
 its little capilla for the convenient worship of the peon retainers. 
 The emblems of religion, such as it is, are thick over the land. 
 The glimmer of glass behind the iron rejas relieves to some 
 extent the prison-like aspect, so characteristic of Mexican 
 country-houses. This is further modified by the appearance 
 over fte parapet of green foliage Forms of tropic vegetation 
 
16 THE WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 show above the wall ; among others, the gracetul curving fronds 
 of a palm. This must be an exotic, for although the lower half 
 of the Rio Bravo is within the zone of the palms, the species tha k 
 grow so far north are fan-palms (chamarops and sabal). This 
 one is of far different form, with plume-shaped pinnate fronds, 
 of the character of cocos, phcenix or euterpe. I note the fact, 
 not from any botanical curiosity with which it inspires me, but 
 rather because the presence of this exotic palm has a signifi 
 cance. It illustrates a point in the character of him it may be 
 her who is the presiding spirit of the place. No doubt there 
 is a fair garden upon the azotea perhaps a fair being among 
 its flowers. Pleasant thoughts spring up anticipations. I 
 long to climb that sloping hill, to enter that splendid mansion, 
 
 and longing still, I gaze. 
 
 ******* 
 
 The ring of a bugle reminds me of my duties. ; Tis but a 
 stable-call; but it has driven those sweet reflections out of my 
 mind, and my eyes are turned away from the bright mansion, and 
 rest upon the plaza of the pueblita. There, a far different scene 
 greets their glance. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE RANGERS ON PICKET. 
 
 THE centre of the plaza presents a salient point in the pic 
 ture. There the well (dposo), with its gigantic wheel, its huge 
 leathern belt and buckets, its trough of cemented stone-work, 
 offers an oriental aspect. Yerily, it is the Persian wheel ! 'Tis 
 odd to a northern eye, particularly, to find such a structure in 
 this western land; but the explanation is easy. That idea has 
 travelled from Egypt along the southern shores of the Mediter 
 ranean. With the Moors it crossed the Straits of Gibraltar, 
 
THE RANGERS ON PICKET. 17 
 
 and the Spaniard has carried it over the Atlantic. The reader 
 of the sacred volume will find many a familiar passage illustrated 
 in the customs of Mexico. The genius of the Arab has shaped 
 many a thought for the brain of the Aztec. 
 
 My eye rests not long upon the Persian wheel, but turns to 
 gaze on the scene of active life that is passing around it. Forms, 
 and varied ones, I trow, are moving there. 
 
 Gliding with silent step and dubious look his wide calzoneros 
 flapping around his ankles, his arms and shoulders shrouded in 
 the mottled scrape", his black broad-brimmed hat darkening still 
 more his swarth face goes the poblano, the denizen of the adobe* 
 hut. He shuns the centre of the plaza, keeping around the 
 walls ; but at intervals his eyes are turned towards the well with 
 a look of mingled fierceness and fear. He reaches a doorway 
 it is silently opened by a hand within he enters quickly, and 
 seems glad to get out of sight. A little after, I can catch a 
 glimpse of his sombre face dimly outlined behind the bars of the 
 reja. At distant corners, I descry small groups of his class all 
 similarly costumed in calzoneros, striped blankets, and glaze 
 hats; all, like him, wearing uneasy looks. They gesticulate 
 little, contrary to their usual habit, and converse only in whis 
 pers or low mutterings. Unusual circumstances surround them. 
 
 Most of the women are within ioors ; a few of the poorer 
 class of pure Indian race are seated in the plaza. They are 
 hucksters, and their wares are spread before them on a thin palm- 
 leaf mat (petate), while another similar one, supported umbrella- 
 like on a stem, screens them and their merchandise from the sun. 
 Their dyed woollen garments, their bare heads, their coarse 
 black hair, adorned with twists of scarlet worsted, give them 
 somewhat of a gipsy look. They appear as free of care as the 
 zingali themselves : they laugh, and chatter, and show their white 
 teeth all day long, asking each new-comer to purchase their fruits 
 and Tegetables, their pinole, atole, and agua dulce. Their not 
 unmusical voices ring pleasantly upon the ear. 
 
1 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Now and then a young girl, with red lla poised upon her 
 crown, trips lightly across the plaza in the direction of the well 
 Perhaps she is a poblana, one of the belles of the village, ii 
 short-skirted, bright-coloured petticoat, embroidered but sleeve 
 less chemisette, with small satin slippers upon her feet; head, 
 shoulders, and bosom shrouded in the blue-gray reboso ; arms and 
 ankles bare. Several of these are seen passing to and fro. They 
 appear less uneasy than the men; they even smile at intervals, 
 and reply to the rude badinage uttered in an unknown tongue 
 by the odd-looking strangers around the well. The Mexican 
 women are courageous as they are amiable. As a race, their 
 beauty is undeniable. 
 
 But who are these strangers ? They do not belong to the 
 place, that is evident ; and equally clear it is that they are 
 objects of terror to those who do. At present, they are masters 
 here. Their numbers, their proud confident swagger, and the 
 bold loud tone of their conversation, attest that they are mas 
 ters of the ground. Who are they ? Odd-looking, I have styled 
 them ; and the phrase is to be taken in its full significance. A 
 more odd-looking set of fellows never mustered in a Mexican 
 plaza, nor elsewhere. 
 
 There are fourscore of them; and but that each carries a 
 ya'ger rifle in his hand, a knife in his belt, and a Cola's pistol on 
 his thigh, you could not discover the slightest point of resemb 
 lance between any two of them. Their arms are the only things 
 about them denoting uniformity, and some sort of organization ; 
 for the rest, they are as unlike one another as the various shapes 
 and hues of coarse broadcloth, woollen jeans, cottonades, colored 
 blankets, and buckskin, can make them. They wear caps of 
 'coon-skin, and cat's-skin, and squirrel ; hats of beaver, and felt, 
 and glaze, of wool and palmetto, of every imaginable shape and 
 slouch. Even of the modern monster the silken " tile" 
 samples might be seen, badly crushed. There are coats of broad 
 cloth, few in number, and well worn ; but many are the garments 
 
THE RANGEKS ON PICKET. 
 
 of " Kentucky jeans," of bluish-grey, of copper-colored nigger- 
 cloth, and sky-colored cottonade. Some wear coats made of 
 green blankets, others of blue ones, and some of a scarlet red. 
 There are hunting-shirts of dressed deerskin, with plaited skirt, 
 and cape, fringed and jauntily adorned with beads and embroid 
 ery the favorite style of the backwoods hunter ; but others 
 there are of true Indian cut, open only at the throat, and hang 
 ing loose, or fastened around the waist with a belt the same 
 that secures the knife and pistol. There are cloth jackets, too, 
 such as are worn by sailors, and others of sky-blue cottonade 
 the costume of the Creole of Louisiana; some of red-brown 
 leather the jaqueta of the Spano- American ; and still another 
 fashion, the close-fitting embroidered "spencer" of the Mexican 
 ranchero. Some shoulders are covered by scrape's, and some by 
 the more graceful and toga-like manga. Look lower down: 
 examine the limbs of the men of this motley band : the covering 
 of these is not less varied than their upper garments. You see 
 wrappers of coarse cloth, of flannel, and of baize; they are blue, 
 and scarlet, and green. You see leggings of rawhide and of 
 buckskin; boots of horse-leather reaching to the thighs; "nig 
 ger boots " of still coarser fabric, with the pantaloons tucked 
 under Irogans of unstained calf-skin, and moccasins of varied 
 cut, betokening the fashion of more than one Indian tribe. You 
 may see limbs incased in calzoneros, and others in the heavy 
 stamped leather lotas of the Mexican horseman, resembling the 
 greaves of warriors of the olden time. 
 
 The heels of all are armed, though their armature is as 
 varied as the costumes. There are spurs of silver and of steel, 
 some plated, and some with the plating worn off ; some strapped, 
 and others screwed into the heel of the boot; some light, with 
 small rowels and tiny teeth, while others are seen (the heavy 
 spur of Mexico) of several pounds' weight, with rowels five 
 inches in diameter, and teeth that might be dashed through tha 
 ribs of a horse ! cruel weapons of the Mexican cavallero. 
 
U THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 But these spars in the plaza, these betas and calzoneros, 
 these mangas and scrape's, are not worn by Mexicans. Their 
 present wearers are men of a different race. Most of those tall, 
 stalwart bodies are the product of the maize-plant of Kentucky 
 and Tennessee, or the buckwheat and " hog meat " of the fertile 
 flats of Ohio, Indiana, and the Illinois. They are the squatters 
 and hunters of the backwoods, the farmers of the great western 
 slopes of the Alleghanies, the boatmen of the Mississippi, the 
 pioneers of Arkansas and Missouri, the trappers of prairie-land, 
 the voyageurs of the lake-country, the young planters of the 
 lower states, the French Creoles of Louisiana, the adventurous 
 settlers of Texas, with here and there a gay city spark from the 
 larger towns of the " great West." Yes, and from other sources 
 are individuals of that mixed band. I recognize the Teutonic 
 type the fair hair and whitish-yellow moustache of the German, 
 the florid Englishman, the staid Scot, and his contrast the noisy 
 Hibernian; both equally brave. I behold the adroit and nimble 
 Frenchman, full of laugh and chatter, the stanch soldierly Swiss, 
 and the moustached exile of Poland, dark, sombre, and silent. 
 What a study for an ethnologist is that band of odd-looking 
 men ! Who are they ? 
 
 You have thrice asked the question. I answer it : They are 
 a corps of " Rangers " a guerilla of the American army. 
 
 And who aim I ? Their captain their chief. 
 
 Yes, I am the leader of that queer crew; and, despite their 
 rough motley aspect, I dare affirm, that not in Europe, not in 
 America elsewhere, not upon the great globe's surface, can be 
 found a band, of like numbers, to equal them in strength, daring, 
 and warlike intelligence. Many of them have spent half a life 
 in the sharpening practice of border warfare Indian or Mexi 
 can and from these the others have learnt. Some have been 
 gentlemen upon whom fortune has frowned ; a few have been 
 desperadoes within the pale of civilized life; and a smaller few,. 
 
THE K ANGERS ON PICKET. 21 
 
 perhaps, outlaws beyond it bad materials wherewith to colonize ; 
 not so bad, if you go but to conquer. 
 
 Rude as is the coup d'cdl of the corps, I am proud to say that 
 a high sentiment of honor pervades it, higher than will be found 
 in the picked corps de garde of an emperor. True, they appear 
 rough and reckless terrible, I might say ; for most of them 
 with their long beards and hair, dust-begrimed faces, slouched 
 hats, and odd habiliments, belted as they are with knife, pistol, 
 powder-horn, and pouch present such an aspect, that you would 
 wrong them to take them as they look. Few among them are 
 the pure bandits whose aim is plunder. Many a noble heart 
 beats beneath a rude exterior many a one truly humane. 
 There are hearts in that band that throb under the influence of 
 patriotism ; some are guided by a still more nobler impulse, a 
 desire to extend the area of freedom ; others, it is true, yearu 
 but for revenge. These last are chiefly Texans, who mourn a 
 friend or brother slain by Mexican treachery. They have not 
 forgotten the cowardly assassination of Groliad ; they remember 
 the red butchery of the Alamo. 
 
 Perhaps I alone, of all the band, have no motive for being 
 here ; if one, 'tis slight scarce so noble as vengeance. Mere 
 chance, the love of excitement and adventure, perhaps some 
 weak fondness for power and fame, are all the excuses I can urge 
 for taking a hand in this affair. A poor adventurer, without 
 friends, without home, without country for my native land is no 
 more a nation my heart is not cheered by a single throb of 
 patriotism. I have no private wrong to redress, no public 
 cause, no country for which to combat. 
 
 During intervals of inaction, these thoughts recur to me, and 
 
 give me pain. 
 
 ****** 
 
 The men have picketed their horses in the church enclosure; 
 Bonae are tied to trees, and others to the reja-bars of the win 
 dows: like their riders, a motley group, various in size, color, 
 
22 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 and race. The strong high-mettled steed of Kentucky and Ten 
 nessee, the light "pacer" of Louisiana, the cob, the barb, his 
 descendant the " mustang," that but a few weeks ago was run 
 ning wild upon the prairies, may all be seen in the troop. Mules, 
 also, of two distinct races the large gaunt mule of North 
 America, and the smaller and more sprightly variety, native of 
 the soil. 
 
 My own black steed, with his pretty fern-colored muzzle, 
 stands near the fountain in the centre of the plaza. My eye 
 wanders with a sort of habitual delight over the oval outlines 
 of his body. How proudly he curves his swan-like neck, and 
 with mock anger paws up the dust ! He knows that my eyes are 
 
 upon him. 
 
 ****** 
 
 We have been scarcely an hour in the rancheria ; we are per 
 fect strangers to it : we are the first American troop its people 
 have yet seen, although the war has been going on for some 
 months fnrther down the river. We have been sent here upon 
 picket-duty, with orders to scour the surrounding country as far 
 as it is safe. The object in sending us hither is not so much to 
 guard agaiust a surprise from our Mexican foe, who is not upon 
 this side, but to guard them, the Mexicans, from another enemy 
 an enemy of both of us the Comauche! These Indian Ish- 
 maelites, report says, are upon the "war-trail," and have quite 
 an army in the field. It is said they are foraging further up the 
 river, where they have it all to themselves, and have just pillaged 
 a settlement in that direction butchered the men, as is their 
 wont, and carried off the women, children, and chattels. We 
 came hither to conquer the Mexicans, but we must protect wnile 
 tonqueri*ig them ! Cosas de Mexico ! 
 
MAKING A CAPTIVE. 23 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 MAKING A CAPTIVE. 
 
 1 WAS musing upon the singular character of this triangular 
 war, when my reverie was disturbed by the hoof-strokes of a 
 horse. The sounds came from a distance, outside the village ; 
 the strokes were those of a horse at full gallop. 
 
 I stepped hastily across the azotea, and looked over the para 
 pet, in hopes of obtaining a view of this rapid rider. I was not 
 disappointed the road and the rider came full under my eyes. 
 
 In the latter, I beheld a picturesque object. He appeared to 
 be a very young man a mere youth, without beard or mous 
 tache, but of singularly handsome features. The complexion 
 was dark, almost brown; but even at the distance of two hun 
 dred yards, I could perceive the flash of a noble eye, and note a 
 damask redness upon his cheeks. His shoulders were covered 
 with a scarlet manga, that draped backward over the hips of his 
 horse; and upon his head he wore a light sombrero, laced, banded, 
 and tasselled with bullion of gold. The horse was a small, but 
 finely proportioned mustang, spotted like a jaguar upou a ground 
 color of cream a true Andalusian. 
 
 The horseman was advancing at a gallop, without fear of the 
 ground before him : by chance, his eyes were raised to the level 
 of the a/otea, on which I stood ; my uniform, and the sparkle 
 of my accoutrements, caught his glance; and quick as thought, 
 as if by an involuntary movement, he reined up his mustang, 
 until its ample tail lay clustered upon the dust of the road. It 
 was then that I noted the singular appearance of both horse 
 *nd rider. 
 
24: THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 Just at that moment, the ranger, who held picket on that side 
 of the village, sprang forth from his hiding-place, and challenged 
 the horseman to halt. The challenge was unheeded. Another 
 jerk of the rein spun the mustang round, as upon a pivot, and 
 the next instant, impelled by the spur, the animal resumed his 
 gallop. He did not return by the road, but shot off in a new 
 direction, nearly at right angles to his former course. A rifle- 
 bullet would have followed, and most likely have stopped the 
 career of either horse or rider, had not I, just in the nick of 
 time, shouted to the sentry to hold his fire. 
 
 A reflection had occurred to me: the game was too noble, too 
 beautiful, to be butchered by a bullet ; it was worth a chase and 
 a capture. 
 
 My horse was by the water-trough. I had noticed that he 
 was not yet unsaddled, and the bridle was still on. He had 
 been warmed by the morning's scout ; and I had ordered my 
 negro groom to walk him round for an hour or so before Letting 
 him at the water. 
 
 I did not wait to descend by the etcetera ; I sprang upon the 
 parapet, and from that into the piazza. The groom, perceiving 
 my intention, met me half-way with the horse. I seized the 
 reins, and bounded into the saddle. Several of the readiest of 
 the rangers followed my example; and as I galloped down the 
 lane that led out of the rancheria, I could tell by the clattering 
 of hoofs that half a dozen of them were at my heels. I cared 
 not much for that, for surely I was a match for the stripling we 
 meant to chase. I knew, moreover, that speed at the moment 
 was of more importance than strength; and that if the spotted 
 horse possessed as much " bottom" as he evidently did " heels," 
 his rider and I would have it to ourselves in the end. I knew 
 that all the horses of my troop were less swift than my own 
 and from the half-dozen springs I had witnessed on the part of 
 the mustang, I felt satisfied that it remained only for me to over 
 haul him. 
 
MAKING A CAPTIVE. 25 
 
 My springing down from the roof and up into the saddle had 
 occupied scarcely two minutes' time; and in two more, I had 
 cleared the houses, and was scouring across the fields after the 
 scarlet horseman. He was evidently making to get round the 
 village, and continue the journey our presence had so suddenly 
 interrupted. 
 
 The chase led through a field of milpas (maize). My horse 
 sank deeply in the loose earth, while the lighter mustang bounded 
 over it like a hare: he was distancing me. I began to fear I 
 would lose him, when all at once I saw that his course was in 
 tercepted by a list of magueys, running transversely right and 
 left. The plants were of luxuriant growth, eight or ten feet 
 high, and placed alternately, so that their huge hooked blades 
 interlocked with each other, forming a natural ckevaux-de-frise. 
 
 This barrier at first glance seemed impassable for either man 
 or horse. It brought the Mexican to a halt. He was turning 
 to skirt it, when he perceived that I had leaned into the diagonal 
 line, and could not fail to head him. With a quick wrench upon 
 the rein, he once more wheeled round, set his horse against the 
 magueys, plied the spur, and dashed right into their midst. In 
 a moment more, both horse and rider were out of sight; but as 
 I spurred up to the spot, I could hear the thick blades crackle 
 under the hoofs of the mustang. 
 
 There was no time for reflection. I must either follow, or 
 abandon the pursuit. The alternative was not thought of. I 
 was on my honor, my steed upon his mettle ; and without halt 
 we went plunging through the magueys. 
 
 Torn and bleeding, we came out on the opposite side; and I 
 perceived, to my satisfaction, that I had made better time than 
 the red rider before me : his halt had lessened the distance be 
 tween us. But another field of milpas had to be passed, and he 
 was again gaining upon me, as we galloped over the heavy 
 ground. When nearly through the field, I perceived something 
 glancing before us: it was water a wide drain or ditch, a zequia 
 
26 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 for irrigating the field. Like the magueys, it ran transversely 
 to our course. 
 
 " That will stop him," thought I , " he must take to the right 
 or left, and then " 
 
 My thoughts were interrupted. Instead of turning either to 
 right or left, the Mexican headed his horse at the zequia, and 
 the noble creature rushing forward, rose like a bird upon the 
 wing, and cleared the canal ! 
 
 I bad no time to expend in admiring the feat ; I hastened to 
 imitate it, and galloping forward, I set myself for the leap. My 
 brave steed needed neither whip nor spur; he had seen the other 
 leap the zequia, and he knew what was expected of him. With 
 a bound, he went over, clearing the drain by several feet ; and 
 then, as if resolved upon bringing the affair to an end, he 
 laid his head forward, and stretched himself at race-course 
 speed. 
 
 A broad grassy plain a savannah lay before us, and the 
 hoofs of both horses, pursuer and pursued, now rang upon hard 
 firm turf. The rest of the chase would have been a simple trial 
 of speed, and I made sure of overhauling the mustang before he 
 could reach the opposite side, when a new obstacle presented 
 itself. A vast herd of cattle and horses studded the savannah 
 throughout its whole extent ;. these, startled by our wild gallop, 
 tossed their heads, and ran affrighted in every direction, but fre 
 quently as otherwise, directly in our way. More than once, I 
 was forced to rein in, to save my neck or my horse's from being 
 broken over a fierce bull or a long-horned lumbering ox ; and 
 more than once I was compelled to swerve from my course. 
 
 What vexed me most was, that in this zigzag race, the mus 
 tang, from practice, perhaps, had the advantage; and while it 
 continued, he increased his distance. We cleared the drove at 
 length ; but to my chagrin I perceived that we were nearly 
 across the plain. As I glanced ahead, I saw the chappara! 
 near, with taller trees rising over it; beyond, I saw the swell of 
 
MAKING A CAPTIVE. 27 
 
 a hill, with white walls upon its summit. It was the hacienda 
 already mentioned : we were riding directly for it. 
 
 I was growing anxious about the result. Should the horse 
 man reach the thicket, I would be almost certain to lose him. 1 
 dared not let him escape. What would my men say, if I went 
 back without him ? I had hindered the sentry from firing, and 
 permitted to escape, perhaps a spy, perhaps some important per 
 sonage. His desperate efforts to get off favored the supposition 
 that he was one or the other. He must be taken ! 
 
 Under the impulse of fresh determination, I lanced the flanks 
 of my horse more deeply than ever; he knew what was wanted, 
 and stretched himself to his utmost. There were no more cattle, 
 not an obstacle, and his superior speed soon lessened the distance 
 between himself and the mustang. Ten seconds more would 
 do it. 
 
 The ten seconds flew by. I felt myself within shooting dis 
 tance; I drew my pistol from its holster. 
 
 II Alto I o yo tiro" (Halt ! or I fire), I cried aloud. There wa? 
 no reply : the mustang kept on ! " Halt !" I cried again, unwil 
 ling to take the life of a fellow-creature "halt I or you are a 
 dead man 1" 
 
 No reply again. 
 
 There were not six yards between myself and the Mexican. 
 Riding straight behind him, I could have sent a bullet into his 
 back. Some secret instiuct restrained me ; it was partly, though 
 not altogether, a feeling of admiration : there was an indefinable 
 idea in my mind at the moment. My finger rested on the trigger, 
 and I could not draw it. 
 
 " He must not escape ! He is nearing the trees ! He must 
 not be allowed to enter the thicket ; I shall cripple the horse." 
 
 I looked for a place to aim at ; should I hit him in the hips, 
 he might still get off. Where ? 
 
 At this moment, the animal wheeled, as if guided by his own 
 impulse perhaps by the knees of his rider and shot off in a 
 
28 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 new direction. The object of this manoeuvre was to pit space be 
 tween us. So far it was successful ; but it gave me just the oppor 
 tunity to aim as I wanted ; and levelling my pistol, I sent a bul 
 let into the kidneys of the mustang. A single plunge forward 
 was his last, and both horse and rider came to the ground. 
 
 In an instant the latter had disengaged himself from his 
 struggling steed, and stood upon his feet. Fancying he might 
 still attempt to escape to the thicket, I spurred forward, pistol 
 in hand, and pointed the weapon at his head. 
 
 He had no intention either of further flight or resistance; but 
 facing the levelled tube, and looking me full in the face, he said 
 with an air of perfect coolness : 
 
 " No matame, cavallero ! Soy muger /" (Do not kill me, sir 1 
 I am a woman !) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 MY CAPTIVE. 
 
 " Do not kill me sir! I am a woman /" 
 
 THIS declaration scarcely astonished me; I was half prepared 
 tor it. During our wild gallop, I had noticed one or two cir 
 cumstances which led me to suspect that the spy I pursued was 
 a female. As the mustang sprang over the zequia, the flowing 
 skirt of the manga was puffed upward, and hung for some 
 moments spread out in the air. A velvet bodice beneath, a 
 tunic-like skirt, the tournure of the form, all impressed me as 
 singular for a cavallero, however rich and young. The limbs I 
 could not see, as the goat-skin armas-de-agua were drawn over 
 them ; but I caught, a glimpse of a gold spur, and the heel of 
 a tiny red boot to which it was attached. The clubbed hair, 
 too, loosened by the violent motion, sprang backward, and ia 
 
MY CAPTIVE. 29 
 
 two thick plaits, slightly dishevelled, rested upon the croup of 
 the horse. A young Indian's might have done so, but his tres 
 ses would have been jet-black and coarse-grained, whereas those 
 under my eyes were soft, silky, and nut-brown. Neither the 
 style of riding a la Duchesse de Berri nor the manlike cos 
 tume of manga and hat, hindred me from forming my conclusions. 
 Both the style and costume are common to the rancheras of 
 Mexico. Moreover, as the mustang made his last double, I had 
 caught a near view of the side face of his rider. The features 
 of no man not the Trojan shepherd, not Adonis nor Endymion 
 were so exquisitely chiselled as they. Certainly a woman 1 
 Her declaration at once put an end to my conjectures, but, as I 
 have said, did not astonish me. 
 
 I was astonished, however, by its tone and manner. Instead 
 of being uttered in accents of alarm, it was pronounced as 
 coolly as if the whole thing had been a jest ! Sadness, not sup 
 plication, was the prevailing tone, which was further confirmed 
 as she knelt to the ground, pressed her lips to the muzzle of the 
 still breathing mustang, and exclaimed : 
 
 " Ay-de mi ! poire yegua ! muerte ! muerte /" (Alas me ! poor 
 mare ! dead ! dead!) 
 
 " A woman ?" said I, feigning astonishment. My interroga 
 tory was unheeded ; she did not even look up. 
 
 " Ay-de-mi ! poire yegua! Lola, Lolita !' she repeated, aa 
 coolly as if the dead mustang was the only object of her 
 thoughts, and I, the armed assassin, fifty miles from the spot ! 
 
 " You say you are a woman ?" I again asked in my embar 
 rassment scarcely knowing what to say. 
 
 " Si, senor; nada mas que quiere V. ?" (Yes, sir ; nothing 
 more what do you want ?) As she made this reply, she rose 
 to her feet, and stood confronting me without the slightest sem 
 blance of fear. So unexpected was the answer, both in tone 
 and sentiment, that for the life of me I could not help breaking 
 into a laugh. 
 
30 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 11 Yon are merry, eir. You have made me sad ; you have 
 killed my favorite I" 
 
 I shall not easily forget the look that accompanied these 
 words sorrow, anger, contempt, defiance, were expressed in one 
 and the same glance. My laughter was suddenly checked ; I 
 felt humiliated in that proud presence. 
 
 " Senorita," I replied, "I deeply regret the necessity I have 
 been under : it might have been worse ?" 
 
 " And how, pray ? how worse ?" demanded she, interrupting 
 me. 
 
 " My pistol might have been aimed at yourself, but for a sus 
 picion" 
 
 II Carrambo !" cried she, again interrupting me, "it could not 
 have been worse ! I loved that' creature dearly dearly as I 
 do my life as I love my father -poire yeguita ita tia !" 
 
 And as she thus wildly expressed herself, she bent down, 
 passed her arms around the neck of the mustang, and once more 
 pressed her lips to its velvet cheek. Then gently closing its 
 eyelids, she rose to an erect attitude, ancl stood with folded arms, 
 regarding the lifeless form with a sad and bitter expression of 
 countenance. , 
 
 I scarcely knew what to say. I was in a dilemma with my 
 fair captive. I would have given a month of my " pay-roll " to 
 have restored the spotted mustang to life ; but as that was out 
 of the question, I bethought me of some means of making 
 restitution to its owner. An offer of money would not be deli 
 cate. What then ? 
 
 A thought occurred to me, that promised to relieve me from 
 my embarrassment. The eagerness of the rich Mexicans to 
 obtain our large American horses frisomes, as they term them 
 was well known throughout the army. Fabulous prices were 
 often paid for them by these ricos, who wanted them for display 
 upon the Paseo. We had many good half-bred bloods in the 
 troop ; one of these, thought I, might be acceptable, even to a 
 
MY CAPTIVE. * 31 
 
 a&dy who had lost her pet. I made the offer as delicately as 1 
 could. It was rejected with scorn ! 
 
 " What, senor !" crbd she, striking the ground with her foot 
 till the rowels rang "what? A horse to me? Mira!" she 
 continued, pointing to the plain : " look there,, sir ! There are 
 a thousand horses ; they are mine. Now. know the value of 
 your offer. Do I stand in need of a horse ?" 
 
 "But Senorita," stammered I, apologiziugly " these are horses 
 of native race. The one I propose to " 
 
 "Bah !" she exclaimed, interrupting me, and pointing to the, 
 mustang ; " I would not have exchanged that native for all the 
 frisones in your troop. Not one of them was its equal !" 
 
 A personal slight would not have called forth a contra 
 diction ; yet this defiance had that effect. She had touched 
 the chord of my vanity I might almost say, of my affection. 
 With some pique I replied : 
 
 ' One, senor ita ?" 
 
 I looked towards Moro as I spoke. Her eyes followed mine, 
 and she stood for some moments gazing at him in silence. 
 I watched the expression of her eye ; I saw it kindle into admi 
 ration as it swept over the gracefully curving outlines of my 
 noble steed. He looked at the moment superb ; the short 
 skurry had drawn the foam from his lips, and flakes of it clung 
 against his neck and counter, contrasting finely with the shining 
 black of his skin ; his sides heaved and fell in regular undula 
 tions, and the smoke issued from his blood-red nostrils ; his eye 
 was still on fire, and his neck proudly arched, as though consci 
 ous of his late triumph, and the interest he was now exciting. 
 
 For a long while she stood gazing upon him, and though ehe 
 spoke not a word, I saw that she recognised his fine points. 
 
 " You are right, cavallero," said she at length, thoughtfully ; 
 " he is: 1 
 
 Just then, a series of reflections were passing through my 
 mind, that rendered me extrenrely uncomfortable ; and I felt 
 
WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 regret that I had so pointedly drawn her attention to the horse 
 Would she demand him ? That was the thought that troubled 
 me. I had not promised her any horse in my troop, and Moro 
 I would not have given for her herd of a thousand ; but on the 
 strength of the offer I had made, what if she should fancy him ? 
 The circumstances were awkward for a refusal ; indeed, under 
 any circumstances refusal would have been painful. I began to 
 feel that I could deny nothing. This proud, beautiful woman 
 already divided my interest with Moro ! 
 
 My position was a delicate one ; fortunately, I was relieved 
 from it by an incident that carried our thoughts into a new cur 
 rent ; the troopers who had followed me at that moment 
 rode up. 
 
 She seemed uneasy at their presence ; tbAt could not be won 
 dered at, considering their wild garb and fierce Jooks. I ordered 
 them back to their quarters. They stared for a moment at the 
 fallen mustang with its rich blood-stained trappings, at its late 
 rider, and her picturesque garments ; and then, muttering a few 
 words to one another, obeyed the erdsr. I w* <*** more 
 alone with my captive 
 
 CHAPTER VI . 
 
 / 
 
 I80LINA DE VARGAS. 
 
 As soon as the men were out of hearing, she said 
 tively : " Tejanos ?" 
 
 " Some of them are Texans not all." 
 
 " You are their chief ?" 
 
 " I am." 
 
 " CaDtain 1 presume ? w 
 
ISOLINA DE VARGAS. 33 
 
 " That is my rank." 
 
 ' And now, Senor Captain, am I your captive ?" 
 
 The question took me by s jrprise, and, for the moment, I did 
 not know what answer to make. The excitement of the chase, 
 the encounter, and its curious developments perhaps, above all 
 other things, the bewitching beauty of my captive had driven 
 out of my mind 1 the whole purpose of the pursuit ; and foi 
 some minutes I had not been thinking of any result. The inter 
 rogatory reminded me that I had a delicate duty to perform. 
 Was this lady a spy ? 
 
 Such a supposition was by no means improbable, as any old 
 campaigner can testify. "Fair ladies though never one so 
 fair as she have, ere now, served their country in this fashion. 
 She may be the bearer of some important dispatch for the enemy. 
 If so, and I permit her to go free, the consequences may be 
 serious unpleasant even to myself." Thus ran my reflections. 
 
 On the other hand, I disliked the duty of taking her back a 
 prisoner. I feared to execute it ; I dreaded her displeasure. 1 
 wished, to be friends with her. I felt the influence of that myste 
 rious power which transcends all strength the power of beauty. 
 I had been but ten minutes in the company of this brown-skinned 
 maiden, and already she controlled my heart as though she had 
 been its mistress for life I 
 
 I knew not how to reply. She saw that I hesitated, and 
 again put the question : 
 
 " Am I your captive ?" 
 
 " I fear, seiiorita, I am yours." 
 
 I was prompted to this declaration, partly to escape from a 
 direct answer, and partly giving way to the passion already fast 
 gathering in my bosom. It was no coquetry on my part, no 
 desire to make a pretty passage of words. Though I spoke only 
 from impulse, T was serious ; and with no little anxiety did I 
 watch the eff i t of my speech. 
 
 Her large istrous eyes rested upon me, at first with a puzzled 
 
 2* 
 
34: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 expression ; this gradually changed to one of more significance 
 one that pleased me better. She seemed for a moment to 
 throw aside her indifference, and regarded me with more atten 
 tion. I fancied, from the glance she gave, that she was con 
 tented with what I had said. For all that, the slight curl upon 
 her pretty lip had a provoking air of triumph in it ; and she 
 resumed her proud hauteur as she replied : 
 
 " Come, cavallero, this is idle compliment. Am I free 
 to go ?" 
 
 I wavered betwixt duty and over-politeness : a compromise 
 offered itself. 
 
 " Lady," said I, approaching her, and looking as seriously as 
 I could into her beautiful eyes, " if you give me your word that 
 you are not a spy, you are free to go : your word I ask nothing 
 more." 
 
 I prescribed these conditions rather in a tone of entreaty than 
 command. I affected sternness, but my countenance must have 
 mocked me. 
 
 My captive broke into unrestrained laughter, crying out at 
 intervals : 
 
 "la spy ! a spy ! Ha, ha, ha ! Senor Capitan, you are 
 jesting ?" 
 
 " I hope, senorita, you are in earnest. You are no spy, then ? 
 you bear no dispatch for our enemy ?" 
 
 " Nothing of the sort, mio capitan ;" and she continued her 
 light laughter. 
 
 " Why, then, did you try to make away from us ?" 
 
 " Ah, cavallero 1 are you not Tejanos ? Do not be offendea 
 when I tell you that your people bear but an indifferent reputa 
 tion among us Mexicans." 
 
 " But your attempt to escape was, to say the least, rash and 
 imprudent ; you risked life by it." 
 
 " Carrambo, yes 1 I perceive I did ;" and she looked signi 
 ficantly at the mustang, while a bitter smile played upon her 
 
ISOLINA DE VAKGAS. 35 
 
 lips. " I perceive it now ; I did not then. I did not think 
 there was a horseman in all your troop could come up with me. 
 Merced ! there was one. You have overtaken me : you alone 
 could have done it." 
 
 As she uttered these words, her large brown eyes were onc 
 more turned upon me not in a fixed gaze, but wandering. She 
 gcanried me from the forage-cap on my crown to the spur upon 
 my heel. I watched her eye with eager interest : I fancied that 
 its scornful expression was giving way ; I fancied there was a 
 ray of tenderness in the glance. I would have given the world 
 to have divined her thoughts at that moment. 
 
 Our eyes met, and parted in mutual embarrassment at least 
 I fancied so ; for on turning again, I saw that her head drooped, 
 and her gaze was directed downward, as if some new thought 
 occupied her. 
 
 For some moments, both were silent. We might have 
 remained longer thus, but it occurred to me that I was acting 
 rudely. The lady was still my captive. I had not yet given 
 her permission to depart : I hastened to tender it. 
 
 " Spy or no spy, senorita, I shall not detain you. I shall bear 
 the risk : you are free to go." 
 
 *' Gracias ! cavallero ! And now, since you have behaved so 
 handsomely, I shall set your mind at rest about the risk. 
 Read !" 
 
 She handed me a folded paper ; at a glance I recognised the 
 safe-guard of the commander-in-chief, enjoining upon all to respect 
 its bearer the Dona Isolina de Vargas. 
 
 " You perceive, mio capitan, I was not your captive after all ? 
 ha ! ha 1 ha \ 
 
 " Lady, you are too generous not to pardon the rudeness 
 to which you have been subjected ? J; 
 
 " Freely, capitan freely." 
 
 " I shudder at thought of the risk you have run. Why did 
 vou act with such imprudence ? Your sudden flight at sight of 
 
36 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 our picket caused suspicion, and of course it was our duty to 
 follow and capture you. With the safe-guard, you had no cause 
 for flight." 
 
 " Ha I it was that very safe-guard that caused me to fly." 
 
 " The safe-guard, senorita ? Pray, explain 1" 
 
 " Can I trust your prudence, capitan ?" 
 
 '' I promise" 
 
 " Know, then, that I was not certain you were Americanos, 
 for aught I could see, you might have been a guerilla of my 
 countrymen. How would it be if this paper, and sundry others 
 I carry, were to fall into the hands of Canales ? You perceive, 
 capitan, we fear our frie.nds more than our enemies." 
 
 I now fully comprehended the motive of her wild flight. 
 
 " You speak Spanish too well, mio capitan," continued she. 
 " Had you cried ' Halt ! J in your native tongue, I should at 
 once have pulled up, and perhaps saved my pet. Ah, me 1 
 poire yegua /" 
 
 As she uttered the last exclamation, her feelings once more 
 overcame her ; and sinking down upon her knees, she passed her 
 arms around the neck of the mustang, now stiff and cold. Her 
 face was buried in the long thick mane, and I could perceive the 
 tears sparkling like dew-drops over the tossed hair. 
 
 " Poire Lola," she continued, " I have good cause to grieve 
 I had reason to love you well. More than once you saved me 
 from the fierce Lipan and the brutal Comanche. What am I to 
 do now ? I dread the Indian foray ; I shall tremble at every 
 sign of the savage. I dare no more venture upon the prairie , 
 I dare not go abroad ; I must tamely stay at home. Mia que- 
 nda! you were my wings : they are dipped I fly no more." 
 
 All this was uttered in a tone of extreme bitterness ; and I, I 
 who so loved my brave steed, could appreciate her feelings. 
 With the hope of imparting eyen a little consolation, I repeated 
 my offer. 
 
I6OLINA DE VARGAS. 37 
 
 " Senorita," I said, " I have swift horses in my troop some 
 of noble race"- 
 
 " You have no horse in your troop I value." 
 
 " You have not seen them all ?" 
 
 " All every one of them to-day, as you filed out of the 
 city." 
 
 " Indeed !" 
 
 14 Indeed, yes, noble capitan. I saw yoi as you carried your 
 self so cavalierly at the head of your troop of filibusteros ha, 
 ha, ha 1" 
 
 " Senorita, I saw not you." 
 
 " Carrambo ! it was not for the want of using your eyes. 
 There was not a balcon or reja into which you did not glance 
 not a smile in the whole street you did not seem anxious to reci 
 procate ha, ha, ha ! I fear, Senor Capitan, you are the Don 
 Juan de Tenorio of the North." 
 
 " Lady, it is not my character.' ' 
 
 " Nonsense, you are proud of it. I never saw man who was 
 not. But come ! a truce to badinage. About the horse you 
 have none in your troop I value, save one" 
 
 I trembled as she spoke. 
 
 " It is he.," she continued, pointing to Moro. 
 
 I felt as if I should sink into the earth. My embarrassment 
 prevented me for some time from replying. She noticed my 
 hesitation, but remained silent, awaiting my answer. 
 
 " Benorita," I stammered out at length, " that steed is a great 
 favorite an old and tried friend. // you desire to possess him, 
 he is he is at your service." 
 
 In emphasizing the " if," I was appealing to her generosity. 
 It was to no purpose. 
 
 " Thank you," she replied, coolly ; " he shall be well cared for. 
 No doubt he will serve my purpose. How is his mouth ?" 
 
 I was choking with vexation, and could not reply. I began 
 hate her. 
 
38 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Let me try him," continued she. " Ah ! you have a curb 
 bit that will do ; but it is not equal to ours. I use a mame- 
 luke. Help me to that lazo." 
 
 She pointed to a lazo of white horsehair, beautifully plaited, 
 that was coiled upon the saddle of the mustang. 
 
 I unloosed the rope mechanically I did and in the same way 
 adjusted it to the horn of my saddle. I noticed that the noose- 
 ring was of silver ! I shortened the leathers to the proper length. 
 
 " Now, capitan I" cried she, gathering the reins in her small 
 gloved hand " now I shall see how he performs." 
 
 At the word, she bounded into the saddle, her small foot 
 scarcely touching the stirrup. She had thrown off her manga, 
 and her woman's form was now displayed in all its undulating 
 outlines. The silken skirt draped down to her ankles, and under 
 neath appeared the tiny red boot, the glancing spur, and the 
 lace ruffle of her snow-white calzondllos. A scarlet sash bound 
 her waist, with its fringed ends drooping to the saddle ; and the 
 tight bodice, lashed with lace, displayed the full rounding of her 
 bosom, as it rose and fell in quiet, regular beating for she 
 seemed in no way excited or nervous. Her full round eye 
 expressed only calmness and courage. 
 
 I stood transfixed with admiration. I thought of the Ama 
 zons : were they beautiful like her ? With a troop of such war 
 riors one might conquer a world I 
 
 A fierce-looking bull, moved by curiosity or otherwise, had 
 separated from the herd, and was seen approaching the spot 
 where we were. This was just what the fair rider wanted. At 
 a touch of the spur, the horse sprang forward, and galloped 
 directly for the bull. The latter, cowed at the sudden onset, 
 turned and ran ; but his swift pursuer soon came within lazo 
 distance. The noose circled in the air, and, launched forward, 
 was seen to settle around the horns of the animal. The horse 
 was now wheeled round, and headed in an opposite direction. 
 The rope tightened with a sudden pluck, and the bull was throwu 
 
ISOLINA DE VAKG-A8. 39 
 
 with violence on the plain, where he lay stunned and apparently 
 lifeless. Before he had time to recover himself, the rider turned 
 her horse, trotted up to the prostrate animal, bent over in the 
 saddle, unfastened the noose, and, after coiling it upon her arm, 
 came galloping back. 
 
 " Superb 1-^-magnificent !" she exclaimed, leaping from the 
 saddle, and gazing at the steed. " Beautiful I most beautiful 1 
 Ah, Lola, poor Lola I I fear I shall soon forget thee !" The 
 last words were addressed to the mustang. Then turning to me, 
 she added : " And this horse is mine ?" 
 
 '* Yes, lady, if you will it," I replied, somewhat cheerlessly, for 
 I felt as if my best friend was about to be taken from me. 
 
 " But I do not will it," said she, with an air of determination ; 
 and then breaking into a laugh, she cried out : " Ha I capitan, 
 I know your thoughts. Think you I cannot appreciate the 
 sacrifice you would make ? Keep your favorite. Enough that 
 one of us should suffer ;" and she pointed to the mustang 
 " Keep the brave black ; you well know how to ride him. 
 Were he mine, no mortal could influence me to part with him." 
 
 " There is lut one who could influence me." 
 
 As I said this, I looked anxiously for the answer. It was not 
 in words I expected it, but in the glance. Assuredly there was 
 no frown ; I even fancied I could detect a smile a blending of 
 triumph and satisfaction. It was short-lived, and my heart fell 
 again under her light laugh. 
 
 " Ha, ha, ha 1 That one is of course your lady-love. Well, 
 noble capitan, if you are true to her, as to your brave steed, she 
 will have no cause to doubt your fealty. I must leave you 
 Adios 1" 
 
 " Shall I not be permitted to accompany you to your home ?' 
 
 " Gracias ! no, senor. I am at home. Miraf my father's 
 house 1" She pointed tc the hacienda. " Here is one who will 
 look to the remains of poor Lola ;" and she signalled to a 
 vaouero at that moment coming from the herd. " Remember, 
 
4.0 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 capitan, you are an euemy ; I must not accept your politeness 
 neither may I offer you hospitality. Ah ! you know not us 
 you know not the tyrant Santa Anna. Perhaps even at this 
 
 moment his spies are" She glanced suspiciously around as 
 
 she spoke. " O Heavens !" she exclaimed with a start, as her 
 eyes fell upon the form of a man advancing down the hill 
 ' Santisima Virgen ! it is Ijurra !" 
 
 " Ijurra ? 
 
 " Only my cousin ; but" She hesitated, and then sud 
 
 denly changing to an expression of entreaty, she continued : 
 " leave me, sefior I Por amor Dios ! leave me 1 Adieu, 
 adieu !" 
 
 Though I longed to have a nearer view ot Ijurra," the hur 
 ried earnestness of her manner overcame me ; and without 
 making other reply than a simple " A dios," I vaulted into my 
 saddle, and rode off. 
 
 On reaching the border of the woods, curiosity a stronger 
 feeling, perhaps mastered my politeness ; and, under the pre 
 tence of adjusting my stirrup, I turned in the saddle, and glanced 
 back. Ijurra had arrived upon the ground. I beheld a tall, 
 dark man, dressed in the usual costume of the ricos of Mexico : 
 dark cloth polka jacket, blue military trousers, with scarlet sash 
 around his waist, and low-crowned, broad-brimmed iiat upon hi? 
 head. He appeared about thirty years ot age, whiskered, 
 moustached, and, after a fashion, handsome. It was not his 
 age, nor his personal appearance, nor yet his costume, that had 
 my attention at the moment. I watched only his actions. He 
 stood confronting his cousin, or rather he stood over her, for sho 
 appeared to cower before him in an attitude of fear 1 He held 
 a paper in one hand, and I saw he was pointing to it as ho 
 spoke. There was a fierce, vulture-like expression upon his 
 face ; and even in the distance I could tell, from the tonejj 
 of his voice, that he was talking angrily. Why should she fear 
 him 1 Why submit to such rude rebuke ? He must have 
 
AN ORDER TO FORAGE. 41 
 
 a strange power over that spirit who could force it thus tamely 
 to listen to reproach? 
 
 These were my reflections. My impulse was to drive the 
 spurs into the sides of my horse, and gallop back upon the 
 ground. I might have done so had the scene lasted much longer; 
 but I saw the lady suddenly leave the spot, and walk rapidly in 
 the direction of the hacienda. 
 
 I wheeled round again, and plunging under the shadows of 
 the forest, soon fell into a road leading to the rancheria. My 
 thoughts full of the incident that had just passed, I rode uncon 
 sciously, leaving my horse to his own guidance. My reverie 
 was interrupted by the challenge of one of my own sentries, 
 which admonished me that I had arrived at the entrance of the 
 village. 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 AN ORDER TO FORAGE. 
 
 MY adventure did not end with the day ; it was continued 
 into the night, and repeated in my dreams. I rode the chase 
 over again ; I dashed through the magueys, I leaped the zcquia, 
 and galloped through the affrighted herd ; I beheld the spotted 
 mustang stretched lifeless upon the plain, its rider bending and 
 weeping over it. That face of rare beauty, that form of exqui 
 site proportion, that eye rotund and noble, that tongue so free, 
 and heart so bold all were again encountered in dreamland. A 
 dark face was in the vision, and at intervals crossed the picture 
 like a cloud. It was the face of Ijurra. 
 
 I think it was that awoke me, but the reveille of the bugle 
 was in my ears as I leaped from my couch. 
 
*2 THE WA.K-TRAIL. 
 
 For some moments I was under the impression that the 
 adventure had been a dream : an object that hung on the oppo 
 site wall came under my eyes, and recalled the reality it was 
 my saddle, over the holsters of which lay a coil of white horse 
 hair rope, with a silver ring at the end. I remembered the 
 lazo. 
 
 When fairly awake, I reviewed my yesterday's adventure 
 from first to last. 1 tried to think calmly upon it ; I tried to get 
 out of my thoughts, and return seriously to my duties. A vain 
 attempt ! The more I reflected upon the incident, the more I 
 became conscious of the powerful interest its heroine had excited 
 within me. Interest, indeed ! Say rather passion a passion 
 that in one single hour had grown as large as my heart ! 
 
 It was not the first love of my life. I was nigh thirty years 
 of age. I had been enamored before more than once, it may 
 be and I understood what the feeling was. I needed no Cupid 
 to tell me I was in love again to the very ends of my fingers. 
 
 To paint the object of my passion is a task I shall not attempt. 
 Beauty like hers must be left to the imagination. Think of the 
 woman you yourself love or have loved ; fancy her in her fair 
 est moments, in bower or boudoir perchance a blushing bride 
 
 and you may form some idea No, no, no ! you could 
 
 Lever have looked upon woman so lovely as Isolina de Yargas. 
 
 Oh ! that I could fix that fleeting phantom of beauty that 
 I couid paint that likeness for the world to admire ! It cannot 
 be. The most puissant pen is powerless, the brightest color too 
 cold. Though deeply graven upon the tablets of my heart, I 
 cannot multiply the impression. 
 
 It is idle to talk of wavy hair, profuse and glossed of 
 almond eyes with long dark fringes of pearl- white tee.th, and 
 cheeks tinted with damascene. All these had she, but they are 
 not peculiar characteristics. Other women are thus gifted. The 
 traits of her beauty lay in the intellectual as much as the physi 
 cal in a happy combination of both. The soul, the spirit, had 
 
AN ORDER TO FORAGE 43 
 
 its Rhare in producing this incomparable picture. It was to 
 behold the play of those noble features, to watch the changing 
 cheek, the varying smile, the falling lash, the flashing eye, the 
 glance now tender, now sublime it was to look on all this, to 
 be impressed with an idea of the diviuest loveliness. 
 
 ******* 
 
 As I ate my frugal breakfast, such a vision was passing before 
 me. I contemplated the future with pleasant hopes, but not 
 without feelings of uneasiness. I had not forgotten the abrupt 
 parting no invitation to renew the acquaintance, no hope, no 
 prospect that I should ever behold that beautiful woman again, 
 unless blind chance should prove my friend. 
 
 I am not a fatalist, and I therefore resolved not to rely upon 
 mere destiny, but, if possible, to help it a little in its evolution. 
 
 Before I had finished my coffee, a dozen schemes had passed 
 through my mind, all tending towards one object the renewal 
 of my acquaintance with Isolina de "Vargas. Unless favored by 
 some lucky accident, or, what was more desirable, by the lady 
 herself, I knew we might never meet again. In such times, it 
 was not likely she would be much " out of doors ;" and in a few 
 days, hours perhaps, / might be ordered en route never more to 
 return to that interesting outpost. As the district was, of 
 course, under martial law, and I was de facto dictator, you will 
 imagine that I might easily procure the right of entry anywhere. 
 Not so. Whatever be the license of the rude soldier as regards 
 the common people of a conquered country, the position of the 
 officer with its higher class is essentially different. If a gentle 
 man, he naturally feels a delicacy in making any advances 
 towards an acquaintance ; and his honor restrains him from th 
 freer forms of introduction. To take advantage of his position 
 of power would be a positive meanness, of which a true gentle 
 man cannot be guilty. Besides, there may be rancour on the 
 part of the conquered there usually is ; but even when no 
 feeling exists, another barrier stands n the way of free asso* 
 
44 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 ciation between the officer and " society." The latter feels that 
 the position of affairs will not be permanent ; the enemy will in 
 time evacuate, and then the vengeance of mob-patriotism is tc 
 be dreaded. Never did the ricos of Mexico feel more secure 
 than while under the protection of the American army. Many 
 of them were disposed to be friendly, but the phantom of the 
 future, with its mob tmeutes, stared them in the face, and under 
 this dread they were forced to adopt a hypocritical exclusiveness. 
 Epaulettes must not be seen glancing through the windows of 
 their drawing-rooms I 
 
 Under such circumstances, my situation was difficult enough. 
 I might gaze upon the outside walls of that handsome hacienda 
 till my heart ached, but how was I to effect an entrance ? 
 
 To charge a fort, a battery, an intrenched camp to storm a 
 castle, or break a solid square one or all would have been child's 
 play compared with the difficulty of crossing that glacial line of 
 etiquette that separated me from my beautiful enemy. 
 
 To effect this purpose, a dozen schemes were passed through 
 my mind, and rejected, till my eyes at length rested upon the 
 most interesting object in the apartment the little white rope 
 that hung upon my saddle-bow. In the lazo, I recognized my 
 ' forlorn-hope.' That pretty implement must be returned to its 
 owner. I myself should take it home I So far destiny should be 
 guided by me ; beyond, I should have to put my trust in destiny. 
 
 I think best under the influence of a cigar ; and lighting one, 
 I ascended to the azotea, to complete my little scheme. 
 
 I had scarcely made two turns of the roof, when a horseman 
 galloped into the plaza. He was in dragoon uniform, and I saw 
 he was an orderly from head-quarters, and inquiring for the com 
 mander of the outpost. One of the men pointed to me ; and the 
 orderly trotting forward, drew up in front of the alcalde's house, 
 and announced to me that he was^the bearer of a dispatch from 
 the general-in-chief, at the same time showing a folded paper. 1 
 directed him to pass it up on the point of his sabre, which he iidj 
 
AN OKDER TO FOBAGE. 4:5 
 
 4^4 then saluting me, he turned his horse and galloped back as 
 ho had come. 
 
 \ opened the dispatch, and read: 
 
 " HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION, 
 July lh t 1846. 
 
 " SIR You will take a sufficient number of your men, and pro- 
 ce&J to the hacienda of Don Ramon de Yargas, in the neigh 
 borhood of your station. You will there find 5,000 head ol 
 beeves, which you will cause to be driven to the camp of the 
 Anwrican army, and delivered to the commissary-general. You 
 wilj find the necessary drivers upon the ground, and a portion of 
 you x " troop will form the escort. The enclosed note will enable 
 you ;O understand the nature of your duty. 
 
 CAPTAIN WABHRLD." "A. A. Adjutant-general." 
 
 '* Surely," thought I, as I finished reading " surely there is a 
 " Pi evidence that shapes our ends." Just as I was cudgelling 
 my drains for some scheme of introduction to Don Ramon de 
 Vai$as, here comes one ready fashioned to my hand." 
 
 I thought no more about the lazo : the rope was no longer an 
 object of prime interest. Trimmed and embellished with the 
 graceful excuse of " duty," I should now ride boldly up to the 
 hacienda, and enter its gates with the confident air of a welcome 
 guect. Welcome indeed ! A contract for 5000 beeves, and at 
 war-prices ! A good stroke of business on the part of the old 
 Don. Of course, I shall see him " embrace him" hobnob with 
 him over a glass of Canario or Xeres get upon the most inti 
 mate terms, and so be " asked back/' I am usually popular with 
 old gentlemen, and I trusted to my bright star to place me en 
 rapport with Don Ramon de Yargas. The coralling of the cattle 
 would occupy some time a brace of hours at the least. That 
 would be outside work, and I could intrust it to my lieutecant 
 or a sergeant. For myself, I was determined to stay by the 
 
46 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 walls. The Don must go out to look after ms vaqueros. It 
 would be rude to leave me alone. He would introduce me to 
 his daughter he could not do less : a customer on so large a 
 
 scale ! We should be left to ourselves, and then Ha ! Ijur- 
 
 ra ! I had forgotten him. Would he be there ? 
 
 The recollection of this man fell like a shadow over the bright 
 fancies I had conjured up. 
 
 A dispatch from head-quarters calls for prompt attention, and 
 my reflections were cut short, by the necessity of carrying the 
 order into execution. Without loss of time, I issued orders foi 
 about fifty of the rangers to " boot and saddle. 1 ' 
 
 I was about to give more than ordinary attention to my toilet, 
 when it occurred to me I might as well first read the " note'' 
 referred to in the dispatch. I opened the paper ; to my surprise, 
 the document was in Spanish. This did not puzzle me, and I 
 read : 
 
 " The 5000 beeves are ready for you, according to the contract, 
 but /cannot take upon me to deliver them. They must betaken 
 from me with show of force ; and even a little rudeness on the part 
 of tkose you send would not be out of place. My vaqueros are 
 at your service, but 7 must not command them. You may press 
 
 them. 
 
 "RAMON DE VARGAS." 
 
 This note was addressed to the commissary-general of the Ameri 
 can army. Its meaning, though to the uninitiated a little ob 
 scure, was to me as clear as noonday ; and although it gave me 
 a high opinion of the administrative talents of Don Ramon de 
 Yargas, it was by no means a welcome document. It rendered 
 null every act of the fine programme I had sketched out. By its 
 directions, there was to be no " embracing," no hobnobbing over 
 wine, no friendly chat with the Don, no tett-a-tete with his beauti 
 ful daughter no ; but, on the contrary, I was to ride up with 
 a swagger, bang the doors, threaten the trembling porter, kick 
 
AN ORDER TO FORAGE. 47 
 
 the peons, and demand from their master 5000 head of beef-cat* 
 tie all in true freebooting style ! 
 
 A nice figure I shall cut, thought I, in the eyes of Isolina ; 
 but a little reflection convinced me that that intelligent creature 
 would be in the secret. Yes, she will understand my motives, 
 I can act with as much mildness as circumstances will permit. 
 My Texan lieutenant will do the kicking of the peons, and that 
 without much pressing. If she be not cloistered, I will have a 
 glimpse at her ; so here goes. " To Horse /" 
 
 The bugle gave the signal ; fifty rangers with Lieutenants 
 llolingsworth and Wheatley leaped into their saddles, and next 
 moment were filing by twos from the plaza, myself at their head. 
 
 A twenty minutes' trot brought us to the front gate of the 
 hacienda, where we halted. The great door, massive and jail- 
 like, was closed, locked, and barred ; the shutters of the windows 
 as well. Not a soul was to be seen outside, not even the ap 
 parition of a frightened peon. I had given my Texan lieutenant 
 his cue ; he knew enough of Spanish for the purpose. 
 
 Flinging himself out of the saddle, he approached the gate,, 
 and commenced hammering upon it with the butt of his pistol. 
 
 " Ambre la puerta /" (Open the door !) cried he. 
 
 No answer. 
 
 11 La puerta la puerta /" he repeated in a louder ton<\ Still 
 no answer. 
 
 " Ambre la puerta /" once more vociferated the lieutenant, at 
 the same time thundering on the woodwork with his weapon. 
 
 When the noise ceased, a faint " Quien es ?" (Who is it ?) was 
 heard from within. 
 
 " Yo /" hawled Wheatley, " ambre ! ambre .'" 
 
 " Si, senor" answered the voice, in a somewhat tremulous key. 
 
 "Anda! anda ! Somos hombres de bien" (Quick then 1 We 
 are honest men.) 
 
 A rattling of chains and shooting of bolts now commenced, 
 and lasted for at least a couple of minutes, at the end of whic* 
 
4:8 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 time the great folding-doors opened inward, displaying to view 
 the swarthy leather-clad porter o, the brick-paved saguan, and a 
 portion of the patio, or courtyard within. 
 
 As soon as the door was fairly open, Wheatley made a rnsh at 
 the trembling porter, caught him by the jerkin, boxed both his 
 ears, and then commanded him, in a loud voice, to summon the 
 dueno ! This conduct, somewhat unexpected on the part of the 
 rangers, seemed to be just to their taste ; and I could hear be 
 hind me the whole troop chuckling in half-suppressed laughter. 
 Guerilleros as they were, they hadn n ver been allowed much 
 license in their dealings with the inhabitants the non-combatants 
 of the country, and much less had they witnessed such con 
 duct on the part of their officers. Indeed, it was cause of com 
 plaint in the ranks of the American army, and with many officers 
 too, that even hostile Mexicans were treated with a lenient 
 consideration denied to themselves. Wheatley's behaviour, 
 therefore, touched a chord in the hearts of our following, that 
 vibrated pleasantly enough ; they began to believe that the cam 
 paign was about to become a little more jolly. 
 
 "Senor," stammered the porter, "the du du dueno has given 
 or orders he wi wi will not s see any one." 
 
 " Will not !" echoed Wheatley ; " go, tell him he must /" 
 
 " Yes. amigo," I said soothingly ; for I began to fear the man 
 would be too badly frightened to deliver his message. " Go, say 
 to your master that an American officer has business with him. 
 and must see him immediately." 
 
 The man went off, after a little more persuasion from the free 
 hand of Wheatley, of course leaving the gates open behind him. 
 
 We did not wait for his return. The patio looked inviting ; 
 and directing Holingaworth to remain outside with the men, and 
 the Texan lieutenant to follow me, I headed my horse for the 
 great archway, and rode in. 
 
DON RAMON. 49 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 DON RAMON. 
 
 ON entering the courtyard, a somewhat novel scene presented 
 itself a Spanish picture, with some transatlantic touches. The 
 patio of a Mexican house is its proper front. Here you no 
 longer look upon jail-like doors and windows, but facades gaily 
 frescoed, curtained verandahs, and glazed sashes that reach to 
 the ground. The patio of Don Ramon's mansion was paved 
 with brick. A fountain, with its tank of japanned mason- work, 
 stood in the centre ; orange-trees stretched their fronds over 
 the water : their golden globes and white wax-like flowers per 
 fumed the atmosphere, which, cooled by the constant evapora 
 tion of the jet d'eau, felt fresh and fragrant. Round three sides 
 of the court extended a verandah, its floor of painted tiles ris 
 ing but a few inches above the level of the paved court. A row 
 of portales supported the roof of this verandah, and the whole 
 corridor was railed in, and curtained. The curtains were close- 
 drawn, and except at one point the entrance between two of 
 the portales the corridor was completely screened from our 
 view, and consequently all the windows of the house, which 
 opened into the verandah. No human face greeted our searching 
 glances. In looking to the rear, into the great corral, or cattle- 
 yard, we could see numerous peons in their brown leathern 
 dresses, with naked legs and sandalled feet ; vaqueros in all their 
 grandeur of velveteens, belt-buttons, and gold or silver lace ; 
 with a number of women and young girls in colored nagnas and 
 rebosos. A busy scene was presented in that quarter. It was 
 the great cattle enclosure, for the estate of Don Ramon de 
 
 3 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Vargas was a ha,de.nda de ganados, or grand cattle-farm a title 
 which in no way detracts from the presumed respectability ot its 
 owner, many of the noble hidalgos of Mexico being only graziers 
 on a large scale. 
 
 On entering the patio, I only glanced back at the corral ; my 
 eyes were busy with the curtained verandah, and, failing there, 
 were carried up to the azotea, in hopes of discovering the object 
 of my thoughts. The house, as I have elsewhere stated, was 
 but a single story in height, and from the saddle, I could almost, 
 look into the azotea. I could see that it was a sanctuary of 
 rare plants, and the broad leaves and bright corollas of some of 
 the taller ones appeared over the edge of the parapet. Abun 
 dance of fair flowers I could perceive, but not that for which I 
 was looking. No face yet showed, no voice greeted us with a 
 welcome. The shouts of the vaqueros, the music of singing-birds 
 caged along the corridor, and the murmur of the fountain, were 
 the only sounds. The two former suddenly became hushed, as 
 the hoofs of our horses rang upon the stone pavement, and the 
 heedless water alone continued to utter its soft monotone. Once 
 more my eyes swept the curtain, gazing intently into the few 
 apertures left by a careless draping ; once more they sought the 
 azotea, and glanced along the parapet : my scrutiny stiil re 
 mained unrewarded. 
 
 Without exchanging a word, Wheatley and I sat silent in our 
 saddles-, awaiting the return of the portero. Already the 
 peons, vaqueros, and wenches had poured in through the back 
 gateway, and stood staring with astonishment at the unexpected 
 guests. After a considerable pause, the tread of feet was heard 
 upon the corridor, and presently the messenger appeared, and 
 announced that the dueno was coming. In a minute after, one 
 of the curtains was drawn back, and an old gentleman made his 
 appearance behind the railing. He was a person of large frame, 
 and although slightly stooping with age, his step was firm, and 
 his whole aspect bespoke a wonderful energy and resolution 
 
DON RAMON. 51 
 
 His eyes were large and brilliant, shadowed by heavy brows, 
 npon which the hair still retained its dark color, although that 
 of his head was white as snow. He was simply habitedin a 
 jacket of nankeen cloth, and wide trousers of like material. He 
 wore neither waistcoat nor cravat. A full white shirt of finest 
 linen covered his breast, and a sash of dull blue color was twisted 
 round his waist. On his head was a costly hat of the " Guay 
 aquil grass," and in his fingers a husk cigarrito, smoking at the 
 end. 
 
 Altogether, the aspect of Don Ramon for it was he despito 
 its assumed sternness, was pleasing and intelligent ; and I should 
 have relished a friendly chat with him, even upon his own 
 account. 
 
 This, however, was out of the question. I must abide by the 
 gpirit of my orders; the farce must be played out ; so, touching 
 the flanks of my horse, I rode forward to the edge of the veran 
 dah, and placed myself vis-a-vis to the Don. 
 
 " Are you Don Ramon de Vargas ?" 
 
 "Si, senor," was the reply, in a tone of angry astwnish- 
 ment. 
 
 " I am an officer of the American army" I spoke loud, and 
 in Spanish, of course, for the benefit of the peons and vaqueros. 
 " I am sent to offer you a contract to supply the army with 
 beeves. I have here an order from the general-in-chief " 
 
 " I have no beeves for sale," interrupted Don Ramon in a loud 
 indignant voice.; " I shall have nothing to do with the American 
 army." 
 
 '* Then, sir," retorted I, " I must take your beeves without 
 your consent. You will be paid for them, but take them I 
 must ; my orders require that I should do so. Moreover, your 
 vaqueros must accompany us, and drive the cattle to the Ameri 
 can camp." 
 
 As I said this, I signalled to Holingsworth, who rode in with 
 ais following ; and then the whole troop, filing through the back 
 
52 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 gateway, began to collect the frightened vaqueros, and set them 
 about their work. 
 
 " I protest against this robbery!" shouted Don Ramon. " It 
 is infamous contrary to the laws of civilized warfare. I shall 
 appeal to my government to yours I shall have redress." 
 
 " You shall have payment, Don Ramon," said I, apparently 
 trying to pacify him. 
 
 ''Payment, carrambo ! payment from robbers, filibus 
 ters " 
 
 " Come', come, old gentleman !" cried Wheatley, who was 
 only half behind the scenes, and who spoke rather in earnest, 
 " keep a good tongue .in your head, or you may lose something 
 of more value to you than your cattle. Remember whom you 
 are talking to." 
 
 " Tejanos ! ladrones !" hissed Don Ramon, with an earnest ap 
 plication of the latter phrase that would certainly have brought 
 Wheatley's revolver from his belt, had I not, at the moment, 
 whispered a word in the lieutenant's ear. 
 
 " Hang the old rascal !" muttered he, in reply to me ; "I 
 thought he was in earnest. Look here, old fellow !" he con 
 tinued, addressing himself to Don Ramon, " don't you be scared 
 about the dollars. Uncle Sam's a liberal trader and a good 
 paymaster. I wish your beef was mine, and I had his promise 
 to pay for it. So take things a little easier, if you please ; and 
 don't be so free of your ' filibusteros' and 'ladrones:' freeborn 
 Texans ain't used to such talk." 
 
 Don Ramon suddenly cut short the colloquy by angrily clos 
 ing the curtains, and hiding himself from our sight. 
 
 During the whole scene, I had great difficulty in controlling 
 my countenance. I could perceive that the Mexican labored 
 under a similar difficulty. There was a laughing devil in the 
 corner of his keen eye that required restraint ; and I thought 
 once or twice either he or I should lose our equanimity, /cer 
 tainly should have done so, but that my heart and eyes wera 
 
UN PAPELCITO. 53 
 
 most of the time in other quarters. As for the Don, he was 
 playing an important part ; and a suspicion of his hypocrisy, on 
 the minds of some of the leathern-clad greasers who listened to 
 the dialogue, might have afterwards brought him to trouble. 
 Most of them were his own domestics and retainers, but not all. 
 There were free rancheros among them some who belonged to 
 the pueblita itself some, perchance, who had figured in pronun- 
 ciamentos who voted at elections, and called themselves citizens. 
 The Don, therefore, had good reasons for assuming a character; 
 and well did the old gentleman sustain it. 
 
 As he drew the curtain, his half-whispered " Adios, capitan !" 
 heard only by myself, sounded full of sweetness and promise; 
 and 1 felt rather contented as I straightened myself in the sad 
 dle, and issued the order for rieving his cattle. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 WHEATLEY now rode after the troop, which with Holingsworth 
 had already entered the corral. A band of drivers was speedily 
 pressed into service; and with these the two lieutenants proceeded 
 to the great plain at the foot of the hill, where most of Don 
 Ramon's catMe were at pasture. By this arrangement I was left 
 alone, if I except the company of half-a-dozen slippered wenches, 
 the deities of the cocina, who, clustered in the corner of the patio, 
 eyed me with mingled looks of curiosity and fear. The verandah 
 curtains remained hermetically closed, and though I glanced at 
 every aperture that offered a chance to an observing eye, no one 
 appeared to be stirring behind them. 
 
 " Too high-bred perhaps indifferent ?" thought I. The latter 
 
5 THE WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 supposition was by no means gratifying to my vanity. " After 
 all, now that the others are gone out of the way, Don Ramon 
 might ask me to step inside. Ah ! no these n.estizo women 
 would tell tales : I perceive it would never do. I may as welj 
 give it up. I shall ride out, and join the troop." 
 
 As I turned my horse to put this design into execution, the 
 fountain came under my eyes. Its water reminded me that I 
 was thirsty, for it was a July day, and a hot one. A gourd cup 
 lay on the edge of the tank. Without dismounting, I was able 
 to lay hold of the vessel, and filling it with the cool sparkling 
 liquid, I drained it off. It-was very good water, but not Canario 
 or Xeres. 
 
 Sweeping the curtain once more, I turned with a disappointed 
 glance, and jagging my horse, rode doggedly out through the 
 back gateway. Once in the rear of the buildings, I had a full 
 view of the great meadow already known to me ; and pulling up, 
 I sat in the saddle, and watched the animated scene that was 
 there being enacted. Bulls, half wild, rushing to and fro in mad 
 fury ; vaqueros mounted on their light mustangs, with streaming 
 sash and winding lazo ; rangers upon their heavier steeds, offer 
 ing but a clumsy aid to the more adroit and practised herdsmen ; 
 others driving off large groups that had been already collected 
 ao'i brought into subjection : and all this amidst the fierce bel- 
 ': wings of the bulls, the shouts and laughter of the delighted 
 troopers, the shriller cries of the vaqueros and peons. The 
 whole formed a picture that, under other circumstances, I should 
 have contemplated with interest. Just then, my spirits were not 
 attuned to its enjoyment, and although I remained for some 
 minutes with my eyes fixed upon it, my thoughts wandered else 
 where. 
 
 I confess to a strong faith in woman's curiosity. That suoh a 
 scene could be passing under the windows of the most aristocratic 
 mansion, without its most aristocratic inmate deigning to take a 
 peep at it, I could not believe. Besides, Isolina was the very 
 
UN PAPELcrro. 55 
 
 rerc.rse. " Ha ! Despite that jealous curtain, those beautiful 
 eyes are glancing through some aperture window or loophole. 
 I doubt not ;" and with this reflection, I once more turned my 
 face to the buildings. 
 
 Just then, it occurred to me that I had not sufficiently recon 
 noitred the front of the dwelling. As we approached it, we had 
 observed that the shutters of the windows were closed ; but 
 these opened inward, and since that time one or other of them 
 might have been set a little ajar. From my knowledge of Mexi 
 can interiors, I knew that these front windows were those of the 
 principal apartments of the sola, and grand cuarto, or draw 
 ing-room precisely those where the iamates at that hour should 
 be found. 
 
 " Fool !" thought I, " to have remained so long in the patio. 
 
 Had I gone round to the front windows I might have 'Tis 
 
 not too late there's a chance yet." 
 
 Under the impulse of this new hope, I rode back through the 
 corral, and re-entered the patio. The brown-skinned mestizas 
 were still there, chattering and flurried as ever, and the curtain 
 had not been stirred. A glance at it was all I gave ; and with 
 out stopping, I walked my horse across the paved court, and 
 entered under the arched saguan. The massive gate stood open, 
 as we had left it ; and on looking into the little box of the portero, 
 I perceived that it was empty. The man had hid himself, in dread 
 of a second interview with the Texan lieutenant ! 
 
 In another moment, I had emerged from the gateway, and was 
 about turning rny horse to inspect the windows, when I heard 
 the word " Capitan," pronounced in a voice that sounded soft as 
 a silver bell, and thrilled to my heart like a strain of music. 
 
 I looked towards the windows. It came not thence ; they 
 
 were close shut as ever. Whence Before I had time to 
 
 ask myself the question, the " Capitan" was repeated in a some 
 what louder key, and I now perceived that the voico proceeded 
 fcbore from the azotea. 
 
56 THE WAB-TKAIL. 
 
 I wrenched my horse round, at the same time turning my eyes 
 upward. I could see no one ; but just at that moment au arm, 
 that might have been attached to the bust of Venus, was pro 
 truded through a notch in the parapet. In the small hand, 
 wickedly sparkling with jewels, was something white, which 1 
 could not distinguish until I saw it projected on the grass at 
 the same moment that the phrase " Un papelcito" reached my 
 ears. 
 
 Without hesitation I dismounted made myself master of the 
 papelcito ; and then leaping once more into the saddle, looked 
 upward. I had purposely drawn my horse some distance from 
 the walls, so that I might Command a better view. I was not 
 disappointed Isolina I The face, that lovely face, was just dis 
 tinguishable through the slender embrasure, the large brown eyes 
 gazing upon me with that half-earnest, half-mocking glance I had 
 already noticed, and which produced within me both pleasure 
 aud pain 1 
 
 I was about to speak to her, when I saw the expression sudden 
 ly change ; a hurried glance was thrown backwards, as if the 
 approach of some one disturbed her ; a finger rested momentarily 
 on her lips, and then her face disappeared behind the screening 
 wall of the parapet. I understood the universal sign, and re 
 mained silent. 
 
 For some moments I was undecided whether to go or stay. 
 She had evidently withdrawn from the front of the building, 
 though she was still upon the azotea. Some one had joined her ; 
 and I could hear voices in conversation ; her own contrasting with 
 the harsher tones of a man. Perhaps her father perhaps 
 that other relative less agreeable supposition ! 
 
 I was about to ride off, when it occurred to me that I had bet 
 ter first master the contents <f the "papelcito." Perhaps it 
 might throw some light on the situation, and enable me to adopt 
 the more pleasant alternative of remaining a while longer upon 
 the premises. I had thrust tiic Lillet into the breast of my frock ; 
 
UN PAPELCITO. 
 
 and now looked aronnd for some place where I might draw it 
 forth arid peruse it unobserved. The great arched gateway, 
 shadowy and tenantless, offered the desired accommodation ; and 
 heading my horse to it, I once more rode inside the saguan. 
 Facing around so as to hide my front from the cocineras, I drew 
 forth the strip of folded paper, and spread it open before me. 
 Though written in pencil, and evidently in a hurried impromptu, I 
 had no difficulty in deciphering it. My heart throbbed exultiugly 
 as I read : 
 
 " Capitan ! I know you will pardon our dry hospitality ! A 
 cup of cold water ha ! ha ! ha ! Remember what I told you 
 yesterday : we fear our friends more than OUT foes, and we have 
 a guest in the house my father dreads more than you and your terri 
 ble filibusters. I am not angry with you for my pet, but you 
 have carried off my lazo as well. Ah, capitan ! would you rob 
 me of everything ? Adios ! ISOLINA." 
 
 Thrusting the paper back into my bosom, I sat for some time 
 pondering upon its contents. Part was clear enough the re 
 maining part full of mystery. 
 
 " We fear OUT friends more than OUT foes." I was behind the 
 scenes sufficiently to comprehend what was intended by that 
 cunningly worded phrase. It simply meant that Don Ramon de 
 Vargas was Ayankieado in other words, a friend to the Ameri 
 can cause, or, as some loud demagogues would have pronounced 
 him, a " traitor to his country." It did not follow, however, 
 that he was anything of the kind. He might have wished suc 
 cess to the American arms, and still remained a true friend to 
 his country not one of those blind bigots whose standard dis 
 plays the brigand motto, " Our country right or wrong," but an 
 enlightened patriot, who desired more to sae Mexico enjoy peace 
 and happiness under foreign domination, than that it should con* 
 timie in anarchy under the iron rule of native despots. What 
 is there in the empty title of independence, without peace, without 
 
THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 liberty ? After all, patriotism iu its ordinary sense is but & 
 doubtful virtue perhaps nearer to a crime ! It will one day 
 appear so ; one day in the far future it will be supplanted by a 
 virtue of higher order the patriotism that knows no boundaries 
 of nations, but whose country is the whole earth. That, however, 
 would not be " patriotism 1" 
 
 Was Don Ramon de Yargas a patriot in this sense a man of 
 progress, who cared not that the name of " Mexico " should be 
 blotted from the map, so long as peace and prosperity should be 
 given to his country under another name ? Was Don Ramon 
 one of these ? It might be. There were many such in Mexico 
 at that time, and these principally of the class to which Senor 
 de Vargas belonged the ricos, or proprietors. It is easy enough 
 to explain why the Ayankieados were of the class of ricos. 
 
 Perhaps the affection of Don Ramon for the American cause 
 had less lofty motives ; perhaps the 5000 beeves may have had 
 something to do with it ? Whether or no, I could not tell ; nor 
 did I stay to consider. I only reflected upon the matter at 
 all as offering an explanation to the ambiguous phrase now 
 twice used by his fair daughter " We fear our friends more 
 than our foes. 7 ' On either supposition, the meaning was clear. 
 
 What followed was far from equally perspicuous. A guest in 
 the house dreaded by her father! Here was mystery indeed. 
 W"ho could that guest be ? Who but Ijurra ! 
 
 But Ijurra was her cousin she had said so. If a cousin, why 
 should he be dreaded ? Was there still another guest in the 
 house ? That might be : I had not been inside to see. The 
 mansion was large enough to accommodate another half a score 
 of others. For all that, my thoughts constantly turned upon 
 Ijurra, and why I know not ; but I could not resist the belief 
 that he was the person pointed at the guest that waa 
 " dreaded !" 
 
 The behavior which I had noticed on the day before the 
 first aud only time I had ever seen the man his angry speech 
 
AN OLD ENMITY. 59 
 
 and Icoks addressed to Isolina her apparent fear of him : 
 these it was, no doubt, that guided my instincts ; and I at 
 length came to the conviction that he was the fiend dreaded by 
 Don Ramon. And she too feared him ! u God grant that she 
 dc net also km. him !" 
 
 Such was my mental ejaculation, as I passed on to consider 
 the closing sentences of the hastily written note. In these 1 
 also encountered ambiguity of expression ; whether I con- 
 Ftrued it aright, time would tell. Perhaps my wish was too 
 much parent to my thoughts ; but it was with exulting heart I 
 rodi out from the gateway. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 AN OLD ENMITY. 
 
 I RODE slowly, and but a few paces before reining up my horse- 
 Although I was under the impression that it would be useless 
 remaining, and that an interview with Isolina was impossible, for 
 that day at least, I could not divest myself of the desire to lin 
 ger a little longer near the spot. Perhaps she might appear 
 again upoii the azotea ; if but for a moment ; if but to wave her 
 hand, and waft me an adieu. : if but 
 
 When, a short distance separated me from the walls, I drew 
 up, and turning in the saddle, glanced back to the parapet. A 
 face was there, where hers had been ; but, oh, the contrast 
 between her lovely features and those that now met my gaze ! 
 Hyperion to the Satyr 1 Not that the face now before me was 
 ugly or ill-featured. There are some, and women too, who 
 would have termed it handsome ; to my eyes, it was hideous 1 
 Let me confess that its hideousness, or more properly its causa, 
 
60 THE WAK-TKA1L. 
 
 rested in the moral, rather than the physical expression ; perhaps. 
 too, a little of it might have been found in my own heart. Under 
 other circumstances, I might not have criticised that face so 
 harshly. All the world did not think as I about the face of 
 Rafael Ijurra for it was he who was gazing at me over the 
 parapet. 
 
 Our eyes met ; and that first glance stamped the relationship 
 between us hostility for life ! Not a word passed, and yet the 
 looks of each told the other, in the plainest language, " / am 
 your foe" Had we sworn it in wild oaths, in all the bitter 
 hyperbole of insult, neither of us would have felt it more pro 
 found or keen. 
 
 I shall not stay to analyze this feeling of sudden and unex 
 pressed hostility, though the philosophy of it is simple enough. 
 You too have experienced it perhaps more than once in your 
 life, without being exactly able to explain it. I am not in that 
 dilemma : I could explain it easily enough ; but it scarcely 
 merits an explanation. Suffice to say, that while gazing upon 
 the face of that man, I entertained it in all its strength. 
 
 I have called it an unexpressed hostility. Therein I have 
 spoken without thought ; it was fully expressed by both of us, 
 though not in words. Words are but weak symbols of a 
 passion, compared with the passion itself, exhibited in the 
 clenched hand, the lip compressed, the flashing eye, the clouded 
 cheek, the quick play of the muscles weak symbols are words 
 compared with signs like these. No words passed between 
 Ijurra and myself ; none were needed. Each read in the other 
 a rival a rival in love, a competitor for the heart of a lovely 
 woman, the lovdiest in Mexico ! It is needless to say that, under 
 such an aspect, each hated the other at sight. 
 
 In the face of Ijurra I read more. I saw before me a man of 
 bad heart and brutal nature. His large, and, to ppeak the 
 truth, beautiful eyes, had in them an animal expression. They 
 were not without intelligence, but so much the worse, for that 
 
AN OLD ENMITY. 61 
 
 intelligence expressed ferocity and bad faith. His beauty was 
 the beauty of the jaguar. He had the air of an accomplished 
 man, accustomed to conquest in the field of love heartless, reck 
 less, false. O mystery of our nature, there are those whc 
 love such men ! 
 
 In Ijurra's face I read more : he, knew my secret ! The signifi 
 cant glance of his eye told me so. He knew why I was lingering 
 there. The satiric smile upon his lip attested it. He saw 
 my efforts to obtain an interview, and, confident in his own 
 position, held my failure but lightly a something only to amuse 
 him. I could tell all this by the sardonic sneer that sat upon 
 his features. 
 
 As we continued to gaze, neither moving his eyes from the 
 other, this sneer became too oppressive to be silently borne. 
 I could no longer stand such a satirical reading of my thoughts. 
 The insult was as marked as words could have made it ; and I 
 was about to have recourse to words to reply, when the clatter 
 of a horse's hoofs caused me to turn my eyes in an opposite 
 direction. A horseman was coming up the hill, in a direct line 
 from the pastures. I saw it was one of the lieutenants 
 Holingsworth. 
 
 A few more stretches of his horse brought the lieutenant upon 
 the ground, where he pulled up directly in front of me. 
 
 " Captain Warfield !" said he, speaking in an official tone, 
 " the cattle are collected ; shall we proceed" 
 
 He proceeded no further with that sentence ; his eye, chance 
 directed, was carried up to the azotea, and rested upon the face 
 of Ijurra. He started in his saddle, as if a serpent had stung 
 him ; his hollow eyes shot prominently out, glaring wildly from 
 their sockets, while the muscles of his throat and jaws twitched 
 in convulsive action ! For a moment, the desperate passion 
 seemed to stifle his breathing, and while thus silent the expres 
 sion of his eyes puzzled me. It was of frantic joy, and ili 
 became that face where I had never observed a smile. But che 
 
62 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 strange look was soon explained it was not friendship, but th 
 joy of anticipated vengeance ! Breaking into a wild laugh, he 
 shrieked out, " Rafael Ijurra, by the eternal God !" 
 
 This awful and emphatic recognition produced its effect. I 
 saw that Ijurra knew the man who addressed him. His dark 
 countenance turned suddenly pale, and then became mottbd with 
 livid spots, while his eyes scintillated and rolled about in the 
 unsteady glances of terror. He made no reply beyond the 
 ejaculation " Demonio I" which seemed involuntarily to escape 
 him. He appeared unable to reply ; surprise and fright held 
 him spell-bound and speechless ! 
 
 " Traitor 1 villain ! murderer !" shrieked Holingsworth, 
 " we've met at last ; now for a squaring of our accounts I" and 
 in the next instant the muzzle of his rifle was pointing to the 
 notch in the parapet pointing to the face of Ijurra ! 
 
 " Hold ! Holingsworth ! hold !" cried I, pressing my heel 
 deeply into my horse's flanks, and dashing forward. 
 
 Though my steed sprang instantly to the spur, and as quickly 
 I caught the lieutenant's arm, I was too late to arrest the shot. 
 I spoiled his aim, however ; and the bullet, instead of passing 
 through the brain of Rafael Ijurra, as it would certainly have 
 done, glanced upon the mortar of the parapet, sending a cloud 
 of lime-dust into his face. 
 
 Up to that moment the Mexican had made no attempt to 
 escape beyond the aim of his antagonist. Terror must have 
 glued him to the spot. It was only when the report of the 
 rifle, and the blinding mortar broke the spell, that he was able to 
 turn and fly. When the dust cleared away, his head was no 
 longer above the wall. 
 
 I turned to my companion, and addressed him in some 
 warmth. 
 
 II Lieutenant Holingsworth 1 I command" 
 
 " Captain Warfield," interrupted he, in a tone of cold deter 
 mination, " yon may command me in all matters pf duty, and 1 
 
AN OLD ENMITY. 63 
 
 shall obey you. This is a private affair ; and, by the Eternal, 
 
 the general himself Bah ! I lose time ; the villain will 
 
 escape !" and before I could seize either himself or his bridle- 
 rein, he shot his horse past me and entered the gateway at 
 a gallop. 
 
 I followed as quickly as I could, and reached the patio 
 a] most as soon as he; but too late to hinder him from his 
 purpose. I grasped him by the arm, but with determined 
 strength he wrenched himself free at the same instant gliding 
 out of his saddle. Pistol in hand, he rushed up the escalera, his 
 trailing scabbard clanking upon the stone steps as he went. He 
 was soon out of my sight, behind the parapet of the azotea. 
 
 Flinging myself from the saddle, I followed as fast as my legs 
 would carry me. While on the stairway, I heard loud words 
 and oaths above, the crash of falling objects, and then two shots 
 following quick and fast upon each other. I heard screaming in 
 a woman's voice, and a groan the last uttered by a man. One 
 of them is dead or dying, thought I. 
 
 On reaching the azotea which I did in a few seconds of time 
 I found perfect silence there. I saw no one, male or female, 
 living or dead ! True, the place was like a garden, with plants, 
 shrubs, and even trees, growing in gigantic pots. I could not 
 view it all at once. They might still be there behind the screen 
 of leaves ? 
 
 I ran to and fro over the whole roof ; I saw flower-pots 
 freshly broken. It was the crash of them I had heard coming up. 
 I saw no men, neither Holingsworth nor Ijurra ! They could 
 not be standing up, or I should have seen them. " Perhaps 
 they are down among the pots both. There were two shots. 
 Perhaps both are down dead 1" 
 
 But where was she who screamed ? Was it Isolina ? 
 
 Half distracted, I rushed to another part of the roof. I sa^w 
 a small escalera a private stair that led into the interior of 
 
64: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 the house. Ha ! they must have gone down by it ? she whu 
 screamed must have gone that way? 
 
 For a moment, I hesitated to follow ; but it wao no time tc 
 stand upon etiquette, and I was preparing to plunge down the 
 stairway, when I heard shouting outside the walls, and then 
 another shot from a pistol. 
 
 I turned, and stepped hastily across the azotea in the direction 
 of the sounds. I looked over the parapet. Down the slope of 
 the hill two men were running at the top of their speed, one after 
 the other. The hindmost held in his hand a drawn sabre. It 
 was Holingswortli still in pursuit of Ijurra 1 
 
 The latter appeared to be gaining upon his vengeful pursuer, 
 who, burdened with his accoutrements, ran heavily. The Mexi 
 can was evidently making for the woods that began at the 
 bottom of the hill ; and in a few seconds more he had entered 
 the timber, and passed out of sight. Like a hound upon the 
 trail, Holingsworth followed, and disappeared from my view at 
 the same spot. 
 
 Hoping I might still be able to prevent the shedding of 
 blood, I descended hastily from the azotea, mounted my horse, 
 and galloped down the hill. I reached the edge of the woods 
 where they had gone in, and followed some distance upon their 
 trail ; but I lost it at length, and came to a halt. I remained 
 for some minutes listening for voices, or, what I more expected 
 to hear, the report of a pistol. Neither sound reached me. I 
 heard only the shouts of the vaqueros on the other side of the 
 hill ; and this reminding me of my duty, I turned my horse, and 
 rode back to the hacienda. 
 
 There, everything was silent : not a face was to be seen. The 
 i -.mates of the house had hidden themselves in rooms, barred up 
 and dark ; even the damsels of the kitchen had disappeared, 
 thinking, no doubt, that an attack would be made upon the pre 
 mises, and that spoliation and plunder were intended 
 
 I was puzzled how to act. Holingsworth's strange conduct 
 
RAFAEL IJURRA. 
 
 bad disarranged my ideas. I should have demanded admission, 
 :.nd explained the occurrence to Don Ramon ; but I had nc 
 3lri||pmtion to give ; I rather needed one for myself ; and 
 
 nU r a painful feeling of suspense as to the result, I rode off 
 rom the place. 
 
 Half-a-dozen rangers were left upon the ground, with orders 
 x> await the return of Holingsworth, and then gallop after us ; 
 whi'C the remainder of the troop, with Wheatley and myself in 
 advance of the vast drove, took the route for the American 
 ca 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 RAFAEL IJURRA. 
 
 IN ill-humor I journeyed along. The hot sun and the dusty 
 road did not improve my temper, ruffled as it was by the unplea 
 sant incident. I was far from satisfied with my first-lieutenant, 
 whose conduct was still a mystery. Wheatley ccdd not explain 
 it. Some old enmity, no doubt, both of us believed --some story 
 of wrong and revenge. 
 
 No everyday man was Holingsworth, but one altogether of 
 peculiar character and temperament as unlike him who rode by 
 my side as acid to alkali. The latter was a dashing-, cheerful 
 fellow, dressed in half-Mexican costume, who could ride a wild 
 horse and throw the lazo with any vaquero in the crowd. He 
 was a true Texan, almost by birth ; had shared the fortunes of 
 the young republic since the days of Austin ; and was never 
 more happy than while engaged in the border warfare, thaj, with 
 slijrht intervals, had been carried on against either Mexican 
 or Indian foeman, ever since the lone-star had spread ; ts ba > ei 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 to the breeze. No raw recruit was Wheatley ; though young 
 he was what Texans term an "old Indian fighter" a rea 
 " Texas ranger." 
 
 Holingsworth was not a Texan, but a Tennessean, though 
 Texas had been for some years his adopted home. It was net 
 the first time he had crossed the Rio Grande. Lie had been one 
 of the unfortunate Mier expedition a survivor of that decimated 
 band afterwards carried in chains to Mexico, aii-i there com 
 pelled to- work breast-deep in the mud of the great zancas time 
 traverse the streets. Such experience might account for the 
 serious, somewhat stern expression that habitually rested upon 
 his countenance, and gave him the character of a "dark, satur 
 nine man." I have said incidentally that I never saw him smile 
 never. He spoke seldom, and, as a general thing, only upon 
 matters of duty ; but at times, when he fancied himself alone, I 
 have heard him mutter threats, while a convulsive twitching of 
 the muscles, and a mechanical clenching of the fingers accom 
 panied his words, as though he stood in the presence of some 
 deadly foe ! I had more than once observed these frenzied out- 
 b<vsts, without knowing aught of their^ cause. Harding Ho 
 lingsworth such was his full name was a man with whom no 
 one would have desired to take the liberty of asking an explana 
 tion of his conduct. His courage and war-prowess were well 
 known among the Texans ; but it is idle to add this, since other 
 wise he could not have stood among them in the capacity of a 
 leader. Men like them, who have the election of their own offi 
 cers, do not trust their lives to the guidance of either stripling or 
 coward. 
 
 Wheatley and I were talking the matter over as we rode 
 along, and endeavoring to account for the strange behavior of 
 Holingsworth. We had both concluded that the affair had 
 arisen from some old enmity perhaps connected with the Miet 
 expedition when accidentally I mentioned the Mexican's name. 
 Up to this moment the Texan lieutenant Nad not seen Ijurra 
 
KAFAEL IJURKA. 67 
 
 Laving been ftusy with the cattle upon the other side of the 
 hill nor had the name been pronounced in his hearing. 
 
 "Ijurra !" he exclaimed, with a start, reining up and turning 
 to me with an inquiring look. 
 
 " Ijurra." 
 
 " Rafael Ijurra, do you think ?" 
 
 " Yes, Rafael that is the name." 
 
 " A tall, dark fellow, moustached and whiskered ? not ill- 
 looking ?" 
 
 " Yes ; he might answer that description," I replied, 
 
 "If it be the same Rafael Ijurra that used to live at San 
 Antonio, there's more than one Texan would like to raise his 
 hair. The same it must be there's no two of the name ; 
 'taint likely no." 
 
 " What do you know of him ?" 
 
 " Know ? that he's about the most precious scoundrel in all 
 ^exas or Mexico either, and that's saying a good deal. Rafael 
 Ijurra ? 'Tis he, by thunder ! It can be nobody else ; and 
 
 Hoi ings worth Ha ! now I think of it, it's just the man ; 
 
 and Harding Holingsworth, of all men living, has good reasons 
 to remember him." 
 
 " How ? Explain !" 
 
 The Texan paused for a moment, as if to collect his scattered 
 memories, and then proceeded to detail what he knew of Rafael 
 Ijurra. His account, without the expletives and emphatic 
 ejaculations which adorned it, was substantially as follows : 
 
 Rafael Ijurra was by birth a Texan of Mexican race. He had 
 formerly possessed a hacienda near San Antonio de Bexar, with 
 other considerable property, all of which he had spent at play 
 or otherwise dissipated, so that he had sunk to the status of a 
 professional gambler. Up to the date of the Mier expedition 
 he had passed off as a citizen of Texas, under the new regime, 
 and pretended much patriotic attachment to the young republic, 
 
68 THE WAK-TEAIL. 
 
 When the Mier adventure was about being organized, Ijur. a had 
 influence enough to have himself elected one of its officers. No 
 one suspected his fidelity to the cause. He was one of those who 
 at the halt by Laredo, urged the impudent advance upon Mier ; 
 and his presumed knowledge of the country of which he was a 
 native gave weight to his counsel. It afterwards proved that 
 his free advice was intended for the benefit of the enemy, with 
 whom he was in secret correspondence. 
 
 On the night before the battle, Ijurra was missing. The Texan 
 army was eaptured after a brave defence, in which they slew 
 more than their own number of the enemy, and, under guard, 
 the remnant was marched off for the capital of Mexico. On the 
 second or third day of their march, what was the astonishment 
 of the Texan prisoners to see Rafael Ijurra in the uniform of a 
 Mexican officer, and forming part of their escort ! But that their 
 hands were bound, they would have torn him to pieces, so 
 enraged were they at this piece of black treason. 
 
 " I was not in that ugly scrape;" continued the lieutenant. 
 " As luck would have it, I was down with a fever in Brazos 
 bottom, or I guess I should have had to draw my bean with the 
 rest of 'em, poor fellows 1" 
 
 Wheatley's allusion to " drawing his bean" I understood well 
 enough. All who have ever read the account of this ill-starred 
 adventure will remember, that the Texans, goaded by ill treat 
 ment, rose upon their guard, disarmed, arid conquered them ! 
 but in their subsequent attempt to escape, iil managed and ill 
 guided, nearly all of them were recaptured, and decimated each 
 tenth man having been shot like a dog ! The mode of choosing 
 the victims was by lot, and the black and white beans of Mexico 
 (frijoks) were made use of as the expositors of the fatal decrees 
 of destiny. A number of the beans, corresponding to the number 
 of the captives, was placed within an eartheru olla there being 
 a black bean for every nine white ones. He who drew the 
 
KAFAEL IJURKA. 69 
 
 black bean must die I Daring the drawing of this fearful lottery, 
 there occurred incidents exhibiting character as heroic as hag 
 ever been recorded in story. 
 
 Read from an eye-witness : 
 
 " They all drew their beans with manly dignity and firmness. 
 Some of lighter temper jested over the bloody tragedy. One 
 would say :. ' Boys ! this beats raffling all to pieces /' .Another : 
 ' Well, this is the tallest gambling-scrape I ever was in. J Robert 
 Beard, who lay upon the ground exceedingly ill, called his bro 
 ther William, and said : ' Brother, if you draw a black bean, 
 Til take your place I want to die !' The brother, with over 
 whelming anguish, replied : ' No, I will keep my own place ; 1 
 am stronger, and letter able to die than you? Major Cocke, when 
 ho drew the fatal bean, held it up between his finger and thumb, 
 and, with a smile of contempt, said : ' Boys ! I told you so : I 
 never failed in my life to draw a prize !' He then coolly added : 
 'They only rob me of forty years.' Henry Whaling, one of 
 Cameron's best fighters, as he drew his black bean, said, in a 
 joyous tone : ' Well, they don't make much out of me anyhow ; 
 I know I've killed twenty-five of them.' Then demanding his 
 dinner in a firm voice, he added : ' They shall not cheat me out 
 of it.' Saying this, he ate heartily, smoked a cigar, and in 
 twenty minutes after, he had ceased to live ! The Mexicans fired 
 fifteen shots p.t Whaling before he expired 1 Young Torrey, 
 quite a youth, but in spirit a giant, said that he ' was perfectly 
 willing to meet his fate for the glory of his country he had 
 fought, and for her glory he was willing to die.' Edward Este 
 spoke of hia death with the coolest indifference. Cash said : 
 ' Well, they murdered my brother with Colonel Tannin, and 
 ''.hey are about to murder me.' J. L. Jones said to the inter 
 preter : ' Tell the officer to look upon men who are not afraid 
 to die for their country.' Captain Eastland behaved with the 
 most patriotic dignity ; he desired that his country should not 
 particular! avenge his death. Major Dunham said he was pro* 
 
70 
 
 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 pared to die for his country. James Ogden, with his usual 
 equanimity of temper, smiled at his fate and said : ' I am pre 
 pared to meet it. 7 Young Robert W. Harris behaved in the 
 most unflinching manner, and called upon his companions to 
 avenge their murder. * * * * 
 
 " They were bound together their eyes being bandaged and 
 set upon a log near the wall, with their backs towards their 
 executioners. They all begged the officer to shoot them in front, 
 and at a short distance, saying, they ' were not afraid io loa 
 death in the face. 1 This request the Mexican refused ; and to 
 make his cruelty as refined as possible, caused the fire to be 
 delivered from a distance, and to be continued for ten or twelve 
 minutes, lacerating and mangling those heroes in a manner tco 
 horrible for description." 
 
 When you talk of Thermopylae, think also of Texas 1 
 
 " But what of Holingsworth ?" I asked. 
 
 " Ah ! Holingsworth !" replied the lieutenant ; " he has ^*ood 
 cause to remember Ijurra, now I think of it. I shall give the 
 story to you as I heard it ;" and my companion proceeded with 
 a relation, which caused the blood to curdle in my veins, as I 
 listened. It fully explained, if it did not palliate, the fierce 
 hatred of the Tennessean towards Rafael Ijurra. 
 
 In the Mier expedition, Holingsworth had a brother, who, 
 like himself, was made prisoner. He was a delicate youth, and 
 could ill endure the hardships, much less the barbarous treat 
 ment to which the prisoners were exposed during that memor 
 able march. He became reduced to a skeleton, and worse than 
 that, footsore, so that he could no longer endure the pain of his 
 feet and ankles, worn skinless, and charged with the spines of 
 acacias, cactus, and the numerous thorny plants in which the 
 dry soil of Mexico is so prolific. In agony, he fell down upon 
 the road. 
 
 Ijurra was in command of the guard ; from him Holings- 
 worth's brother begged to be allowed the use of a mule The 
 
RAFAEL UURRA. 71 
 
 youth had known Ijurra at San Antonio, and had even lent him 
 money, which was never returned. 
 
 " To your feet, and forward !" was Ijurra's answer. 
 
 " I cannot move a step," said the youth, despairingly. 
 
 " Cannot I Carrai ! we shall see whether you can. Here, 
 Pablo," continued he, addressing himself to one of the soldiers 
 f the guard ; " give this fellow the spur ; he is restive I" 
 
 The ruffian soldier approached with fixed bayonet, seriously 
 intending to use its point on the poor way-worn invalid ! The 
 latter rose with an effort, and made a desperate attempt to keep 
 on ; but his resolution again failed him. He could not endure 
 the agonizing pain, and after staggering a pace or two, he fell up 
 against a rock. 
 
 " I cannot 1" he again cried " I cannot march further : let 
 me die here." 
 
 " Forward I or you shall die here," shouted Ijurra, drawing r 
 pistol from his belt, and cocking it, evidently with the determi 
 nation to carry out his threat. " Forward 1" 
 
 " I cannot," faintly replied the youth. 
 
 " Forward, or I fire !" 
 
 " Fire 1" cried the young man, throwing open the flaps of his 
 hunting-shirt, and making one last effort to stand erect. 
 
 " You are scarce worth a bullet," said the monster, with a 
 sneer ; at the same instant he levelled his pistol at the breast of 
 his victim, and fired ! When the smoke was blown aside, the 
 body of young Holingsworth was seen lying at the base of the 
 rock, doubled up, dead ! A thrill of horror ran through the 
 line of captives. Even their habitually brutal guards were 
 touched by such wanton barbarity. The brother of the youth 
 was not six yards from the spot, tightly bound, and witness of 
 the whole scene ! Fancy his feelings at that moment ! 
 
 " No wonder," continued the Texan " no wonder that Har 
 ding Holingsworth don't stand upon ceremony as to where and 
 when he may attack Rafael Ijurra. I verily believe that the pre* 
 
F2 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 ience of the commander-in-chief wouldn't restrain him from taking 
 vengeance. It ain't to be wondered at !" 
 
 In hopes that my companion might help me to come to some 
 knowledge of the family at the hacienda, I guided the conversa 
 tion in that direction. 
 
 " And Don Ramon de Yargas is Ijurra's uncle ?" 
 
 " Sure enough, he must he. Ha ! I did not think of that 
 Don Ramon it the uncle. I ought to have known him this 
 morning that confounded mezcal I drank knocked him out of 
 my mind altogether. I have seen the old fellow several times. 
 He used to come to San Antonio once a year, on business with 
 the merchants there. I remember, too, he once brought a 
 daughter with him splendid girl that, and no mistake ! Faith, 
 she crazed half the young fellows in San Antonio, and there 
 were no ends of duels about her. She used to ride wild horses, 
 and fling the lazo like a Comanche. But what am I talking 
 about ? That mezcal has got into my brains, sure enough. It 
 must have been her you chased ? Sure as shootin', it wasf 
 
 " Probably enough," I replied, in a careless way. My com 
 panion little knew the deep, feverish interest bis remarks were 
 exciting, or the struggle it was costing me to conceal my emo 
 tions. One thing I longed to learn from him whether any of 
 these amorous duellists had been favoured with the approbation, 
 of the lady. I longed to put this question, and yet the absolute 
 dread of the answer restrained my tongue ! I remained silent, 
 till the opportunity had passed. The hoof-strokes of half-a-dozen 
 horses coming rapidly from the rear, interrupted the conversa 
 tion. Without surprise, I saw that it was Holingsworth and ihe 
 rangers who had been left at the hacienda. 
 
 " Captain Warfield !" said the Tennessean as he spurred along 
 side, " my conduct no doubt surprises you. I shall be able to 
 explain it to your satisfaction when time permits. It's a long 
 story a painful one to me : you will not require it from me now. 
 This much let me say for good reason, I hold Rafael Ijurra 
 
THE YELLOW DOMINO. 73 
 
 a: my most deadly foe. / came to Mexico to kill that man; and 
 by the Eternal ! if I don't succeed, I care not who kills me F* 
 
 " You have not then " 
 
 With a feeling of relief, I put the question, for I read the 
 answer in the look of disappointed vengeance that gleamed in the 
 eyes of the Tennessean. I was not permitted to finish the in 
 terrogatory ; he knew what I was going to ask, and interrupted 
 me with the reply : 
 
 " No, no ; the villain has escaped ; but by " 
 
 The rest of the emphatic vow was inaudible ; but the wild 
 glance that flashed from the speaker's eye expressed his deep 
 purpose more plainly than words. The next moment he fell back 
 to his place in the troop, and with his head slightly bent forward, 
 rode on in silence. His dark taciturn features were lit up at in 
 tervals by an ominous gleam, showing that he still brooded over 
 his unavenged wrong. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE YELLOW DOMINO. 
 
 THE next two days I passed in feverish restlessness. Holings- 
 worth's conduct had quite disconcerted my plans. From the 
 concluding sentences of Isolina's note, I had construed an invita 
 tion to revisit the hacienda in some more quiet guise than that of 
 a filibustero; but after what had transpired, I could not muster 
 courage to present myself under any pretence. It was not likely 
 J should be welcome I, the associate nay, the commander 
 of the man who had attempted to take the life of a nephew, a 
 cousin I Don Ramon had stipulated for a " little rudeness;" he 
 had had the full measure of his bargain, and a good deal more. 
 
 4 
 
74- THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 He could not otherwise than think so. Where I to present r.y- 
 self at the hacienda, I could not be else than coldly received 
 in short, unwelcome. 
 
 I thought of apologies and pretexts, but to no purpose. For 
 two days I remained in vacillating indecision; I neither saw nor 
 
 heard of her who engrossed my thoughts. 
 
 ******* 
 
 News from head-quarters ! A " grand ball " to be given in 
 the city ! 
 
 This bit of gossip fell upon my ear without producing the 
 slightest impression, for I cared little for dancing, and less for 
 grand balls : in earlier youth I had liked both; but not then. 
 
 The thing would at once have passed from my thoughts, had 
 it not been for some additional information imparted at the same 
 time, which to me at once rendered the ball attractive. 
 
 The information I allude to was, that the ball was got up " by 
 authority," and would be upon a grand scale. Its object was 
 political; in other words, it was to be the means of cultivating a 
 friendly intercourse between the conquerors and the conquered 
 a desirable end. Every effort would be made to bring out the 
 " native society," and let it see that we Yankee officers were not 
 such "barbarians" as they affected to deem, and in reality 
 pronounced us. It was known so stated my informant- -that 
 many families of the Ayankieados would be present; and in *>rder 
 Do make it pleasanter for those who feared proscription, the ball 
 was to be a masked one un baile de mascara. 
 
 " The Ayankieados are to be there 1 and she " 
 
 My heart bounded with new hope; and I resolved to make one 
 of the maskers not that I intended to go in costume. In my 
 slender wardrobe was a civilian dress of proper cut, and tolera 
 bly well preserved: that would answer my purpose. The ball 
 was to come off on the night following that on which I had word 
 of it My suspense would be short. 
 
THE YELLOW DOMINO. 75 
 
 The time appeared long enough, but at length the hour arrived, 
 ind mounting my good steed, I started off for the city. A brisk 
 ride of two hours brought me on the ground, and I found that I 
 was hite enough to be fashionable. 
 
 As I entered the b:ill-room, I saw that most of the company 
 Lad arrived, and the floor was grouped with dancers. It was 
 evident the affair was a " success." There were four or five 
 hundred persons present, nearly half of them ladies. Many were 
 in character costumes, as Tyrolese peasants, Andalusian majas, 
 Bavarian broom-girls, Wallachian boyards, Turkish sultanas, 
 and bead bedecked Indian belles. A greater number were dis 
 guised iu the ungraceful domino, while not a few appeared in 
 regular evening-dress. Most of the ladies wore masks; some 
 simply hid their faces behind the coquettish reboso tapado, while 
 others permitted their charms to be gazed upon. As the night 
 wore on, and an occasional capita de vino strengthened the nerves 
 of the company, the uncovered faces became more numerous, and 
 masks got lost or put away. 
 
 As for the gentlemen, a number of them also wore masks 
 some were en costume, but uniforms predominated, stamping the 
 ball with a military character. It was not a little singular to see 
 a number of Mexican officers mingling in the throng ! These 
 were of course prisoners on parole ; and their more brilliant uni 
 forms, of French patterns, contrasted oddly with the plain blue 
 dresses of their conquerors. The presence of these prisoners, in 
 the full glitter of their gold-lace, was not exactly in good taste ; 
 but a moment's reflection convinced one it was not a matter of 
 choice with them. Poor fellows ! had they abided by the laws 
 Df etiquette, they could not have been there; and no doubt they 
 were as desirous of shaking their legs in the dance as the gayest 
 of their captors. Indeed, in this species of rivalry, they far out 
 stripped the latter. 
 
 I spent but little time in observing these peculiarities; but one 
 Wea engrossed my mind, and that was to find Isolina de Vargas 
 
76 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 no easy task ara.i such a multitude of maskers. Amr>ng the 
 uncovered faces she was not. I soon scanned them all, or rather 
 glanced at them. It needed no scanning to recognise hers. If 
 there, she was one of the mascaritas, and I addressed myself to a 
 close observation of the dames en costume and the dominoes 
 Hopeless enough appeared the prospect of recognising her. but a 
 little hope sustained me in the reflection, that, being myself un 
 covered, she might recognize me. 
 
 When a full half hour had passed away, and my lynx-likt 
 surveillance was still unrewarded, this hope died within me; an<3. 
 what may appear strange, I began to wish she was not there 
 ". If present," thought I, " she must have seen me ere this, anr, 
 to have taken no notice-" A little pang of chagrin accom 
 panied this reflection. 
 
 I flung myself upon a seat, and endeavored to assume an air 
 of indifference, though I was far from feeling indifferent, and my 
 eyes as before kept eagerly scanning the fair maskers. Now and 
 then, the tournure of an ankle I had seen Isolina's or the 
 elliptical sweep of a fine figure, inspired me with fresh hope; 
 but as the mascaritas who owed them were near enough to have 
 seen, and yet took no notice of me, I conjectured in fact, hoped 
 that none of them was she. Indeed, a well-turned ankle is nc 
 distinctive mark among the fair doncellas of Mexico. 
 
 At length, a pair of unusually neat ones, supporting a figure 
 of such superb outlines, that even the ungraceful domino could 
 not conceal them, came under my eyes, and riveted my attention. 
 My heart beat wildly as' I gazed. I could not help the belief 
 that the lady in the yellow domino was Isolina de Vargas. She 
 was waltzing with a young dragoon officer; and as they passed 
 me, I rose from my seat, and approached the orbit of the dance, 
 in order to keep them under my eyes. As they passed me a 
 second time, I fancied the lady regarded me through her mask : 
 I fancied I saw her start. I was almost sure it was Isolina 1 
 
 My feeling was now that of jealousy. The young officer wad 
 
THE YELLOW DOMINO. 77 
 
 one of the elegant gentlemen of the service a professed lady- 
 killer a fellow, who, notwithstanding his well-known deficiency 
 of brains, was ever welcome among women. She seemed to press 
 closely to him as they whirled around, while her head rested 
 languish ingly upon his shoulder. She appeared to be contented 
 with her partner. I could scarcely endure the agony of my 
 fancies. 
 
 It was a relief to me when the music ceased, and the waltz 
 ended. The circle broke up, and the waltzers scattered in dif 
 ferent directions, but my eyes followed only the dragoon officer 
 and his partner. He conducted her to a seat, and then placing 
 himself by her side, the two appeared to engage in an earnest 
 and interesting conversation. 
 
 With me politeness was- now out of the question. I had 
 grown as jealous as a tiger ; and I drew near enough to become 
 a listener. The lowness of the tone in which they conversed 
 precluded the possibility of hearing much of what was said, but 
 I could make out that the spark was "coaxing" his partner to 
 remove her mask. The voice that replied was surely Isolina's ! 
 I could myself have torn the silken screen from her face, through 
 very vexation ; but I was saved that indiscretion, for the re 
 quest of her cavalier seemed to prevail, and the next instant the 
 mask was removed by the lady's own hand. Shade of Erebus ! 
 what did I see ? She was black a negress ! Not black as 
 ebony, but nearly so ; with thick lips, high cheek-bones, and a 
 row of short " kinky " curls dangling over the arch of her glisk 
 ening forehead ! 
 
 My astonishment, though perhaps of a more agreeable kind, 
 was not greater than that of the dragoon lieutenant, who, by 
 the way, was also a full-blooded " Southerner." At sight of his 
 partner's face he started, as if a six-pound shot had winded him; 
 and after a few half-muttered excuses, he rose with an air of ex 
 treme gawJierie, and hurrying off, hid himself behind the crowd I 
 
 The "colored lady," mortified as I presumed she mast be 
 
78 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 hastily readjnsted her mask, and rising from her seat, glided 
 away from the scene of her humiliation. I gazed after her with 
 a mingled feeling of curiosity and pity ; I saw her pass out of 
 the door alone, evidently with the intention of leaving the ball 
 I fancied she had departed, as her domino, conspicuous by its 
 bright yellow color, was no more seen among the maskers. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE BLUE DOMINO. 
 
 THUS disappointed, I gave up all hope of meeting her for 
 whose sake I had come to the ball. She was either not there, 
 or did not wish to be recognized, even by me. The latter suppo 
 sition was the more bitter of the two ; and goaded by it and 
 one or two other uncongenial thoughts, I paid frequent visits to 
 the " refreshment room," where wine flowed freely. A cup or 
 two drove the o'fie idea, out of my mind ; and after a while, I 
 grew more companionable, and determined to enjoy myself like 
 others around me. I had not danced as yet, but the wine soon 
 got to my toes as well as into my head ; and I resolved to put 
 myself in motion with the first partner that offered. 
 
 I soon found one a blue domino that came right in my way, 
 as if the fates had determined we should dance together. The 
 lady was "not engaged for the next;" she would be "most 
 happy." 
 
 This, by the way, was said in French, which would have taken 
 me by surprise, had I not known that there were many French 
 
 people living in C , as in all the large cities of Mexico. They 
 
 are usually jewellers, dentists, milliners, or other artizans of that 
 class, who drive a lucrative trade among the luxury-loving Mexi- 
 tanas. To know there were French people in the place, was tc 
 
THE BLUE DOMINO. 79 
 
 be certain you would find them at the ball ; and there were they, 
 numbers of theia, pirouetting ubout, and comporting themselves 
 with the gay insouciance characteristic of their nation. I was 
 not surprised, then, when my blue domino addressed me in 
 French. 
 
 " A French modiste!" conjectured I, as soon as she spoke. 
 
 Milliner or no, it mattered not to me ; I wanted a dancing 
 partner ; and after another phrase or two in the same sweet 
 tongue, away went she and I in the curving whirl of a waltz. 
 
 After sailing once round the room, I had two quite new and 
 distinct impressions upon my mind : the first, that I had a part 
 ner who could waltz, a thing not to be met with every day. My 
 blue domino seemed to have no feet under her, but floated around 
 me as if borne upon the air ! For the moment, I fancied myself 
 in Ranelagh or Mabille I My other impression was, that my 
 arm encircled as pretty a waist as ever was clasped by a lover. 
 There was a pleasing rotundity about it, combined with a gene 
 ral symmetry of form and serpentine yieldiness of movement, 
 that rendered dancing with such a partner both easy and delight 
 ful. My observation at the moment was, that if the face of the 
 modiste bore any sort of proportion to her figure, she needed not 
 have come so far from France to push her fortuite. 
 
 With such a partner I could not otherwise than waltz well ; 
 and never better than upon that occasion. We were soon under 
 the observation of the company, and became the cynosure of a 
 circle. This I did not relish, and drawing my blue domino to 
 one side, we waltzed towards a seat, into which I handed her 
 with the usual polite expression of thanks. 
 
 This seat was in a little recess or blind window, where two 
 persons might freely converse without fear of an eaves-droppei 
 [ had no desire to run away from a partner who danced so well, 
 though she were a modiste. There was room for two upon the 
 bench, and I asked permission to sit beside her. 
 
 " Oh, certainly," was the frank reply. 
 
80 THE WAK-TEAIL. 
 
 " And will you permit me to remain with you till the 
 recommences ? " 
 
 " If you desire it." 
 
 " And dance with you again t n 
 
 " With pleasure, monsieur, if it suit your convenience. But L 
 there no other who claims you as a partner ? no other in this 
 assemblage you would prefer ? " 
 
 " Not one, I assure you. You are the only one present with 
 whom I care to dance." 
 
 As I said this, I thought I perceived a slight movement, that 
 indicated some emotion. 
 
 " It was a gallant speech, and the modiste is pleased with the 
 compliment," thought I. 
 
 Her reply : 
 
 " It flatters me, sir, that you prefer my company to that of 
 the many splendid beauties who are in this saloon ; though it 
 might gratify me still more if you knew who I am." 
 
 The last clause was uttered with an emphasis, and followed by 
 a sigh ! 
 
 " Poor girl !" thought I, " she fancies that I mistake her for 
 some graud dame that if I knew her real position, her humble 
 avocation, I should no longer care to dance with her. In that 
 she is mistaken. I make no distinction between a milliner and a 
 marchioness, especially in a ball-room. There, grace and beauty 
 alone guide to preference." 
 
 After giving way to some such reflections, I replied ; 
 
 " It is my regret, mam'selle, not to have the happiness of 
 knowing you, and it is not possible I ever may, unless you will 
 have the goodness to remove your mask." 
 
 11 Ah ! monsieur, what you ask is impossible." 
 
 " Impossible ! and why, may I know ?" 
 
 " Because, were you to see my face, I should not have you 
 for my partner in the next dance ; and to say the truth, I should 
 regret that, since yc n waltz so admirably." 
 
THE BLUE DOMINO. 31 
 
 " Ob ! refusal and flattery in the same breath ! No, raam'selle, 
 J am sure your face will never be the means of your losing a 
 partner. Come ! let me beg of you to remove that envious 
 counterfeit. Let us converse freely face to face. I am not 
 masked, as you see." 
 
 " In truth, sir, you have no reason to hide your face, which is 
 more than I can say for many other men in this room." 
 
 " Quick-witted milliner,*' thought I, " Bravo, Ranelagh 1 
 Yive la Mabille P 
 
 " Thanks, amiable masker 1" I replied. " But you are too 
 generous : you flatter me " 
 
 " It is worth while," rejoined she, interrupting me ; " it im 
 proves your cheek : blushes become you, ha, ha, ha !" 
 
 " The deuce ! " I ejaculated half aloud, " this dame da Boule 
 vard is laughing at me !" 
 
 " But what are you ?" she continued, suddenly changing her 
 tone. " You are not a Mexican ? Are you soldier or civilian ?" 
 
 " What would you take me for ?" 
 
 " A poet, from your pale face, but more from the manner in 
 which I have heard you sigh." 
 
 " I have not sighed since we sat down." 
 
 " No but before we sat down." 
 
 " What ! in the dance ?" 
 
 " No before the dance." 
 
 " Ha I then you observed me before ?" 
 
 14 yes ; your plain dress rendered you conspicuous among s<* 
 many uniforms ; besides your manner " 
 
 "What manner?" I asked, with some degree of confusion, 
 fearing that in my search after Isolina I had committed some 
 stupid piece of left-haudedness. 
 
 " Your abstraction ; and, by the way, had you not a little 
 ptnchant for a yellow domino ?" 
 
 "A yellow domino ?*' repeated I, raising my hand to my 
 
 4* 
 
82 THE WAE-TBA.IL. 
 
 head, as though it cost me an effort to rememember it "a yel 
 low domi? j ?" 
 
 " A 7, ay a ye-ll-ow dom-in-o," rejoined my companion witb 
 8ar?f.^tic emphasis " a yellow domino, who waltzed vrith a 
 7".ng officer not bad-looking, by the way." 
 
 " Ah I I think I do remember " 
 
 " Well, I think you ought," rejoined my tormentor, " and well 
 too : you took sufficient pains to observe" 
 
 " Ah aw yes," stammered I. 
 
 " I thought you were conning verses to her, and as you had 
 not the advantage of seeing her face, were making them to her 
 feet 1" 
 
 " Ha, ha ! what an idea of yours, mad'ni'selle !" 
 
 " In the end, she was not ungenerous she let you see the 
 face ?" 
 
 " The devil 1" exclaimed I starting ; " you saw the denouement 
 then ?" 
 
 " Ha, ha, ha !" laughed she ; "of course I saw the denoue 
 ment, ha, ha ! drok t wasn't it ?" 
 
 " Very," replied I, not much relishing the joke, but endeavor 
 ing to join my companion in the laugh. 
 
 " How silly the spark looked ? ha, ha I" 
 
 " Very silly indeed ha, ha, ha I" 
 
 " And how disappointed " 
 
 " Eh r 
 
 " How disappointed you looked, monsieur." 
 
 "Oh ah I no I assure you I had no interest in the 
 affair. I was not disappointed at least not as you imagine." 
 
 " Ah I 1 ' 
 
 " The feeling uppermost in my mind was pity pity for the 
 poor girl." 
 
 "And you really did pity her ?" 
 
 This question was put with an earnestness that sounded some* 
 what strange at the moment. 
 
THE BLUE DOMINO. 83 
 
 . ' 
 
 "I really did. The creature seemed so mortified " 
 
 " She seemed mortified, did she ?" -^ _>; 
 
 " Of course. She left the room immediately after, and has 
 QOt returned since. No doubt she has gone home, poor devil !" 
 
 " Poor devil ! Is that the extent of your pity ?" 
 
 " Well, alter all, it must be confessed she was a superb decep 
 tion : a finer dancer I never saw I beg pardou, I except my 
 present partner a good foot, an elegant figure, and then to turn 
 out " 
 
 " What !" 
 
 " Unanegrilla!" 
 
 " I fear, monsieur, you Americans are not very gallant towards 
 the ladies of color. It is different here in Mexico, which you 
 term despotic." 
 
 I felt the rebuke. 
 
 " To change the subject./' continued she ; " are you not a 
 poet ?" 
 
 " I do not deserve the name of poet, yet I will not deny that 
 I have made verses." 
 
 " I thought as much. What an instinct I have ! that I 
 could prevail upon you to write some verses to me I" 
 
 " What ! without knowing either your name or having looked 
 upon your face. Mam'selle, I must at least see the features I 
 am called upon to praise." 
 
 " Ah, monsieur, you little know : were I to unmask those fea 
 tures, I should stand but a poor chance of getting the verses. 
 My plain face would counteract all your poetic inspirations." 
 
 " Shade of Lucretia ! this is no needlewoman, though dealing 
 in weapons quite as sharp. Modiste, indeed ! I have been 
 laboring uuder a mistake, This is some damt spiiituelle, some 
 grand lady." 
 
 I had now grown more than curious to look upon the face of 
 my companion. Her conversation had won me : a woman who 
 could tali; so, I fancied, coulcl not be ill-looking. Such an en- 
 
84: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 g 
 
 chanting spirit could not be hidden behind .a plain face ; besides, 
 there was the gracefulness of form, the small gloved hand, the 
 dainty foot and ankle demonstrated in the dance, a voice that 
 rang like music, and the flash of a superb eye, which I could per 
 ceive even through the mask. Beyond a doubt, she was beautiful. 
 " Lady !" I said, speaking with more earnestness than ever, 
 " I entreat you to unmask yourself. Were it not in a ball-room, 
 1 should beg the favor upon my knees." 
 
 " And were I to grant it, you could hardly rise soon enough, 
 and pronounce your lukewarm leave-taking. Ha, monsieur ! 
 think of the yellow domino I " 
 
 " Mam'selle, you take pleasure in mortifying me. Bo you 
 deem me capable of such fickleness ? Suppose for a moment 
 you are not what the world calls beautiful, you could not by re 
 moving your mask, also strip yourself of the attractions of your 
 conversation of that voice that thrills through my heart of 
 that grace exhibited in your every movement ! With such en 
 dowments, how could a woman appear ill-looking ? If your face 
 was even as black as hers of the yellow domino, I verily believe 
 I could not perceive its darkness." 
 
 " Ha, ha, ha I take care what you say, monsieur. I presume 
 you are not more indulgent than the rest of your sex ; and well 
 know I that, with you men, ugliness is the greatest crime of a 
 woman." 
 
 ft I am different, I swear " 
 
 " Do not perjure yourself, as you will if I but remove uny 
 mask. I tell you, sir, that in spite of all the fine qualities you 
 imagine me to possess, I am a vision that would horrify you to 
 look upon." 
 
 " Impossible ! your form, your grace, your voice. Oh, un 
 mask 1 I accept every consequence for the favor I ask." 
 
 " Then be it as you wish ; but I shall not be the means of 
 punishing you. Receive from your own hands the chastisement 
 of your cu,rJQsity." 
 
THE BLUE DOMINO. 85 
 
 " You permit me, then ? Thanks, mam'selle, thanks 1 It is 
 fastened behind : yes, the knot is here now I have it so 
 so 
 
 With trembling fingers, I undid the string, and pulled off the 
 piece of taffety. Shade of Sheba 1 what did I see ? " 
 
 The mask fell from my fingers, as though it had been iron at 
 a cherry heat. Astonishment caused me to drop it ; rather say 
 horror horror at beholding the face underneath the face of the 
 ydlow*domino ! Yes, there was the same negress with her 
 thick lips, high cheei-bones, and the little well-oiled kinks hang 
 ing like corkscrews over her temples ! 
 
 I knew not either what to say or do ; my gallantry was clean 
 gone ; and although I resumed my seat, I remained perfectly 
 dumb. Had I looked in a mirror at that moment, I should cer 
 tainly have beheld the face of a fool. 
 
 My companion, who seemed to have made up her mind to such 
 a result, instead of being mortified, burst into a loud fit of 
 laughter, at the same time crying out in a tone of raillery: " Now, 
 Monsieur le Poete, does my face inspire you ? When may I ex 
 pect the verses ? To-morrow ? Soon ? Never ? Ah ! mon 
 sieur, I fear you arc not more gallant to us poor " ladies ob 
 rolcr'' than your countryman the lieutenant. Ha, ha, ha I " 
 
 I was too much ashamed of my own conduct, and too deeply 
 wounded by her reproach, to make reply. Fortunately, her con 
 tinued laughter offered me an opportunity to mutter some 
 broken phrases, accompanied by very clumsy gestures, and thus 
 take myself off. Certainly, in all my life, I never made a more 
 awkward adieu. I walked, or rather stole } towards the entrance, 
 determined to leave the ball-room, and gallop home. On reach 
 ing the door, my curiosity grew stronger than my shame ! and I 
 resolved to take a parting look at this singular Ethiopian. The 
 blue domino, still within the niche, caught my eye at onc.e ; but 
 on looking up to the face gracious Heaven ! it was Isolinas f 
 
 I stood as if turned into stone. My gaze was fixed upon her 
 
66 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 face, and I could not take it off. She was looking at me : bat, 
 oh 1 the expression witli which those eyes regarded me 1 That 
 was a glance to be remembered for life. She no longer laughed, 
 but her proud lip seemed to carl with a sarcastic smile, as of 
 scorn ! 
 
 I hesitated whether to return and apologize. But no ; it was 
 too late. I could have fallen upon my knees, and begged for 
 giveness. It was too late. I should only subject myself to fur 
 ther ridicule from that capricious spirit. 
 
 Perhaps my look of remorse had more effect than words. I 
 thought her expression changed ; her glance became more tender, 
 as if inviting me back ! Perhaps ^;V 
 
 At this moment, a man approached, and, without much cere 
 mony, seated himself by her side. His face was towards me 
 I recognized Ijurra 1 
 
 They converse. Is it of me 1 Is it of ? If so, he will 
 
 laugh. A world to see that man laugh, and know it is at me 
 If he do, I shall soon cast off the load that is crushing my heart ! 
 
 He laughs not not even a smile is traceable on his sombre 
 features. She has not told him, and well for him she has not 
 Prudence, perchance, restrains her tongue ; she might guess the 
 result. 
 
 They are on their feet again ; she masks. Ijurra leads her to 
 the dance ; they front to each other ; they whirl away away 
 
 they are lost among the maskers ! 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 " Some wine, mozo I" 
 
 A deep long draught, a few seconds spent in buckling on my 
 sword, a few more in reaching the gate, one spring, and my 
 saddled steed was under me. 
 
 I rode with desperate heart and hot head ; but the cool night- 
 air, the motion of my horse, and his proud spirit, mingling with 
 mine, gave me relief, and I felt calmer. On reaching the ran- 
 cheria, I found my lieutenants still up, eating their rudely cooked 
 
LOVE-THOUGHTS. 87 
 
 eopper. As my appetite was roused, I joined them at their 
 meal ; and their friendly converse restored for the tiina my 
 spirit's equanimity. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 LOVE-THOUGHTS. 
 
 A DREAD feeling is jealousy, mortified vanity, or whatever yon 
 may designate the disappointment of love. I have experienced 
 the sting of shame, the blight of broken fortune, the fear of death 
 itself ; yet none of these ever wrung my heart so rudely as the 
 pang of an unreciprocated passion. The former are but transient 
 trials, and their bitterness soon has an end. Jealousy, like the 
 tooth of the serpent, leaves its poison in the sting, and long and 
 slow is the healing of its wound. Well knew he this, that master 
 of the human heart : lago's prayer was not meant for mockery. 
 
 To drown my mortification, I had drunk wine freely at the 
 ball ; and on returning home, had continued my potations with 
 the more fiery spirit of " Catalan." By this means I gained 
 relief and sleep, but only of short duration. Long before day I 
 was awake awake to the double bitterness of jealousy and 
 shame awake to both mental and physical pain, for the fumes 
 of the vile stuff I had drunk wracked my brain, as though they 
 would burst open my skull. An ounce of opium would not have 
 set me to sleep again, and I tossed in my couch like one laboring 
 under delirium. 
 
 Of course the incidents of the proceeding night were upper 
 most in my mind. Every scene and action that had occurred, 
 were as plainly before me, as if I was again witnessing them. 
 Every effort to alienate my thoughts, and fix them upon some 
 other theme, proved vain and idle j they ever returned to the 
 
88 THE WAJt-TBAIL. 
 
 same circle of reflections, in the centre of which wat Isolina cle 
 Vargas 1 I thought of all that had passed, of all she had said. 
 I remembered every word. How bitterly I remembered that 
 scornful laugh ! how bitterly that sarcastic smile, when the 
 double mask was removed ! 
 
 The very remembrance of her beauty pained ine ! It was now 
 to me as to Tantalus the crystal waters, never to be tasted 
 Before, I had formed hopes, had indulged in prospective dreams : 
 the masquerade adventure had dissipated them. I no longer 
 hoped, no longer permitted myself to dream of pleasant times to 
 come : I felt that I was scorned. 
 
 This feeling produced a momentary revulsion in my thoughts. 
 There were moments when I hated her, and vengeful impulses 
 areered across my soul. 
 
 These were fleeting moments : again before me rose that 
 lovely form, that proud grand spirit, in the full entirety of it? 
 power, and again my soul became absorbed in admiration, and 
 yielded itself to its hopeless passion. It was far from being my 
 first love, and, thus experienced, I could reason npon it. I felt 
 certain it was to be the strongest and stormiest of rny life. 
 
 I know of three loves distinct in kind and power. First, 
 when the passion is reciprocated when the heart of the beloved 
 yields back thought for thought, and throb for throb, without 
 one reserved pulsation. This is bliss upon earth not alway? 
 long-lived ending perchance in a species of sublimated friend 
 ship. To have is no longer to desire. 
 
 The second is love entirely unrequited love that never knew 
 word or smile of encouragement, no soft whisper to fan it into 
 flame, no ray of hope to feed upon. Such dies of inanition, the, 
 sooner that its object is out of the way, and absence will con* 
 quer it in time. 
 
 The third is the love that "dotes yet doubts," that doubts 
 but never dies no, never. The jealousy that pains, only sus 
 it ; it lives on, now happy in the honeyed conviction o* 
 
LOVE-THOUGHTS. 89 
 
 I 
 
 triumph, now smarting under real or fancied scorn on, on, so 
 long as its object is accessible to sight or hearing I No matter 
 how worthless that object may be or become no matter how 
 lost or fallen : love regards not this. It has naught to do with 
 the moral part of our nature. Beauty is the shrine ( tf its wor 
 ship, aud beauty is not morality. 
 
 In my own mind, I am conscious of three elements or classes 
 of feeling : the moral, the intellectual, aud what I ma) term the 
 passional the last as distinct from either of the other two as 
 oil from spirits or water. To the last belongs love, which I 
 repeat again, has no sympathy with the moral feelings of our 
 nature, but alas ! as one might almost believe, with their 
 opposite. Even a plain but wicked coquette will captivate 
 more hearts than a beautiful saint, and the brilliant murderess, 
 ere now, has made conquests at the very foot of the scaffold 1 
 
 It pains me to pronounce these convictions, derived as they 
 are from experience. There is as little gain as pleasure in so 
 doing, but popularity must be sacrificed at the shrine of truth. 
 For the sake of effect, I shall not play false with philosophy. 
 
 Rough ranger as I was, I had studied psychology sufficiently 
 to understand these truths ; and I endeavored to analyze my 
 passion- for this girl or woman to discover why I loved her. 
 Her physical beauty was of the highest order, and that no doubt 
 was an element ; but it was not all. Had I merely looked upon 
 this beauty under ordinary circumstances that is, without com 
 ing in contact with the spirit that animated it I might havt 
 loved her, or I might not. It was the spirit, then, that bad won 
 me, though not alone. The same gem in a less brilliant setting 
 mioiit have failed to draw my admiration. I was the captive 
 both of the spirit and the form. Soul aud body had co-operated 
 iu producing my passion, and this may account for its suddenness 
 and profundity. Why I loved her person, I knew I was not 
 ignorant of the laws of beauty but why the spirit, I knew not 
 Certainly not from any idea I had formed of her high mora. 
 
90 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 qualities ; I had no evidence of these. Of her courage, even to 
 daring, I had proof; of energy and determined will ; of the 
 power of thought, quick and versatile ; but these arc not moral 
 qualities, they are not even feminine, ? True, she wept over her 
 slain steed. Humanity/ I have known a hardened lorette weep 
 bitter tears for her tortoise-shell cat. She refused to take from 
 me my horse. Generosity ? She had a thousand within sight. 
 Alas 1 in thus reviewing all that had passed between myself 
 and the beautiful Isolina, in search of her moral qualities, I met 
 with but little success ! 
 
 Mystery of our nature ! I loved her not the less ! And yet 
 my passion was pure, and I do not believe that my heart was 
 wicked. Mystery of our nature ! He who reads all hearts 
 alone can solve thee ! 
 
 I loved without reason ; but I loved now without hope. 
 Hope I had before that night. Her glance through the turrets 
 her note its contents a word or two at other times, had 
 inspired me with hopes, however faint they were. The incident 
 in the ball-room had crushed them. 
 
 Ijurra's dark face kept lowering before me ; even in my 
 visions he was always by her side. What was between the 
 two ? Perhaps a nearer relationship than that of cousin ? Per 
 haps they were affianced ? Married ? 
 
 The thought maddened me. 
 
 I could rest upon my couch no longer. I rose and sought the 
 open air ; I climbed to the azotea, and paced it to and fro, as 
 the tiger walks his cage. My thoughts were wild, and my 
 movements without method. To add to the bitterness of my 
 reflections, I now discovered that I had sustained a loss not in 
 property, but something that annoyed me still more. I had lost 
 the order and its enclosure the note of Don Ramon. I had 
 dropped them on the day in which they were received, and I 
 believed in the patio of the hacienda, where they must have been 
 picked up at once. If by Don Ramon himself, then all was well; 
 
AN ODD EPISTLE. 91 
 
 but if they had fallen \uto the hands of some of the leathern-clad 
 herdsmen, ill affected to Don Ramon, it mi->-ht be an awkward 
 
 ' / 3 
 
 affair for that gentleman indeed for myself. Such negligence 
 would scarcely be overlooked at head-quarters ; and I had ill- 
 forebodings about the result. It was one of my soul's darkest 
 hours. 
 
 From its very darkness I might have known that light was 
 near, for the proverb is equally true in the moral as in the mate 
 rial world. Light was near. 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 AN ODD EPISTLE. 
 
 BREAKFAST I hardly tasted. A taso of chocolate and a small 
 sugared cake the demyuna of every Mexican were brought, 
 and these served me for breakfast. A glass of cognac and a 
 Havanna were more to the purpose, and helped to st>ay the wild 
 trembling of my nerves. Fortunately, there was no duty to 
 perform, else I could ill have attended to it. I remained on the 
 azotea till near mid-day. The storm raging within prevented 
 me from taking note of what was passing around. The scenes 
 in theplviza, the rangers and their steeds, the " greasers" in their 
 striped blankets, the Indias squatted on their petates, the pretty 
 poblanfts, were all unnoticed by me. At intervals, my eyes 
 rested upon the walls of the distant dwelling ; it was not so dis 
 tant but that a human form could have been distinguished upon 
 its roof, had one been there. There was none, and twenty, ay 
 fifty times, did I turn away my disappointed gaze. 
 
 About noon, the sergeant of the. guard reported that a Mexi 
 can wished to speak with me : mechanically, I gave orders foi 
 
THE WAK-TKAJL. 
 
 the man to be sent up ; but it was not until he appeared before 
 me that I thought of what I was doing. 
 
 The presence of the Mexican at once roused me from my un 
 pleasant reverie. I recognised him as one of the vaqueros of 
 Don Ramon de Vargas the same I had seen on the plain during 
 my first interview with Isolina. 
 
 There was something in his manner that betokened him a 
 messenger. A folded note, which he drew from under his jerkin 
 after having glanced around to see whether he was noticed 
 confirmed my observation. 
 
 I took the note. There was no superscription, nor did I stay 
 to look for one. My fingers trembled as I tore open the seal 
 As my eye rested on the writing and recognised it, my heart 
 throbbed so as almost to choke my utterance. I muttered some 
 directions to the messenger ; and to conceal my emotion from 
 him, I turned away and proceeded to the furthest corner of the 
 azotea before reading the note. I called back to the man to go 
 below, and wait for an answer ; and, then relieved of his pre 
 sence, I read as follows : 
 
 " Gallant capitan ! allow me to bid you a buenas dias, for I 
 presume that, after the fatigues of last night, it is but morning 
 with you yet. Did you dream of your sable belle ? ' Poor 
 devil 1' Ha, ha, ha! Gallant capitan!" 
 
 I was provoked at this mode of address, for the " gallant " 
 was rendered emphatic by underlining. It was a letter to taunt 
 me for my ill behaviour. I felt inclined to fling it down, but my 
 eye wandering over the paper, caught some words that induced 
 me to read on. 
 
 " Gallant capitan ! I had a favorite mare. How fond I was 
 of that creature you may understand, who are afflicted by a 
 similar affection for the noble Moro. In an evil hour, your aim, 
 too true, alas ! robbed me of my favorite, but you offered tc 
 
AN ODD EPISTLE. 93 
 
 repay me by robbing yourself, for well know I that the black is 
 to you the dearest object upon earth. Indeed, were I the lady of 
 your love, I should ill brook such a divided affection ! Well, 
 mio capitan, I understood the generous sacrifice you would have 
 made, and forbade it ; but I know you are desirous of cancelling 
 your debt. It is in your power to do so. Listen 1" 
 
 Some hard conditions I anticipated would follow ; I recked 
 not of that. There was no sacrifice I was not ready to make. 
 I would have dared any deed, however wild, to hare won that 
 proud heart, to have inoculated it with the pain that was wring 
 ing my own. I read on : 
 
 " There is a horse, famed in these parts as the ' white Steed 
 of the Prairies ' (el cavallo bianco de los llanos). He is a wild 
 horse, of course ; snow-white in color, beautiful in form, swift as 
 
 the swallow . But why need I describe to you the * white 
 
 steed of the prairies ?' you are a Tejano, and must have heard 
 of him ere this ? Well, mio capitan, I have long had a desire 
 a frantic one, let me add to possess this horse. I have offered 
 rewards to hunters to our own vaqueros, for he sometimes ap 
 pears upon our plains but to no purpose. Not one of them can 
 capture, though they have often seen and chased him. Some say . 
 that he cannot be taken, that he is so fleet as to gallop, or rather 
 glide out of sight in a glance, and that, too, on the open 
 prairie ! There are those who assert that he is a phantom, un 
 demonio ! Surely so beautiful a creature cannot be the devil ? 
 Besides, I have always heard and, if I recollect aright, some 
 one said so last night that the devil was Hack. ' Poor 
 devil I> Ha, ha, ha 1" 
 
 I rather welcomed this allusion co my misconduct of the pre 
 ceding night, for I began to feel easier under the perception that 
 the whole affair was thus treated in jest, instead of the anger and 
 scorn I had anticipated. With pleasanter presentiments, J 
 read on : 
 
94: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " To the point, mio capitan. There are some incredulous peo 
 ple who believe the white steed of the prairies to be a myth, and 
 deny his existence altogether. Carrambo ! I know that he dots 
 exist, and, what is more to my present purpose, he is or was, 
 but two hours ago within ten miles of where I am writing this 
 note ! One of our vaqueros saw him near the banks of a beau 
 tiful arroyo river, which I know to be his favorite ground. For 
 reasons known to me, the vaquero did not either chase or molest 
 him ; but in breathless haste brought me the news. 
 
 " Now, capitau, gallant and grand I there is but one who can 
 capture this famed horse, and that is your puissant self I Ah 1 
 you have made captive what was once as wild and free. Yes ! you 
 can do it you and Moro 1 
 
 " Bring me the white steed of the prairies ! I shall cease to 
 grieve for poor Lola. I shall forgive you that contratiempo. I 
 shall forgive all even your rudeness to my double mask. Ha, 
 ha, ha ! Bring me the white steed 1 the white steed ! 
 
 " ISOLINA." 
 
 As I finished reading this singular epistle, a thrill of pleasure 
 ran through my veins. I dwelt not on the oddness of its contents, 
 thoroughly characteristic of the writer. Its meaning was cleai 
 enough, 
 
 1 had heard of the white horse of the prairies what hunter 
 or trapper, trader or traveller, throughout all the wild borders 
 of prairie-land, has not ? Many a romantic story of him had I 
 listened to around the blazing camp-fire many a tale of Ger 
 man-like diablerie, in which the white horse played hero. For 
 nearly a century has he figured in the legends of the prairie 
 " mariner " a counterpart to the Flying Dutchman the 
 "phantom-ship" of the forecastle. Like this, too, ubiquitous 
 seen to-day scouring the sandy plains of the Platte, to-morrow 
 bounding over the broad llanos of Texas, a thousand miles to 
 the southward I 
 
AN ODD EPISTLE. #5 
 
 / 
 
 That there existed a white stallion of great speed and splendid 
 proportions that there were twenty, perhaps a hundred such 
 among the countless herds of wild horses that roam over the 
 great plains, I did not for a moment doubt. I myself had seen 
 and chased more than one that might have been termed " a mag 
 nificent animal," and that no ordinary horse could overtake; but 
 the one known as "the white steed of the prairies" had a 
 peculiar marking, that distinguished him from all the rest his 
 ears were blade ! only his ears, and these were of the deep color 
 cf ebony. The rest of his body, mane and tail, was white as 
 fresh-fallen snow. 
 
 It was to this singular and mysterious animal that the letter 
 pointed ; it was the black-eared steed I was called upon to cap 
 ture. The contents of the note were specific and plain. One 
 expression alone puzzled me : " You have made captive what was 
 once as wild and free." What ? I asked myself. I scarce 
 dared to give credence to the answer that leaped liked an exult 
 ing echo from out my heart ! 
 
 There was a postscript, of course ; but this contained only 
 " business." It gave minuter details as to when, how, and where 
 the white horse had been seen, and stated that the bearer of the 
 note the vaquero who had seen him would act as my guide. 
 
 I pondered not long upon the strange request. Its fulfilment 
 promised to recover me the position, which but a moment before 
 I bad looked upon as lost for ever. I at once resolved upon the 
 undertaking. 
 
 " Yes, lovely Isolina ! if horse and man can do it, ere another 
 sun sets, you shall be mistress of the white stead of the prairies /" 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE MANADA. 
 
 IN half an hour after, with the vaquero for my guide, I rode 
 quietly out of the rancheria. A dozen rangers followed close 
 behind ; and having crossed the river at a ford nearly opposite 
 the village, we struck off into the chapparal on the opposite 
 side. 
 
 The men whom I had chosen to accompany me were all old 
 hunters, fellows who could "trail" and " crease" with accurate 
 aim. I had confidence in their skill, and, aided by them, I had 
 great hopes we should find the game we were iii search of. My 
 hopes, however, would not have been so sanguine but for anothe. 
 circumstance, it was this : Our guide had informed me, that when 
 he saw the white steed, the latter was in company with a large 
 drove of mares a manada, doubtless his harem. He would 
 not be likely to separate from them, and even if these had since 
 left the ground, they could be the more easily " trailed," in con 
 sequence of their numbers. Indeed, but for this prospect, our 
 wild-horse hunt would have partaken largely of the character of 
 a " wild-goose chase." The steed, by all accounts of him, might 
 have been seen upon one arroyo to-day, and by the banks of 
 some other stream, a hundred miles off, on the morrow. The 
 presence of his manada offered some guarantee, that he might 
 still be near the ground where the vaquero had marked him. 
 Once found, I trusted to the swiftness of my horse, and my own 
 skill in the use of the lazo. 
 
 As we rode along, I revealed to my followers the purpose of 
 the expedition. All of them knew the white steed by fame ; 
 one or two averred they had seen him in their prairie wander- 
 
THE MANADA. 97 
 
 ings. The whole party were delighted at the idea of such a 
 " scout," and exhibited as much excitement as if I was leading 
 them to a skirmish with guerilleros ! 
 
 The country through which we passed was at first a dense 
 chapparal, consisting of the various thorny shrubs and plants for 
 which this part of Mexico is so celebrated. The greater pro 
 portion belonged to the family of leguminosa robinias, gkdit- 
 schias, and the Texan acacias of more than one species, there 
 known as mezquite. Aloes, too, formed part of the undergrowth, 
 to the no small annoyance of the traveller the wild species 
 known as the lechuguilla, or pita-plant, whose core is cooked for 
 food, whose fibrous leaves serve for the manufacture of thread, 
 cordage, or cloth while its sap yields by distillation the fiery 
 mezcal. Here and there, a tree yucca grew by the way, its 
 fascicles of rigid leaves reminding one of the plumed heads of 
 Indian warriors. Some I saw with edible fruits growing in 
 clusters, like bunches of bananas. Several species are there of 
 these fruit-bearing yuccas in the region of the Rio Grande, as 
 yet unknown to the scientific botanist. I observed also the 
 palmitta, or soap-plant, another yucca, whose roots yield an 
 excellent substitute for soap ; and various forms of cactus 
 never out of sight on Mexican soil grew thickly around, a cha 
 racteristic feature of the landscape. Plants of humbler stature 
 covered the surface, among which the syngenesists predominated; 
 while the fetid artemisia, and the still more disagreeable odorous 
 creosote plant (Larrea Mexicana), grew upon spots that were 
 sandy and arid. Pleasanter objects to the eye were the scarlet 
 panicles of the Fouquiera splendens, then undescribed by bota 
 nists, and yet to become a favorite of the arboreturns. I was in 
 no mood for botanising at the time, but I well remember how I 
 admired this elegant species its tall culm-like stems, sur 
 mounted by panicles of brilliant flowers, rising high above the 
 level of the surrounding thicket, like banners above a host. Not 
 
 that I possess the refined taste of a lover of flowers, and mnch 
 
 I 
 
98 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 less then ; but cold must be the heart that could look upon the 
 floral beauty of Mexico without remembering some portion of its 
 charms. Even the rudest of my followers could not otherwise 
 than admire ; and once or twice, as we journeyed along, I could 
 hear them give utterance to that fine epithet of the heart's 
 desire, " Beautiful !" 
 
 As we advanced, the aspect changed. The surface became 
 freer of jungle ; a succession of glade and thicket ; in short, a 
 " mesquite prairie." Still advancing, the "openings" became 
 larger, while the timbered surface diminished in extent, and now 
 and then the glades joined each other without interruption. 
 
 We had ridden nearly ten miles without drawing bridle, when 
 our guide struck upon the trail of the manada. Several of the 
 old hunters, without dismounting, pronounced the tracks to be 
 those of wild mares, which they easily distinguished from horse 
 tracks. Their judgment proved correct ; for following the trail 
 but a short distance further, we came full in sight of the drove, 
 which the vaquero confidently pronounced was the manada we 
 were in search of ! 
 
 So far our success equalled our expectations ; but to get sight 
 of a caballada of wild horses, and to capture its swiftest steed, are 
 two things of very unequal difficulty. This fact my anxiously 
 beating heart and quickly throbbing pulse revealed to me at the 
 moment. It would be difficult to describe the mingled feelings 
 of anxious doubt and joyous hope that passed through my mind, 
 as from afar off I gazed upon that shy herd, still unconscious of 
 our approach. 
 
 The prairie upon which the mares were browsing was more 
 than a mile in width, and, like those we had been passing 
 through, it was surrounded by the low chapparal forest, al 
 though there were avenues that communicated with other open 
 ings of a similar kind. Near its centre was the manada. Some 
 of the mares were quietly browsing upon the grass, while others 
 were frisking and playing about, now rearing up as if in combat, 
 
THE MAN AD A . 99 
 
 now rushing in wild gallop, their tossed manes and full tails 
 flung loosely upon the wind. Even in the distance we could 
 trace the full rouuded development of their bodies, and their 
 smooth coats, glistening under the sun, denoted their fair condi 
 tion. They were of all colors known to the horse, for in this the 
 race of the Spanish horse is somewhat peculiar. There were 
 bays, and blacks, and whites the last being most numerous. 
 There were greys, both iron and roan, and duns with white manes 
 and tails, and some of a mole color, and not a few of the kind 
 known in Mexico as pintados (piebalds) for spotted horses are 
 not uncommon among the mustangs all of course with full 
 manes and tails, since the mutilating shears of the jockey had 
 never curtailed their flowing glories. 
 
 But where was the lord of this splendid harem ? where the, 
 steed ? This was the thought that was uppermost in the mind 
 of all, the question upon every tongue. Our eyes wandered over 
 the herd, now here, now there. White horses there were, num 
 bers of them, but it needed but a glance to tell that the " steed 
 of the prairies " was not there. 
 
 We eyed each other with looks of disappointment. Even my 
 companions felt that ; but a far more bitter feeling was growing 
 upon me as I gazed upon the leaderless troop. Could I have 
 captured and carried back the whole drove, the present would 
 not have purchased one smile from Isolina. The steed was not 
 among them ! 
 
 He might still be in the neighborhood ; or had he forsaken the 
 manada altogether, and gone far away over the wide prairie in 
 search of new conquests ? The vaquero believed he was not far 
 off. I had faith in this man's opinion, who, having passed his 
 life in the observation of wild and half-wild horses, had a perfect 
 knowledge of their habits. There was hope then. Tlie steed 
 might be near ; perhaps lying down in the shade of the thicket ; 
 perhaps with a portion of the manada or some favorite in ona 
 of the adjacent glades. If so, our guide assured us we should 
 
100 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 soon have him in view. He would soon bring the steed upon the 
 ground. 
 
 How ? Simply by starting the mares, whose neigh of alarm 
 would be heard from afar. 
 
 The plan seemed feasible enough ; but it was advisable that 
 we should surround the manada before attempting to disturb 
 them, else they might gallop off in the opposite direction before 
 any of us could get near. Without delay, we proceeded to effect 
 the " surround." 
 
 The chapparal aided us by concealing our movements ; and in 
 half an hour we had deployed around the prairie. 
 
 The drove still browsed and played. They had no suspicion 
 that a cordon of hunters was being formed around them, else 
 they would have long since galloped away. Of all wild crea 
 tures, the shiest is the wild horse ; the deer, the antelope, and 
 buffalo are far less fearful of the approach of man. The mustang 
 seems to understand the doom that awaits him in captivity. One 
 could almost fancy that the runaways from the settlements 
 occasionally seen amongst them had poured into their ears the 
 tale of their hardship and long endurance. 
 
 I had myself ridden to the opposite side of the prairie, in order 
 tu be certain when the circle was complete. I was now alone, 
 baring dropped my companions at intervals along the margin of 
 the timber. I had brought with me the bugle, with a note or 
 two of which I intended to give the alarm to the mares. I had 
 placed myself in a clump of mezquite trees, and was about rais 
 ing the horn to my lips, when a shrill scream from behind caused 
 me to bring down the instrument, aud turn suddenly in my seat. 
 Far a moment, I was in doubt as to what could have produced 
 such a singular utterance, when a second time it fell on rny 
 err, and I then recognised it. It was the neigh of the prairie 
 stallion ! 
 
 Near me was a break in the thicket, a sort of avenue leading 
 ont into another prairie. In this I could hear the hoof-stroke 
 
THE MAN ADA. 101 
 
 of a horse going at a gallop. As fast as the underwood would 
 allow, I pressed forward and came out upon the edge of the open 
 ground ; but the sun, low down, flashed in my eyes, and I could 
 see no object distinctly. The tread of the hoofs and the shrill 
 neighing still rang in my ears. Presently, the dazzling light no 
 longer quite blinded me ; I shaded my eyes with my hand, and 
 could perceive the form of a noble steed stretching in full gallop 
 down the avenue, and coming in the direction of the manacta. 
 Half-a-dozen springs brought him opposite ; the beam was no 
 longer in ray eyes ; and as he galloped past, I saw before 
 me the " white steed of the prairies." There was no mistaking 
 the marks of that 'splendid creature : there was the snow-white 
 body, the ears of jetty blackness, the blue muzzle, the red, pro 
 jecting nostril, the broad oval quarters, the rounded and sym 
 metric limbs all the points of an incomparable steed ! 
 
 Like an arrow, he shot past. He did not arrest his pace for an 
 instant, but galloped on in a direct line for the drove. 
 
 The mares had answered his first signal with a responsive 
 neigh; and tossing up their heads the whole manada was instantly 
 in motion. In a few seconds they stood at rest again, formed in 
 line as exact as could have been done by a troop of cavalry 
 and fronting their leader as he galloped up. Indeed, standing 
 as they were, with their heads high in air, it was easy to fancy 
 them mounted men in the array of battle ; and often have the 
 wild horses been mistaken for such by the prairie traveller I 
 
 Concealment or stratagem could no longer avail ; the chase 
 was fairly up. Speed and the lazo must now decide the result ; 
 and with this conviction, I gave Moro the spur, and bounded into 
 the open plain. The neighing of the steed had signaled my com 
 panions, who shot almost simultaneously out of the timber, and 
 spurred towards the drove, yelling as they came. 
 
 I had no eyes for aught but the white steed, and after him I 
 directed myself. On nearing the line of mares, he halted in his 
 wild gallop, twice reared his body upward, as if to reconnoitre 
 
t02 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 the ground ; and then, uttering another of his shrill screams, 
 broke off in a direct line towards the edge of the prairie. A wide 
 avenue leading out in that direction seemed to have guided his 
 instincts. The manada followed, at first galloping in line ; but 
 this was soon broken, as the swifter individuals passed ahead of 
 the others, and the drove became strung out upon the prairie. 
 
 Through the opening now swept the chase the pursuers 
 keenly plying the spur, the pursued straining every muscle to 
 escape. 
 
 CHAPTER XYII. 
 
 THE HUNT OF THE WILD HORSE. 
 
 MY gallant horse soon gave proof of. his superior qualities. 
 One after another of my companions was passed ; and as we 
 cleared the avenue and entered a second prairie, I found myself 
 mixing with the hindmost of the wild mares. Pretty creatures 
 some of them were ; and upon any other occasion, I should have 
 been tempted to fling a lazo over one of them, which I might 
 easily have done. Then I only thought of getting them out of 
 the way, as they were hindering my onward gallop. Before we 
 had quite crossed the second prairie, I had forged into the front 
 rank, and the mares, seeing I had headed them, broke to the 
 right and left, and scattered away. All were now behind me, all 
 but the white steed ; he alone kept the course, at intervals 
 uttering the same shrill neigh, as if to tantalize and lure me on. 
 He was yet far in advance, and apparently running at his ease ! 
 
 The horse I bestrode needed neither spur nor guidance ; he 
 saw before him the object of the chase, and he divined the will 
 of his rider. I felt him rising under me like a sea-wave. Hia 
 hoofs struck the turf without impinging upon it. At each 
 
THE HUNT OF THE WILD HORSE. 103 
 
 t'resh spring, he came up with elastic rebound, while his flanks 
 heaved with the conscious possession of power. 
 
 Before the second prairie was crossed, he had gained consider 
 ably upon the white steed ; but to iny chagrin, I now saw the 
 latter dash right into the thicket. 
 
 I found a path, and followed. My ear served to guide me, 
 for the branches crackled as the wild horse broke through. Now 
 and then I caught glimpses of his white body, glancing among 
 the green leaves. 
 
 Apprehensive of losing him, I rode recklessly after, nov* 
 breasting the thicket, now tracing its labyrinthine aisles. I 
 heeded not the thorny mimosas ; my horse heeded them not ; 
 but large trees of the false acacia (robinia) stood thickly in the 
 way, and their horizontal branches hindered me. Often was I 
 obliged to bend flat to the saddle, in order to pass under them. 
 All this was in favor of the pursued, and against the pursuer. 
 
 I longed for the open prairie, and to my relief it at length ap 
 peared, not yet quite treeless, but studded with timber " islands." 
 Amid these the white steed was sailing off ; but in passing 
 through the thicket, he had gained ground, and was now a long 
 way in advance of me. He was making for the open plain tluit 
 lay beyond, and this showed that it was his habit to trust to his 
 heels for safety. Perhaps, with such a pursuer, he would have 
 been safer to have kept the chapparal ; but that remained to be 
 seen. 
 
 In ten minutes' time, we had passed through the timber 
 islands, and now the prairie the grand, limitless prairie 
 stretched before us, far beyond the reach of vision. 
 
 On goes the chase over its grassy level on till the trees are 
 no longer behind us, and the eye sees nought but the green 
 savannah, and the blue canopy arching over it on, across the 
 centre of that vast circle which has for its boundary the whole 
 horizon ! 
 
 The rangers, lost in the mazes of the chapparal, have long 
 
104 THE WAE -TRAIL. 
 
 since fallen off; the mustangs have gone back ; on all that wide 
 plain, but two objects appear the snow-white form of the flying 
 steed, and the dark horseman that follows I 
 
 It is a long wild ride, a cruel gallop for my matchless Moro. 
 Ten miles of the prairie have we passed more than that and 
 as yet I have neither used whip nor spur. The brave steed needs 
 no such prompting ; he, too, has his interest in the chase the 
 ambition not to be outrun. My motive is different : I think only 
 of the smiles of a woman ; but such motives ere now has led to 
 the loss of a crown or the conquest of a world. On, Moro ! on I 
 you must overtake him or die ! 
 
 There is no longer an obstacle. Ho cannot hide from us 
 here. The plain, with its sward of short grass, is level and 
 smooth as the sleeping ocean ; not an object intrudes upon the 
 sight. He cannot conceal himself anywhere. There is still at 
 hour of sunlight ; he cannot hide from us in the darkness : ere 
 that comes down, he shall be our captive. On, Moro ! on ! 
 
 On we glide in silence. The teed has ceased to utter his 
 taunting neigh; he has lost confidence in his speed ; he now runs 
 in dread. Never before has he been so sorely pressed. He runs 
 in silence, and so, too, his pursuer. Not a sound is heard but 
 the stroke of the galloping hoofs an impressive silence, that 
 betokens the earnestness of the chase. 
 
 Less than two hundred yards separate us ; I feel certain of 
 victory. A touch of the spur would now bring Moro within 
 range ; it is time to put an end to this desperate ride. Now, 
 brave Moro, another stretch, and -you shall have rest 1 
 
 I look to my lazo ; it hangs coiled over the horn of my sad 
 dle : one end is fast to a ring and staple firmly riveted in the 
 tree-wood. Is the loop clear and free. It is. The coil is it 
 straight ? Yes ; all as it should be. 
 
 I lift the coil, and rest it lightly over my bridle arm : I sepiv 
 rate the noose, and hold it in my right hand. I am ready 
 God of Heaven ! tht steed ? 
 
THE PHANTOM HORSE. 105 
 
 It was a wild exclamation, but it was drawn from me by no 
 common cause. In arranging my lazo, I had taken my eyes 
 from the chase, only for a moment : when I looked out again, 
 the horse had disappeared ! 
 
 With a mechanical movement I drew bridle, almost wrenching 
 my horse upon his haunches ; indeed, the animal had half halted 
 of his own accord, and with a low whimper seemed to express 
 terror. What could it mean ? Where was the wild horse ? 
 
 I wheeled round, and round again, scanning the prairie on 
 every side though a single glance might have served. The 
 plain, as already described, was level as a table ; the horizon 
 bounded the view : there was neither rock nor tree, nor bush nor 
 weeds, nor even long grass. The sward was of the kind known 
 upon the prairies as " buffalo-grass" ( Seskria dactyloides} , short 
 when full grown, but then rising scarcely two inches above the 
 soil. A serpent could hardly have found concealment under it, 
 but a horse Merciful heaven ! where was the steed ? 
 
 An indefinable feeling of awe crept over me : I trembled ; I 
 felt my horse trembling between my thighs. He was covered 
 with foam arid sweat ; so was I the effects of the hard ride : 
 but the cold perspiration of terror was fast coming upon roe. 
 The mystery was heavy and appalling ! 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE PHANTOM HORSE. 
 
 I HAVE encountered dangers not a few but they were the 
 ordinary perils of flood and field, and I understood them. I have 
 had one limb broken, and its fellow bored with an ounce of lead. 
 I have swain from a sinking ship, and have fallen upon the bat> 
 
106 THE WAE-TBAIL. 
 
 tie-field. I have looked at the mnzzles of a hundred muskets 
 aimed at my person, at less than thirty yards' distance, and felt 
 the certainty of death ; though the volley was fired, and I still 
 live. Well, you will, no doubt, acknowledge these to be perils. 
 Do not mistake me ; I am not boasting of having encountered 
 them ; I met them with more or less courage some of them 
 with fear ; but if the fears inspired by all were combined into 
 one emotion of terror, it would not equal in intensity that which 
 I experienced at the moment I pulled up my horse upon the 
 prairie. 
 
 I have never been given to superstition ; perhaps my religion 
 is not strong enough for that ; but at that moment I could not 
 help yielding to a full belief in the supernatural. There was no 
 natural cause I could think of none that would account for 
 the mysterious disappearance of the horse, I had often sneered 
 at the credulous sailor and his phantom ship : had I lived to look 
 upon a phenomenon equally strange, yet true a phantom 
 horse ? 
 
 The hunters and trappers had, indeed, invested the white steed 
 with this character ; their stories recurred to my memory at the 
 moment. I had used to smile at the simple credulity of the nar 
 rators. I was now prepared to believe them. They were true I 
 
 Or was I dreaming ? Was it not all a dream ? The search 
 for the white steed the surround the chase the long, long 
 gallop ?^ 
 
 For some moments I actually fancied that such might be tho 
 case ; but soon my consciousness became clear again ; I was in 
 the saddle, and my panting, smoking steed was under me. That 
 was real and positive. I remembered all the incidents of the 
 chase. They, too, were real, of a certainty ; the white steed had 
 been there : he was gone. The trappers spoke the truth. The 
 horse was a phantom I 
 
 Oppressed with this thought, which had almost become a con 
 viction, I sat in my saddle, bent and silent, my eyes turned upon 
 
THE PHANTOM HORSE. 107 
 
 the earth, but their gaze fixed upon vacuity. The lazo had 
 dropped from my fingers, and the bridle reins trailed untouched 
 
 over the withers of my horse. 
 
 * * ***** 
 
 My belief in the supernatural was of short duration ; ho* 
 long I know not, for, during its continuance, 1 remained in a 
 state of bewilderment. My senses at length returned. My 
 eyes had fallen upon a fresh hoof-print on the turf, directly in 
 front of me. I knew it was that made by the white steed, and 
 this awoke me to a process of reasoning. Had the horse been a 
 phantom, he would not have made a track ? I had never heard 
 of the track of a ghost ; though a horse ghost might be different 
 from the common kind 1 
 
 My reflections on this head ended in the determination to fol 
 low the trail as far as it led ; of course to the point where the 
 steed must have mounted into the air, or evaporated the scene 
 of his apotheosis. 
 
 With this resolve, I gathered my reins, and rode forward upon 
 the trail, keeping my eyes fixed upon the hoof-prints. The line 
 was direct, and I had ridden nearly two hundred yards, when my 
 horse came to a sudden stop. I looked out forward to discover 
 the cause of his halting ; with that glance, vanished my new-born 
 superstitions. 
 
 At the distance of some thirty paces, a dark line was seen 
 upon the prairie, running transversely to the course I was fol 
 lowing. It appeared to be a narrow crack in the plain ; but on 
 spurring nearer, it proved to be a fissure of considerable width 
 one of those formations known throughout Spanish America ;is 
 barrancas. The earth yawned, as though rent by an earthquake ; 
 but water had evidently something to do with its formation. It 
 was of nearly equal width at top and bottom, and its bed wa8 
 covered with a debris of rocks rounded by attrition. Its sides 
 were perfectly vertical, and the stratification, even to the surface- 
 *nrf, exactly' corresponded thus rendering it invisible at the 
 
108 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 distance ol but a few paces from its brink. It appeared to shal 
 low to the right, and no doubt ended not fai off in that direction. 
 Towards the left, on the contrary, I ccald see that it became 
 deeper and wider. At the point where I had reached it, it? 
 bottom was nearly twenty feet from the surface of the prairie. 
 
 Of course, the disappearance of the white steed was no longei 
 a mystery. He had made a fearful leap nearly twenty feet 
 sheer ! There was the torn turf on the brink of the chasm, and 
 the displacement of the loose stones, where he had bounded into 
 its bed. He had gone to the left down the barranca. The 
 abrasion of his hoofs was visible upon the rocks. 
 
 I looked down the defile : he was not to be seen. The bar 
 ranca turned off at an angle at no great distance. He had 
 already passed round the angle, and was out of sight. It was 
 clear that he had escaped ; that to follow would be of no use ; 
 and with this reflection I abandoned all thoughts of carrying the 
 chase further. 
 
 After giving way to a pang or two of disappointment, I 
 began to think of the position in which I had placed myself. It 
 is true I was now relieved from the feeling of awe that, but a 
 moment before, had oppressed me ; but my situation was far 
 from being a pleasant one. I was at least thirty miles from the 
 rancheria, and I could not tell in what direction it lay. The sun 
 was setting, and therefore I had the points of the compass ; but 
 I had not the slightest idea whether we had ridden eastward or 
 westward, after leaving the settlements. I might ride back on 
 my own trail ; perhaps I might : it was a doubtful point. 
 Neither through the timber, nor on the open prairie, had the 
 chase gone in a direct line. Moreover, I noticed in many places, 
 as we glided swiftly along, that the turf was cut up by numerous 
 hoof-tracks : droves of mustangs had passed over the ground. 
 It would be no easy matter for me to retrace the windings of 
 that long gallop. 
 
 One thing was evident ; it would be useless for me to make 
 
THE PHANTOM HOESE. 109 
 
 the attempt before morning. There was not half an hour of sun 
 left, and at night the trail could not be followed. I had no 
 alternative but to remain where I was until another day broke. 
 
 But how remain ? I was hungry ; still worse, I was choking 
 with thirst. Not a drop of water was near ; I had seen none 
 for twenty miles. The long hot ride had made me thirst to au 
 unusual degree, and my poor horse was in a similar condition. 
 The knowledge that no water was near, added, as it always 
 does, to the agony, and rendered the physical want more difficult 
 to be endured. 
 
 I scanned the bottom of the barranca, and tracked it with my 
 eye as far as I could see : it was waterless as the plain itself. 
 The rocks rested upon dry sand and gravel ; not a drop of the 
 wished-for element appeared within its bed, although it was evi 
 dent that at some time a torrent must have swept along its 
 channel. 
 
 After some reflection, it occurred to me that by following the 
 barranca downward, I might find water ; at least, this was the 
 most likely direction in which to search for it. I rode forward, 
 therefore, directing my horse along the edge of the chasm. The 
 fissure deepened as I advanced, until, at the distance of a mile 
 from where I first struck it, the gulf yawned full fifty feet into 
 the plain, the sides still preserving their vertical steepness ! 
 
 The sun had now gone down ; the twilight promised to be a 
 short one. I dared not traverse that plain in the darkness ; I 
 might ride over the precipitous edge of the barranca. Besides, 
 it was not the only one : I saw there were others smaller ones 
 the beds of tributary streams in times of rain. These branched 
 off diagonally or at right angles, and were more or less deep and 
 steep. 
 
 Night was fast closing over the prairie ; I dared not ride fur 
 ther amid these perilous abysms. I must soon come to a halt, 
 without finding water. I should have to spend the long houra 
 without relief. The thought of such a night was fearful. 
 
110 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 I was still riding slowly onward, mechanically conducting my 
 horse, when a bright object fell under my eyes, causing me to 
 start in my saddle with an exclamation of joy. It was the gleam 
 of water. I saw it in a westerly direction, the direction in which 
 I was goins:. It was a small lake, or in the phraseology of 
 the country a pond. It was not in the bottom of the ravine, 
 where I had hitherto been looking for water, but up on the high 
 prairie. There was no timber around it, no sedge ; its shores 
 were without vegetation of any kind, and its surface appeared to 
 correspond with the level of the plain itself. 
 
 I rode forward with joyful anticipations, yet not without some 
 anxiety. Was it a mirage ? It might be often had I been 
 deceived by such appearances. But no : it had not the filmy, 
 gauze-like halo that hangs over the mirage. Its outlines were 
 sharply defined by the prairie turf, and the last lingering rays of 
 the sun glistened upon its surface. It was water ! 
 
 Fully assured of this, I rode forward at a more rapid rate. 
 
 I had got within two hundred paces of the spot, keeping my 
 eyes fixed upon the glistening water, when all at once my horse 
 started, and drew back ! I looked ahead to discover the cause. 
 The twilight had nearly passed, but in the obscurity I could still 
 distinguish the surface of the prairie. The barranca again 
 frowned before me, running transversely across my path. To my 
 chagrin, I perceived that the chasm had made a sudden turn, 
 and that the pond was on its opposite side ! 
 
A PRAIRIE DREAM. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 A PRAIRIE DREAM. 
 
 THERE was no hope of crossing in the darkness. The barranca 
 was here deeper than at any point above ; so deep that I could 
 bnt indistinctly see the rocky boulders at its bottom. Perhaps 
 with the daylight I might be able to find a crossing-place ; but 
 from that doubtful hypothesis I derived little consolation. 
 
 It had now grown quite dark, and I had no choice but to 
 pass the night where I was, though I anticipated a night of 
 torture. 
 
 I dropped to the ground, and having led my horse a few rods 
 into the prairie, so as to keep him clear of the precipice, I 
 relieved him of his saddle and bridle, and left him to browse to 
 the full length of the lazo. For myself, I had but few prepara 
 tions to make : there was no supper to be cooked, but eating was 
 a matter of secondary importance on that occasion. I should 
 have preferred a cup of water to a roast turkey. 
 
 I had but few implements to dispose of in my temporary 
 camp. My rifle and hunting-knife, with horn and pouch, and 
 the double-headed gourd, which served as water-canteen, and 
 which, alas 1 had been emptied at an early hour of the day. 
 Fortunately, my Mexican blanket was buckled on the croupe. 
 This I unstrapped, and having enveloped myself in its ample 
 folds, and placed my head in the hollow of my saddle, I com 
 posed myself as well as I could, in the hope of falling asleep. 
 
 For a long time this luxury was denied me. The torture of- 
 thirst will rob one of sleep as effectually as the stinging pain of 
 toothache. I turned, and turned again, glaring at the moon j 
 
112 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 she was visible only at intervals, as black clouds were coursing 
 across the canopy ; but when she shone out, her light caused 
 the little lake to glisten like a sheet of silver. Oh ! how that 
 bright water mocked me with its wavy ripple ! I could compre 
 hend the sufferings of Tantalus. I thought at the time that the 
 gods could not have devised a more exquisite torture for the 
 royal Lydian. 
 
 After some time, the pain of thirst was less intensely felt. 
 Perhaps the cold damp air of night had the effect of relieving it ; 
 but it is more likely that fatigue and long endurance had ren 
 dered the sense less acute. Whatever may have been the cause, 
 I suffered less, and felt myself yielding to sleep. There was no 
 sound to keep me awake : perfect stillness reigned around ; even 
 the usual howling bark of the prairie wolf did not reach my ear 
 The place seemed too lonely for this almost ubiquitous night- 
 prowler. The only sign of life that told me I was not alone was 
 the occasional stroke of my steed's hoof upon the hard turf, and 
 the " crop-crop " that told me he was busy with the short 
 buffalo-grass. But these were soothing sounds, as they admon 
 ished me that my faithful companion was enjoying himself after 
 his hard gallop, and strengthened my desire for repose. 
 
 I slept, but not lightly. No ; my sleep \tas heavy, and full 
 of troubled dreams. I have a sort of half belief that the role 
 we play in these dream-scenes wear the body as much as if wo 
 enacted it in reality. I have often awaked from such visions 
 feeble from fatigue. If such be the fact, during that night upon 
 the prairie I went through the toils of the preceding day with 
 considerable additions. First of all, I was in the presence of a 
 lovely woman : she was dark-eyed, dark-haired a brunette u 
 beauty. I traced the features of Isolina. I gazed in her eyes ; 
 [ was happy in her smiles ; I fancied I was beloved. Bright 
 objects were around me. The whole scene was rose-color. 
 
 This was a short episode : it was interrupted. I heard shouta 
 and savage yells. I looked out : the house was surrounded bv 
 
A PKAIRIE DKEAM. 113 
 
 Indians ! They were already within the enclosure ; and the 
 moment after, crowds of them entered the house. There was 
 much struggling and confusion, I battled with such arms as 1 
 could lay hold of ; several fell before me ; but one a tall 
 savage, the chief, as I thought threw his arms around my mis 
 tress, and carried her away out of my sight. 
 
 I remember not how I got mounted ; but I was upon horse 
 back, and galloping over the wide prairie in pursuit of the 
 ravisher. I could see the savage ahead upon a snow-white steed, 
 with Isolina in his arms. I urged my horse with voice and spur, 
 but, as I thought, for long, long hours in vain. The white steed 
 still kept far in the advance ; and I could come no nearer him. 
 I thought the savage had changed his form. He was no longer 
 an Indian chief, but the fiend himself : I saw the horns upon his 
 head ; his feet were cloven hoofs ! I thought he was luring me 
 to the brink of some fell precipice, and I had no longer the 
 power to stay my horse. Ha I The demon and his phantom- 
 horse have gone over the cliff! They have carried her along 
 with them ! I must follow I cannot remain behind. I am on 
 the brink. My steed springs over the chasm. I am falling 
 falling falling ! 
 
 I reach the rocks at length. I am not killed : how strange I 
 am not crushed 1 But no ; I still live. Yet I suffer. Thirst 
 chokes and tortures me : my heart and brain are aching, and my 
 tongue is on fire. The sound of water is in my ears : a torrent 
 rushes by, near me. If I could only reach it, I might drink and 
 live : but I cannot move ; I am chained to the rocks. I grasp 
 one after another, and endeavor to drag myself along : I par 
 tially succeed ; but oh, what efforts I make. The labor exhausts 
 my strength. I renew my exertions. I am gaining ground : 
 rock after rock is passed. I have neared the rushing water ; I 
 
 feel its cold spray sprinkling me. I am saved ! 
 
 ******* 
 
 After such fashion ran mv dream. It was the shadow of a 
 
114 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 reality, somewhat disorganized ; but the most pleasant reality 
 was that which awoke me. I found myself in the process of 
 being sprinkled, not by the spray of a torrent, but by a plashing 
 shower from the clouds ! Under other circumstances, this might 
 have been less welcome, but now I hailed it with a shout of joy 
 The thunder was rolling almost continuously ; lightning blazed 
 at short intervals ; and I could hear the roar of a torrent pass 
 ing down the barranca. 
 
 To assuage thirst was my first thought ; and for this purpose, 
 I stretched out my concave palms, and held my mouth wide 
 open, thus drinking from the very fountains of the sky. Though 
 the drops fell thick and heavy, the process was too slow, and a 
 better plan suggested itself. I knew that my serape was water 
 proof : it was one of the best of Parras fabric, and had cost me 
 an hundred silver dollars. This I spread to its full extent, press 
 ing the central parts into a hollow of the prairie. In five min 
 utes' time, I had forgotten what thirst was, and wondered how 
 such a thing should have caused me so much torture ! 
 
 Moro drank from the same " trough," and betook himself to 
 the grass again. The under side of the blanket was still dry, 
 and the patch of ground which it had sheltered. Along this I 
 stretched myself, drew the serape over me ; and after listening a 
 while to the loud lullaby of the thunder, fell fast asleep. 
 
LOST UPON THE PRAIRIE. Ii5 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 LOST UPON THE PRAIRIE. 
 
 I SLEPT sweetly and soundly. I had no dreams, or only such 
 as were light, and forgotten with the return of consciousness. 
 
 It was late when I awoke. A bright sun was mounting into 
 the blue and cloudless sky. This orb was already many degrees 
 above the horizon. 
 
 Hunger was the father of my first thought. I had eaten 
 nothing since an early hour of the preceding day, and then only 
 the light desayuna of sweet-cake and chocolate. To one not 
 accustomed to long fasting, a single day without food will give 
 some idea of the pain of hunger ; that pain will increase upon a 
 second day, and by the third will have reached its maximum. 
 "Upon the fourth and fifth, the body grows weaker, and the brain 
 becomes deranged ; the nerve, however, is less acute, and though 
 the suffering is still intense, hunger is never harder to endure 
 than upon the second or third days. Of course, these remarks 
 apply only to those not habituated to long fasts. I have known 
 men who could endure hunger for six days, and feel less pain 
 than others under a fast of twenty-four hours. Indians or 
 prairie-hunters were those men, and fortunately for them that 
 they are endowed with such powers of endurance, often driven 
 as they are into circumstances of the most dire necessity. Truly, 
 " God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb !" 
 
 As I have said, my first thought was of something to eat. I 
 rose to my feet, and with my eye swept the prairie in every direc 
 tion : no object, living or dead, greeted my sight ; beast or bird 
 there was none ; my horse alone met my glance, quietly brows- 
 
116 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 ing on his trail-rope. I could not help envying him, as I scanned 
 his well-filled sides. I thought of the bounty of the Creator in 
 thus providing for his less intelligent creatures giving them the 
 power to live where man would starve. "Who does riot in this 
 recognize the hand of a Providence ? 
 
 I walked forward to the edge of the barranca, and looked 
 over. It was a grim abyss, over a hundred feet in depth, and 
 about the same in width. Its sides were less precipitous at this 
 point. The escarpment rocks had fallen in, and formed a sort 
 of shelving bank, by which a man on foot might have descended 
 into its bed, and climbed out on the opposite side ; but it was 
 not passable for a horse. Its cliffs were furrowed arid uneven ; 
 rocks jutted out and hung over ; and in the seams grew cactus 
 plants, bramble, and small trees of dwarf cedar (Juniperus pro*- 
 trata.) 
 
 I looked into its channel. I had heard the torrent rolling 
 down in the night. I saw traces of the water among the rocks. 
 A large body must have passed, and yet not a cupful could now 
 have been lifted from its bed ! What remained was fast filtering 
 into the sand, or rising back to the heavens upon the heated 
 atmosphere. 
 
 I had brought with me my rifle, in hopes of espying some liv 
 ing creature ; but, after walking for a considerable distance along 
 the edge, I abandoned the search. No trace of bird or quadru 
 ped could be found, and I turned and went back to the place 
 where 1 had slept. 
 
 To draw the picket-pin of my horse and saddle him, was the 
 work of a few minutes ; this done, I began to bethink me of 
 where I was going. Back to the rancheria, of course ! That 
 was the natural reply to such a question ; but there was another 
 far less easily answered : How was I to find the way ? My de 
 sign of the previous night to follow back my own trail was 
 no longer practicable. The rain had effaced the tracks ! I remem 
 bered that I had passed over w'de stretches of light dusty soil, 
 
LOST UPON THE PRAIRIE. 117 
 
 where the hoof scarcely impressed itself. I remembered that the 
 rain had been of that character known as " planet showers," with 
 large heavy drops, that, in such places, must have blotted out 
 every trace of the trail. To follow the "back-track" was no 
 longer possible. I had not before thought of this difficulty ; and 
 now, that it presented itself to my mind, it was accompanied by 
 a new feeling of dread. I felt that / was lost ! 
 
 As you sit in your easy-chair, you may fancy that this is a 
 mere bagatelle a little bewilderment that one may easily escape 
 from who has a good horse between his thighs. It is only to 
 strike boldly out and by riding on in a straight line, you must in 
 time arrive somewhere. No doubt, that is your idea ; but permit 
 me to inform you that this depends very much upon circum 
 stances. It would indeed be trusting to blind chance. You 
 might arrive " somewhere," and that somewhere might be the 
 very point from which you had started ! Do you fancy you 
 can ride ten miles in a direct line over a prairie, without a single 
 object to guide you ? Be undeceived, then ; you cannot! Tho 
 best mounted men have perished under such circumstances. It 
 may take days to escape out of a fifty-mile prairie, and days 
 bring death. Hunger and thirst soon gain strength and agony 
 the sooner that you know you have not the wherewith to satisfy 
 the one, nor quench the other. Besides, there is in your very 
 loneliness a feeling of bewilderment, painful to an extreme 
 degree, and from which only the oldest prairie-men are free. 
 Your senses lose half their power, energy is diminished, and 
 your resolves become weak and vacillating. You feel doubtful 
 at each step as to whether you be following the right path, and 
 are ready at every moment to turn into another. Believe me, 
 it is a fearful thing to be alone and lost upon the prairies ! 
 
 I felt this keenly enough. I had been on the great plains 
 before, but it was the first time I had the misfortune to wander 
 astray on them, and I was the more terrified that I had already 
 hungered to no common degree. There was something singular 
 
118 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 too, in the circumstances that had brought rne into my present 
 situation. The disappearance of the white steed, although 
 accounted ibr by perfectly natural causes, had left upon my 
 mind a strange impression. That he should have lured me 
 so far, and then eluded me in such a way 1 I could not help 
 fancying design in it ; and fancying so, I could attribute such 
 design only to a higher intelligence in fact, to some superna 
 tural cause 1 I was again on the edge of superstition. My 
 mind began to give way and yield itself to hideous fancies. 
 
 I struggled against such thoughts, and succeeded in rousing 
 myself to reflect upon some active measures for my safety. I 
 saw that it was of no use to remain where I was. I knew that 
 I could make a straight path for a couple of hours at least the 
 sun was in the sky, and that would guide me until near the 
 meridian hours. Then I should have to halt, and wait a while ; 
 for in that southern latitude, and just at that time of the year, 
 the sun at noon is so near the zenith that a practised astronomer 
 could not tell north from south. I reflected that before noon I 
 might reach the timber, though that would not insure my safety. 
 Even the naked plain is not more bewildering than the openings 
 of the mezquite groves and-the chaparral that border it. Among 
 these you may travel for days without getting twenty miles 
 from your starting-point, and they are often as destitute of 
 the means of life as the desert itself ! 
 
 Such were my reflections as I had saddled and bridled my 
 horse, and stood scanning the plain in order to make up UIT 
 mind as to the direction I should take. 
 
A. PRAIRIE EEPAST. 119 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 A PRAIRIE REPAST. 
 
 &> 
 
 IN gazing out, my eye was attracted by some objects. They 
 were animals, but of what species I could not tell. There are 
 times upon the prairies when form and size present the most illu 
 sory aspects; a wolf seems as large as a horse; and a raven, 
 sitting upon a swell of the plain, has been mistaken for a buffalo. 
 A peculiar state of the atmosphere is the magnifying cause, and 
 it is only the experienced eye of the trapper that can reduce the 
 magnified proportions and distorted form to their proper size 
 and shape.. 
 
 The objects I had noticed were full three miles off ; they were 
 in the direction of the lake, and of course on the other side of 
 the barranca. There were several forms five I counted mov 
 ing phantom-like against the rim of the horizon. Something 
 drew my attention from them for a short while a period of per 
 haps three or four minutes' duration. When I looked out again, 
 they were no longer to be seen ; but by the edge of the pond, 
 at less than five hundred yards' distance, five beautiful creatures 
 were standing, which I knew to be antelopes. They were so 
 close to the pond, that their graceful forms were shadowed 
 in the water, and their erect attitudes told that they had just 
 halted after a run. Their number corresponded with the objects 
 I had seen but the moment before far out upon the prairie. 
 I was convinced they were the same. The distance was nothing: 
 these creatures travel with the speed of a swallow. 
 
 The sight of the prong-horns stimulated my hunger. My first 
 thought was how to get near them. Curiosity had brought 
 
120 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 them to the pond ; they had espied my horse and myself afar 
 off, and had galloped up to reconnoitre us. But they still 
 appeared shy and timid, and were evidently not inclined to 
 approach nearer. 
 
 The barranca lay betweem them and me, but I saw that if I 
 could entice them to its brink, they would be within range if my 
 rifle. 
 
 Once more staking down my horse, I tried every plan I could 
 think of. I laid myself along the grass upon my back, and 
 kicked my heels in the air, but to no purpose : the game would 
 not move from the water's edge. 
 
 Remembering that my serape was of very brillant colors, I 
 bethought me of another plan which, when adroitly practised, 
 rarely fails of success. Taking the blanket, I lashed one edge to 
 the ramrod of my rifle, having first passed the iatter through the 
 upper swivel of the piece. With the thumb of my left hand I 
 was thus enabled to hold the rammer steady and transverse 
 to the barrel. I now dropped upon my knees, holding the guu 
 shoulder-high, and the gay-colored serape spread out almost to 
 its full extent, hung to the ground, and formed a complete cover 
 for my person. Before making these arrangements, I had crept 
 to the very edge of the barranca, in order to be as near as pos 
 sible should the antelopes approach upon the opposite side. Of 
 course every manoeuvre was executed with all the silence and 
 caution I could observe. I was in no reckless humor to frighten 
 oif the game. Hunger was my monitor. I knew that not my 
 -breakfast alone, but my life, might be depending on the successful 
 issue of the experiment. 
 
 It was not long before I had the gratification of perceiving 
 that my decoy was likely to prove attractive. The prong- 
 horned antelope, like most animals of its kind, has one strongly 
 developed propensity that of curiosity. Although to a known 
 enemy it is the most timid of creatures, yet in the presence of 
 an object that is new to it, it appears to throw aside its timidity. 
 
A PRAIRIE REPAST. 121 
 
 or rather its curiosity overcomes its sense of fear ; and, impelled 
 by the former, it will approach very near to any strange form, and 
 regard it with an air of bewilderment. The prairie-wolf a 
 creature that surpasses even the fox in cunning well knows 
 this weakness of the antelope, and often takes advantage of it. 
 The wolf is less fleet than the antelope, and his pursuit of it in 
 a direct manner would be vain ; but with the astute crea 
 ture, stratagem makes up for the absence of speed. Should 
 a " band" of antelopes chance to be passing, the prairie-wolf lays 
 himself flat upon the grass, clews his body into a round ball, and 
 thus rolls himself over the ground, or goes through a series of 
 contortions, all the while approaching nearer to his victims, until 
 he has them within springing distance ! Usually he *is assisted 
 in these manoeuvres by several companions, for the prairie-wolf 
 is social, and hunts in packs. 
 
 The square of bright colors soon produced its effect. The 
 five prong-horns came trotting around the edge of the lake, 
 halted, gazed upon it a moment, and then dashed off again to a 
 greater distance. Soon, however, they turned and came running 
 back, this time apparently with greater confidence, and a stronger 
 feeling of curiosity. I could hear them uttering their quick 
 " snorts >; as they tossed up their tiny heads and snuffed the air. 
 Fortunately, the wind was in my favor, blowing directly from the 
 game, a,od towards me ; otherwise, they would have "winded" 
 me, and discovered the cheat, for they both know and fear the 
 scent of the human hunter. 
 
 The band consisted of a young buck and four females 
 his wives ; the nucleus, no doubt, of a much larger establish 
 ment in prospect for the antelope is polygamous, and some of 
 the older males have an extensive following. I knew the buck 
 by his greater size and forking horns, which the does want. He 
 appeared to direct the actions of the others, as they all stood 
 in a line behind him, following and imitating his motions. 
 
 At the second approach, they came within a hundred yards 
 
 6 
 
122 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 of me. My rifle was equal to this range, and I prepared to fire. 
 The leader was nearest me, and him I selected as the victim. 
 Taking sight, I pulled trigger. As soon as the smoke cleared 
 off, I had the satisfaction of seeing the buck down upon the 
 prairie, in the act of giving his last kick. To my surprise none 
 of the others bad been frightened off by the report, but stood 
 gazing at their fallen leader, apparently bewildered. 
 
 I bethought me of reloading ; but I had incautiously risen to 
 myfeet, and so revealed my form to the eyes of the antelopes. 
 This produced an ,effeet which neither the crack of the rifle nor 
 the fall of their comrade had done ; and the now terrified 
 animals wheeled about and sped away like the wind. In less 
 than two minutes, they were beyond the reach of vision. 
 
 The next question that arose was how I was to get across 
 the barranca. The tempting morsel lay upon the other side, 
 and I therefore set about examining the chasm in order to 
 find a practicable crossing. This I fortunately discovered. On 
 both sides, the cliff was somewhat broken down, and might be 
 scaled, though not without considerable difficulty. 
 
 After once more looking to the security of my horse's trail- 
 rope, I placed my rifle where I had slept, and set out to cross 
 the barranca, taking only my knife. I could have no use for the 
 gun, and it would hinder me in scaling the cliffs. I got to the 
 bottom of the ravine, and commenced ascending on the opposite 
 side where it was steeper ; but I was assisted by the branches 
 of the trailing cedar that grew among the rocks. I noticed, 
 and with some surprise, that the path must have been used 
 oefore, either by men or animals. 
 
 The soil that lay upon the ledges was " paddlid " as by feet, 
 and the rock in some places scratched and discolored. These 
 indications only caused me a momentary reflection. I was too 
 hungry to dwell upon any thought but that of eating. 
 
 At length I reached the scarp of the cliff, and climbing out 
 upon the prairie, soon stood over the carcass of the prong-hora, 
 
CHASED BY A "GRIZZLY." 123 
 
 My k-rfffe was out, and next moment I was busy playing the part 
 of butcher. 
 
 You will no doubt fancy that the next thing I did was to go 
 in search of something to make a fire for the purpose of cook 
 ing. I did nothing of the sort ; the next thing I did was to 
 eat ray breakfast. / ate it raw ; and had you been in my 
 situation, delicate as you are, you would have done the same. 
 
 It is true that, after I had satisfied the first cravings of appe 
 tite with the tongue of the antelope and a few morsels of steak, 
 I became more fastidious, and thought a little roasting might 
 improve the venison. For this purpose, I was about to return 
 to the barranca, in order to gather some sticks of the cedar-wood, 
 when my eyes fell upon an object that drove all thoughts of 
 cookery out of my head, and sent a thrill of terror to my heart. 
 The object in question was a large animal, which I at once 
 recognized as the grizzly bear, the most dreaded of 0,11 creatures 
 that inhabit the prairie. 
 
 CHAPTER, XXII. 
 
 CHASED BY A "GRIZZLY." 
 
 THE bear was one of the largest of his kind ; but it wa not 
 his size that impressed me with fear, so much as the knowledge 
 of his fierce nature. It was not the first time I had encountered 
 the grizzly bear ; and I knew his habits well. I was rather sur 
 prised at seeing one in that region. The range of this species is 
 more to the west among the defiles of the Rocky Mountains 
 but individuals occasionally wander as far east as the meridian 
 of the Mississippi. The one before me was of a yellowish-red 
 ,-olor, with legs and feet nearly black ; but color is^no character- 
 
124: THE WAK- TRAIL. 
 
 istic among these animals scarce two of them being alike in 
 this respect. I was familiar with the form and aspect, and could 
 not be mistaken ; I recognized the long shaggy pelage, the 
 straight front, and broad facial disk, which distinguish this 
 species from the Ursus Americanus. The yellow eyes, the huge 
 teeth, but half-concealed by the lips, the long-curving claws the 
 most prominent marks of the Ursus ferox, as they are his most 
 formidable means of attack were all remembered. 
 
 When my eyes first rested upon this monster, he was just 
 emerging out of the barranca at the very spot where I had 
 climbed up myself ! It was his tracks, then, I had observed, 
 while scaling the cliff ! 
 
 On reaching the level of the prairie, he advanced a pace or 
 two, and then halting, reared himself up and stood upon his hind 
 legs ; at the same time, he uttered a snorting sound, which re 
 sembled the " blowing " of hogs when suddenly startled in the 
 forest. For some moments he remained in this upright attitude, 
 rubbing his head with his fore paws, and playing them about 
 after the manner of monkeys. In fact, as he stood fronting me, 
 he looked not unlike a gigantic ape ! 
 
 When I say that I was terrified by the presence of this unwel 
 come intruder, I speak no more than truth. Had I been on 
 horseback on the back of Moro I should have regarded the 
 creature no more than the snail that crawled upon the grass 
 The grizzly bear is too slow to overtake a horse ; but I was 
 afoot, and well knew that the animal could outrun me, however 
 swift I deemed myself. 
 
 To suppose that he would not attack me would have been to 
 suppose an improbability. I did not count upon such a thing ; 
 1 knew too well the disposition of the enemy that approached. 
 I knew that in nine cases out of ten the grizzly bear is the assail 
 ant that no animal in America will willingly risk a contest with 
 him ; and it is not certain that the lion of Africa would wear hia 
 laurels after an encounter with this fierce quadruped. 
 
CHASED BY A " GRIZZLY." 125 
 
 Man himself shuns such au encounter, unless mounted upon 
 the friendly horse ; and even then, where the ground is not clear 
 and open, the prudent trapper always gives "old Ephrairu' 1 
 the prairie sobriquet of the grizzly a wide berth, and rides on 
 without molesting him. The white hunter reckons a grizzly 
 bear equal in prowess to two ludians ; while the Indian accounts 
 the destruction of one of these animals a great feat in his life's 
 history. Among Indian braves, a necklace of bear's claws is a 
 badge of honor since these adornments can only be worn by 
 the man who has himself killed the animals from which they have 
 been taken. 
 
 On the other hand, the grizzly bear fears no adversary ; he 
 assails the largest animals on sight. The elk, the moose, the 
 bison, or wild horse, if caught, is instantly killed. With a blow 
 of his paw, he can lay open the flesh, as if it had been gashed 
 with an axe ; and he can drag the body of a full-grown buffalo 
 to any distance. He rushes upon man, whether mounted or 
 afoot ; and, ere now, a dozen hunters have retreated before his 
 furious assault. A dozen bullets ay, nearly twice that number 
 have been fired into the body of a grizzly bear without killing 
 him ; and only a shot through the brain or the heart will prove 
 instantaneously mortal. Gifted with such tenacity of life and 
 sanguinary fierceness of disposition, no wonder the grizzly bear 
 is a dreaded creature. Were he possessed of the fleetness of tho 
 lion or tiger, he would be a more terrible assailant than either ; 
 and it is not too much to say that his haunts would be unap 
 proachable by man. He is slow, however, compared with the 
 horse ; and there is another circumstance scarcely less favorable 
 to those who pass through his district he is not a tree-climber. 
 Indeed, he does not affect the forest ; but there is usually some 
 timber in the neighborhood of his haunts ; and many a life has 
 been saved by his intended victim having taken refuge in a tree, 
 
 Well acquainted with these points in the natural history of the 
 grizzly bear, and you may fancy the feelings I experienced at 
 
126 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 finding myself in the presence of one of the largest and fiercest, 
 upon the naked plain alone, dismounted, almost unarmed ! 
 There was not a bush where I could hide myself, not a tree into 
 which I might climb. There was no means of escape, and almost 
 none of defence ; the knife was the only weapon I had with me ; 
 my rifle I had left upon the other side of the barranca, and to 
 reach it was out of the question. Even could I have got to the 
 path that led down the cliff, it would have been madness to 
 attempt crossing there ; although not a tree-climber, the grizzly 
 bear, by means of his great claws, could have scaled the cliff 
 more expeditiously than I. I should have been caught before I 
 could have reached the bottom of,the ravine. 
 
 The bear was directly in the path. It would have been lite 
 rally running " into his arms" to have gone that way ! 
 
 These reflections occupy minutes of your time to read; 1 
 thought them in less than moments. A single glance around 
 showed me the utter helplessness of my situation ; I saw there 
 was no alternative but a desperate conflict a conflict with the 
 knife ! 
 
 Despair that for a moment had unnerved, now had 1he effect 
 of bracing me ; and, fronting my fierce foe, I stood ready to re 
 ceive him. 
 
 I had heard of hunters having conquered and killed the grizzly 
 bear with no other weapon than a knife, but after a terrible and 
 protracted struggle after many wounds and sore loss of blood. 
 I had read in the book of a naturalist, that " a man might end 
 a struggle with a bear iu a few moments, if one hand be suffi 
 ciently at liberty to grasp the throat of the animal with the 
 thumb and fingers externally, just at the, root of the tongue, as a 
 slight degree of compression there will generally suffice to pro 
 duce a spasm of the glottis that will soon suffocate the bear 
 beyond the power of offering resistance or doing injury !" 
 
 Beautiful theory ! Sagacious naturalist ! How would you 
 like to try the experiment ? Have you ever heard of birds being 
 
CHASED BY A " GKIZZLY." 127 
 
 caught by the application of "salt to the tail?" The theory is 
 as correct as yours, and I am certain the practice of it would be 
 not more difficult 1 
 
 But I digress among these after-thoughts. I had no time to 
 reflect upon ''compressions of the tongue" or " spasms of the 
 glottis." My antagonist soon finished his reconnaissance of me, 
 and, dropping upon all-fours, he uttered a loud roar, and rushed 
 towards me with open mouth. 
 
 I had resolved to await his attack ; but as he came nearer, 
 and I beheld his great gaunt form, his gleaming teeth, and his 
 senna-colored eyes flashing like fire, I changed my design ; a new 
 thought came suddenly across my mind ; I turned and fled. 
 
 The thought that prompted me to adopt this course was, that 
 the bear might be attracted by the carcass of the antelope, and 
 pause over it perhaps Long enough to give me a start, or enable 
 me to escape altogether. If not, my situation could be no worse 
 than it then was. 
 
 Alas 1 my hope was short-lived. On reaching the antelope, 
 the fierce monster made no halt. I glanced back ; he was already 
 past it, and closing rapidly upon my heels ! 
 
 I am a swift runner one of the swiftest. Many a school-day 
 triumph can I remember ; but what was my speed against such 
 a competitor ! I was only running myself out of breath. I 
 should be less prepared for the desperate conflict that must soon 
 come off ; better to turn, and at once face the foe ! 
 
 I had half-resolved myself half-turned, in fact when an ob 
 ject flashed before my eyes that dazzled them. Inadvertently, I 
 had run in the direction of the pond ; I was now upon its shore 
 It was the sun gleaming from the water that dazzled me. The 
 surface was caltn as a mirror. 
 
 A rew idea a sort of half-hope rushed instantaneously into 
 my mind. It was the straw to the drowning man. The fierce 
 brute was close behind me ; another instant, and we must have 
 grappled. 
 
128 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Not yet, not yet, n thought I, " I shall fight him in the wate 
 in the deep water. That may give me an advantage Per 
 haps, there, the contest would be more equal ; perhaps I may 
 escape by diving !" 
 
 I sprang into the pond without a momeat of hesitation. The 
 water was knee-deep. I plunged onward, making for the cen 
 tre ; the spray rose around me ; the pond deepened as I 
 advanced ; I was soon up to the waist. 
 
 I glanced around with anxious heart ; the bear was standing 
 upon the edge. To my surprise and joy, I saw that he had 
 halted, and seemed disinclined to follow me ? 
 
 I say, to rny surprise I saw this, for I knew that water has no 
 terrors for the grizzly bear ; I knew that he could swim ; I had 
 seen many of his kind crossing deep lakes and rapid rivers. 
 What, then, hindered him from following me ? 
 
 I could not guess, nor, indeed, did I try to guess, at the 
 moment ; I thought of nothing but getting farther from the 
 shore ; and waded on till I had arrived near the centre of the 
 lake, and stood neck deep in the water. I could go no farther 
 without swimming, and therefore came to a stand, with my face 
 turned towards my pursuer. 
 
 I watched his every movement. He had risen once more upon 
 his hind-quarters, and stood looking after me, but still apparently 
 without any intention of taking to the water 1 
 
 After regarding me for some time, he fell back upon all fours, 
 and commenced running around the border of the pond, as if 
 searching for a place to enter. 
 
 There were not over two hundred paces between us, for the 
 pond was only twice that in diameter. He could soon have 
 reached me, had he felt so disposed ; but for some reason or 
 other, he seemed disinclined to a " swim." 
 
 For a full half hour he kept running back and forth along the 
 shore. Besides the apprehension in which his presence held me, 
 my situation was far from comfortable. Although there was u 
 
CHASED BY A " GRIZZLY." 129 
 
 warm sun overhead, the water was as cold as ice, and 
 my teeth began to chatter like castanets. I knew not how long 
 the scene was to last. I well knew the vengeful disposition of 
 the grizzly bear, and the untiring pertinacity with which he fol 
 lows any one who may have roused his resentment. Fortunately, 
 I had neither wounded nor molested him, and I was in hopes 
 that my innocence in this respect might save me from a very 
 protracted siege. I had no other hope of being rescued from 
 my perilous situation. 
 
 He appeared to have made up his mind to wait until I should 
 come out though once or twice I thought he was about to 
 swim towards me ; for he halted upon the very edge, craned his 
 head over the water, oscillating the fore part of his body, as if 
 about to plunge in. After mano2uvring in this way for some 
 time, he turned away, and continued to pace along the bank. 
 What he thought of our relative situations, I cannot guess. A 
 third party, who might have been spectator, would have regarded 
 the tableau as comic in the extreme. Up to my neck in the 
 middle of the pond, with only my head appearing above the 
 water, I must have presented a ludicrous spectacle ; and now 
 that I think of it, I cannot help smiling at the figure I must 
 have exhibited at that moment. I did not laugh at it then ; 
 I was too badly frightened for that. There was no laughter in 
 me. 
 
 For a long while nearly an hour, I should judge the bear 
 remained by the edge of the pond. Now and again, he made 
 short excursions out into the prairie ; but soon returned again, 
 and regarded me afresh, as though determined not to lose sight 
 of me for any length of time. I was in hopes that he might 
 stray round to the other side of the pond, and give me the 
 chance of making a rush for the ravine ; but no ; he continued 
 on that side where he had first appeared, as though he sus* 
 pected my design. 
 
 I began to despair. I shivered. The pond must have been a 
 
 0* 
 
130 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 spring, so chill were its waters. I shivered, but kept ray place ; 
 I dared not move out of it. I even feared to agitate the water 
 around me, lest by so doing I might excite my fierce enemy, and 
 tempt him to the onset. I shivered but stood still. 
 
 My patience was at length rewarded. The bear, making one 
 of his short tours into the prairie, espied the carcass of the ante 
 lope. I saw that he had halted over something, though I could 
 not tell what, for my eyes were below the level of the plain ; 
 presently, his head was raised again, and in his jaws were the 
 remains of the prong-horn. To my joy, I now perceived that he 
 was dragging it towards the barranca ; and in another minute 
 he had disappeared with it below the escarpment of the cliflf. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 THE TOUGHEST STRUGGLE OF MY LIFE. 
 
 I SWAM a few strokes, and then wading gently and without 
 , -olse, I climbed out upon the sandy shore. With shivering 
 trarae and dripping garments, I stood, uncertain what course to 
 pifsue. I was upon the opposite side of the lake I mean 
 opposite to where I had entered it. I had chosen that side 
 from precaution lest the bear should suddenly return. He 
 m^ht deposit the carcass in his lair, and come back to look after 
 me. It is a habit of these animals, when not pressed by imme 
 diate hunger, to bury their food or store it in their caves. Even 
 the eating of the antelope would have been an affair of only a 
 few minutes' time. The bear might still return, more fierce that 
 he had tasted blood I 
 
 I WiTb filled with irresolution. Should I fly off to the plaiu 
 beyona che reach of pursuit I I should have to return again for 
 
THE TOUGHEST STKUGGLE OF MY LIFE. 131 
 
 v -f horse and rifle. To take to the prairie afoot would be like 
 going to sea without a boat ; but, even had I been sure of 
 reaching the settlements in safety wjthout my horse, I could not 
 think of such a thing. I loved my Moro too well to leave him 
 behind me : I would have risked life itself rather than part with 
 that noble creature. No ; the idea of deserting him was not 
 entertained for a moment. 
 
 But how was I to join him ? The only path by which I 
 could cross the barranca, had just been taken by the bear. He 
 was no doubt still upon it, in the bottom of the ravine. To 
 attempt passing over, would be to bring myself once more under 
 the eyes of the fierce brute ; and I should certainly become his 
 victim. 
 
 Another idea suggested itself to go up the barranca, and find 
 another crossing, or else head it altogether, and come down upon 
 the opposite side. That was clearly the. best plan. 
 
 I was about starting forward to execute it, when, to my dis 
 may, I again beheld the bear ; this time, not upon the same side 
 with myself, but upon the opposite one, where Moro was pick 
 eted ! He was slowly climbing out of the ravine, and when 1 
 first saw him, was dragging his huge body over the escarpment 
 of the cliff. In a moment, he stood erect upon the open plain. 
 
 I was filled with a new consternation ; I saw too surely that 
 he was about to attack my horse ! 
 
 The latter had already observed the bear's approach, and 
 seemed to be fully aware of his danger. I had staked him at 
 the distance of about four hundred yards from the barranca, an i 
 upon a lazo of about twenty in length. At sight of the bear, 
 he had run out to the end of his trail-rope, and was snorting and 
 plunging with affright. 
 
 This new dilemma arrested my steps and I stood with anxious 
 feelings to watch the result. I had no hope of being able to 
 yield the slightest aid to my poor horse at least none occurred 
 to me at the moment 
 
132 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 The bear made directly towards him, and my heart throbbed 
 wildly as I beheld the fierce monster almost within clawing dis 
 tance. The horse sprang round, however, and galloped upon 
 a circle of which the lazo was the radius. I knew, from the 
 hard jerks he had already given to the rope, that there was 
 no chance of its yielding and setting him free. No ; it was a 
 raw-hide lazo of the toughest thong. I knew its power, and I 
 remembered how firmly I had driven home the picket-pin. This 
 I had now cause to regret. What would not I have given to 
 have drawn the blade of my knife across that rope ! 
 
 I continued to watch the struggle with a painful feeling 
 of suspense. The horse still kept out of reach by galloping 
 around the circumference of the circle, while the bear made 
 his attacks by crossing its chords or running in circles of les 
 ser diameter. The whole scene bore a resemblance to an act at 
 the Hippodrome, Moro being the steed, and the bear taking the 
 part of the ring-master ! 
 
 Once or twice, the rope circling round, and quite taut, caught 
 upon the legs of the bear, and after carrying him along with it 
 for some distance, flung him over upon his back. This seemed 
 to add to his rage, and after rising each time, he ran after 
 the horse with redoubled fury. I might have been amused at 
 the singular spectacle, but my mind was too painfully agitated 
 about the result. 
 
 The scene continued for some minutes without much change in 
 the relative position of the actors. I began to hope that the 
 bear might be baffled after all, and finding the horse too nimble 
 for him, would give over his attempts, particularly as I had 
 noticed the latter administer several kicks that might have dis 
 comfited any other assailant ; but these only rendered the bear 
 more savage and vengeful. , 
 
 Just at this moment the scene assumed a new phase, likely to 
 bring about the denoument. The rope had once more pressed 
 against the benr j but this time, instead of trying to avoid it, In* 
 
THE TOUGHEST STRUGGLE OF MY LIFE. 133 
 
 seized it in his teeth and paws. I thought at first he was going 
 to cut it, and this was exactly what I wished for ; but no tc 
 my consternation I saw that he was crawling along it by con 
 stantly renewing his hold, and thus gradually and surely drawing 
 nearer to his victim ! The horse now screamed with terror ! 
 
 I could bear the sight no longer. I remembered that I had 
 left my rifle near the edge of the barranca, and some distance 
 from the horse ; I remembered, too, that after shooting the ante 
 lope, I had carefully reloaded it. I ran forward to the cliff, and 
 dashed madly down its face ; I climbed the opposite steep, and 
 clutching the gun, rushed towards the scene of strife. 
 
 I was still in time ; the bear had not yet reached his victim, 
 though now within less than six feet of him. 
 
 I advanced within ten paces, and fired. As though my shot 
 had cut the thong, it gave way at the moment ; and the horse 
 with a wild neigh sprang off into the prairie ! 
 
 I had hit the bear, as afterwards ascertained, but not in a 
 yital part, and my bullet had no more effect upon him than if it 
 had been a drop of snipe-shot. It was the strength of despair 
 that had broken the rope, and set free the steed. 
 
 It was my turn now ; for the bear, as soon as he perceived 
 that the horse had escaped him, rushed forward upon me, utter 
 ing as he did so a loud cry. I had no choice but fight. I had 
 no time to reload. I struck the brute once with my clubbed 
 rifle, and flinging the gun away, grasped the readier knife. With 
 the strong keen blade the knife was a bowie I struck out 
 before me ; but the next moment I felt myself grappled and held 
 fast. The sharp claws tore up my flesh ; one paw was griped 
 over my hips, another rested on my shoulder, while the white 
 teeth gleamed before my eyes. My knife-arm was free I had 
 watched this when grappling and with all the energy of despair, 
 I plunged the keen blade between the ribs of my antagonist. I 
 sought for the h' art at every stab. 
 
 We rolled together ta the ground, over and over again. The 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 red blood covered us both. I saw it welling from the lips of the 
 fierce monster, and I joyed to think that my knife reached his 
 vitals. I was wild I was mad I was burning with a fierce 
 vengeance with anger, such as one might feel for a human foe ' 
 
 Over and over the ground in the fierce struggle of life and 
 death. Again I felt the terrible claws, the tearing teeth ; again 
 went my blade up to the hilt. 
 
 O God ! how many lives has he ? Will he never yield to the 
 red steel ? See the blood ! rivers of blood the prairie is red 
 we roll in blood. I am sick at the sight sick I faint. O 
 Heavenly Father I * * * * 
 
 CHAPTER XXIY. 
 
 OLD COMRADES. 
 
 I FANCIED myself in a future world, battling with some fearful 
 demon. No ; those forms I see around me are of the earth. I 
 still live ! 
 
 My wounds pain me. Some one is binding them up. His hand 
 is rude ; but the tender expression of his eyes tells me that his 
 heart is kind. Who is he ? Whence came he ? 
 
 I am still upon the wide prairie ; I see that clear enough. 
 Where is my terrible antagonist ? I remember our fierce fight, 
 everything that occurred ; but 1 thought he had killed me ! 
 
 I certainly was dead. But no ; it cannot have been. I still 
 live ! 
 
 I see above me the blue sky, around me the green plain. 
 Near me are forms the forms of men, and yonder are horses ! 
 
!=-" 1=3' ~ r ~=^i '" 
 
 1 was wild I was mad I was burning with a fierce vengeance with anger, such as 
 one might feel for a human foe ! Over and over the ground in the fierce struggle of life 
 and death. Again I felt the terrible claws, the tearing teeth ; again went my blade u*. 
 '. the hilt. PAGK1&4 
 
OLD COMBADE8. 135 
 
 Into whose hands have I fallen ? Whoever they be, they are 
 friends ; they must have rescued me from the gripe of the mon 
 ster. But how ? No one was in sight : how could they have 
 arrived in time ? I would ask, but have not strength to speak 
 to them 1 
 
 The men are still bending over me. I observe one with large 
 beard, and brown bushy whiskers. There is another face, old 
 and thin, and tanned to a copper color. My eyes wander from 
 one to the other; some distant recollections stir within me. Those 
 
 faces . Now I see them but dimly I see them no 
 
 longer * * * * 
 
 I had fainted, and was again insensible. 
 
 Once more I became conscious, and this time felt stronger. I 
 could better understand what was passing around me. I observed 
 that the sun was going down ; but a buffalo robe, suspended 
 upon two upright saplings, guarded his rays from the spot where 
 I lay. My scrape* was under me, and my head rested in my sad 
 dle, over which another robe had been laid. I lay upon my side, 
 and the position gave me a commanding view of all that wag 
 passing. A fire was burning near, by which were two persons, 
 one seated, the other standing ; my eyes passed from one to the 
 other, scanning each in turn. 
 
 The younger stood leaning on his rifle, looking into the fire. 
 "He was the type of a 'mountain man' a trapper. He was 
 full six feet in his mocassins, and of a build that suggested the 
 idea of strength and Saxon ancestry. His arras were like young 
 oaks ; and his hand grasping the muzzle of his gun appeared 
 large, fleshless, and muscular. His cheek was broad and firm, 
 and was partially covered with a bushy whisker, that met over 
 the chin ; while a beard of the same color dull brown fringed 
 the tips. The eye was grey, or bluish gray, small, well set, and 
 rarely wandering. The hair was light brown ; and the complex 
 ion of the face, which had evidently once been blonde, was now 
 nearly as dark as that of a half-breed. Sun-tan had produced 
 
136 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 this metamorphosis. The countenance was prepossessing : it 
 might have been once handsome. Its expression was bold, but 
 good-humored, and bespoke a kind arid generous nature." 
 
 The dress of this individual was the well-known costume of his 
 class a hunting-shirt of dressed deerskin, smoked to the soft 
 ness of a glove ; leggings reaching to the hips, and fringed down 
 the seams ; mocassins of true Indian make, soled with buffalo 
 hide (parfteche.) The hunting-shirt was belted around the waist, 
 but open above, so as to leave the throat and part of the breast 
 uncovered ; but over the breast could be seen the under-shirt, of 
 finer material the dressed skin of the young antelope, or the 
 fawn of the fallow deer. A short cape, part of the hunting-shirt, 
 hung gracefully over the shoulders, ending in a deep fringe cut 
 out of the buckskin itself. A similar fringe embellished the 
 draping of the skirt. On the head was a raccoon cap the face 
 of the animal over the front, while the barred tail, like a plume, 
 fell drooping over the left shoulder. 
 
 The accoutrements were a bullet-pouch, made from the un 
 dressed skin of a tiger-cat, ornamented with the head of the 
 beautiful summer-duck. This hung under the right arm, sus 
 pended by a shoulder-strap ; and attached in a similar manner 
 was a huge crescent-shaped horn, upon which was carved many 
 a strange souvenir. His arras consisted of a knife and pistol 
 both stuck in the waist-belt and a long rifle, so straight that 
 the line of the barrel seemed scarcely to deflect from that of the 
 butt. 
 
 But little attention had been paid to ornament in either his 
 dress, arms, or equipments ; and yet there was a gracefulness in 
 the hang of his tunic-like shirt, a stylishness about the fringing 
 and bead-embroidery, and an air of jauntiness in the set of the 
 'coon-skin cap, that showed the wearer was not altogether uii- 
 mindful of his personal appearance. A small pouch or case, 
 ornamented with stained porcupine quills, hung down upon his 
 breast. This was the pipe-holder no doubt &gagc cT amour from 
 
OLD COMRADES. '31 
 
 some dark-eyed, dark-skinned damsel, like himself a denizen of 
 the wilderness. 
 
 His companion, was very different in appearance ; unlike him 
 in almost every respect unlike anybody I had ever seea> 
 excepting himself. 
 
 The whole appearance of the individual was odd and striking. 
 He was seated 011 the opposite side of the fire, with his face 
 partially turned towards me, and his head sunk down between a 
 pair of long lank thighs. He looked more like the stump of a 
 tree dressed in dirt-colored buckskin than a human being ; and 
 had his arms not been in motion, he might have been mistaken 
 for such an object. Both his arms and jaws were moving ; the 
 latter engaged in polishing a rib of meat which he had half 
 roasted over the coals. 
 
 His dress if dress it could be called was simple as it was 
 savage. It consisted of what might have once been a hunting- 
 shirt, but which now looked more like a leathern bag with the 
 bottom ripped open, and sleeves sewed into the sides. It was of 
 a dirty brown color, wrinkled at the hollow of the arms, patched 
 around the armpits, and greasy all over ; it was fairly " caked" 
 with dirt I There was no attempt at either ornament or fringe. 
 There had been a cape, but this had evidently been drawn upon 
 from time to time, for patches and other uses, until scarce a ves 
 tige of it remained. The leggings and moccasins were on a par 
 with the shirt, and seemed to have been manufactured out of the 
 same hide. They, too, were dirt-brown, patched, wrinkled, and 
 greasy. They did not meet each other, but left a piece of ankle 
 bare, and that also was dirt-brown, like the buckskin. There 
 was no undershirt, vest, or other garment to be seen, with tha 
 exception of a close-fitting cap, which had once been catskin ; 
 but the hair was all worn off it, leaving a greasy, leathery-look 
 ing surface, that corresponded well with the other parts of the 
 aress. Cap, shirt, leggings, and moccasins, looked as if they 
 had never been stripped off since the day they ^ere first tried 
 
138 THE WAE-TKA1L. 
 
 on, and that might have been many a year ago 1 The shirt was 
 open, displaying the naked breast and throat, and these, as well 
 as the face, hands, and ankles, had been tanned by the sun and 
 smoked by the fire to the hue of rusty copper. The whole man, 
 clothes and all, looked as if he had been smoked on purpose ! 
 
 His face bespoke a man of sixty, or thereabouts ; his features 
 were sharp, and somewhat aquiline ; and the small eyes were 
 dark, quick, and piercing. His hair was black, and cut short ; 
 his complexion had been naturally brunette, though there was 
 nothing of the Frenchman or Spaniard in his physiognomy. He 
 was more likely of the black-Saxon breed. 
 
 As I looked at this man, I saw that there was a strangeness 
 about him independent of the odduess of his attire. There was 
 something peculiar about his head something wanting. 
 
 What was it that was wanting ? It was his ears ! 
 
 There is something awful in a man without his ears. It sug 
 gests some horrid drama some terrible scene of cruel vengeance : 
 it suggests the idea of crime committed and punishment 
 inflicted." 
 
 I might have had such painful imaginings, but that I chanced 
 to know why those ears were wanting. I remembered the man 
 who was sitting before me ? 
 
 It seemed a dream, or rather the re-enactment of an old scene. 
 Y"ears before, I had seen that individual, and in a situation very 
 similar. My eyes first rested upon him, seated as he was now, 
 over a fire, roasting and eating. The attitude was the same; 
 the tout ensemble in no respect different. There was the same 
 greasy catskin cap, the same scant leggings, the same brown 
 buckskin covering over the lanky frame. Perhaps neither shirt 
 nor leggings had been taken off since I last saw them. They 
 appeared no dirtier, however ; that was not possible. Nor was 
 it possible, having once looked upon the wearer, ever to forget 
 him. I remembered him at a glance Reuben Rowling, or " old 
 Rube," as he was better known, one of the most celebrated of 
 
A QUEER CONVERSATION. 139 
 
 trappers. The younger man was " Bill Garey," another "moun 
 tain man," and old Rube's partner and constant companion. 
 
 My heart gladdened at the sight of these old acquaintances. 
 I now knew I was with friends. 
 
 I was about to call out to them, when my eye wandering 
 beyond rested upon the group of horses, and what I saw startled 
 me from my recumbent position. There was Rube's old, blind, 
 bare-ribbed, high-boned, long-eared mare-mustang. Her lank 
 grizzled body, naked tail, and mulish look, I remembered well. 
 There, too, was the large powerful horse of Garey, and my own 
 steed Moro picketed beside them ! This was a joyful surprise 
 to me, as he had galloped off after his escape from the bear, and 
 I had felt anxious about recovering him. But it was not 
 the sight of Moro that caused me to start with astonishment ; 
 it was at the presence of another well-remembered animal 
 another horse. Was I mistaken ? Was it an illusion ? Were 
 my eyes or my fancy again mocking me ? Xo ! It was a reality. 
 There was the noble form, the graceful and symmetrical outlines, 
 the smooth coat of silver white, the flowing tail, the upright 
 jetty ears all were before my eyes. It was he the white steed 
 of the prairies ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXY. 
 
 A QUEER CONVERSATION. 
 
 .>7K'"<C &*Jr*:' - .'' - :- ' /;-..; &M : - -":-\-, vrs; 
 
 THE surprise, with the exertion I had made in raising myseif, 
 overcame me, and I fell back in a swoon It was but a momen 
 tary dizziness, and in a short while I was again conscious. 
 Meanwhile, the two men had approached, and having applied 
 something cold to my temples, stood near me conversing 1 I 
 heard every word. 
 
140 
 
 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 "Burn the weemen !" (I recognized Rube's voice); " thuf 
 allers a gittin a fellur into some scrape. Hyur's a putty pickle 
 to be in, an all through a gurl. Burn the weemen ! sez I." 
 
 " We-ell," drawlingly responded Garey, " pre-haps he loves 
 the gal. They sez she's mighty hansum. Love's a strong 
 feelin, Rube." 
 
 Although I had my eyes partially open, I could not see Rube, 
 as he was standing behind the suspended robe ; but a gurgling, 
 clucking sound somewhat like that made in pouring water 
 from a bottle reached my ears, and told me what effect Garey's 
 remark had produced upon his companion. 
 
 " Cuss me, Bill 1" the latter at length rejoined " cuss me ! 
 ef yur ain't as darned a fool as the young fellur hisself ! Love's 
 a strong feelin 1 He, he, he ho, ho, hoo ! Wai, I guess it 
 must a be to make sich dodrotted fools o' razeonable men. As 
 yit, it ain't fooled this child, I reck'n." 
 
 "You never knewd what love wur, old hoss ?" 
 
 " Thurr yur off o' the trail, Bill-ee. I did oncest yis ; oucest 
 I wur in love, plum to the toe-nails. But thet wur a gurl to git 
 sweet on. Ye-es, thet she wur, an no mistake !" 
 
 This speech ended in a sigh that sounded like the blowing of 
 a buffalo. 
 
 " Who wur the gal ?" inquired Garey, after a pause. " White 
 or Injun ?" 
 
 " Injun !" exclaimed Rube, in a contemptuous tone : " no : 1 
 reck'n not, boyee. I don't say thet, for a wife, an Injun ain't 
 jest as good as a white, an more convaynient she are to git suet 
 of when yur tired o' her. I've bed a good grist of squaws in my 
 time hef-a-dozen maybe, and maybe more. This I kin say, an 
 no boastin neyther, thet I never sold a squaw yet for a plug o' 
 bacca less than I gin for her ; an on most o' 'em I made a clur 
 profit. Thurfur, Billee, I don't object to an Injun for a wife : 
 but wives is one thing, an sweethearts is diffrent when it comes 
 to thet. Now, the gurl Pra a-talkiu 'bout wur ny sweetheart." 
 
A QUEER CONVERSATION. 141 
 
 " She wur a white gal, then ?" 
 
 " Are allyblaster white ? She wur white as the bleached 
 Bkull of a baffler ; an sech bar I 'Twur as red as the brush o' a 
 kitfox. Eyes too ! Ah, Billee, boy, them wur eyes to squint 
 out o' 1 They wur as big as a buck's, an as soft as smoked fawn- 
 skin. I never seed a pair o' eyes like hern' 1" 
 
 " What WUP her name ?" 
 
 " Her name wur Char'ty, an as near as I kin remember 'twur 
 Holmes Char'ty Holmes. Ye-es, thet wur the name. Twur 
 upon Big-duck crick in the Tennessee bottom, the place whur 
 this child chawed his fust hoe-cake. Let me see it ur now 
 more 'n thirty yeer ago. I fust met the gurl at a candy-pullin j 
 an I recollex well we wur put to eat taffy agin one another. We 
 ate till our lips met ; an then the kissin thet wur kissiu, boyee. 
 Char'ty's lips wur sweeter than the candy ! We met oncest agin 
 at a corn-shuckin, an arterwards at a blanket-trampin, an thur's 
 whur the bisness wur done. I seed Char'ty's ankles as she wur 
 a-trampin out the blankets, as white an smooth as peeled poplar. 
 Arter thet turn, all up wi' Reuben Rawlings. I approached the 
 gurl 'ithout more ado ; an sez I : 4 Char'ty,' sez I, ' I freeze 
 to you ;' an sez she : ' Reuben, I cottons to you.' So I iramee- 
 diantly made up to the ole squire thet ur Squire Holmes an 
 axed him for his darter. Durn the ole skunk ! he refused to gin 
 her to me ! 
 
 "Jest then, thur cum a pedlar from Kinneticut, all kivered wi' 
 fine broadcloth. He made love to Char'ty ; an wud yur believe 
 it, Bill ? the gurl married him! Cuss the weemen 1 thur all 
 alike. 
 
 " I met the pedlar shortly arter, an gin him sech a larrupin as 
 laid him up for a mouth ; but I had to clur out for it, an I then 
 tuk to the plains. I never seed Char'ty arterward, but I heerd 
 o' her oncest from a fellur I kim across on the Massoury. She 
 wur a splendid critter ; an if she ur still livin, she must hev a 
 #ood grist o' young uns by this, for the fellur said she' hed twins 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 shortly arter sue wur married, with har an eyes jest like herself. 
 Wai, thur's no kalkalatin on weemen, anyhow. Jest see what 
 this young fellur's got by tryin to sarve 'em. Wagh 1" 
 
 Up to this moment I took no part in the conversation, nor 
 had I indicated to either of the trappers that I was aware of 
 their presence. Everything was enveloped in mystery. The 
 presence of the white steed had sufficiently astonished me, and 
 not less that of my old acquaintances, Rube and Garey. The 
 whole scene was a puzzle ; I was now equally at a loss to ac 
 count for their being acquainted with the cause that had brought 
 me there. That they were so, was evident from their conversa 
 tion. Where could they have procured their information on this 
 head ? Neither of them had been at the rancheria, nor in the 
 army anywhere ; certainly not, else I should have heard of them. 
 Indeed, either of them would have made himself known to me, as 
 a strong friendship had formerly existed between us. 
 
 But they alone could give me an explanation, and, without 
 further conjecture, I turned to them. 
 
 " Rube I Garey 1" I said, holding out my hands. 
 
 "Hilloo ! yur a-eomin too, young fellur. Thet's right ; but 
 thur now lay still a bit don't worrit yurself ; y'ull be stronger 
 by 'in by." 
 
 " Take a sup o' this," said the other, with an air of rude kind 
 ness, at the same time holding out a small gourd, which I applied 
 to my lips. It was aguardiente of El Paso, better known among 
 the mountain-men as "Pass-whisky." The immediate effect of 
 this strong, but not bad spirit, was to strengthen my nerves, and 
 render me abler to converse. 
 
 "I see you recollects us, capt'n," said Garey, apparently 
 pleased at the recognition. 
 
 *' Well, old comrades well do I remember you." 
 
 " We ain't forgot you neyther. Rube an I often talked about 
 ye. We many a time wondered what bed becomed o' you. We 
 heerd, of coorse, that you bed gone back to the settlements, an 
 
A QUEER CONVERSATION. 143 
 
 that you bed come into gobs o' property, an hed to change your 
 name to git it " 
 
 " Darn the name !" interrupted Rube. " I'd change mine 
 any day for a plug o' Jeemes River bacca ; thct wud I sartint." 
 
 " No, capt'u," continued the younger trapper, without heed 
 ing Rube's interruption, " we hedn't forgot you, neyther of us." 
 
 "That we hedn't !" added Rube emphatically : " forgot ye 
 forgot the young fellur as tuk ole Rube for a grizzly ! He, he, 
 he I ho, ho, hoo ! How Bill hyur did larf when I gin him the 
 account o' that bisness in the cave. Bill, boy, I niver seed you 
 larf so in all my life. Ole Rube tuk for a grizzly 1 He, he, he ' 
 ho, ho, hoo 1" 
 
 And the old trapper went off into a fit of laughing that occu . 
 pied nearly a minute. At the end of it, he continued : 
 
 <l Thet wur a kewrious bit o 7 dodgin wa'nt it, young fellur ? 
 You saved my ole karkidge thet time, an I ain't a-gwine to for- 
 git it ; no, this child ain ? t." 
 
 " I think you have repaid me ; you have rescued me from the 
 bear ?" 
 
 "From one bar p-eehaps we did, but from t'other grizzly you 
 rescooed yurself ; an, young fellur, you must a fit a putty con- 
 sid'able bout afore the varmint knocked under. The way you hev 
 gin him the bowie ur a caution to snakes, I reck'n." 
 
 " What ? were there two bears ?" 
 
 " Look thur 1 thur's a kupple, ain't thur 1" 
 
 The trapper pointed in the direction of the fire. Sure enough, 
 the carcasses of two bears lay upon the ground, both skinned, 
 and partially cut up I 
 
 " I fought with only one.*" 
 
 " An thet wur enuf at a time, an a leetle more, I reck'n. 
 'Tain't many as lives to wag thur jaws arter a stan-up tussle wi' 
 a grizzly. Wagh ! how you must have fit, to a rubbed out that 
 bar 1" 
 
 " I killed the bear, then ?" 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Th*t you sartintly did, young fellur. When Bill an me fcra 
 01. Jfiie groun, the bar wnr as dead as pickled pork. We thorl 
 yur case wa'nt any better. Thur you lay a-huggin the bar, an 
 the bar ^hu.ggin you, as ef both on yur hed gone to sleep in a 
 sort o' friendly way, like the babbies in the wood. But thur 
 war yur claret a kiverin the paraira for yurds round. Thur 
 wa'nt as much blood in you as wud a gin a leech his breakfist." 
 
 "The other bear?" 
 
 " She cum arterwards out o' the gully. Bill, he wur gone to 
 look arter the white hoss 1 wur sittin by you, jest hyur, when 
 I seed the varmint's snout pokin up. I know'd it wur the she- 
 bar a comin to see where ole Eph had strayed to. So I tuk up 
 Targuts, and plummed the critter in the eye, and thet wur the 
 eend o' her trampin. 
 
 " Now, lookee hyur, young fellur 1 I ain't no doctur, ney- 
 ther's Bill, but I knows enough about wownds to be sartint thet 
 you must lay still, an stop talkin. Yur mighty bad scratched, 
 I tell ye, but yur not dangerous, only you've got no blood in 
 yur body, and you must wait till it gathers agin. Take another 
 suck out o' the gourd. Thur now, come, Billee ! leave 'im alone. 
 Le's go an hev a fresh tooth-full o' bar-meat." 
 
 And so saying, the leathery figure moved off in the direction 
 of the fire, followed by his younger companion. 
 
 Although I was anxious to have a further explanation about 
 the other points that puzzled me about the steed, the trappers' 
 own presence, their knowledge of my wild hunt, and its antece 
 dents I knew it would be useless to question Old Rube any 
 further, after what he had said ; I was compelled, therefore, to 
 follow his advice, and remain quiet. 
 
VOWS OF VENGEANCE. 145 
 
 CHAPTER XXYI. 
 
 VOWS OF VENGEANCE. 
 
 i SOON fell asleep again, and this time slept long and pro 
 foundly. It was after nightfall, in fact, near midnight, when I 
 nwoke. The air had grown chilly, but I found I had not been 
 neglected ; my serape was wrapped closely around me, and with 
 a buffalo-robe, had sufficiently protected me from the cold while 
 I slept. On awaking, I felt much better and stronger. I looked 
 around for my companions. The fire had gone out no doubt 
 intentionally extinguished, lest its glare amid the darkness 
 might attract the eye of some roving Indian. The night was a 
 clear oue, though moonless ; but the heaven was spangled with 
 its sparkling worlds, and the starlight enabled me to make out 
 the forms of the two trappers and the group of browsing 
 horses. Of the former, one only was asleep ; the other sat 
 upright, keeping guard over the camp. He was motionless as a 
 statue ; but the small spark gleaming like a glowworm from the 
 ibowl of his tobacco-pipe, gave token of his wakefulness. rfim 
 as the light was, I could distinguish the upright form to be that 
 of the earless trapper. It wab Garey who was sleeping. 
 
 I could have wished it otherwise. I was anxious to have 
 some conversation with the younger of my companions ; I was 
 longing for an explanation, and I should have preferred address 
 ing myself to Garey. My anxiety would not allow me to wait, 
 and I turned towards Rube. He sat near me, and I spoke in a 
 kw tone, so as not to awake the sleeper. 
 
 " How came you to find me ?" 
 
 " By follerin your trail." 
 
 7 
 
146 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Oh, you followed me then ! From the settlements ?" 
 
 " Not so fur. Bill an me wur camped in the chaparril, and 
 spied you a gallupin arter the white hoss, as ef all the devils wur 
 arter you. I koowed yur at a glimp ; so d'd Bill. Sez I : ' Bill, 
 thet ur the young fellur as tuk me -for a grizzly up thur in the 
 mountains,' an the reckolecshun o' the sark'rrstance sot me a 
 larfin till my ole ribs ached. * It ur the same, 1 ' sez Bill. JLr* 
 jest then, we met a Mexikir. who hed been yur guide, gallup ; a 
 about in search o' you. He gin us a storv 'bout some gurl ;l:et 
 hed sent you to catch the white hoss ; ^ome saynyora 7*]:;h a 
 dodrotted long name. ' Durn the weemcn V sez I to Bill 
 Didn't I, Bill '( 
 
 To this interesting interrogatory, Garey, who was t)ut half 
 asleep, gave an assenting- grunt. 
 
 " Wall," continued Rube, " seein thur wur a pettycoat in the 
 case, I sez to Bill, sez I : 'Thet young fellur ain't a-gwite to 
 pull up till eyther he grups the hoss, or the hoss gits clur off.* 
 Now, I knowd you wur well mounted, but I knowd you wur arter 
 the fasted crittex on all these parairas ; so I sez to Bill, sc~ I ; 
 ' Billee, thur bouu for a long gallup/ Sez Bill : ( Thet .r sar- 
 tin.' Wai ! Bill an me tuk the idee in our heads, +he; fou 
 mout git lost, for we seed the white hoss -:vur a rnaKin for the 
 big paraira. It ain't the biggest paraira i:-. rsashun, but it ur 
 one of the wust to git strayed on. Yur greenhorns wur all g jne 
 back, so Bill an tnecatched up our critters, an as soon as ve kud 
 saddle 'em put arter you. W'uen we kumd out in the paraira, 
 we seed no signs o' you, 'ceptin yur trail. Thet we follered up : 
 but it wur night long afore we got half way hyur, an wur 
 obleeged to halt till sunup. 
 
 " In the mornin 7 , the trail wur nurly blind, on account o- 
 the rain ; an it tuk us a good spell afore we reached 
 the gully. ' Thur,' sez Bill, * the hoss hes jumped in an hyur's 
 the trail o' the young feller leadin down the bank.' Wai, we 
 wur jest turniu' to go down, when we seed yur own hoss a good 
 
VOWS OF VENGEANCE. 14:7 
 
 ways off on the paraira, 'ithout saddle or bridle. We rid 
 straight for him, an when we got closter, we seed soraethin' on 
 the groun' right under the boss's nose. Thet somethin turned 
 out to be yourself an the grizzly, lyin in grups, as quiet as a 
 kupple o' ' sleepin" possums. Yur hoss wur a squealin' like 
 a bag o' wild-cats, an at fust Bill an me thort you bed gone 
 under. But upon a closter view, we seed you wur only a faintin' 
 while the bar wur as a dead as buck. Of coorse we sot about 
 doctorin' you to fotch you roun' again." 
 
 " But the steed ? the white steed ?" 
 
 " Bill hyur grupped him in the gully. A leetle further down 
 it's stopped up wi' big rocks. We knowd that, for we'd been 
 hyer afore ; we knowed the hoss kudn't a got over the rocks, an 
 Bill went arter an foun' him, on a ledge whur he bed clorab out o' 
 reach o' the flood ; and then he lazooed the critter, and fetched 
 'iin up hyur. Now, young fellur, you hev the hul story." 
 
 " An the hoss," added Garey, rising from his recumbent posi 
 tion, "he's yourn, capt'n. Ef you hadn't rid him down, 1 
 couldn't a roped him so easy. He's yourn, ef yu'll accept him.'* 
 
 " Thanks, thanks ! not for the gift alone, but I may thank 
 you for my life. But for you, I might never have left the spot. 
 Thanks 1 old comrades, thanks !" 
 
 Every point was now cleared up. There was m r stery no 
 longer, though, from an expression which Garey had dropped, 
 I still desired a word with him in private. 
 
 On further inquiry, I learned that the trappers weie on their 
 way to take part in the campaign. Some barbarous treatment 
 they had experienced from Mexican soldiers at a frontier post, 
 had rendered both of them inveterate foes to Mexico ; and Rube 
 declared he would never be contented until he had " plugged a 
 score of the yellur-hided vamints." The breaking out of the 
 war gave them the opportunity they desired, and th.jy were now 
 on their way, from a distant part of prairie-land tc take a hand 
 in it. 
 
J48 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 The vehemence of their hostility towards the Mexicans some 
 what surprised me as I knew it was a recent feeling with them 
 and I inquired more particularly into the nature of the ill- 
 treatment they had received. They answered me by giving a 
 detailed account of the affair. It had occurred at one of the 
 Mexican frontier towns, where, upon a slight pretext, the trap 
 pers had been arrested and flogged, by order of the command 
 ing officer of the post. 
 
 " Yes-s !" said Rube, the words hissing angrily through his 
 teeth ; " yes-s, flogged ! a mountain-man flogged by a cussed 
 monkey of a Mexikin ! Ne'er a mind ! ne'er a mind ! By the 
 'tarnal ! an when I say thet, I swar it this nigger don't leave 
 Mexiko till he hes rubbed out a soger for every lash they gin 
 him an that's twenty I" 
 
 " Hyur's another, old hoss !" cried Garey, with equal ear 
 nestness of manner " hyur's another that swars the same 
 oath !" 
 
 " Yes, Billee, boy 1 I guess we'll count some in a skrimmage. 
 Thur's two aready ! lookee thur, young fellur !" 
 
 As Rube said this, he held his rifle close to my eyes, pointing 
 with his finger to a particular part of the stock. I saw two small ' 
 notches freshly cut in the wood. I knew well enough what these 
 notches meant; they were a registry of the deaths of two Mexicans, 
 who had fallen by the hand or bullet of the trapper. They had 
 not been the only victims of that unerring and deadly weapon. 
 On the same piece of wood-work I could see long rows of similar 
 souvenirs, apart from each others, only differing a little in shape. 
 I knew something of the signification of these horrible hiero 
 glyphics ; I knew they were the history of a life fearfully spent 
 a life of red realities. 
 
 The sight was far from pleasant. I turned mv eyes away, 
 and remained silent. 
 
 " Mark me, young fellur P continued Rube, who noticed that 
 I was not gratified by the inspection ; " don't mistake Bill 
 
VOWS OF VENGEANCE. 149 
 
 Garey an me for wild beests ; we ain't thet quite : we've been 
 mighty riled, I reck'n ; but fr all thet,' we ain't a-gwine to take 
 revenge on weemen an childer, as Injuns do. No wecmen an 
 childer don't count, nor men neylher, unless thur sogers. We've 
 no spite agin the poor slaves o' Mexiko. They never did me 
 nor Bill harm We've been on one skurry, along wi' the 
 Yutaws, down to the Del Nort settlements. Thur's whur I 
 made them two nicks ; but neyther Bill or me laid a finger on 
 the weemiu an childer. It wur bekase the Injuns did, thet we 
 left 'em. We're jest cum from thur. We want fair fight among 
 Christyun whites ; thet's why we're hyur. Now, young feller 1" 
 
 I was glad to hear Rube talk in this manner, and I so signi 
 fied to him. Indianised as the old trapper was, with all his 
 savageness, all his reckless indifference to ordinary emotions, I 
 knew there was still a touch of humanity in his breast. Indeed 
 on moro than one occasion, I had witnessed singular displays 
 of fine feeling on the part of Rube. Circumstanced as he was, 
 he is not to be judged by the laws of civilized life. 
 
 u Your intention, then, is to join some corps of rangers, is it 
 not ?" I asked, after a pause. 
 
 11 1 shed like it," replied Garey : " I shed like to join your 
 company, capt'n ; but Rube hyur won't consent to it." 
 
 "No !' ; exclaimed the other with emphasis; " I'll jine no 
 kumpny. This niggur fights on his own hook. Yur see, young 
 fellur, I hev been all my life a free mountainee-man, an don't 
 understan sogerin, no how. I mout make some mistake, or I 
 moutn't like some o' the regilashuns ; thurfor I prefers fightin 
 arter my own fashun. Bill an me kin take care o' ourselves. I 
 reck'n. Kin we, Bill ?-r-eh, boyee ?" 
 
 '' I guess so, old boss," replied Garey, mildly ; but for all 
 that, Rube, I think it would be better to go at it in a regular 
 way particularly as the capt'n hyur would make the sogerin 
 part as easy as possible. Wudn't yur, capt'n ?" 
 
 II The discipline of my corps is not very severe. We art 
 
150 THE WAE-TKAIL. 
 
 Rangers, and our duties are different from those of regular sol 
 diers " 
 
 " It ur no use," interrupted Ilube ; " I must fight as I've 
 allers fit, free to kurn an free to go whar I please. I won't bind 
 myself. I moutn't like it, an mout desait.'' 
 
 "But by binding yourself." suggested I, "you draw pay an 
 rations ; whereas " 
 
 " Darn pay an rashuns !" exclaimed the old trapper, striking 
 the butt of his rifle upon the prairie. " Darn pay an rashuus 1 
 Young feller, I fights fur revenge /" 
 
 This was said in an energetic and conclusive manner, and I 
 urged my advice no further. 
 
 "Look hyur, cap !" continued the speaker, in a more subdued 
 tone. " Though I ain't a-gwine to jine yur fellurs, yet thur ur 
 a favor I wud axe from yur, an thet is, to let me an Bill keep 
 by you, or foller whuriver you lead. I don't want to spunge for 
 rashuus ; we'll git thet, ef thur's a head o' game in Mexiko, an 
 ef thur ain't, why we kin eat a Mexikan ! Can't we, Bill ? eh, 
 boyee ?" 
 
 Garey knew this was one of Rube's jokes, and laughingly 
 assented ; adding at the same time, that he would prefer eating 
 any other " sort o' a varmint." 
 
 " Ne'er a mind !" continued Rube ; " we ain't a-gwine to 
 starve. So, young fellur, ef you agrees to our goin on them 
 terms yu'll heve a kupple o' rifles near you, thet won't miss fire 
 they won't." 
 
 " Enough ! You shall go and come as you please. I shall 
 be glad to have you near me, without binding you to any term 
 of service." 
 
 " Hooray ! thet's the sort for us I Kum, Billee ! gie's 
 ar other suck out o' yur gourd. Hyur's success to the Stars and 
 S- -ipes I Hooray for Texas !" 
 
A WEED-PRAIRIE ON FIRE. 151 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 A "WEED"-PRAIRIE ON FIRE. 
 
 MY recovery was rapid. My wounds, though deep, were not 
 iaugerous ; they were only flesh-wounds, and closed rapidly 
 under the cauterising influence of the kchuguilla. Rude as my 
 doctors were, ip. the matter of such a malady, I could not have 
 fallen into better hands. Both, during their lives of accident 
 and exposure, had ample practice in the healing art ; and I 
 would have trusted either, in the curing of a rattlesnake's bite, 
 or the tear of a grizzly bear's claw, in preference to the most 
 accomplished surgeon. Old Rube, in particular, thoroughly 
 understood the simple pharmacopeia of the prairies ; and his 
 application to my wounds of the sap of the pita plant, obtained 
 among the rocks of the ravine, bespoke his skill. This plant, a 
 bromelia, is of the same genus as the Agave Americana, and by 
 travellers often confounded with the latter, though quite a dis 
 tinct plant from the maguey of cultivation. It grows in most 
 parts of Mexico and South America, extending as far north as 
 the latitude of 30, and even further. There is no spot too arid 
 or barren to give support to it. It is a true desert plant ; and 
 even on the naked rock, its curved and thorny blades may be 
 seen radiating on all sides from the tall flower-stalk, that shoots 
 upward like a signal-staff, to the height of twenty feet. As 
 already observed, its uses are manifold : the fibre of its leaves 
 can be manufactured into thread, cordage, and cloth ; fences are 
 constructed of the growing plant, and thatch of the blades when 
 cut ; its sap, distilled, furnishes the fiery but not unwholesome 
 raezcal ; and the large egg-shaped core or stem is eaten for food 
 
152 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 Tribes of Indians Lipans, Comanches, and Apaches use it ex 
 tensively as an article of diet. One branch of the great Apache" 
 nation are distinguished as '* Mezcaleros" (eaters of the mezcal- 
 plant.) They bake it in ground-ovens of heated stones, along 
 with the flesh of the wild horse. It is firm when cooked, with a 
 translucent appearance like candied fruits. I have eaten it ; it 
 is palatable I might say delicious. The mastication of it is 
 accompanied by a prickling sensation upon the tongue, singular 
 to one unaccustomed to it. It is a gift of nature to the desert 
 regions, where it grows in greatest luxuriance, and where it 
 serves the same purpose in the economy of the savage natives as 
 the ixias, mesembryantkemu'ms, and zamias (the Caffre bread,) upon 
 the arid karoos of Southern Africa. 
 
 One of the most esteemed qualities of this brornelia is the cau 
 terizing property of its juice, well known to the natives of the 
 Mexican table-land, and to the Peruvians, where several species 
 are found of like virtues. It will cause ordinary wounds to cica 
 trise in a few hours, and even " ugly gashes" will yield to it te 
 time. 
 
 My companions had full knowledge of its effects, and having 
 extracted the sap from its large succulent leaves, and boiled it 
 to the consistency of honey, they applied it to my wounds. This 
 operation they from time to time repeated, and the scratches 
 were healed in a period marvellously short. My strength, too, 
 was soon restored. Garey with his gun catered for the cuisine, 
 and the ruffed grouse, the prairie partridge, and roasted rihs of 
 fresh venison, were dainties even to an invalid. 
 
 In three days I was strong enough to mount ; and bidding 
 adieu to our camping-ground, we set forth, taking with us our 
 beautiful captive. He was still as wild as a deer ; but we 
 adopted precautions to prevent him from getting off. The trap 
 pers led him between them, secured to the saddles of both by a 
 lazo. 
 
 We did not return in the direction of our old trail ; my com- 
 
A WEED-PKAIRIE ON FIRE. 15S 
 
 panions knew a shorter route, at least one upon which we should 
 sooner reach water, and that is the most important consideration 
 on a prairie journey. We headed in a more westerly direction ; 
 in which, by keeping in a straight line, we should strike the Rio 
 Grande some distance above the rancheria. 
 
 The sky was leaden-grey, the sun not being visible, and with 
 no guide in the heavens, we knew that we might easily diverge 
 from a direct course. To provide against this, my companions 
 had recourse to a compass of their own invention. On taking 
 our departure from the carnp, a sapling was stuck into the 
 ground, and upon the top of this was adjusted a piece of bear's- 
 skin, which, with the long hair upon it, could be distinguished at 
 the distance of a mile or more. The direction having been de 
 termined upon, another wand, similarly garnished with a tuft of 
 the bear's-skin, was set up several hundred yards distant from 
 the first. 
 
 Turning our backs upon these signal-posts, we rode off with 
 perfect confidence, glancing back at intervals to make sure we 
 were keeping the track. So long as they remained in sight, and 
 aligned with each other, we could not otherwise than travel in a 
 straight path. It was an ingenious contrivance, but it was not 
 the first time I had been witness to the " instincts " of my trap 
 per-friends, and therefore I was not astonished* 
 
 When the black tufts were well-nigh hidden from view, a 
 
 similar pair the materials for which had been brought along 
 
 were erected, and these insured our direction for another stretch 
 
 , of a mile ; then fresh saplings were planted ; and so on, till we 
 
 had passed over some six miles of the plain. 
 
 We now came in sight of timber right ahead of us, and appa 
 rently about five miles distant. Towards this we directed our 
 course. 
 
 We reached the timber about noon, and found it to consist o 
 black-jack and post-oak groves, with mezquite and wild-china 
 
 7* 
 
154 THE WAK-TEAIL. 
 
 trees interspersed, and here and there some taller trees of tho 
 honey locust (Gleditschia triacanthos). 
 
 It was not a close forest, but a succession of groves, with 
 openings between avenues and grassy glades. There were 
 many pleasant spots, and, faint with the ride, I would fain have 
 chosen one of them for a resting-place; but there was no water, 
 and without water we could not halt. A short distance further, 
 and we should reach a stream a small arroyo, an affluent of 
 the Rio Grande. So promised my companions, and we rode 
 onward. 
 
 After passing a mile or so through the timber-openings, we 
 came out on the edge of a prairie of considerable extent. It was 
 full three miles in diameter, and differed altogether from the 
 plain we had left behind us. It was of the kind known in 
 hunter phraseology as a " weed-prairie," that is, instead ot 
 having a grassy turf, its surface was covered with a thick growth 
 of flowering-plants, as helianthus, malcas, althtas, hibiscus, and 
 other tall annuals standing side by side, and frequently laced 
 together by wild-pea vines and various species of convolvulus. 
 Such a flower-prairie was the one now before us, but not a 
 flower was in sight; they had all bloomed, faded, and fallen, 
 perhaps, unseen by human eye, and the withered stalks, burned 
 by a hot sun, looked brown and forbidding. They cracked and 
 broke at the slightest touch, shelling their seed-pods like rain 
 upon the loose earth. 
 
 Instead of striking across this prairie, we skirted around its 
 edge; and, at no great distance, arrived on the banks of the 
 arroyo which ran along one side. 
 
 We had made but a short march ; but my companions, fearful 
 that a longer ride might bring on fever, proposed to encamp there 
 for the night, and finish our journey on the following day. 
 Though I felt strong enough to have gone further, I made 210 
 objection to the proposal; and our horses were at once unsad 
 dled and picketed near the banks of the arroyo. 
 
A WEED-PR AIKIE ON FIKE. 155 
 
 The stream ran through a little bottom-valley covered with a 
 sward of grass, and upon this we staked our steeds; but a bet 
 ter place offered for our camp upon the higher ground ; and we 
 chose a spot under the shade of a large locust-tree, upon the 
 edge of the great wilderness of weeds. To this place we cur-' 
 ried our saddles, bridles, and blankets, and having collected a 
 quantity of dead branches, kindled our camp-fire. We had 
 already quenched our thirst at the stream; but, although we 
 were all three hungry enough, the dried flesh of the grizzly beai 
 proved but a poor repast. The rivulet looked promising for 
 fish. Garey carried both hooks and line in his " possible sack," 
 and I proposed the angle. 
 
 The young trapper soon baited his hooks ; and he and I, 
 repairing to the stream, cast our lines, sat down, and waited for 
 a nibble. 
 
 Fishing was not to Rube's taste. For a few minutes he stood 
 watching us, but evidently with little interest, either in the sport 
 or what it might produce. Rube was riot a fish-eater. 
 
 " Durn yur fish 1" exclaimed he at length ; " I'd ruther hev a 
 hunk o' deer-meat than all the fish in Texas. I'll jest see ef I 
 kin scare up something the place looks likefy for deer 
 it do." 
 
 So saying, the old trapper shouldered his long rifle, and stalk 
 ing away, up the bank, was soon out of sight. 
 
 Garey and I continued bobbing with but indifferent success, 
 We had succeeded in drawing out a couple of cat-fish, not the 
 most palatable of the finny tribe, when the crack of Rube's rifle 
 sounded in our ears. It seemed to come from the weed- 
 prairie, and we both ran up on the high bank to ascertain what 
 success had attended the shot. Sure enough, Rube was out iu 
 the prairie, nearly half a mile distant from the camp. His 
 head and shoulders were just visible above the tall stalks of the 
 helianthus; and we could see, by his stooping at intervals, that 
 he was bending over some game he had killed, skinning or cut 
 
156 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 ting it up. The game we could not see, on account of the 
 interposed stalks of the weeds 
 
 " A deer, I reck'n," remarked Garey. " Buffler don't often 
 o' late years stray so far to the suthert, though I've killed some 
 on the Grande, higher up." 
 
 Without other remark passing between us, we descended to 
 the arroyo, and continued our fishing. We took it for granted 
 that Rube did not require any aid, or he would have signalled 
 to us. He would soon return with his game to the camp. 
 
 We had just discovered that silver-fish (a species of hyodon) 
 were plentiful in the stream, and this attracted us back. We 
 were desirous of taking some of them for our dinner, knowing 
 them to be excellent eating, and far superior to the despised 
 "cat." 
 
 Having changed our bait for some small pieces of gold-lace, 
 which my uniform furnished, we succeeded in pulling several of 
 these beautiful creatures out of the water; and were congra 
 tulating one another upon the delicious broil we should have, 
 when our conversation was suddenly interrupted by a crackling 
 noise, that caused both of us to turn our faces towards the 
 prairie. The sight that met our eyes prompted us to spring 
 simultaneously to our feet. Our horses already reared upon 
 their lazoes, neighing with affright, and the wild screa.ms of 
 Rube's mustang mare were loud and continuous. There was no 
 mystery about the cause; that was obvious at a glance. The 
 wind had blown some sparks among the dry flower-stalks. The 
 prairie was on fire! 
 
 Though startled at the first sight of the conflagration, for our 
 selves we had nothing to fear. The bottom on which we stood 
 was a sward of short buffalo-grass; it was not likely to catch 
 fire, and even if it did, we could easily escape from it. There is 
 not much danger in a burning prairie where the grass is light 
 and short ; one can dash through the line of flame with no further 
 injury than the ^singeing of his hair, or a little suffocation from 
 
A WEED-PRAIEIE ON FIRE. 157 
 
 smoke; but upon a plain covered with rank and thick vegeta 
 tion, the case is very different. We therefore felt no apprehen 
 sion for ourselves, but we did for our companion; his situation 
 filled us with alarm. 
 
 Was he still where we had last seen him ? This was the first 
 question we asked one another. If so, then his peril was great 
 indeed ; escape would be almost- hopeless! We had observed 
 him a full half mile out among the weeds. He was on foot too. 
 To have attempted a retreat towards the opposite side of the 
 prairie would have been folly: it was three miles off. Even on 
 horseback, the flames would have overtaken him! Mounted, or 
 on foot, he could not have got out of the way through those tall 
 stalks laced as they were by pea-vines and other trailing plants 
 whose tough tangle would have hindered the progress of the 
 strongest horse 1 
 
 To have returned to the near side would be his only chance; 
 but that would be in the very face of the fire, and, unless he 
 had started long before the flames broke out, it was evident 
 that his retreat in that direction would be cut off. As already 
 stated, the weeds were as dry as tinder; and the flames, impel 
 led by gusts of wind, at intervals shot out their red tongues, 
 licking up the withered stalks, coiling like serpents around them, 
 and consuming them almost instantaneously. 
 
 Filled with forebodings, my companion and I rushed in the 
 direction of the prairie. 
 
 When first noticed by us, the fire had extended but a few 
 yards on each side of the locust-tree we had chosen for our 
 camp. We were not opposite this point at the moment, having 
 gone a little way down the arroyo; we ran, therefore, not 
 towards the camp, but for the nearest point of high ground, in 
 order to discover the situation of our friend. On reaching tho 
 high ground, about two hundred yards from the locust, we saw, 
 to our astonishment that the fire had already spread, and was 
 now burning forward to the spot where we had climbed up' We 
 
158 THE WAK-TKAJL. 
 
 had only a moment to glance outward, when the conflagration, 
 hissing and crackling as it passed, rolled in front of us, and with 
 its wall of flame shut off our view of the prairie. 
 
 But. that glance had shown us all, and filled our hearts with 
 sorrow and dismay; it revealed the situation of the trapper no 
 longer a situation of peril, but, as we supposed, of certain death! 
 He was still in the place where we had last seen him; he had 
 evidently made no attempt to escape from it. Perhaps the 
 knowledge that such an attempt must have failed, had hindered 
 him from making it. The reflection that he might as well die 
 where he stood, as be licked up by the flames in the act of flee 
 ing from them, had bound him to the spot! 
 
 Oh! it was a dread sight to see that old man, hardened sinner 
 that he was, about to be snatched into eternity ! I remember 
 his wild look, as the red flame, rolling between us, shut him 
 from our sight! We had seen him but for a single instant: his 
 head and shoulders were alone visible above the tall weeds. He 
 made no sign either with voice or arm; but I fancied that even 
 at that distance I could read his glance of despair. 
 
 Was there no hope ? Could no exertion be made to rescue 
 him? Could he do nothing for himself? Was there no chance 
 of his being able to clear a circle round him, and burn off a 
 space before the line of fire could come up? Such a ruse has often 
 availed, but no never in such ground as that! The weeds 
 were too thick and tall it could not be done Garey said it 
 could not be done. 
 
 There Tas no hope, then. The. trapper was lost ! 
 
RUBE BOASTED ALIVE. 159 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 RUBE ROASTED ALIVE.. 
 
 DOOMED beyond doubt doomed to quick, awful, and certain 
 death was ihe earless trapper. In five minutes more be must 
 perish. The wall of flame, moving faster than charging cavalry, 
 would soon envelop him, and surer than the carbine's volley or 
 the keen sabre-cut was the death borne forward by that hissing, 
 crackling cohort of fire. Here and there, tall jets, shooting sud 
 denly upward, stalked far in advance of the main line fiery 
 giants, with red arms stretched forth, as if eager to grasp their 
 victim. Already their hot breath was upon him ; another min 
 ute, and he must perish ! 
 
 In a sort of stupor we stood, Garey and I, watching the ad 
 vance of the flames. Neither of us uttered a word : painful emo 
 tions prevented speech. Both our hearts were beating audibly. 
 Mine was bitterly wrung ; but I knew that of my companion was 
 enduring the very acme of anguish. I glanced upward to his 
 face : his eye was fixed, and looked steadfastly in one direction 
 as though it would pierce the sheet of flame, that rolled further 
 and further from where we stood, and nearer to the fatal spot. 
 The expression of that eye was fearful to behold ; it was a look 
 of concentrated agony. A single tear had escaped from it, and 
 was rolling down the rude weather-bronzed cheek, little used to 
 such bedewing. The broad chest was heaving in short quick 
 spasm, and it was evident the man was struggling with hii 
 breath. He was listening through all this intensity of gaze 
 listening for the death-shriek of his old comrade his bosom* 
 friend 1 
 
160 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Not long was the suspense ; though there was no shriek, no 
 cry of human voice, to indicate the crisis. If any arose, it was 
 not heard by us. It could not have been ; it would have been 
 drowned amid the roar of the flames, and the crackling of the 
 hollow culms, whose pent-up gases, set free by the fire, sounded 
 like the continuous rolling of musketry. No death-cry fell upoa 
 our ears ; but, for all that, we were satisfied that the drama bad 
 reached its denouement ; the unfortunate trapper was roasted 
 alive ! 
 
 Already the flames had passed over the spot where we had 
 last seen him far beyond leaving the ground charred and 
 black behind them. Though the smoke hindered our view of the 
 plain, we knew that the climax had passed : the hapless victim 
 had succumbed ; and it remained only to look for his bones 
 among the smouldering ashes. 
 
 Up to this moment, Garey had stood in a fixed attitude, silent 
 and rigid as a statue. It was not hope that had held him thus 
 spell-bound ; he had entertained no such feeling from the first : 
 it was rather a paralysis produced by despair. Now that the 
 crisis was over, and he felt certain that his comrade had perished, 
 his muscles, so long held in tension, suddenly relaxed his arms 
 fell loosely to his sides the tears chased each other over his 
 cheeks his head reclined forward, and in a hoarse, husky roice 
 he exclaimed : 
 
 " O ! God o' mercy, he's rubbed out, rubbed out ! We've 
 seed the last o' poor Old Rube !" 
 
 My sorrow, though perhaps not so keen as that of my com 
 panion, was nevertheless sufficiently painful. I knew the earless 
 trapper well had been his associate under strange circumstances 
 amid scenes of danger that draw men's hearts more closely to 
 gether than any phrases of flattery or compliment. More than 
 once had I seen him triod in the hour of peril ; and I knew that, 
 notwithstanding the wildness and eccentricity of his character 
 of his crimes, I might add his heart, ill directed by early edu 
 
KUBE BOASTED ALIVE. 16 J 
 
 cation, ill guided by after-association, was still rife with many 
 virtues. Many proofs of this could I recall ; aud I confess that 
 a feeling akin to friendship had grown up between myself and 
 this singular man. 
 
 Between Garey and Rube the ties were still stronger. Long 
 and inseparable companionship years of participation in a life 
 of hardships and perils like thoughts and habitudes though 
 perhaps dispositions, age, and characters were a good deal un 
 like all had combined to unite the two in a firm bond of friend 
 ship. To use their own expressive phrase, they "froze" to each 
 other. No wonder then that the look, with which the young 
 trapper regarded that black plain, was one of indescribable 
 anguish. 
 
 To his mournful speech, I made no reply. What could I have 
 said ? I could not offer consolation. I was weeping as well as 
 he : my silence was but an assent to his sad soliloquy : 
 
 After a moment, he continued, his voice still tremulous with 
 sorrow : " Come, cotnmarade ! It are no use our cryin like a 
 kupple o' squaws." With his large finger he dashed the tears 
 aside, as if ashamed of having shed them. " It are all over now. 
 Let's look arter his bones that is, if thar's anything left o' 'em 
 and gie ? em Christy un burial. Come I" 
 
 We caught our horses, and mounting, rode off over the burnt 
 ground. The hoofs of the animals tossed up the smouldering 
 ashes, the hot red cinders causing them to prance. The smoke 
 pained our eyes, and prevented us from seeing far ahead ; but we 
 guided ourselves, as well as we could, towards the point where 
 we had last seen the trapper, and where we expected to find his 
 remains. 
 
 On nearing the spot, our eyes fell upon a dark mass that lay 
 upon the plain ; it was much larger than the body of a man. We 
 could not make out what it was, until within a few feet of it, and 
 even then it was difficult to recognize it as the carcass of a 
 buffalo though such in reality it was. It was the game which 
 
162 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 the tiapper had killed. It rested as it had fallen as these ani 
 mals usually fall upon the breast, with legs widely spread, and 
 humped shoulders upward. We could perceive that the unfor 
 tunate man had nearly finished skinning it for the hide, parted 
 along the spine, had been removed from the back and sides, and 
 with the fleshy side turned outward, was hanging to the ground, 
 so as to conceal the lower half of the carcass. The whole sur 
 face was burnt to the color of charcoal. 
 
 But where were the remains of the hunter ? They were no 
 where to be seen near the spot. The smoke had cleared away 
 sufficiently to enable us to observe the ground for several hun 
 dred yards around us. An object of small dimensions could have 
 been distinguished upon the now bare surface ; but none was 
 -seen. Yes ! a mass lay beside the carcass, which drew our atten 
 tion for a moment ; but on riding up to it we perceived that it 
 was the stomach and intestines of the buffalo, black and half 
 broiled. 
 
 Where were the bones of Rube ? Had he run away from the 
 spot, and perished elsewhere ? 
 
 We glanced towards the fire still raging on the distant plain. 
 But no : it was not probable he had gone thence. By the last 
 look we had obtained of him, it did not appear that he was mak 
 ing any effort to escape, and he could scarcely have gone a hun 
 dred yards before the flames swept over the spot. How then ? 
 Were his bones entirely consumed calcined reduced to ashes ? 
 The lean, withered, and dried-up body of the old mountain-man 
 favored such a supposition ; and we began seriously to entertain 
 it for in no other way could we account for the total absence 
 of all remains I 
 
 For some moments we sat in our saddles under the influence 
 of strange emotions, but without exchanging a word. We scanned 
 the black surface round and round. The smoke no longer hin 
 dered our view of the ground. In the weed-prairies there is no 
 grassy turf ; and the dry herbaceous stems of the annuals had 
 
No," said Gitrey, with a long-drawn sigh. " Poor Old llube ! Tlie cussed thing lia.- 
 ourned him to ashes bones an' all ! Thur ain't as much o' im left as 'ud fill a tabacca 
 pipe !" 
 
 "The thur ain't!" replied a voice that caused both of us to start in our saddles 
 
 i* if it had been Rube's ghost that addressed us. PARK 1<v" 
 
KUBE BOASTED AL.VE. 163 
 
 ourned out, with the rapidity of blazing flax, so that nothing 
 now remained to cause a smoke. The fire was red or dead in 
 an instant. We could see clear enough all that lay over the 
 ground, but nothing like the remains of a human being I 
 
 " No," said Garey, with a long-drawn sigh. " Poor Old Rube I 
 The cussed thing has burned him to ashes bones an all ! Thur 
 ain't as much o' im left as 'ud fill a tabacca-pipe 1" 
 
 " The h-11 thur ain't !" replied a voice that caused both of us 
 to start in our saddles, as if it had been Rube's ghost that ad 
 dressed us " the h-11 thur ain't !" repeated the voice, as though 
 it came out of the ground beneath our feet. "Thur's enough o' 
 Ole Rube left to fill the stummuk o' this hyur buffler ; an by the 
 jumpin Geehosophat, a tight fit it ur ! Wagh ! I'm nigh suf 
 focated ! Gie's yur claws, Bill, an pull me out o' this hyur trap !'' 
 
 To our astonishment the pendent hide of the buffalo was raised 
 by an invisible hand ; and underneath appeared, protruding 
 through a hole in the side of the huge carcass, the unmistakable 
 physiognomy of the earless trapper ! 
 
 There was something so ludicrous in the apparition, that the 
 sight of it, combined with the joyful reaction of our feelings, sent 
 both Garey and myself into convulsions of laughter. The young 
 trapper lay back in the saddle to give freer play to his lungs ; 
 and his loud cachinnations, varied at intervals by savage yells, 
 caused our horses to dance about as if they dreaded an onslaught 
 of Indians ! 
 
 At first, I could detect a significant smile at the angles formed 
 by Rube's thin lips ; but this disappeared as the laughter con 
 tinued too long for his patience. 
 
 " Cuss yur larfin !" cried he at length. " Kum, Billee, boy I 
 Lay holt hyur, an gi' me a help, or I must wriggle out o' mee- 
 self. The durned hole ain't es big es twur when I krep in. Duru 
 it, man, make haste ! I'm beiter'n half-baked !" 
 
 Garey now leaped from his horse, and taking hold of his com 
 rade by the "claws," drew him out of his singular hiding-plare, 
 
164: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 But the appearance of the old trapper, as he stood erect red, 
 reeking, and greasy was so supremely ludicrous, that both 
 Garey and I were forced into a fresh fit of laughter, which lasted 
 for several minutes. 
 
 Rube, once released from his uncomfortable situation, paid not 
 the slightest attention to our mirth ; but stooping down, drew 
 out his long rifle from where he had secured it under the hang 
 ing skin and after having examined the piece, to see that DO 
 harm had come to it, he laid it gently across the horns of the 
 bull. Then taking the "bowie" from his belt, he quietly pro 
 ceeded with the skinning of the buffalo, as if nothing had hap 
 pened to interrupt the operation. 
 
 Meanwhile Garey and I had laughed ourselves hoarse, and, 
 moreover, were brimful of curiosity to know the particulars of 
 Rube's adventure. For some time he fought shy of our queries, 
 and pretended to be " miffed " at the manner in whi^h we had 
 welcomed him to life again. It was all pretence, however, as 
 Garey well knew ; and the latter having thrust into his comrade's 
 hand the gourd, still containing a small drop of aguardiente, 
 soon conciliated him ; and after a little more coaxing, he conde 
 scended to give us the details of his curious escapade. Tims 
 ran his narration : 
 
 " Ee wur both o' yur mighty green to think thet arter fightin 
 grizzly bar an Injun for nigh forty yeern on these hyur pararais, 
 I wur a gwine to be rubbed out by a spunk o' fire like thet. 
 Preehaps 'twur natural enough for the young fellur hyur to take 
 me for a greenhorn, seein as he oncost tuk me for a grizzly. He, 
 he, he ho, ho, boo ! I say it wur, an ur natural enough for 
 him to a thort so ; but you might a knowd better yr,n,, Bill 
 Garey, seein as ee oughter knowd me. 
 
 " Wai !" continued Rube, after another " suck" at the gourd, 
 " when I seed the weeds afire, I knowd it wa'nt no use makiu 
 tracks. Preehaps if I'd a spied the thing when the bleeze fust 
 broke out, I mout a run for it, an mout a hed time ; but I wur 
 
RUBE ROASTED ALIVE. 165 
 
 uusy ^kinnin this hyur beest wi' my head clost down to the kar- 
 kidg y an thurfor didn't see nuthin till I heern the cracklin, an 
 in coorse thur wa'nt the ghost o' a chance to git clur then. I 
 seed thet at the fust glhnp. 
 
 " I ain't a gwine to say I wa'nt skeart ; I wur skeart, an bad 
 skeart too. I thort for a spell, I wur boun -to go under. Jest 
 then I sot my eyes upon the buffler. I bed got the critter 'bout 
 half-skinned, as ee see ; an the idee kirn inter my head, I mout 
 crawl somehow under, an pull the hide >ver me. I tried thct 
 plan fust ; but I kudn't git kivered to my saterfaction, an I gin 
 it up. A better idee then kirn uppermost, an thet wur to clur 
 out the auymal's inside, an thur cache. I reck'u I wa'nt long in 
 euttin out a wheen o' the buffler's ribs, an tearin out the guts ; 
 an I wa'nt long neyther in squezzin my karkidge, feet fo'raost, 
 through the hole. I hedn't need to a been long ; it wur a, close 
 shave an a tight fit, it wur. Jest as 1 hed got my head 'bout 
 half through, the bleeze kirn swizziu round, an nearly singed the 
 ears off o 1 me.. He, he, he ho, ho, hoo !" 
 
 Garey and I joined in the laugh, at what we both knew to be 
 one of Old Rube's favorite jokes ; but Rube himself chuckled so 
 long, that we became impatient to hear the end of his adventure. 
 
 " Well 1" interrupted Garey, " cousarn your old skin ! what 
 next r 
 
 " Wagh 1" continued the trapper, " the way thet bleeze did 
 kum wur a caution to snakes. It roared and screeched, an 
 yowlted an hissed, an the weeds crackled like a million o' wagon- 
 whups ! I wur like to be spiflicated wi' the smoke, but I con- 
 truv to pull down the flap o' hide, an thet gin me some relief, 
 though I wur well-nigh choked afore I got the thing fixed. So 
 thur I lay till I heern you fellurs palaverin about a 'bacca-pipe, 
 an thurfur I knowd the hul thing wur over. Wagh 1" 
 
 And with this exclamation Rube ended his narration, and 
 once more betook himself to the butchering of the already half 
 masted buffalo. 
 
166 THE WAR-TRAIT,. 
 
 Garey and I lent a hand ; and having cut out the hump-ribs 
 and other titbits, we returned to the camp. What with broiled 
 hyodons, roast ribs, tongue, and marrow-bones, we had no rea 
 son for that night to be dissatisfied with the hospitality of the 
 prairies. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 THE MESA. 
 
 AFTER a breakfast of buffalo-flesh, seasoned with splendid ap 
 petites, and washed down by a cup of cold water from the arroyo, 
 we " saddled up," and headed for a high butte, just visible over 
 the plain. My companions knew the landmark well. It lay di 
 rectly in our route. We should pass near its base, and a ride 
 of ten miles further would bring us to the end of our journey ; 
 indeed, the eminence was within sight of the rancheria. From 
 the roof of the alcalde's house, I had frequently noticed it. In 
 clear weather only was it visible, outlined against the horizon, in 
 a northwesterly direction from the village. 
 
 Struck with the singularity of this prairie-mound, I had pro 
 jected a visit to it ; but circumstances had prevented me from 
 carrying out my intention. I was now to have the pleasure of u 
 nearer acquaintance with it. 
 
 I have called it singular. Most isolated hills are conical, 
 dome-shaped, or ridge-like ; this one differed from the usual con 
 figuration hence its singularity. It presented the appearance 
 of a huge box set upon the prairie, not unlike that rare forma 
 tion, the " cofre," which crowns the summit of the mountain 
 Perote*. Its sides in the distance appeared perfectly vertical t 
 and its top as horizontal as the plain on which it rested. 
 
THE MESA. 167 
 
 As we drew nearer, I could perceive, by the dark parapet-like 
 band along its crest, that it was covered with a growth of tim 
 ber. This was the more readily observed from contrast with the 
 perpendicular sides, which were almost of a snowy whiteness, on 
 account of the gypsum, chalk, or milky quartz of which the rock 
 was composed. The most peculiar feature of the mound was 
 perhaps its apparently regular form a perfect parallelopipedon. 
 But it was striking in other respects. Its sides glistened fan 
 tastically under the rays of the sun, as though it were studded 
 with windows of glass. This, however, was easily accounted 
 for ; and I knew that the sparkling effect was produced by plates 
 of mica or selenite that entered into the composition of the rock. 
 I had seen whole mountains that presented a similar appearance. 
 More than one such exists in the great American Saa'ra, in whose 
 glittering cliffs, viewed from afar, may be found the origin of that 
 wild chimera, the mountain of gold. 
 
 Although neither a mountain of gold nor silver, the mound in 
 question was an object of rare interest. A very enchanted castle 
 did it appear, and it was difficult to assign its formation to nature 
 alone. Human agency, one could not help fancying, must have 
 had something to do in piling up a structure so regular and com 
 pact. But he who has travelled over much of the earth's sur 
 face will have met with many " frea.ks" of nature, exhibiting like 
 opr>earance of design, in her world of inorganic matter. It was, 
 in iO,?t, one of those formations of which many are met with in 
 the plateaux-lands of America, known in Spanish phraseology as 
 mesas. This name is given to them in allusion to the flat table 
 like tops, which distinguish them from other elevated summits. 
 Sometimes one of these mesas is found hundreds of miles from 
 any similar eminence ; more frequently a number of them stand 
 near each other, like truncated cones the summits of all being 
 on the same level, and often covered with a vegetation differing 
 materially from that of the surrounding plains. Geologists have 
 affirmed that these table-tops are the ancient level of the plain* 
 
168 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 themselves ; and that all around, and intervening between them, 
 has either sunk or submitted to the degradation of water ! It 
 is a vague explanation, and scarcely satisfies the speculative 
 mind. The mesa of Mexico is still a geological puzzle. 
 
 As we approached this singular object, I could not help re 
 garding it with a degree of curiosity. I had seen mesa heights 
 before in the "mauvaise terre," upon the Missouri, in the 
 Navajo country west of the Rocky Mountains, and along the 
 edges of the *' Llano Estacado," which of itself is a vast mesa. 
 The mound before us was peculiar, from its very regular form, 
 and the sparkling sheen of its cliffs. Its complete isolation, 
 moreover, added to the effect for no other eminence appeared 
 in sight. The low hills that bordered the Rio Grande could 
 barely be distinguished in the distance. 
 
 On getting nearer to it, its character became somewhat altered ; 
 the square box-like form appeared less regular, and it was then 
 perceived that the parallelopipedou was not perfect. Slight 
 ledges could be traced traversing the face of its cliffs, and here 
 and there the rectangular lines were broken to the eye. Nature, 
 after all, had not been so exact in her architecture. Yet, with 
 every deductiod, it was a singular structure to look upon, not the 
 less so that its summit was inaccessible to human foot. A pro 
 cipice fifty yards sheer fronted outward on all sides ; no one had 
 ever scaled this precipice so alleged my companions, who were 
 well acquainted with the locality. 
 
 We had approached within less than a mile of its base ; GUI 
 conversation had dropped at least so far as I was concerned , 
 nij thoughts were occupied with the mound, and my eyes wan 
 dered over its outlines. I was endeavoring to make out the 
 character of the vegetation which seemed to flourish luxuriantly 
 on its summit. The dark foliage was evidently that uf some 
 species of acicular trees, perhaps the common red cedar (Juni- 
 perus Virginiana) ; but there were others of lighter hue in all 
 likelihood pinons, the pines with edible cones, peculiar to this 
 
THE MESA. 169 
 
 region. I noticed, also, growing upon the very edge of the cliff, 
 yuccas and aloes, whose radiating blades, stretching out, curved 
 gracefully over the white rock. Forms of cactus, too, were ap 
 parent, and several plants of the great pitahaya, rose high above 
 the cliff, like gigantic candelabra, strange objects in vsuch a situa 
 tion. 
 
 My companions seemed to have no eyes for these rare vege 
 table beauties ; I could hear them- at intervals engaged in con 
 versation ; but the subject had no reference to the scene, and I 
 paid little attention to what they were saying. 
 
 All at once I was startled by the voice of Garey, giving utter 
 ance to the emphatic announcement : 
 
 " Injuns, by I" 
 
 " Indians ! where ?" 
 
 The interrogation escaped my lips. It was half-involuntary, 
 and needed no reply. Garey's glance guided me ; and, following 
 its direction, I observed a string of horsemen just debouching 
 from behind the mesa, and spurring forward upon the plain. 
 
 Both my companions had drawn bridle, and halted. I followed 
 their example ; and all three of us sat in our saddles, scanning 
 this sudden apparition of mounted men. A dozen had now 
 cleared themselves from behind the mesa, and were riding 
 towards us. 
 
 W* were yet nearly a mile from them ; and at that distance 
 it is difficult to distinguish a white man from an Indian I should 
 rather say impossible. Even at half the distance, the oldest 
 prairie-men are sometimes puzzled. The garments are often not 
 very dissimilar, and sun-bronze and dust confound the complex 
 ions. Although Garey, at first sight of them, had pronounced 
 the horsemen to be Indians the most probable supposition 
 under 'the circumstances it was but a random conjecture, and 
 for some time we remained in doubt. 
 
 " If they're Injuns,' 7 suggested Garey, " they're Comanche." 
 
 " An if thur Kimanch," added Rube, with ominous emphasis, 
 
 8 
 
170 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 *' we've got to fight. If thur Kimanch, thur on the war-trail, an 
 thur'll be mischief in 'em. Wagh ! Look to your flints an 
 primin !" 
 
 Rube's counsel was instantly followed. Necessity quickened 
 our precautions. All of us well knew, that, should the approach 
 ing horsemen turn out to be Comanches, we had no alternative 
 but fight. 
 
 This warlike nation occupies the whole western area of Texas, 
 ranging from the Rio Grande on the south to the Arkansas on 
 the north. They are to-day, with their kindred tribes, the most 
 powerful Indian alliance on the continent. They affect the 
 ownership of all prairie-land, styling themselves its " lords," 
 though their sovereignty towards the north is successfully dis 
 puted by the Pawnees, Sioux, Blackfeet, and others as warlike 
 as they. From the earliest times, they have been the fiend of 
 the Texan settler ; and a detailed account of their forays and 
 pillaging expeditions would fill a score of volumes. But from 
 these they have not gone back unscathed. The reprisals have 
 outnumbered the assaults, and the rifle of the border ranger has 
 done its work of vengeance. In Mexico they have found less 
 puissant defenders of the hearth and home ; and upon the north 
 eastern provinces of that unhappy country, the Comanches have 
 been for the last half-century in the habit of making an annual 
 foray of war and plunder. In fact, this has become the better 
 part of their subsistence, as they usually return from their riev- 
 krg expeditions laden with spoil, and carrying with them vast 
 droves of horses, mules, horned cattle, and captive women. For 
 a short time these dusky freebooters were at peace with the Anglo- 
 American colonists of Texas.' It was but a temporary armistice, 
 brought about by Houston ; but Lamar's administration, of a 
 less pacific character, succeeded, and the settlers were again em 
 broiled with the Indians. War to the knife was declared and 
 carried on ; red and white killed each other on sight. When 
 two men met upon the prairie, the color of th<? skin determined 
 
THE MESA.. 171 
 
 lie relations between them ! If they differed in this, they were 
 enemies without parley, and to kill the other was the first thought 
 )f each. The lex talionis was the custom of the hour. 
 
 If the rancor could possibly have been augmented, an incident 
 had just transpired calculated to have that effect. A band of 
 Comanche warriors had offered their services to the commander- 
 in-chief of the American army! They held the following lan 
 guage : 
 
 " Let us fight on your side. We have no quarrel with you. 
 You are warriors : we know it, and respect you. We fight 
 against the cowardly Mexicans, who robbed us of our country. 
 We fight for Moctezuma !" 
 
 These words, uttered along the whole northern frontier of 
 Mexico, are full of strange import. 
 
 The American commander prudently declined the Comanche 
 alliance ; and the result was the bitter triangular war in which, 
 as already noticed, we were now engaged. 4 
 
 If, then, the approaching horsemen were Indians of the Co 
 manche tribe, Rube's forecast was correct ; we had " got to 
 fight." 
 
 With this understanding, we lost no time in putting ourselves 
 in an attitude of defence. Hastily dismounting, and sheltering 
 our bodies behind those of our horses, we awaited the approach 
 of the band, 
 
172 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 GUERRILLEROS. 
 
 THE manoeuvre had occupied only a few seconds of time, and 
 the horsemen were yet distant. They had thrown themselves 
 into a formation, and were riding " by twos /" 
 
 This movement took us by surprise. The tactics were not In 
 dian : Comanches never march in double file. The horsemen 
 could not be Indians. Who, then ? 
 
 A sudden hope crossed my mind, that it might be a party of 
 my own people, out in search of me. " By twos " was our 
 favorite and habitual order of march. But no ; the long lances 
 and streaming pennons at once dissipated the hope : there was 
 not a lance in the American army. They could not be " rangers." 
 
 Comanches on the war-trail would have been armed with the 
 lance, but clearly they were not Comanches. 
 
 " Wagh I" exclaimed Rube, after eyeing them intently, " Ef 
 thur Injuns, I'm a niggur ! Ef thur Injuns, they've got beards 
 an sombrayras, an thet a'Vt Injun sign nohow. No 1" he added, 
 raising his voice, " thur a gang o' yellur-bellied Mexikins ! thet's 
 what they ur." 
 
 All three of us had arrived simultaneously at the same con 
 viction. The horsemen were Mexicans. 
 
 It was no great source of rejoicing to know this ; and the 
 knowledge produced no change in our defensive attitude. We 
 well knew that a band of Mexicans, armed as these were, could 
 not be other than a hostile party, and bitter too in their hostility. 
 For several weeks past, the petite gwrre had been waged with 
 dire vengeance. The neutral ground had been the scene of re- 
 
GUEBKILLEROS. 173 
 
 M 
 
 prisals, and terrible retaliations. On one side, wagon-trains had 
 been attacked and captured, harmless teamsters murdered, or 
 mutilated whilst still alive. I saw one with his arms cut off by 
 the elbow-joints, his heart taken out, and thrust between his 
 teeth ! He was dead ; but another whom I saw still lived, with 
 the cross deeply gashed upon his breast, upon his brow, on the 
 soles of his feet, and the palms of his hands a horrid spectacle 
 to look upon ! 
 
 On the other side, ranchos were ransacked and ruined, villages 
 given to the flames, and men on mere suspicion shot down upon 
 the spot or hanged upon the nearest tree ! Such a character 
 had the war assumed ; and under these circumstances, we knew 
 that the approaching horsemen were our deadly foes. 
 
 Beyond a doubt, it was either a scouting party of Mexican 
 lancers, a guerilla, or a band of robbers. During the war, the 
 two last were nearly synonymous, and the first not unfrequently 
 partook of the character of both. 
 
 One thing that puzzled us what could any of the three be 
 doing in that quarter ? The neutral ground the scene of 
 guerilla operations lay between the two armies ; and we were 
 now far remote from it ; in fact, altogether away from the settle 
 ments. What could have brought lancers, guerilleros, or rob- 
 Ders, out upon the plains ? There was no game in that quarter 
 for any of these gentry neither an American force to be attack 
 ed, nor a traveller to be plundered ! My own troop was the 
 out-picket in this direction, and it was full ten miles off. The 
 only thing likely to be met with near the mesa was a war-party 
 of Comanches, and we knew the Mexicans well enough to be con 
 vinced that, whether soldiers or freebooters, they were not in 
 search of that. 
 
 Such reflections, made in double-quick time, occurred to us as 
 we scanned the advancing troop. 
 
 Up to this moment, they had ridden directly towards us, and 
 were now nearly in a line between us and the mesa. On getting 
 
174: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 4 
 
 within about half a mile of our position, they turned sharply to 
 ward the west, and rode as if to make round to our rear ! This 
 manoeuvre of course placed us upon their flank ; and now, out 
 lined against the sky, we could distinctly trace their forms and 
 note their habiliments and armour. Nearly all wore broad- 
 brimmed sombreros, with jacket, sash, and calzoneros. They 
 carried lanqes, lazoes, and carbines or escopettes. We could dis 
 tinguish sabres and machetes the universal weapon of the Mexi 
 can ranchero. They could not be drilled troops. Their costumes, 
 as well as a certain irregularity in their manoeuvring, forbade 
 this supposition. Their lances, moreover, were borne in all sorts 
 of ways some couched, some resting in the stirrup and held 
 correctly, while others were carried over the shoulder like a fire 
 lock ! No, they could not be a troop of regulars They were 
 either guerrilkros or true salteadores. 
 
 After riding nearly a half-circle round still keeping at the 
 same distance the troop suddenly made front towards us, and 
 halted. 
 
 We had been puzzled by their going round ; we could not 
 divine their object in so doing. It could not be to cut off our 
 retreat. The timber in the back direction was miles off. Had 
 it been near enough, we should certainly have retreated to it 
 long before ; but we knew it was too distant. Rube and his 
 old mare would have been overtaken by our well-mounted 
 enemies, long ere we could have gained the woods; we knew this, 
 and therefore did not think of making the attempt. On the 
 other side was the mesa, which, by their late movement had been 
 left open to us. It was but a half mile off, and perhaps, by 
 making a dash, we might have reached it; but not a tree grew 
 near it except those on its summit and its rocky wall appar 
 ently offered no advantage to us, any more than the open plain. 
 The enemy seemed to be aware of this, else they would not have 
 ridden round, and thus left the way clear. 
 
 Until the moment of their halt, therefore, we remained ignor 
 
GUERRILLEKO8. 175 
 
 ant of their motive in moviig to our rear; then it was explained. 
 Their object was evident tc all of us: they had halted between 
 us and the sun ! 
 
 It was a cunning manoeuvre, worthy of a war-party of Indians, 
 and told us we had no common enemy to deal with. By ap 
 proaching us from that direction, they would have a decided 
 advantage ; our aim would be spoiled by the sun now low dowo 
 upon the horizon, and gleaming right in our eyes. My compan 
 ions were wroth at the trick that had been thus played so 
 adroitly; though we could not have hindered it even if forewarned. 
 
 We were allowed but little- time to reflect upon the matter ; 
 we saw by the movements of the horsemen that they were pre 
 paring to charge. One who appeared to be the leader, mounted 
 upon a larger horse than any of the rest, was addressing them. 
 He rode along the line speaking in a loud tone, and gesticulat 
 ing violently; he was answered with vivas, which we could plainly 
 hear. Every moment we looked to see them gallop forward. 
 
 We knew there was no alternative but fight or surrender, 
 though not one of us entertained an idea of the latter ; for my 
 self, I should as soon have thought of turning my pistol to rny 
 own head. My uniform, tattered as it was, would easily reveal 
 my character to the enemy ; and, if captured, I knew I should 
 be hung, or perhaps in the absence of trees, shot down upon the 
 spot. My comrades had reasons for knowing that their shrift 
 would be equally short : neither thought for a moment of tamely 
 yielding. 
 
 " No I" emphatically pronounced Rube, "this child don't uv 
 in, till he's rubbed out, he don't ! Tarnation odds too !" he add 
 ed, looking towards the troop; "twelve agin three o' us. Durc 
 the odds 1 I've got clur o' wuss scrapes than 't looks yit, ar.d so 
 -Ve you, Bill Garey hain't we, boyee ? Durn the odds 1 let 
 'em kum on ?" 
 
 " Ay," responded Garey, without the slightest show of excite 
 ment, "they'd better not come too near 'ithout tellin tharbisness 
 
176 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 I see one saddle that I'll empty the minnit they pass yon weed." 
 And the speaker indicated a bunch of the artemisia plant that 
 grew some two hundred pares off in the direction of the horse 
 men. 
 
 The reckless talk of the old trapper, with the contrasted cool 
 bearing of his younger companion, had fixed my nerves fully. 
 At the first sight of so many adversaries, I was not without some 
 misgivings in fact, I felt fear. Such odds against us four to 
 one was fair cause for apprehension. But it was not my first 
 fight against large odds, both Indian and Mexican ; and on that 
 account I regarded it the lss seriously. 
 
 Notwithstanding the superiority of our enemy in number, I 
 knew we were not so unequal. Unless shot down by the finst 
 volley of their carbines and escopettes, each of our three rifles 
 was sure of its man. I had confidence in my own weapon, and 
 a still more perfect reliance on those of my comrades. They 
 were men that never missed men who never fired a random 
 shot never drew trigger till their aim was sure. I felt certain, 
 therefore, that should the horsemen charge upon us, only nine. 
 of the twelve would ever come within pistol-shot, and for that 
 iistance we were well prepared. I carried in my belt a six- 
 chambered revolver, one of Colt's best ; Garey had another a 
 present I had made him many years before and Rube was 
 armed with a pair of stout single barrels, like enough to do good 
 service. 
 
 " Seventeen shots ! wi' our bowies to fall back upon 1" cried 
 Garey triumphantly, as we finished a hasty survey of our arms. 
 
 As yet the enemy did not advance; notwithstanding their vivas 
 and ejaculations, they appeared to hesitate about charging. 
 Their leader, and another a lieutenant, perhaps were still seen 
 ;iding along their line, as if animating them by further speech, 
 aud giving them orders how to act. 
 
 Meanwhile, we had not been idle we had formed square to 
 receive the charge ! You may smile, but such was in reality the 
 
THE P-AJRLEY. 177 
 
 case We had formed square with our horses ! There were 
 four oi them, for the wild horse counted one. Garey, who rode 
 like a Comanche, had broken him at our last camp, and he was 
 now perfectly tractable. The shake cf a lazo rendered him docile 
 as a lamb. 
 
 The four were tied Lead to head, and croup to croup, and each 
 formed one side of the square. They could not have broken it 
 even under a charge of cavalry ; bridles must be untied or cut, 
 and lazoes set loose, before that formation could be destroyed ! 
 
 Within stood we, fronting our foes the large horse of Garey 
 forming our barricade our heads and feet alone visible to the 
 enemy. 
 
 Thus did we await their onset. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 THE PARLEY. 
 
 ANOTHER chorus of vivas announced that the guerrilla ehia> 
 had finished his oration, and that the attack was about to b 
 made. We saw him, with one or ,two others, advance in front 
 of the line, and head towards us, evidently intending to lead. the 
 charge. 
 
 " Now !" muttered Rube, in a sharp quick tone, "guns ready, 
 boys 1 no waste shots, d' yur hear ? Lead counts hyur it do. 
 See 1 By the jumpin Geehosophat, thur a gwine to ride right 
 
 down 1 Let 'em kum on, and be ! Thur's one o' 'em won't 
 
 git this fur I mout say two I mout say three i'deed. Durn 
 the glint o' thet sun 1 Billee !" he continued, addressing Garey, 
 "ee '11 shoot fust; yur gun's furrest carry. Plug the big un on 
 8* 
 
ITS THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 the clay-bank boss. This child's for No. 2 on the grey mustang 
 An, young fellur 1 ee '11 jest pick off thet niggur on the roan. I 
 know yur wild cat to the bone, but keep yur eye skinned, and 
 yur narves steady, d' yur hear ?" 
 
 " Yes, yes !" I hurriedly answered, though at the time steadi 
 ness of nerves was easier promised than practised. My heart 
 was heaving in quick pulsations at the near jfrospect of the terri 
 ble drama about to be enacted. 
 
 At this moment the " Forward" fell upon our ears, and with 
 the wild notes of the bugle came the words : 
 
 " Andela ! anda ! Dios y Guadalupe /" 
 
 In an instant, the troop was in motion, and pressed forward, 
 galloping to the charge. 
 
 They had not made many stretches before their line became 
 broken, several of the swiftest or most courageous forging ahead 
 of the others. 
 
 " The three fo'most 1" cried Rube, in the same sharp tone 
 *' the three fo'most ! That'll fotch 'em up wi' a roun turn, or 
 this child's mistaken. Now, boyees ! mind yur eyes ! Steady! 
 Stea-dy stea-dy " 
 
 All at once, Rube's muttered cautions, slowly drawled out, 
 were changed to an exclamation that betokened surprise, follow 
 ed by a long low whistle of the same import ! The cause was 
 clear. The guerrilleros had got within three hundred yards of 
 us, still going at a gallop, but we could perceive that their pace 
 slackened as they advanced ; already it was more of an amble, 
 than the forward dash of an earnest charge. It was evident 
 they had no stomach for the business now that they were near 
 enough to see the shining barrels and black hollow tubes of oar 
 levelled rifles. 
 
 Garey was waiting till the foremost should pass the artemisia 
 bush ; for by that he had long since calculated the point-blank 
 range of his rifle. Another moment, and its crack would have 
 been heard ; but the horseman, as if warned by iastinct, seemed 
 
THE PARLEY. 179 
 
 to divine the exact limit of danger. Before reaching the bush, 
 bis heart failed him, and in a wavering, irresolute manner, he 
 drew bridle, and halted ! The others, nothing loath, followed 
 his example, until the whole troop had pulled up within less 
 than three hundred yards of the muzzles of our guns 1 
 
 " Cowed, by !" shouted Rube with a derisive laugh. 
 
 " Hulloo I" continued he, raising his voice still louder, and ad 
 dressing the halted line : "what the h 11 do ee want, anyhow V 
 
 Whether Rube's interrogatory was understood or not, it 
 elicited a reply: 
 
 " Amigos ! somos amigos !" (We are friends !) shouted back 
 the leader of the band. 
 
 " Friends be durned !" exclaimed the trapper, who knew 
 enough of Spanish to understand the signification of amigos. 
 "Nice friends you! Wagh ! D'yur think to bamfoozle US' 
 thet away ? Keep yur distance now P continued he, raising 
 his rifle iu a threatening manner, as a movement was perceptible 
 among the horsemen. " Keep yur distance, or, by the tarnal 
 airthquake 1 I'll plug the fust o' ye thet rides within reach. 
 Durn such friends as you I" 
 
 The leader now conversed in a low tone with his lieutenant. 
 Some new design seemed to have been devised between them 
 and after a while, the former again addressed us ; speaking as 
 before in Spanish. 
 
 " We are friends 1" said he: "we mean you no harm. Tc 
 prove it, I will order my men to fall back upon the prairie, while 
 my lieutenant, unarmed, will meet one of you on the neutral 
 ground. Surely^ you can have no objection to that ?" 
 
 " And why such an arrangement ?" inquired Garey, who spoke 
 Spanish fluently. " We want nothing of you. What do you 
 want from us, with all this durn'd fuss ?" 
 
 " i have business with you,' 7 replied the Mexican ; "and you, 
 sir, in particular. I have something to say to you I don't wish 
 ethers to hear." 
 
180 THE WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 As he said this, the speaker turned his head, and nodded signifi 
 cantly towards his own following. He was candid with th<-.m 
 at least. 
 
 This unexpected dialogue took all three of us by surprise. 
 What could the man want with G-arey ? The latter knew noth 
 ing of him had never, as he declared, "sot eyes on the niggui 
 before;" although at such a distance with the sun in his face, 
 and the Mexican's sombrero slouched as it was Garey might 
 be mistaken. It might be some one whom he had met, though 
 he could not recall him to mind. 
 
 After a short consultation, we agreed that Garey should ac 
 cept the proposal. No evil could result from it none that we 
 could think of. Garey could easily get back, before any attack 
 could be made upon him, and Rube and I should still be ready 
 to protect him with our pieces. If they meditated treachery, 
 we could not perceive the advantage they were to gain from the 
 proceeding. 
 
 The " parley " therefore was accepted, and the conditions ar 
 ranged with due caution on our part. The horsemen with the 
 exception of the leader and his lieutenant were to ride back to 
 the distance of half a mile ; the leader was to remain where he 
 was ; and half-way between him and us, Garey and the lieuten 
 ant were to meet, both of them on foot and unarmed. 
 
 At an order from their chief, the guerrilleros fell back. The 
 lieutenant dismounted, laid his lance along the ground, unbuckled 
 his sabre, drew the pistols from his belt, and placing them beside 
 the lance, advanced towards the appointed spot. 
 
 Garey had likewise disarmed himself; and leaving his weapons 
 in charge of Rube and myself, stepped forth to meet the Mexican. 
 In another minute, the two stood face to face, and the "parley" 
 began. 
 
 It was of short duration. The speaking, which appeared to 
 be principally done by the Mexican, was carried on in a low tone; 
 an<l Rube and I saw that he pointed frequently in our direction. 
 
A DEAD SHOT. 181 
 
 as if we were the subject of his discourse 1 We observed that 
 his harangue was suddenly interrupted by Garey, who, turning 
 round at the same instant, cried out to us in English: 
 
 " Hillow, Rube ! what do yer think the skunk wants ?" 
 
 " How shed I know ?" replied Rube. " What do >e want ?" 
 
 " Why, he wants " Garey's voice rose louder with indigna 
 tion "he wants us to give up the ranger-captain ; an sez, if we 
 do, you an me can go free. Ha, ha, ha 1" and the young trap 
 per ended his announcement with a scornful laugh. 
 
 Simultaneous with Garey's laugh, I could hear Rube utter a 
 low whistle, and the words "thet's how the stick floats ;" and, 
 then raising his voice, he called out: 
 
 " An what answer hev you gin him, Billee ?" 
 
 " I hain't answered him yet," was the prompt reply ; " but 
 hyar's the answer 1" 
 
 I saw Garey's arm raised, with his huge fist clenched ; I saw 
 it descend like a trip-hammer upon the face of the Mexican, who 
 with the blow fell heavily to the earth ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXX11. 
 
 A DEAD SHOT. 
 * 
 
 THE unexpected closing of the conference elicited an angry 
 shout from the Mexican horsemen ; and, without waiting for 
 orders, they galloped up to their chief. Halting at long range, 
 they fired their carbines and escopettes ; but their bullets cut 
 the grass far in front of us, and one or two that hurtled past, 
 were wide of the mark. 
 
 The lieutenant, who had been only stunned, soon recovered 
 his legs, but not his temper. His wrath overbalanced his pra 
 
182 THE WAE-TKAIL. 
 
 deuce, else the moment he found his feet, he would liave made 
 the best of his way to his horse and comrades. Instead of do 
 ing so, he turned full front towards us, raised his arm in the air, 
 shook his clenched hand in a menacing manner, accompanying the 
 action with a torrent of defiant speech. Of what he said, we 
 understood but the concluding phrase, and that was the bitter 
 and blasphemous carajo ! that hissed through his teeth with the 
 energetic aspiration of rage and revenge. 
 
 That oath was the last word he ever uttered ; his parting 
 breath scarcely carried it from his lips, ere he ceased to live. I 
 heard the fierce word, and almost simultaneously, the crack of a 
 rifle, fired close to my ear. I saw the dust puff out from the 
 embroidered spencer of the Mexican, and directly over his heart ; 
 I saw his hand pass rapidly to the spot, and the next moment he 
 fell forward upon his face ! 
 
 Without a groan, without a struggle, he lay as he had fallen, 
 spread dead and motionless upon the prairie ! 
 
 " Thur, durn yur carako 1" cried a voice at my shoulder ; "ee 
 won't bid for me agin, ee skunk thet ee won't 1" 
 
 I needed no explanation, thoqgh I turned involuntarily to the 
 speaker. Of course it was Rube. His rifle was smoking at the 
 muzzle, and he was proceeding to reload it. 
 
 "Wa-hoo woop I" continued he, uttering his wild war-cry j 
 "thet shortens thur count, I reck'n. Another nick for Targuts ! 
 Gi' me her for a gun. Wagh ! a long pull it wur for the ole 
 weepun ; and the glint in my eyes too ! The niggur riled me, 
 or I wudn't a risked it. Hold yur bosses, boys !" he continued 
 in a more earnest tone: "don't fire till I'm loaded for yur lives, 
 don't !" 
 
 " All right, Rube I" cried Garey, who hastily passing under 
 the belly of his horse, had re-entered the square, and once more 
 handled his rifle. " All right, old boy I Ne'er a fear ! we '11 
 wait for ye." 
 
 Somewhat to our surprise, Rube was allowed ample time to 
 
A DEAD SHOT. 183 
 
 reload, and our three barrels once more protruded over the 
 shoulders of Garey's horse. Our animals still held their respec 
 tive positions. Three of them were too well used to such scenes, 
 to be startled by the detonation of a rifle ; and the fourth, 
 fastened as he was, kept his place perforce. 
 
 I say, to our surprise, we were allowed time to get into our 
 old vantage-ground ; for we had expected an immediate charge 
 from the guerrilla. 
 
 Vengeance for the death of their comrade would give them 
 courage enough for that ; so thought we ; but we were mistaken, 
 as their ire only vented itself in fierce yells, violent gestures, and 
 loud cries. 
 
 They had clustered around their chief without order or forma 
 tion. They seemed to pay but slight regard to his authority. 
 Some appeared urging him to lead them on ! Some came 
 galloping nearer, and fired their carbines ; others shook their 
 lances in a threatening manner ; but one and all were careful to 
 keep outside that perilous circle, whose circumference marked 
 the range of our rifles. They seemed even less inclined for close 
 quarters than ever ; the fate of their comrade had awed them. 
 
 The dead man lay about half-way between them and us, glit 
 tering in his picturesque habiliments. They were .weaker by his 
 loss, for not only had he been one of their leaders, but one of 
 their best men. They saw he was dead, though none had dared 
 to approach him They knew the Texan rifle of old these 
 spangled heroes ; they saw, moreover, that we were armed with 
 revolvers, and the fame of this terrible weapon had been already 
 carried beyond the frontier of the Rio Grande. 
 
 Notwithstanding all that, men of our race, under similar cir 
 cumstances, would have charged without hesitation. So, too, 
 would men of theirs, three centuries ago. 
 
 Perhaps in that band was an Alvarado, a Sandoval, a Diaz, 
 or Be Soto ! only in name. O Cortez ! and you conquistadors 
 could ycu behold your degenerate descendants ! 
 
184 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 And yet not all of them were cowards ; some, I dare say, 
 were brave enough, for there are brave men among the Mexicans. 
 A few were evidently willing to make the attack, but they 
 wanted combination they wanted a leader: he who acted as 
 such appeared to be endowed with more discretion than valor. 
 
 Meanwhile, we kept our eyes fixed upon them, listening to 
 heir varied cries, and closely watching their movements. In 
 perfect coolness, we regarded them at least so much can I say 
 for my comrades. Though life or death rested upon the issue, 
 both were as cool at that moment as if they had been only ob 
 serving the movements of a gang of buffaloes ! There was no 
 sign of trepidation hardly a symptom of excitement visible in 
 the countenance of either. Now and then, a half-muttered 
 ejaculation, a rapid exchange of thought, relating to some fresh 
 movement of the enemy, alone told that both were alive to the 
 peril of the situation. 
 
 I cannot affirm that I shared with them this extreme and per 
 fect sang froid ; though upon my nerves, less indifferent to 
 danger, their example had its effect, and inspired me with courage 
 sufficient for the occasion. Besides, I drew confidence from an 
 other source. In case of defeat, I had a resource unshared by 
 my companions perhaps unthought of by them. Trusting to 
 the matchless speed of my horse, as a last resort, I might possi 
 bly escape. I could have ridden off at that moment without 
 fear of being overtaken, but the craven thought was not enter 
 tained for an instant. By my honour, no ! I should have 
 accepted death upon the spot rather than desert the brave men 
 who stood by my side. To them I was indebted for my life. 
 'Twas for me, that theirs was now in peril ; and from the first 
 moment I had determined to stand by them to the end, and sell 
 my blood at its dearest. In the event of both falling before me, 
 it would then be time to think of flight. 
 
 Even this contingency had the effect of strengthening my 
 courage, and at that moment I viewed the vengeful foe with a 
 
A DEAD SHOT. 185 
 
 eooli,; <as and freedom from fear that, in the retrospect, now sur 
 prise* me. 
 
 During the interval of inaction that followed, I was cool enough 
 to reflect upon the demand which the guerrilla leader had made 
 the surrender of my person. Why was / singled out ? We 
 were all enemies alike all Americans or Texans on Mexican 
 soil, and armed for strife. Why did they want me alone ? Was 
 it because I was superior in rank to my companions ? But how 
 knew they this ? how knew they I was a "ranger captain ?" 
 Ha ! they must have known it before ; they must have conic 
 out specially in search of me ! 
 
 A light flashed suddenly into my mind a suspicion strong 
 almost as certainty. But for the sun glancing in my eyes, I might 
 have earlier obtained an explanation of the mystery. I drew 
 down the visor of my forage-cap, stretching it to its full extent; 
 I increased the shade with my flattened palms, and from under 
 them strained my eyes upon the leader of the band. Already 
 his voice, while in conversation with Garey, had aroused a faint 
 recollection within me. I had heard that voice only once, but I 
 thought I remembered ifc. Guided by my suspicion, I now 
 scrutinized more closely the face of the man. Fortunately, it 
 was turned towards me, and despite the dazzling of the sunbeam, 
 despite the slouched sombrero, I recognized the dark features 
 of Rafael Ijurra 1 Iii that glance I comprehended the situa 
 tion. He it was who wanted the " ranger captain !" 
 
 There was doubt no longer. My suspicion was a certainty; 
 but with the next throb of my heart rose another, a thousand 
 times more painful a suspicion of 
 
 With an effort, I stifled my emotions ; a movement was pre- 
 eeptible among the guerrilleros ; the moment of action had 
 arrived 1 
 
1S6 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 A RUNNING-SHOT. 
 
 THOUGH our enemy was once more in motion, we no longer 
 anticipated a direct attact ; the time for that had passed. The 
 fate of their comrade had evidently checked their ardor, and 
 too much shouting and bravado had cooled, rather than height 
 ened, their enthusiasm. We could tell by their manoeuvring 
 that some new mode of assault had been planned, and was about 
 to be practised. 
 
 " Cowardly skunks!" muttered Rube ; " they hain't the pluck 
 to charge us ! Who ever heerd o' fair fight in a Mexikin ? 
 Wagh ! Thur arter some trick," he continued, in a more serious 
 tone. " What do 'ee think it be, Billee ?" 
 
 " I'm thinkin, old boy," replied Garey, whose keen grey eye 
 had been for some time fixed on the movements of the guerrilla 
 " I'm thinkin thar a goin to gallup roun, an try a shot at us 
 Injun fashion." 
 
 " Yur right,' 1 assented Rube ; "thet's thur game ! Scalp me 
 ef 'taint 1 Look yander ! thur they go !" 
 
 The horsemen were no longer in line, nor formed in any fash 
 ion. Irregularly grouped, they exhibited a "clump" upon the 
 prairie, some standing still, others in motion. As Rube uttered 
 the last words, one of them was seen to shoot out from the main 
 body, spurring his steed into a gallop as he parted from the 
 crowd. 
 
 One might have fancied he was about to ride off from the 
 g*>and: but no; that was not his intention. When he had made 
 
A RUNNING SHOT. 187 
 
 half-a-dozen stretches over the plain, he guided his horse into a 
 curve, evidently with the design of riding around us. 
 
 As soon as he had gained some score of yards from the troop, 
 a second horseman followed, repeating the manoeuvre ; and then 
 another and another, until five of the band, thus deployed, gal 
 loped round us in circles. The remaining six kept their ground. 
 
 We observed that the five had left their lances behind them, 
 and carried only their carbines. 
 
 We were not astonished at this : we divined the intention of 
 our enemies. They were about to practise an old prairie-tactic 
 a stratagem of the horse-Indians, with which all three of us 
 were familiar. 
 
 We might have been more apprehensive about the result had 
 it been really Indians who were going to practise the manoeuvre 
 since in an attack of this kind, the bow, with its m;my missiles 
 in a minute, is far more dangerous than either carbine or rifle. 
 But the fact that our assailants understood the stratagem told 
 us we were opposed to men who had seen Indian-fight no doubt, 
 the pick men of the frontier and to defend ourselves would 
 require all the courage and cunning we possessed. 
 
 It did not surprise us that only a portion of the band gallop 
 ed out to effect the surround ; there was design in that, and we 
 knew it. The fiye who had been detached were to wheel round 
 us in circles, dash at intervals within range, fire their carbines, 
 kill some of our horses, keep us distracted, and, if possible, draw 
 the fire of our rifles. This purpose effected, the other six who 
 already approached as near as was safe for them would charge 
 forward, empty their guns, and then use their lazoes with effect. 
 
 Of this last weapon my companions had more dread than of 
 all the others carried by our foes. They had reason. They 
 knew that our rifles once empty, the lazo could be used beyond 
 pistol-range ; and by such men, with far surer aim than either 
 carbine or escopette ! 
 
 Wft were allowed but scant time to entertain these doubts, 
 
188 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 fears, and conjectures, or to communicate them to one another 
 They passed before us like the lightning's flash : the qaickei 
 that they were old thoughts tilings familiar from experience 
 We were conscious that the stratagem of our enemy had increas 
 ed the peril of our situation ; but we thought not yet of yielding 
 to despair. 
 
 In an instant we had altered our relative positions. The three 
 of us no longer fronted in one direction, but stood back to back 
 each to guard the third of the circle before his face. Thus 
 stood we, rifles in hand. 
 
 The five horsemen were not slow in the execution of their 
 manoeuvre. Once or twice they galloped round us in a wide 
 circle ; and then following a spiral curve, drew nearer and 
 nearer. When within carbine range, each fired his piece ; and, 
 retreating outwards upon the main body, hastily exchanged his 
 empty gun for one that was loaded, and galloped back as before. 
 
 In the first volley, most of their bullets, discharged at random, 
 had passed over our heads. We heard them hissing in the air 
 high above us. One, however, had been better aimed, and struck 
 Rube's mare in the hip, causing the old mustang to squeal and 
 kick violently. It did but little damage, though it was an 
 earnest of what we might expect ; and it was with increased 
 apprehension that we saw the horsemen come back on their cir 
 cling career. 
 
 You will wonder why we did not return their fire ? Our guns 
 
 carried as far as theirs. Why did we not use them, while the 
 
 horsemen were within range ? Not one of the three of us 
 
 thought of drawing a trigger ! You will wonder at this ? It 
 
 equires explanation. 
 
 Know, then, that the five men who galloped round us were 
 five of the best horsemen in the world no doubt the picked 
 riders of the band. Not in Arabia, riot in the hippodromes of 
 Paris or London, could they have found their superiors perhaps 
 not their equals, for these men literally lived ' * the saddle. EacU ; 
 
.A RUNNING SHOT. 189 
 
 ac he approached the dangerous circle covered by our rifles, dis 
 appeared lehi^G th?. lod'y of his horse. A boot and spur over the 
 hollow of the deep saddle-tree, perhaps a hand grasping the 
 cither-lock o x the horst, were all of the rider that could be seen. 
 Presently a face might be observed, suddenly veiled by a puff of 
 smoke from the carbine, and then ducked instantly out of sight. 
 Perhaps the barrel of the piece might be noticed glancing along 
 the horse's counter, while the stream of fire pouring forth, told 
 that the rider had taken aim under the throat of his steed, the 
 latter all the while going at full gallop. 
 
 During these manoeuvres, sharp shots as my comrades were, 
 and fair marksman as I was myself, there was no instant when 
 we could have hit any one of the five horsemen. It would have 
 been easier to have brought down a bird upon the wing. Their 
 horses we might have killed or crippled, but that would not have 
 repaid us for the risk of an empty rifle. We dared not waste a 
 bullet on the horses. This, then, was our reason for reserving 
 our fire. 
 
 Do not fancy from this my prolixity of explanation, that we 
 were so slow in comprehending all this. No, we understood oui 
 situation well enough ; we knew that to discharge our pieces 
 even though a horse should fall to every shot was just wha' 
 the enemy desired. That was the main point of their ruse; but 
 we were too well used to the wiles of Indian warfare to be be 
 guiled by so shallow an artifice. Words of caution passed be 
 tween us, and we stood to our guns with as much patience as we 
 could command. 
 
 It was tempting enough provoking, I should rather say 
 thus to be fired at, without the c\mnce of returning it ; and my 
 companions, notwithstanding their habitual coolness, chafed 
 angrily under the infliction. 
 
 Once more the five horsemen came galloping around us, and 
 discharged their pieces as before; but this time with more effect. 
 A bullet struck Garey in the shoulder, tearing away a patch of 
 
190 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 his hunting-shirt, and drawing the blood ; while another veu 
 whizzing past the cheek of Old Rube, creasing his catskin cap 1 
 
 " Hooray !" shouted the latter, clapping his hand over the 
 place where the lead had wounded him. *' Clost enough thet 
 wur ! Cuss me, eft hain't carried away one o' my ears I" 
 
 And the old trapper accompanied the remark with a wild, 
 reckless laugh. The rent of the bullet, and the blood upon Gar- 
 ey's shoulder, now fell under his eye, and suddenly changing 
 countenance, he exclaimed ; 
 
 " By the tarnal ! yur hit, Bill ? Speak, boyee ?" 
 
 " It's nothin," promptly replied Garey " nothin ; only a 
 grease. I don't feel it." 
 
 " Yur sure ?" 
 
 " Sartiu sure." 
 
 " By the livin catamount !" exclaimed Rube, in a serious tone, 
 "we can't stan^this no longer. What's to be done, Billee ? 
 Think, boy!" 
 
 "We must make a burst for it," replied Garey; "it's our 
 only chance." 
 
 " Tur no use," said Rube, with a doubtful shake of the head. 
 " The young fellur mout git clur ; but for you'n me thur's not 
 the shaddy o' a chance. They'd catch up wi' the ole mar in the 
 flappin o' a beaver's tail, an yur hoss ain't none o' the sooplest. 
 Tur no use." 
 
 4< I tell you it are, Rube," replied Garey impatiently. " Yon 
 mount the white hoss he's fast enough and let the mar slide; 
 or you take mine, an I'll back whitey. We mayent get clar al 
 together ; but we'll string the niggers out on the parairy, an take 
 them one arter another. It's better than stannin hyar to be shot 
 down like buffler in a pen. What do you think, capt'n ?" add 
 ed he, addressing himself to me. 
 
 Just then an idea had occurred to me. " Why not gallop 
 to the cliff?" I inquired, looking toward the mesa: "thy can't 
 surround us there ? With our backs to the rock, and our horses 
 
A RUNNING SHOT. 191 
 
 in front of us, we may defy the rabble. We might easily reach 
 it by a dash " 
 
 " Scalp me ! ef the young fellur ain't right," cried Rube, in- 
 terrupting my speech. " It 's the very idee, plum centre !" 
 
 "It are!" echoed Garey "it are! We hain't a second to 
 lose ; they'll be round us again in a squull's jump. Look yon 
 der r 
 
 This conversation had occupied but a few seconds of time. It 
 occurred just after the five horsemen had the second time emptied 
 their guns, and galloped back to exchange them. Before they 
 could return to deliver a third fire, our determination was taken, 
 and we had hastily undone the fastenings of our horses, and 
 were ready to mount. This we accomplished so quietly, that it 
 was evident the enemy had not perceived us, and therefore en 
 tertained no suspicion of our design ; hence the road towards the 
 mesa was still perfectly open to us. In another minute, however, 
 the five riders would have been circling around us, and that 
 would have naturally altered our situation. 
 
 " Hurry, Rube !" cried Garey " hurry, man, and le's be off !" 
 
 " Keep cool, Billee," rejoined Rube, who was adjusting the 
 bridle of Garey's horse. " Plenty o' time, I tell ee; they ain't a 
 comin yit. Ho-hoo ! ole gal!" he continued, addressing himself 
 to the mare " ho-hoo ! we're a gwine to leave you ahint a bit, 
 out I reck'n yo'll turn up agin. They won't eat ye, anyhow ; so 
 don't be skeart about thet, ole gal ! Now, Billee, I'm ready." 
 
 It was time, for the riders were again spurring forward to 
 surround us. 
 
 Without waiting to observe further, we all three leaped simul 
 taneously on horseback; and, plying the spur deeply, shot off in 
 a direct line for the mesa. 
 
 A glance behind showed us the guerrilleros the whole band 
 coming in full tilt after us, while their cries sounded in our ears. 
 To our satisfaction, we saw we had gained ground upon them 
 our sudden start having taken them by surprise, and produced 
 
192 THE WAR-TRATL. 
 
 in their ranks a momentary hesitauon. We had no fear of being 
 able to reach the mesa before they could overtake us. 
 
 For my own part, I could soon have ridden out of sight alto 
 gether ; so could Garey, mounted on the white steed, that, with 
 only a raw-hide halter, was behaving splendidly. It was Garey 's 
 own horse, a strong but slow brute, that delayed us; he was 
 ridden by Rube ; and it was well the chase was not to be a long 
 one, else our pursuers would have easily overhauled him. Garey 
 and I kept by his side. 
 
 <( Don't be afeerd, Rube I" shouted Garey, in a tone of en 
 couragement ; " we ain't a goin to leave you we'll stick the- 
 gither !" 
 
 " Yes," added I, in the excitement of the moment, " we live or 
 die together !" 
 
 " Hooray, young fellur I" cried Rube, in a burst of wild grati 
 tude " hooray for you ! I know yur the stuff, an won't leave 
 me ahint, though 1 gin you the slip oncest when you mistuk me 
 for the grizzly. He, he, hoo ! But then, you see twur no use 
 o' my stickin to you ne'er a bit o' good. Wagh * them niggurs 
 nr gettin nigher 1" 
 
 We were riding directly for the middle of the mesa, whose 
 cliff, like a vast wall, rose up from the level plain. We headed 
 for its central part, as though we expected some gate to open in 
 the rock and give us shelter ! 
 
 Shouts of astonishment could be heard mingling with the hoof- 
 strokes. Some of the expressions we heard distinctly. " Whith 
 er go they ?" " Vaya ! do they intend to ride up the cliff ?" 
 41 Carrambo ! van en la trampa f (Good ! they are going into 
 the trap !) 
 
 Shouts of exultation followed, as they saw us thus voluntarily 
 placing ourselves in a position from which retreat appeared im 
 possible. 
 
 They had been apprehensive, on our first galloping off, that we 
 might be mounted on swift horses, and meditated escaping bj 
 
193 
 
 speed ; bat on discovering that this was not our intention, cries 
 of joyful import were heard ; and as we approached the cliff, we 
 saw them deploying behind us, with the design of hemming us in. 
 It was just the movement we had anticipated, and the very thing 
 we wished them to do. 
 
 We galloped up close to the rocky wall before drawing bridle ; 
 then, suddenly flinging ourselves to the ground, we placed our 
 backs to the cliff, drew our horses in front of us, and holding the 
 bridles in our teeth, raised our rifles towards the foe. Once 
 more the three shinning tubes were levelled, promising certaia 
 death to the first who should approach within range. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 RUBE'S CHARGER. 
 
 OUR att^ude of defence, thus suddenly assumed, produced a 
 quick effect upon our pursuers, who pulled up simultaneously on 
 the prairie. Some who had been foremost, and who fancied they 
 had ridden too near, wheeled round and galloped back. 
 
 " Wagh I" ejaculated Rube ; "jest look at >em ! they've tuk 
 care to put plenty o' paraira atween our guns and thur cowardly 
 karkidges. Wagh V* 
 
 We at once perceived the advantage of our new position. We 
 could all three show front wherever the enemy threatened. 
 There was no longer any danger of their practising the surround. 
 The half-circle behind us was covered by the mesa, and that 
 could not be scaled. We had only to guard the semicircle in 
 front in fact, less than a semicircle, for we now perceived that 
 the place was embayed, a sort of re-entering angle formed by two 
 oblique faces of the cliff. The walls that flanked it extended 
 
 9 
 
194: THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 tnree hundred yards on either side, so that no cover commanded 
 our position. For defence, we could not have chosen a better 
 situation ; gallop round as they might, the guerrilleros would al 
 ways find us with our teeth towards them ! We saw our ad* 
 vantage at a glance. 
 
 Neither were our enemies slow to perceive it, and their exult 
 ing shouts changed to exclamation that betokened their disap 
 pointment. 
 
 Almost as suddenly, their tone again enanged, and cries ot 
 triumph once more rose along their line. 
 
 We looked forth to discover the cause. To our dismay, we 
 perceived a reinforcement just joining them ! Five fresh horse 
 men were riding up, evidently a portion of the band. They 
 appeared to have come from behind the mesa from the direction 
 of the rancheria though, as we galloped forward, we had not 
 observed them : the mound had concealed them from our view. 
 Notwithstanding this accession to their strength, their courage 
 did not appear to gain by it. 
 
 Almost on the instant that their new allies arrived upon the 
 ground, the troop filed of by twos, and deployed across the mouth 
 of the little bay in which we had taken shelter. The movement 
 was soon completed, and six pair of them were now ranged be 
 fore us at equal distances from each other. The remaining three 
 Ijurra and two others kept their places directly in front of 
 us. In one of the latter I recognized a ruffian whom I had fre 
 quently noticed at the ranchera. He was a man of large size, 
 and, what is rare among Mexicans, red haired ; but I believe he 
 was a Vizcaino. He was familiarly known by the sobriquet of 
 El Zorro /the Fox), probably on account of the hue of his hair; 
 and I had heard from good authority that of the alcalde himself ' 
 that the fellow was neither more nor less than a salttador. 
 Indeed, El Zorro made little secret of his calling. The brigand 
 of Mexico is usually well-known to his countrymen. During 
 his intervals of leisure, he appears in the populous town, walks 
 
195 
 
 boldly through the streets, and freely mingles in society. Sucl 
 was El Zorro, one of the right-hand me of Ijurra. 
 
 The design of our enemy was now manifest : they had no inten 
 tion of making an immediate attack upon us; they saw that our 
 retreat was impossible, and had resolved to hold us in siege, 
 perhaps till thirst and hunger should force us to surrender. 
 
 Their calculation was founded on probability. If their valour 
 was weak, their cunning was strong and subtile. 
 
 Rube was now greatly " out of sorts." When he saw the 
 guerrilleros " fixing" themselves in the manner described, he 
 seemed to regret that we had taken our stand there. 
 
 " We'er hyur !" he exclaimed peevishly, " an how ar we to git 
 clur agin ? Scalp me, Bill I ef we hedn't better a fit 'em on the 
 paraira, an afore we gits weak wi' hunger. Wagh 1 I kud eat a 
 griskin now, an a good chunk o' a one. Ay, smoke away !" 
 (some of the Mexicans had lighted their cigars, and were coolly 
 puffing at them) " smoke away, durn yur I yur yeller-skinned 
 skunks ! I'll make some o' ye smoke afore inornin, or my name 
 ain't Rube Rawlius. Gi's a bit o' bacca, Bill ; maybe it'll take 
 the edge off o' my sturnmuk. Wagh ! I feel as holler about the 
 kidneys as my ole mar' Geehosophat I See the mar ?" 
 
 The emphatic utterance of the last words caused Garey and 
 myself to look towards the speaker, and then in the direction in 
 which he pointed. A scene came before our eyes, that, spite the 
 depression of our spirits, caused both of us to break into loud 
 laughter. 
 
 The " ole mar," that for many long years had carried Rube 
 07er the mountains and prairies, was a creature that scarce 
 yielded to himself in peculiarity. 
 
 She was a lank, bare-ribbed, high-boned animal, long-eared 
 like all of her race, for she belonged to the race of Rosinante, 
 The long ears caused her to look mulish, and at a distance she 
 might have been mistaken for a mixed breed ; but it was not so 
 she was a true mustang, and, spite of her degenerate look, a 
 
J90 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 pure Andaltisian. She seemed to have* been, at an earlier period 
 of her life, of that dull yellowish colour known as " clay bank" 
 a common hue among Mexican horses ; but time and scars had 
 metamorphosed hex, and gray hairs predominated, particularly 
 about the head and neck. These parts were covered with a dirty 
 grizzle of mixed colour. She was badly wind-broken, and at 
 stated intervals, of several minutes each, her back, from the 
 spasmodic action of the lungs, heaved up with a jerk, as though 
 she was trying to kick, and couldn't. Her body was as thin as 
 a rail, and her head habitually carried below the level of her 
 shoulders ; but there was something in the twinkle of her soli 
 tary eye for she had but one that told you she had no inten 
 tion of giving up for a long time to come. As Rube often 
 alleged, " she was game to the backbone. 
 
 Such was the "ole mar," audit was to her that our attention 
 was now so suddenly called. 
 
 Having parted from her on the prairie, in the wild gallop that 
 followed, we had thought no more of the creature, not caring 
 that is, Garey and myself what became of her. Rube, how 
 ever, was far from sharing our indifference as to her fate. He 
 would almost as soon have parted with one of his "claws" as 
 that same faithful companion, and we had heard him expressing 
 his hopes that no harm would come to her. 
 
 Of course, we had concluded that she would either be shot or 
 lazoed by one of the guerrilleros. It appeared, however, that 
 this was not to be her fate just then. Resolving not to be 
 parted from her master so easily, she had galloped after ns. Be 
 ing slow, she soon fell behind, and for a while was mixed up wirh 
 the horses of the guerrilleros. Of course the men had noticed 
 her, but seeing that she was a worthless brute, had not deigned 
 to make a capture of her. 
 
 In due time she fell into the rear of the whole troop ; but even 
 that did not turn her from her original intention, and at the 
 moment of Rube's exclamation, she was jest breaking through 
 
EUBE'S CHAKGEK. 197 
 
 the line of deployment on her way to join him. From the man* 
 ner in which her nose was held as she ran, she appeared to be 
 trailing him by the scent. 
 
 Seeing her pass, one of the guerrilleros dashed after to capture 
 her ; perhaps because there was an old saddle with some of 
 Rube's traps buckled upon it. Mare, saddle, and all, were 
 scarcely worth the fling of a lazo, and so the man appeared to 
 think; for instead of using his lazo, he rode forward with the in 
 tention of seizing the mare by the bridle. 
 
 The feat proved not so easy of accomplishment. As the fel 
 low bent down to grasp the rein, the old mare uttered one of 
 her wild squeals, slewed her hind-quarters about, and raising her 
 beels high in the air, delivered them right upon the ribs of the 
 Mexican. The heavy " thud" was heard by all of us ; and the 
 man swayed from his saddle, and fell to the ground to all ap 
 pearance badly hurt, and most probably with a pair of broken 
 ribs. 
 
 The squeal of the mare was echoed by a shrill laugh from the 
 throat of her delighted master ; and not until she had galloped 
 up to him, did he cease to made the rocks ring with his wild 
 eachinnations. 
 
 " Wa-hoo woop ! yur thur, ole gal I" he shouted as the ani 
 mal halted before him, " You gin 'im a sockdolloger you did. 
 Yeeup ! ole blueskin ! yur welkum back ! an ye've fetched my 
 saddle too ! Hooray ! Ain't she a beauty, Bill ? She's wuth 
 her weight in beaver-plew. Wagh 1 that 'ee ur, ole beeswax ! 
 Kum hyur this away thur now !" 
 
 And the speaker proceeded, after some more apostrophizing, 
 to draw the animal closer up to the cliff, placing her body as an 
 additional barricade in front of his own. 
 
 Our involuntary mirth was of short duration ; it was interrupt 
 ed by an object that filled our hearts with new apprehension. 
 
198 * THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 EL ZORRO 
 
 THE new object of dread was a large gun, which Lad been 
 brought upon the ground by one of those lately arrived. In all 
 probability, it belonged to El Zorro, as it was in his hands we 
 first observed it. It appeared to be a long musket, or elephant- 
 gun, such as the " rcers " in use among South African hunters. 
 Whatever sort of weapon it was, we soon found, to our annoyance, 
 that it pitched an ounce of lead nearly twice as far as any of our 
 rifles, and with sufficient precision to make it probable that, be 
 fore the sun had set, El Zorro would be able to pick off our 
 horses, and perhaps ourselves, in detail. It would be half an 
 hour before darkness could screen us with its friendly shelter, 
 and he had already commenced practice. His first shot had 
 been fired. The bullet struck the cliff close to my own head, 
 scattering the fragments of gypsum rock about my ears, and 
 then fell, flattened like a Spanish dollar, at my feet. 
 
 The report was far louder than that of either carbine or es- 
 copette ; and an ejaculation from Rube, as he saw the effect of 
 the shot, followed by his usual ominous whistle, told that the 
 old trapper was not disposed to make light of this new piece of 
 ordnance. Neither was Garey. His look testified to what all 
 three of us were thinking which was, that this mode of attack 
 was likely to put us in a more awkward dilemma than we had 
 yet been placed in. El Zorro might shoot us down at his leisure. 
 With our rifles, we could neither answer his fire, nor silence it 
 Our peril was obvious. 
 
 The salteador had delivered his first shot " off hand," for we 
 
EL ZORRO. 199 
 
 had seen him level the piece. Perhaps it was fortunate for us 
 he had not taken aim over a " lean ;" but fortune from that 
 source was not going to favour us any farther , for we now ob 
 served Ijurra stick two lances obliq-uely in the ground, so as to 
 cross each other at a proper height, thus forming as perfect a 
 rest as marksman could have desired. 
 
 As soon as the gun was reloaded, El Zorro knelt behind the 
 lances, placed his barrel in the fork, and once more took aim. 
 
 I felt satisfied he was aiming at me, or my horse. Indeed, the 
 direction of the long dark tube would have told me so; but I saw 
 Ijurra directing him, and that made me sure of it. I had little 
 fear for myself. I was sheltered sufficiently, but I trembled for 
 the brave horse that shielded me. 
 
 I waited with anxious heart. I saw the blaze of the priming 
 as it puffed upward ; the red flame projected from the muzzle, 
 and simultaneously I felt the shock of the heavy bullet striking 
 upon my horse. Splinters of wood flew about my face ; they 
 were fragments of the saddle-tree. The ball had passed through 
 the pommel, but my noble steed was untouched ! It was a close 
 shotj however too close to allow of rejoicing, so long as others 
 of the like were to follow. 
 
 I was getting as " riled" as Rube himself, when, all at once, 
 a significant shout from the old trapper drew my attention from 
 El Zorro and his gun. Rube was on my right, and I saw that 
 he was pointing along the bottom of the cliff to some object in 
 that direction. I could not see what it was, as his horses were 
 in the way ; but the next moment I observed him hurrying them 
 *>,iong the cliff, at the same time calling to Garey and myself to 
 follow. 
 
 I lost no time in putting my horse in motion, and Garey an 
 hastily trotted after. 
 
 We had not advanced many paces before we comprehended 
 the strange behaviour of our companion. 
 
 Scarcely twenty yards from where we had first baited, a large 
 
200 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 rock rested upon the plain. It was a fragment that had fallen 
 from the cliff, and was now lying several feet from its base ; it 
 was of such size, and in such a position, that there was ample 
 space behind it to shelter both men and horses room for us all! 
 
 We were only astonished we had not observed it sooner ; but 
 this was not to be wondered at, for its colour corresponded ex 
 actly with that of the cliff, and it was difficult, even at twenty 
 yards' distance, to distinguish it from the latter. Besides, our 
 eyes, from the moment of our hialtiLg, had been turned in ano 
 ther direction. 
 
 We did not stay to give words to our surprise ; but hurrying 
 our horses along with us, with joyful exclamations we glided be 
 hind the rock. 
 
 It was not an echo of our joy, but a cry of disappointed rage 
 that pealed along the line of the guerrilla. They saw at once 
 that their long gun would no longer avail them, and both Ijurra 
 and his marksmen were now seen dancing over the ground like 
 madmen. El Zorro's metier was at an end. 
 
 A more perfect " harbour of refuge " could not have been 
 found in all prairie-land. As Garey alleged, it " beat tree-tim 
 ber all hollow !" A little fortress, in fact, in which we might 
 defy even twice the number of our assailants unless, indeed, 
 they should wax desperately brave, and try us hand to hand. 
 
 Our sudden disappearance had created a new sensation in their 
 ranks. From their shouts, we could tell that some of them re 
 garded it with feelings of wonder perhaps with emotions of a 
 still stronger kind. We could hear the exclamations " Carrai /" 
 *' Carrambo /" with the phrase " los demonios /" passing from 
 mouth to mouth. Indeed, from the position which they occupied, 
 it must have appeared to them that we had gone into the cliff ! 
 The separation of the rock from the wall behind it wae not per 
 ceptible from the plain, else we should have perceived it as we 
 rode forward. 
 
 If our enemies knew of this out-lying boulder, it was strange 
 
EL ZOEEO. 201 
 
 they had left the way open to so safe a retreat strange, since it 
 did not correspond with the cunning they had otherwise given 
 proofs of and yet stranger they should be ignorant of its exis- 
 tance. Most of them were natives of this frontier, and must 
 have frequently visited the mesa, which was one of the "lions" 
 of the district. Perhaps they bad never troubled their thoughts 
 about it. There is no people who takes less interest in the 
 rare features of their beautiful country than the Mexicans. 
 Nature charms them not. A Mexican dwelling with a garden 
 around it is a rarity a lawn or a shrubbery is never seen ; but 
 indeed nature has bounteously supplied them with all these. 
 They dwell amidst scenes of picturesque beauty ; they gaze 
 over green savannas down into deep barrancas up to the 
 snow-crowned summits of mighty mountains without experienc 
 ing one emotion of the sublime. A tortured bull, a steel-gal ved 
 cock, Roman candles, and the Chinese wheel, are to them the 
 sights of superior interest, and furnish them with all their petty 
 emotions. So is it with nations, as with men who have passed 
 the age of their strength, and reached the period of senility and 
 second childhood. 
 
 But there was another and perhaps a better, reason why none 
 of our adversaries should be intimate with the locality. As my 
 companions alleged, the spot was a favorite halting-place of the 
 Comanches they have an eye for the picturesque but perhaps 
 the existence of a spring that was near had more to do in guid 
 ing the preference of these "lords of the prairies." The mesa, 
 therefore, had for years been dangerous ground, and little trod 
 den by the idle curious. Possibly not one of the heroes we saw 
 before us had for years ventured so far out upon the plains. 
 
 9* 
 
'202 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 A PLAN OF ESCAPE, 
 
 IF our enemies were awed by our sudden disappearance, it was 
 soon robbed of its mysterious character. Our faces, and the 
 dark barrels of our rifles, visible around the edges of the white 
 rock, must have dispelled all ideas of the supernatural. Having 
 hastily disposed of our horses, we had placed ourselves thus in 
 case of a charge being made though of this we had no longer 
 any great apprehension ; and still less as we watched the move 
 ments of our adversaries. 
 
 El Zorro continued for some time to fire his big gun the 
 bullets of which we could dodge as easily as if they had been 
 turnips hurled at us and the leaden missiles fell harmlessly at 
 our feet. Seeing this, the salteador at length ceased firing, and 
 with another, rode off in the direction of the settlements, no 
 doubt on some errand. 
 
 One pair of eyes was sufficient to watch the movements of the 
 besiegers. Garey undertook this duty, leaving Rube and myself 
 free to think over some plan of escape. 
 
 That we were not to be attacked was now certain. We had 
 the choice, then, of two alternatives either to keep the position 
 we were in till thirst should force us to surrender, or attack 
 them, and by a bold coup cut our way through their line. As to 
 the former, we well knew that thirst would soon compel us to 
 yield. Hunger we dreaded not. We had our knives, and before 
 us a plentiful stock of that food on which the prairie wanderer 
 often sustains life. u Horse-beef" we had all eaten, and could 
 do so again ; but for the** sister appetite thirst we had made 
 
A PLAN OF ESCAPE. 203 
 
 no provision. Our gourd-canteens were empty had been empty 
 for hours we were actually pushing for the mesa spring when 
 the enemy first came in sight. We were then athirst ; but the 
 excitement of the skirmish, with the play of passion incident 
 thereto, had augmented the appetite, and already were we a 
 prey to its keenest pangs. We mumbled as we talked, for each 
 qf us was chewing the leaden bullet. Thirst, then, we dreaded 
 even more than our armed enemy. 
 
 The other alternative was a desperate one now more desper 
 ate than ever, from the increased number of our foes. To cut 
 our way through them had no other signification than to fight 
 the whole party hand to hand ; and we regretted we had not 
 done so when only eleven were opposed to us. 
 
 A little reflection, however, convinced us that we were in a 
 yet better position. We could make the attempt in the darkness. 
 Night would favour us to some extent. Could we succeed by a 
 bold dash in breaking through their deployed line, we might es 
 cape under the friendly cover of darknesSj and the confusion 
 consequent upon the melee. 
 
 There was probability in this. The boldest was clearly the 
 wisest course we could pursue. Desperate it appeared. One or 
 other of us might fall, but it offered the only hope that any of 
 us might get free, for we knew that to surrender was to be shot 
 perhaps worse tortured. 
 
 We had but faint hopes of a rescue, so faint, we scarcely 
 entertained them. I knew that my friends, the rangers, would 
 be in search of me. Wheatley and Holingsworth would not give 
 me up without making an effort for my recovery ; but then the 
 search would be made in a different direction that in which I 
 had gone, and which lay many miles from the route by the mesa. 
 Even had they thought of sending to the mound, the search must 
 have been already made, and the party returned from it. Too 
 long time had elapsed to make any calculation on a chance like 
 this. The hope was not worth holding, and we he)d it not. 
 
204 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 For some time, Rube and I thought in combination, canvass 
 ing the details of the plan that had offered. After a while we 
 stood, apart, and each pursued the train of his own reflections. 
 
 I declare that in that hour I had more painful thoughts than 
 those that sprung from the peril of my situation ; this I solemnly 
 declare. 
 
 I have already said, that when I first recognized the leader $ 
 the guerrilla, I experienced an unpleasant suspicion. Since then, 
 I had not time to dwell upon it self-preservation engrossing all 
 my thoughts. Now, that I found more leisure for reflection, the 
 dire doubt returned in full strength, and I bitterly pondered upon 
 it. Need I name the subject of my wretched reflections ? Isolina 
 de Vargas I 
 
 Knew she of this ? Knew she that Ijurra was the chief of a 
 guerrilla ? Her cousin sharer of the same roof she could 
 scarcely be ignorant of it ! Who set him on our trail ? Oh, 
 bitter thought ! was the hunt of the wild-horse a ruse a scheme 
 to separate me from my command, and thus render it an easier 
 prey to the Mexican guerrilleros ? Perhaps my straggling fol 
 lowers were by this cut off ? Perhaps the post had been attack 
 ed by a large body of the enemy captured ? I was not only 
 to lose life, but had already lost my honor. I, the proud cap 
 tain of a boasted troop, to be thus entrapped by artifice the 
 artifice of a woman 1 
 
 My heart, overwhelmed with such bitter fancies, stayed not 
 to reason. 
 
 Presently followed a calmer interval, and I begun to discuss 
 the probability of my suspicions. What motive could she have 
 to plot my destruction ? Surely not from any feeling of love 
 for her country, and hatred towards its enemies ? From all I 
 had learned, no such sentiment existed in her mind, but rather 
 an opposite one a truer patriotism. She was a woman of suf 
 ficient aim and intellect to have a feeling one way or the other : 
 but had I not good grounds for believing her a friend to om 
 
A PLAN OF ESCAPE, 205 
 
 cause ; a foe to the tyrants we would conquer ? If otherwise, I 
 was the victim of profound deception and unparalleled hypocrisy J 
 
 Perhaps, however, her feeling was personal, not national. 
 Was I alone the object of her hatred ? Had I done aught by 
 word or deed to call forth her antagonism to deserve such cruel 
 vengeance ? If so, I was sadly ignorant of the fact. - If she 
 hated me, she hated one who loved her, with his whole soul ab 
 sorbed in the passion. But no, I could not think that I was an 
 obj-ct of hatred to her. Why should she hate me ? How could 
 she? 
 
 I could think of but one motive why she should make herself 
 instrumental in the accomplishment of my ruin. It was explica 
 ble only on the presumption that she was attached to Ijurra 
 that Rafael Ijurra was the lord of her heart. If so, he could 
 easily bend it to his will for this is but the sequence of the 
 other could influence her to whatever act. 
 
 As for Ijurra, there was motive enough for his hostility, even 
 to the seeking of my life. The insult put upon him at our first 
 meeting the knowledge that I loved her for I was certain he 
 knew it with the additional fact that I was an enemy one of 
 the invaders of his country. These were sufficient motives 
 though, doubtless, the two first far outweighed the other: with 
 Rafael Ijurra, revenge and jealousy were stronger passions than 
 patriotism. 
 
 Then came consolation thoughts of brighter hue. In the 
 face of all was the fact, that the white steed had been found, and 
 captured ! There stood the beautiful creature before my eyes. 
 There was no deception in that there could be none no scheme 
 could have contrived a contingency so remarkable. 
 
 Ijurra might easily have known of the expedition without her 
 agency. Its result he would have learned from the returned 
 vaqueros. He had time enough then to collect his band, and 
 set after me. Perhaps she even knew not that he was a leader 
 of guerrilleros ? I had heard that his movements were shrouded 
 
206 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 in mystery that mystery which covers tne designs of the ad 
 venturer. He had served in the school of Antonio Lopez de 
 Santa Anna tit master of deception. Isolina might be innocent 
 even of the knowledge of his acts. 
 
 I re-read Isolina's letter, weighing every word. Strange 
 epistle, but natural to the spirit that had dictated it. In its 
 pages I could trace no evidence of treason. No ; Isolina was 
 loyal she was true ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 ELIJAH QUACKENBOSS. 
 
 WHILE these reflections were passing through my mind, I was 
 standing, or rather leaning, with my back against the boulder, 
 and my face towards the wall of the mesa. Directly in front of 
 me was a recess or indentation in the cliff, carried groove-like 
 upward, and deepening as it approached the summit. It was a 
 slight gorge or furrow, evidently formed by the attrition of water, 
 and probably the conduit of the rain that fell upon the table 
 surface of the mound. 
 
 Though the cliffs on each side were perfectly vertical, the 
 gorge had a considerable inclination ; and the instant my eyes 
 rested upon it, it occurred to me that the precipice at this point 
 could be scaled 1 
 
 Up to this moment, I had not thought of such a thing ; for I 
 had been under the impression from what my companions had 
 told me that the summit of the mesa was inaccessible. 
 
 Rousing myself to more energetic observation, I scrutinized 
 the cliff from base to summit ; and the more I regarded it, the 
 stronger grew my conviction that, without great difficulty, an 
 
ELIJAH QUACKENBOS8. 207 
 
 climber might reach the top. There were knob-like pro 
 tuberances on the rock that would serve as footholds, and here 
 and there, email bushes of the trailing cedar hung out from the 
 seams, that would materially assist any one making the ascent. 
 
 While scanning these peculiarities, I was startled by observing 
 several abrasions on the face of the rock. These marks appeared 
 quite fresh, and evidently made by some other agency than that 
 of the elements. 
 
 After a short examination, I became convinced that they 
 were marks made by a human foot the scratches of a strong- 
 soled shoe. Beyond a doubt, the cliff had been scaled ! 
 
 My first impulse was to communicate the discovery to my 
 companions ; but I forebore for a while in order to satisfy my 
 self that the person who had made this daring attempt had ac 
 tually succeeded in reaching the summit. 
 
 Twilight was on, and I could get only aa indistinct view of 
 the gorge at its upper part, but I saw enough to convince me 
 that the attempt had been successful. 
 
 What bold fellow had ventured this ? and with what object ? 
 were the questions I naturally asked myself. 
 
 Vague recollections were stirring within me ; presently they 
 grew more distinct, and all at once I was able to answer both 
 the interrogatories I had put. I knew the man who had climbed 
 that cliff. I only wondered I had not thought of him before ! 
 
 Among the many odd characters in the piebald band, of which 
 I had the honour to be chief, not the least odd was one who an 
 swered to the euphonious name of " Elijah Quackenboss.'' He 
 was a mixture of Yankee and German, originating somewhere in 
 the mountains of Pennsylvania. He had been a schoolmaster 
 among his native hills had picked up some little book-learning ; 
 but what rendered him more interesting to me was the fact that 
 he was a botanist. Not a very scientific one, it is true ; but in 
 whatever way obtained, he possessed a respectable knowledge of 
 flora and sylvia, and evinced an aptitude for '.he study not into- 
 
208 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 rior to Linnaeus himself. The more surprising was this, that such 
 inclinations are somewhat' rare among Americans but Quacken- 
 boss no doubt drew his instincts from his Teutonic ancestry. 
 
 If his intellectual disposition was odd, not less so was his phy 
 sical. His person was tall, crooked, and lanky ; and none of 
 those members that should have been ceunterparts of each other 
 seemed exactly to match. His arms were odd ones his limbs 
 unlike ; and all four looked as if they had met by accident, and 
 could not agree upon anything ; his eyes were no better mated, 
 and never consented to look in the same direction ; but with the 
 right one, Elijah Quackenboss could "sight" a rifle, and drive in 
 a nail at a hundred yards' distance. 
 
 From his odd habits his companions the rangers regarded 
 him as hardly " square ;" but this idea was partially derived from 
 seeing him engaged in his botanical researches an occupation 
 that to them appeared simply absurd. They knew, however, 
 that " Dutch Lige " such was his sobriquet could shoot " plum 
 centre ;" and notwithstanding his quiet demeanor, had proved 
 himself " good stuff at the bottom ;" and this shielded him 
 from the ridicule he would otherwise have experienced at their 
 hands. 
 
 Than Quackenboss, a more ardent student of botany I never 
 saw. No labor retarded him in the pursuit. No matter how 
 wearied with drill or other duties, the moment the hours became his 
 own, he would be off in search of rare plants, wandering far from 
 camp, and at times placing himself in situations of extreme danger. 
 Since his arrival on Texan ground, he had devoted much atten 
 tion to the study of the cactacece, and now having reached Mex 
 ico, the home of these singular endogens, he might be said to 
 have gone cactus-mad. Every day his researches disclosed tc 
 him new forms of cactus or cereus, and it was in connection with 
 one of these that he was now recalled to my memory. I remem 
 ber his having told me for a similarity of tastes frequently 
 brought us into conversation of his having discovered, but a 
 
ELIJAH QTJACKENBOSS. 20 
 
 few days before, a new and singular species of mamittaria. He 
 had found it growing upon a prarie mound which he had climb 
 ed for the purpose of exploring its botany, adding at the same 
 time that he had observed the species only upon the top of this 
 mound, and nowhere else in the surrounding country. 
 
 This mound was our mesa. It had been climbed by Elijah 
 Quackenboss ! 
 
 If he, awkward animal that he was, had been able to scale the 
 height, why could not we 1 
 
 "This was my reflection ; and without staying td consider 
 what advantage we should derive from such a proceeding, I com 
 municated the discovery to my companions. 
 
 Both appeared delighted, and after a short scrutiny, declared 
 the path practicable. G arey believed he could easily go up ; 
 and Rube in his terse way said, that his ." jeints wa'nt so stiff 
 yet :" only a month ago he had " clomb a wuss-looking bluff than 
 it."' 
 
 But now the reflection occurred, to what purpose should we 
 make the ascent ? We could not escape in that way ! There 
 was no chance of our being able to descend upon the other side, 
 for there the clift was impracticable. The behavior of the 
 guerrilleros had given proof oi' this. Some time before, Ijurra, 
 with another, had gone to the rear of the mound, evidently to 
 reconnoitre it, in hopes of being able to assail us from behind, 
 But they had returned and ftieir gestures betokened their disap 
 pointment. 
 
 Why, then, should we ascend, if we could not also descend on 
 the opposite side ? True upon the summit we should be per 
 fectly safe from an attack of the guerrilla, but not from thirst t 
 and this was the enemy we now dreaded. Water would not be 
 found on the top of the mesa. It could not better our situa 
 tion to go there ; on the contrary, we should be in a worse 
 "fix" than ever. So said Garey. Where we were, we had 
 our horses a spare one to eat wher that became necessary, and 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 the others to aid as in our attempt to escape. Should we climb 
 the cliff, these must be left behind. From the top was less than 
 fifty yards, and our rifles would still cover them from the clutch 
 of our enemies, but to what advantage ? Like ourselves, they 
 must in time fall before thirst and hunger. 
 
 The gleam of hope died within us, as suddenly as it had sprung 
 up. 
 
 It could in nowise serve us to scale the cliff : we were better 
 in our present position ; we could hold that so long as thirst 
 would allow us. We could not do more within the granite walls 
 of an impregnable fortress. 
 
 This was the conclusion at which Garey and I had simultan 
 eously arrived. 
 
 Rube had not yet expressed himself. The old man was stand 
 ing with both hands clutching his long rifle, the butt of which 
 rested upon the ground. He held the piece near the muzzle, 
 partially leaning upon it, while he appeared gazing intently into 
 the barrel. This was one of his " ways " when endeavoring to 
 unravel a knotty question ; and Garey and I, knowing this pe 
 culiarity on the part of the old trapper, remained silent leaving 
 him to the free development of his " instincts." 
 
 CHAPTER XXXYIIL 
 
 THE TRAP EMPTY. 
 
 FOR several minutes Rube preserved his meditative attitude, 
 without uttering a word or making the slightest motion. At 
 length, a low but cheerful whistle escaped his lips, and at the 
 same time his body became erect. 
 
 " Eh ? what is't, old boy ?" inquired Garey, who understood 
 -he signal, and knew that the whistle denoted some discovery. 
 
THE TBAP EMPTY. 211 
 
 Rube's reply was the interrogatory : " How long's yur trail- 
 rope, Bill?" 
 
 " It are twenty yards good mizyure," answered Garey. 
 
 " An yurs, young fellur ?" 
 
 " About the same length perhaps a yard or two more." 
 
 11 Good !" ejaculated the questioner, with a satisfied look. 
 " we'll fool them niggurs yit we will !" 
 
 " Hooraw for you, old boy ! you've hit on some plan, hain't 
 rou ?" This was Garey's interrogatory. 
 
 " Sartintly, I hez." 
 
 " Let's have it then, kummarade," said Garey, seeing that 
 Rube had relapsed into silence ; "their ain't much time to think 
 o' things " 
 
 " Plenty o' time, Billee ! Don't be so durned impatient boy 1 
 Thur's gobs o' time. I'll stake my ole mar agin the young fel- 
 lur's black hoss, thet we'll be out o' this scrape afore sunup. 
 Geehosophat ! how thu'll cuss when they finds the trap empy. 
 He, he, he ho, ho, hoo !" 
 
 And the old sinner continued to laugh for some seconds, as 
 coolly and cheerfully as if no enemy was within a thousand miles 
 of the spot. 
 
 Garey and I were chafing with impatience, but we knew 
 that our comrade was in one of his queer moods, and it was 
 no use attempting to push him faster than he was disposed to go. 
 
 When his chuckling fit was ended, he assumed a more serious 
 air, and once more appeared to busy himself with the calculation 
 of some problem. He spoke in soliloquy. 
 
 "Twenty yurds o' Bill's," muttered he, "an twenty o' the 
 young fellur's ur forty ; an myen it ur sixteen yurds make 
 the hul fifty an six ; ye-es, fifty-six preezactly. Then thur's the 
 knots to come off o' thet, though fornenst 'em thur's bridles. 
 Wagh 1 thur's rope aplenty, an enough over, to string up half a 
 score o' them yeller-bellies, ef ever I gits holten 'era And 
 won't I ? Wagh !" 
 
212 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 During this arithmetical process, Rube, instead of gazing any 
 longer into the barrel of his rifle, had kept his eyes .wandering 
 up and down the cliff. Before he had ceased talking, both 
 Garey and myself had divined his plan, but we refrained from 
 telling him so. To have anticipated the old trapper in his dis 
 closure would have been a mortal offence. 
 
 We waited for him to make it known. 
 
 " Now, boyes I" said he at length, " hyur's how we ; ll git clur. 
 Fust an fo'must, we'll crawl up yander, soon's it gits dark enough 
 to kiver us. Seconds, we'll toat our trail-ropes along wP us. 
 Thuds, we'll jine the three thegither, an ef thet ain't long enough, 
 a kupple o' bridles 'ill help out. Fo'th, we'll tie the eend o' the 
 rope to a sapling up thur on top, an then slide down the bluff on 
 t'other side, do ee see ? Fift, oncest down on the prairie, we'll 
 put straight for the settlements. Sixt an lastest, when we gits 
 thur, we'll gather a wheen o' the young fellur's rangers, take a 
 bee-line back to the mound, an gie these hyur niggurs such a 
 lambaystin as they hain't hed since the war begun. Now 2" 
 
 " Now " meant, what think you of the plan ? Mentally, both 
 Garey and I had already approved of it, and we promptly signi 
 fied our approval. "It really promised well. Should we succeed 
 in carrying out the details without being detected, it was prob 
 able enough that within a few hours we might be safe in the 
 plaza of the rancheria, and quenching our thirst at its crystal well. 
 
 The anticipated pleasure filled us with fresh energy ; and \ve 
 set about putting everything in readiness. One watched, while 
 the other two worked. Our lazoes were knotted together, and 
 the four horses fastened head to head with their bridles, and se 
 cured in so as to keep them behind the boulder. This done, we 
 awaited the falling of night. 
 
 Would it be a dark night ? About this we now felt anxious. 
 It was already closing down and gare promise of favoring us ; a 
 layer of lead-colored clouds covered the sky, and we knew there 
 could be no moon before midnight. 
 
THE TRAP EMPTY. 213 
 
 Rube, who boasted he could read weather-sign like a u salt-sea 
 'jailor, 5 scrutinized the sky. 
 
 " Wai, old hoss !" interrogated Garey, " what do ye think 
 o't ? Will it be dark, eh ?" 
 
 " Black as a bar I" muttered Rube in reply ; and then, as if 
 not satisfied with the simile, he added : "Black as the inside 
 o' a buffler bull's belly on a burnt paraira !" 
 
 The old trapper laughed heartily at the ludicrous conceit, and 
 Garey and I could not refrain from joining in the laugh. The 
 guerrilleros must have heard us ; they must have deemed us 
 mad ! 
 
 Rube's prognostication proved correct ; the night came down 
 dark and lowering. The leaden layer broke up into black 
 cumulus clouds, that slowly careered across the canopy of the 
 sky. A storm portended ; and already some big drops, that 
 shot vertically downward, could be heard plashing heavily upon 
 our saddles. All this was to our satisfaction ; but at that 
 moment a flash of lightning illumined the whole arch of the 
 heavens, lighting the prairie as with a thousand torches. It was 
 cone of the pale lavender-colored light, seen in northern climes, ^ 
 but a brilliant blaze, that appeared to pervade all space, and 
 almost rivalled the brightness of day. 
 
 Its sudden and unexpected appearance filled us with dismay : 
 we recognized in it an obstacle to our designs. 
 
 " Burn the tariial thing !" exclaimed Rube, peevishly. " It 
 ur wuss than a moon, durn it !" 
 
 " Is it goin to be the quick-forky, or the long-blazey ?" in 
 quired Garey, with a reference to two distinct modes in which, 
 upon these southern prairies, the electric fluid exhibits itself. 
 
 In the former, the flashes are quick and short-lived, and the 
 intervals o darkness also of short duration. Bolts pierce the 
 clouds in straight, lance-like shafts, or forking and zigzag, follow 
 ed by thunder in loud unequal bursts, and dasnes of intermittent 
 rain * 
 
214: THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 The other is very distinct from this ; there are no shafts or 
 bolts, but a steady blaze which fills the whole firmament with a 
 white quivering light, lasting many seconds of time, and follow -id 
 by long intervals of amorphous darkness. Such lightning is 
 rarely accompanied by thunder, and rain is not always its :on- 
 fomitant, though it was this sort we now witnessed, and rain 
 drops were falling. 
 
 " Quick-forky !" echoed Rube, in reply to his comrade's inter 
 rogatory ; " no dod rot it ! not so bad as thet. It ur the 
 blazey. Thur's no thunder, dont'ee see ? Wai ! we must grope 
 our way up atween the glimps." 
 
 1 understood why Rube preferred the " blazey ;" the long 
 intervals of darkness between the flashes might enable us to carry 
 out our plan. 
 
 He had scarcely finished speaking, when the lightning gleam 
 ed a second time, arid the prairie was lit up like a theatre during 
 the grand scene in a spectacle. We could see the guerrilleros 
 standing by their horses, in cordon across the plain ; we could 
 distinguish their arms and equipments even the buttons upon 
 .their jackets ! With their faces rendered ghastly under the 
 glare, and their bodies magnified to gigantic proportions, they 
 presented to our eyes a wild and spectral appearance. 
 
 With the flash there was no thunder neither the close quick 
 clap, nor the distant rumble. There was perfect silence, which 
 rendered the scene more awfully impressive. 
 
 " All right !" muttered Rube, as he saw that the besiegers 
 still kept their places. " We must jest grope our way up atween 
 the glimps ; but fust let 'em see we're still hyur." 
 
 We protruded our faces and rifles around the rock, and in this 
 position awaited another flash. 
 
 It came, bright as before ; the enemy could not fail to have 
 noticed us. 
 
 Our programme was already prepared : Garey was to ascend 
 first, and take up the rope. He only waited for the termination 
 
SCALING THE CLIFF. 215 
 
 of another blaze. One end of the lazo was fastened round his 
 waist, and the rope hung down behind him. 
 
 When the light gleamed again, he was ready ; and the moment 
 it went out, he glided forward to the cliff, and commenced his 
 ascent. 
 
 0, for a long interval of darkness ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 SCALING THE CLIFF. 
 
 FOR a long interval of darkness ! 
 
 Our hearts beat anxiously at least I can answer for my own, 
 Rube watched the guerrilleros, permitting his head to be seen by 
 them. My eyes were bent upon the rocky wall, but through the 
 thick darkness I looked in vain for our comrade. I listened to 
 hear how he was progressing : I could distinguish a slight 
 scratching against the cliff, each moment higher and farther 
 away ; but Garey climbed with a moccasined foot, and the noise 
 was too faint to reach the ears of our enemies. for a long 
 interval of darkness ! 
 
 It appeared a long one : perhaps it was not five minutes, but 
 it felt twice that, before the lightning again blazed forth. With 
 the flash, I ran my eyes up the precipitous wall. O God ! Garey 
 wag still upon its face, scarcely midway up. He was standing 
 on a ledge his body flattened against the rock : and with his 
 arms extended horizontally, he presented the appearance of a 
 man crucified upon the cliff ! So long as the glare lasted, he 
 remained in this attitude, motionless as the rock itself. 
 
 1 turned with anxious look toward the guerrilleros. I heard 
 
216 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 no voice ; 1 observed no movement. Thank Heaven I they saw 
 him not ! 
 
 Near where he was resting, some bushes of the trailing cedr-i 
 grew out of the cliff ; their dark foliage mottled its white fs,ce, 
 rendering the form of the climber less conspicuous. 
 
 Another long spell of darkness, another blaze of light. 
 
 I scanned the gorge : no human form was visible. I saw a 
 dark line that, like a crack, vertically intersected the cliff from 
 parapet to base : it was the rope Garey had carried up. He 
 had reached the summit in safety ! 
 
 It was my turn next for Rube insisted on retaining the post 
 of danger and with my rifle slung on my back, I stood ready. 
 I had given the parting whisper to my brave steed, and pressed 
 his velvet muzzle to my cheek. With the last flicker of the 
 electric gleam, I seized the hanging lazo, and drew myself upward. 
 
 I had confidence in the rope. I knew it was fastened above, or 
 safe in the strong grasp of Garey. With its aid the ascent was 
 rendered easy. I experienced no difficulty in -climbing from ledge 
 to ledge, and before the light came again, I had reached the crest 
 of the cliff. 
 
 We lay flat among the bushes that grew by the very brink, 
 scarcely showing our faces to the front. 
 
 I saw that the rope had been fastened round the trunk of a 
 small tree. Presently we perceived by its jerking that Rube 
 had begun his ascent. Shortly after, we could hear him sprawl 
 ing and scratching upward, and then his thin dark form loomed 
 over the edge of the cliff, and dead beat for breath, be staggered 
 silently into the bushes beside us. Even in the darkness, I 
 noticed something peculiar in his appearance ! his head looked 
 smaller, but I had no time to question him. 
 
 We waited only for another glance at the guerrilleros ; they 
 were still at their posts, evidently unconscious of our movements. 
 Rube's catskin cap, cunningly adjusted upon the boulder, satis 
 fied them that we were still at ours ; and explained, moreover, 
 
SCALING THE CLIFF. 217 
 
 the oddness I had observed about the upper story of the trap 
 per. 
 
 Rube had now recovered wind ; and gathering up the rope, 
 we stole away over the table-summit to search for a place oi' 
 descent. 
 
 On reaching the opposite side, we at once found what we wan 
 ted a tree near the edge of the cliff. Many small pines grew 
 upon the escarpment ; and selecting one, we knotted the rope 
 securely around its trunk. 
 
 There was yet much to be done before any of us could attempt 
 the descent. We knew that the cliff was more than a hundred 
 feet in vertical height, and to glide down a rope of that length is 
 a trying feat, worthy the most expert of tars. None of us might ( 
 be able to accomplish it : the first could be lowered down easily 
 enough, and this was our intention ; so might the second ; but 
 the other would have to glide down the. rope. 
 
 We were not long delayed by the contemplation of this 
 obstacle : my comrades were men of quick thought ; and a plan 
 to lessen the difficulty soon suggested itself. Their knives were 
 out in a trice : a sapling was procured, and cut into short pieces ; 
 these were notched, and tied at intervals along the rope. Our 
 " Jacob's ladder " was ready. 
 
 It still remained to make sure that the rope was of sufficient 
 length. The knots had somewhat shortened it ; but this point 
 was soon settled with like ingenuity. A small stone was tied to 
 one end, and then dropped over the cliff. We listened : we 
 heard the dull " thump" of the stone upon the prairie turf. The 
 rope therefore reached to the ground. 
 
 It was again drawn up, the stone taken out, and the noose fast 
 ened around the body of Rube, under his armpits. He was light 
 est, and for this reason had been chosen to make the first descent, 
 as he would least try the strength of the rope still a doubtful 
 point. The ascent had not proved it for in climbing up, but 
 one-half of our weight had been upon it, our feet resting either 
 
 10 
 
218 THE WAE-TBAIL. 
 
 against the cliff, or upon its ledges. Ori reaching the plain, 
 Rube was to submit the rope to trial, before either Garey or I 
 should attempt to go down. This he was to do by adding a 
 large stone to his own weight making both at least equal to 
 that of Garey, who was by far the heaviest of the party. 
 
 All being arranged, the old trapper slid silently over the edge 
 of the cliff Garey and I giving out the rope slowly, and with 
 caution. Foot by foot, and yard by yard, it was drawn through 
 our hands by the weight of the descending body, DOW lost to our 
 sight over the brow of the cliff. 
 
 Still slowly, and with caution, we allowed the lazo to pass, 
 taking care that it should glide gradually, so as not to jerk, and 
 cause the body of our comrade to vibrate with too much violence 
 against the rocks. 
 
 We were both seated close together, our faces turned to the 
 plain. More than three-quarters of the rope had passed from us, 
 and we were congratulating ourselves that the trial would soon be 
 over, when to our dismay, the strain ceased with a suddenness 
 that caused both of ug to recoil upon our backs I At the same 
 instant, we heard the " twang " of the snapping rope, followed by 
 a sharp cry from below ! 
 
 We sprang to our feet, and mechanically recommenced haul 
 ing upon the rope. The weight was no longer upon it ; it was 
 light as packthread, and returned to our hands without effort. 
 
 Desisting, we fronted to each other, but not for an explana 
 tion. Neither required it ; neither uttered a word. The case 
 was clear : the rope had broken ; our comrade had been hurled 
 to the earth I 
 
 With a simultaneous impulse, we dropped upon our knees ; and, 
 crawling forward to the brink of the precipice, looked over and 
 downward. We could see nothing in the dark abysm that 
 frowned below ; and we waited till the light should break forth 
 again. 
 
 We listened with ears keenly set. Was it a groan we heard ? 
 
SCALING THE CLIFF. 219 
 
 a cry of agony ? No ; its repetition told us what it was the 
 howl of the prairie wolf. No human voice reached our ears 
 Alas, no ! Even a cry of pain would have been welcome, since 
 it would have told us our comrade still lived. But no, he wag 
 silent' dead perhaps broken to atoms ! 
 
 It was long ere the lightning gleamed again. Before it did, 
 we heard voices. They came from the bottom of the clifl 
 directly under us ; but there were two, and neither was the voice 
 of the trapper. It is easy to distinguish the full intonation of the 
 Saxon from the shrill treble of the sons of Anahuac. The voices 
 were those of our foes. 
 
 Presently the light discovered them to us. Two there were. 
 They were on horseback, moving on the plain below, and close 
 in to the cliff. We saw them distinctly, but 'we saw not what 
 we had expected the mangled body of our comrade I The 
 gleam, long continued, had given us full time to scrutinize the 
 ground. We could have distinguished upon it any 'object as 
 large as a cat. Rube, living or dead, was certainly not there ! 
 
 Had he fallen into the hands of the guerrilla ? The two we 
 saw carried lances, but no prisoner. It was not likely they had 
 captured him ; besides, we knew that Rube, unless badly crippled, 
 would never have surrendered without a struggle, and neither 
 shot nor shout had been heard. 
 
 We were soon relieved from all uneasiness on this score. The 
 brigands continued their conversation, and the light breeze 
 wafted their voice upwards, so that we could distinguish part 
 of what was said. 
 
 " Carrambo !" exclaimed one impatiently ; ' you must have 
 been mistaken ? It was the coyote you heard. " 
 
 " Captain! I am confident it was a man's voice." 
 
 " Then it must have proceeded from one of thGpicarros behind 
 the rock. There is no one out here ? But come 1 let us return 
 by the other side of the mesa vamos /" 
 
 The hoof-stroke admonished us that they were passing onward 
 
220 THE WAR-TRAIL 
 
 to carry out the aesign of the last speaker, who was no othef 
 than Ijurra himself. 
 
 It was a relief to know that our comrade had not yet fallen 
 into their clutches. How far he was injured, we could not have 
 an idea. The rope had given way close to the top, and Rube 
 had carried most of it down with him. In the confusion, we 
 had not noticed how much remained, behind our hands, when he 
 fell ; and now we could only guess. Seeing that he had disap 
 peared from the spot, we were in high hope that he had sustained 
 no serious injury. 
 
 But whither had he gone ? Had he but crawled away, and 
 was yet in the neighborhood of the mesa ? If so, they might 
 light upon him. Hiding-place there was none, either by the 
 base of the cliff or on the surrounding plain. 
 
 Garey and I were anxious about the result the more so, 
 that the guerrilleros had heard his cry, and were in search of 
 him. He might easily be found in such a naked spot. 
 
 We hastily formed the determination to cross the table sum 
 mit to the other side, and watch the movements of the two 
 horsemen. 
 
 Guided by their voices, we once more knelt above them, at 
 the rearmost angle of the mound. They had there halted to 
 examine the ground, and only waited for the flash ; we, too, 
 waited above them, and within range. 
 
 " We kin fetch them out o' thar saddles ?" whispered my com 
 panion. 
 
 I hesitated to give my assent ; perhaps it was prudence that 
 restrained me, for I had now conceived hopes of a surer deliver 
 ance. 
 
 At that moment gleamed the lightning ; the dark horsemen 
 loomed large under its yellow glare ; they were less than fifty 
 paces from the muzzles of our guns: we could have sighted them 
 with sure aim; and, bayed as we had been, I was almost tempted 
 to yield to the solicitations of my companion. 
 
SCALING THE CLIFF. 221 
 
 Just then, an object came under our eyes that caused both of 
 us to draw back our half-levelled rifles that object was the 
 body of our comrade Rube. It was lying flat upon the ground, 
 the arms and legs stretched out to their full extent, and the 
 face buried deep in the grass. From the elevation at which we 
 viewed it, it appeared like the hide of a young buffalo spread 
 out to dry, and pinned tightly to the turf. But we knew it was 
 cot that ; we knew it was the body of a man dressed in brown 
 buckskin the body of the earless trapper ! It was not dead 
 either ; no dead body could have placed itself in such an atti 
 tude, for it lay flattened along the turf like a gigantic newt. 
 
 The object of this attitude was evident to us, and our hearts 
 beat with a painful anxiety while the light flickered around. 
 The body was scarcely five hundred yards out ; but though 
 perfectly visible from our position, it must have been inconspi 
 cuous to the horsemen below ; for as soon as it darkened, we 
 heard them, to our great relief, ride back toward the front, 
 Ijurra reiterating his doubts as they passed away. Fortunate 
 it was for both him and his companion they had not espied that 
 prostrate form fortunate for Rube for all of us ! 
 
 Garey and I kept our places, and waited for another flash 
 When it came, the brown buckskin was no longer in sight ! 
 Far off nearly a mile off, we fancied we could distinguish the 
 ' same form flattened out as before ; but the gleam of the prairie- 
 grass rendered our vision uncertain. 
 
 Of one thing, however, we wero certain our comrade had 
 escaped, 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 A REINFORCEMENT. 
 
 FOR the first time, since encountering the guerrilla, I breathed 
 freely, and felt confident we should get free. My comrade 
 shared my relief ; and it is needless to say that we recrossed the 
 summit of the mesa with lighter hearts and step more buoyant. 
 
 Of course we no longer speculated about making the descent; 
 with the fragment of rope left, that was impossible. We were 
 simply returning to the front, to keep an eye upon the guerril- 
 leros, and, if possible prevent them from approaching our horses 
 should they by any chance discover that we had retreated 
 from our position behind the rock. 
 
 We were the more anxious about our horses, now that we had 
 less apprehension for ourselves; at least I can answer for myself, 
 and the explanation is easy. So long as I felt the probability 
 that every moment might be the last of my life, the fate of Moro 
 and the white steed was but a secondary consideration. Now 
 that I felt certain I should survive this perilous escapade, the 
 future once more urged its claims ; and I was anxious not only 
 to preserve my own steed, but the beautiful creatu~> that had 
 led me into all this peril, but whose capture still promised its 
 rich reward. 
 
 That all danger was past that in a few hours we should 
 be free, was the full belief both of my companion and myself. 
 Perhaps you may not comprehend from what dati we drew so 
 confident and comfortable a conclusion, though our reasoning 
 was simple enough. We knew that Rube would reach the ran 
 cheria, and return with a rescue- that was all. 
 
A REINFORCEMENT. 
 
 'Tis true we were not without some anxiety. The rangers 
 might no longer be there ? the army might have marched ? 
 perhaps the picket was withdrawn ? Rube himself be might 
 intercepted, or slain ? 
 
 The last hypothesis gave us least concern. We had full trust 
 in the trapper's ability to penetrate to the American camp to 
 Jie enemy's, if necessary. We had just been favored with a 
 specimen of his skill. Whether the array had advanced or not, 
 Rube would reach it before morning, if he should have to steal 
 a horse upon the way. He would soon find the rangers ; and, 
 even without orders, Holingsworth would lend him a few half 
 a dozen of them would be enough. In the worst view of the case, 
 there were stragglers enough about the camp odd birds, that 
 could easily be enlisted for such a duty. We had scarcely a 
 doubt that our comrade would come back with a rescue. 
 
 As to the time, we were left to conjectures. It might be 
 before morning's light it might not be before. late in the follow 
 ing day, or even the night after. But that was a consideration 
 that now weighed lightly. We could hold our aerial fortress 
 for a week a month ay, far longer, and against hundreds. 
 We could not be assailed. With our rifles to guard the cliff, 
 no storming-party could approach no forlorn-hope could scale 
 our battlements ! 
 
 But what of thirst and hunger, you will ask ? Ha ! we 
 dreaded not either. Fortune's favors had fallen upon us in 
 showers. Even on that lone summit, we found the means to 
 assuage the one and satisfy the other ! 
 
 In crossing the table-top, we stumbled upon huge echinocadi, 
 that grew over the ground like ant-hills or gigantic bee-hives. 
 They were the mammiliaria of Qaackeoboss dome-shaped, and 
 some of them ten feet in diameter. Garey's knife was out in a 
 trice ; a portion of the spiuous coat of the largest was stripped 
 off, its top truncated, and a bowl scooped in the soft, succulent 
 
224 THE WAR-TRAIL 
 
 mass. In another minute, we had assuaged our thirst from thia 
 vegetable fountain of the Desert. 
 
 With similar facility were we enabled to gratify the kindred 
 appetite. As I had conjectured, on viewing them from the 
 plain, the trees of light-green foliage were "piiion" the "nut- 
 pine" (Pinus edulis), of which there are several species in North 
 ern Mexico, whose cones contain seeds edible and nutritious. A 
 few handfuls of these we gathered, and hungered no more. 
 They would have been better roasted, but at that moment we 
 were contented to eat them raw. 
 
 JNo wonder, then, that with such a supply for the present, and 
 such hopes for the future, we no longer dreaded the impotent 
 fury of our foes. 
 
 We lay down at the top of the gorge to watch their further 
 movements, and cover our horses from their attack. ' The flash 
 of the lightning showed them still on guard, just as we had left 
 them. One of each file was mounted, while his companion, on 
 foot, paced to and fro in the intervals of the cordon. Their 
 measures were cunningly taken ; they were evidently determined 
 we should not steal past them in the darkness ! 
 
 The lightning began to abate, and the intervals between the 
 flashes became longer and longer. 
 
 During one of these intervals, we were startled by the sound 
 of hoof-strokes at some distance off ; it was the tramp of horses 
 upon the hard plain. There is a difference between the hoof- 
 stroke of a ridden horse and one that is riderless, and the prairie- 
 man is rarely puzzled to distinguish them. My companion at 
 once pronounced the horses to be " mounted." 
 
 The guerilleros, on the alert, had heard them at the same 
 time as we, and two of them now galloped out to reconnoitre. 
 This we ascertained only by hearing, for we could not distinguish 
 an object six feet from our faces the darkness was almost pal 
 pable to th( touch. 
 
A EEINFORCEMEJNT. 225 
 
 The sounds came from a considerable distance, but we tould 
 tell that the horsemen were advancing toward the mesa. 
 
 We drew no hope from this advent. R-ube could not yet have 
 even reached the rancheria. The new-comers were El Zorro 
 and his companion on their return. 
 
 We were not kept long in doubt ; the horsemen approached 
 and shouts and salutations were exchanged between them and 
 the guerrilleros, while the horses of both parties neighed in 
 response, as if they knew each other. 
 
 At this moment the lightning shone again, and to our surprise 
 we perceived not only El Zorro but a reinforcement of full thirty 
 men ! The trampling of many hoofs had half-prepared us for 
 this discovery. 
 
 It was not without feelings of alarm that we beheld this 
 accession to the enemy's strength. Surely they would no longer 
 hesitate to assail our fortress behind the rock ? At least our 
 horses would be captured ? Besides, Rube's rescue might be 
 too weak for such a force ? There were nearly fifty. 
 
 Our anxiety as to the first two points was soon at an end. 
 To our astonishment, we perceived that no assault was to be 
 made as yet. We saw them increase the strength of their cor 
 don of sentries, and make other dispositions to carry on the 
 siege. Evidently they regarded us as hunters do the grizzly 
 bear, the lion, or tiger not to be attacked in our lair. They 
 dreaded the havoc which they well knew would be made by 
 our rifles and revolvers ; and they determined to reduce us by 
 starvation. On no other principle could we account for the 
 continence of their revenge. 
 
 10* 
 
226 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI 
 
 - 
 
 THE INDIAN SPY. 
 
 IT was past the hour of midnight. The lightning, that tor 
 some time had appeared only at long intervals, now ceased alto 
 gether. Its fitful glare gave place to a softer, steadier light, 
 for the moon had arisen, and was climbing up the eastern sky. 
 Cumulus clouds still hung in the heavens, slowly floating across 
 the canopy; but their masses were detached, and the azure fir 
 mament was visible through the spaces between. The beautiful 
 planet Venus, and here and there a solitary star, twinkled in 
 these blue voids, or gleamed through the filmy bordering of the 
 clouds ; but the chiefs of the constellations alone were visible. 
 The moon's disc was clear and well defined, whiter from contrast 
 with the dark cumuli ; and her beam frosted the prairie till 
 the grass looked hoar. There was neither mist nor mirage ; 
 the electric fluid had purged the atmosphere of its gases, an(J 
 the air was cool, limpid, and bracing. Though the moon had 
 passed the full, so brilliant was her beam, that an object could 
 have been distinguished far off upon the plain, whose silvery 
 level extended on all sides to the horizon. The thick black 
 clouds, however, moving silently over the sky, occasioned long 
 intervals of eclipse, during which the prairie, as before, wan 
 shrouded in sombre darkness. 
 
 Up to this time, Garey and I had remained by the head of 
 the little gorge, through which we had ascended. The moon 
 was behind us, for the guerrilla was on the western side of the 
 mesa. The shadow of the mound was thrown far out upon the 
 plain, and just beyond its well-defined edge was the line of seiiti- 
 
THE INDIAN SPY. 227 
 
 nels thickly posted. On our knees among the low shrubbery, we 
 were unseen by them, while we commanded a perfect view of 
 the whole troop, as they smoked, chattered, shouted, and sang 
 for they gave such tokens of their jovial humor. 
 
 After quietly watching them for some time, Garey left me to 
 take a turn round the summit, and reconnoitre the opposite or 
 eastern side. In that direction lay the rancheria ; and if the 
 picket was still stationed there, we might soon expect the res 
 cue. My rangers were not the men to tarry, called forth on 
 such a purpose; and under Rube ? s guidance, they would be most 
 likely to make their approach by the rear of the mound. Garey, 
 therefore, went in that direction to make his reconnojssance. 
 
 He had not parted from me more than a minute, when a dark 
 object out upon the plain attracted my glance. I fancied it 
 was the figure of a man; it was prostrate and flattened against 
 the ground, just as Old Rube had appeared wh&a making his 
 escape ! Surely it was not he ? I had but an indistinct vievz 
 of it, for it was full six hundred yards from the mesa, and 
 directly beyond the line of the guerrilleros. Just then a cloud 
 crossing the moon's disc, shrouded the plain, and the dark object 
 was no more visible. 
 
 I kept my eyes fixed on the spot, and waited for the returning 
 light. When the cloud passed, the figure was no longer where 
 I had first noticed it ; but nearer to the horsemen I perceived 
 the same object, and in the samo attitude as before ! It was 
 now within less than two hundred yards of the Mexican line, 
 but a bunch of tufted grass appeared to shelter it from the eyes 
 of the guerrilleros, as none of them gave any sign that it WHS 
 perceived by them. From my elevated position, the grass did 
 not conceal it. I had a clear view of the figure, and was certain 
 it was the body of a man, and, still more, of a naked man, for it 
 glistened under the sheen of the moonlight, as only a naked 
 body would have done. 
 
 Up to this time I had fancied, or rather feared, it might be 
 
228 THE WAE-TEATL. 
 
 Rube. I say feared for I had no wish to see Rube, upon his 
 return, present himself in that fashion Surely he would not 
 come back alone? And why should he be thus playing the spy, 
 since he already knew the exact position of our enemy ? 
 
 The apparition puzzled me, and I was for a while in doubt. 
 But the naked body reassured me. It could not be Rube. Th. 
 skin was of a dark hue, but so was that of the old trapper. 
 Though born white, the sun, dirt, gunpowder, and grease, with 
 the smoke of many a prairie fire, had altered Rube's complexion 
 to the true copper tint, and in point of colour, he had but little 
 advantage over a full blood Indian. But Rube would not have 
 been naked ; he never doffed his buckskins. Besides the oily 
 glitter of that body was not Rube's ; his " hide " would not have 
 shone so under the moonlight. No ; the prostrate form was not 
 his. 
 
 Another cloud cast new shadows ; and while these contin 
 ued, I saw no more of the skulking figure. As the moon 
 again shone forth, I perceived that it was gone from behind the 
 tuft of grass. I scanned the ground in the immediate neigh 
 borhood. It was not to be seen ; but on looking further out I 
 could just distinguish the figure of a man, bent forward and 
 rapidly gliding away. I followed it with my eyes until it 
 disappeared in the distance, as though it had melted into the 
 moonlight. 
 
 While gazing intently over the distant plain in the direc 
 tion whence the figure had retreated, I was startled at behold 
 ing not one, but many forms, dimly outlined upon the prairie 
 edge. 
 
 " It was Rube," thought I ; " and yonder are the ran 
 gers 1" 
 
 I strained my eyes to their utmost. They were horsemen be 
 yond a doubt ; but, to my astonishment, instead of being close 
 together, one followed another in single file, until a long line was 
 traced against the sky like the links of a gigantic chain. Ex 
 
THE CABALLADA. 229 
 
 cept in the narrow defile, )r the forest-path, my rangers never 
 rode in that fashion. It could not be they ! 
 
 At this crisis, a new thought came into my mind. More than 
 once in my life had I witnessed a spectacle similar to that now 
 under my eyes more than once had I looked upon it with 
 dread. That serried line was an old jcquaintance : it was a 
 band of Indian warriors on their midnight march upon the war- 
 trail ! 
 
 The actions of the spy were explained ; he was an Indian run 
 ner. The party to whom he belonged was about to approach 
 the mesa perhaps with the design of encamping there he had 
 been sent forward to reconnoitre the ground. 
 
 What effect his tale would have, I could not guess. I could 
 see that the horsemen were halted perhaps awaiting the return 
 of their messenger. They were too distant to be seen by the 
 Mexicans ; and the minute after they were also invisible to my 
 eyes upon the darkly shadowed prairie. 
 
 Before communicating with Garey, I resolved to wait for 
 another gleam of moonlight, so that I might have a more dis 
 tinct story to tell. 
 
 CHAPTER X L I I . 
 
 THE CABALLADA. 
 
 IT was nearly a quarter of an hour before the cloud moved 
 away ; and then, to my surprise, I saw a clump of horses not 
 horsemen upon the prairie, and scarcely half a mile distant from 
 the mesa ! Not one of them was mounted and, to all appear 
 ance, it was a drove of wild-horses that had galloped up during 
 the interval of darkness, and were now standing silent and mo 
 tionless. 
 
230 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 I strained my eyes upon the distant prairie, but the dim horse 
 men were no longer to be seen. They must have ridden off 
 beyond the range of vision ? 
 
 I was about to seek my comrade and communicate to him 
 what had passed, when on rising, to my feet, I found him stand 
 ing by my side. He had been all around the summit without 
 seeing aught, and had returned to satisfy himself that the guer 
 rilla was still quiet. 
 
 " Hillow !" he exclaimed, as his eyes fell upon the calallada> 
 " What the darnation's yonder, a drove o' wild bosses ? It's 
 mighty strange them niggers don't notice 'em ! By the etar- 
 nal 
 
 I know not what Garey meant to have said. His words were 
 drowned, by the wild yell that broke simultaneously from the 
 Mexican line ; and the next moment the whole troop were seen 
 springing to their saddles, and putting themselves in motion. 
 
 We, of course, supposed they had just discovered the caballada 
 of wild horses, and it was that that was producing this sudden 
 stampede. What was our astonishment on perceiving that we 
 ourselves were the cause of the alarm ; for the guerrilleros in 
 stead of fronting to the plain, rode closer up to the cliff, and 
 screaming wildly, fired their carbines at us ! Among the rest 
 we could distinguish the great gun of El Zorro, and the hiss of 
 its leaden bullet, as it passed close to our ears I 
 
 We were puzzled at first to know how they had discovered 
 us. A glance explained that the moon had risen higher in the 
 heavens, and the shadow cast by the mound had been gradually 
 foreshortened. While gazing out at the caballada, we had in 
 cautiously kept our feet, and our figures, magnified to gigantic 
 proportions, were thrown forward upon the plain directly under 
 the eyes of our enemies. They had but to look up to see us 
 where we stood. 
 
 Instantly we knelt down among the bushes, clutching our rifles. 
 The surprise occasioned by our appearance upon the cliff, seemed 
 
TH1C CAB ALL AD A. 
 
 to have deprived our enemies, for the moment, of their habitual 
 prudence, as several of them rode boldly within range. Per 
 haps they were some of the late arrivals. In the dark shadow 
 we could not make out their forms ;,but one had the misfortune 
 to be mounted on a white horse, and that guided the trapper's 
 aim. I saw him glancing along his barrel, and heard the sharp 
 3rack. I fancied I heard a stifled groan from below, and the 
 next moment the white horse was seen galloping out into the 
 moonlight, but the rider was no longer upon his back. 
 
 Another cloud passed over the moon, and the plain was again 
 shrouded from our sight. Garey was proceeding to reload, when 
 a cry arose amidst the darkness, that caused him to pause and 
 listen. The cry was again repeated, and then uttered continu 
 ously with that wild intonation which can alone proceed from 
 the throat of the savage. It was not the guerrilla that was 
 uttering that cry ; it was the yell of the Indian warrior. 
 
 " Comanche war-hoop 1" cried Garey, after listening a moment. 
 " Comanche war-hoop ? by the etarnal ! Hooraw ! the Injuns 
 are upon 'em 1" 
 
 Amidst the cries, we could hear the rapid trampling of 
 horses, and the ground appeared to vibrate under the quick 
 heavy tread. Each moment the strokes sounded nearer. The 
 savages were charging the guerrilla ! 
 
 The moon shot forth from the cloud. There was no longer a 
 doubt. The wild-horses were mounted ; each carried an Indian 
 naked to the waist, his painted body glaring red in the moon 
 light, and terrible to behold. 
 
 By this time the Mexicans had all mounted and faced towards 
 the unexpected foe, but with evident signs of irresolution in 
 their ranks. They wou'.d never stand the charge no, never. 
 So said Garey and he was right. 
 
 The savages had advanced within less than a hundred paces 
 of the Mexican line, when they were observed to pull suddenly 
 up. It was but a momentary halt just time enough to enable 
 
232 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 them to mark the formation of their foes, and seid a flight of 
 arrows into their midst. That done, they dashed onward, utter 
 ing their wild yells and brandishing their long spears. 
 
 The guerrilleros only waited to discharge their carbines and 
 escopettes ; they did not think of reloading. Most of them 
 flung away their guns as soon as they had fired, and the retreat 
 began. The whole troop turned its back upon the enemy, and 
 spurring their horses to a gallop, came sweeping round the base 
 of the mesa in headlong flight. 
 
 The Indians, uttering their demoniac yells, followed as fast. 
 They were rendered more furious tha't their hated foe was likely to 
 escape them. The latter were indebted to us for having put them 
 upon the alert. But for that circumstance, the Indians would 
 have charged them while dismounted, and far different might 
 have been their fate. Mounted and ready for flight, most of 
 them would probably get clear. 
 
 The moment we saw the direction the chase was about to take, 
 Garey and I rushed across the summit to that side. From the 
 brow of the precipice, our view was perfect, and we could see 
 both parties as they passed along its base directly below us. 
 Both were riding in straggling clumps, and scarcely two hundred 
 paces separated the rearmost of the pursued from the headmost 
 of the pursuers. The latter still uttered their war-cry, while the 
 former now rode in silence their breath bound, and their voices 
 hushed in the deathlike stillness of terror. 
 
 All at once a cry arose from the guerrilla short, quick, and 
 despairing the voice of some new consternation ; at the same 
 moment, the whole troop were seen to pull up. 
 
 "We looked for the cause of this extraordinary conduct : our 
 eyes and our ears both guided us to the explanation. From the 
 opposite direction, and scarcely three hundred yards distant, 
 appeared a band of horsemen coming up at a gallop. They 
 were right in the moon's eye, and we could see glancing arms, 
 and hear loud voices. The hoofs could " e heard pounding the 
 
THE CAJBALLADA. 
 
 prairie, and my companion and I recognized the heavy *read of 
 the American horse. Still more certain were we about that 
 boarse " hurrah." Neither Indian nor Mexican could have ut 
 tered that well-known shout. 
 
 " Hooraw ! the rangers I" cried Garey, as he echoed the 
 cry at the full pitch of his voice. 
 
 The guerrilleros, stupefied by surprise at sight of this new 
 enemy, had paused for a moment no doubt fancying it was 
 another party of Indians. Their halt was of short dusation ; 
 the dim light favoured them ; rifles already played upon their 
 ranks ; and suddenly wheeling to the left, they struck out into 
 the open plain. 
 
 The Indians, seeing them turn off, leaned into the diagonal 
 line to intercept them ; but the rangers, already close up, had 
 just made a similar movement, and savage and Saxon were now 
 obliquing towards each other. 
 
 The moon that for some minutes had been yielding but a 
 faint light, became suddenly eclipsed by a cloud, and the dark 
 ness was now greater than ever. Garey and I saw no more of 
 the strife ; but we heard the shock of the opposing bands ; we 
 heard the war-whoop of the savage mingling with the rangers' 
 vengeful shout ; we heard the " crack, crack, crack," of yager 
 rifles, and the quick detonations of revolvers the clashing of 
 sabre-blades upon spear shafts the ring of breaking steel the 
 neighing of steeds the victor's cry of triumph and tie deep 
 anguished groan of the victim. 
 
 With anxious hearts, and nerves excited to their utmost, we 
 stood upon the cliff, and listened to these sounds of dread im 
 port. 
 
 Not long did they last. The fierce struggle was soon over. 
 When the moon gleamed forth again, the battle was ended. 
 Prostrate forms, both of men and horse, were lying upon the 
 plain. 
 
 Far to the south, a dark clump was seen disappearing over 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 the prairie's edge ; it was the cowardly guerrilla. To the west 
 horsemen galloped away alone, or in straggling groups ; but 
 the cheer of triumph that reached us from the scene of strife 
 told us who were the masters of the ground. The rangers had 
 triumphed. 
 
 " Whur ur ye, Bill ?" cried a voice from the bottom of the 
 *jliff, which both of us easily recognized. 
 
 -" Hyar I be," answered Garey. 
 
 " Wai, we've gin them Injuns goss, I reck'n ; but cuss the 
 lack, the yeller-bellies hev got clur off. Wagh !" 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 A CHAPTER OF EXPLANATIONS. 
 
 THE fight could not have lasted more than ten minutes. Tht 
 whole skirmish had the semblance of a moonlight dream, inter 
 rupted by interludes of darkness. So rapid had been the move 
 ments of the forces engaged, that after the first fire not a gun 
 was reloaded. As for the guerrilleros, the Indian war-cry seem 
 ed to have shaken the pieces out of their hands, for the ground 
 where they had first broken off was literally strewed with car 
 bines, escopettes, and lances. The great gun of El Zorro was 
 found among the spoils. 
 
 Notwithstanding the shortness of the affair, it proved suffi 
 ciently tragical to both Mexicans and Indians: five of the guer 
 rilleros had bit the dust, and twice that number of savage 
 warriors lay lifeless upon the plain their bodies glaring under 
 the red war-paint, as if shrouded in blood. The Mexicans lay 
 near the foot of the mesa, having fallen under the first fire of the 
 
A. CHAPTER OF EXPLANATIONS. 236 
 
 Rangers, delivered as they galloped up. The Indians were 
 further out upon the plain, where they had dropped to the thick 
 rapid detonations of the revolvers, that, so long as the warriors 
 held their ground, played upon them with fearful effect. They 
 may have heard of this weapon, and perhaps have seen a revol 
 ver in the hands of some trapper or traveller, but, to my know 
 ledge, it was the first time they had ever encountered a band of 
 men armed with so terrible a power to destroy; for the Rangers 
 were indeed the first military organisation that carried Colt's 
 pistol into battle the high cost of the arm having deterred the 
 government from extending it to other branches of the service. 
 
 Nor did the Rangers themselves come unscathed oat of the 
 fight: two had dropped dead out of their saddles, pierced by the 
 Comanche spear; while nearly a dozen were more or less severely 
 wounded by arrows. 
 
 While Quackenboss was climbing the cliff, Garey and I found 
 time to talk over the strange incidents to which we had been 
 witness. We were aided by explanations from below, but, with 
 out these, we had. no difficulty in comprehending all. The 
 Indians were a band of Comanches, as their war-cry had already 
 made known to us. Their arrival on the ground at that moment 
 was purely accidental, so far as we or the Mexicans were con 
 cerned; it was a war-party, and upon the war-trail, with tho 
 intention of reiving a rich Mexican town on the other side of the 
 Rio . Grande, some twenty leagues from the rancheria. Their 
 spy had discovered the horsemen by the mesa, and made them 
 out to be Mexicans a foe which the lordly Comanche holds iri 
 supreme contempt. Not so contemptible in his eyes are Mexican 
 horses, silver-studded saddles, speckled serapes, mangas of fine 
 cloth, bell-buttoned breeches, arms, and accoutrements; and il 
 was to sweep this paraphernalia that the attack had been made; 
 though hereditary hatred of the Spanish race old as the Con 
 quest and revenge for more recent wrongs, were of themselves 
 sufficient motives to have impelled the Indians to ;heir hostile 
 
236 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 attempt. All this we learned from one of their braves, whc 
 remained wounded upon the ground, and who, upon closer ex 
 amination, turned out to be a ci-decant Mexican captive, now 
 completely Indianised ! 
 
 Fortunately for the Mexican town, the savages, thus checked, 
 abandoned their design, and return to their mountain fastnesses 
 gadly humbled. 
 
 The rest of the affair was still of easier explanation to Garey 
 and myself. Rube, as we conjectured, had arrived safe at the 
 rancheria; and in ten minutes after his story had been told, fifty 
 Rangers, with Holingsworth at their head, rode rapidly for the 
 mesa. Rube had guided them with his usual craft. Like the 
 Indians, they had been moving forward during the intervals of 
 darkness; but, coming in the opposite direction, they had kept 
 the mound between them and their, foe, and, trusting to this 
 advantage, were in hopes of taking the guerrilleros by surprise. 
 They had approached almost within charging distance, when the 
 war-whoop of the savage sounded in their ears, and they were 
 met by the retreating band. Knowing that all who came that 
 way must be enemies, they delivered their fire upon the approach 
 ing horsemen, and then galloping forward, found themselves face 
 to face with the painted warriors of the plains. The mutual 
 surprise of Rangers and Indians, caused by the unexpected ren 
 contre, proved a happy circumstance for the cowardly guerrilla, 
 who, during the short halt of their double pursuers, and the con 
 fused fight that followed, were enabled to gallop off beyond reach 
 of pursuit. 
 
 It was a curious conjecture what would have been the result 
 had the Rangers not arrived on the ground. Certainly the In 
 dians would have rescued us from our not less savage foes. My 
 companion and I might have remained undiscovered, but we 
 should have lost our precious horses. As it was, we were soon 
 once more upon their backs; and, free from all thought of peril, 
 now joyfully turned our faces towards the rancheria. 
 
A CHAPTER OF EXPLANATIONS. 237 
 
 Wheatley rode by my side. Holingsworth with a party re 
 mained upon the ground to collect the "spoils" and bury our 
 unfortunate comrades. As we moved away, I turned, and for a 
 moment gazed back on the scene cf strife. I saw Holingsworth 
 dismounted on the plain. He was moving among the bodies of 
 the five guerrilleros ; one after another, he turned them over, 
 till the moon glared upon their ghastly features. So odd were 
 his movements, and so earnest did he appear, that one might 
 have fancied him engaged in searching for a fallen friend, or 
 more like some prowling robber intent upon stripping the dead! 
 But neither object was his on the contrary, he was searching 
 for a foe. He found him not. After scanning the features of 
 all five, he was seen to turn away, and the unconcerned manner 
 in which he moved from the spot, told that he who was sought 
 #as not among the slain. 
 
 " The news, Wheatley ?" 
 
 "News, Cap! Grand news, by thunder! It appears we 
 have been barking up the wrong tree at least so thinks Presi 
 dent Polk. They say we can't reach Mexico on this line ; so 
 we're all going to be drawn off, and shipped to some port further 
 down the gulf Yera Cruz, I believe." 
 
 " Ah! grand news indeed." 
 
 " I don't like it a bit," continued Wheatley; " the less so since 
 it is rumoured that old " Rough and Ready " is to be recalled, 
 and we're to be commanded by that book martinet Scott. It's 
 shabby treatment of Taylor, after what the old vet has accom 
 plished. They're afraid of him setting up for president next go. 
 Hang their politics 1 It's a confounded shame, by thunder !" 
 
 I could partly understand Wheatley's reluctance to be ordered 
 upon the new line of operations. The gay lieutenant was never 
 troubled with ennui; his leisure hours he contrived to pass pleas 
 antly enough in company with Conchita, the plump, dark-eyed 
 daughter of the alcalde ; more than once, I had unwittingly in 
 terrupted them in their amorous dalliance. The rancheria, with 
 
238 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 its mnd huts and dusty lanes, in the eyes of the Texan, was a 
 city of gilded palaces, its streets paved with gold. It was 
 Wheatley's heaven, and Conchita was the angel who inhabited 
 it. Little as either he or I had liked the post at first, neither of 
 us desired a charge of quarters. 
 
 As yet, no order had arrived to call the picket in, but my 
 companion affirmed that the camp-rumor was a substantial one, 
 and believed that we might expect such a command at any 
 moment. 
 
 " What say they of me ?" I inquired. 
 
 " Of you, Cap ? Why nothing. What do you expect them 
 to say of you ?" 
 
 " Surely there has been some talk about my absence ?" 
 
 " Oh, that 1 No, not a word, at least at head-quarters, 
 for the simple reason, that you're not yet reported mis 
 sing." 
 
 " Ah, that is good news ; but how " 
 
 " Why, the truth is, Holingsworth and I thought we might 
 serve you better by keeping the thing dark at all events, till 
 we should be sure you were dead lost. We had'nt given up all 
 hope. The greaser who guided you out, brought back word 
 that two trappers had gone after you. From his description, I 
 knew that queer old case Rube, and was satisfied that if any 
 thing remained of you he was the man to find it." 
 
 " Thanks, my friend, you have acted well j your discreet con 
 duct will save me a world of mortification." 
 
 " No other news?" I inquired after a pause. 
 
 " No," said Wheatley ; " none worth telling. O yes \ n he 
 continued, suddenly recollecting himself, ' ' there is a bit. You 
 remember those hang dog greasers that used to loaf about the 
 village when we first came ? Well, they 're gone, by thunder ! 
 every mother's son of them clean vamosed faom the place, and not 
 a grease-spot left of them. You may walk through the whole 
 settlement without seeing a Mexican, except the old men and 
 
A CHAPTER OF EXPLANATIONS. 239 
 
 the women. I asked the alcalde where they had cLo-red to, 
 but the old chap only shook his head, and drawled out nis eter 
 nal " Quien sabe ?" Of course they 're off to join some band of 
 guerrillas. By thunder I when 1 think of it, I wouldn't wonder 
 if they were among that lot we have just scattered. Sure as 
 shootin, they are ! I saw Holingsworth examine the five dead 
 ones as we rode off. He'll know them, I guess, and can tell us 
 if any of our old acquaintances are among them." 
 
 Knowing more of this matter than Wheatley himself, I en 
 lightened him as to the guerrilleros and their leader. 
 
 " Thought so, by thunder ! Rafael Ijurra ! No wonder 
 Holingsworth was so keen to start in such a hurry to reach 
 the mound, he forgot to tell me who we were after. Deuce take 
 it ! what fools we've been to let these fellows slide. We should 
 have strung up every man of them when we first reached the 
 place we should, by thunder !" 
 
 For some minutes we rode on in silence. Twenty times a 
 question was upon my lips, but I refrained from putting it, in 
 hopes that Wheatley might have something more to tell me 
 something of more interest that aught he had yet communicated. 
 He remained provokingly silent. 
 
 With the design of drawing him out, I assumed a more care 
 less air and inquired : 
 
 " Have we had no visitors at the post ? Any one from the 
 camp ?" 
 
 " Not a soul," replied he, and again relapsed into medita 
 tive silence." 
 
 " No visitors whatever ? Has no one inquired for me '{" I 
 asked, determined to come boldly to the point. 
 
 " No," was the discouraging reply. " O, stay : oh, ah yes, 
 indeed !" he added, correcting himself, while I could perceive 
 that he spoke in a peculiar tone. " Yes, you were inquired for." 
 
 " By whom ?" asked I, in a careless drawl. 
 
 " Well, that I can't tell," answered the lieutenant in an evident 
 
24:0 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 tone of badinage ; " but there appears to be somebody mighty 
 uneasy about you. A slip of a Mexican boy has been back 
 ward and forward something less than a million of times. It'? 
 plain somebody sends the boy ; but he's a close little shaver that 
 same won't tell who sends him, or what's his business ; he only 
 inquires if you have returned, and looks dead down in the mouth 
 when he's told no. I have noticed that he comes and goes on 
 the road that leads to the hacienda?' 
 
 The last words were spoken with a distinct emphasis. " We 
 might have arrested the little fellow as a spy," continued 
 Wheatley, in a tone of quiet irony, " but we fancied he might 
 have been sent by some friend of yours." 
 
 The speaker concluded with another marked emphasis, and 
 under the moonlight I could see a smile playing across his fea 
 tures. More than once I had " chaffed " my lieutenant about 
 Conchita j he was having his revenge. 
 
 I was not in a mood to take offence ; my companion could 
 have taken any liberty with me at that moment his communi 
 cation had fallen like sweet music upon my ears, and I rode for 
 ward with the proud consciousness that I was not forgotten. 
 Isolina was true. 
 
 Soon after, my eyes rested upon a shining object ; it was the 
 gilded vane of the little capilla, and beneath glistened the white 
 walls of the hacienda, bathed in the milky light of the moon. 
 My heart beat with strange emotions as I gazed upon the 
 well-known mansion, and thought of the lovely jewel which 
 that bright casket contained. Was she asleep ? Did she oteana 
 of what- of whom, was she dreaming ? 
 
DUTCH LIGE IN A DIFFICULTY. 241 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 DUTCH LIGE IN A DIFFICULTY. 
 
 THE soft blue light of morning was just perceptible along the 
 eastern horizon as we rode into the rancheria. I no longer felt 
 hunger. Some of the more provident of the rangers had brought 
 with them well filled haversacks, and made me welcome to the 
 contents. From their canteens I had satisfied my thirst, and 
 Wheatley, as usual, carried his free flask. 
 
 Relieved of the protracted strain upon my nerves of fear 
 and vigil I felt deadly weary, and, scarcely undressing I flung 
 myself upon my leathern catre and at once fell asleep. 
 
 A few hours repose had the desired effect, and restared both 
 the strength of my body and the vigour of my mind. I awoke, 
 full of health and hope. A world of sweet anticipations was 
 before me. The sky and fortune were both smiling. 
 
 I made my toilet with some care my desayuna with less 
 and then, with lighted cigar, ascended to my favorite lounge on 
 the azotea. 
 
 The beautiful captive was in the midst of a crowd proudly 
 curving his neck, as if conscious of the admiration he excited. 
 The rangers, the poblanas, the hucksters of the plaza, even 
 some sulky leperos stood near, gazing with wondering eyes upon 
 the wild horse. 
 
 " Splendid present," thought I " worthy the acceptance of a 
 princess 1" 
 
 It had been my intention to make the offering in person 
 hence the care bestowed upon my toilet. After more mature 
 reflection, I abandoned this design. I was influenced by a va 
 il 
 
24-2 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 riety ot considerations one, among others being & delicate 
 apprehension that a personal visit from me might compromise 
 the family at the hacienda. The patriotic sentiment was every 
 day growing more intense. Even the acceptance of a present 
 was a dangerous matter ; but the steed was not to be a gift 
 only a return for the favourite that had fallen by my hand and 
 
 was not to appear in the character of a donor. 
 
 My sable groom, therefore, would convey the beautiful cap 
 tive. Already the white lazo formed into a halter, was adjusted 
 around the animal's head, and the negro only awaited orders to 
 lead him away. 
 
 I confess that at that moment I felt somewhat annoyed at the 
 publicity of my affair. My rough rangers were men of keen 
 intelligence. I could tell from some whispers that had reached 
 me, that one and all of them knew why I had gone upon the 
 wild hunt, and I dreaded their good-humoured satire. I would 
 have given something at that moment to have rendered the steed 
 invisible to have been able to transport him to his destination, 
 Yenus-like, under cover of a cloud. I thought of waiting for 
 the friendly shelter of night. 
 
 Just then, however, and incident occurred which gave me the 
 very opportunity I wanted a scene so ludicrous, that the steed 
 was no longer the cynosure of admiring eyes. The hero ofHhis 
 scene was Elijah Quackenboss. 
 
 Of all the men in my band, " Dutch Lige n was the worst clad. 
 Not that there was less money expended upon his outward man ; 
 but partly from his ungainly form and loose untidy habits, and 
 more, perhaps, from the wear and tear caused by his botanising 
 excursions, a suit of broadcloth did not keep sound upon him for 
 a week. He was habitually in tatters. 
 
 The skirmish of the night had been profitable to Lige; it was 
 his true aim that had brought down one of the five guerrilleros. 
 On his asserting this, his comrades had laughed at it as an idle 
 vaunt; but Quackenboss proved his assertion to be correct by 
 
DUTCH LIGE IN A DIFFICULTY. 24:3 
 
 picking his bullet out of the man's body, and holding it up before 
 theii eyes. The peculiar "bore" of his rifle rendered the bullet 
 easy of identification, and all agreed that Lige had shot his 
 man. 
 
 By the laws of ranger-war, the spoils of this particular indi 
 vidual became the property of Quackenboss; and the result was, 
 that he had shaken off his tattered rags, and now appeared in 
 the plaza in full Mexican costume comprising calzoneros and 
 ^alzoncillos, sash and scrape, jacket and glazed hat, botas with 
 gigantic spurs in short, a complete set of ranchero habili 
 ments ! 
 
 Never was such a pair of legs incased in Mexican velveteens 
 never were two such arms thrust into the sleeves of an em 
 broidered jaqueta and so odd was the tout ensemble of the ranger 
 thus attired, that his appearance in the plaza was hailed by a 
 loud burst of laughter, both from his comrades and the native? 
 who stood around. Even the gloomy Indians shawed their 
 white teeth, and joined in the general chorus. 
 
 But this was not the end. Among other spoils, Lige had 
 made capture of a Comanche mustang; and as his own war-horse 
 had been for a long time on the decline, this afforded him an ex 
 cellent opportunity for a remount. Some duty of the day had 
 called him forth, and he now appeared in the plaza leading the 
 mustang, to which he had transferred his own saddle and bridle. 
 A fine handsome horse it appeared. More than one of his com 
 rades envied him this splendid prize. 
 
 The laughter had scarcely subsided, when the order was give;, 
 to mount; and with others, Quackenboss sprang to his horse. 
 But his hips were hardly snug in the saddle, when the wicked 
 Comanche "humped" his back and entered upon a round of 
 kicking which seemed to exhibit every pose and attitude of 
 equestrian exercise. First his hind-feet, then his fore ones, then all 
 together, could be seen glancing in the air. Now a hoof whizzed 
 past the ear of the affrighted rider, now a set of teeth threaten 
 
THE WAK-1KAIL. 
 
 ed his thighs, while every moment he appeared in danger of be 
 ing hurled with violence. to the earth. The sombrero had long 
 since parted from his head, and the rifle from his nand; and what 
 with the flapping of the wide trousers, the waving of the loose 
 serapd, the dancing of the steel scabbard, the distracted motion 
 of the rider's arms, his lank streaming hair and look of terror 
 all combined to form a spectacle sufficiently ludicrous; and the 
 whole crowd was convulsed with laughter, and the plaza rang 
 with shouts of " Bravo 1" '' Well done, Lige !" " Hooraw for 
 you, old beeswax 1" 
 
 But what surprised his comrades, was the fact that Quacken- 
 boss still kept his seat. It was well known that he was the 
 worst rider in the troop ; yet despite all the doubling and fling 
 ing of the mustang, that had now lasted for several minutes, he 
 was still safe in the saddle. He was winning golden opinions 
 upon the strength of his splendid horsemanship ! The rangers 
 were being astonished. 
 
 All at once, however, this mystery was explained, and the 
 cause of his firm seat discovered. One of the bystanders, 
 sharper than the rest, had chanced to look under the belly of 
 the mustang, and the next moment shouted out : 
 
 "Hoy ! look yonder ! by Geehorum, his spurs are clenched!" 
 
 All eyes were lowered, and a fresh peal of laughter broke 
 forth from the crowd as they perceived that this was in reality 
 the case. 
 
 Lige, upon mounting under the suspicion that the mustang 
 was disposed for a fling had clutched firmly with his legs, and 
 these, on account of their extreme length, completely enveloped 
 the body of the animal, so that his heels met underneath. He 
 had forgotten his new spurs, the rowels of which, six inches in 
 diameter, irritated the mustang and were no doubt the cause 
 of such violent kicking. These, after a few turns, had got 
 " locked," and of course held Quackenboss as firmly as if he had 
 been strapped to the saddle. But as the rowels were now 
 
A LOVEE ON THE TRAIL. 245 
 
 ouried in the ribs of the mustang, the fierce brute, maddened 
 with the pain, only grew more furious at each fling, and it waa 
 natural enough he should do his utmost to rid himself of so cruel 
 a rider. 
 
 How long he might have kept up the pitching frolic before 
 his involuntary tormentor could have freed himself, is a matter 
 of conjecture. It would have been an unfortunate "fix" to 
 have been placed in, alone upon the prairies. 
 
 Lige, however, found a compassionate bystander, who, having 
 flung his lazo around the neck of the mustang, brought the spec 
 tacle to a termination. 
 
 CHAPTER XL V. 
 
 A LOVER ON THE TRAIL. 
 
 TAKING advantage of the distraction caused by Quackenboss 
 and his troubles, I despatched the black upon his interesting 
 errand, and with no slight anxiety awaited the result. 
 
 From my position on the roof, I saw my messenger climb the 
 hill, leading the proud steed ; and saw them enter the great 
 portal of the hacienda. 
 
 Promptly almost directly the groom cme out again with 
 out the horse. The present had been accepted. So far well. 
 
 I counted the moments, till heavy footsteps were heard upon 
 the escalera, and a shining black face rose over the roof. 
 
 There was no letter, no message beyond " mil gracias" 
 
 I felt a pang of chagrin. I had expected thanks more formal 
 than this mere phrase of compliment. 
 
 My man appeared better satisfied. A gold onza gleamed in 
 his purple palm a handsome perquisite. 
 
24:6 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " By whom given ?" I inquired. 
 
 " Golly, rnas cap'n ! De handsomest quade.'oom gal dis mgga 
 ever see guv it." 
 
 Beyond a doubt, Isolina herself was the donor ! I could have 
 broken the rascal's thick skull but that the queenly douceur gavt 
 proof of the satisfaction with which my offering had been receiv 
 ed. Even on this trivial circumstance, I built my hopes of yet 
 receiving a fuller meed of thanks. 
 
 Absorbed in these hopes, I continued to pace the azotea 
 alone. It was a die de fiesta in the rancheria. Bells had already 
 commenced their clangor, and other notes of preparation fell 
 upon the ear. The poblanas appeared in their gayest attire 
 the Indians in bright naguas, with red and purple threads twist 
 ed in their black hair; the denizens of the ranchitos were pour 
 ing into the plaza, and processions were being formed by lie 
 church \ jaranas were twanging their guitar-like music; and 
 pyrotechnic machines were set up at the corners of the streets. 
 Tinsel-covered saints were carried about on the shoulders ot 
 painted maskers; and there were Pilate and the Centurion, and 
 the Saviour a spectacle absurd and unnatural ; and yet a 
 spectacle that may be witnessed every week in a Mexican vil 
 lage, and which, with but slight variation, has been exhibited 
 every week for three centuries. 
 
 I had no eyes for this disgusting fanfaronade of a degrading 
 superstition. Sick of the sight, weared with the sounds, I had 
 given orders for my horse to be saddled, intending to ride forth 
 and seek repose for my spirit amid the silent glades of the chap- 
 paral. 
 
 While waiting for my steed, an object came under my eyes 
 that quickened the beatings of my pulse: my gaze had been long 
 turned in one direction upon the hacienda of Don Ramon de 
 Vargas. 
 
 Just then, I saw energing from its gate, and passing rapidly 
 down the hill, a horse with a rider upon his back. 
 
A LGTER ON THE TKAIL. 24:7 
 
 The snow-white color of this horse, and the scarlet manga of 
 .lie rider, both contrasting with the green of the surrounding 
 landscape, could not escape observation even at that distance, 
 and my eyes at once caught the bright object. I hesitated not 
 to form my conclusion. It was the white steed I saw; and the 
 rider I remembered the manga as when first my eyes rested 
 apOD that fair form the rider was Isolina. She was passing 
 down the slope that stretched from the hacienda to the river 
 bottom, and the minute after the thick foliage of the platanus 
 trees shrouded the shining meteor from my sight. 
 
 I noticed that she halted a moment on the edge of the woods, 
 and fancied that she gazed earnestly towards the village ; but 
 the road she had taken led almost in the opposite direction. 
 
 I chafed with impatience for my horse. My resolve, made on 
 the impulse of the moment, was to follow the white steed ad 
 his scarlet-clad rider. 
 
 Once in the saddle, I hurried out of the plaza, passed the 
 ranches of yucca, and reaching the open country, pressed my 
 horse into a gallop. 
 
 My road lay up the river, through a heavily timbered bottom 
 of gum and cotton woods. These were thickly beset with the 
 curious tillandsia, whose silvery festoons, stretching from branch 
 to branch, shrouded the sun, causing amongst the tree-trunks the 
 obscurity of twilight. 
 
 In the midst of one of these shadowy aisles, I met or passed 
 some one; I saw that it was a Mexican boy; but the sombre light, 
 and the rapidity with which I was riding, prevented me from 
 noting anything more. The lad shouted after me, uttering some 
 words, which were drowned by the hoof-strokes of my horse. I 
 deemed it some expression of boyish esprit, and, without heeding 
 it, rode on. Not until far out of sight arid hearing did it occur 
 to me that I knew the voice and the lad. I recollected a sort 
 of errand-boy attached to the hacienda, and whom I had seen 
 more than ouce at the rancheria. I now remembered the badin 
 
248 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 age of Wheatley, and would have returned to question the youth; 
 but I had left him too far in the rear. After a moment's reflec 
 tion, I spurred on. - f 
 
 I soon arrived at the base of the hill on which stood the 
 hacienda ; and here leaving the main road, I followed a bridle 
 path that skirted the hill. A few hundred yards brought me to 
 the spot where I had last observed the object of my pursuit. 
 The hoof-track of the white horse now guided me, and upon his 
 trail I entered the woods. 
 
 For some distance, it followed a well-trodden path a cattle 
 track but all at once it diverged from this, and struck off into 
 a heavily 'timbered bottom, where not the semblance of path 
 existed. Keeping the trace in view, I rode after. 
 
 As I advanced, the timber grew thicker, and the path more 
 difficult. A close underwood of arundinaria and sabal pal ma 
 shut up the way and the view ; trailing roots obstructed progress 
 below; while higher up, the trellis- work of llianas, bamboo briars, 
 sarsaparilla, and gigantic grape-vines, rendered it necessary to 
 bend down in the saddle in order to pass onward. 
 
 To my surprise, I noticed all this. For what purpose could 
 she have chosen such a path ? Was it indeed Isolina I had 
 seen? A white horse and a scarlet manga are not uncommon 
 things in Mexico. It might not be But the hoof-print 
 
 I dismounted and examined it: I knew it at a glance it was 
 that of the noble steed, and the rider could be no other than 
 Isolina de Yargas. 
 
 No longer in doubt, though still wondering, I followed tha 
 tracks. For a half mile or more the path meandered through 
 thick forest, here turning around some giant trunk, theie diverg 
 ing to the right or left, to avoid the impervious net-work of canea 
 and llianas. 
 
 At length it began to slope upwards ; and I perceived by the 
 ascent that I was climbing a hill. The woods became more 
 open as I advanced here and there alternating with glades the 
 
A LOVER ON THE TRAIL. 24:9 
 
 trees were of slenderer growth, and the foliage lighter and thin 
 ner. I was no longer among the heavy trunks of platanns 
 and liquidambar. The leguminosea were the prevailing trees ; 
 and many beautiful forms of inga, acacia, and mimosa, grew 
 around. Myrtles, too, mingled their foliage with wild limes, 
 their branches twined with flowering parasites, as the climbing 
 combretum, with its long flame-like clusters, convolvuli, with largf* 
 white blossoms, and the beautiful twin-leaved bauhinia. 
 
 It was a wild garden of flowers a shrubbery of nature's OWD 
 planting. The eye, wandering through the vistas and glades, 
 beheld almost every form of infloresence. There were the trum 
 pet-shaped bignonias convolvuli in pendulous bells syngenesists 
 disposed in spreading umbels ; and over them, closely set upon 
 tall spikes, rose the showy blossoms of the bromelias aloes and 
 dasylyrium. Even from the tops of the highest trees hung 
 gaudy catkins, wafted to and fro by the light breeze, mingling 
 their sheen and their perfume with the floral epiphytes and para 
 sites that clustered around the branches. 
 
 I could not help thinking that these flowers are gifted with 
 life, and enjoy, during their short and transient existence, both 
 pleasure and pain. The bright warm sun is their happiness, 
 while the cold cloudy sky is the reflection of their misery. 
 
 As I rode onward, another reflection passed through my mind ; 
 it was caused by my perceiving that the atmosphere was charged 
 with pleasant perfumes literally loaded with fragrance. I per 
 ceived, moreover, that the same breeze carried upon its breath 
 the sweet music of birds, whose notes sounded clear, soft, and 
 harmonious. 
 
 What closet slanderer hath asserted that the flowers of this 
 fair land are devoid of fragrance that its birds, though brightly 
 plumed, are songless ? 
 
 Ah, Monsieur Buffon ! with all your eloquence, such presump 
 tive assertion will one day strip you of half your fame. You 
 rould never have approached within two hundred paces oi a 
 
 11* 
 
'J50 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 Stannopea, of the epidendum odoratum, of the datura grandi/kxra, 
 with its mantle of snow-white blossoms ? You could never have 
 passed near the pathos plant, the serbereae, and tabernamon 
 taneae, the callas, eugenias, ocotas, and nictiginas ? you couid 
 never have ridden through a chapparal of acacias and mimosas 
 among orchids whose presence fills whole forests with fragrant 
 aroma ? 
 
 And more, Monsieur ! you could never have listened to the 
 incomparable melody of the mock-bird the full, charming notes 
 of the blue song-thrush the sweet warbling voices of the silvias, 
 finches, and tanagers, that not only adorn the American woods 
 with their gorgeous colors, but make them vocal with never- 
 ending song ? No, Monsieur ; you could never have inhaled 
 the perfume of these flowers, nor listed to the melody of these 
 sweet songsters ; and sad it was of you, and silly as sad, to have 
 yielded to the prejudice of a slender spirit, and denied their 
 existence. Both exist the singing birds and the fragrant 
 flowers both exist, and thou art gone. 
 
 On such reflections I dwelt but for a moment ; they were merely 
 the natural impression of surrounding subjects short-lived -sensa 
 tions almost instantaneously passing away. The soul, benighted 
 with love, has neither eye- nor ear for aught beyond the object of its 
 passion. From the contemplation of that only does it derive plea 
 sure ; and even the fairest pictures of nature may be spread be 
 fore it without challenging observation. It was only that the 
 one through which I was passing was of such transcendent 
 beauty so like to some scene of paradise that I 2oald net 
 help regarding it with momentary admiration. 
 
 But my eyes soon returned to the earth, and once more taking 
 up the trace of the steed, I rode on. 
 
 I had advanced near the summit, the tracks were quite recent ; 
 the branches that had been touched by the flanks of the horse 
 had not yet ceased to vibrate ; the rider could not be far in ad 
 vance. I fancied I heard the hoof-stroke. 
 
A LOVER ON THE TEAIL. . 251 
 
 Silently I pressed on, expecting every moment to catch the 
 g tarn of the scarlet manga, or the white sheen of the steed. A 
 few paces farther, and both were under my eyes, glittering 
 through the feathery froudage of the mimosas. I had followed 
 the true track. The rider was Isolina. 
 
 I saw that she had halted. She had reached the top of the 
 hill, where the growth of timber ceased. An opening of about 
 an acre there was, surrounded on all sides by the flowery woods 
 the very beau ideal of a summer glade. The open summit com 
 manded a view of the surrounding country for the hill was% 
 high one while the charming spot itself enjoyed perfect privacy 
 and repose. 
 
 In this glade she had drawn up, and was sitting silently in the 
 saddle as if to enjoy the warbling of birds, the hum of the bees, 
 and the fragrance of flowers. 
 
 I myself drew rein, and remained for some moments in a state 
 of hesitancy, as to whether I should ride forward or go back. A 
 feeling of shame was upon me, and I believe I would have turn 
 ed my horse and stolen gently away, but just then I saw the 
 fair rider draw forth from her bosom something that glittered in 
 the sun. It was a watch, and she appeared to note the time. 
 I observed that she looked anxiously over the tops of the low 
 trees, in the direction of the plain below. 
 
 These circumstances, trivial as they might appear, produced 
 within me a quick sense of pain. I felt as if hot steel was pass- 
 Ing through my heart. I had ridden to my ruin I had follow 
 ed to be present at an assignation. Thus only could I explain 
 the solitary ride, and by such difficult and devious paths ; thus 
 only could I account for the oft-repeated anxious glance, the. ear 
 acutely bent. Beyond a doubt, she was listening for the foot 
 steps of a lover ! 
 
 The rein fell from my fingers. I sat irresolute I scarcely 
 breathed my heart felt cold and feeblethe birds mocked me 
 
252 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 the parrots screeched his name the ara* in hoarse concert 
 cried out " fjurra !" 
 
 The name nerved me, as blood knits the sinews of the tiger. 
 Once more my fingers closed upon my briddle, my feet became 
 firm in the stirrups, and heart and arm swelled to their full 
 strength. 'Twas but a light rapier that hung against my thigh 
 no matter ; he might be no better weaponed : and even armed 
 from head to heel, I feared him not. Three passions hatred, 
 jealousy and revenge supplied an arm of treble strength, and 
 under the influence of these I felt bold and sure of conquest. 
 Yes ! I felt at that moment, as though I could have slain my 
 hated rival with my naked hands. 
 
 I was no longer troubled with scruples of etiquette. No ; this 
 monster owed me satisfaction life itself : he had striven to take 
 mine ; and now his should be forfeit to my vengeance. On that 
 spot even in her presence should he die, or I myself become 
 the victim. The two of us should never go thence alive. " Oh, 
 that he may reach the ground while my blood is thus hot, and 
 my hand ready ?" 
 
 The fierce thoughts stirring within me must have roused my 
 horse, for at that moment he tossed his head and neighed wildly. 
 A response came like an echo from the glade, and tho instant 
 after a voice called out : 
 
 "Hola! quienva?" 
 
 Concealment was no longer possible. I saw that I was ob 
 served ; and, spurring my horse into the open ground, came face 
 to face with Isolina. 
 
A DKCLARATION ON HORSEBACK. Faceto face with uiy beautiful bruuette. lier e.ver 
 fell upon me in an expression of surprise. I felt abashed by the glance ; tny conduct 
 was not en regie. I bethought me of an apology. "What excuse could I offer for such 
 unceremonious intrusion? Accident? She would not believe it : tlie time and plsr 
 3-"re asrainst surh a supposition. PAOF '25S. 
 
A DECLARATION ON HOKSEBACK. 2-53 
 
 CHAPTER XL VI. 
 
 A DECLARATION ON HORSEBACK. 
 
 FACE to face with my beautiful brunette. Her eyes fell 
 upon me in an expression of surprise. I felt abashed by the 
 glance ; my conduct was not en regie. I bethought me of an 
 apology. What excuse could I offer for such unceremonious in 
 trusion ? Accident ? She would not believe it ; the time and 
 the place were against such a supposition. With an intellect like 
 hers, it would be idle to adopt so shallow an artifice No : I 
 would not dissemble ; I would boldly avow the truth. Jealousy 
 had rendered me reckless of the result. 
 
 " Adios, cavalkro /" said she, interrupting my hurried reflec 
 tions. " Carrambo ! where' is your guide ? How have you 
 fdjind this place ?" 
 
 11 Easily enough, senorita ; I followed the tracks of your 
 horse." 
 
 " But so soon I did not expect you" 
 
 11 No ; you expected another ?" 
 
 " Certainly. I thought Cyprio would arrive before you" 
 
 " Cyprio !" 
 
 " Cyprio yes, Cyprio." 
 
 " Senorita ! if this be another name for your Protean cousin, 
 I have to say it will be better for him he should not arrive at 
 all." 
 
 " My cousin ? better not arrive ? Holy Trinity, capitan 1 I 
 do not comprehend you !" 
 
 Her large brown eyes were rolling .in astonishment. I was 
 
254: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 as much puzzled as she, but I had begun my explanation and 
 was determined to carry it to the end. 
 
 " Then Senorita de Vargas, I shall be more explicit. If 
 Rafael Ijurra appear upon this ground, either he or I leaves it 
 not alive. He has attempted my life, and I have vowed to take 
 his, whenever and wherever I may meet him." 
 
 " Pray heaven you may keep your vow 1" 
 
 "Your cousin?" 
 
 "My cousin Rafael Ijurra my worst foe the direst enemy 
 of our house !" 
 
 " Ha ! but were you not awaiting him ?" 
 
 " Awaiting him ! Ha, ha, ha ! No. Little timid though'! 
 be, I should not desire to be here alone with Rafael Ijurra." 
 
 " Lady ! you astonish me ; pray explain n 
 
 " POT dios ! gallant capitan, 'tis you who need explain. I 
 sought this interview to thank you for your noble gift. You 
 meet me with anger in your eye, and bitter words upon your 
 tongue." 
 
 " You sought this interview ? say you so, lady ?" 
 
 " Certainly I did. For reasons already known to you, I 
 dared not invite you to our house ; so I have chosen this pretty 
 glade for my drawing-room. How do you like i|, cavallero ?" 
 
 " In your society, senorita, the rudest spot would appear a 
 paradise." 
 
 " Again the poet's tongue 1 Ah, capitan, remember the yel 
 low domino ! No more flattery, I pray ; we are no longer en 
 masque. Face to face, let us be candid with each other." 
 
 " With all my heart I acce.pt the conditions. Candor is the 
 very thing I desire, for to say the truth, I came prepared for a 
 confession." 
 
 " A confession 1" 
 
 " Precisely so ; but since you are an advocate for candour, may 
 I first ask a question ?" 
 
 " Ho I you wish to play the confessor with me ?" 
 
A DECLARATION ON HORSEBACK. 255 
 
 " I do, senorita." 
 
 ' Bravo, capitan ! Proceed ! I shall answer you in all sin 
 cerity." 
 
 " Then, lady, what I would ask Who is this Cyprio whom 
 you expected ?" 
 
 " Cyprio 1 Ha, ha, ha ! Who should Cyprio be but my mozo ; 
 he who carried my message to you. Why do you put such a 
 question ?" 
 
 " He who carried your message to me ?" 
 
 " Of course. Yonder is the muchacko himself. Hola, Cyprio! 
 you may return to the house. Carrambo, capitan 1 both he and 
 you must have sped well. I did not expect you for half an hour ; 
 but you soldiers are soon in the saddle. So much the better, for 
 it is getting late, and I have a great deal to say to you." 
 
 A light had broken upon me. 'Twas Cyprio I had passed in the 
 forest shade ; the boy was the bearer of a message hence his 
 having hailed me. 'Twas I who was expected to keep the assig- 
 na^ion ; 'twas I for whom the timepiece had been consulted for 
 whom those earnest glances had been given ! The bitter moments 
 were past, and my heart swelled anew with proud and pleasant 
 emotions. As yet she knew not that I had come without invi 
 tation. Cyprio, at the word of command, had gone off without 
 making any reply, and my prompt appearance upon the ground 
 was left unexplained. 
 
 I was about to account for it, and offer some apology for my 
 brusque behavior, when I was challenged to the confession I had 
 just promised. 
 
 Minor thoughts gave way before the important purpose I had 
 formed, and to which the banter now recalled me. So fair an 
 opportunity might never offer again. In the vicissitudes of a sol 
 dier's life, the chance of to-day should not be disregarded to 
 morrow may bring change either in the scene or the circum 
 stances ; and I was skilled enough in love-lore to know that a,n 
 hour unimproved is often followed by an age of regrets. 
 
256 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 Bat, in truth, I do some wrong to my character ; I was but 
 little under the influence of such cunning cognizance at that 
 moment. I acted not by volition, but rather under pressure of 
 a passion that held complete mastery over my will, and compelled 
 me to the declaration I was about to make. 
 
 It was simple enough three little words in either of the two 
 sweet tongues in which we understood each other. I chose the 
 one of all others most attuned to the tones of the loving heart 
 and bending low to that fair face, and gazing into the liquid 
 depths of those large inquiring eyes, I whispered the sweet, 
 though oft-repeated phrase : 
 
 " Yoteamo." 
 
 The words quivered upon my lips, but their tone proved the- 
 sincerity in which I had spoken. Ko doubt it was further 
 manifest by the earnestness of my manner as I awaited her 
 reply. 
 
 The habitual smile had departed from her lips ; the damask 
 red deepened and rose higher upon her cheeks ; the dark fringes 
 drooped downward, and half-concealed the burning orbs beneath: 
 the face of the gay girl had suddenly assumed the serious air of 
 womanhood. 
 
 At first, I was terrified by the expression, and conld scarcely 
 control my dread ; but I drew hope from the flushed cheek, the 
 roseate neck, the swelling panting bosom. Emotions were stir 
 ring in that breast. Oh, what emotions ! will she not speak ? 
 Will she not declare them ? 
 
 There was a long interval of silence to me, it seemed an 
 age. 
 
 " Senor," she said at length 'twas the first time I had heard 
 that voice tremble " Senor, you promised to be candid ; you 
 have been so : are you equally sincere ?" 
 
 " I have spoken from the depth of my soul." 
 
 The long lashes were raised, and the love light gleamed from 
 her liquid eyes ; for a moment it burned steadily, bathing 
 
A DECLARATION ON HORSEBACK. 257 
 
 my heart as with balm. Heaven itself could not have shed a 
 brighter beam upon my spirit. 
 
 All at once a smile played upon her features, in which I 
 detected, or fancied so, the gay insouciance that springs from 
 indifference. To me it was another moment of pain. She con 
 tinued : 
 
 "And, pray, capitan, what would you have me do?" 
 
 I felt embarrassed, and replied not. 
 
 " Would you have me declare that I love you ?" 
 
 " Oh ! you cannot you do not" 
 
 " You have not asked the question !" 
 
 " No, lady. I dreaded the answer." 
 
 " Ho I what a coward you have grown of late ? A pity I 
 am not masked. Shall I draw this veil ? Ha, ha, ha 1" 
 
 It was not the manner of love. Love laughs not. My heart 
 was heavy ; I made no reply, but with eyes upon the ground, sat 
 in my saddle, feeling like one condemned. 
 
 For some moments her laughter rang in my ears, as I fancied, 
 m mockery. The sweet silvery voice only grated upon my heart. 
 Oh, that I had never listened to its siren tones ! 
 
 I heard the hoof-stroke of her horse ; and, looking up, saw 
 that she was moving away from the spot. Was she going to 
 leave me thus ? 
 
 She spurred towards the centre of the glade, where the 
 ground was higher, and there again pulled up. 
 
 " Come hither, cavallero I" she cried, " beckoning to me with 
 her small gloved hand." 
 
 Mechanically I rode up to the spot. 
 
 " So gallant capitan I you who are brave enough to meet a 
 score of foes, have not the courage to ask a woman if she loves 
 you !" 
 
 A dismal smile was my only reply to this bitter badinage. 
 
 " Ah ! capitan/ 7 she continued, " I will not believe it ; er 
 
258 THE WAB-TKAIL. 
 
 now you have put that dreaded interrogatory often, I fear, too 
 of ten. " 
 
 I looked at her with surprise. There was a touch of bitter 
 ness in the tone. The gay smile was gone ; her eyelids drooped; 
 her look was turned upon the ground. 
 
 CTas this real, or only a seeming ? the prelude to some abrupt 
 antithesis ? some fresh outburst of satire ? 
 
 " Senorita !" said I, '"the hypothesis, whether true or fais 
 can ha^e but little interest for you." 
 
 She answered me with a smile of strange intelligence. I fan 
 cied there was sadness in it. I fancied 
 
 "We cannot recover the past," said she, interrupting my 
 thoughts ; " no, no, no ! But for the present say again 
 tell me again that you love me !" 
 
 " Love you ! yes lady " 
 
 " And I have your heart, your whole heart ?" 
 
 " Never can I love another 1" 
 
 "Thanks, thanks !" 
 
 " No more than thanks, Isolina ?" 
 
 For some moments she remained silent, her eyes averted from 
 me ; she appeared struggling with some emotion. 
 
 " Yes, more than thanks," she replied at length ; " three 
 things more if they will suffice to prove my gratitude." 
 
 " Name them 1" 
 
 " Why should prudery tie my tongue ? I promised to be can 
 did. I too came here to make confession. Listen ! Three 
 things I have said. Look aiound you ! north, south, east, and 
 west the land you see is mine ; be it yours, if you will." 
 
 " Isolina !" 
 
 This, too, can I bestow M she held forth her little hand, whieft 
 I clasped with fervid emotion. 
 
 "And the third r 
 
 " The third, on second thoughts, \ cannot give ; 'tis yours 
 already." 
 
8TBAYED FKOM THE TBAOK. 259 
 
 " It IS ?" ' 
 
 '* Mia corazon'" (My heart). 
 
 Those splendid steeds, like creatures of intelligence, appeared 
 tt anderstand what was said ; they had gradually moved closer 
 anJ closer, till their muzzles touched and their steel curbs rang 
 together. At the last words, they came side by side, as if yoked 
 in a chariot. It appeared delight to them to press their proud 
 heaving flanks against each oilier, while their riders closing in 
 mutual clasp> leaned over and met their lips in that wild fervid 
 kiss which forms the climax of love. 
 
 CHAPTER XL VII. 
 
 STRAYED FROM THE TRACK. 
 
 
 
 WE parted upon the top of the hill ; it was not prudent for 
 us to be seen together. Isolina rode away first, leaving me in 
 the glade*. We bade adieu in that phrase of pleasant promise, 
 " hasta la manana " (until to-morrow). To-morrow we should 
 meet again. To-morrow, and to-morrow, we should visit that 
 sweet spot, repeat our burning words, renew our blissful vows. 
 
 I remained some minutes on the ground, now hallowed and 
 holy. Within, the tumult of triumphant passion had passed, and 
 was succeeded by the calm repose of perfect contentment. My 
 heart's longings had been gratified ; it had found all that it 
 desired even to the full reciprocity of its passion. What would 
 it more ? There is no nnore of mundane bliss. Life has no 
 facility to cope with requited love ; it alone can give us a fore 
 taste of future joys ; by it alone may we form some idea of the 
 angel existence of heaven. 
 
 The world without was in harmony with the spirit within 
 
260 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 The scene around me was rose-color. The flowers appeared 
 fresher in tint, and breathed a sweeter fragrance in the air ; the 
 hum of the homeward bee, laden with treasures for his love 
 queen, fell with a dreamy pleasure upon the ear : the voices of 
 the birds sounded softer and more musical ; even the aras and 
 paroquets, chanting in more subdued tone, no longer pronounced 
 that hated name ; and the tiny Mexican doves las palomitas, 
 scarcely so large as finches walked with proud gait over the 
 ground, or side by side upon the branches of the myrtles -like 
 types of tender love told their heart's tale in soft and amorous 
 cooing. 
 
 Long could I have lingered by that consecrated spot, even 
 hasta la manana, but duty claimed me, and its calls must not be 
 disregarded. Already the setting sun was flinging purple beams 
 over the distant prairie ; and, heading my horse down the hill, I 
 once more plunged under the shadows of the mimosas. 
 
 Absorbed in my supreme happiness, I took no heed of aught 
 else ; I noticed neither tra*ck nor path. 
 
 Had I left my horse to himself, most likely he would have 
 taken the right road ; but in my reverie, perhaps I had mechan 
 ically dragged upon the rein, and turned him from it. Whether 
 or not, after a lapse of time, I found myself in the midst of thick 
 woods, with not the semblance of a trail to guide me ; and I 
 knew not whether I was riding in the right direction. I ought 
 rather to say that I knew the contrary else I should long since 
 have reached the clearings around the village. 
 
 Without much reflection, I turned in a new direction, and rode 
 for some time without striking a trail. This led me once more 
 into doubt, and I made head back again, but still without suc 
 cess. I was in a forest plain, but I could find no path leading 
 anywhere ; and amid the underwood of palmettoes I could not 
 see any great distance around me. Beyond a question, I lad 
 gtrayed far out of my way. 
 
 At an early hour of the day, this would have given me little con- 
 
STRAYED FROM THE TRACK. 261 
 
 corn ; but the sun had now set, and, already, under the shadow 
 of the moss-covered trees, it was nearly dark. Night would be 
 down ^n a few minutes, and in all probability I should be obliged 
 to spend it in the forest by no means an agreeable prospect, 
 and the Sess so that I was thinly clad and hungry. True, I 
 might pass some hours in sweet reflection upon the pleasant inci 
 dent of the day I might dream rosy dreams but, alas ! the 
 soul is sadly under the influence of the body ; the spiritual must 
 ever yield to the physical, and even love itself becomes a victim to 
 the vulgai appetite of hunger. 
 
 I began to fear that, after all, I should have but a sorry night 
 of it. I should be MOO hungry to think ; too cold either to 
 sleep or dream ; besides, I was likely to get wet to the shirt : the 
 rain had commenced falling in large heavy drops. 
 
 After another unsuccessful effort to strike a trail, I pulled up 
 and sat listening. My eyes, would no longer avail me ; perhaps 
 ny ears might do better service. 
 
 And so it chanced. The report of a rifle reached them, appar- 
 jntly fired some hundred yards off in the woods. 
 
 Considering that I was upo* hostile ground, such a sound 
 might have caused me alarm ; but I knew from the sharp whip- 
 like crack that the piece was a hunter's rifle, and no Mexican 
 ever handled a gun of that kind Moreover, I heard, closely 
 following upon the shot, a dull concussion, as of some heavy 
 body dropped from a high elevation to the ground. I was hun 
 ter enough to know the signification of this sound. It was the 
 game bird or beast that had fallen to the bullet. 
 
 An American must have fired that shot ; but who ? There 
 were only three or four of the rangers who carried the hunter's 
 rifle a very different weapon from the "regulation " piece old 
 backwoodsmen who had been indulged in their whim. It might 
 be one of these. 
 
 Without hesitation, I headed my horse for the spot, and rode 
 as rapidly as the underwood would permit me. I certainly must 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 have passed the place where the shot had been fired, and yet I 
 saw no one ; but just as I was about to pull up again, a well 
 known voice reached me from behind with the words : 
 
 " Jumpin Geehosophat ! it ur the young fellur !" 
 
 Turning, I beheld my trapper comrades just emerging from 
 the bushes, where they had cautiously cac/idd on hearing the 
 hoof-strokes of my horse. 
 
 Rube carried upon his shoulders a large turkey gobblei the 
 game I had heard drop while upon Garey's back I observed 
 the choice portions of a deer. 
 
 " You have been foraging to some advantage," I remarked, as 
 they came up. 
 
 " Yes, capt'n," replied Garey, " we wont want for rashuns. 
 Not but that your rangers offered us a plenty to eat ; but ye see 
 we couldn't in honor accept o' it, for we promised to find for our 
 selves." 
 
 " Ye-es, durn it 1" added Rube, " we're free monutainee meo 
 ain't a gwine to sponge on nobody we ain't/' 
 
 " An, capt'n," continued Garey, " thar don't appear to be 
 any great eatin fixins about the place for yurself : if yu'll just 
 accept o' the turkey, an one o' these hyar quarters o' the deei 
 meat, thar's plenty left for Rube an me ; ain't thar, Rube ?" 
 
 " Gobs !" was the laconic answer. 
 
 I was not loth to satisfy the wish of the hunters for to say 
 the truth, the village larder had no such delicacies as either wild 
 turkey or venison and having signified my assent, we all three 
 moved away from the spot. With the trappers for my guides, 
 I should soon get into the right road. They, too, were on their 
 return to the post. They had been in the woods since noon. 
 They were both afoot, having left their horses at the raneheria. 
 
 After winding about half a mile among the trees, we came 
 out upon a narrow road ; here my companions, who were unac 
 quainted with the neighborhood, were at fault as well as myself ; 
 they knew not which direction to take. It was dark as pitch, 
 
STRAYED FROM THE TRACK. 263 
 
 but, as OK the night before, there was lightning at intervals. 
 Unlike the preceding night, however, it was now raining as if 
 all the sluices of the sky had been set open ; and by this time 
 we were all three of us soaking wet. The whole canopy of 
 heaven was shrouded in black, without a single streak of light 
 upon it not even a star. Who could discover the direction in 
 such a night ? 
 
 As the lightning flashed, I saw Rube bending down over the 
 road ; he appeared to be examining the tracks. I noticed that 
 there were wheel-tracks deep ruts evidently made by the rude 
 block-wheels of a carreta. It was these that the trapper was 
 scanning. 
 
 Almost as soon as a man could have read the direction from 
 a finger-post, Rube raised himself erect and crying out : 
 
 "All right this way 1'' set off along the road. 
 
 I was curious to know how he had determined the point, 
 and questioned him. 
 
 " Wai, yur see, young fellur, it ur the trail o' a Mexikin cart ; 
 an anybody as iver seed thet ur vamint knows it hez got ohly 
 two wheels. But thur are four tracks hyur, an thurfor the cart 
 must a gone back an fo'th, for I seed they wur the same set o' 
 wheels. Now, 'tur raizonable to s'posethet the back-track leads 
 to the settlements, an thet's this away." 
 
 " But how could you tell which was the back-track ?" 
 
 " Wagh ! thet ur easy as fallin' off a log. The back-track 
 ur the fresher by more'n a kupple o' hours." 
 
 Pondering upon the singular "instinct" that enabled our 
 guide to distinguish the tracks, I rode on in silence. 
 
 Shortly after, I again heard the voice of Rube, who was some 
 paces in advance. 
 
 " I kud a knowd the way," he said, " 'ithout the wheel- 
 tracks : they only made things more sartint sure." 
 
 II How ?" I asked. " What other clue had you ?" 
 
 "The water," replied he ; " 7 ee see, or 'ee mout, ef you'd 
 
264 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 looked into the tracks, thet it ur runnin' this-away. Do 'ee hear 
 thet thur ?" 
 
 I listened. I heard distinctly the sound of running water, as 
 of a small stream carried down a rough rocky channel. 
 
 " Yes I hear it." 
 
 "Wai," continued the trapper, "it ur a branch made by -the 
 rain : we're a follerin' it down ; an thurfor must kum to the river 
 jest whur we want to git. Oncest thur, we'll soon find our 
 way, I reck'n. Wagh ! how the durned rain kums down 1 It 
 'ud drown a muss-rat. Wagh !" 
 
 The result proved the trapper's reasoning correct. The 
 road-water was running in the direction we had taken ; and 
 shortly after, the brawling branch shot out from among the 
 bushes, and crossed our path, diverging from it at an acute angle, 
 We could see, however, as we plunged through the now swollen 
 streamlet, that the current, in its general direction, was the 
 same with our road : it would certainly guide us to the river. 
 
 It did so. Half a mile further on we came out upon its banks, 
 and struck the main road leading to the rancheria. 
 
 A few minutes' brisk travelling carried us to the outskirts of 
 the village, when we were all three brought to a sudden halt by 
 the sharp hail of the sentry, who called out the usual interro 
 gatory : 
 
 " Who goes there ?" 
 
 " Friends 1" I replied ; " 'tis you, Quackenboss ?" I had 
 recognized the voice of the soldier-botanist, and under the light 
 ning, saw him standing by the trunk of a tree. 
 
 " Halt ! Give the countersign !" was the response in a firm 
 determined tone. 
 
 I did not know this masonic pass-word. On riding out, I had 
 not thought of such a thing, and I began to anticioate some trou 
 ble. I resolved, however to make trial of the sentry. 
 
 " I hav'n't got the countersign. 'Tis I, Quackenboss. I 
 am " 
 
STRAYED FKOM TEE TRACK. 265 
 
 I announced my name and rank. . 
 
 " Don't care for all that !" was the somewhat surly rejoinder, 
 *' can't pass 'ithout the countersign." 
 
 " Yer durned fool, it's yur captain," cried Rube, in a peevish 
 tone. 
 
 " May be," replied the imperturbable sentry j " can't let him 
 pass 'ithout countersign." 
 
 I now saw we were in a real dilemma. 
 
 " Send for the corporal of the guard, or either of the lieuten 
 ants," I suggested, thinking that that might be the shortest 
 way to get out of it. 
 
 " Hain't got nobody to send," came the gruff voice of Quack- 
 enboss from out the darkness. 
 
 " I'll go !" promptly answered Garey the big trapp r think 
 ing, in his innocence, there could be no reason why he should not 
 carry the message to quarters and as he spoke he made a step 
 or two forward in the direction of the sentinel. 
 
 " Halt there !" thundered the voice of Quackenboss ; " halt 
 another step, and I'll plug you with a bullet." 
 
 " What's thet ? plug he sez ?" screamed Rube, leaping to the 
 front. " Geeho Geehosophat ! yu'll plug 'im, eh ? Yur durned 
 mulehead, if 'ee shoot this way, it'll be the last time yu'll ever 
 lay claws to a trigger. Now then !" and Rube stood with his 
 rifle half raised to the level, and threatening to raise it still 
 higher. 
 
 At that moment, the lightning gleamed ; I saw the sentry 
 with his piece also at a level. I well knew the accuracy of his 
 aim ; I trembled for the result. In my loudest voice I 
 called out : 
 
 " Hold, Quackenboss ! hold your fire ! we shall wait till 
 some one comes ;" and as I spoke, I caught both my companions, 
 and drew them back. 
 
 Whether it was the commanding tone of my voice, which the 
 ranger had heard before, or whether in the light he had recog- 
 
 12 
 
 
266 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 nized mj features, I saw him, before it darkened, lower his piece, 
 and I felt easy again. 
 
 But he still obstinately refused to let us pass. Further par 
 ley was to no purpose, and only led to an exchange of rather 
 rough compliments between Quackenboss and my two compan 
 ions ; so after endeavoring to make peace between them, I stood 
 still to await the chance of some one of the guard coming within 
 hail. 
 
 Fortunately, at that moment, a ranger somewhat the worse 
 for aguardiente, appeared in the direction of the plaza. 
 
 Quackenboss condescended to call him up ; and after a 
 crooked palaver, he was dispatched to bring the corporal of the 
 guard. 
 
 The arrival of the latter ended our troubles, and we were per 
 mitted to reach the plaza without further hindrance ; but as 
 we passed the stern sentry, I could hear Rube mutter to him 
 " Ee durned mulehead 1 ef I hed ye out upon the parairajs, 
 wudn't I ? Wagh P 
 
 CHAPTER XLYIII. 
 
 AN ADIOS. 
 
 TO-MORROW, and to-morrow, and to-morrow a demilune of 
 love, whose every hour was consecrated to its god. At earliest 
 dawn, by the rosy rays of Aurora ; at golden noon, shadowed 
 under sweet acacias ; in the gleam of the purple twilight, T neath 
 the silvery light of the moon. 
 
 That both laid our hearts upon his altar, and willing knelt 
 before the shrine, witness ye bright birds and balmy flowers 1 
 
AN ADIOS. 267 
 
 ye green myrtles and mimosas ! witness ye blue skies of Ana- 
 huac ! Ye alone were our witnesses. 
 
 For you who have loved, I need not portray the pleasure of this 
 noble passion ; for you who have not loved, I cannot. Love is 
 a delight that may be known only to those who have experienced 
 it. 
 
 Ours was a half-month of happiness without alloy. True, 
 there were moments of pain the moments of daily parting but 
 these were brief, and perhaps only prevented the cloyment of too 
 much joy if such a thing be possible. Moreover, these short 
 lived sorrows were in part neutralized by the knowledge we 
 should soon meet again ; we never parted without exchanging 
 that fair promise. In the morning, it was " hasta la tarde ;" at 
 night, our last words were " manana por la manana." Lovers 
 have felt, and poets have sung, the pleasures of hope ; oft the 
 anticipation of a pleasure rivals in piquancy its actual enjoy 
 ment. 
 
 Let memory not be forgotten ; it, too, has its joys ; and oh, 
 how sweet the retrospect of those blissful hours ! If there was 
 monotony, it was a monotony of which my heart could never tire. 
 It was an intoxication I could have endured for life. There is no 
 surfeit of such sweets. Why are we not permitted to enjoy 
 them for ever ? Alas ! there is an ending. 
 
 There was so. A crisis came, and we must part not with the 
 pretty promise upon our lips " until the morning," " until the 
 evening," but for long weeks, months, maybe years an uncer 
 tain time " hasta seacabo la guerra " (until the war is over). 
 
 Oh, the misery of that parting ! Cruel destiny of war 1 
 Never felt I so weary of wearing a sword. 
 
 There was a struggle 'twixt love and duty. No, not duty : I 
 might have sheathed my sword, and wronged no one ; I was but 
 a cipher among thousands, whose blade would scarcely have been 
 missed. Nor would I have wronged myself. I was simply, as 
 I have already declared, an adventurer. The country f or which 
 
THE WAB-TRAIL. 
 
 I fought could not claim me ; I was bound by no political con 
 science, no patriotic esprit. Perhaps, now and then, I entertained 
 the idea that I was aiding the designs of " manifest destiny " 
 that I was doing God's work in battling against the despotic 
 form. Yes, I may confess that such sparks glowed within me at 
 intervals, and at such intervals only did I feel enthusiasm in the 
 cause. But it was no consideration of this kind that hindered 
 me from deserting my banner. Far otherwise : I was influenced 
 by a motive purely selfish pride. 
 
 I could not an adventurer almost penniless I would not pre 
 sume to claim that richly doweried hand. Fortune I might never 
 have to equal hers, but fame is worthy wealth, and glory mates 
 with beauty. I knew that I was gifted with an apt head and 
 a bold aspiring heart ; I knew that I carried a keen blade, and 
 hoped to hew my way to rank and fame. Perhaps I might 
 return with a star upon my shoulder, and a better handle to my 
 name, and then 
 
 Ah, for all that, it was a bitter parting I It was hard to list 
 unheeding to those earnest entreaties, adjuring me to stay ter 
 rible to untwine those tender arms terrible to utter that last 
 adios ! 
 
 Our troth was plighted within that same galde that had echoed 
 our first vows. It had been plighted a hundred times, but never 
 sadly as now, amidst sobs and tears. When the bright form, 
 screened by the frondage, had passed out of sight, I felt as if the 
 sun had become suddenly eclipsed. * * * 
 
 I lingered not long, though I could have stayed for hours upon 
 the hallowed spot. Again duty, that stern commander, sum 
 moned me away. It was already close upon sunset, and by to 
 morrow's dawn I must be en route with my troop. 
 
 I was about heading my horse into the track, now, well known 
 to me ; Isolina had gone down the hill on the opposite side, by 
 a path that led more directly to the hacienda. From precaution, 
 this had been our hubitual mode of parting ; and we also met 
 
AN ADIOS. 269 
 
 from opposite sides. In the wild region of the cerro for by 
 this name was the hill Known we never encountered a human 
 being. There was no habitation near, and the vaqueros rarely 
 strayed that way, so that our place of meeting remained a secret 
 at least we fancied so and we acted without much apprehen 
 sion, and perhaps without sufficient caution. Each hour we had 
 grown more confident of security, and, blinded by love, had 
 taken less pains to conceal the fact of our daily assignation. 
 It was only that morning I had heard a whisper that our affair 
 was known, and that they of the rancheria were not as benighted 
 as we supposed them. Wheatley was my informant Conchita, 
 his. The lieutenant had added some friendly advice, cautioning 
 me against the imprudence of going so far from the post unat 
 tended. 
 
 Perhaps I might have treated his remonstrance with less 
 neglect ; but as this was to be our last meeting for a long time, 
 my heart grew heavy under the prospect of the parting scene. 
 I preferred going companionless ; I had no apprehension that 
 any enemy was near. As for Ijurra, he was no longer in the 
 neighborhood ; he had not been saen since the night of the 
 battle, and we had positive information that he joined his band 
 with the guerrilla of the celebrated Canales then operating on 
 the road between Camargo and Monterey. Indeed had Ijurra 
 been near, he could hardly have escaped the keen search of 
 Holiugs worth and the rangers, who, night and day, had been 
 upon the scout, in hopes of overhauling him. 
 
 I was about turning into the old track, when a yearning came 
 over me a desire to obtain one more look at my beloved. By 
 this time she would have reached her home ; I should pass near 
 the house ; perhaps I might see her upon the azotea a distant 
 glance -a wave of the hand haply the sweet prayer, " va con 
 Dws '" wafted upon the breeze : something of the kind I antici 
 pated. 
 
 My horse seemed to divice my wishes ; scarcely waiting for 
 
270 THE WAE-TRAIL. 
 
 the guidance of the rein, he moved forward upon the path taken 
 by the steed of Isolina. 
 
 I soon reached the bottom of the hill, and, entering the heavy 
 timber, traversed a tangled wood similar to that on the other 
 side of the cerro. There was ho path, but the tracks of the 
 white steed were easily followed, and, guiding myself by them I 
 rode forward. 
 
 I had -not gone five hundred yards from the hill, when I heard 
 voices echoing through the woods, directly in front of me, and 
 apparently at no great distance. Years of frontier life had 
 imbibed me with an intuitive caution that resembled instinct : 
 and as if by a mechanical effort, I pulled up and listened. 
 
 A woman was speaking ; and instantly I recognized the voice. 
 There was but one that rang with that rich metallic tone. I 
 might well remember it, for the sweet, sad sounds of the va con 
 Dios had not yet ceased to vibrate in my ears. 
 
 With whom was she in converse ? Whom had she encoun 
 tered in such a place, amid the wild woods ? 
 
 She ceased speaking. With ears keenly set, I listened for the 
 rejoinder. Naturally, I expected it in the voice of a man ; but 
 not that man. heavens ! it was the voice of Rafael Ijurra ! 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX 
 
 THREATS. 
 
 YES, the voice was Ijurra's. I knew it well. While listening 
 to it by the mesa, I had noted its tones sufficiently to remember 
 them round, sonorous, of true Spanish accent, and not inhar 
 monious, though at that moment they grated harshly upon my 
 ear. 
 
THREATS. 271 
 
 An indescribable feeling came over me : it was not jealousy 
 i was too confident to be jealous and yet, I shame to confess 
 I felt a sensation sadly akin to it. After those earnest oaths, 
 those tears and frenzied kisses, so soon after ! O shame upon me! 
 
 Alas ! the experienced heart no more enjoys the tranquil 
 continuity of faith. Its belief is like a broken dream an inter- 
 mittence of light and shade. It was my misfortune, my error, 
 perhaps my crime, to remember too many pairs of pretty per 
 jured lips. 
 
 In a word, I was once more jealous, in spite of all that had 
 passed of sighs, and tears, and plighted vows once more jea 
 lous of Ijurra ! 
 
 But the moment before, his name was on her tongue, and spo 
 ken with scorn ; in the same breath I was assured that he was 
 no longer in the neighborhood, that he was far away. 
 
 No ; he was upon the spot, in close conversation with her, 
 and scarcely five minutes after the oath had been sworn that 
 bound her to me for life ! Less wonder I was jealous. 
 
 That the feeling lasted only for 'an instant might be some 
 palliation, but it was no merit of mine that brought it so quickly 
 to a termination. I cannot screen my conduct behind an act of 
 volition ; for although the poisoned sting rankled but for a few- 
 moments, during that short period I yielded obedience to its 
 demoniac promptings. 
 
 I slipt down gently from my saddle, and with the crouching 
 gait and silent tread of the jaguar, approached the speakers. 
 My horse, well trained to such tactics, stayed where I had dis 
 mounted, without tie or hopple. No fear that bis hoof would 
 betray me 
 
 Step by step I advanced, with my hands cautiously parting 
 the boughs. The fronds of a curious sabal palm befriended 
 me. They grew vertically on short petioles, like large green 
 fans ; and overlaying one another, formed a perfect screen, 
 
272 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 through which the keenest eye could not perceive the approach 
 of an intruder. 
 
 In a few seconds, I stood behind the last row that bounded 
 the edge of a small opening ; and peering through the serrate 
 interstices of the leaves, I saw my betrothed and her cousin. 
 Isolina was still in the saddle. Ijurra was on foot, and stand 
 ing by her stirrup, with one hand resting upon the pommel, the 
 other grasping the rein. 
 
 Tip to this moment, my heart had continued its painful throb 
 bing ; but the attitude of Ijurra, with his troubled and angry 
 look, at once produced a revulsion in my feelings. I saw that 
 the encounter had been accidental at least on the part of 
 Isolina ; I saw that she was detained. I could not see her face; 
 it was turned in the opposite direction, and towards Ijurra ; 
 but the tones of her voice reached me, and by these I perceived 
 that she addressed him in anger. Oh, how those accents of 
 indignation ravished my heart ; sweeter were they to me than 
 the softest melody ! 
 
 As yet, I had heard nothing of what had passed between them ; 
 the loud beating of my heart, the rustling of the leaves under 
 my feet, of the boughs as I pressed through them, had prevented 
 me from distinguishing what was said. These sounds ceased as 
 1 came to a stop ; and although still fifty paces distant from the 
 speakers, I conld catch every word of their conversation, from 
 the loud tone in which it was carried on. 
 
 " So then you refuse ?" 
 
 It was Ijurra who put this interrogatory 
 
 " I have done so before, Rafael ; your conduct has given me 
 no cause to change my mind." 
 
 " Ha ! my conduct has nothing to do with it ; you have other 
 reasons. Isolina, do not imagine I am such a bobo. I know 
 your secret : you love this gringo this Yankee captain. 
 
 " And suppose I do, that is my affair. ]Nay, more sir, I shal? 
 
THREATS. 273 
 
 not even attempt to make a secret of it. I do love him I do 
 I do" 
 
 Imrra's eyes gleamed with malignant fire ; his lips turned 
 white, and tightened over his teeth ; he seemed endeavoring to 
 curb the exposure of his spleen 
 
 " And you would marry him ?" he asked, with compressed 
 emphasis. 
 
 " I shall marry him," was the prompt reply. 
 
 " Por todos santos * it shall never be." 
 
 44 And who is to nindcr it ?" 
 
 it j ;> 
 
 ' Ha, ha, ha ! You are raving, Rafael Ijurra !" 
 
 " You may love him to your heart's content I care not ; but 
 marry him never ; s'deMh ! never !" 
 
 "Indeed?" 
 
 " By the saints I swear it. I swear " 
 
 "You have sworn enough : you are sufficiently perjured 
 already." 
 
 " Carrai !" furiously shouted Ijurra, as 'if losing patience. 
 " Listen to me, Isolina de Vargas ! I have something to say 
 that may not be so pleasant " 
 
 " You can say nothing pleasant, but I listen." 
 
 "First, then, here are certa-in documents that concern you 
 both you and your father." 
 
 I saw some folded papers in his hand which he had taken 
 from under his jacket. He opened and held them before her 
 face, as he continued : 
 
 " This safeguard is one given by the American commander-in- 
 chief to the Dona Isolina de Vargas. Perhaps you have seen 
 it before ? And here is a letter from Don Ramon de Vargas tc 
 the commissary-general of the American army, inclosed within 
 another from that functionary to your pet filibutero- -a pretty 
 piece of treason this !" 
 
 "Well sir?" 
 
 12* 
 
274: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Not so well for you, madame. You forget that General 
 Santa Anna is now chief of this republic. Think you he will 
 not punish such traitorous correspondence? Carrambo ! if I 
 but lay these documents before him, I shall have an order for 
 the arrest of both yourself and your Ayankieado father as 
 quickly as it can be spoken. Nay, more the estate will be 
 prescript and confiscated it will become mine mine I" 
 
 The speaker paused, as if for an answer. Isolina remained 
 silent. I could not see her face to notice the effect. I fancied 
 that the threat had terrified her. Ijurra continued : 
 
 " Now, senorita ! you better comprehend our relative posi 
 tions. Give your consent to become my wife, and these papers 
 shall be destroyed on the instant." 
 
 " Never !" was the firm response that delighted my ears. 
 
 " Never !" echoed Ijurra ; " then dread the consequences. I 
 shall obtain orders for your arrest, and as soon as this horde -of 
 Yankee ruffians has been driven from the country, the property 
 shall be mine." 
 
 " Ha, ha, ha 1" came the scornful laugh in reply " ha, ha, 
 ha ! you mistake, Rafael Ijurra ; you are not so far-sighted as 
 you deem yourself ; you forget that my fathers land lies on the 
 Texan side of the Rio Grande ; and ere that horde of Yankee 
 ruffians as you term them, be driven out, they will establish this 
 river for their boundary. Where then will lie the power of con 
 fiscation ? Not with you and your cowardly master. Ha, ha. 
 ha!" 
 
 The reply maddened Ijurra still further, for he saw the prona- 
 bility of what had been said. His face became livid, and he 
 seemed to lose all control of himself. 
 
 " Even so," he shouted, with the addition of a fierce oath 
 " even so, you shall never inherit those lands. Listen Isolina de 
 Vargas ; listen to another secret I have for you : know, sefiorita, 
 that you are not the lawful daughter of Don Ramon I" 
 
 1 saw the proud girl start, as if struck with an arrow. 
 
THREATS. 
 
 275 
 
 "I have the proofs of what I repeat," continued Jjurra; " and 
 even should the United States triumph, its laws cannot make 
 you legitimate. You are not the heiress cf the hacienda de 
 Vargas !" 
 
 As yet not a word from Isolina. She sat silent and motion- 
 ess, but I could tell by the rising and falling of her shoulders 
 that a terrible storm was gathering in her bosom 
 
 The fiend continued : 
 
 <s Now, madame, you may know hew disinterested it was of 
 me to offer you marriage ; nay, more, I never loved you ; I 
 told you so, it was a lie " 
 
 He never lied in his life as he was doing at that moment. 
 His face bespoke the falsehood of his words. It was the utter 
 ance of purest spleen. I read in his look the unmistakable 
 expression of jealousy. Coarse as the passion may have been, 
 he loved her oh I how could it have been otherwise ? 
 
 " Love you, indeed ! Ha, ha, ha ! love you the daughter 
 of a poor Indian a margarita .'" 
 
 The climax had come. The heaving bosom could bear silence 
 no longer ; the insult was unendurable. 
 
 " Base wretch I" cried she, in a voice of compressed agony, 
 11 stand aside from my path !" 
 
 11 Not yet," answered Ijurra, grasping the bridle more firmly. 
 " I have something farther to communicate " 
 
 " Villain 1 release the rein 1'' 
 
 "Before I do, you shall promise you shall swear" 
 
 " Again 1 let go ! or this bullet to your heart !" 
 
 I had sprung from out the thicket, and was running forward 
 to her rescue. I saw her right hand on high, and something 
 shining in its grasp. It was a pistol. Its muzzle was turned 
 upon Ijurra. 
 
 No doubt the resolute character of her who held it was well 
 known to him, for the threat produced an immediate effect ; the 
 coward relaxed his hold, the reins dropped from, his fingers, and 
 
276 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 with a mingled look of hatred and fear, he stepped back a 
 pace. 
 
 The moment the bridle became free, the steed, already star 
 tied by the spur, bounded forward, and after half-a-dozen springs, 
 both horse and rider disappeared behind the screen of the pal- 
 mettoes. 
 
 I was too late to play the knight-errant. The " ladjj faire '' 
 had not needed my help ; she neither saw nor heard me : and 
 by the time I arrived upon the ground, she had passed out 
 of sight, and Ijurra was alone. 
 
 CHAPTER L. 
 
 AWKWARD ODDS. 
 
 IJURRA was alone, and I continued to advance to the spot 
 where he was standing. His back was towards me, for he still 
 fronted in the direction in which Isolina had galloped off. He 
 had followed her with his eyes, with a cry of disappointed rage, 
 with a threat of malignant vengeance. 
 
 The sound of his own voice hindered him from hearing mine, 
 and he was not aware of my presence, when I paused scarcely 
 three feet from where he stood, arid directly behind him. I held 
 my sword drawn ; I could have thrust him in the back, through 
 and through again, before he could have dfered either defence or 
 resistance. He was completely in my power. 
 
 Fortunate was it for him at that moment that I had been 
 bred a gentleman, else in another instant his lifeless body would 
 have lain at my feet. A plebeian blade would have made short 
 work with the ruffian, and I confess that my instincts of fair 
 play were sorely tried. I had before me a man who had sought 
 my life a deadly foe a deadly foe to her I loved a perjured 
 
AWKWARD ODDS. 277 
 
 villain a mmderer ! With such titles for himself, he had none 
 to the laws of honor ; and I confess that for one short moment, 
 I felt like ignoring his claim. 'Twas but for a moment : the 
 thought revolted. Wicked and worthless as he was, I could not 
 stab him in< the back. 
 
 I leaned forward, and tapping him upon the shoulder, pro 
 nounced his name. 
 
 It was the first intimation he had of my presence ; and start- 
 iLg as if hit by a bullet, he turned face towards me. The flush 
 of anger upon his cheek suddenly gave place to a deadly pallor, 
 and his eyes became set in that peculiar stare that indicates an 
 apprehension of danger. This he must have felt keenly, for my 
 determined look and drawn sword to say nothing of the sur 
 prise by which I had come upon him were calculated to pro- 
 dnce that effect. 
 
 It was the first time we had stood face to face, and I now 
 perceived that he was a much larger man than myself. But I 
 saw, too, that his eye quailed and his lip quivered at the encoun 
 ter. I saw that he was cowed ; and I felt that I was his 
 master. 
 
 " You are Rafael Ijurra 1" I repeated, as he had not made 
 answer to my first interrogation. 
 
 " Si sector,** he answered hesitatingly. " What want you with 
 me?" 
 
 " You have some documents there " (he still held the papers 
 in his hand) ; " a portion of them belongs to me. I shall trou 
 ble you to hand them over." 
 
 " Are you Captain Warfield ?" he asked, after a pause, at the 
 same time pretending to examine the superscription upon the 
 commissary's letter. I sa,w that his fingers trembled. 
 
 " I am Captain Warfield you ought to know by this time." 
 
 Without noticing the insinuation, be replied : " True there 
 is a letter here bearing that address. I found it upon the road ; 
 you are welcome to it, senor." 
 
278 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 As he said this, he handed me the commissary's order, still 
 retaining the other documents. 
 
 "There was an inclosure ? I perceive you have it in 
 your hand. I beg you will make me equally welcome to that." 
 
 " Oh ! a note signed Ramon de Yargas ? It was an enclo 
 sure ?" 
 
 " Precisely so 5 and of course goes along with the letter." 
 
 " certainly : here it is senor." 
 
 " There is still another little document in your possession a 
 safeguard from the American commander granted to a certain 
 lady. It is not yours, Senor Ijurra ! I beg you will deliver it 
 to me. I wish to return it to the lady to whom it belongs." 
 
 This was the bitterest pill I had yet presented to him. He 
 glanced hastily first to the right and th^ri to the left, as if desi 
 rous of making escape. He would fain have done so, but I kept 
 him under my eye, and he saw that my hand was ready. 
 
 " Certainly there is a safeguard," replied he, after a pause, and 
 with a feigned attempt at laughter. " 'Tis a worthless docu 
 ment to me ; 'tis at your service, sir captain ;" and as he handed 
 me the paper he accompanied the act with another sorry 
 cachinnation. 
 
 I folded the precious documents, and thrust all three under 
 the breast of my coat ; then placing myself in fighting attitude, 
 I cried out to my adversary to " draw and defend himself." 
 
 I had already noticed that he wore a sword, and, like myself, 
 it appeared to be the only weapon he carried. I saw no pistols 
 upon his person. I had none myself nothing save a light cut- 
 and-thrust sword. It was far slighter than the sabre of my 
 antagonist, but it was a weapon that had seen service in 
 my hands, and I had perfect confidence in it. I had no fear 
 for the result against so cowardly an adversary ; I was not 
 awed, either by his heavier blade, or the superior size of his per 
 son. 
 
 To my astonishment, he hesitated to unsheathe his sword 1 
 
AWKWARD ODDS. 279 
 
 " You muse draw," I shouted with emphasis. " You or I 
 have now to die. If you do not defend yourself I shall run you 
 through the body. Coward ! would you have me kill you with 
 your blade in its sheath ?" 
 
 F^en the taunt did not nerve him. Never saw I so complete 
 a poltroon. His white lips trembled, his eyes rolled wildly from 
 side to side, seeking an opportunity to escape, for I am certain 
 that could he have hoped to get clear, he would at that crisis 
 have turned and run. 
 
 All at once, and to my surprise, the coward appeared smitten 
 with courage ; and grasping the hilt of his sabre, he drew the 
 blade ringing from its scabbard, with all the energy of a deter 
 mined man ! His reluctance to fight seemed suddenly to have 
 forsaken him. Had I mistaken my man ? or was it despair that 
 was nerving his arm ? 
 
 His cowed look had disappeared ; his eyes flashed with fury 
 and vengeance ; his teeth gritted together ; and a fierce carojo 
 hissed from his lips. 
 
 Our blades met the sparks crackled from the creasing steel, 
 and the combat began. 
 
 Fortunate for me, that, in avoiding the first lounge of my 
 antagonist, I had to turn half round ; fortunately I turned sc 
 soon, else I should never have left that glade alive. 
 
 As I faced in the new direction, I saw two men running 
 towards us, sword in hand. A single glance told me they were 
 guerrilleros. They were already within ten paces of the spot, 
 and must have been seen long before by Ijurra, 
 
 This was the key to his altered demeanor. Their approach 
 _t was that had inspired him with courage to begin the fijjjht, for 
 he had calculated the time when they should be able to get up, 
 And assail me from behind. 
 
 *' Holaf" shouted he, seeing that I had discovered them- 
 " Hola ! El Zorro Jose ! anda ' anda ! Mueran los Hankies 
 con d picaro /" 
 
280 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 For the first time, I felt myself in danger. Three swords to 
 one was awkward odds ; and the red giant, with a companion 
 nearly as large as himself, would no doubt prove very different 
 antagonists from the poltroon with whom I was engaged. Yes, 
 I was conscious of danger, and might have retreated, had I 
 deemed such a course possible ; but my horse was too far off, 
 and the new comers were directly in the path I should hava 
 to take to reach him. I could not hope to escape on foot ; I 
 well knew that these men run as lightly as Indians, for we had 
 often proved their capacity in that accomplishment. They were 
 already too near. I should be overtaken, struck down, pierced, 
 with my back to the foe. 
 
 I had no time to reflect just enough to leap back a pace or 
 two, so as to bring all three of them in front of me, when I 
 found my sword clashing against their blades, and parrying their 
 blows one after the other. 
 
 I can describe the unequal combat no further. It was a con 
 fused medley of cut and thrust, in which I both gave wounds and 
 received them. I was wounded in several places, and felt the 
 warm blood running under my clothes and over my face. I was 
 wearied to death, and every second growing weaker and fainter. 
 I saw the red giant before me with his hand raised on high. His 
 blade had already drawn my blood, and was crimsoned at the 
 point ; it was about to descend with a finishing stroke. I 
 should be unable to parry it, for I had just exhausted my 
 strength in guarding against a blow from Ijurra. My hopeless 
 peril wrung from me a cry of despair. 
 
 Was it my cry that caused the blade to drop from the hand of 
 my antagonist, and the uplifted arm to fall loosely by his sice ? 
 Was it my cry that created the consternation suddenly visible 
 in the faces of my foes ? I might have fancied so, had I not 
 heard a sharp crack from behind, and seen that the arm of El 
 Zorro was broken by a shot ! 
 
 It seemed like the awaking *Yom some horrid dream. O' 
 
AWKWARD ODDS. 281 
 
 moment I was battling, face to face, with three desperate men ; 
 the instant after, their backs were towards me, and all three 
 were running as for life ! 
 
 I followed them with my eyes, but not far ; for at twenty 
 paces off they plunged into the thicket, and disappeared. 
 
 I turned in the opposite direction. A man was running across 
 the open ground with a gun in his hand ; he was advancing 
 toward the spot where I stood. It was he who had fired the 
 shot. I saw that he was in Mexfcan costume ; surely he was 
 one of the guerrilleros he had aimed at me, and wounded his 
 .-omrade ? 
 
 For some seconds, I fancied that such might be the case. 
 Evidently he was bolder than any of the three, for he continued 
 to advance, as if determined to attack me alone ! 
 
 I placed myself in readiness for this new antagonist, taking a 
 fresh grasp on my sword, and wiping the blood from my eyes, 
 that I might the better receive him. 
 
 It was not until he was close to the point of my blade, that I 
 recognized the long ape-like arms, and crooked mateless limbs 01 
 Elijah Quackenboss 1 
 
282 THE WAB-TKAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LI. 
 
 AN OFFICIAL BLACK LIST. 
 
 THE ranger, after delivering his fire, had not waited to reload, 
 but ran forward with the intention of joining me in the hand-ten 
 hand fight, though he carried no other weapon than his empty 
 gun. But this would have been an efficient arm in such hands , 
 for, despite his unsymmetrical build, Dutch Lige was stalwart 
 and tough, and would have been a full match for any two of my 
 assailants, had they stood their ground. But the crack of the 
 gun had set them off like deer. They fancied, no doubt, that a 
 stronger force was near ; perhaps they remembered the terrible 
 rifles of the trappers, and no doubt believed it was they who 
 had arrived to the rescue. Indeed, such was my own belief, 
 until I saw the oddly costumed ranger bounding towartls the 
 spot. 
 
 A glance satisfied me that I owed my preservation to Lige's 
 love of botanical science. A large globe-shaped cactus plant, 
 bristling like a hedgehog, hung dangling from the swivel of his 
 gun-^it was thus carried to save his fingers from contact with 
 its barbed spines while stuck into every loop and button hole 
 of his dress could be seen the leaves and branchlets, and fruits 
 and flowers, of a host of curious and unknown plants. He had 
 been herborizing in the woods ; and coming by chance within 
 ear-shot of the scuffle, had scrambled through the bushes just in 
 time to spoil the coup-de-grace intended by El Zorro. 
 
 " Thanks, Quackenboss ! thanks, my brave friend ! you came 
 in good time-: you have saved me." 
 
 " But a poor shot I've made, capten. I ought to have brokec 
 
AN 01TTCJAL BLACK LIST. 283 
 
 that red divel's skull, or sent my bullet into his stomach ; he's 
 got off too easy. 7 ' 
 
 " It was a good shot : you broke his arm, I think." 
 
 " Ach 1 'twas a poor shot ; the cactus spoiled my aim. You 
 hurt, capten ?" 
 
 " I am wounded, but not mortally, I think. I feel a liitle 
 faint : 'tis only the blood. My horse you will find him yon 
 der among the trees yonder. Go, Lige ; bring my horse 
 my horse " 
 
 For some minutes, I was out of the world. When conscious 
 ness came back, I perceived that my steed had been brought np 
 and stood near. The botanist was bending over me, and binding 
 up my wounds with strips torn from his own shirt. He had one 
 boot on ; the other stood by, full of water, a portion of which 
 he had already poured down my throat, and with the rest he 
 proceeded to bathe my temples and wash the blood from my face. 
 
 This done, I soon felt refreshed and strong enough to mount ; 
 and having climbed into the saddle, I set out for the raucheria, 
 my companion half guiding, half leading my horse. 
 
 By the path which we followed, we should have to pass close 
 to the hacienda and within sight of it ; but night had come on, 
 and the darkness would hinder us from being observed. It was 
 what I now desired, though I had left the cerrb with hopes and 
 wishes directly the reverse. With a red gash upon rny forehead 
 my uniform torn and bloodstained I feared being seen, lest 
 my invalid appearance should create unnecessary alarm. But 
 we passed on without meeting any one, either by the hill or 
 upon the main road ; and in half an hour after, I was safe with 
 in my cuarto in the house of the alcalde. * * * 
 
 The incidents of the day preyed upon my spirits, and I was far 
 from feeling easy about the future. I knew that my betrothed 
 would be true till death ; and I felt ashamed that I had doubted 
 her, even for a moment. About her loyalty I had no uneasiness, 
 and I mentally vowed never more to give way to suspicion. 
 
284: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 It was no thought of that that now troubled me, but an anj- 
 iety about her personal safety ; and this grew stronger the more 
 I pondered upon it, till it assumed almost the form of a fear. 
 
 The man who had used such bitter threats, and behaved with 
 so much rudeness, would scarcely stop at anything. 'Tis true I 
 had deprived him of much of his power over her, by stripping 
 him of the dangerous documents ; but it was not the time, nor 
 was he the man to stand upon nice distinctions of legality, where 
 jealousy and cupidity were the incentives to action. Holding 
 a sort of irresponsible office as the chief of what was less a pa 
 triotic guerrilla than a band of brigands, it was difficult to tell 
 what such a monster might or might not attempt. In our absence 
 from the post the ruffian would be fuli master of the neighbor 
 hood. What deed might he not accomplish with impunity, hold 
 ing his power directly from the unprincipled dictator, whom he 
 was accustomed to imitate as a model, and who would endorse any 
 act of villainy, provided it was the act of one of his own satel 
 lites. I shuddered as I reflected. 
 
 The reappearance of Ijurra and his band for I doubled not 
 that his followers were near their reappearance in that vicinity, 
 and at such a crisis just as we were being withdrawn had 
 something ominous in it. They must have known ere this of 
 the plan of campaign designed for the American army. Wheat- 
 ley's rumor had proved well-founded. The new Commander-in- 
 chief, Scott, had arrived upon the ground, and three-fourths of 
 the '* army of occupation " had been draughted to form the 
 expedition destined to act upon Yera Cruz. As this greedy 
 general stripped our old favorite " Rough and Ready " of only 
 his best troops, we had the consolation of knowing that the " ran 
 gers " were among the " picked ;" though for all that, many of 
 us would have preferred remaining with the brave veteran wlio 
 had already led us so often to victory. I can answer for Wheat- 
 ley and myself ; I might also vouch for Holingsworth though 
 far different were his motives for wisl ng to remain on the Rte 
 
AN OFFICIAL BLACK LIST. 285 
 
 Grande. His sweetheart was revenge in his breast long cher 
 ished to his heart faithful and true. 
 
 I have said that our design must have been known ere this ; 
 indeed the army was already in movement, Troops and brigades 
 were marching upon Brazos Santiago, and Tampico, there to be 
 embarked fop the south, and all that were to go had received 
 their orders. The provinces on the Rio Grande were not to be 
 entirely abandoned, but the army left there was to have its lines 
 contracted, and would therefore cover much less ground. Not 
 only was our little post to be deserted, but the neighboring 
 town, which had long been the head-quarters of a division, was 
 also to be evacuated. No force of our army would remain with 
 in fifty miles of the rancheria ; and perhaps no American troop 
 would ever again visit that isolated village. The reflection ren- 
 derec me more than melancholy. 
 
 No doubt of it the enemy was apprised of our movements. 
 In our specia case that we the rangers were to march on the 
 following morning -was well known to the people of the neigh 
 borhood. It had been known to them for several days ; and it 
 bad not passed unobserved by us that the citizens of the place 
 those who were not Ayankieados^ had lately shown themselves 
 more sulky and inhospitable, in proportion as the time approached 
 for our departure. This Irusqvwie had led to several street- con 
 flicts, in which knives had been drawn and blood spilled, and 
 much " bad blood " begotten on both sides. 
 
 Another circumstance was not unnoticed amongst us. Ribald 
 pasquinades, rudely written, and accompanied by threats of pro 
 scription, were at this time thrust under the doors of .such of the 
 citizens as had been friendly to us. Even the alcalde had 
 received some documents of this character perhaps emanating 
 'rom a jealous tizndero who had looked with bitter eye upon the 
 courtship of Wheatley and Concbita. It wa.s not till afterwards 
 I learned that similar missives had "come tc "land" in a quarter 
 that more concerned myself. 
 
286 THE WAK-TBAIL. 
 
 Some scented the absurdity of these acts, alleging that he) 
 sprung from personal enmity, or originated in the mob-patriotism 
 of the kperos. It was riot so, as I afterwards learned ; the 
 government of the country, or at all events, several of its pro 
 minent members, countenanced the meanness ; and at their insti 
 gation, a " black list " was made out in every town and Tillage 
 through which the American army had occasion to pass. Let 
 the minister, Senor , make answer to this accusation. 
 
 I was musing on this disagreeable theme, after my return 
 from the cerro, and endeavoring to sketch out some plan for the 
 safety of my betrothed during my absence ; but my thoughts 
 proved barren. With a sort of faint hope that the villain Ijurra 
 might yet fall into our hands, I had dispatched Huingsworth 
 nothing loath for the duty with a party of rangers upon hig 
 trail, and I was impatiently awaiting their return. 
 
 The voice of Wheatley aroused me from my reverie. 
 
 "Well, lieutenant, what i? it T' 
 
 " Only that precious boy," answered he, with a significant 
 smile, at the same time ushering " Cyprio n into the room. 
 
 The lad carried a note, which T opened. A green sprig of 
 juniper was enclosed and the simple word " tuya " was written 
 in pencil. I knew the symbol well. The juniper is tuya in that 
 most beautiful of tongues, ard tuya from a lady signifies ' yours." 
 
 " Anything more ' I asked of the messenger. 
 
 " Nothing, Senor Capitan," answered the intelligent boy ; 
 "only to inquire if you had arrived safe." 
 
 She bad been anxious then 1 
 
 I separated the branchlet into two equal parts ; one i placed 
 in my bosom : the other having fervently kissed, I inclosed in a 
 folded sheet, upon which I wrote the words : 
 
 " Tuyo fuyo hast a la muerte f' 
 
 Cyprio bore back my parting message. 
 
 At midnight, Holingsworth and his party came in from the 
 scout. Nothing had bren seen of the guerrilla. 
 
THE ROUTE. 287 
 
 CHAPTER LII. 
 
 THE ROUTE. 
 
 7 was a struggle between Aurora and the moon which of 
 tiiec: should rule the sky, when our bngle rang its clear reveUlt, 
 rousing the rangers from their slumber, and startling their steeds 
 at the stall. The goddess of morning soon triumphed, and un- 
 ler her soft blue light, men and horses could be seen moving 
 about, until the bugle again sounded; this time to "boot and 
 saddle;" and the rangers began to form in the plaza, and pre 
 pare for the route. 
 
 A single wagon with its white tilt and long team of mules, 
 already " hitched up," stood near the centre of the square. It 
 constituted the whole baggage-train of the corps, and served as 
 an ambulance for our invalids. Both baggage and sick had been 
 safely stowed, and the vehicle was ready for the road. The 
 bugler, already in his saddle, awaited my orders to sound the 
 "forward." 
 
 I had climbed to my favorite 'smoking-room," the azotea. 
 Perhaps it was the last time I should ever set foot on those 
 painted tiles. My eyes wandered over the plaza, though I little 
 heeded what was passing there. Only the salient points of the 
 picture were noted by me steeds under saddle and bridle; men 
 buckling on folded blankets, holsters, and valises ; a few already 
 in the saddle; a few more standing by the heads of their horses; 
 and still another few grouped around the door of the pulperia, 
 having a last drink of mezcal or Catalan with their swarthy 
 Mexican acquaintances. Here and there, in front of some adobe 
 hut, might be observed a more tender leave-taking. The ranger 
 
'288 THE WAE-TKAIL. 
 
 fully equipped with arms, haversack, and canteen leaning 
 against the heavy bars of a window, with face turned inward, as 
 though he was talking to some prisoner through the grating of 
 a jail. But he is himself the real captive, ensnared during his 
 short sojourn, and still held in chains bj the -live-skinned poblana, 
 whose dark liquid eyes may be seen on the other side of the reja, 
 flashing with love, or melting with sad tenderness at the prospect 
 of parting. 
 
 Others, again, are bidding their adios in retired corners, ander 
 the shadow of the church walls, or in groups of four or iive more 
 openly in the p-laza, itself. Early as is the hour, the people 
 have all arisen; and not a few of the brown, rebosa-clad short- 
 skirted wenches are already on their way, jarro on head, to the 
 fountain. There the pitchers are filled, and lifted on their heads 
 perhaps for the last time by the rangers, who perform the 
 office with all the rude grace in their power. Then follows a 
 profusion of smiles and bows, and a dialogue, on the ranger's 
 part extending to the whole of his Spanish, which consists of the 
 phrase : 
 
 " Mucho bueno, muchacha !" 
 
 The usual reply, accompanied with a display of pretty white 
 teeth, is : 
 
 "Mucho bueno, cavallero! mucho bueno Tejano!" given in 
 like ungrammatical phrase, in order that it may be intelligible 
 to the person to whom it is addressed. 
 
 I have often been suprised at thesuccess-of my great uncouth 
 followers with these petite dark-eyed damsels of Anahuac ; >ut t 
 indeed, many of the rangers are not bad-looking men. On the 
 contrary, there are handsome fellows among them, if they -vere 
 only put into clean shirts, and a little more closely shaven. Bui 
 woman's eye is keen-sighted in such matters : she easily pene 
 trates through the disguise of dust, the bronze of sun-tan, and 
 the shaggy mask of an ill-kept beard ; and no eye is quicker in 
 this respect that than of the fair Mexicana. In the big, ap- 
 
THE ROUTE. 289 
 
 parently rude, individual, called a " ranger," she beholds a type 
 of strength and courage, a heart that can cherish, and an arm 
 that can protect her. These are qualities that, from all time, 
 have won the love of woman. 
 
 It is evident they are not all friends whom we are leaving be 
 hind us. Hostile faces may be observed, many of them peering 
 from open doors or windows. Here and there a sulky lepero 
 swings about in his blanket, or cowers by the corner of the 
 street, scowling savagely from under his broad-brimmed hat. 
 Most of this class are absent as long since ascertained with 
 the guerrilla; but a few still remain to give shadow to the pic 
 ture. They regard the approaches towards the women with ill- 
 concealed anger; and would reseat this politeness if they dared. 
 They confine the exhibition of their spite to the dastardly 
 meanness of ill-treating the women themselves, whenever they 
 have an opportunity. No later than the night before, one of 
 ihem was detected in beating his sweetheart or mistress for the 
 jrime, as was alleged, of dallying too long in the company of a 
 Tejano. The Tejano, in this case, took the law into his own 
 hands, and severely chastised the jealous pelado. 
 
 Even in the hurried glance which I gave to these scenes of 
 leave taking, I could not help noticing an expression on the faces 
 of some of the young girls that had in it a strange significance. 
 It was something more than sadness ; it was more like the un 
 easy look that betokens apprehension. 
 
 Perhaps the state of mind I was in magnified my perceptions. 
 At that moment, a struggle was passing in my own breast, and 
 a feeling of irresolution lay heavy upon me. All night long had 
 my mind dwelt upon the same thought the danger that menaced 
 my betrothed all night long I had been occupied with plans to 
 avert it, but no reasonable scheme had I succeeded in devising. 
 
 It is true the danger was only hypothetical and undefined, 
 but it was just this supposititious indefiniteness that caused the 
 difficulty in providing against it. Had it assumed a tangible 
 
 IS 
 
290 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 shape, I might more easily have adopted some means of aroid- 
 ing it; but no it remained a shadow, and against a shadow I 
 knew not what precautions to take. When morning broke, I 
 was still struggling under the same nervous indecision. 
 
 Problematical as was the peril my fancy had formed, there 
 were moments when it appalled me moments when my mind 
 labored under a painful presentiment, and I could not cast the 
 load by any act of volition. With all my philosophy, I could 
 not fortify myself against the belief that *' coming events cast 
 their shadows before ;" and, spite of myself, I kept repeating in 
 thought the weird prophetic words. Upon my soul, certainly, 
 there were shadows, and dark ones ; if the events should have 
 any correspondence with them, then there was misery before me. 
 
 I have termed the dang-er in which Isolina was placed indefi 
 nite: it was not so indefinite, after a slight analysis; it was directly 
 traceable to the presence of Rafael Ijurra. True, there were 
 other sources of apprehension; other perils surrounded her, 
 arising from the disturbed state of the country but these did 
 not point at her in particular. That frontier province had been 
 for years in a distracted condition by revolution or Indian 
 invasion and war was no new thing to its people. In the midst 
 of strife had the fair flower grown to perfect blooming, without 
 having been either crushed or trodden upon. Isolina de Yargas 
 was a woman of sufficient spirit to resist insult and cast off 
 intrusion. I had just had proof of this. Under ordinary cir 
 cumstances, I had no fear that she would be unequal to the 
 emergency; but the circumstances in which she now stood were 
 not of that character; they were extraordinary and to an extreme 
 degree. In addition to the light thrown upon Ijnrra's designs 
 by his own menacing confession, I knew other particulars of 
 him. Holingsworth had helped me to a knowledge of this bad 
 man, and that knowledge it was that rendered me apprehensive. 
 From a nature so base and brutal, it was natural I should dread 
 the worst. 
 
THE ROUTE. 291 
 
 But what couid I do ? I might have thrown up my commis 
 sion, and remained upon the spot, but that would have been 
 worse than idle. I could not have protected myself, much less 
 another. The rangers once gone from the place, my life would 
 not have been safe there for a single hour. 
 
 Only one plan suggested itself that had the semblance of 
 feasibility to seek another interview with Isolina her father 
 as well ang! adjure them to remove at once from the scene of 
 danger. They might go to San Antonio de Bexar, where, far 
 removed from hostile ground, they could live in safety till the 
 war should be ended. 
 
 It was only at the last moment that this happy idea came into 
 my head, and I reviled myself that I had not conceived it sooner. 
 The chief difficulty would lie in the opposition of Don Ramon. 
 I knew that he was aware of the friendship that existed between 
 his daughter and myself, and furthermore, that he had opposed 
 no obstacle to it ; but how could I convince him of the necessity 
 for so sudden an expatriation as the one I was about to propose? 
 how should I persuade him of the peril I myself dreaded ? and 
 from such a source ! 
 
 Another difficulty I might encounter in the proud spirit of 
 Isolina herself. Much did I fear she would never consent to be 
 thus driven from her home, and by such a poltroon as she knew 
 her cousin to be. She had cowed and conquered him but the day 
 before; she feared him not; she would not be likely to partake of 
 my painful apprehensions. My counsel might be disregarded, 
 my motives misconstrued. 
 
 The time, too, was unfavorable. We must be on the march 
 by sunrise so ran our orders and already the day was break 
 ing. I cared not much for this: I could easily have have over 
 taken my troop ; but it was a delicate matter that could only 
 by excused by a certain knowledge of danger to awake a gen 
 tleman's family at such an hour, even for the purpose of warning 
 them. Moreover, should my advice prove fruitless, I reflected 
 
 
292 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 that my visit which could not be made in secret might aid in 
 bringing about the very danger I apprehended. A circumstance 
 BO extraordinary could not fail to be noticed by all. 
 
 It was thus that I was held in irresolution, while my troop 
 was forming for the march. 
 
 At the last moment, thanks to the thoughtful Holingsworth, 
 a compromise offered. He suggested that I should send my 
 advice in writing. In that I could be as explicit as I pleased, 
 and bring before my protegees all the arguments I might be able 
 to adduce perhaps more successfully than if urged by a personal 
 appeal. 
 
 My comrade's suggestion was adopted; and in haste, but with 
 a fervor resulting from my fears, I penned the admonitory 
 epistle. A trusty messenger was found in one of the Ayankieados, 
 who promised, as soon as the family should be stirring, to carry 
 the letter to its destination. 
 
 With my heart somewhat relieved of its load, though still far 
 from light, I gave the order to march. The bugle rang clear 
 and loud, and its cheerful notes, as I sprang into the saddle, 
 combined with the inspiration borrowed from my buoyant steed, 
 produced a soothing effect upon my spirit. 
 
 CHAPTER L 1 1 1 . 
 
 CAMP GOSSIP. 
 
 IT was but a short-lived light a passing gleam and soon 
 again fell the shadow, dark as ever. Strive as I might, I could 
 not cast the load that weighed upon my bosom; reason as I would, 
 I could not account for its heaviness. 
 
 It was natural that a parting like ours should produce pain. 
 
CAMP GOS6IP. 293 
 
 mid misgivings as to the future. My life was to be staked m 
 the lottery of war ; I might fall ou the field of fight; I might 
 perish by camp-pestilence a foe that in the campaign kills more 
 soldiers than sword or shot the many perils of flood and field 
 were before me, and it was natural I should regard the future 
 with a degree of doubtfuless. But it was not the contemplation of 
 all these dangers that filled me with such a terrible foreboding. 
 Strange to say, I had a forecast that I should survive them. It 
 was almost a conviction, yet it failed to comfort me. It compre 
 hended not the safety of Isolina. No but the contrary. Along 
 with it came the presentiment, that we should never meet again. 
 
 Once or twice, as this dread feeling became most acute, I 
 reined up my horse, half resolved to gallop back ; but again the 
 wild idea passed from from me, and I continued irresolutely on. 
 
 Something of prudence, too, now restrained me from returning: 
 it would no longer have been safe to go back to the rancheria. 
 As we issued from the plaza, we could hear distant jeering, and 
 cries of " Mueran los Tejanos /" It was with difficulty I could 
 restrain the rangers from turning to take vengeance. One, the 
 worst for mezcal, had loitered behind, under the influence of the 
 drink, fancying himself secure. Him the pdados had " bonneted," 
 and otherwise maltreated. They would have murdered him 
 outright, but that some of them, mere prudent than their fellows, 
 had counselled the mob to let him go alleging that the Tejano? 
 were yet " too near, and might come back." 
 
 Again I had strife with my men; they would have returned 
 and fired the place, had I permitted them. Fortunately, he who 
 had been ill treated was a good-for-nothing fellow scarcely worth 
 the sympathy of his comrades and I was well satisfied at his 
 having received a lesson. It might be useful, and was much 
 needed, for " straggling " was one of the ranger-crimes mo^t dif 
 ficult to cure. 
 
 Along the road, we saw signs of a guerrilla. Shots were fired 
 at us from a hill; but a party sent to the place encountered m 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 one. Horse-tracks were observed, and once a brace of mounted 
 men were seen galloping away over a distant slope. It might 
 be the band of Ijurra, and doubtless it was so; but we fancied 
 at the time that Canal es himself was near; and as an encounter 
 with his large and well-organized force would be a very different 
 affair from a skirmish with the other, we felt the necessity of 
 advancing with caution. 
 
 The prospect of a " fight " with that noted partisan created 
 quite an excitement in the ranks. To have captured Canales 
 the " Chapparal Fox," as the Texans termed him or to have 
 made conquest of his band, would have been esteemed a feat of 
 grand consequence only inferior in importance to a pitched 
 battle, or the taking of " Game-leg" (Santa Anna) himself. 
 
 I confess that to me the idea of measuring strength with the 
 famed guerrillero was at that moment rife with charms; and the 
 excitement derived from the hope of meeting him, for a while 
 abstracted my mind from its painful bodings. 
 
 But we reached the town without seeing aught of the Chap 
 paral Fox. It was not likely that he was on that road; or if so, 
 he took care not to show himself. Canales fought not for glory 
 alone, and the rangers were not the foes he cared to encounter. 
 Rich baggage-trains were the game he was used to hunt, and 
 our solitary "company-wagon," filled with frying-pans, camp- 
 kettles, sick soldiers, and tattered blankets half alive with those 
 charming little insects of the genera pulez and p&diculus had no 
 attractions for the gallant guerrillero. 
 
 On reaching the town, we were surprised to find that the 
 division had not yet moved. It was to have marched on that 
 morning, but a countermand had arrived from head-quarters, 
 delaying the movement for some days perhaps a week. 
 
 This was rare news to me; and as soon as I heard it, my mind 
 became occupied with projects and anticipations of a pleasant 
 nature. I had hoped that we would be sent back to the rancheria, 
 but alas ! no our orders were to remain with the division 
 
CAMP GOSSIP. 295 
 
 As every available building was occupied by troops, the ran* 
 gers, as usual, were treated as " outsiders/' and compelled to take 
 to the grass. Half a mile from the town, a spot was shown us 
 for our camp. It was on the banks of a pretty rivulet j.and 
 there, having picketed our steeds, stretched our canvas to the sun, 
 and washed the dust from our faces, we made ourselves at home. 
 
 I did not remain long by the camp. As soon as our tents 
 were fairly pitched, I left them, and walked back into the town 
 partly to get more definite information as to the future move 
 ments of the army, and partly with the design of indulging a 
 little in the social feeling. I had some old comrades among the 
 different regiments of the division; and after such a long spell of 
 rustication, I was not indisposed to refresh my spirit by the re 
 newal of former fellowships. 
 
 At head-quarters, I learned definitely that we should not 
 march for a week at the least. So far good ; and after hearing 
 this, I proceeded to the fonda, the rendezvous of all the jovial 
 spirits of the army. Here I encountered the friends of whom I 
 was in search; and for a short while I found respite from the 
 thoughts that had been harrowing me. 
 
 I soon gathered the current " camp gossip," and learned who 
 were the " newspaper heroes " of the hour over many of whose 
 aames my friends and I could not restrain either our satire or 
 laughter. It appeared that the men of deeds were scarcely 
 known beyond the limits of the army itself, while others, who in 
 the field of battle had actually played the poltroon, had at home 
 become household words in the mouths of the people. One 
 general, whom I myself saw hiding in a ditch, during the rage 
 of battle was the theme of speech, sentiment, and song. The 
 newspapers were filled with praises, and the windows with pic 
 tures of a " gallant dragoon officer," who had somehow obtained 
 the credit of capturing a battery. My rangers cried " Bah !" 
 when I told them this. They themselves were the men who 
 had first galloped over those Mexican guns I 
 
296 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Keeping an editor in pay" was a standing sarcasm appliea* 
 ble to more than one of oar generals ; and the " army corres 
 pondent " taking advantage of th'is pruriency for fame, lived well, 
 and swaggered in proportional importance. 
 
 Ah, glory ! what sacrifices men make for thee npon the 
 shrine of conscience ! For my part, I do not think I could feel 
 happy under the credit of a feat I had not performed. Surely 
 the consciousness of having done a deed is of itself a sufficient 
 reward. He is but an unhappy hero who is not a hero to him 
 self 1 
 
 Pleasanter gossip I heard about the relations existing 
 between our troops and the people of the town. Many of the 
 inhabitants bad grown quite Ayankieado, in consequence of our 
 excellent behavior towards them. Our conduct was com 
 pared with that -which they had lately experienced at the hands 
 of their own army. The latter is in the habit of seizing pro 
 perty at pleasure, on pretence of using it for the defence of the 
 state. We, on the contrary, pay for everything round prices 
 too in bright American dollars. The ricos and merchants 
 prefer this system, and would have no objections to making it 
 permanent. Outrages are few on the part of our soldiery, and 
 severely punished by the general. Our enemies contrast the 
 modest bearing of the American soldier with the conceited strut 
 and insolent swagger of their own gold bedizened militaries who 
 are wont on all occasions to " take the wall," of them. It is 
 only outside the lines, between stragglers and leperos, that the 
 retaliation system is carried on so fiercely. Within the walls, 
 everything is order, with a mildness too rare under martial law. 
 Private property is strictly regarded, and private dwellings are 
 not occupied by our troops. Even the officers are not billeted 
 in private houses ; and many of them have to make shift in 
 rather uncomfortable quarters, while most of the soldiers live 
 under canvas. This state of things is scarcely satisfactory to 
 the troops ; and some grumbling is heard. There is no com- 
 
CAMP GOSSIP. 297 
 
 plaint, however from the Mexicans, who seem rather astonished 
 at so much forbearance on the part of their conquerors. 
 
 I doubt whether in the whole history of war tan be found a 
 conquest characterized by equal mildness and humanity, as is the 
 ' Second Conquest of Mexico." 
 
 It is principally for this reason the people have grown so well 
 affected towards us. But there is another, perhaps, not less 
 potent. From the extensive operations we are now about to 
 undertake, they see that we mean war in earnest ; and the 
 belief has become general, that a large " annexation" will follow ; 
 that perhaps the whole valley of the Rio Grande will become 
 American territory. It is but human nature in them to do 
 homage to the rising sun. 
 
 The ricos are better disposed towards us than the common 
 people ; but this enigma is easily explained. The latter are 
 more patriotic that is, more ready to fight for native tyranny 
 than accept freedom from a foreign hand. 'Tis so in all lands. 
 In the event of a war with England, the black slave of Carolina 
 would range himself by the side of his master, and prove the 
 bitterest foe to the enemies not of his freedom but of his coun 
 try. 
 
 The familias prindpales of Mexico have good reasons for 
 being friendly to us. They have a stake to lose, which, under 
 their own government has been ill guarded for them. No won 
 der they should desire to come under the broad protecting wings 
 of the northern eagle. * * * 
 
 I found that another species of " annexation" had been going 
 on during my absence. One of our officers had become annexed 
 to a wealthy senorita of the place, and the marriage ceremony 
 had been performed with great pomp and splendor. Another 
 was talked of as being fiance ; and it was expected that the 
 example would find numerous imitators. 
 
 I need not say that I was much interested by ;hese noredades, 
 and I returned with lighter heart to the camp. 
 
 13* 
 
298 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LIT. 
 
 \ 
 
 THE RUINED RANCHO. 
 
 THE pleasant excitement caused by my visit to my old com 
 rades was soon over ; and having nothing to do but lounge 
 about my tent, I became again the victim of the same painful 
 bodings. I could not shake them off. 
 
 Subtle and mysterious is the spirit-world within us, certainly 
 does it seem to have prescience of the future. Is it an electric 
 chain connecting what is with what is to be ? Or is it the se 
 cond sight of instinct I Certainly there are times when something 
 within whispers a warning, as in the physical world, God's wild 
 creatures are warned from without of the earthquake and 
 the storm. How often do we experience the realizations of por 
 tentous dreams ? Why should not the waking soul have also 
 its moments of clairvoyance ? 
 
 As I lay stretched upon my leathern catre, I gave way to 
 such reflections. I soon succeeded in reasoning myself into a 
 full belief in foreknowledge ; and my apprehensions were pro 
 portionately strengthened. But I had conceived a design, and 
 the prospect of putting it in execution somewhat relieved mo 
 from the heaviness I had hitherto felt. 
 
 My new project was to take a score of my best men, to ride 
 back the road we had come, place the party in ambush near the 
 hacienda, while I alone should enter the house, and further urge 
 the counsels I had committed to writing. If I should find taat 
 these had been already followed, so much the better I should 
 be assured, and return content ; but I felt almost certain that 
 Don Ramon had rejected them. At all events I was determined 
 
THE RUINED EANCHO. 299 
 
 . to know the truth determined, moreover, to gratify my longing 
 for one more, interview with my beloved. 
 
 I had wa-Tied the men and fixed the hour as soon as it was 
 dark enough to conceal our departure from the camp. 
 
 I had two reasons for not starting earlier ; first, because I did 
 not wish this private scouting to be known at head-quarters. It is 
 true that in such matters we rangers had the advantage of regu 
 lar troops. Though belonging to the division, our duty was 
 usually detached from it, and we were rarely " missed " when 
 absent. There was thus a sort of pleasant independence in my 
 command, which I for one fully appreciated. For all that, I did 
 not desire the whole world to know of an expedition like the 
 one projected. 
 
 My second motive for going in the night was simple prudence 
 I dared not take the whole of my command along with me, with 
 out permission from above. The absence of the corps without 
 leave would certainly be noticed, even were it but for a few hours ; 
 and with the smaller party I intended to take, caution would be 
 requisite. Should we move along the road before it was desert 
 ed, some swift messenger might carry the tidings en amnt, and 
 get us into trouble. 
 
 I designed to start at the earliest hour of darkness, so that I 
 might not alarm the hacienda by a midnight visit. An hour 
 and a half of constant riding would bring me to its gate. * * 
 
 At the last moment of twilight we were inour saddles ; and 
 rode silently into the chaparral that skirted our camp. After 
 filing for some distance through a narrow path, we debouched 
 upon the up-river road, the same that conducted to the rancheria. 
 
 The trappers, Rube and Garey, acting as scouts, went for 
 ward in the advance. They were on foot their horses remain 
 ing behind with the party. 
 
 It was a mode of march I had adopted after some experience 
 in bush-fighting. The scouts of a marching force should always 
 go on foot, whether th.e main body be dragoons or infantry. In 
 
 
800 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 this manner they can take advantage of the ground ; and bj 
 keeping under cover of the timber, are enabled to reconnoitre 
 the angles of the road in a much safer way than when on horse 
 back. The great danger to a scout and consequently to the 
 party for which he is acting lies in his being first seen, and the 
 risk is greater when he is mounted. The horse cannot be drawn 
 under cover without an effort ; and the sound of the hoof may 
 be heard ; whereas, in nine cases out of ten, a man on foot that 
 is, such a man as either Rube Rawlings or Bill Garey will dis 
 cover the enemy before he is himself seen, or any ambuscade can 
 be attempted. Of course, the scout should never advance beyond 
 the possibility of retreating upon the party he is guiding. 
 
 With full confidence in the men who had been sent forward, 
 we rode on, timing our pace, so as not to overtake them. Now 
 and then we caught a glimpse of them, at the further end of a 
 long stretch, skirting the bushes, or stooping behind the cover, 
 to reconnoitre the road in advance. To our chagrin, it was clear 
 moonlight, and we could distinguish their forms at a great dis 
 tance. We should much have preferred a darker night. 
 
 The road we were travelling upon was entirely without habi 
 tations ; most of it ran through light chaparral forest, with 
 neither clearing nor homestead. One solitary rancho stood at 
 about equal distances between the town and the rancheria ; and 
 was known among the rangers by the familiar sobriquet of the 
 " half-way-house." It was a poor hovel of yucca, with a small 
 patch around that had once grown yams, chile-popper, and a 
 stock of maize for whoever had inhabited it ; but its occupants 
 had long since disappeared the prowling soldier-robber from the 
 camp had paid it many a visit, and its household gods lay bro 
 ken upon the hearth. The tortilla stone and comal, red earthen 
 ollas, calabash cups, bedsteads and benches of the cana vaquer>* 
 a whirligig spindle, an old stringless jarana or bandolon, with 
 other like effects, lay in fragments upon the floor. Mingling 
 with these were cheap colored wood-prints, of saints and Saviour, 
 
THE RUINED KANCHO. 301 
 
 that had been dragged from the walls, and with the torn leaves 
 of an old Spanish misa, trampled in dust and dishonor. 
 
 I paint this tableau of ruin not that it was in any way con 
 nected with the events of our narrative, but that it had strangely 
 affected me. On the day before, as we rode past, I had halted 
 a moment by the little rancho, and contemplated the scene with 
 a feeling of melancholy that amounted almost to sadness. Lit 
 tle thought I that a still sadder spectacle awaited me in that 
 same spot. 
 
 We had approached within less than half a mile of the rancho, 
 when a strange medley of sounds reached our ears. Human 
 voices they were, and borne upon the light breeze we could dis 
 tinguish them to be the voices of women. Occasionally harsher 
 tones were heard mingling in the murmur, but most of them had 
 the soft rich intonation that distinguishes the female voice. 
 
 We all drew bridle and listened. The sounds continued in the 
 same confused chorus, but there was neither song nor joy in the 
 accents. On the contrary, the night-wind carried upon its wings 
 the voices of " lamentation and wailing." 
 
 " There are women in trouble," remarked one of my followers 
 in a loud sugestive tone. 
 
 The remark caused all of us simultaneously to ply the spur, 
 and ride forward. 
 
 Before we had galloped a dozen lengths, a man appeared com 
 ing from the opposite direction, and advancing rapidly up the 
 middle of the road. We saw it was the scout Grarey ; and, once 
 more reining up, we awaited his approach. 
 
 I was at the head of the little troop, and as the trapper drew 
 near, I could see his face full under the light of the moon. Itx 
 expression was ominous of evil tidings. 
 
 He spoke not until he had laid his hand upon the pommel of 
 my saddle, and then only in a subdued and saddened tone. His 
 words were : 
 
 41 Thar's ugly news, capt'n." 
 
802 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 that terrible foreboding ! 
 
 " News ? ill news !'' I stammered out' ; " what, for Heaven'a 
 sake ? speak, Garey !" 
 
 " They've been playiu' the devil at the rancherie. Them ruf 
 fians hez behaved wuss than Injuns would a done. But come 
 forrard, capt'n, and see for yorself. The weemeu are close by 
 hyar at the shanty. Rube's a tryin' to pacify them, poor crit 
 ters." 
 
 that terrible foreboding ! 
 
 1 made no response to Garey's last speech, but rode forward 
 as fast as my horse could carry me. 
 
 A brace of minutes brought me up to the rancho and there 
 I beheld a spectacle that caused the blood to curdle in my 
 veins. 
 
 CHAPTER LV. 
 
 A CRUEL PROSCRIPTION. 
 
 THE open space in front of the hovel was occupied by a group 
 of women, most of them young girls. There were six or seven ; 
 I did not count them. There were two or three men, Mexicans, 
 mixed up in the group. Rube was in their midst, endeavor 
 ing in their broken Spanish, to give them consolation, and assur 
 ance of safety. Poor victims I they needed both. 
 
 The women were half-naked some of them simply en chemise. 
 Their long black hair fell loosely over their shoulders, looking 
 tossed wet, and dra.ggly. There was blood upon it ; there was 
 blood upon their cheeks in seams half-dried, but still dropping. 
 The same horrid red mottled their necks and bosoms, and there 
 
A CRUEL PROSCRIPTION. 303 
 
 was blood upon the hands that had wiped them. A red brown 
 blotch appeared upon the foreheads of all. In the moonlight, it- 
 looked as if the skin had been burnt. I rode closer to one and 
 examined it : it was a brand the fire-stamp of red-hot iron. The 
 skin around was scarlet, but in the midst of this halo of inflam 
 mation I could distinguish, from their darker hue, the outlines of 
 the two letters I wore upon my button the well known 4| U. S/ 
 
 She who was nearest me raised her hands, and tossing back 
 from her cheeks the thick clustered hair, cried out : 
 
 " Miralo, senor /" 
 
 Heaven ! my flesh crept as I looked upon the source of 
 that crimson hemorrhage. Her ears had been clipped off 
 they were wanting I 
 
 1 needed no farther uplifting of their hair to satisfy me that 
 the others had been served in like manner ; the red stream still 
 trickling adown their necks was evidence enough. The men, too 
 had been similarly abused. Two of them had suffered still fur 
 ther mutilation. They held held up their right arms before my 
 face not their hands. There were no hands. I saw the hang 
 ing sleeve and the blood steeped bandage on the stump. 
 Their hands had been chopped off at the wrists. Horrid 
 sight I 
 
 Both men and women gathered around me, clasping my 
 knees, and uttering prayers and entreaties. No doubt most of 
 them were known to me by sight ; but their features were now 
 unrecognizable. They had been the friends and sweethearts of the 
 corps and my followers were already addressing them by name. 
 The lovers of one or two were present, and embraced them. 
 
 One appeared more richly costumed than the rest, and upon 
 her my eye had fallen, as I first rode up. I almost dreaded to 
 approach her, as she stood a little apart ; but no it could not 
 be she was not tall enough ; besides the ruffians would not 
 dare 
 
 " Your name, sefiorita \ n 
 
304: THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 " Conchita, Senor la hija del alcalde." 
 
 The tears burst from her eyes, mingling with blood as they 
 ran down her cheeks. Oh, that I too .ould have wept ! Poor 
 Wheatley ! he was not with us. He had yet to receive the 
 blow : it would soon fall. 
 
 My heart was on fire ; so were those of my followers. They 
 swore and foamed at the mouth. Some drew pistols and knives, 
 calling me to lead them on. Never saw I men in such a frenzy 
 of rage : the most cold-blooded among them seemed to have 
 suddenly gone mad. 
 
 I could scarcely restrain them, till we should hear the tale. 
 We guessed it already ; but we needed some details to assist 
 us in executing vengeance. It was told by many mouths, inter 
 rupting or confirming one another. One of the men was more 
 coherent Pedro, who used to sell mezcal to the troop. To him 
 we listened. The substance of his story was as follows : 
 
 Shortly after we had left the rancheria, it was entered by the 
 guerrilleros with cries of " Viva Santa Anna! Viva Mexico!" 
 and " Death to the. Yankees /" They commenced by breaking 
 open several tiendas, and drinking mezcal and whatever they 
 could find. They were joined by the mob of the place by leperos, 
 and others. Pedro noticed the herredero (blacksmith) and tho 
 matador (cattle-killer) taking a conspicuous part. There were 
 many women in the mob the mistresses of the guerrilleros, and 
 others of the town. 
 
 After drinking a while, they grew more excited. Then was 
 heard the cry ; " Mueran los Ayankieados /" and the crowd scat 
 tering in different directions entered the houses, shouting, 
 Saquenlos afuera ! matenlos !" (Drag them out! kill them !) 
 The poor girls and all who had been friendly to the Americanos 
 were dragged into the plaza amidst the oaths and execrations 
 of the guerrilla, and hisses and hootings from the mob. They 
 were spat upon, called by filthy names, pelted with mud and 
 melon-rinds, and then some of the crowd cried out to mark them, 
 
A CKTJEL PROSCRIPTION. 305 
 
 so that their friends the Tejanos should know them agaiL. The 
 women were more furious than the men, and excited the latter 
 to the deed, calling to the blacksmith : 
 
 " Traiga d fierro ! traiga el fierro /" (Bring the branding- 
 iron 1) 
 
 Others cried out : " Sacan las orejas /" (Cut off their 
 ears !) 
 
 The brutal blacksmith and butcher, both half drunk, obeyed 
 the call willingly, Pedro alleged. The former used the brand 
 ing-iron, already prepared, while the latter performed his bloody 
 office with the knife of his trade ! 
 
 Most of the guerrilleros wore masks. The leaders were all 
 masked, and watched the proceedings from the roof of the alcal 
 de's house. One Pedro knew in spite of his disguise ; he knew 
 him by his great size and red hair ; it was the salteador, El Zorro. 
 Others he guessed at ; but he had no doubt it was the band of 
 Don Rafael Ijurra nor had we. 
 
 Had they left the rancheria before Pedro and the others came 
 away ? 
 
 Pedro thought not ; he and the other victims, as soon as 
 they got out of the hands of the mob, had fled to the cha 
 parral, and were making for the American camp when met by 
 our scouts. They were straggling along the road one after the 
 other ; Rube had detained them bj the rancho, till we should 
 come up. 
 
 Pedro feared that they were not all that there were other 
 victims ; the alcalde, he feared, had been worse than mutilated 
 he had been murdered. 
 
 This last information the poor fellow imparted in a whisper 
 at the same time casting a sorrowful look towards Conchita. I 
 had not the courage to inquire farther. 
 
 The question arose whether we should send back for more men, 
 and wait till they arrived, or advance at once to the rancheria. 
 The former was negatived with unanimous voice. We were 
 
306 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 strong enough, and vengeance was impatient. I was joyed by 
 the decision ; I could not have waited. 
 
 The women were directed to continue on to the ranger-camp ; 
 Pedro, mounted behind one of the men, should go with us. We 
 needed him for purposes of identification. 
 
 We were about to move forward, when a figure appeared 
 along the road in the direction we were going to take. On 
 coming within sight of us, the figure was seen to skulk and hide 
 in the bushes. Rube and Garey ran rapidly forward, and in a 
 few minutes returned bringing with them a Mexican youth 
 another of the victims ! 
 
 He had left the scene of his sufferings somewat later than the 
 rest. 
 
 Was the guerrilla still in the place ? 
 
 No ; they were gone from the village. 
 
 " Whither ?" was the anxious interrogatory. 
 They had taken the up-river road towards the hacienda de Var 
 gas. They had passed the boy as he lay concealed among some 
 aloes ; he had heard their cries as they rushed past. 
 
 " What cries ?" 
 
 They shouted : " Mueran al traidor y traidwa ! Miter an ti 
 padre y hija. Isolina la pt a /" 
 
 " O merciful God 1" 
 
THE BIVOUAC OF THE GUEEEILLA. 307 
 
 CHAPTER L V I . 
 
 THE BIVOUAC OF THE GUERRILLA. 
 
 I STAYED to hear no more, but drove the spurs against the 
 ribs of my horse, till he sprang in full gallop along the road. 
 Eager as were my men to follow, 'twas as much as they could 
 lo to keep up. 
 
 We no longer thought of scouts or cautious marching. The 
 trappers had mounted, and were galloping with the rest. We 
 thought only of time. 
 
 We rode for the hacienda de Yargas, straight up the river. 
 Although it was beyond the rancheria, we could reach it with 
 out passing through the latter which lay some distance back 
 from the stream. We could return to the village afterwards, 
 but first for the hacienda. There I wished to arrive in the 
 shortest time possible. The miles flew behind us, like the dust 
 of the road. 
 
 Oh, should we not be in time ! I feared to calculate the 
 length of the interval since the boy had heard that rabble rout. 
 Was it more than an hour ? Five miles to the raucho, and he 
 on foot. Had he travelled rapidly ? Yes, here and there ; but 
 he had made a stop: some men had passed him, and he had 
 hidden in the bushes till they were out of sight. He had been 
 more than an hour on the way nearly two, and one would be 
 enough for the execution of the darkest deed. Oh, we should 
 not arrive in time! 
 
 There was no delay now. We were going at top speed, and 
 in silence, scarcely exchanging a word. Alone might be heard 
 the chattering of hoofs, the clinking of bits, or the ringing of 
 
SOS THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 steel scabbards. Neither the slimy gutter nor the deep rat of 
 carreta wheels stayed our advance ; our horses leaped over, or 
 went sweltering through them. 
 
 In five minutes we came to the rineonada, where the road 
 forked the left branch leading to the village. We saw no one, 
 and kept on by the right, the direct road to the hacienda. An 
 other mile, and we should reach the house ; a quarter of that 
 distance, and we should come in sight of it ; the trees alone 
 hindered our view of its walls. On on ! 
 
 What means that light ? Is the sun rising in the West ? Is 
 the chaparral on fire ? Whence comes the yellow gleam, half 
 intercepted by the trunks of the trees ? It is not the moon! 
 
 " Ho! the hacienda is in flames !" 
 
 " No it cannot be ! A house of stone, with scarcely 
 enough timber to make a blaze ! It cannot be that !" 
 
 It is not that. We emerge from the forest ; the hacienda is 
 before our eyes. Its white walls gleam under a yellow light 
 the light of fire, but not of a conflagration. The house stands 
 intact. A huge bon-fire burns in front of the portal ; it was 
 this that caused the glare through the forest. 
 
 We draw up, and gaze upon it with surprise. We behold a 
 huge pile the material supplied from the household stack of 
 dry fagots a vast blaze drowning the pale moonshine. We can 
 see the hacienda, and all around it, as distinctly as by the light 
 of day ! 
 
 For what purpose this holocaust of crackling acacias ? 
 
 Around the fire we behold many forms, living and moving. 
 There are men, women, dogs and saddled horses. Huge joints 
 are roasting over the red coals, and others, roasted, are being 
 greedily eaten. Are they savages who surround that blazing 
 pile ? No we can see their faces with full distinctness, the 
 white skins and black beards of the men, the cotton garments 
 of the women ; we can see sombreros and serape>, cloth clonks 
 and calzoueros of velveteen, sashes and sabres ; fre can distin 
 
THE BIVOUAC 3F THE GUERRILLA. 309 
 
 guish their voices as they shout, sing and carouse : we note 
 their lascivious movements in the national dance the fandango. 
 No Indians they I 7 Tis a bivouac of the guerrilleros the 
 ruffians for whom we are in search. 
 
 O, that I had listened to the voice of prudence, and adopted 
 the strategy of a surround ! But my blood was boiling, and 1 
 feared to lose even a moment of time, lest we might be too late. 
 But one or two of my followers counselled delay, and, as the 
 event proved, they were the wisest. The rest, like myself, were 
 impatient for action. 
 
 The word was given, and like hounds, fresh loosed from the 
 leash, we rushed forward with charging cheer. 
 
 It was the madness of fools. Well knew our enemy the 
 hoarse Texan " hurrah 1" It had been shouted to terrify them, 
 when there was no need. They would never have stood 
 ground. 
 
 The shout warned them, causing them to scatter like a herd 
 af deer. The steep hill proved too heavy for our horses ; and 
 before we could reach its summit, the main body of the guer 
 rilla had mounted, and scampered off into the darkness. Six of 
 them fell to our shots, and as many more, with their she-asso 
 ciates, remained prisoners in our hands ; but as usual that 
 subtle coward had contrived to escape. Pursuit was idle! they 
 had taken to the dark woods beyond the hill. 
 
 I thought not of pursuit ; my mind was bent on a far differ 
 ent purpose. 
 
 I rode into the patio. The court was lit up by the glare of 
 the fire. It presented a picture of ruin, Rich furniture was 
 scattered about in the veranda and over the pavement, broken 
 or tumbled down. I called her name the name of Don 
 Ramon. Loudly and earnestly did I raise my voice, but echo 
 gave the only reply. 
 
 I dismounted, and rushed into the veranda, still vociferating, 
 and still without receiving a response. I hurried frcm room to 
 
31Q THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 room from cuarto to said from sala to sagua-n np to *^ie 
 azotea everywhere even to the capilla in the rear. The 
 moonbeams gleamed upon the altar, but no human form was 
 there. The whole house was deserted ; the domestics even 
 the women of the cocina had disappeared. My horse and I 
 seemed the only living things within those walls for my follow 
 ers had remain outside with their prisoners. 
 
 A sudden hope gleamed across my heart. Perhaps they had 
 taken my counsel, and gone off before the mob appeared ! 
 Heaven grant it might be so ! 
 
 I rushed out to question the captives. They should know, 
 both men and women: they could certainly tell me. 
 
 A glance showed me I was too late to receive information 
 from the men. A large pecan tree stood at one corner of the 
 building. The firelight glared upon it; from its branches hung 
 six human forms with drooping heads, and feet far from the 
 earth. They had just ceased to live! 
 
 One told me that the herredero was among them, and also 
 the cruel matador. Pedro had identified both. The others 
 were pelados of the town, who had borne part in the affair of the 
 day. Their judges had made quick work, and equally quick 
 had been the ceremony of execution. Lazos had been reeved 
 over the limbs of the pecan, and with these all six had be^n 
 jerked up without shrift or prayer! 
 
 It was not revenge for which I panted. I turned to tne 
 women; many of these had made off, but there were still a 
 dozen or more in the hands of the men. They looked haggard 
 with drink; some sullen, and some terrified. They had reason 
 to be afraid. 
 
 In answer to my questions, they shook their heads, but gave 
 me no information. Some remained doggedly silent; others denied 
 all knowledge of Don Ramon or his daughter. Threats had no 
 effect. They either knew not, or feared to tell what had befiJ 
 len them. heaven! could it be the latter ? 
 
THK BIVOUAC OF THE GUERRILLA. 311 
 
 I was turning away angered and despairing, when my eyes 
 fell upon a figure that seemed to skulk under the shadow of the 
 walls. A shout of joy escaped as I recognized the boy Cyprio; 
 he was just emerging from his place of concealment. 
 
 " Cyprio \ I cried. 
 
 " Si, seftor," answered he, advancing rapidly to where 1 
 tood. 
 
 " Tell me, Cyprio, where are they gone where where ?" 
 
 " Carrai, senor! these bad men have carried the dueno away: 
 I do not know whither." 
 
 " The senora ? the senora ?" 
 
 "Oh! cavallero, es una cosa espantosa !" (It is a terrible 
 thing.) 
 
 " Quick, tell me all ! Quickly Cyprio!" 
 
 " Senor, there came men with black masks, who broke into 
 the house and carried off the master; then they dragged out 
 Dona Isolina into the patio! Ay de mi! I cannot tell you 
 what they did before pobre senorita ! There was blood running 
 down her neck and all over her breast: she was not dressed, 
 and I could see it. Some went to the caballeriza, and led out 
 the white horse the steed that was brought from the llanos. 
 Upon his back they bound Dona Isolina. Valga me dios ! such 
 a sight!" 
 
 "Goon!" 
 
 " Then, senor, they led the horse across the river, and out to 
 the plain beyond. All went along, to see the sport, as they 
 said ay de mi! such sport! I did not go, for they beat and 
 threatened to kill me; but I saw all from the hill-top, where I 
 had hidden myself in the bushes. O Santisima Maria!" 
 
 " Go on!" 
 
 " Then senor, they stuck cohetes in the hips of the horse, and 
 set them on fire, and pulled off the bridle, and the steed went off, 
 with fire-rockets after him, and Dona Isolina tied down upon his 
 back pobre senorita ! I could see the horse till he was far, fai 
 
312 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 away upon the llano, and then I could see him no more. Dioi 
 de mi almo ! la nina esta perdida /" ( Alas the young lady is 
 lost.) 
 
 11 Some water ! Rube ! Garey ! friends >water I wa 
 ter !" 
 
 I made an attempt to reach the fountain in the patio ; but, 
 after staggering dizzily a pace or two, my strength failed me, 
 and I fell fainting to the earth. 
 
 CHAPTER LYII. 
 
 TAKING THE TRAIL. 
 
 I HAD merely swooned. My nerves and frame were still weak 
 from the blood-letting I had received in the combat of yesterday. 
 The shock of the horid news was too much for my powers of en 
 durance. 
 
 I was insensible only for a short while ; the cold water revived 
 me. 
 
 When consciousness returned, I was by the fountain, my back 
 leaning against its parapet edge ; Rube, Garey, and others were 
 around me. From my dripping garments, I perceived that they 
 had douched me, and one was pouring a fiery spirit down ni\ 
 throat. There were men on horseback, who had ridden into the 
 patio the iron hoofs causing the court to ring. They were 
 rangers, but not those who had left camp in my company. Some 
 had arrived since, and others were still galloping up. Those 
 girls had reached the ranger camp, and told their tale. The 
 men had not waited for orders, or even for one another, but 
 rushing to their horses, took the road in twos and threes, 
 fivery moment, a horseman, or several together, came riding 
 
TAKING THE TEAIL. 313 
 
 forward in hot haste, carrying their rifles, as if ready for action, 
 acd uttering loud cries of indignation. 
 
 Wheatley had arrived among the foremost. Poor fellow ! his 
 habitual buoyancy had departed ; the gay smile was gone from 
 his lips. His eyes were on fire, and his teeth set in the stern 
 expression of heart-consuming vengeance. 
 
 Amidst the hoarse shouting of the men, I heard screaming in 
 the shriller /voices of women. It came from without. 
 
 I rose hastily, and ran towards the spot : I saw several of the 
 wretched captives stripped to the waist, and men in the act of 
 flogging them, with mule-quirts and pieces of raw hide rope. 
 
 I had feared it was worse ; I had feared that their captors 
 were inflicting upon them a retaliation in kind. But no angry 
 as were my followers, they had not proceeded to such a fiendish 
 extremity. 
 
 It required all the authority of a command to put an end to 
 this distressing spectacle. They desisted at length, and the 
 screeching and affrighted wretches were permitted to take them 
 selves away all disappearing rapidly beyond the light of the 
 fire. 
 
 At this crisis, a shout was raised : " To the rancheria, to the 
 rancheria F and instantly a party, with Wheatley and Hoiings- 
 worth at its head, rode off for the village. Pedro went along 
 with them. 
 
 "I waited not for their return ; I had formed a plan of action 
 for myself, that would admit of no delay in its execution. 
 
 At first, stunned by the blow, and the distraction of my 
 swooning senses, I had not been able to think ; as soon as the 
 confusion passed, and I could reflect more clearly, the course I 
 ought to pursue was at once apparent. Vengeance I bad felt 
 as the first impulse, and a strong desire to follow up the fiend 
 ljurra night and day to follow him though the pursuit should 
 lead me into the heart of the hostile ground. 
 
 This was but a momentary impulse : vengeance must be stifled 
 
 14 
 
314 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 for the time. A path was to be taken that widely diverged 
 from that of the retreating guerrilla the trail of the wJiti 
 ileed. 
 
 Mounting Cyprio, and choosing from my band half a dozen of 
 the best trackers, was the work of a moment. In another, we 
 were in the saddle ; and descending the hill, we plunged rapidly 
 through the stream, crossed the skirting timber, and soon reached 
 the open prairie. 
 
 Under Cyprio's guidance, we found the spot desecrated by 
 that cruel desplay. The ground was trampled by many hoofs ; 
 fragments of paper powder blackened broken rocket-sticks, 
 and half-burnt fuses, strewed the sward the pyrotechnic rdiquia 
 of the fiendish spectacle. 
 
 We halted not there. By the aid of our guide and the moon 
 light, we rode clear of the confusion ; and taking up the traiU 
 of the horse, struck off upon it, and were soon far out upon the 
 prairie. 
 
 For more than a mile we advanced at a gallop. Time was 
 every thing. Trusting to the intelligence of the Mexican boy, we 
 scarcely scrutinized the track, but made directly for the point 
 where the horse had been last seen. 
 
 Cyprio's information did not deceive ns. A motte of timber 
 had served him as a mark : the steed had passed close to its 
 edge. Beyond it, he had seen him no more. 
 
 Beyond it, we found the tracks, easily recognizable by Rune, 
 Garey, and myself. There was a peculiarity by which we were 
 prevented from mistaking them : three of the prints were clearly 
 cut in the turf almost perfect circles the curve of the fourth- 
 of the fore-foot was interrupted by a slight indentation, where a 
 piece had been broken from the hoof. It had been done in that 
 terrible leap upon the rocky bed of the barranca. 
 
 Taking the trail again, we kept on now advancing at a 
 slower pace, and with a greater degree of caution. Late rains 
 had moistened the prairie-turf ^nd we could perceive the tracks 
 
TAKING THE TEAIL. 31 
 
 without dismounting At intervals there were stretches of drier 
 surface, where the hoofs had scarcely left its impression. la 
 such places, one leaped from the saddle, and led the way on foot. 
 Rube or Garey usually performed this office ; and so rapidly did 
 they move along the trail, that our horses were seldom in a walk. 
 With bodies half bent, and eyes gliding along the ground, they 
 pressed forward like hounds running by the scent, but, unlike 
 these, the trackers made no noise. Not a word was spoken by 
 any one. I had no list for speech ; my agony was too intense 
 for utterance. 
 
 With Cyprio I had conversed upon the harrowing theme, and 
 that only at starting. From him I had gathered further details. 
 No doubt, the matador had performed his office. O God ! 
 without ears ! 
 
 Cyprio had seen blood ; it was streaming adown her neck and 
 over her bosom ; her slight garments were stained red with it. 
 He knew not whence it came, or why she was bleeding. He 
 was not present when that blood had been drawn ; it was in her 
 chamber, he thought. She was bleeding when the ruffians 
 dragged her forth. 
 
 Belike, too, the herrero had done his work ? Cyprio had 
 seen the blacksmith, but not the fierro. He heard they had 
 branded some at the plaza, among others the daughter of the 
 alcaldd poire Conchita ! He did not see them brand the Dona 
 Isolina. 
 
 The ruffian deed might have been accomplished for all that ; 
 there was plenty of time, while the boy lay hid. 
 
 How was she placed upon the horse ? 
 
 Despite my heart's bitterness, as I put these interrogatories, 
 I could not help thinking of the Cossack legend. The famed 
 classic picture came vividly before my mind. Wide was the dis 
 tance between the Ukraine and the Rio Bravo. Had the mon 
 sters who re-enacted this scene on the banks of the Mexican 
 river had these ever heard of Mazeppa ? Possibly their leadei 
 
316 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 had ; but still more probable that the fiendish thought was ori 
 ginal. 
 
 The fashion at least was. Cyprio had seen and could describe 
 it. 
 
 She was laid longitudinally upon the back of the steed, her 
 -head resting upon the point of his shoulder. Her face was 
 downward, her cheek touching the withers. Her arms embraced 
 the neck, and her wrists were made fast under the animal's 
 throat. Her body was held in position by means of a belt around 
 her waist, attached to a surcingle on the horse both tightly 
 buckled. In addition to this, her ankles, bound together by a 
 thong, were fastened to the croup r with her feet projecting be 
 yond the hips ! 
 
 I groaned as I listened to the details. 
 
 The ligature was perfect cruelly complete. There was no 
 hope that such fastenings would give way. Those thongs of raw 
 hide would not come undone. Horse and rider could never part 
 from that unwilling embrace never, till hunger, thirst, death 
 no, not even death could part them ! horror ! 
 
 Not without groans could I contemplate the hideous fate cf 
 my betrothed of her whose love had become my life. 
 
 I left the tracking to my comrades, and my horse to follow 
 after. I rode with loose rein, and head drooping forward ; I 
 scarcely gave thought to design. My heart was well-nigh broken, 
 
THE VOTAGKUK. . SI 7 
 
 ,. 
 
 'CHAPTER LVIJI. 
 
 THE VOYAGEUR. 
 
 WE had not gone far when some one closed up beside me, arid 
 muttered a word of cheer ; I recognized the friendly voice of the 
 big trapper. 
 
 "Don't be afeerd, cap'n," said he in a tone of encouragement; 
 " don't be afeerd ! Rube an me'll find 'em afore thar's any 
 harm done. I don't b'lieve the white boss '11 gallip fur, knowin 
 thar'S somebody on his back. It war them gim-cracks that sot 
 him off. When they burn out, he'll come to a dead halt, an 
 ;hen " 
 
 " And then ?" I inquired mechanically. 
 
 " We'll get up> an your black'll be able to overhaul him in a 
 jump or two." 
 
 I began to feel hope. It was but a momentary gleam, and 
 died out in the next instant. 
 
 If the moon 'ud only hold out," continued Garey, with an em 
 phasis denoting doubt. 
 
 "Rot the moon!" said a voice interrupting him; "she's 
 gwine to guv out. Wagh 1" 
 
 It was Rube who had uttered the unpleasant prognostication, 
 in'a peevish, but confident tone. 
 
 All eyes were turned upward. The moon, round and white, 
 was sailing through a cloudless sky, and almost in the zenith. 
 Horo, then, was she to " give out ?" She was near the full, and 
 could not set before morning. What did Rube mean ? The 
 question was put to him. 
 
318 THE WAB-TBAIL. 
 
 " Lookee Bander !" said he in reply. " D'ees see thet ur black 
 line, down low on the paraira T' 
 
 There appeared a dark streak along the horizon to the east 
 ward. Yes, we saw it. 
 
 " Wai," continued Rube, " thur's no timber thur ne'er a 
 stick nor high groun neyther : thet ur's a cloud ; I've seed the 
 likes afore. Wait a bit. Wagh ! In jest ten minutes, the 
 durned thing'll kiver up the moon, and make thet pretty blue 
 sky look as black as the hide 7 o an Afrikin niggur it will.'*" 
 
 " Fm afeerd he's right, cap'n," said Garey, in a desponding 
 tone. " I war doubtful o' it myself: the sky looked too wear. I 
 didn't like it a bit : thar's always a change when things are bet- 
 ter'n common." 
 
 I needed not to inquire the consequences, should Rube's pre 
 diction prove correct j that was evident to all of us. The moon 
 once obscured by clouds, our progress would be arrested : even 
 a horse could not be tracked in the darkness. 
 
 We were not long in suspense. Again the foresight of the 
 old trapper proved unerring. Cumuli rolled up the eky one 
 after another, until their black masses shrouded the moon. At 
 first, they came only in detached clouds, and there was light afc 
 intervals ; but these were only the advanced columns of a heavier 
 body, that soon appeared, and without a break, spread itself 
 pall-like over the firmament. 
 
 The moon's disc became entirely hidden from our view ; her 
 scattered beams died out, and the prairie lay dark as if shad 
 owed by an eclipse. 
 
 We could follow the trail no further. The ground itself waa 
 not visible, much less the hoof-prints we had been tracing ; and 
 halting simultaneously, we drew our horses together, and sat in 
 our saddles to deliberate upon what was best to be done. 
 
 The consultation was a short one. They who formed that 
 little party were all men of prairie or backwoods experience,, and 
 well versed in the ways of the wilderness. It took them but 
 
THE VOYAGEUB. 
 
 tittle time to decide what course should be followed ; and they 
 were unanimous in their opinion. Should the sky continue 
 clouded, we must give up the pursuit till morning, or adopt the 
 only alternative follow the trail up by torch-light. 
 
 Of course the latter was determined nnon. It was yet early in 
 the night ; many hours must intervene before we should havf 
 the light of day. I could not live through these long hours 
 without action. Even though our progress might be slow, the 
 knowledge that we were advancing would help to stifle the pain- 
 fulness of reflection-. - 
 
 " A torch. ! a torch !" 
 
 Where was- such a thing to be procured? We had with us 
 no material with which to make one ; there was no timber near ! 
 We were in the middle of a naked prairie. The universal mezquite 
 the algar obia glandulosa excellent for such a purpose, grew 
 nowhere in the neighborhood. Who was to find the torch ? 
 Even Rube's ingenuity could not make one out of nothing. 
 
 " Ecoutez. mon capitaiue I" cried Le Blanc, an old voyageur 
 "ecoutez ! vy me no ride back, et von lanterne bring from ze 
 ville Mexicaine ?" 
 
 True, why not ? We were yet but a few miles from the rnn- 
 eheria. The Canadian's idea was a good one. 
 
 " Je connais," he continued "know I, pe gar ! ze ver spot 
 ou vere sont cachees hid les chandelles maguifiques -von, 
 deux, tree big candles vax vax." 
 
 " Wax candles ?" 
 
 41 Oui oui, messieurs ! tres grand com me un baton ; ze ver 
 chose pour allumer la prairie " 
 
 " You know where they are ? You could find them, Le 
 Blanc ?" 
 
 u OuJ, messieurs je connais : les chandeiles sout cachees dans 
 feglise zey are in ze church hid." 
 
 *' Ha 1 in the church ?" 
 
 *' Oui, messieurs ; c'est un grand sacrilege, mon Dieu ' ver 
 
320 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 baa ; mais n'importe cela. Eef mon capitaine permis, vill allo* 
 pour aller Monsieur Quack'bosh, he go chez moi ; nous cherch- 
 erons ; ve bring ze chandelles pe gar we bring him !" 
 
 From the mixed gibberish of the voyageur, I cocid gather his 
 meaning well enough. He knew of a depository of wax candles, 
 and the church of the rancheria was the place in which they were 
 kept. 1 was not in a frame of mind to care much for the sacri 
 lege, and my companions were still less scrupulous. The act was 
 determined upon, and Le Blanc and Quackenboss, without more 
 delay, took the back-track for the village. 
 
 The rest of us dismounted, and picketing our horses to the 
 grass, lay down to await the return of the messengers 
 
 CHAPTER LIX. 
 
 TRAILING BY TORCH-LIGHT. 
 
 WHILE thus inactive, my mind yielded itself up to the con 
 templation of painful probabilities. Horrid spectacles pasted 
 before my imagination. I saw the white horse galloping ov<?r 
 the plain, pursued by wolves, and shadowed by black vultures. 
 To escape these hungry pursuers, I saw him dash into the thick 
 chaparral, to encounter the red panther or the fierce prowling 
 bear there to encounter the sharp thorns of the acacias, the 
 barbed spines of the cactus, and the recurving claw-like arma 
 ture of the wild aloes. I could see the red blood streaming 
 ddown his white flanks not his blood, but that of the helpless 
 victim stretched prostrate along his back. I could see the 
 lacerated limbs the ankles chafed and swollen the garments 
 torn to shreds the drooping head the long loose hair tossed 
 and trailing to the earth the white wan lips the woe-bespeak- 
 
TRAILING BY TOECH-LIGHT. ,321 
 
 ing eyes Oh! I could bear my reflections no longer. I 
 
 sprang to my feet, and pacecP the prairie with the aimless 
 unsteady step of a madman. 
 
 Again the kind-hearted trapper approached, and renewed hifc 
 efforts to console me. 
 
 "We could follow the trail," be said, "by torch or candle 
 liglit, almost as fast as we could travel; we should be manj 
 miles along it before morning; maybe before then we should gel 
 sight of the steed. It would not be hard to surround and cap 
 ture him; now that he was half-tamed, he might not run from 
 us; if he did, he could be overtaken. Once in view, we would 
 nov lose sight of him again. The saynyora would be safe 
 3noagh; there was nothing to hurt her: the wolves would not 
 know the " fix " she was in, neyther the " bars r nor " painters." 
 We should be sure to come up with her before the next night, 
 and would find her first rate; a little tired and huligry, nc 
 doubt, but nothing to hurt. We should relieve her, and rest 
 would set all right again." 
 
 Notwithstanding the rude phrase in which these consolatory 
 remarks were made, I appreciated the kind intent, 
 
 Garey's speech had the effect of rendering me more hopeful; 
 and in calmer mood, I awaited the return of Quackenboss and 
 the Canadian. 
 
 These did not linger. Two hours had been allowed them to 
 perform their errand: but long before the expiration of that 
 period, we heard the double trampling of their horses as they 
 came galloping across the plaim. 
 
 In a few minutes they rode up, and we could see in the hands 
 of Le Blanc three whitish objects, that in length and thickness 
 resembled stout walking-canes. We recognized les chandettes 
 magnifiques. 
 
 They were the property of the church, designed no doubt 
 
 to have illumined the altar upon the occasion of some grand dw 
 d. fiesta. 
 
 14* 
 
SSJ2 THE WAK-TEAIL. 
 
 "Voila! mon capitaine!" cried the Canadian, as he rode 
 forward, " voila les chaudelles! Ah, mon Dieu ! c*est von big 
 sacrilege, et je suis bon Chretien buen Catolico, as do call 'im 
 ze dam Mexicaine ; bien ze bon Dieu we forgive God ve par 
 don vill pour for the grand necessitie ; sure certaine he vill me 
 pardon Lige et moi ze brave Monsieur Quack'bosh." 
 
 The messengers had brought news from the village. Some 
 rough proceedings had taken place since our departure. Men 
 had been punished ; fresh victims had been found under the 
 guidance of Pedro and others of the abused. The trees in ths 
 church enclosure that night bore horrid fruit. 
 
 The alcalde* was not dead; and Don Ramon, it was supposed, 
 still survived, but had been carried off a prisoner by the guer 
 rilla ! The rangers were yet at the rancheria; many had been 
 desirous of returning with Le Blanc and Quackenboss, but I had 
 sent orders to the lieutenants to take all back to camp as soon 
 as their affair was over. The fewer of the troop that should be 
 absent, the less likelihood of our being missed, and those I had 
 with me I deemed enough for my purpose. Whether successful 
 or not, we should soon return to camp. It would then be time 
 to devise some scheme for capturing the leader and prime actor 
 in this terrible tragedy. 
 
 Hardly waiting to hear the story, we lighted the great candles, 
 and moved once more along the trail. 
 
 Fortunately, the breeze was but slight, and only served to 
 make the huge waxen torches flare more freely. By their bril 
 liant blaze, we were enabled to take up the tracks, quite as 
 rapidly as by the moonlight. At this point, the horse had been 
 still going at full gallop ; and his course, as it ran in a direct 
 line, rendered it more easy to be followed. 
 
 Dark as the night was, we soon perceived we were heading 
 for a point well known to all of us the prairie mound ; and, un 
 der a faint belief that the steed might have there come to a stop, 
 vre pressed forward witV a sort of hopeful anticipation 
 
TKAILING BY TOUCH-LIGHT. 323 
 
 After an hour's tracking, the white cliffs loomed within the 
 circle of our view, the shining selenite glancing back the light of 
 our tapers, like a wall set with diamonds. 
 
 We approached with caution, still keeping on the trail, but 
 also keenly scrutinizing the ground in advance of us in hopes 
 of perceiving the object of our search. Neither by the clifl^ nor 
 n the gloom around, was living form to be traced. 
 
 Sure enough the steed had halted there, or, at all events, 
 ceased from his wild gallop. He had approached the mound in 
 a walk, as the tracks testified ; but how, and in what direction 
 had he gone thence ? His hoof-prints no longer appeared. He 
 had passed over the shingle, that covered the plain to a distance 
 of many yards from the base of the cliff, and no track could be 
 found beyond. 
 
 Several times we went around the mesa, carrying our candles 
 everywhere. We saw skeletons- of men and horses with skulls 
 detached, fragments of dresses, and pieces of broken armor sou 
 venirs of our late skirmish we looked into our little fortress, and 
 gazed upon the rock that had sheltered us ; we glanced up the 
 gorge where we had climbed, and beheld the rope by which we 
 had descended still hanging in its place : all these we saw, but 
 no further traces of the steed 1 
 
 Round and round we went, back and forward, over the stony 
 shingle, and along its outer edge, but still without coming upon 
 the tracks. Whither could the horse have gone ! 
 
 Perhaps, with a better light, we might have found the trail; 
 but for a long hour we searched, without striking upon any sign 
 of it. Perhaps we might still have found it, even with our 
 waxen torches, but for an incident that not only interrupted our 
 search, but filled us with fresh apprehension, and almost stifled 
 Our hopes of success. 
 
 The interruption did not come unexpected. The clouds had 
 for some time given ample warning. The big solitary drops 
 that at intervals fell with plashing noise upon the rocks, 
 
324 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 but the avant-courriers of one of the great rain storms of the 
 prairie, when water descends as if from a shower-bath. "We 
 knew from the signs that such a storm was nigh ; aiifl while 
 casting around to recover the trail, it commenced in all its fury. 
 
 Almost in an instant our lights were extinguished, and our 
 bootless search brought to a termination. 
 
 We drew up under the rocks, and stood side by side in sullen 
 silence. Even the elements seemed against me. In my hearth 
 bitterness, I cursed them. 
 
 CHAPTER L X . 
 
 THE SOMBRERO. 
 
 THE horses cowered under the cold rain, all of them jaded 
 and hungry. The hot dusty march of the morning, and the 
 long rough gallop of the night, had exhausted their strength ; 
 and they stood with drooped heads and hanging ears, dozing 
 and motionless. 
 
 The men, too, were wearied some of them quite worn out, 
 A few kept their feet, bridle in hand, under shelter of the 
 impending cliff ; the others, having staggered down, with their 
 backs against the rock, had almost instantly fallen asleep. 
 
 For me was neither sleep nor rest; I did not even seek pro 
 tection against the storm, but standing clear of the cliff, received 
 the drenching shower full upon my shoulders. It was the chill 
 rain of the "norther;" but at that moment neither cold nortt 
 nor hot sirocco could have produced upon me an impression of 
 pain. To physical suffering I was insensible. I should even 
 have welcomed ic, for I well understood the truth, proverbially 
 expressed in that language, rich above all others in proverbial 
 
THE SOMBKEKO. 32 
 
 lore " un clavo saca otro davo," and still more ful \y ill jstrated 
 by the poet: 
 
 Tristezas me hacen triste, 
 Tristezas salgo a buscar, 
 A ver si con tristezas 
 Tristezas puedo olvidar. 
 
 Yes, under any other form, I should have welcomed physical 
 pain as a neutralizer of my mental anguish ; but that cold 
 norther brought no consolation. 
 
 Sadly the reverse. It was the harbinger of keen apprehen 
 sion; for not only had it interrupted our search, but should the 
 heavy rain continue but for a few hours, we might be able 
 neither- to find or further to follow the trail. It would be 
 blinded obliterated 'lost. Can you wonder that in my heart 
 I execrated those black clouds, and that Driving deluge ? that 
 with my lips I cursed the sky and the storm, the moon and the 
 stars, the red lightning and the rolling thunder ? 
 
 My anathema ended, I stood in sullen silence leaning against 
 the body of my brave horse, whose sides shivered under the 
 chilly rain, though I felt not its chill. 
 
 Absorbed in gloomy thought, I recked not what was passing 
 around me ; and for an unnoted period I remained in thia 
 speechless abstraction. 
 
 My reverie was broken. Some expressions that reached my 
 ear told me that at least two of my followers had not yielded to 
 weariness or despair. Two of them were in conversation ; and 
 I easily recognized the voices of the trappers. Tireless, used 
 to stern struggles to constant warfare with the elements, with 
 nature herself these true men never thought of giving up, 
 until the last effort of human ingenuity had failed. From their 
 conversation, I gathered that they had not yet lost hope of find 
 ing the trail, but were meditating on some plan for recovering 
 and following it. 
 
 With renewed eagerness I faced towards them and listened; 
 
326 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 both talked in a low voice. Garey was speaking, as I 
 to them. 
 
 " I guess you're right, Rube. The hoss must a gone thar, an 
 if so, we're boun' to fetch his tracks. Thar's mud, if I remem 
 ber right, all roun' the pool. We can carry the candle under 
 Dutch's sombrera." 
 
 " Ye-es," drawled Rube in reply; "an ef this niggur don't 
 miskalk'late, we ain't a gwine to need eyther cannel or som- 
 brairy. Lookee yander!" the speaker pointed to a break in 
 the clouds " I'll stake high, I kin mizyure this hyur shower 
 wi' the tail o' a goat. Wagh! we'll hev the moon agin, clur as 
 iver, in the inside o' ten minnits see ef we haint." 
 
 "So much the better, old hoss; but hadn't we best first try 
 for the tracks ? time's precious, Rube " 
 
 " In coorse it ur; ^it the cannel an the sombrairy, an le j s be 
 off then. The rest of these fellurs had better stay hyur; thu'li 
 only bamboozle us." 
 
 " Lige!" called out Garey, addressing himself to Quackenbosa 
 " Lige! gi' us yur hat a bit." 
 
 A loud snore was the only reply. The ranger, seated with 
 his back against the rock, and his head drooping over his breast, 
 was sound asleep. 
 
 "Durned sleepyhead!" exclaimed Rube, in a tone of peevish 
 impatience. "Prod 'im wi' the point o' yur bowie, Bill! Rib- 
 roast 'im wi' yur wipin-stick! Lam 'im wi' yur laryette! gi' 
 Mm a kick i' the guts! roust 'im up, durn ; im!" 
 
 " Lige! ho! Dutchy!" cried G arey, approaching the sleeper, 
 and shaking him by the shoulder; " I want your sombrera." 
 
 "Ho! wo! stand still! Jingo, he'll throw me. I can't get 
 off; the spurs are locked. Ho! wo! wo!" 
 
 Rube and Garey broke into a loud cachinnation that awakened 
 the rest of the slumberers. Quackenboss alone remained asleep, 
 fighting in his dreams with the wild Indian horse. 
 
 "Burned mulehead!" cried Rube, after a pause; "let Hm gc 
 
THE TRAIL RECOVERED. 327 
 
 ud at thet's long's he likes it. Chuck the hat off o' his head, 
 Bill! we don't want him thet we don't." 
 
 There was a little pique in the trapper's tone. The breacb 
 that the ranger had made, while acting as a faithful sentinel; 
 was not yet healed. 
 
 Garey made no further attempts to arouse the sleeper, but in 
 obedience to the order of his comrade, lifted off the hat; and, 
 having procured one of the great candles, he and Rube started 
 off without saying another word, or giving any clue to their 
 design. 
 
 Though joyed at what I had heard, I refrained from interro 
 gating them. Some of my followers who put questions received 
 only ambiguous answers, From the manner of the trappers, I 
 saw that they wished to be left to themselves; and I could well 
 trust them to the development of whatever design they had con 
 ceived. 
 
 On leaving us, they walked straight out from the cliff; but 
 how far they continued in this direction it was impossible to tell 
 They had not lighted the candle; and' after going half-a-dozen 
 steps, their forms disappeared from our view amidst the dark 
 ness and thickly falling rain. 
 
 CHAPTER LXI. 
 
 THE TRAIL RECOVERED. 
 
 THE rangers, after a moment of speculation as to the designs 
 of the trappers, resumed their attitude of repose. Fatigued as 
 they were, even the cold could not keep Ihem awake. 
 
 After a pause, the voice of Quackenboss could be heard, in 
 proof that that heavy sleeper was at length aroused; the rain. 
 
328 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 falling upon his half bald skull, had been more effective than ths 
 sluuts and shaking of Garey. 
 
 " Hillo! Wher' s my hat ?" inquired he, in a mystified tone, 
 at the same time stirring himself, and groping about among tho 
 rocks. " Where is my hat ? Boys, did any o' ye see anything: 
 o' a hat, did ye ?" His shouts again awoke the sleepers 
 
 " What sort of a hat, Lige ?" inquired one. 
 
 " A black hat- that Mexican sombrera." 
 
 " Oh! a black hat; no I saw 1,0 black hat." 
 
 "You darned Dutchman! who do yon expect could see a 
 black hat such a night as this, or a white one eyther ? Go to 
 sleep!" 
 
 " Come boys, I don't want none o' your nonsense: I want my 
 hat. Who's got my hat ?" 
 
 " Are you sure it was a black hat ? ;> 
 
 "Bah! the wind has carried it away." 
 
 " Pe gar! Monsieur Quack'bosh votre chapeau grand 
 you great beeg 'at est il perdu ? is loss ? c'est vrai ? Par 
 dieu! les loups ze wolfs have it carr'd avay have it mangg 
 est ? c'est vrai !" 
 
 " None o' your gibberish, Frenchy. Have you got my hat ?" 
 
 "Moi? votre chapeau grand! No, Monsieur Quack'bosh 
 vraiment je ne 1'ai pas; pe gar, no!" 
 
 " Have you got it, Stanfield ?" asked the botanist, addressing 
 himself to a Kentucky backwoodsman of that name. 
 
 " Dang yer hat! What shed I do wi' yer hat? I've got my 
 own hat, and that's hat enough for me." 
 
 " Have you my hat, Bill Black ?" 
 
 "No," was the prompt reply; "I've got neery hat but my 
 own, and that ain't black, I reckon, 'cept sich a night as this.' 7 
 
 "I tell you what, Lige, old fellow! you lost your hat while 
 you were a ridin' the mustang just now; the boss kicked it off o' 
 your head." 
 
 A chorus of laughter followed this sally, in the midst of whict 
 
THE TRAIL RECOVERED. 329 
 
 ^nackenboss could be beard apostrophizing both his hat and his 
 comrades in no very respectful terms. He continued to scram 
 ble over the ground in vain search after the lost sombrero, 
 amidst the jokes and laughter, uttered at his expense. 
 
 To this merriment of my followers I gave but little heed; my 
 thoughts were intent on other things. My eyes were fixed upon 
 that bright spot in the sky, that had been pointed out by Rube; 
 and my heart gladdened, as I perceived that it was every mo 
 ment growing brighter and bigger. The rain still fell thick 
 and fast; but the edge of the cloud-curtain was slowly rising 
 above the eastern horizon, as though drawn up bv some invisible 
 hand. Should the movement continue, I felt confident that in 
 a few minutes as Rube had predicted the sky would be clear 
 again, and the moon shining brightly as ever. These were joy 
 ous anticipations. 
 
 At intervals I glanced toward the prairie, and I listened to 
 catch some sound either the voices of the trappers, or the 
 tread of their returning footsteps. No such sounds could be 
 heard. 
 
 I was becoming impatient, when I perceived a sudden waif 
 of light far out upon the plain. It seemed to be again extin 
 guished, but in the same place, and the moment after, appeared 
 a small, steady flame, twinkling like a solitary star through the 
 bluish mist of the rain. For a few seconds it remained fixed, 
 and then commenced moving as if carried low down along the 
 surface of the ground. 
 
 There was nothing mysterious about this lone light. To 
 Quackenboss N only it remained an unexplained apparition ; and 
 he might have mistaken it for the fata morgana. The others 
 had been awake when Rube and Garey took their departure, 
 and easily recognised the lighted candle in the hands of the 
 trappers. 
 
 For some time the light appeared to move backwards and for- 
 wai"is, turning at short distances, or as if forne in irregular 
 
330 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 circles, or in zigzag lines. We could perceive 'the sheen of water 
 between us and the flame, as though there was a pond, 01 per 
 haps a portion of the prairie, flooded by the rain. 
 
 After a while the light became fixed, and a sharp exclamation 
 was heard across the plain, which all of us recognized as being 
 in the voice of the trapper Rube. Again the light was IP 
 motion now flitting along more rapidly, as if carried in a 
 straight line across the prairie. 
 
 We followed it with eager eyes. We saw it was moving fur 
 ther and further away ; and my companions hazarded the con 
 jecture that the trappers had recovered the trail. 
 
 This was soon verified by one of themselves Garey ^whose 
 huge form, looming through the mist, was seen approaching the 
 spot ; and thotigh the expression of his face could not be noted 
 in the darkness, his bearing betokened that he brought cheerful 
 tidings. 
 
 " Rube's struck the trail, capt'n," said he in a quiet voice, as 
 he came up : " yonder he goes, whar you see the bleeze o 1 the 
 cannel I He'll soon be out o' sight, if we don't make haste, an 
 follow.' 7 
 
 Without another word we seized the reins, sprang once mory 
 into our saddles, and rode off after the twinkling star, that bea 
 coned us across the plain. 
 
 Rube was soon overtaken, and we perceived that, despite the 
 storm, he was rapidly progressing along the trail, his candle 
 sheltered from the rain under the ample sombrero. 
 
 In answer to numerous queries, the old trapper vouchsafed 
 only an occasional " Wagh," evidently proud of this new exhibi 
 tion of his skill. With Garey, the curious succeeded better; 
 and as we continued on, the latter explained to them how the 
 trail had been recovered by his comrade for to Itube, it ap 
 peared, was the credit due. 
 
 Rube remembered the mesa spring. It was the water in its 
 branch that we had seen gleaming under the light. The thought 
 
THE TRAIL RECOVERED. 331 
 
 ful trapper conjectured, and rightly as it proved, that the steed 
 would stop there to drink. He had passed along the stony 
 shingle by the mound simply because around the cliff lay hia 
 nearest way to the water and had followed a dry ridge that 
 led directly from the mesa to the spring branch. Along this 
 ridge, going gently at the time, his hoof had left no marks at 
 least none that could be distinguished by torch-light, and ihis 
 was why the trail had been for the moment lost. Rube, how 
 ever, remembered that around the spring there was a tract of 
 soft, boggy ground j and he anticipated that in this the hoof 
 prints would leave a deep impression. To find them he needed 
 only a " kiver" for the candle, and the huge hat of Quuckenboss 
 offered the very thing. An umbrella would scarcely have been 
 better for his purpose. 
 
 As the trappers had conjectured, they found the tracks in the 
 muddy margin of the spring-branch. The steed had drunk at 
 the pool ; but immediately after had resumed his wild flight, 
 going westward from the mound. 
 
 Why had he gone off at a gallop ? Had he been alarmed by 
 aught ? Or had he taken fresh affright at the strange rider 
 upon his back ? 
 
 I questioned Garey. I saw that he knew why. He needed 
 pressing for the answer. 
 
 He gave it at length, but with evident reluctance. 
 
 " Thar are wolf-traces on the rail.*' 
 
332 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LXII. 
 
 WOLVES ON THE TRACK. 
 
 THE wohes, then, were after him ! 
 
 The trackers had made out their footprints in the mud of the 
 arroyo. Both kinds had been there the large brown wolf of 
 Texas, and the small barking coyote, of the plains a full pack 
 there had been, as the trappers could tell by the numerous 
 tracks. That they were following the horse, the tracks also 
 testified to these men of strange intelligence. How knew they 
 this ? By what sign ? 
 
 To my inquiries, I obtained answer from Garey. 
 
 Above the spring branch extended a shelving bank ; up this 
 the steed had bounded, after drinking at the pool. Up this, 
 too, the wolves had sprung after : they had left the indentation 
 of their claws in the soft loam. 
 
 How knew Garey that they were in pursuit of the horse ? 
 
 The " scratches " told him they were going at their fastest, a;id 
 they would not have sprung so far had they not been pursuing 
 some prey. There were footmarks of no other animal except 
 theirs and the hoof-prints of the steed ; and that they were 
 after him was evident to the trapper, because the tracks of the 
 wolves covered those of the horse. 
 
 Garey had no mere doubt of the correctness of his reasoning 
 than a geometrician of the truth of a theorem in Euclid. 
 
 I groaned in spirit as I was forced to adopt his conclusion. 
 But it was all probable too probable. Had the steed been 
 alone unembarrassed free it was not likely the wolves would 
 have chased him thus. The wild horse in ' is prime is rarely the 
 
WOLVES ON THE TRACK. 333 
 
 object of their attack though the old and infirm, the gravid 
 mare, and the feeble colt, often fall before these hungry hunters 
 of the plains. Both common wolf and coyote possess all the 
 astuteness of the fox, and know, as if by instinct, the animal 
 that is wounded to death. They will follow the stricken deer 
 that has escaped from the hunter ; but if it prove to be but 
 slightly harmed, instinctively they abandon the chase. 
 
 Their instinct had told them that the steed was not ridden by 
 a free hand ; they had seen that there was something amiss ; and 
 in the hope of running down both horse and rider, they had fol 
 lowed with hungry howl. 
 
 Another fact lent probability to this painful conjecture : we 
 knew that by the mesa were many wolves. 
 
 The spring was the constant resort of ruminant animals, deer 
 and antelopes ; the half-wild cattle of the ganaderos drank there, 
 and the tottering calf oft became the prey of the coyote and his 
 more powerful congener, the gaunt Texan wolf. There was still 
 another reason why the place must of late have been the favor 
 ite prowl of these hideous brutes : the debris of our skirmish 
 had furnished them with many a midnight banquet. They had 
 ravened upon the blood of men and the flesh of horses, and they 
 hungered for more. 
 
 That they might succeed in running down the steed, cumbered 
 as he was, was probable enough. Sooner or later they would 
 overtake him. It might be after a long, long gallop over hill 
 and dale, through swamp and chaparral : but still it was pro 
 bable those tough, tireless pursuers would overtake him. They 
 would launch themselves upon his fianks ; they would seize upon 
 his wearied limbs upon hers, the helpless victim upon his back : 
 both horse and rider would be dragged to the earth both torn 
 parted io pieces devoured ! 
 
 I groaned under the horrid apprehension. 
 
 " Look thar !" said Garey, pointing to the ground, and hold 
 ing: his torch so as to illuminate the surface ; " the boss has 
 
334 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 made a slip thar. See I hyar's the track o' the big wolf he has 
 sprung up jest hyar ; I can tell by the scratch o' his hind-claws." 
 
 I examined the "sign." Even to my eyes it was readable, 
 and just as Garey had interpreted it. There were other tracks 
 of wolves on the damp soil, but one had certainly launched him 
 self forward, in a loug leap, as though in an effort to fasten 
 himself upon the flanks of some animal. The hoof-mark plainly 
 showed that the steed had slipped as he sprang over the wet 
 ground ; and this had tempted the spring of the watchful pursuer. 
 
 We hurried on. Our excited feelings hindered us from paus 
 ing longer than a moment. Both rangers and trappers shared 
 my eagerness, as well as my apprehensions. Past as the torches 
 could be carried, we hurried on. 
 
 Shortly after parting from the mesa, there occurred a change 
 in our favor. The lights had been carried under hats to pro 
 tect them from the rain. This precaution was no longer requir 
 ed. The storm had passed the shower ceasing as suddenly as 
 it had come on ; the clouds were fast driving from the face 01 
 the firmament. In five minutes more, the moon would shine 
 forth. Already her refracted rays lightened the prairie. 
 
 We did not stay for her full beam ; time was too precious. 
 Still trusting to the torches, we hurried on. 
 
 The beautiful queen of the night kept her promise. In five 
 minutes, her cheering orb shot out beyond the margin of the 
 dark pall that had hitherto shrouded it, and her white disc, as 
 if purified by the storm, shone with unwonted brightness. The 
 ground became conspicuous almost as in the day ; the torches 
 were extinguished, and we followed the trail more rapidly by the 
 light of the moon. 
 
 Here, still in full gallop, had passed the wild horse, and for 
 miles beyond still had he gone at utmost speed. Still close 
 upon his heels had followed the ravenous and untiring wolves 
 Here and there were the prints of th*ir clawed feet the signs 
 of their unflagging pursuit. 
 
ACROSS THE TORRENT. 335 
 
 The roar of water sounded in our ears : it came from the di 
 rection in which the trail was conducting us ; a stream was not 
 far distant. 
 
 We soon diminished the distance. A glassy sheet glistened 
 under the moonlight. And towards this the trail tended in a 
 straight line. 
 
 It was a river a cataract was near, down whicn the water, 
 freshened by the late rain, came tumbling, broken by the rocks 
 into hummocks of white foam. Under the moonlight, it ap 
 peared like an avalanche of snow. The trappers recognized an 
 affluent of the Rio Bravo, running from the north from the high 
 steppe of the Llano Estacado. 
 
 We hurried forward to its bank, and opposite the frothing 
 rapids. The trail conducted us to this point to the very edge 
 of the foaming water. It led no further. There were the hoof- 
 marks forward to the brink, but not back. The horse had 
 plunged into the torrent. 
 
 CHAPTER L.XIII. 
 
 ACROSS THE TORRENT. 
 
 SURELY was it so. Into that seething rapid the steed had 
 launched himself where the spume was whitest, and the rocks 
 gave out their hoarsest echoes. The four hoof-prints, close to 
 gether upon the bank, showed the point from which he had 
 sprung, and the deeply indented turf testified that he had made 
 no timid leap. The pursuers had been close upon his heels, 
 and he had flung himself with desperate plunge upon the water 
 
 Had he succeeded in crossing ? It was our first thought. It 
 appeared improbable impossible. Notwithstanding its foam 
 
336 THE WAlt-TBAIL. 
 
 bedappled surface, the current was swift, and looked as thousrb 
 it would sweep either man or horse from his footing. Surely it 
 was too deep to be forded. Though here and there rocks were 
 seen above thp surface, they were but the crests of large 
 boulders, and between them the impetuous wave ran dark and 
 deep. Had the horse lost footing ? had he been forced to swim ? 
 If so, he must have been carried with the current his body 
 submerged his withers sunk below the surface his helpless 
 rider 
 
 The conclusion was evident to all of us. All felt the convic 
 tion simultaneously. No not all. There came a word of com 
 fort from the oldest and wisest a word that gave cheer to my 
 drooping spirit. 
 
 " Wagh ! the hoss hain't swum a lick he, hain't." 
 
 " Are you sure, Uube ? How can you tell ?" were the quick 
 interrogatories. 
 
 " Sure how kin I tell i'deed, how," replied Rube, a little 
 nettled at our having questioned his judgment. "What the 
 devul's yur eyes good for all o' yur ? Lookee, hyur ! and I'll 
 show ee how I tell. Do'ee see the color o' thet water ? it ur 
 as brown as a buffler in the Fall ; thurfor its fresh kirn down ; 
 and jest afore the shower, thur want more'n half o' it in the chan 
 nel. Then the hoss mout a waded 'crosst hyur, easy as fallin off 
 a log, and then the hoss did wade acrosst." 
 
 " He crossed before the rain ?" 
 
 14 Shure as a shot from Targuts. Look at the tracks ! Them 
 wur made afore a drop o' rain kim down : ef they hedn't, they'd 
 been a durned sight deeper in the sod. Wagh ! the hoss got 
 safe acrosst 'ithout wettin a hair o' his hips. So far as drown- 
 din' goes, don't be s*keeart 'bout thet, young fellur ! the gui-r? 
 safe enough yif." 
 
 " And the wolves ? Do you think they have followed acros* 
 the stream ?" 
 
 " Ne'er a wolf o' 'hem ne'er a one the vamints hed more 
 
ACKOSS THE TORRENT. 337 
 
 sense. TLey knowd thur legs wan't long enough, an thet ur 
 current wud a swep 'em a mile afore they kud a swum half way 
 acrosst. The wolves, they stayed on this side, I reck'n. Look 
 hyur hyur's thur tracks. Wagh! thur wur a wheen o' the 
 filthy beests. .Geehosophat ! the bank ur paddled like a 
 sheep-pen." 
 
 We bent down to examine the ground. Sure enough, it was 
 covered with the tracks of wolves. A numerous band had crowd 
 ed together on the spot ; and as the prints of their feet pointed 
 in all directions, it was evident they had not gone forward, but 
 brought to a stand by the torrent, had given up the chase and 
 scattered away. 
 
 Pray Heaven it was no mere conjecture 1 
 
 With Rube it was a belief ; and as I had grown to put im 
 plicit reliance in the old trapper's wood-craft, I felt reassured. 
 Rube's opinions, both as to the steed having safely crossed and 
 the discomfiture of the wolves, were shared by the rest of my 
 followers not one of whom was a mean authority on such a 
 subject. Garey second only to his older comrade in the work 
 ing out of a prairie syllogism gave Rube's statement his em 
 phatic confirmation. The steed was yet safe perhaps, too, the 
 rider. 
 
 With lighter heart I sprang back into the saddle. My fol 
 lowers imitated the example, and with eyes scanning the stream, 
 we rode along the bank to seek for a crossing. 
 
 There was no ford near the spot. Perhaps where the steed 
 bad passed over the stream might have been waded at low- 
 water; but now, during the freshet, the current would have 
 swept off horse and man like so much cork-wood. The rocks 
 the black waves that rushed between them the boiling, froth 
 ing eddies discouraged any attempt at crossing there; we all 
 saw that it was impracticable. 
 
 Some rode up stream, others went in the opposite direc 
 tion. 
 
 15 
 
THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 Both parties met again with blank looks ; neither had fou:d 
 a crossing. 
 
 There was 110 time to search further at least my impatience 
 would no longer brook delay. It was not the first time for 
 both my horse and myself to cross a river without ford; nor 
 was it the first time for many of my followers. 
 
 Below the rapids, the current ran slow, apparently ceasing. 
 The water was still, though wider from bank to bank a hun 
 dred yards or more. By the aid of the moonlight, I could tell 
 that the bank on the opposite side was low and shelving. It 
 could be easily climbed by a horse. 
 
 I stayed to reason no further. Many a hundred yards had 
 Moro swum with his rider on his back many a current had 
 he cleft with his proud breast many times more rapid than 
 that. 
 
 I headed him to the bank, gave him the spur, arid went 
 plunging into the flood. 
 
 Plunge plunge plunge! I heard behind my back till the 
 last of my followers had launched themselves on the wave, and 
 were swimming silently over. 
 
 One after another we reached the opposite side, and ascended 
 the bank. 
 
 Hurriedly I counted our number as the men rode out; one 
 had not yet arrived! Who was missing ? v 
 
 " Rube," answered some one. 
 
 I glanced back, but without feeling any uneasiness. I had 
 lo fear for the trapper; Garey alleged he was "safe to turn 
 up." Something had detained him. Could his old m^re 
 swim ? 
 
 "Like a mink," replied Garey; *' uut Rube won't ride her 
 across; he's affeerd to sink her too deep in the water. Seel 
 yonder he comes!" 
 
 Near the middle of the stream, two faces were observed rip 
 pling the wave, one directly in the wake of the other. The 
 
ACEOSS THE TORRENT. 339 
 
 foremost was the grizzled front of the old mustang, the other 
 the unmistakable physiognomy of her master. The moonlight 
 shining upon both rendered them conspicuous above the dark 
 brown water; and the spectacle drew a laugh from those who 
 had reached the bank. 
 
 Rube's mode of crossing was unique, like every action of this 
 singular man. Perhaps he adopted it from sheer eccentricity, 
 or maybe in order that his mustang might swim more freely. 
 
 He had ridden gently into the water, and kept his saddle till 
 the mare was beyond her depth then sliding backward over 
 her hips, he took the tail in his teeth, and partly towed like a 
 fish upon the hook, and partly striking to assist in the passage, 
 he swam after. As soon as the mare again touched bottom, he 
 drew himself up over the croup, and in this way regained his 
 saddle. 
 
 Mare and man, as they climbed 'out on the bank the thin 
 skeleton bodies of both reduced to their slenderest dimensions 
 by the soaking water presented a spectacle so ludicrous as to 
 elicit a fresh chorus of laughter from his comrades. 
 
 I stayed not till its echoes had died away; but pressing my 
 steed along the bank, soon arrived at the rapids, where I ex 
 pected to recover the trail. To my joy, hoof-marks were there, 
 directly opposite the point where the steed had taken to the 
 stream. He must have waded then. 
 
 Thank Heaven! at least from that peril has she been -avedI 
 
34.0 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LXIV. 
 
 A LILLIPUTIAN FOREST. 
 
 UN resuming the trail, I moved with lighter spirit I h.%d 
 three sources of gratulation. Tht peril of the flood was past 
 she was not drowned. The wolves were thrown off the 
 dangerous rapid had deterred them ; on the other side their 
 footprints were no longer found. Thirdly, the steed had slack 
 ened his pace. After climbing the bank, he had set off in a 
 rapid gait, but not at a gallop. 
 
 " He's been pacin' hyar !" remarked Garey as soon as his 
 eyes rested upon the tracks. 
 
 "Pacing?" 
 
 I knew what was meant by this ; I knew that gait peculiar 
 to the prairie-horse, fast but smooth as the amble of a palfrey. 
 His rider would scarcely perceive the gentle movement ; her 
 torture would be less. 
 
 Perhaps, too, no longer frighted by the fierce pursuers, the 
 horse would come to a stop. His wearied limbs would ad 
 monish him, and then . Surely he could not have gone 
 
 much further ? 
 
 We, too, were wearied one and all ; but these pleasing con 
 jectures beguiled us from thinking of our toil, and we advanced 
 more cheerfully along the trail. 
 
 Alas ! it was my fate to be the victim of alternate hopes and 
 fears. My new-sprung joy was short-lived, and fast fleeted away. 
 
 We had gone but a few hundred paces from the river, when 
 we encountered an obstacle, that proved not only a serious 
 barrier to our progress, but almost brought our tracking to a 
 termination. 
 
A LILLIPUTIAN FOREST. 34:1 
 
 This obstacle was a forest of oaks, not giant oaks, as these 
 famed trees are usually designated, but the very reverse a 
 forest of dwarf oaks (Quercus ncma). Far as the eye could 
 reach extended this singular wood, in which no tree rose above 
 thirty inches in height 1 Yet was it no thicket no under 
 growth of shrubs but a true forest of oaks, each tree having 
 its separate stem, its boughs, its lobed leaves, and its bunches 
 of brown acorns. 
 
 " Shin oak," cried the trappers, as we entered the verg of 
 this miniature forest. 
 
 " Wagh !" exclaimed Rube, in a tone of impatience, " hyur's 
 bother. 'Ee may all get out o' yur saddles and rest yur crit 
 ters : we'll hev to crawl hyur." 
 
 And so it resulted. For long weary hours we followed the 
 trail, going not faster than we could have crawled upon our 
 hands and knees. The tracks of the steed were plain enough, 
 and in daylight could have been easily followed : but the little 
 oaks grew close and regular as if planted by the hand of man ; 
 and through their thick foliage the moonlight scarcely pene 
 trated. Their boughs almost touched each other, so that the 
 whole surface lay in dark shadow, rendering it almost impossible 
 to make out the hoof-prints. Here and there, a broken branch 
 or a bunch of tossed leaves their under sides shining-glaucous 
 in the moonlight enabled us to advance at a quicker rate ; 
 but as the horse had passed gently over the ground, these 
 "signs" were few and far between. 
 
 For long fretful hours, we toiled through the "shin- oak" 
 forest, our heads far overtopping its tallest trees ! We might 
 have fancied that we were threading our way through some 
 extended nursery. The trail led directly across its central part; 
 and ere we had reached its furthest verge, the moon's rays were 
 mingling with the purple light of morning. 
 
 Soon after the ' forest opened f the little dwarfs grew further 
 apart here scattered thinly over the ground, there disposed io 
 
34:2 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 clumps or miniature groves until at length the sward of the 
 prairie predominated. 
 
 The trouble of the trackers was at an end. The welcome 
 light of the sun was thrown upon the trail, so that they could 
 lift it as fast as we could ride; and, no longer hindered by brake 
 or bush, we advanced at a rapid rate across the prairie. 
 
 Over this ground the steed had also passed rapidly. He had 
 continued to pace for some distance, after emerging from the 
 shin^oak forest ; but all at once, as we could tell by his tracks, 
 he had bounded off again, and resumed his headlong gallop. 
 
 What had started him afresh ? We were at a loss to imagine; 
 even the prairie-men were puzzled. 
 
 Had wolves again attacked him, or some other enemy ? No ; 
 nor one nor other. It was a green prairie over which he had 
 gone, a smooth sward of mezquite grass ; but there were spots 
 where the growth was thin patches nearly bare and these 
 were softened by the rain. Even the light paw of a wolf would 
 have impressed itself in such places, sufficiently to be detected 
 by the lynx-eyed men of the plains. The horse had passed since 
 the rain had ceased falling. No wolf, or other animal, had been 
 after him. 
 
 Perhaps he had taken a start of himself, freshly affrighted at 
 the novel mode in which he was ridden still under excitement 
 from the rough usage he had received, and from which he had 
 not yet cooled down ; perhaps the barbed points of the cohetes 
 rankled in his flesh, acting like spurs ; perhaps some distant 
 sound had led him to fancy the hooting mob, or the howling 
 wolves, still coming at his heels ; perhaps 
 
 An exclamation from the trackers, who were riding in the ad 
 vance, put an end to these conjectures. Both had pulled up, 
 and were pointing to the ground. No words were spoken 
 none needed. We all read with our eyes an explanation of the 
 renewed gallop. 
 
 Directly in front of us, the sward was cut and scored by nurne* 
 
A LILLIPUTIAN FOREST. 34:3 
 
 -ous tracks. Not four, but four hundred hoof-prints were indents 
 ed in the turf all of them fresh as the trail we were following 
 and amiflst these the tracks of the steed, becoming inter 
 mingled, were lost to our view. 
 
 " A drove of wild horses, 7 ' pronounced the guides at a glance, 
 they were the tracks of unshod hoofs, though that would scarcely 
 have proved them wild. An Indian troop might have ridden 
 past without leaving any other sign ; but these horses had not 
 been mounted, as the trappers confidently alleged ; and among 
 them were the hoof-marks of foals and half-grown colts, which 
 proved the drove to be a caballada of mustangs. 
 
 At the point where we first struck their tracks they had been 
 going in full speed, and the trail of the steed converged until it 
 closed with theirs at an acute angle. 
 
 " Ye-es,'? drawled Rube, " I see how 'tis. They've been skeeart 
 at the awkurd look o' the boss, an hev put off. See ! thur's 
 his tracks on the top o' all o* theirn : he's been running arter 
 'em. Thur !" continued the tracker, as we advanced " thur 
 he hez overtuk some o' 'em. See ! thur ! the varmints hev 
 scattered right and left ! Hyur agin, they've galliped thegither, 
 some ahint, and some afore him. Wagh 1 I guess they know 
 him now, an ain't any more afeerd o' him. See thur ! he's in 
 the thick o' the drove." 
 
 Involuntarily I raised my eyes, fancying from these words 
 that the horses were in sight ; but no ; the speaker was riding 
 forward, leaning over in his saddle, with look fixed upon the 
 ground. All that he had spoken he had been reading from the 
 surface of the prairie from hieroglyphics to me unintelligible 
 but to him more easily interpreted than the page of a printed 
 book. 
 
 I knew that what he was saying was true. The steed had 
 galbped after a drove of wild horses ; he had overtaken them ; 
 arid at the point when we now were, had been passing along i,n 
 their midst \ 
 
344 THE WAR-TRAIL 
 
 Dark thoughts came crowding into my mind at this discovery 
 another shadow across my heart. I perceived at once a new 
 situation of peril for my betrothed new, and strange, and 
 awful. 
 
 % I saw her in the midst of a troop of neighing wild horses 
 stallions with fiery eyes and red steaming nostrils ; these per 
 haps angry at the white steed, and jealous of his approach to 
 the manada ; in mad rage rushing upon him with open mouth 
 and yellow glistening teeth ; rearing around and above him, and 
 
 striking down with deadly desperate hoof Oh, it was a horrid 
 
 apprehension, a fearful fancy' 1 
 
 Yet, fearful as it was, it proved to be the exact shadow of a 
 reality. As the mirage refracts distant objects upon the retina 
 of the eye, so some spiritual mirage must have thrown upon my 
 mind the image of things that were real. Not distant, though 
 then unseen not distant was the real. Rapidly I ascended 
 another swell of the prairie, and from its crest beheld almost the 
 counterpart of the terrible scene that my imagination had con 
 jured up ! 
 
 Was it a dream ? was it still fancy that was cheating my 
 eyes ? No ; there was the wild-horse drove ; there the rearing, 
 screaming stallions ; there the white steed in their midst he too 
 rearing erect there upon his back 
 
 " God, look down in mercy save her 1 save her I" 
 
 CHAPTER LXV. 
 
 SCATTERING THE WILD STALLTQNS. 
 
 SUCH rude appeal was wrung from my lips by the dread spec 
 tacle on which my eyes rested. 
 
 I scarcely waited the echo of my words ; I waited not the 
 
SCATTERING THE WILD STALLIONS. 345 
 
 counsel of my comrades, b^, plunging deeply the spur, galloped 
 down the hill in the direction of the drove. 
 
 There was no method observed, no attempt to keep under 
 cover. There was not time either for caution or concealmeat. 
 I acted under instantaneous impulse, and with but one thought 
 to charge forward, scatter the stallions, and, if yet in time, save 
 her from those hurling heels and fierce glittering teeth. 
 
 If yet in time ay, such provisory parenthesis was in my mind 
 at the moment. But I drew hope from observing that the steed 
 kept a ring cleared around him : his assailants only threatened 
 at a distance. 
 
 Had he been alone, I might have acted with more caution, 
 and perhaps have thought of some stratagem to capture him. 
 As it was, stratagem was out of the question; the circumstances 
 required speed. 
 
 Both trappers and rangers, acting under like impulse with 
 myself, had spurred their horses into a gallop, and followed close 
 at my heels. 
 
 The drove was yet distant. The wind blew from them a 
 brisk breeze. We were half way down the hill, and still the 
 wild horses neither heard, saw, "nor scented us. 
 
 I shouted at the top of my voice : I wished to startle and put 
 them to flight. My followers shouted in chorus ; but our voice? 
 reached not the quarrelling caballada. 
 
 A better expedient suggested itself : I drew my pistol from its 
 holster, and fired several shots in the air. 
 
 The first would have been sufficient. Its report was heard, 
 despite the opposing wind ; and the mustangs, affrighted by the 
 sound, suddenly forsook the encounter. Some bounded away at 
 once ; others came wheeling around us, snorting nercely, and 
 tossing their heads in the air ; a few galloped almost within 
 range of our rifles, and then uttering their shrill neighing, turned 
 and broke off in rapid flight. The steed and his rider alone 
 remained, where we had first observed them ! 
 
 15* 
 
346 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 For some moments he kept the ground, as if bewildered by 
 the sudden scattering of his assailants ; but he too must have 
 heard the shots, and perhaps alone divined something of what 
 had caused those singular noises. In the loud concussion, he 
 recognized the voice of his greatest enemy; and yet he stirred 
 not from the spot ! 
 
 Was he going to await our approach ? Had he become 
 tamed ? reconciled to captivity? or was it that we had rescued 
 him from his angry rivals that he was grateful, and no longer 
 feared us ? 
 
 Such odd ideas rushed rapidly through my mind as I hurried 
 forward. I had begun to deem it probable that he would stay 
 our approach, and suffer us quietly to recapture him. Alas ! I 
 was soon undeceived. I was still a long way off many hundred 
 yards when I saw him rear upward, wheel round upon his hind 
 feet as on a pivot, and then bound off in determined Sight. 
 His shrill scream, pealing back upon the breeze, fell upon my 
 ears like the taunt of some deadly foe. It seemed the utterance 
 of mockery and revenge : mockery at the impotence of my pur 
 suit ; revenge that I had once made him my captive. 
 
 I obeyed the only impulse I could have at such a moment, and 
 galloped after, as fast as my horse could go. I stayed for no 
 consultation with my companions ; I had already forged far 
 ahead of them. They were too distant for speech. 
 
 I needed not their wisdom to guide me. No plan required 
 conception or deliberation ; the course was clear : by speed only 
 could the horse be taken, and his rider saved from destruction 
 if yet safe. 
 
 Oh, the fearfulness of the last reflection ! the agony of the doubt ! 
 
 It was not the hour to indulge in idle anguish ; I repressed 
 the emotion, and bent myself earnestly upon the pursuit. I 
 spoke to my brave steed, addressing him by name ; I urged him 
 with hands and knees ; only at intervals did I iuflict the cruel 
 teel upon his ribs. 
 
SCATTERING THE WILD STALLIONS. 34-7 
 
 I soon perceived that he was flagging ; I perceived it with 
 increased apprehension for the result. He had worn his saddle 
 too long on the day before, and the wet weary night had jaded 
 him. He had been over-wrought, and I felt his weariness, as he 
 galloped with feebler stroke. The prairie-steed must have been 
 fresh in comparison. 
 
 But life and death were upon the issue. Her life perhaps 
 my own. I cared not to survive her. She must be saved. The 
 spur must be plied without remorse : the steed must be over 
 taken, even if Moro should die I 
 
 It was a rolling prairie over which the chase led a surface 
 that undulated like the billows of the ocean. We galloped 
 transversely to the direction of the " swells," that rose one after 
 thr other in rapid succession. Perhaps the rapidity with which 
 we vere crossing them brought them nearer to each other. To 
 me ,here appeared no level ground between these laud-billows. 
 Up ^iill and down hill in quick alternation was the manner of 
 our progress a severe trial upon the girths a hard killing 
 gallop for my poor horse. But life and death were upon the 
 issue, and the spur must be plied without remorse. 
 
 A long cruel gallop would it never come to an end ? would 
 the steed never tire ? would he never stop ? Surely in time he 
 must become weary ? Surely Moro was his equal in strength as 
 in speed ? superior to him in both ? 
 
 Ah ! the prairie horse possessed a double advantage he had 
 started fresh he was on his native ground. 
 
 I kept my eyes fixed upon him ; not for one moment did I 
 withdraw my glance. A mysterious apprehension was upon me; 
 I feared to look around, lest he should disappear. The sou 
 venirs of the former chase still haunted me; weird remembrances 
 clung to my spirit. I was once more in the region of the super 
 natural. 
 
 I looked neither to the right nor left, but straight before me 
 Btraight at the object of my pursuit, and the distance that lay 
 
34:8 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 between us. This last I continuously scanned, now with fresh 
 hope, and now again with doubt. It seemed to vary with the 
 ground. At one time, I was nearer, as the descending slope 
 gave me the advantage ; but the moment after, the steep decli 
 vity retarded the speed of my horse, and increased the interven 
 ing distance. 
 
 It was with joy I crossed the last swell of the rolling prairie, 
 and beheld a level plain stretching before us. It was with joy 
 I perceived that upon the new ground I was rapidly gaining 
 upon the steed ! 
 
 And rapidly I continued to gain upon him, until scarcely three 
 hundred yards were between us. So near was I, that I could 
 trace the outlines of her form her prostrate limbs still lashed 
 to the croup her garments loose and torn her ankles her 
 long dark hair, dishevelled and trailing to the ground even her 
 pallid cheek I could perceive, as at intervals the steed tossed 
 back his head to utter his wild taunting neigh. 
 
 I was near enough to be heard. I shouted in my loudest 
 voice ; I called her by name. I kept my eyes upon her, and 
 with throbbing anxiety listened for a response. I fancied that 
 her head was raised, as though she understood and would have 
 answered me. I could hear no voice, but her feeble cry migbt 
 have been drowned by the clatter of the hoofs. 
 
 Again I called aloud again and again pronouncing her 
 name. 
 
 Surely I heard a cry ; surely her head was raised from the 
 withers of the horse. I could not be mistaken. 
 
 " Thank Heaven, she lives 1" 
 
 I had scarcely uttered the prayer, when I felt my steed yield 
 beneath me as though he was sinking into the bosom of the 
 earth. I was hurled out of the saddle, and flung head foremost 
 upon the plain. My horse had broke through the burrow of 
 the prairie marmot, arid the false step had brought him wHb 
 violence to the ground. 
 
LOST IN A CHAPAKRAL. 349 
 
 I was neither stunned nor entangled by the fall ; and in a 
 few seconds had regained my feet, my bridle and saddle. But 
 as I headed my horse once more toward the chase, the white 
 steed and his rider had passed out of sight. 
 
 CHAPTER LXVI. 
 
 LOST IN A CHAPARRAL. 
 
 I WAS chagrined, frantic, and despairing, but not surprised 
 This time there was no mystery about the disappearance of the 
 steed ; the chaparral explained it. Though I no longer saw 
 him, he was yet within hearing. His footfall on the firm ground, 
 the occasional snapping of a dead stick, the whisk of the recoil 
 ing branches, all reached my ears as I was remounting. 
 
 These sounds guided me, and without staying to follow his 
 tracks, I dashed forward to the edge of the chaparral at the 
 point nearest to where I heard him moving. I did not pause to 
 look for an opening, but heading in the direction from whence 
 came the sounds, I spurred forward into the thicket. Breasting 
 the bushes that reached around his neck, or bounding over them, 
 my brave horse pressed on ; but he had not gone three lengths 
 of himself before I recognized the imprudence of the course I 
 was pursuing ; I now saw I should have followed the. tracks. 
 
 I no longer heard the movements of the steed neither foot- 
 stroke, nor snapping sticks, nor breaking branches. The noise 
 made by my own horse, amid the crackling acacias, drowned 
 every other sound ; and so long as I kept in motion, I moved 
 with uncertainty. It was only when I made stop that I could 
 again hear the chase struggling through the thicket ; but now 
 the sounds were faint and far distant growing" still fainter as I 
 listened. 
 
350 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Once more I urged forward my horse, heading him almost 
 at random ; but I had not advanced a hundred paces, before 
 the misery of uncertainty again impelled me to halt. 
 
 This time I listened and heard nothing not even the recoil 
 of a bough. The steed had either stopped and was standing 
 silent, or what was more probable, had gained so far in advance 
 of me that his hoofstroke was out of hearing. 
 
 Half frantic, angered at myself, too much excited for cool 
 reflection, I lanced the sides of my horse, and galloped madly 
 through the thicket. 
 
 I rode several hundred yards before drawing bridle, in a sort 
 of desperate hope I might once more bring myself within ear 
 shot of the chaise. 
 
 Again I halted to listen. My recklessness proved of no avail. 
 Not a sound reached my ear ; even had there been sounds, I 
 should scarcely have heard them above that issuing from the 
 nostrils of my panting horse; but sound there was none. Silent 
 was the chaparral around me silent as death not even a bird 
 moved among its branches. 
 
 I felt something like self-execration ; my imprudence I de 
 nounced over and over. But for my rash haste, I might yet 
 have been upon the trail perhaps within sight of the object of 
 pursuit. Where the steed had gone surely I could have fol 
 lowed. Now he was gone I knew not whither lost his trail 
 lost all lost ! 
 
 To recover the trace of him, I made several casts across the 
 thicket. I rode first in one direction, then in another, but all 
 to no purpose. I could find neither hoof-track nor broken branch. 
 
 I next bethought me of returning to the open prairie, there 
 retaking the trail, and following it thence. This was clearly 
 the wisest, in fact the only course in which there was reason 
 I should easily recover the trail, at the point where the horse 
 had entered the chaparral, and thence I might follow it without 
 difficulty 
 
L ST IN A CHAPARBAL. 851 
 
 I turned my horse round, and headed him in the direction of 
 the prairie or rather in what I supposed to be the direction- 
 for this too had become conjecture. 
 
 It was not till I had ridden for a half-hour, for more thai: 
 a mile through glade and bush toot till I had ridden nearly 
 twice as far in the opposite direction and then to right and 
 then to left that I pulled up my broken horse, dropped the 
 rein upon his withers, and sat bent in my saddle under the 
 full conviction that I too was lost ! 
 
 Lost in the chaparral that parched and hideous jungle, 
 where every plant that carries a thorn seemed to have place. 
 Around grew acacias, mimosas, gleditschias, robinias, algarobias 
 all the thorny legumes of the world ; above towered the 
 splendid fouquiera with spinous stem ; there flourished the 
 "tornillo" (prosopis glandulosa) , with its twisted beans ; there 
 the "junco" (koeblerinia) , whose very leaves are thorns. There 
 I saw spear-pointed yuccas and clawed bromelias (agave and 
 irion) ; there, too, the universal cactacea? (opuntia, mam- 
 iria, cereus, and echinocactus) even the very grass was 
 thorny for it was a species of the " mezquite grass," whose 
 knotted culms are armed with sharp spurs ! 
 
 Through this horrid thicket I had not passed unscathed ; my 
 garments were already torn, my limbs were bleeding ! 
 
 My limbs and hers ? 
 
 Of hers alone was I thinking ; those fair proportioned mem 
 bers those softly rounded arms that smooth, delicate skin 
 bosom and shoulders bare the thorn the scratch the tear. 
 Oh I it was agony to think 1 
 
 By action alone might I hope to still my emotions ; and once 
 more rousing myself from the lethargy of painful thought, I 
 nrged my steed onward through the bushes. 
 
352 THE WAR-TRAIL 
 
 CHAPTER LXYII. 
 
 ENCOUNTER WITH JAVALI. 
 
 I HAD no mark to guide me, either on the earth or IL the 
 heavens. I had an indefinite idea that the chase had led west 
 ward, and therefore to get back to the prairie, I ought to head 
 towards the east. But how was I to distinguish east from 
 west ? In the chaparral both were alike, and so too upon the 
 sky. No sun was visible ; the canopy of heaven was of a uni 
 form leaden color ; upon its face were no signs by which the 
 cardinal points could have been discovered. 
 
 Had I been in a forest of trees, surrounded by a northern 
 sylva, I could have made out my course. The oak or the elm, 
 the ash-tree or maple, the beech or sycamore any of them 
 would have been compass sufficient for me ; but in that thicket 
 of thorny shrubs I was completely at fault. It was a subtropi 
 cal flora, or rather a vegetation of the arid desert, to which 
 I was almost a stranger. I knew there were men skilled in the 
 craft of the chaparral, who, in the midst of it, could tell -.orth 
 from south without compass or star. Not I. 
 
 I could think of no better mode than to trust to the guidance 
 of my horse. More than once, when lost in the thick forest or 
 in the boundless plain, had I reposed a similar trust in his 
 instincts more than once had he borne me out Ox my bewilder 
 ment. 
 
 But whither could he take me ? Back to the path by which 
 we had come 1 Probably enough, had that path led to a 
 home; but it did not ; my poor steed, like myself, had no hvtne. 
 He, too, was a ranger ; for years had been flitting from place 
 
ENCOUNTER WITH JAVALI. 353 
 
 to place, hundreds, aye, thousands of miles from each other, 
 Long had he forgotten his native stall. 
 
 I surmised that if there was water near, his instinct might 
 carry him to that and much needed it both horse and rider 
 Should we reach a running stream, it would serve as a guide 
 
 I dropped the rein upon his neck, and left him to his will. 
 
 I had already shouted in my loudest voice, in hopes of being 
 heard by my comrades ; by none other than them, for what 
 could human being do in such a spot, shunned even by the 
 brute creation? The horned lizard (agama cornuta), the ground 
 rattlesnake, the shell-covered armadillo, and the ever-present 
 coyote, alone inhabit these dry jungles ; and now and then the 
 javali (dicotyles torquatus), feeding upon the twisted legumes 
 of the " tornillo," passes through their midst; but even these are 
 rare ; and the traveller may ride for scores of miles through the 
 Mexican chaparral without encountering aught that lives and 
 moves. There reigns the stillness of death. Unless the wind 
 be rustling among the pinnate fronds of the acacias, or the 
 unseen locust utters its harsh shrieking amid the parched herb 
 age, the weary wayfarer may ride on, cheered by no other sound 
 than his own voice, or the footfall of his horse. 
 
 There was still the chance that my followers might hear me 
 I knew that they would not stray from the trail. Though they 
 must have been far behind when I entered the chaparral, follow 
 ing the tracks they would in time be sure to come up. 
 
 It was a question whether they would follow mine, or that of 
 the steed. This had not occurred to me before, and I paused to 
 consider it. If the former, then was I wrong in moving onward, 
 as I should only be going from them, and leading them in a 
 longer search. Already had I given them a knot to unravel, my 
 devious path forming a labyrinthine maze. 
 
 It was more than probable they would follow me in the be 
 lief that I had some reason for deviating from the trail of the 
 steed, perhaps for the purpose of heading or intercepting him. 
 
S54 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 This conjecture decided me against advancing further at 
 least until some time should elapse, enough to allow them to 
 come up with me. 
 
 Out of compassion for my hard-breathing horse, I dismounted 
 At intervals, I shouted aloud, and fired shots from my pistols : 
 after each I listened ; but neither shot nor shout reached me ir 
 reply. They must be distant indeed, not to hear the report of 
 firearms; for had they heard them, they would have been certain 
 to make answer in a similar manner. All of them carried rifles 
 and pistols. 
 
 I began to think it was time they should have reached me. 
 Again I fired several shots ; but, as before, echo was the only 
 reply. Perhaps they had not followed me ? perhaps they had 
 kept on upon the trail of the steed, and it might lead them far 
 away, beyond hearing of the reports ? perhaps there was not yet 
 time for them to have arrived ? 
 
 While thus conjecturing, my ears were assailed by the screech 
 ing: of birds at some distance off. I recognized the harsh notes 
 of the jay, mingling with the chatter of the red cardinal. 
 
 From the tone, I knew that these birds were excited by the 
 presence of some animal. Perhaps they were defending their 
 nests against the black snake or the crotalus. 
 
 It might be my followers approaching ? it might be the steca 
 like me, still wandering in the chaparral ? 
 
 I sprang to my saddle to get a better view, and gazed over 
 the tops of the trees. Guided by the voices of the birds, I soon 
 discovered the scene of the commotion. At some distance off, I 
 saw both jays and cardinals fluttering among the branches, 
 evidently excited by something on the ground beneath them. 
 At the same time I heard strange noises, far louder than the 
 voices of the birds, but could not tell what was causing them. 
 My spirits sank, for I knew they could not be produced either 
 by my comrades or the steed. 
 
 It was not far, and I determined to satisfy myself as to what 
 
ENCOUNTER WITH JAVALI. 355 
 
 was causing such a commotion in this hitherto silent place. I 
 rode towards the spot, as fast as my horse could make way 
 through the bushes. I was soon satisfied. 
 
 Coming out on the edge of a little glade, I became spectator 
 to a strange scene a battle between the red cougar and a band 
 ofjavali. 
 
 The fierce little boars were " ringing " the panther, who was 
 fighting desperately in their midst. Several of them lay upon 
 the ground, struck senseless or dead, by the strong paws of the 
 huge cat ; but the others, nothing daunted, had completely sur 
 rounded their enemy, and were bounding upon him with open 
 mouths, wounding him with their sharp shining tusks. 
 
 The scene aroused my, hunter instincts, and suddenly unsling- 
 ing my rifle, I set my eye to the sights. I had no hesitation 
 about the selection of my mark the panther, by all means 
 and drawing trigger, I sent my bullet through the creature's 
 skull, at once stretching him out in the midst of his assailants. 
 
 Three seconds had not elapsed, before I had reason to regcet 
 the choice I had made of a victim. I should have let the cougar 
 alone, and either held my fire, or directed it upon one of his 
 urchin-like enemies ; for the moment he was hors de combat, his 
 assailants became mine transferring their " surround " to my 
 horse and myself, with all the savage fierceness they had just 
 exhibited towards the panther ! 
 
 I had no means of punishing the ungrateful brutes. They 
 had not given me time to reload my rifle before commencing the 
 attack, and my pistols were both empty. My horse, startled 
 by the unexpected assault, as well as by the strange creatures 
 that were making it, snorted and plunged wildly over the 
 ground ; but go where he would, a score of the ferocious brutes 
 followed, springing against his sides, and scoring his shanks 
 with their terrible tusks. Well for me I was able to keep the 
 saddle ; had I been thrown from it at that moment, I should cer 
 tainly have been torn to pieces. 
 
356 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 I saw no hope of safety but in flight, and spurring my horse, 
 I gave him full rein. Alas I through that tangled thicket the 
 javali could go as fast as he ; and after galloping a hundred 
 yards or so, I perceived the whole flock still around me, leaping 
 as fiercely as ever around the limbs of my steed. 
 
 The result might have proved awkward enough ; but at that 
 moment I heard voices, and saw mounted men breaking through 
 the underwood. They were Stanfield, Quackenboss, and the 
 rest of the rangers. 
 
 In another second they were on the ground ; and their 
 revolvers, playing rapidly, soon thinned the ranks of the javali, 
 and caused the survivors to retreat grunting and screaming into 
 the thicket. 
 
 CHAPTER LXVIII. 
 
 THE WOODS ON FIRE. 
 
 THE trappers were not among those who had rescued me 
 ivhere were they ? The others made answer, though I already 
 guessed what they had to tell. Rube and (Srarey had followed 
 the tracks of the steed, leaving the rangers to come after me. 
 
 1 was pleased with the ready intelligence of my comrades ; 
 they had acted exactly as they should have done. I was 
 myself found, and I no longer entertained any apprehension that 
 the trail would be lost. 
 
 By this time, the trappers must be far upon it ; more than an 
 hour had elapsed since they and the others had parted company. 
 My zigzag path had cost my followers many a bewildering 
 pause. 
 
 But they had not ridden recklessly as I, and could find their 
 way back. As it was impossible to tell in what direction Rube 
 and Garey had gone, this course was the best to be followed ; 
 
THE WOODS ON FJEE. 357 
 
 and under the guidance of Stanfield, an expert woodsman, we 
 commenced returning to the prairie. It was not necessary to 
 follow back our own crooked trail. The Kentuckian had noted 
 the " lay" of the chaparral, and led us out of its labyrinths by 
 an almost direct path. 
 
 On reaching the open prairie, we made no halt ; but upon the 
 tracks of Rube, Garey, and the steed, once more entered the 
 chaparral. 
 
 We had no difficulty about our course ; it was plainly traced 
 out for us ; the trappers had " blazed " it. In most places, the 
 tracks of the three horses were sufficient indices of the route ; 
 but there were stretches where the ground was stony, and upon 
 the parched arid herbage, even the shod hoof left no visible 
 mark. In such places, a branch of acacia broken and pendulous, 
 the bent flower-stem of an aloe or the succulent leaves of the 
 cactus slashed with a sharp knife, were conspicuous and unmis 
 takable signs ; and by the guidance of these we made rapid 
 advance. 
 
 We must have gone much faster than the trackers themselves 
 for notwithstanding the freshness of the trail, there were dry 
 spots and patches of cut rock over which it passed, and where 
 it must have cost both time and keen perception to trace it. 
 
 As we were travelling so much more rapidly than Rube and 
 Garey could have done, I looked forward to our soon overtaking 
 them ; with eager anticipation, I looked forward. Surely they 
 would have some news for me, now that they had been so long 
 in the advance Surely by this time they must have come 
 in sight of the steed ? perhaps captured him ? Oh, joyous anti 
 cipation ! 
 
 Or would they return with a different tale ? Was I to meet 
 the report that he still hurried on on for ever ? That he had 
 swam some rapid stream ? or plunged over a precipice into 
 some dark abyss ? 
 
 Though hastening on after the trackers, there were moment* 
 
358 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 wheh I feared to overtake them moments when I dreaded 
 to hear their tale ! 
 
 We had worked our way about five miles through tho hideous 
 jungle, when I began to feel a strange sensation in my eyes a 
 sensation of pain what is usually termed a " smarting." I at 
 first attributed it to the want of sleep. My companions com 
 plained that they were affected in a similar manner. 
 
 It was not until we had gone some distance farther, that we 
 found the true explanation, by perceiving that there was smoke 
 upon the air ! Smoke it was that was causing the bitterness in 
 our eyes. 
 
 The denizen of the prairie never regards such an indication 
 with indifference. Where there is smoke, there is fire, and 
 where fire, danger at least, upon the broad grassy steppes of 
 the west. A burning forest may be shunned. You may stand 
 near to the forest on fire, and contemplate such a scene with 
 safety; but a blazing prairie is a phenomenon of a different 
 character; and it is, indeed, a rare position where you may 
 view, without peril, this sublime spectacle. 
 
 There are prairies that will not burn. The plains covered 
 with the short "buffalo grass" (sederia dactyloides) , and the 
 sward of various species of " gramma " (chondrosium), rarely 
 take fire, or if they do, horse, man, buffalo, or antelope, can 
 easily escape by leaping across the blaze. 'Tis only the reptile 
 world snakes, lizards, the toad and the land turtle (terrapin) 
 that fall victims to such a flame. 
 
 Not so upon the " weed prairie," or those where the tall reed- 
 grass rises above the withers of a horse its culms matted and 
 laced together by the trailing stems of various species of bind 
 weed, by creeping convolvulus, cucurbitaceae, and wild pea-vines. 
 In the dry season, when a fire lays its hold upon vegetation of 
 this character, there is danger indeed where it rages, there is 
 death. 
 
 It was smoke that affected our eyes, causing them to smart 
 
THE WOODS ON FIRE. 369 
 
 and water. Fire must be causing the smoke what . ivas on 
 fire? I could detect apprehension in the looks of my followers, 
 *s we rode on. It was but slight, for as yet the smoke was 
 scarcely perceptible, and the fire, wherever it was, must be dis 
 tant so fancied we. 
 
 As we advanced, the glances of the men became more uneasy. 
 Beyond a doubt, the smoke was thickening around us the sky 
 was fast becoming darker, arid the pain in our eyes more acute. 
 
 " The woods are on fire," said Stanfield 
 
 Stanfield was a backwoodsman, his thoughts ran upon " woods." 
 
 Whether forest or prairie, a conflagration was certainly rag 
 ing. It might be far off, for the wind will carry the smoke of a 
 prairie fire a long distance; but I had an unpleasant suspicion 
 that it was not distant. I noticed dropping around us the white 
 floe of burnt leaves, and from the intense bitterness of the 
 smoke, I reasoned that it could not have floated far its gases 
 were not yet dissipated 
 
 It was not the distance of the fire that so much troubled me, 
 as its direction. The wind blew right in our teeth, and the 
 smoke was travelling with the wind. The conflagration must 
 be ahead directly upon the trail! 
 
 The smoke grew thicker and thicker ahead, the sky appeared 
 slashed with a lurid light; I fancied I could hear the crack 
 ling of the flames. The air felt hot and dry: a choking sensa 
 tion came into our throats, and one and all were soon hacking 
 and gasping for breath. 
 
 So dark had it suddenly become, or rather so blinded were we 
 with the smoke, we could scarcely make out the trail. 
 
 My followers would have stopped, but I urged them on. 
 With voice and example I urged them on myself leading the 
 way. My heart was too sore to make pause. 
 
 Where in all this were Kube and Garey? We had come far 
 and fast: we should now be nearly up with them they could 
 not be much ahead. 
 
360 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 I hallooed as we advanced. 
 
 ' Hallow!" came the response, in the rough baritone of the 
 younger trapper. 
 
 We hurried forward in the direction of the voice. The path 
 conducted to an opening in the chaparral, in the centre of which 
 through the smoke, we could distinguish the forms of men and 
 horses. 
 
 With eager eyes, I scanned the group; a glance was sufS 
 cieot; there were only two of each only the trackers. 
 
 CHAPTER LXIX. 
 
 SMOKE AND THIRST. 
 
 " AE, Monsieur Roob !" cried the Canadian, as we hurried 
 up, " vat make ce de la diable d'une fumee smoke ? Are ze 
 woods on fire you tink eh ?" 
 
 " Wuds 1 1> exclaimed Rube, with a contemptuous glance at 
 the speaker. " Wagh ! Thur's no wuds hyur. Thur's a 
 paraira afire. Don't ee smell the stink o' the grass ?" 
 
 " Pe gai, oui ! vraiment c'est la prairie? You sure, Mon 
 sieur Roob ?" 
 
 " Sure !" vociferated the trapper, in a tone of indignation 
 "Sure! ye durned parley-voo-eat-a-frog, spit-a-brick, soup- 
 suckin' Frenchman, d' yur think I don't know the smell o' a 
 burnin' paraira ? Wagh!" 
 
 " Ah, Monsieur Roob, me pardon. Yat I mean ask is ze 
 chaparral bruld on fire ces arbres ?" 
 
 " The chaparral ain't afire/'' answered Rube, somewhat molli 
 fied by the apology ; " so don't be skeeart, Frenchy ; yur safe 
 enuf." 
 
 This assurance seemed to gratify not only the timid Canadian, 
 
SMOKE AND THIRST. 361 
 
 but others, who, up to this moment, were apprehensive that it 
 was the thicket that was on fire. 
 
 For myself, I had no such fears ; I perceived that the cha 
 parral could not burn. Here and there, patches of dry mezquite 
 trees would have caught like tinder ; but in most places, a 
 succulent endogenous vegetation formed three parts of the 
 jungle, and rendered it "fire-proof." This was especially the 
 case around the glade where the trappers had taken their stand, 
 and which was completely inclosed by a wall of the great organ 
 cactus, with aloes, opuntias, and other juicy-leaved plants. In 
 the opening, we were as safe from the fire as though it was 
 a hundred miles off ; we suffered only from the smoke, that 
 now quite filled the atmosphere, causing a darkness that rivalled 
 night. 
 
 I had no apprehension for our safety ; it was not of that x 
 was thinking. 
 
 To the hasty dialogue between Rube and the Canadian I had 
 scarcely given heed ; Garey had advanced to meet me, and I 
 listened with anxious ear to the tale of the tracker. 
 
 It was soon told. IluSI and he had followed the trail, until 
 it emerged from the chaparral, and struck out into a wide grass- 
 prairie. The edge of the thicket was close by; but they had 
 gone a considerable distance beyond it and across the plain. 
 They were still advancing, when, to their consternation, they 
 perceived that the prairie was on fire directly ahead of them ! 
 The wind was rolling both smoke and flames before it with the 
 rapidity of a running horse, and it was with difficulty they 
 escaped from it by galloping back to the chaparral. 
 
 And the ste d what had become of him ? Had they seen 
 nothing ? 
 
 I did not put these questions in words only in thought did I 
 ask them : and in thought only were they answered. Both the 
 trackers were silent, and that was an answer in the negative ; 
 yes, I read an ominous negative in their looks of gloom. 
 
 16 
 
362 THE WAR-TKATT. 
 
 We were compelled to halt ; even the smoke rendered further 
 progress impossible ; but we could hear the fire at no great 
 distance the culms of the coarse reed-grass cracking like vol 
 leys of musketry. 
 
 Now and then, a scared deer broke through the bushes, pass 
 ing us at full speed. A. band of antelopes dashed into the glade, 
 and halted close beside us the frightened creatures not knowing 
 where to run. At their heels came a pack of prairie-wolves, but 
 not in pursuit of them : these also stopped near. A black bear 
 and a cougar arrived next ; and fierce beasts of prey and gentle 
 ruminants stood side by side, both terrified out of their natural 
 habits. Birds shrieked among the branches, eagles screamed in 
 the air, and black vultures could be seen hovering through the 
 smoke, with no thought of stooping upon a quarry ! 
 
 The hunter man alone preserved his instincts. My followers 
 were hungry. Rifles were levelled and the bear and one of 
 the antelopes fell victims to the deadly aim. 
 
 Both were soon stripped of their skins, and butchered. A 
 fire was kindled in the glade, and upon sword-blades and sap- 
 Ting spits the choice morsels of venison and " bear-meat " 
 were roasted, and eaten, with many a jest about the " smoky 
 kitchen." 
 
 I was myself hungered. I shared the repast, but not the 
 merriment. At that moment, no wit could have won from me 
 a smile ; the most luxurious table could not have furnished me 
 with cheer. 
 
 A worse appetite than hunger assailed my companions, and I 
 felt it with the rest it was thirst ; for hours all had been suf 
 fering from it ; the long hard ride had brought it on, and now 
 the smoke and the dry hot atmosphere increased the appetite 
 till it had grown agonizing, almost unendurable. No water had 
 been passed since the stream we had crossed before day ; there 
 was none in the chaparral ; the trackers saw none so far as 
 they had gone : we were in a waterless desert ; and the very 
 
SMOKE AND THIRST. 3 63 
 
 thought itself renders the pang-thirst keener and harder to 
 endure. 
 
 Some chewed their leaden bullets, or pebbles of chalcedony 
 which they had picked up ; others had gained relief by drinking 
 the blood of the slaughtered animals the bear and the ante 
 lope but we found a better source of assuagement in the succu 
 lent stems of the cactus and agave. 
 
 The relief was but temporary : the juice cooled our lips and 
 tongues, but there is an acrid principle in these plants thai; 
 soon acted, and our thirst became more intense than ever. 
 
 Some talked of returning on the trail in search of water 
 of going back even to the stream more than twenty .miles 
 distant. 
 
 Under such circumstances, even military command loses its 
 authority. Nature is stronger than martial law. 
 
 I cared not if they did return ; I cared not who left me, so 
 long as the trappers remained true. I had no fear that they 
 would forsake me, and my disapprobation of it checked the 
 cheerless proposal, and once more all declared their willing 
 ness to go on. 
 
 Fortunately, at that crisis the smoke began to clear away, 
 and the atmosphere to lighten up. The fire had burnt on to 
 the edge of the chaparral, where it was now opposed by the 
 sap-bearing trees. The grass had been all consumed the con 
 flagration was at an end. 
 
 Mounting our horses, we rode out from the glade ; and fol 
 lowing the trail a few hundred yards farther, we emerged from 
 the thicket, and stood upon the edge of the desolated plain 
 
364 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LXX. 
 
 A BURNT PRAIRIE. 
 
 THE earth pffers no aspect more drear and desolate than that 
 of a burnt prairie. The ocean when its waves are grey a 
 blighted heath a flat, fenny country in a rapid thaw, all 
 these impress the beholder with a feeling of chill monotony ; 
 bat the water has motion, the heath color, and the half-thawed 
 flat exhibits variety in its mottling of white and ground. 
 
 Not so the steppe that has been fired and burned. In this 
 the eye perceives neither color, nor form, nor motion. It 
 roams over the limitless level in search of one or other, but in 
 vain ; and in the absence of all three, it tires, and the heart 
 grows cheerless and sick. Even the sky scarcely offers relief. 
 It, too, by refraction from the black surface beneath, wears a 
 dull, livid aspect ; or perhaps the eye, jaundiced by the reflec 
 tion of the earth, beholds not the brightness of the heavens. 
 
 A prairie, when green, does not always glad the eye not 
 even when enamelled with fairest flowers. I have crossed such 
 plains, verdant or blooming to the utmost verge of vision, and 
 longed for something to appear in sight a rock, a tree, a living 
 creature anything to relieve the universal sameness ; just as 
 the voyager on the ample ocean longs for ships, for cetacea, or 
 the sight of laud, and is delighted with a nautilus, polypi, phos 
 phorescence, or a floating weed. 
 
 Color alone does not satisfy the sense. What hue more 
 charming than the fresh verdure of the grassy plain ? what more 
 exquisite than the deep blue of the ocean ? and yet the eye 
 grows weary of both ! Even the " flower-prairie," with its 
 thousands of gay corollas of every tint and shade with its 
 
A BUENT PEAIRIE. 365 
 
 golden helianthus, its white argemone, its purple cleome, its 
 pink malvacese, its bine lupiu, its poppy worts of red and orange 
 even these fair tints grow tiresome to the sight, and the eye 
 yearns for form and motion. 
 
 If so, what must be the prairie when divested of all its 
 verdant and flowery charms when burned to black ashes ? It 
 is difficult to conceive the aspect of dreary monotony it then 
 presents more difficult to describe it. Words will not paint 
 such a scene. 
 
 And such presented itself to our eyes as we rode out from the 
 chaparral. The fire was past even the smoke had ceased to 
 rise, except in spots where the damp earth still reeked under the 
 heat ; but right and left, and far ahead, on to the very hem of 
 the horizon, the surface was of one uniform hue, as if covered 
 with a vast crape. There was naught of form to be seen, living 
 or lifeless ; there was no life or motion even in the elements ; 
 all sounds had ceased : an awful stillness reigned above and 
 around the world seemed dead and shrouded in its sable pall ! 
 
 Under other circumstances, I might have stayed to regard 
 such a scene, though not to admire it. On that interminable 
 waste, there was naught to be admired, not even sublimity ; but 
 no spectacle however sublime, however beautiful, could have 
 won from me a thought at that moment. 
 
 The trackers had already ridden far out, and we.re advancing, 
 half concealed by the cloud of black " stoor " flung up from the 
 heels of 'their horses. For some distance they moved straight 
 on without looking for the tracks of the steed Before meeting 
 the fire, they had gone beyond the edge of the chaparral ; after 
 a while, I observed them moving more slowly, with their eyes 
 upon the ground as if looking for the trail. I had doubts of 
 their being able either to find or follow it ROW. The shallow 
 hoof-prints would be filled with the debris of the burnt herbage 
 surely they could no longer be traced ? 
 
 Bv myself, they could not, nor by a common man ; but it 
 
366 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 seemed that to the eyes of those keen hunters, the trail was as con 
 spicuons as ever. I saw that after searching a few seconds, 
 they had taken it up, and were owce more moving along, guided 
 by the tracks. Some slight hollows I could perceive, distributed 
 here and there over the ground, and scarcely distinguishable 
 from the surrounding level. Certainly, without having been 
 told what they were, I should not have known them to. be the 
 tracks of a horse. 
 
 It proved a wide prairie, and we seemed to be crossing its 
 central part. The fire had spread far. 
 
 At one place, nearly midway, where the trail was faint, and 
 difficult to make out, we stopped for a short while to give the 
 trackers time. A momentary curiosity induced me to gaze 
 around. Awful was the scene awful without sublimity. Even 
 the thorny chaparral no longer relieved the eye ; the outline of 
 its low shrubbery had sunk below the horizon, and on all sides 
 stretched the charred plain up to the rim of the leaden canopy, 
 black black illimitable. Had I been alone, I might easily 
 have yielded to the fancy, that the world was dead. 
 
 Gazing over this vast opacity, I for a moment forgot my 
 companions, and fell into a sort of lethargic stupor. I fancied 
 that I, too, was dead or dreaming I fended that I was in hell 
 the Avernus of the ancients. In my youth, I had the misfor 
 tune to be* well schooled in classic lore, to the neglect of studies 
 that are useful; and often in life have the poetical absurdities 
 of Greek and Latin mythology intruded themselves "upon my 
 spirit both asleep and awake. I fancied, therefore, that some 
 well-meaning Anchises had introduced me to the regions below; 
 ind that the black plain before me was some landscape in the 
 kingdom of Pluto. Reflection had I been capable of tbat 
 would have convinced me of my error. No part of that mon 
 arch's dominions can be so thinly peopled. 
 
 I was summoned to reason again by the voices 'of my followers. 
 The lost trail had been found, and they were moving on. 
 
THE TALK OF THE TRACKERS. 367 
 
 CHAPTER LXXL 
 
 THE TALK OP THE TRACKERS. 
 
 I SPURRED after, and soon overtook them. Regardless of the 
 dust, I rode close in the rear of the trackers, and listened to what 
 they were saying. 
 
 These " men of the mountains " as they prided to call them 
 selves were peculiar. While engaged in a duty, such as the 
 present, they would scarce disclose their thoughts, even to me; 
 much less were they communicative with the rest of my following, 
 whom they were accustomed to regard as " greenhorns " their 
 favorite appellation for all men who have not made the tour of the 
 grand prairies. Notwithstanding that Stanfield and Black were 
 backwoodsmen arid hunters by profession, Quackenboss a splen 
 did shot, Le Blanc a regular " voyagc^r" and the others more 
 or less skilled in woodcraft, all were greenhorns in the opinion 
 of the trappers. To be otherwise, a man must have starved upon 
 a " sage-prairie " " run " buffalo by the Yellowstone or Platte 
 fought " Injun," and shot Indian ; have well-nigh lost scalp or 
 ears spent a winter in Pierre's Hole upon Green River or 
 camped amid the snows of the Rocky Mountains! Some one of 
 all these, feats must needs have been performed ere the " green 
 horn " can matriculate and take rank as a " mountain man/' 
 
 I of all my party was the only one who, in the eyes of Rube 
 and Garey, was not a greenhorn, and even I gentleman ama 
 teur that I was was hardly up either in their confidence or 
 their " craft." It is indeed true with all classic accomplish 
 ments, with my fine words, my fine horse, and my fine clothes 
 so long as we were within the limits of prairie-land, I acknow 
 ledged these men as my superiors. They were my guides, my 
 instructors, my masters. 
 
 Since overtaking them on the trail, I had not asked them to 
 
208 THE WAfe-TRAIL. 
 
 give any opinion. I dreaded a direct answer for I had noticed 
 something like a despairing look in the eyes of both. 
 
 As I followed them over the black plain, however, I thought 
 that their faces brightened a little, and appeared once more lit 
 up by a faint ray of hope. For that reason, I rode close upon 
 their heels, and eagerly caught up every word that was passing 
 between them. Rube was speaking when I first drew near. 
 
 "Wagh! I don't b'lieve it, Bill; 'taint possyble no-how-so- 
 ever. The paraira wur sot afire must 'a been ; thur's no other 
 ways for it. It couldn't 'a tuk to bleezin o' itself eh?" 
 
 " Sartinly not; I agree wi' you, Rube." 
 
 " Wai thur wur a fellur as I met oucest at Bent's Fort on 
 the Arkinsaw a odd sort o' critter he wur, an' no mistake; he 
 us't to go pokin' about, gatherin' weeds an' all sorts o' green 
 garbitch, an' spreadin' 'em out atween sheets o' paper whet he 
 called buttoneyesin jest like thet ur Dutch doctur as wur rub 
 bed out, when we went into the Navagh country, t'other side o 
 the Grand." 
 < " I remembers him." 
 
 " Wai, this hyur fellur I tell 'ee about, he us't to talk might* 
 big o' this, thet, and t'other; an' he palavered a heap 'bout a 
 thing thet, ef I don't disremember, wur called spuntaynyus kum- 
 buxshun" 
 
 " I've heerd o' 't; that are the name," 
 
 " Wai, the button-eyeser, he sayed thet a paraira mout take 
 afire o' itself, 'ithout anybody whatsomdiver hevin sot it. Now, 
 thet ur's what this child don't b'lieve, nohow. In coorse, I knows 
 thet lightnin' sometimes may sot a paraira a bleezin', but lightnin' 
 ; s a natral fire o' itself ; and it's only reezunible to expect thet 
 the dry grass wud catch from it like punk ; but I shed like to 
 know how fire kud kindle by itself thet's whet I shed like to 
 know." 
 
 " I don't believe it can," rejoined Garey. 
 
 " Ne'er a bit o' it I never seed a burnV paraira yit, th*t 
 
THE TALK OF* THE TKACKEKS. 369 
 
 thur waVt eyther a camp-fire or a Injun at the bottom o' it 
 thet ur ? eeptin whur lightriin' bed did the bizness." 
 
 *' And you think, Rube, thar's been Injun at the bottom o' 
 
 this r 
 
 " Putty nigh sure; and I'll gie you my reezuns. Fust, do 'ee 
 see thur's been no lightniu' this mornin' to 'a made the fire ? 
 Seconds, it's too fur west hyur for any settlement o' whites in 
 coorse I speak o' Texans thur might be Mexikins ; them I 
 don't call white, nohow nosomediver. And then, agin, it kin 
 scarce be Mexikins neyther. It ur too fur no'th for any o' the 
 yellur bellies to be a strayin' jest now, seein as it's the Mixikin 
 moon wi' the Kimanchees, an' both them an' the Leepaus ur en 
 the war-trail. Wai, then, it'^clur thur's no Mexikin 'bout hyur 
 to hev sot the pnraira afire, an thur's been no lightnin to do it; 
 thurfor, it must 'a been did .eyther by a Injun, or thet ui dod- 
 rotted spuutaynyus kumbuxshuu." 
 
 "One or t'other." 
 
 " Wai, bein' as this child don't b'lieve in the kumbuxsbr.n no 
 how, thurfor it's my opeeuyun thet red Injuns did the bizness- 
 they did sartint." 
 
 " No doubt of it," assented Garey. 
 
 " An ef they did," continued the old trapper, " thur about yit 
 somewhur not fur off, an' we've got to keep a sharp look-out for 
 our bar we hev." 
 
 " Safe, we have," assented Garey. 
 
 " I tell 'ee, Bill," continued Rube, in a new strain, " the In 
 juns is mighty riled jest now. I never knowd 'em so savagerous 
 an' fighty. The war hez gin 'em a fresh start, an' thur dander's 
 up agin us, by reezun thet the gin'ral didn't take thur offer to 
 !ie l p us agin the yellur-bellies. Ef we meet wi' eyther Kimancb 
 or Leepan on these hyur plains, thu'll scalp us, or we'll scalp 
 'em thet'll be it. Wagh!" 
 
 " But what for could they 'a sot the parairy on fire ?" inquired 
 Grarey. 
 
 16* 
 
3VO THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 ** Thet ere," replied Rube, " thet ere wur what puzzled me at 
 fust. I thort it mout 'a been done by accydent preehaps by 
 the scatterin' o' a camp-fire for Injuns is careless enuf 'bout 
 thet. Now, hows'owever, I've got a diff'rent idee. Thet story 
 thet Dutch and Frenchy hev fetched from the rancherie ; gies me 
 a insight inter the hull bizuess." 
 
 I knew the " story " to which Rube had reference. Lige and 
 Le Blanc, when at the village, had heard some rumor of an 
 Indian foray that had just been made against one of the Mexi 
 can towns, not far from the rancheria. It had occurred on the 
 same day that we marched out. The Indians supposed to be 
 Lipans or Comanches had sacked the place, and carried off 
 both plunder and captives. A pd!f ly of them had passed near 
 the rancheria after we ourselves had left it. This party had 
 ~* called " at the Hacienda de Vargas and completed the pillage, 
 left unfinished by the guerrilla. This was the substance of what 
 the messengers had heard. 
 
 '' You mean about the Injuns ?" said Garey, half interroga 
 tively. 
 
 " In coorse," rejoined Rube. " Belike enuf, 'em Injuns ur the 
 same niggurs we gin such a rib-roastin' to by the moun. Wagh I 
 they hain't gone back to thur mountains, as 'twur b'lieved ; they 
 dassent 'a gone back in sich disgrace, 'ithout takin eyther har or 
 bosses. The squaws ud 'a hooted 'em." 
 
 " Sure enough." 
 
 " Sure sartint. Wai, Billee, >ee see now what I mean : thet 
 party's been a skulketin 'bout hyur ever since, till *hey got a 
 fust-rate chance at the Mexikin town, an' thur they've struck i 
 llow." 
 
 " It's mighty like as you say, Rube ; but why have they sot 
 fire to the parairy ?" 
 
 " Wagh I Bill, kin ye not see why : it ur <plaiu as Pike i 
 Peak on a summery day." 
 
 " I don't see," responded Garey, in a thoughtful tone. 
 
THE TALK OF THE TKACKERS. 3f 
 
 " Well, this child do ; an' this ur the reezun : as I tell 'ee, the 
 Injuns hain't forgot the lambaystin they hed by the moan ; an 
 preehaps bein' now a weak party, an' thiukin tbet we as wolloped 
 'em wur stil) i* the rancherie, they war afeerd tbet on heariri o' 
 tliur pilledgin', we mout be arter 'em." 
 
 " An' they've burnt the parairy to kiver thur trail ?" 
 
 11 Preezactly so." 
 
 " By gosh, you're right, Rube ? it's uncommon like. Buc 
 whar do you think this trail's goin' ? Surely, the hoss hain t 
 been caught in the fire ?" 
 
 I bent forward in the saddle, and listened with acute eager 
 ness. To my great relief, the answer of the old trapper was in 
 the negative. 
 
 " He hain't," said he ; " ne'er a bit o' it. His trail, do ; ee 
 see, runs in a bee-line, or clost on a bee-line ; now, ef the fire 
 hed 'a begun afore he wur acrosst this paraira, he wud long 
 since 'a doubled 'bout, an tuk the back track ; but 'ee see he 
 hain't did so ; thurfor, I conclude he's safe through it, an' the 
 grass must 'a been sot afire ahint 'im." 
 
 I breathed freely after listening to these words. A load 
 seemed lifted from my breast, for up to this moment I had been 
 vainly endeavoring to combat the fearful apprehension that had 
 shaped itself in my imagination. From the moment that we 
 had entered the burned prairie, my eyes constantly, and almost 
 mechanically, had sought the ground in front of our course, had 
 wandered over it, with uneasy glance, in dread of beholding 
 forms lifeless burned and charred 
 
 The words of the trapper gave relief almost an assurance 
 that the steed and his rider were still safe and, undei inspira 
 tion of renewed hope, I rode more cheerfully forward. 
 
373 THE WAR-TRAIL 
 
 CHAPTER LXXII. 
 
 " INJUN SIGN." 
 
 AFTER a pause, the guides resumed their conversation, and 1 
 continued to listen. . I had a reason for not mingling in it. If 
 I joined them in their counsels, they might not express their 
 convictions so freely, and I was desirous of knowing what they 
 truly thought. By keeping close behind them, I could hear all 
 myself unnoticed under the cloud of dust that rose around us. 
 On the soft ashes, the hoof-stroke was scarcely audible, our 
 horses gliding along in a sweeping, silent walk. 
 
 " By Gosh ! then," said Garey, " if Injuns fired the parairy, 
 they must 'a done it to wind'ard, an' we're travellin' right in the 
 teeth o' the wind ; we're goin' in a ugly direction, Rube ; what 
 do you think o't, old hoss ?" 
 
 " Jest what you sez, boyee a cussed ugly direckshun 
 durnation'd ugly." 
 
 4< It aint many hours since the fire begun, and the redskins 
 won't be far from t' other side, I reckon. If the hoss-trail leads 
 us right on them, we'll be in a fix, old boy." 
 
 " Aye," replied Rube, in a low but significant drawl ; " ef it 
 do, an' ef this niggur don't a miskalkerlate, it will lead right OD 
 em, plum straight custrut into thur camp. 
 
 I started on hearing this. I could no longer remain silent ; 
 but brushing rapidly forward to the s ; de of the trapper, in hasty 
 phrase demanded his meaning. 
 
 " Jost what 'ee've heern me say, yOung fellur," was his re- 
 
 p ] y- 
 
 "You think that there are Indians ahead that the horse 
 has gone to their camp !" 
 
 " No, not gone thur ; nor kin I say for sartint thur ur Injuns 
 
3T3 
 
 yet i though it looks mighty like. Ther's nuthin' else to guv 
 reezun for the fire nuthiu' as Bill or me can think o' ; an' ef 
 thtir be Injuns, then I don't think the hoss hez g ne to thur 
 camp, but I do kalkerlate it's mighty like he's been tuk thur ; 
 thet's whet I thinks, young fellur." 
 
 " You mean that the Indians have captured him ?" 
 
 " That's preezactly what this child means." 
 
 " But how 1 What reason have you for thinking so I" 
 
 " Wai jest because I think so." 
 
 " Pray explain, Rube !" I said, in an appealing tone, 
 feared that his secretive instincts would get the better of him, 
 and he would delay giving his reasons, from a pure love of mys 
 tification that was inherent in the old fellow's nature. I was 
 too anxious to be patient ; but my appeal proved successful. 
 
 " Wai, 'ee see, young fellur, the hoss must 'a crosst hyur jest 
 afore this prairia wur sot afire ; and it's mighty reezunible to 
 s'pose thet whosomediver did the bizness, Injun or no Injun, 
 must 'a been to win'ard o' hyur. It ur also likely enuf, I 
 reckun, thet the party must 'a seed the hoss ; and it ur likely 
 agin thet nobody wa'nt a gwine to see thet hoss, wi' the gurl 
 stropped down 'long his hump ribs, 'ithout being kewrious enuf 
 to take arter i'm. Injuns 'ud be safe to go arter 'im, yellin' like 
 blazes ; and arter 'im they've gone, and roped 'im, I reckun 
 that they've done." 
 
 " You think they could have caugnt him ?" 
 
 " Sartin. The hoss by then must 'a been dead beat thet ur, 
 unless he's got the divvel in 7 em ; an by Geehorum ! I gin to 
 
 surspect . Gehu Grehosophat I jest as I said ; lookee, thur 
 
 thur !" 
 
 ''What is it?" I inquired, seeing the speaker suddenly halt, 
 and point to the ground, upon which his eyes also were fixed. 
 " What is it, Rube ? I can perceive nothing strange." 
 
 " Don't ; ee see ; em hoss-tracks 1 thur ! thick as sheep feet 
 --hundreds o' 'em!" 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 I certainly noticed some slight hollows in the surface, nearly 
 levelled up by the black ashes. I should not have known them 
 to be horse-tracks. 
 
 "They ur," said Rube, "every one o' 'em an' Injun hoss 
 tracks, sure." 
 
 " They may be the wild bosses, Rube 1" said one of the ran 
 gers, riding up, and surveying the sign. 
 
 " Wild jackasses !" angrily retorted the old trapper. " Whur 
 did you ever see a wild hoss ? Do 'ee s'pose I've turned stone 
 blind, do 'ee ? Stan thur, my mar !" he cried, flinging his lean 
 carcass out of the saddle, at the same time talking to his mare : 
 " 'ee knows better than thet fellur, I kio tell by the way yur 
 sniftiu'. Keep yur ground a minute, ole gurl, till ole Rube shew 
 these hyur greenhorns how a mountain man kin read sign 
 wild bosses ! wagh I" 
 
 After thus delivering himself, the trapper dropped upon his 
 knees, placed his lips close to the ground, and commenced blow 
 ing at the black ashes. All had by this time ridden up, and sat 
 in their saddles watching him. 
 
 We saw that he was clearing the ashes out of one of the 
 hollows which he had pronounced to be horse-tracks, and which 
 now proved to be so. 
 
 " Thur, now, mister !" said he turning triumphantly, and 
 rather savagely, upon the range*- who had questioned the truth 
 of his conjecture ; " thur's a shod track shod wi' parflesh, too. 
 Did 'ee ever see a wild hoss, or a wild mule, or a wild jackass 
 eyther, shod wi' parflesh ? Ef 'ee did, it's more 'u Rube Rawlius 
 ever seed, and that ur trapper's been on the hoss-plains well 
 nigh forty yeern. Wagh I' 1 
 
 Of course, there was no reply to this interrogatory. There 
 was the track, and, dismounting, we all examined it in turn. 
 
 Sure enough it was the track of a shod horse shod with 
 parfleehc thick leather, made from the hide of the baffalo 
 bull. 
 
TBANSLATING THE " SIGN." 375 
 
 We all knew this to be a mode of shoeing practiced by the 
 horse-Indians of the plains, and only by them. 
 
 The evidence was conclusive : Indians had been upon the 
 ground, 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIII. 
 
 TRANSLATING THE "SIGN." 
 
 THIS discovery brought us to a halt. A consultation ensued, 
 in which all took part ; but as usual the others listened to 
 the opinions of the prairie-meu, and especially to that of 
 Rube. 
 
 The old trapper was inclined to sulk for some time, and acted 
 as if he meant to withhold his advice. Nothing " huffed " him 
 more than to have his word contradicted, or his skill called in 
 question. I have known him to be " out of sorts" for days, 
 from having his woodcraft doubted by some one whom he deem 
 ed less skilled than himself ; arid indeed there were few of his 
 kind whose knowledge of the wilderness was at all comparable 
 with his. He was not always in the right, but generally where 
 his instincts failed, it was idle to try further. In the present 
 case, tne man who had thoughtlessly doubted him was one of 
 the " greenest' 7 of the party, but this verdancy only aggravated 
 the matter in the eyes of old Rube. 
 
 " Sich a fellur as you," he said, giving a last dig to the offend 
 ing ranger " sich a fellur as you oughter git yur head shet up : 
 thet ur tongue o' yourn keeps a gwine like a bull's tail in fly- 
 time. Wagh I" 
 
 As the man made no reply to this rather rough remonstrance, 
 E,ube's " dander " soon smothed down, and once more getting 
 cool, he turned his attention to the business of the hour. 
 
 That there had been Indians upon the ground was now an 
 
3?$ THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 ascertained fact ; the peculiar shoeing of the horses rendered it 
 indubitable. Mexican horses, if shod at all, would have had a 
 shoeing of iron at least on their fore feet. Wild mustangs 
 would have had the hoof naked ; while the tracks of Texan or 
 American horses could have been easily told, either from the 
 peculiar shoeing or the superior size of their hoofs. The horses 
 hat had galloped over that ground were neither wild, Texan, 
 nor Mexican : Indian they must have been. 
 
 Although the one track first examined might have settled the 
 point, it was a fact of too much importance to be left under the 
 s^'ghtest doubt. The presence of Indians meant the presence of 
 enemies foes dire and deadly ; and it was with something more 
 than feelings of mere curiosity that my companions scrutinized 
 the sign. 
 
 The ashes were blown out from several others, and these 
 carefully studied. Additional facts were brought to light by 
 those Ohampollions of the prairie R,ube and Garey. Whoever 
 rode the horses, had been going in a gallop. They had not rid 
 den long in one course ; but here and there had turned and 
 struck off in new directions. There had been a score or so of 
 them. No two had been galloping together ; their tracks con 
 verged or crossed one another now zigzagging, now running in 
 right lines, or sweeping in curves and circles over the plain. 
 
 All this knowledge the trackers had obtained in less than ten 
 minutes, simply by riding round the place. Not to disturb 
 them in their diagnosis, the rest of us halted upon the spot 
 where the new tracks had been first observed, and there awaited 
 the result of their scrutiny. 
 
 In ten minutes' time both came back to us ; they had read 
 the sign to their satisfaction, and needed no further light. 
 
 That sign had disclosed to them one fact of more significance 
 than all the rest. Of course, we all knew that the Indian 
 horsemen had gone over the ground before the grass had been 
 burnt ; but how long before? We had no difficulty in making 
 
TRANSLATING TILE " SIGN." 377 
 
 out that it was upon that same day, and since the rising of the 
 sun these were trifles easily ascertained ; but at what hour had 
 they passed ? Late, or early ? With the steed, before, or 
 after him ? 
 
 About this point I was most anxious, but I had not the 
 slightest idea that it could be decided by the "sign." To my 
 astonishment, those cunning hunters returned to tell me, not 
 only the very hour at which the steed had passed the spot, but 
 also that the Indian horsemen had been riding after him ! Clair 
 voyance could scarcely have gone farther. 
 
 The old trapper had grown expletive, more than was his wont. 
 It was no longer a matter of tracking the white steed. Indians 
 were near. Caution had become necessary, and neither the 
 company nor counsel of the humblest was to be scorned. We 
 might soon stand in need of the strength even of the weakest in 
 our party. 
 
 Freely, then, the trackers communicated their discoveries, in 
 answer to my interrogations. 
 
 14 The white boss," said Rube, " must 'a been hyur 'bout four 
 hours ago, kalkerlatin' the rate at which he wur a gwine, and 
 kalkerlatin* how fur he hed ter kum. He haint 'a stopped no- 
 whur; an' 'ceptin i' the thicket, he hez gallipt the rest o' the way 
 thet's clur. Wai, we knows the distance, thurfor we knows 
 the time thet's clur too ; an' four hour's 'bout the mark, I reck'n 
 preehaps a leetle less, an alser preehaps a leetle more. Now, 
 furrermore to the peint. Them niggurs hez been eyther clost 
 arter 'im, in view o' the critter, or follerin' 'im on the trail the 
 Dne or the t'other an' which 'taint possyble to tell wi' il is hyur 
 sign, no-how-cum-soinever. But thet they wur arter 'i&> ma an ; 
 Bill's made out clur as mud thet we sartintly hez." 
 
 " How have you ascertained that they were after ?" 
 
 " The tracks, young fellur the tracks.'' 
 
 " But how by them ?" 
 
578 THE WAB-TEAIL. 
 
 " Easy as eatin' hump-rib : them as wur made by the white 
 boss ur un'ermost." 
 
 The conclusion was clear indeed. The Indians must have 
 been after him. 
 
 We stayed no longer upon the spot, but once more sending 
 the trackers forward, moved on after them. 
 
 We had advanced about half a mile farther, when the horse- 
 tracks, hitherto scattered, and tending in different directions, 
 became merged together, as though the Indians had been ridir.g, 
 not in single file as is their ordinary method but in an irreg 
 ular body of several abreast. 
 
 The trackers, after proceeding along this new trail for a hun 
 dred yards or so, deliberately drew up, and dismounting, bent 
 down upon their hands and knees, as if once more to examine 
 the signs. The rest of us halted a little behind, and watched 
 their proceedings without offering to question them. 
 
 Both were observed to be busy blowing aside the ashes, not 
 from any particular track, but from the full breadth of the trail. 
 
 In a few minutes they succeeded in removing the black dust 
 from a stretch of several yards so that the numerous hoof- 
 prints could be distinctly traced, side by side, or overlapping 
 and half obliterating one another. 
 
 Rube now returned to where they had commenced, and then 
 once more leisurely advancing upon his knees, with eyes close to 
 the surface, appeared to scrutinize the print of every hoof sepa 
 rately. 
 
 Before he had reached the spot where Garey was still en 
 gaged in clearing off the dust, he rose to his feet with an air 
 that told he was satisfied, and turning to his companion, cried 
 out: 
 
 " Don't bother furrer, Bill : it ur jest as I thort ; thay've 
 *ped 'im. Geehosophat 1" 
 
THE STEED LAZOED. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIV. 
 
 THE STEED LAZOED. 
 
 Ir was not the emphatic tone in which this announcement .. 
 made that produced within me conviction of its truth I should 
 have been convinced without that. I was better than half pre 
 pared for the intelligence thus rudely conveyed ; for I was my 
 self not altogether unskilled in that art of which my trapper- 
 companions were masters. 
 
 I had observed the sudden convergence of the horse-tracks; 
 I had noticed, also, that after coming together, the animals had 
 proceeded at a slow pace at a walk. I needed only to per 
 ceive the hoof of the steed among the others, to know that he 
 no longer ran free that he was a captive. 
 
 This the tracker had found ; hence the decisive declaration 
 that the Indians had " roped " him in other words, had caught 
 him with their lazoes. 
 
 " Sartint they've tuk 'im," asserted Rube, in answer to an in 
 terrogatory : "sartint sure; hyur's his track clur as daylight. 
 He's been led hyur at the end o' a laryette; he's been nigh the 
 middle o' the crowd some in front some hev been arter 'im 
 thet's how they've gone past hyur. Wagh !" continued the 
 speaker, once more turning his eyes upon the trail, " thur's been 
 a good grist on 'em twunty or more ; and ef this child don't 
 miskalkerlate, thet ain't the hull o' the niggurs ; it ain't. 'Tur 
 only some o' 'em as galliped out to rope the hoss. I'd lay my 
 nrle agin a Mexican blunderbox, thur's a bigger party than this 
 nigh at hand somewhur hyur. By Geehosophat, thur's l<oun to 
 be, sartint as sunup !" 
 
 The suspicion that had half formed itself in my mind was no 
 
THE WAR-TUAIL. 
 
 longer hypothetical ; the sign upon the trail had settled that ; 
 it was now a. positive intelligence a conviction. The steed haa 
 been 'taken ; he and his rider were captive in the hands of the 
 Indians. 
 
 This knowledge brought with it a crowd of new thoughts, in 
 which emotions of the most opposite character were mingled 
 together. 
 
 The tirst was a sensation of joy. The steed had been cap 
 tured, and by human beings. Indians at least were men, and 
 possessed human hearts. Though in the rider they might recog 
 nize the lineaments of their pale-faced foes not co strongly 
 neither yet a woman, and in such a dilemma ; what reason 
 could they have for hostility to her ? None ; perhaps the very 
 opposite passion might be excited by the spectacle of her help 
 less situation. They would see before them the victim of some 
 cruel revenge the act, too, of their own enemies ; this would 
 be more likely to inspire them with sympathy and pity ; they 
 would relieve her from her perilous position ; would minister to 
 her wants and wounds ; would tenderly nurse and cherish her : 
 yes ; all this I felt assured. They were human ; how could they 
 do otherwise ? 
 
 Such was the first rush of my reflections on becomi'ng assured 
 that the steed had been captured by Indians that Isolina was 
 in their hands. I only thought of her safety that she wa? 
 rescued from pain and peril, perhaps from death ; and the 
 thought was a gleam of joy. 
 
 Alas ! only a gleam ; and the reflections that followed \vere 
 painfully bitter. 
 
 I could not help thinking of the character of the savages into 
 whose hands she had fallen. If they were the same band that 
 had harried the frontier town, then they were southern Indians 
 Comanche or Lipan. The report said one or other ; and it was 
 but too probable. True, the remnant of Shawanos and Dela- 
 cvares, with the Kickapoos and Texan Cher kees, sometimes 
 
THE STEED LAZOED. 331 
 
 stray as far as the banks of the Rio Grande ; but the conduct 
 was not theirs : these tribes, from long intercourse with whites, 
 have been inducted into a sort of semi-civilization ; and their 
 hereditary hostility for the pale-face has died out. Pillage and 
 murder are no longer their trade ; it could not have been they 
 who had made the late foray. It might have been " Wild Cat/' 
 with his wicked Seminoles, now settled on the Texan frontier ; 
 but the act was more in keeping with the character of ths 
 mezcal-eating Apaches, who of late years had been pushing 
 their expeditions far down the river. Even so it mattered 
 little; Apaches are but Comanches, or rather Comanches, Apa 
 che's, and whether the Indians on whose trail we were standing 
 were one or the other whether Apache 7 , Lipan, Comanche, or 
 their allies Caygiia, Waco, or Pawnee-Pict, it mattered not ; 
 one and all were alike ; one or other of them, my reflections 
 were bitterly the same. Well understood I the character of 
 these red men of the south ; so far differing from their kiudreti 
 of the north so far different from that ideal type of cold conti 
 nence it has pleased the poet and the writer of romance to 
 ascribe to them. The reverse of the medal was before my 
 mind's eye ; ihe memory of many a scene was in my thoughts, 
 of many a tale I had heard, illustrating the uxorious disposition, 
 the wild; unbridled wantonness of these lords of the southern 
 plains. 
 
 Not then did I dwell long on such thoughts ; for they had 
 their influence in urging me onward. 
 
 But there was another reason for our rapid advance : all of 
 us were under the extreme agony cf thirst literally gasping for 
 water ; and thus physical suffering impelled us to ride forward 
 as fast as our jaded horses could carry us over the ground. 
 
 Timber was at length before our eyes, green foliage, looking 
 all the fresher and brighter from contrast with the black plain 
 which it bounded. It was a grove of cotton-woods, skirting a 
 prairie-stream ; and beyond this the fire had not extended. 
 
332 THE WAJR-TRAIL. 
 
 Wild joyous cries escaped from men and horses, as the.r eyfla 
 rested upon the limpid stream. The men leaped out of their 
 saddles, and without a thought of drowning, rushed breast-deep 
 into the water. Some lifted the crystal liquid in their palms ; 
 others, more impatient, bent down, and plunging their faces in 
 the flood, drank a la mode du cheval. 
 
 I noticed that the trappers behaved less recklessly than the 
 est ; before going down to drink, the eyes of both were directed, 
 with instinctive, caution, along the banks, and into the timber. 
 
 Close to where we had halted, I observed a crossing, where 
 numerous tracks of animals formed in the soil a deep, well-beaten 
 path. Rube's eyes were upon it, and I saw that they were 
 glistening with unusual excitement. 
 
 " Told 'ee so I" cried he, after a short survey : " yoiider's thui 
 trail war-trail, by the Eturnal !" 
 
 CHAPTER LXXV. 
 
 THE INDIOS BRAVOS. 
 
 You may be asking, what the trapper meant by a war-trail ? 
 it has been a phrase of frequent occurrence with us. It is a 
 phrase of the frontier. Even at the eleventh hour, let me offer 
 its explanation. 
 
 For half a century ay, for three centuries and more even 
 since the conquest itself the northern frontier of Mexico has 
 been in, what is termed in old-fashioned phraseology, a " dis 
 turbed state." Though the semi-civilized Aztecs, and the kin 
 dred races of town-dwelling Indians, easily yielded to the sword 
 of the Spanish conquerors, far different has been the history of 
 the wild tribes the free hunters t)f the plains. Upon those" 
 mighty steppes that occupy the whole central area of the North 
 
THE "iNDIOS BRAVOS." S83 
 
 American continent, dwell tribes of Indians nations they might 
 be called who neither know, nor ever have known, other rule 
 than that of their own chieftains. Even when Spain was at her 
 strongest, she failed to subjugate the " Indios bravos" of her 
 frontiers, who to the present hour have preserved their wild 
 freedom. I speak not of the great nations of the northern 
 prairies Sioux and Cheyenne Blackfeet and Crow Pawnee 
 and Arapahoe. With these the Spanish race scarcely came in 
 contact. I refer more particularly to the tribes whose range 
 impinges upon the frontiers of Mexico Comanche, Lipan, Utah, 
 Apache, and Navajo. 
 
 It is not in the annals of Spain to prove that any one of these 
 tribes ever yielded to her conquering sword ; and equally a fail 
 ure has been the attempt to wheedle them into a fanatical civi 
 lization by the much boasted conquest of the mission. Free, 
 then, the prairie Indians are from white man's rule, and free 
 have they been, as if the keels of Columbus had never plowed the 
 Carib Sea. 
 
 But although they have preserved their independence for three 
 centuries, for three centuries have they never known peace. Be 
 tween the red Indian and the white Iberian, along the frontier of 
 Northern Mexico, a war-border has existed since the days of Cor- 
 tez to the present hour constantly shifting north or south, but 
 ever extended from east to west, from ocean to ocean, through wide 
 degrees of longitude. North of this border ranges the " Indio 
 bravo f south of it dwells his degenerate and conquered kins 
 man, the " Indio manso," not in the/' tents," but in the towns of 
 his Spanish conqueror ; the former free as the prairie wind the 
 latter yoked to a condition of "peon" vassalage, with chains as 
 strong as those of slavery itself. The neutral belt ot hostile 
 ground lies between on the one side guarded by a line of gar 
 risoned forts (presidios), on the other sheltered from attack b.y 
 the wild and waterless desert. 
 
 t have stated that this war-border has been constantly shift 
 
384 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 ing either northward or southward. Such was its history up tc 
 the beginning of the present cycle. Since then, a remarkable 
 change has been going forward in the relative position of Indian 
 and Iberian ; and the line of hostile ground has been moving 
 only in one direction continually towards the South ! To speak 
 in less poetical phrase, the red man has been encroaching upon 
 the territory of the white man the so-called savage has been 
 gaining ground upon the domain of civilization. Not slowly or 
 gradually, either, but by gigantic strides by the conquest of 
 whole provinces as large as England ten times told ! 
 
 I shall make the announcement of a fact, or rather a hypothe 
 sis scarcely well known, though strange enough. It may 
 interest, if not surprise, the ethnologists. I assert, then, that 
 had the four tribes of North Mexican Indians Comanche, Li- 
 pano, Apache, and Navajo been left to themselves, in leas than 
 another century they would have driven the degenerate descendants 
 of the conquerors of Cortez from the soil of Anahuac ! I make 
 this assertion with a full belief and clear conviction of its truth 
 fulness. The hypothesis rests upon a basis of realities. It would 
 require but very simple logic to prove it ; but a few facts may 
 yield illustration. 
 
 With the fall of Spanish rule in Mexico, ended the predomin 
 ance of the Spaniard over the Indian. By revolution the presi 
 dios became shorn of their strength, and no longer offered a 
 barrier even to the weakest incursion. In fact, a neutral Hue 
 no more exists; whole provinces Sonora, Chihuahua, Tamau- 
 lipas, Cinaloa, and Leon are no better than neutral ground, 
 or, to speak more definitely, form an extended territory con 
 quered and desolated by the Indians. Even beyond these, into 
 the " provincias internas," have the bold copper-colored free 
 booters of late carried their forays even to the very gates of 
 Durango. Two hundred Comanche warriors, or as many 
 Apaches, fear not to ride hundreds of miles into the heart of 
 civilized Mexico hesitate not to attack a city or a settlement 
 
THE "iNDIOS BKAVOS." 385 
 
 scruple not to drag from hearth and home lovely maids and 
 tender children only these and carry them slave and captive 
 to their wild fastnesses in the desert! And this is no occasional 
 foray, no long gathering outburst of revenge or retaliation; but 
 an annual expedition, forming part of the regular routine of the 
 year, and occurring at the season when the buffalo have migrat 
 ed to the north occurring in that month in the calendar of 
 these aboriginal brigands, jocosely styled the " Mexican moon!" 
 
 Upon whose head falls the blow thus periodically repeated? 
 Upon the poor and unprotected? No doubt you will fancy so. 
 
 A single fact may serve to undeceive you. Only a few years 
 ago, Trias, a man of " first family " in Mexico, and governor of 
 the State of Chihuahua, lost one of his sons by an Indian foray. 
 The boy was taken prisoner by the Comanches; and it was only 
 after years of negotiation and payment of a large sum, that the 
 father recovered his child. Thus the governor of a province, 
 with means and military at his command, was not powerful 
 enough to cause the surrender of his captive son : he was forced 
 to buy him! 
 
 It is computed, that at this moment, there are three thousand 
 white captives in the hands of the North Mexican Indians 
 nearly all of them of Spanish descent. They are mostly females, 
 and live as the slave-wives of their captors if such connection 
 may be dignified by the name. There are white men, too, among 
 the Indian prisoners, taken in their youth ; and strange as it may 
 appear, few of them either of the men or women evince any 
 desire to return to their former life or homes. Some, when ran 
 somed, have refused the boon. Not uncommon along the frontier 
 has been witnessed that heart-rending scene a father who had 
 recovered his child from the savages, and yet unable to reclaim its 
 affection, or even to arouse it to a recognition of its parentage. 
 In a few years sometimes only months the captives forget 
 their early ties, and become wedded to their new life become 
 fndianized. 
 
 17 
 
386 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 But a short time before, an instance had come nnder onr own 
 observation. The wounded brave taken in the skirmish at the 
 mound, was a full-blooded Mexican had been carried off by 
 the Comanches, some years before, from the settlements on the 
 Lower Rio Grande. In consideration of this, we gave him his 
 liberty, under the impression that he would gladly avail himself 
 of the opportunity to return to his kindred. 
 
 He proved wanting in gratitude as in natural affection. The 
 same night on which he was set free, he took the route back to 
 the prairies, mounted upon one of the best horses of our troop, 
 which he had stolen from its unfortunate owner ! 
 
 Such are the " Cosas de Mexico " a few of the traits of 
 frontier life on the Rio Bravo del Norte. 
 
 But what of the war-trail ? That is not yet explained. 
 
 Know then, that from the country of the Indians to that of 
 the Mexicans extend many great paths, running for hundreds 
 of miles from point to point. They follow the courses of streams 
 or cross vast desert plains, where water is found only at long *n- 
 tervals of distance. They are marked by the tracks of mutes, 
 horses and captives. Here and there they are whitened by 
 bones the bones of men, of women, of animals, that have por- 
 ished by the way. Strange paths are these ! What are they, 
 and who has made them ? Who travel by these roads tht 
 lead through the wild and homeless desert ? 
 
 Indians : they are the paths of the Comanche and Caygua 
 the roads made by their warriors during the " Mexican 
 moon." 
 
 It was upon one of these that the trapper was gazing whei 
 he gave out the emphatic utterance : 
 
 " War-tra^ by the Eturnal 1" 
 
ON THE WAR-TRAIL. 387 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVI. 
 
 ON THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 SCARCELY staying to quench my thirst, I led my horse across 
 the stream, and commenced scrutinizing the trail upon the oppo 
 site bank. The faithful trackers were by my side no fear of 
 them lagging behind. 
 
 I had won the hearts of both these men ; and that they 
 would have risked life to serve me, I could no longer doubt, 
 since over and over again they had risked it. For Garey, 
 strong, courageous, handsome in the true sense, and noble- 
 hearted, I felt real friendship, which the young trapper recipro 
 cated. For his older comrade, the feeling I had was like him 
 self indefinable, indescribable. It was strongly tinctured with 
 admiration, but admiration of the intellectual rather than the 
 moral or personal qualities of the man. 
 
 Instead of intellectual, I should rather say instinctive, for his 
 keen intuitive thoughts appeared more like instincts than the re 
 sults of a process of ratiocination. 
 
 That the old trapper admired me in his own phraseology, 
 " liked me mightily" I was aware. He was equally as zealous 
 as the younger in my service ; but too free an exhibition of zeal 
 was fa his eyes a weakness, and he endeavoured to conceal it. 
 His admiration of myself was perhaps owing to the fact that I 
 neither attempted to thwart him in his humors nor rival him 
 in his peculiar knowledge the craft of the prairie. In this I 
 was but his pupil, and behaved as such, generally deferring to 
 his judgment. 
 
 Another impulse acted upon the trackers sheer love of the 
 part they were now playing. Just as the hound loves tha 
 
388 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 trail, so did they ; and hunger, thirst, weariness, one or all 
 must be felt to an extreme degree before they would voluntarily 
 forsake it. 
 
 Scarcely staying, therefore, to quench their thirst, they fol 
 lowed me out of the water ; and all three of us together bent 
 our attention to the sign. 
 
 It was a war-trail a true war-trail. There was not the track 
 of a dog not the drag of a lodge-pole upon it. Had it been a 
 moving encampment of peaceable Indians, these signs would have 
 been visible ; moreover, there would have been seen numerous 
 footsteps of Indian women of squaws ; for the slave-wife of 
 the lordly Comanche is compelled to traverse the prairies a pied, 
 loaded like the pack-horse that follows at her heels ! 
 
 But though no foot-prints of Indian women appeared, there 
 were tracks of women, scores of them, plainly imprinted in the 
 soil of the river-bank. Those slender impressions, scarcely a 
 span in length, smoothly moulded in the mud, were not to be 
 mistaken for the footsteps of an Indian squaw. There was not 
 the wide divergence at the heels the toes turned inward ; 
 neither was there the moccasin-print. No ; those tiny tracks 
 must have been made by women of that nation who possess 
 the smallest and prettiest feet in the world by women of 
 Mexico. 
 
 " Captives !" we exclaimed, as soon as our eyes rested upon 
 the tracks. 
 
 " Ay, poor critters !" said Rube, sympathizingly; " the cussed 
 niggurs hev made 'em fut it, while thur's been spare hosses a 
 plenty. Wagh ! a good wheen o' weemen thur's been a score 
 on 'em at the least. Wagh ! I pity 'em poor gurls ! in sech 
 kumpny as they've got into. It ur a life they've got to lead 
 Wagh !" 
 
 Rube did not reflect how heavily his words were falling upon 
 my heart. 
 
 There were the tracks of more than a hundred horses, and as 
 
ON THE WAR-TRAIL. 389 
 
 many mules. Some of both were iron-shod ; but for all that 
 we knew they had been either ridden or driven by Indians; they, 
 too, were captives 
 
 The sign helped my companions to much knowledge that would 
 have been unintelligible to me. It was certainly the path of a 
 war-party of Indians on the lack track. They were laden with 
 plunder, and driving before them, or forcing to follow, a crowd 
 of captives horses, mules, and women children, too, for we 
 saw the tiny foot-marks of tender age. The trail was significant 
 of all this even to me. 
 
 But my comrades saw more; they no longer doubted that the 
 Indians were Comanches a moccasin had been picked up, a 
 castaway, and the leathern tassel attached to the heel, declared 
 the tribe to which its wearer belonged to be the Comanche. 
 
 The trail was quite fresh; that is, but a few hours had inter 
 vened since the Indians passed along it. Notwithstanding 
 the dryness of the atmosphere, the mud on the river-edge had 
 not yet become "skinned," as the trappers expressed it. The 
 Indians had forded the stream about the time the prairie was set 
 on fire. 
 
 The horses we had been following across the burnt plain were 
 those of a party who had gone out in pursuit of the steed. Just 
 at the ford they had overtaken the main body, who carried along 
 the spoil and captives. From that point, all had advanced to 
 gether. 
 
 Had they done so ? This was our first object of inquiry. It 
 was almost too probable to admit of a doubt; but we desired to 
 be certain about a matter of such primary importance, and we 
 looked for the hoof with the piece chipped from its edge easily 
 to be identified by all of us. In the muddy margin of the stream 
 we could not find it; but the steed may have been led or ridden 
 in front of the rest, and his tracks trampled out by the thick 
 drove that followed. 
 
 At this moment Stanfield came up and joined us in the exami 
 
590 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 aation. The ranger had scarcely bent his eyes on the trait, 
 when a significant exclamation escaped him. He stood pointing 
 downward to the track of a shod horse. 
 
 " My horse !" cried he; " my horse Hickory, by Gosh I" 
 
 " Your horse ?" 
 
 " May I never see Kaintuck if it aint." 
 
 " Yur sure o' it, ole boss ? yur sure it's yurn ?" 
 
 11 Sure as shootin' ; I shod him myself. I kid tell that ere 
 track on a dry sand-bar. I know every nail thar; I druv 'em 
 wi' my own hand it's him sartin." 
 
 " Wheeo-o !" whistled Rube, in his significant way, " thet 
 makes things a leetle plainer, I reck'n ; an' so I thort all along 
 an' so I thort ye-es so I thort. The durned rennygade nig 
 gur !" he added, with angry emphasis, " I know'd we dud 
 wrong to let 'im go; we oughter served ? im as I perposed; we 
 oughter cut his durnation throat, an' scalped 'im the minnut we 
 tuk 'im : cuss the luck thet we didn't ! Wagh 1" 
 
 Rube's words needed n-o interpretation. We knew whose 
 throat he would have cut that of the Indianized Mexican taken 
 at the mesa ; and I remembered that at the time of his capture 
 such had been Rube's advice overruled, of course, by the more 
 merciful of his comrades. The trapper had assigned some rea 
 son : he knew something of the man's history. 
 
 He now repeated his reasons : 
 
 " He ur a true rennygade," said he ; " an' thur aint on all the 
 parairas a wusser enemy to whites than thet ur more partik- 
 lurly to Texan whites. He wur at the massacree o' Wilson's 
 family on the clur fork o' the Brazos, an' wur conspik'us in the 
 skrimraage; a' more too it ur thort he toated off one o' Wilson's 
 gurls, an' made a squaw o' her, for he's mighty given thet way, 
 I've heern. Wagh I he ur wuss than a Injun, for the reezun 
 thet he unerstane the ways o' the whites. I never know'd sich 
 a foolish thing -as ter let 'im git clur. 'Ee may thank yur luck, 
 Mister Stannafeel, thet he didn't take ^ur har at the same 
 
THE WKITING ON THE MAGUEY. 391 
 
 time when he wur a-takin' o' yur hoss. Wagh 1 thet yc 
 may | 
 
 It was Stanfield's horse that had been stolen by the renegade, 
 and the tracks now identified by the ranger were those of tho,t 
 animal no doubt with the freebooter upon his back. 
 
 This new discovery let in a flood of light. Beyond a doubt 
 the war-party was the same we had met by the mound, with 
 perhaps a reinforcement; the same that had just plundered the 
 Mexican town ; the same who had paid their horrid visit to the 
 hacienda, and this renegade 
 
 Ha ! Strange remembrances were crowding into my brain. 
 I remembered meeting this semi-savage skulking about the road. 
 after w had granted him his parole; I remembered, upon one 
 occasion, seeing him while riding out with her; I remembered the 
 rude expression with which he had regarded my companion 
 the glance half fierce half lustful ; I remembered that it made 
 me angry; that I rebuked and threatened him I now remem 
 bered all. 
 
 Wild thoughts came rushing into my mind worse thoughts 
 than ever. 
 
 I sprang to my saddle, and calling out some half-coherent 
 orders, rode rapidly along the trail. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXYIL 
 
 THE WRITING ON THE MAGUEY. 
 
 THE skill of the trackers was no longer called in need. The 
 war-trail was as easily followed as a toll-road. A blind mau 
 could have guided himself along such a well-trodden highway. 
 
 Our rate of speed was now ruled by the capacity of our horses 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Alas I their power was nearly at an end. They had been two 
 days and a night under the saddle, with but a few hours to 
 refresh themselves by food or rest they could not hold out 
 much longer. 
 
 One by one, they began to lag, until the greater number of 
 them followed with tottering step hundreds of yards in the rear. 
 It was in vain to contend against nature. The men were still 
 willing, though they, too, were wearied to death ; but their 
 horses were quite done up even whip and spur could force 
 them no farther. Only my own matchless steed could have con 
 tinued the journey. Alone, I might have advanced, but that 
 would have been madness. What could I have accomplished 
 alone ? 
 
 Night was fast coming down it was already twilight. I saw 
 by the clouded sky we should have no moon. We might follow 
 the trail with our waxen torches not yet burned out but that 
 would no longer be safe. For myself, I was reckless enough to 
 have risked life in any way, but the lives of my comrades were 
 not mine. I could not give them I should not wastefully flins; 
 them away. 
 
 Reluctantly, I glided from my saddle, gave my horse to the 
 grass, and sat down upon the earth. My followers, coming up, 
 said not a word, but, picketing their horses, seated themselves 
 around me. One by one, they stretched themselves along the 
 sward, and in ten minutes all were asleep. 
 
 I alone could not sleep the fever of unrest was upon me 
 the demon of thought would not let me close my eyes. Though 
 my orbs ached with the long protracted vigil, I thought that not 
 "all the drowsy syrups of the world" could have given repose 
 to my nerves. I felt as one who suffers under delirium produced 
 by the intoxicating cup the fearful mania-a-potia. I could 
 neither sleep nor rest. 
 
 I could not even remain seated. I rose to my feet and 
 wandered around, without heed of where I was going. I strode 
 
THE WRITING ON THE MAGUEY. 393 
 
 over the recumbent forms of my sleeping companions ; I went 
 among the horses ; I paced backwards and forwards along the 
 bank of the stream. 
 
 There was a stream a small arroyo or rivulet. It was this 
 that had caused me to halt in that particular spot ; for, wild as 
 were my thoughts, I had enough of reason left to know that we 
 could not encamp without water. The sight of the arroyo had 
 decided my wavering resolution ; and upon its bank, almost 
 mechanically, I had drawn bridle and dismounted. 
 
 I once more descended to the bed of the stream ; and raising 
 the water in the palms of my hands, repeatedly applied it to 
 my lips and temples. The cool liquid refreshed me, and seemed 
 to soothe both my nerves and my spirit. After a time both fel< 
 calmer, and I sat down upon the bank, and watched for a while 
 the clear rivulet rippling past over its bed of yellow sand ano 
 glistening pebbles of quartz. The water was perfectly diapha- 
 rous ; and though the sun was no longer shining, I could seu 
 tiny silver-fish, of the genus hyodon, sporting themselves in the 
 depths of the pool. How I envied them their innocent gambols 
 their life of crystal purity and freedom ! Here in this remote 
 prairie stream dwelt not the alligator, nor the ravenous garfish 
 here came no dolphin or shark to chase them no tyrant of 
 the deep to put them in fear. Envious, indeed, such an insou 
 ciant happy existence. 
 
 I watched them for a long while, till I thought that my cyea 
 were growing heavy, and after all I might sleep. The murmur 
 of the arroyo helped to increase this propensity for repose, 
 and perhaps I might have slept ; but, at this moment, chancing 
 to look around, my eyes fell upon an object that again drove 
 sleep far away, and I was soon as wakeful as ever. 
 
 Close to my elbow where I had seated myself, grew a large 
 plant of the Mexican aloe (agave Americana). It was the wild 
 maguey, but of a species with broad, fleshy leaves, of a dark 
 green color somewhat resembling the maguey of ciltiva+ioix 
 
 17* 
 
894: THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 I noticed that one of the great blades of the plant was bruised 
 down, and the spine which had terminated it, torn off. 
 
 All this would not have drawn my attention. I was already 
 aware that the Indians had made a halt where we were encamped, 
 and their sign was plenteous around, tracks of their animals, and 
 the broken branches of trees. One of their horses or mules 
 might have munched at the maguey in passing ; and viewing the 
 bruised blade from a distance, I should have hazarded such a con 
 jecture. But my eyes were close to the plant, and to my aston 
 ishment, I observed that there was writing upon the leaf ! 
 
 I turned over upon my knees, and seizing the huge blade, 
 bent it down before me, so as to obtain a better view of its sur 
 face. I read : 
 
 II Captured by Comanches a war party have many captives 
 women and children ay de mi ! pobres Ninas ! north-west from 
 this place saved from death, alas I I fear " 
 
 The writing ended abruptly. There was no signature ; but it 
 needed not that. I had no doubts about who was the writer, 
 rude as was the chirography, from the materials used. I easily 
 identified the hand. It was Isolina de Yargas who had written. 
 
 I saw that she had torn off the terminal spine, and, using it 
 as a stylns, had graven those characters upon the epidermis of 
 the plan*. 
 
 Sweet, noble spirit ! under any guise I could have recognized 
 its outpouring. 
 
 " Saved from death !" thank Heaven for that 1 "Alas, I 
 fear " Oh, what feared she ? Was it worse than death ? tkat 
 terrible fate, too terrible to think of ? 
 
 She had broken off without finishing the sentence. Why had 
 she done so ? the sheet was broad would have held many 
 more words. Why had she not written more ? Did she dread 
 to tell the cause of her fear ? or had she been interrupted by 
 the approach of some of her tyrant captors ? O merciful Hea 
 ven 1 save me from thought ! 
 
THE SOUTHERN SAVAGE. 395 
 
 1 re-read the words over and over. I examined the other 
 leaves of the plant ; on both sides, concave and convex, 1 
 examined them ; there was nothing more. Not a word more 
 could I find. What I had read was all she had written. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXYIII. 
 
 THE SOUTHERN SAVAGE. 
 
 I NEED not tell how deeply I was affected by the unexpected 
 communication. All at once were decided a variety of doubts. 
 All at once was I made aware of the exact situation. 
 
 Isolina still lived that was no longer doubtful ; and the 
 knowledge produced joy. More than this : she was still unin 
 jured able to think, to act, to write not only living, but well. 
 The singular "billet" was proof. 
 
 Another point : her hands must have been free her hands, 
 at least else how could she have traced those lines ? It argued 
 indulgence, or tender treatment, on the part of her captors. 
 
 Another point yet. She knew I was in pursuit. She had seen 
 me then, as I galloped after. It was her cry I had heard as the 
 horse dashed into the chapparal. She had recognized me, and 
 called back. 
 
 She knew I would still be following. She knew I was follow 
 ing ; and for me was the writing meant. Sweet, subtle spirit ! 
 
 Once more I devoured the welcome words ; but my heart 
 grew heavy as I pondered over them. What had caused her 
 to break off so abruptly ? What was it her intention to have 
 said ? Of what was she in fear ? It was my conjectures about 
 this that caused the heaviness upon my heart. I gave way to 
 borrid imaginings. 
 
 Naturally my thoughts reverted to her captors ; naturally I 
 
396 THE WAE-TRAIL. 
 
 reflected upon the character of the prairie savage, so different 
 from that of the forest Indian opposite as is the aspect of their 
 homes, and perhaps influenced by this very cause, though there 
 are many others. Climate ; contact with Spanish civilization, 
 so distinct from Saxon ; the horse ; conquest over white foes ; 
 concubinage with white and beautiful women, the daughters of 
 the race of Andalusia all these have combined to produce in 
 the southern Indian a spiritual existence that more resembles 
 Andalusia than England more like to Mexico than Boston or 
 New York. 
 
 There is not so much difference between Paris and the prai 
 ries between the habitue of the Bal Mabille, and the horse- 
 Indian of the plains. No cold ascetic this no romantic savage, 
 alike celebrated for silence and continence, but a true voluptu 
 ary, gay of thought and free of tongue, amorous, salacious, 
 immoral. In nine cases out of ten, the young Comanche is a 
 boastful Lothario as any flaneur that may be met upon the 
 Boulevards ; the old, a lustful sinner ; women the idol of both. 
 
 Among Comanches, woman is the constant theme of conversa 
 tion their motive for every act. For them, they throw the 
 prairie dice for them, they race their swift mustangs. To win 
 them, they paint in hideous guise ; to buy them, they steal 
 horses ; to capture them, they go to war ! 
 
 And yet, with all their wanton love, they are true tyrants to 
 the sex. Wife they have none ; for it would be sheer sacrilege 
 to apply this noble title to the " squaw" of a Comanche. Mis 
 tress is scarce a fitter term rather say slave. Hers is a nard 
 lot, indeed. Hers it is to hew the wood and draw the water ; 
 to strike the tent and pitch it ; to lead the horse, and pack tho 
 dog ; to grain the skin, and cure the meat ; to plant the maize, 
 the melon, squash to hoe and reap them ; to wait obsequious 
 on her lounging lord, anticipate his whim or wish ; be true to 
 iiim, or lose her ears or nose for such horrid forfeiture is bv 
 Oomanche custom the punishment for conjugal infidelity ! 
 
THE SOUTHERN SAVAGE. 397 
 
 But hard as is the lot of the native wife, harder still is that 
 of the white captive. Tis hers to endure all the ills enumer 
 ated, with still another the hostility of the *' squaw " herself 
 The white captive is truly the slave of a slave the victim of a 
 treble antipathy of race, of color, of jealousy. Ofttimes is she 
 beaten, abused, mutilated; and rarely does her apathetic lord 
 interfere to protect her from this feminine but tiend-like persecu 
 tion. 
 
 These were not imaginings they were not fancies begot in 
 my own brain would they had been so! Too well did I know 
 they were facts horrid realities. 
 
 Can you wonder that sleep was shaken from my eye-lids? 
 that I could not think of rest or stay, till I had delivered my 
 loved one my betrothed from the dangers of such a destiny? 
 
 All thought of sleep was banished even weariness forsook 
 me. I felt fresh as if I had slept; my nerves were strung for 
 emprise. It was excitement renewed by what I had read the 
 impatience of a new and keen apprehension. 
 
 I would have mounted and gone forward, spurning both rest 
 and sleep regardless of danger would I have followed but 
 what could I do alone? 
 
 Aye, and what with my few followers? Ha! I had not 
 thought of this up to that moment I had not put this impor 
 tant question, and I had need to reflect upon the answer. 
 What if we should overtake the band of brigands? Booty- 
 laden as they were, and cumbered with captives, surely we 
 should come up with them, by night or by day; but what then? 
 Aye, what then? There were nine of us, and we were in pursuit 
 of a war party of at least one hundred ia number! one hundred 
 braves armed and equipped for battle the choice warriors of 
 their tribe flushed with late success, and vengeful against our 
 selves on account of former defeat. If conquered, we need look 
 for no mercy at their hands ; if conquered how could it be 
 otherwise? ISine against a hundred! How could we conquer? 
 
398 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 Up to this moment I had not thought of the result I was 
 borne along by only one impulse the idea of overtaking the 
 steed, and rescuing his rider. It was only within the hour that 
 her peril had assumed a new phase only an hour since we had 
 learnt that she had escaped from one danger to be brought 
 within the influence of another. 
 
 At first had I felt joy, but the feeling was of short existence 
 I recognized in the new situation a greater peril than that she 
 had outlived: she had been rescued from death to become the 
 victim of dishonor. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIX. 
 
 A SUBTERRANEAN FIRE. 
 
 IN the midst of my meditations, night descended upon the 
 earth. It promised to be a moonless night. A robe of sable 
 clouds formed a sombre lining to the sky, and through this 
 neither moon nor star were visible. 
 
 It grew darker apace, until in the dim fight I could scarce 
 distinguish the forms of my companions neither men nor horses 
 though both were near me. 
 
 The men were still asleep, stretched along the grass in various 
 attitudes, like so many bodies upon a battle-field. The horses 
 were too hungry to sleep the constant " crop-crop " told that 
 they were greedily browsing upon the sward of granna grass 
 that, by good fortune, grew luxuriantly around. This would be 
 tbe best rest for them, and I was glad to think that this splen 
 did provender would, in a few hours, recruit their strength. It 
 was the chondrosium paneum the favorite food of horses and 
 cattle, and in its effects upon their condition almost equal to the 
 bean or the oat. T knew it would soon freshen the jaded anl- 
 
A SUBTERRANEAN FIRE. 399 
 
 Dials, and make them ready for the road. At least in this there 
 was some consolation. 
 
 .Notwithstanding the pre-occupation of my thoughts, I began 
 to experience a physical discomfort, which, despite the low lati< 
 tude, is often felt upon the southern prairie cold. A chill 
 breeze had set in with the night, which in half an hour jecame 
 a strong and violent wind, increasing in coldness as in strength 
 In that half hour the thermometer must have fallen at least 
 fifty Fahrenheit degrees and such a phenomenon is not rare 
 upon the plains of Texas. The wind was the well-known 
 " norther," which often kills both men and animals, that chance 
 to be exposed to its icy breath. 
 
 I have endured the rigor of a Canadian winter ha,ve crossed 
 the frozen lakes have slept upon a snow wreath amidst the 
 wild wastes of Rupert's Land, but I cannot remember cold 
 more intensely chilling than that I have suffered in a Texan 
 norther. This extreme does not arise from the actual depression 
 of the thermometer which at best is but a poor indicator of 
 either heat or cold I mean the sensation of either. It is more 
 probably the contrast arising from the sudden change the 
 exposure the absence of proper clothing or shelter the state 
 of the blood with other like circumstances, that cause an ex 
 treme temperature to be more sensibly felt. I had ofttimes 
 experienced the chill blast of the norther, but never more 
 acutely than upon that night. The day had been sweltering 
 hot the thermometer at noon ranging about the one hundreth 
 degree, while in the first hour of darkness it could not have been 
 far above the twentieth. Had I judged by my sensations, I 
 should have put it even lower certainly it had passed the 
 freezing point, and sharp sleet and hail were borne upon the 
 wings of the wind. With nerves deranged from want of rest 
 and sleep after the hot day's march after the perspiration 
 produced by long exposure upon the heated surface of the burnt 
 prairie I perhaps felt the cold more acutely than I should 
 
400 THE WAE-TKAIL. 
 
 otherwise have done. My blood seemed to stagnate and freeze 
 within ray veins. 
 
 I was fain to wrap around my body a buffalo robe which some 
 careless savage had dropped upon the trail. My followers were 
 not so well furnished. Starting as we had done without any 
 thought of being absent for the night, no preparation had been 
 made for camping out. Only a few of them chanced to have 
 their blankets strapped upon the cantles of their saddles. These 
 were now the fortunate ones. 
 
 The norther had roused all of them from their slumbers had 
 awaked them as suddenly as douches of cold water would have 
 have done ; and one and all were groping about in the darkness 
 some seeking for their blankets some for such shelter as was 
 afforded by the lee side of the bushes. 
 
 Fortunately, there were saddle blankets, and these were 
 soon dragged from the backs of the horses. The poor brutes 
 themselves suffered equally with their owners. They stood 
 cowering 'under the cold, with their hips to the cutting blast, 
 r their limbs drawn close together, and their flanks shaggy and 
 shining. Some sheltered themselves behind the bushes, scarce 
 caring to touch the grass at their feet. 
 
 It would have been easy enough to make a fire there 
 was dry wood in plenty near the spot, and of the best kind 
 for burning the large species of mezquite. Some of the men 
 were for kindling fires at once, regardless of consequences, 
 but this design was overruled by the more prudent of the party. 
 The trappers were strongly against it. Cold as was the night 
 and dark, they knew that neither the norther nor the darkness 
 would deter Indians from being abroad. A party might be out 
 upon the prowl the very buffalo skin we had picked up might 
 bring a squad of them back for it was the grand robe of 
 some warrior, whose whole life-history was delineated in hiero 
 glyphical painting upon its inner surface. To have made a fire 
 might have cost us our lives. 
 
A SUBTERRANEAN FIRE. 401 
 
 So alleged the trappers Rube and Garey. It would be 
 better to endure the cold, than risk our scalps thus counselled 
 they. 
 
 But for all that, Rube had no idea of being starved to death. 
 He could kindle a fire, and burn it upon an open prairie, without 
 the least fear of its being seen ; and in a few minutes' time he 
 had succeeded in making one, that could not have been discerned 
 by the most sharp-sighted Indian in creation. 
 
 I had watched the operation with some interest. 
 
 He first collected a quantity of dead leaves, dry grass, and 
 short sticks of the mezquite tree all of which he placed under 
 his saddle-blanket to prevent the rain and sleet from wetting 
 them. This done, he drew out his bowie knife, and, with the 
 blade, " croued " a hole into the turf about a foot deep, and 
 ten inches or a foot in diameter. In the bottom of this .hole he 
 placed the grass and leaves, having first ignited them by means 
 of his flint, steel and "punk" tinder all of which implements 
 formed part of the contents of Rube's pouch and possible sack 
 au present. On the top of the now blazing leaves and grass, 
 he placed the dry sticks, first the smaller ones and then those 
 of larger dimensions, until the hole was filled up to the brim, and 
 over all he laid the piece of turf originally cut from the surface, 
 and which fitted as neatly as a lid. 
 
 His furnace being now finished, the trapper " hunkered ' 
 down close to its edge in such a position as to embrace the 
 fire between his thighs, and have it nearly under him. He 
 then drew his old blanket over his shoulders, allowing it to 
 droop behind until he had secured it under the salient points 
 of his lank, angular hips. In front he passed the blanket over 
 liis knees, and both ends, reaching the ground, were griped 
 tightly between his toes. 
 
 The contrivance was complete, and there sat the old trapper 
 like a hand-glass over a plant of spring rhubarb, a slight smoke 
 oozing through the apertures of his scant blanket, and curling 
 
402 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 up around his " ears," as though he was hatching upon a hot 
 bed. But no fire could be seen, though Rube shivered no 
 longer. 
 
 He soon found imitators. The young trapper had already 
 constructed a similar furnace, and the others were soon warming 
 themselves by this simple but ingenious device. 
 
 I did not disdain to avail myself of the extra "shaft" which 
 the kind-hearted Garey had sunk for my accommodation, and 
 having placed myself by its side, and drawn the ample robe 
 over my shoulders, I felt as warm as if seated in front of a sea- 
 coal fire. 
 
 Under other circumstances, I might have joined in the merri 
 ment produced in my companions by the ludicrous spectacle 
 which we presented. A comic spectacle indeed nine of us 
 squatted at intervals over the ground the blue smoke escaping 
 through the interstices of our robes and blankets, and rising 
 around our heads, as though one and all of us were on fire ! 
 
 Wind, sleet and darkness continued throughout the whole 
 night cold wind, sharp icy sleet and black darkness, that 
 seemed palpable to the touch. Ever so eager, ever so fresh, we 
 could not have advanced along the trail. Grand war-trail as it 
 was, it could not have been traced under that amorphous 
 obscurity, and we had no means of carrying a light, even had it 
 been safe to do so. We had no lantern, and the norther, 
 with one blast, would have whisked out a torch of pitch-pine. 
 
 We thought no more of going forward, until either the day 
 should break, or the fierce storm should lull. 
 
 At midnight we replenished our fires, and remained on the 
 ground. Hail, rain, wind and darkness. My companions rested 
 their heads upon their knees, or nodding, slept. No sleep for 
 me not even the repose of thought. Like some fevered sufferer 
 on his wakeful couch, T counted the hours the minutes. The 
 minutes seemed.hours. 
 
 Rain, hail, sleet and wind seemed like darkness itself to belong 
 
A RED EPISTLE. 403 
 
 to the night. As long as night lasted, so long continued they. 
 When it came to an end, all vanished together the norther had 
 exhausted its strength. 
 
 A wild turkey, killed before nightfall, with some steaks of the 
 peccary-pork, furnished us with an ample breakfast. It was 
 hastily cooked, and hastily eaten ; and as the first streaks of 
 dawn appeared along the horizon, we were in our saddles, and 
 advancing upon the trail. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXX. 
 
 A RED EPISTLE. 
 
 THE trail led northwest, as written upon the maguey. No 
 doubt she had heard her captors forespeak their plans. I knew 
 that she herself understood something of the Comanche lan 
 guage. The accomplishment may appear strange, and not 
 strange either when it is known that with her it was a native 
 tongue. Her mother could have spoken it well. 
 
 But, even without this knowledge she might still have learnt 
 the designs of the savages for these southern Comanches are 
 accomplished linguists many of them can speak the beautiful 
 language of Andalusia. There was a time when a portion of 
 the tribe submitted to the teaching of the mission padres ; a 
 few among them might even boast which they do not of 
 Iberian blood I 
 
 No doubt, Isolina in their midst had overheard them discuss 
 ing their projects. 
 
 We had ridden about two hours, when we came upon the 
 ground where the Indians had made their night camp. 
 
 We approached it warily and with stealth, for we were now 
 travelling with great caution. We had need. Should a single 
 savage, straying behind, set eyes upon us we might as well be 
 
4:04: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 seen by the whole band. If discovered upon the war-trail, our 
 lives would not be worth much. Some of us might escape ; -but 
 at least our plan would be completely frustrated. 
 
 1 say plan, for I had formed one. During the long vigil of 
 the night my thoughts had not been idle, and a course of action 
 I had traced out, though it was not yet fully developed in my 
 mind. Circumstances might alter it or aid me in its execution. 
 
 We approached their night encampment then, warily and with 
 stealth. The smoke of its smouldering fires pointed out the 
 places, and warned us from afar. We found it quite deserted, 
 the gaunt wolf and coyote slone occupying the ground, disput 
 ing with each other possession of the hide and bones of a horse, 
 the debris of the Indian breakfast. 
 
 Had we not known already, the trappers could have told by 
 the sign of the camp to what tribe the Indians belonged. 
 
 There were still standing the poles of a tent only one doubt 
 less the lodge of the head chief. The poles were temporary 
 ones saplings, cut from the adjacent thicket. They were placed 
 in a circle, and meeting at the top, were tied together with a 
 piece of thong, so that when covered, the lodge would have 
 exhibited the form of a perfect cone. This we knew was the 
 fashion of the Comanche tent. 
 
 " Eft bed a been Kickapoo," said Rube, who took the oppor 
 tunity of displaying his knowledge, " thu'd a bent thur poles 
 in'ard, so's to make a sort o' a roun top d'ee see, an' ef 't bed a 
 been Wacoes or Witcheetees they'd a left a hole at the lop to 
 let out thur smoke. Delawurs and Shawnee wud a hed tents 
 iest like whites, but thet ar ain't thur way o' makin' a fire. In 
 a Shawnee .fire the logs wud a been laid in, one end turned in, 
 and the tother turned out, jest like the star on a Texan flag, or 
 the spokes o' a wheel. Likeways Cherokee an' Choctaw wud a 
 hed reglar tents, but thur fire wud a been alser difFrunt. 
 They'd a sot the logs parallel, side by side, an' lit em only at 
 one end, an' then pushed em up as fast as they bnrn'd. That's 
 
A RED EPISTLE. 4:05 
 
 thur way. Ee see these hyur logs is sot diff rint, thur lit in the 
 middle, an' thet's Kimanch for sartint it ur." 
 
 Rube's knowledge extended farther. The savages had been 
 astart as early as ourselves. They had decamped about day 
 light, and were now exactly two hours ahead of us on the trail. 
 Why were they travelling so rapidly ? Not from fear of pursuit 
 by an enemy. The soldiers of Mexico had they regarded these 
 were too busy with the Saxon foe, and vice versa. They could 
 hardly be expecting us to make an expedition to rob them of 
 their captives. Perhaps they were driving forward to be in time 
 for the great herds of buffalo that, along with the cold weather, 
 might now be looked for in the north of the Comanche range. 
 This was the explanation of the trappers most probably the 
 true one. 
 
 Under the influence of singular emotions I rode over the 
 ground. There were other signs beside those of the savage ; 
 signs of the plunder with which they were laden. Signs of civili 
 zation. There were fragments of broken cups, and musical 
 instruments ; torn leaves of books ; remnants of dresses, silks 
 and velvets ; a small satin slipper (the peculiar c/iaussure of the 
 Mexican manola upon whose foot worn ?) side by side with 
 a worn-out, mud-stained moccasin fit emblems of savage and 
 civilized live. There was no time for speculating on such a 
 curious confusion. I was looking for signs of her for traces of 
 my betrothed. I cast around me inquiring glances. 
 
 Where was it probable she had passed the night ? Where 'f 
 
 Involuntarily my eyes rested upon the naked poles the tent 
 of the chief. How could it be otherwise ? Who among all the 
 captives like her ? grandly beautiful, to satisfy the eye even of a 
 savage chieftain grandly, magnificently beautiful, how could she 
 escape his notice ? There in bis lodge, shrouded under the 
 brown skin of buffaloes, under hideous devices in the arms of a 
 painted, red-bedaubed savage his arms, brown and greasy 
 embraced oh 1 
 
406 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Young fellur 1 I arn't much o' a skoller, but I'd stake a 
 pack o' beaver plew agin a plug o' Jeemes' River that this hyur 
 manerscrip war entended for yurself, and nob'dy else. Thur's 
 writin' upon it, thet's clur, an' mighty keu'rous ink, I reck'n, thet 
 ur. Oncest on a time I kud a read, write or print eyethur, as 
 easy as fallin* off a log for thur wur a Yankee fellur on Duck 
 Crick that kep a pretty consid'able school thur, and the ole 
 ; oman, that ur Mrs. Rawlins, bed this child put thro' a reglar 
 coorse o' the Testymint. I remembers readiu' 'bout thet ur 
 cussed nigger as toated the possible-sack Judeas, ef I recollex 
 right, wur the durned raskul's name ef I kud a laid claws on 
 him, I'd a raised his har in the shakin' o' a goat's tail. Wagh ! 
 thet I wud." 
 
 Rube's indignation against the betrayer having reached its 
 climax, brought his speech to a termination. 
 
 I had not waited for its finale. The object which he held 
 between his fingers had more interest for me than either the 
 history of his own early days, or the story of the betrayer. It 
 was a paper a note actually folded, and addressed, " War- 
 field !" He had found it upon the grass, close to where the 
 tent had stood, and held in the crotch of a split stick, the other 
 end of which was stuck into the ground. 
 
 No wonder the trapper had remarked upon the ink. There 
 was no mistaking the character of that lurid red. Th* writing 
 was in blood ! 
 
 Hastily unfolding the paper, I read : 
 
 " Henri ! I am still safe, but in dread of a sad fate the fate 
 of the poor white captive, among these hideous men. Last 
 night I feared it, but the Virgin shielded me. It has not come. 
 Oh ! I shall not submit. I shall die by my own hand. A 
 strange chance has hitherto saved me from this horrid outrage. 
 No 1 it was not chance, but Heaven that interposed. It is thus : 
 Two of my captors claim me- -one the son of the chief t'ie 
 
MOKE WRITING IN KED. ' 407 
 
 &tLer, the wretch to whom you granted life and freedom. 
 Would to God it had been otherwise ! Of the two, he of white 
 blood is the viler savage bad brutal a very demon. Both 
 took part in capture of the steed therefore both claim me as 
 their 'property.' The claim is not yet adjusted, hence have I 
 been spared ; but, alas ! I fear my hour is nigh. A council is 
 to be held that will decide to which of these monsters I am to 
 be given. Jf to either, it is a horrid fate ; if to neither, a doom 
 still more horrible perchance you know their custom. I 
 should be common property the victim of all. Dios de mi 
 ilma ! Never never ! Death welcome death I 
 
 " Fear not, Henri, lord of my heart ! fear not that I shall dis 
 honor your love no sacred in my breast its purity shall be 
 preserved even at the sacrifice of my life. I shall bathe it ia 
 the blood of my heart. Ah me 1 my heart is bleeding now 1 
 They come to drag me away. Farewell ! farewell 1" 
 
 Such were the contents of the page the fly leaf of a 
 missal. Upon the other side was a vignette a pictuie of 
 Dolores, the weeping saint of Mexico ! Had it been chosen, the 
 emblem could scarce have been more appropriate. 
 
 I thrust the red writing into my bosom, and without v aiting 
 to exchange a word with my companions, pressed forward npon 
 the trail. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXI. 
 
 MORE WRITING IN RED. 
 
 THE men followed as before. I needed no trackers to show 
 the way. The path was plain as a driver's road a thousand 
 horses had made their mark upon the ground. 
 
 We rode at a regular pace not rapidly. I was in no hurry 
 
408 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 to come up with the savages. I desired not to get sight of 
 them before nightfall. It would be better not lest they might 
 also get sight of us. 
 
 The plan I proposed to myself for the rescue of my be 
 trothed could not be accomplished in the day. Darkness 
 alone could avail me in carrying it out, and for nightfall must 
 I wait. 
 
 We could easily have overtaken the savages before night. 
 They were but two short hours in advance, and would be 
 certain, as is their custom on the war-trail, to make a noon 
 halt of several hours' duration. Even Indian horses require 
 to be rested. 
 
 We calculated the rate at which they were travelling how 
 many miles to the hour ; the prairie men could tell to a furlong 
 both the gait and the distance. The tracks of the poor cap 
 tives were still seen along the trail. This showed that the party 
 could not have been going faster than a walk. 
 
 The prairie-men alleged there were many horses without riders 
 led or driven many mules too the product of the foray. 
 Why were the poor captives not permitted to ride them ? 
 
 Was it sheer cruelty, or brutal indifference, on the part of 
 their captors ? Did the inhuman monsters gloat over the suf 
 ferings of these unfortunates, and deny them even the alleviation 
 of physical pain ? The affirmative answer to all these questions 
 was probably the true one since hardly better no better in 
 deed is the behavior of these savages towards the women of 
 their own blood and kind the squaws. 
 
 Talk not to me of the noble savage, of the simplicity and 
 gentleness of that condition falsely termed a state of nature. If 
 is not nature. God meant not man to be a wild Ishrnaelite on 
 the face of the earth. Man was made for civilization for 
 society, and only under its influence does he assume the form 
 and grace of true nobility. Leave him to himself to the play 
 of his instincts to the indulgence of evil impulses, and mutj 
 
MORE WRITING- IN KED. 4:09 
 
 becomes a brute a beast of prey. Even worse, for wolf and 
 tiger gently consort with their kind, and still more gently with 
 their family. They feel the tenderness of a family tie. Where 
 is the savage upon all the earth who does not usurp dominion 
 who does not practise the meanest tyranny on his weaker 
 mate ? Where can you find him ? Not on the blood-stained 
 Karroos of Africa not upon the forest plains of the Amazon 
 not by the icy shores of the Arctic Sea certainly not on the 
 prairie of North America. 
 
 No man can be noble who would, in wrath, lay his finger upon 
 weaker woman ; talk not then of the noble savage fancy of 
 |;oets myth of romance 1 
 
 The tracks of riderless horses, the footsteps of walking women, 
 tender girls and children, upon that tiresome trail, had for me a 
 cruel significance those slender tiny tracks of pretty feet 
 pobres ninos ! 
 
 There was one that fixed my attention more than the rest 
 Every now and tnen my eyes were upon it. I fancied I could 
 identify it. It was exactly the size, I thought. The perfect 
 symmetry and configuration the oval curve of the heel high 
 instep the row of small graduated globes, made by the impres 
 sion of the toes the smooth surface left by the imprint of ,the 
 delicate epidermis all these points seemed to characterize the 
 footprints of a lady. 
 
 Surely it could not be hers ? Surely she would not be toiling 
 along that weary track ? Cruel as were the hearts of her cap 
 tors brutal as were their natures, surely they would not inflict 
 this unnecessary pain. Beauty like hers should command kind 
 treatment should inspire compassion even in the breast of a 
 savage I Alas ! I deemed it doubtful. 
 
 We rode slowly on, not desirous of overtaking the foe, we 
 were allowing them time to depart from their noon resting-place. 
 We might as weH havfc stopped for a while, but I could not 
 submit to the repose of a halt. Motion, however slow, ap- 
 
 18 
 
410 THE "WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 peared progress ; and in some measure hindered me from dwell 
 ing upon thought, that only produced useless pain. 
 
 Notwithstanding the incumbrance of their spoils, the Indians 
 must have been travelling faster than we. They had no fear of 
 foes to retard them, naught to require either spies or caution. 
 They were now in their own country, in the very heart of the 
 Comanche range, and in dread of no enemy. They were moving 
 fresher, and without fear. We on the contrary had to keep our 
 scouts in the advance. Every bend of the road had to be re 
 connoitred by them, every bush examined, every swell of the 
 ground approached with extreme care and watchfulness. 
 
 These mano3uvres occupied time, and we moved slowly 
 enough. 
 
 It was after midday when we arrived at the noon camp of th^ 
 savages. They had kindled fires and cooked flesh. The smoke, 
 as before, warned us, and approaching under cover, we perceived 
 that they were gone. The bones, clean-picked, were easily iden 
 tified, and told that the midday meal had made no change in 
 the diet of these hippophagists, dinner and dejeuner had been 
 alike drawn from the same larder. 
 
 Again I searched the ground ; but as before, the eyes of the 
 trapper proved better than mine. 
 
 41 Hyur's a other billet dux, young fellur," said he, handing 
 me the paper. 
 
 Another leaf from the missal I 
 
 I seized it eagerly eagerly I devoured its contents. This 
 time they were more brief : 
 
 " Once more I open my veins. The council meets to-night. In 
 a few hours it will be decided whose property 1 am whose slave 
 whose Santisima Maria ! 1 canned write the word. I shall at 
 tempt to escape. They leave my hands free, but my limbs are tight, 
 bound with thongs. I have tried to undo my fastening, but cannot. 
 Oh, if I had but a knife ! I know where one is kept a keen blade. 
 
AJJ INJUN ON THE BACK TRACK. 41] 
 
 / may contrive to seize it, but it must be in the last moment It 
 will not do to fail. Henri, I am firm and resolute. I do nor. 
 yield to despair, one way or other. 1 shall free myself from the, 
 
 dideous embrace of They come the villain watches me I I 
 
 must " 
 
 The writing ended abruptly. Her jailers had interrupted 
 her. The paper had evidently been concealed from them in 
 haste. It had been suddenly crumpled up and flung upon the 
 grass, for so was it when found. ***** 
 
 We remained for a while upon the spot to rest and refresh 
 our horses. The poor brutes needed both. There was water 
 at the place, and that might not be met with again. 
 
 The sun was far down when we resumed our march our last 
 march along the war-trail. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXII. 
 
 AN INJUN ON THE BACK TRACK. 
 
 WE had advanced about a mile farther when our scouts, who, 
 as usual, had gone forward to reconnoitre, having ascended a 
 swell of the prairie, were observed crouching behind some bushes 
 that grew upon its crest. We all drew bridle to await the 
 result of their reconnoissance. The peculiar attitude in which 
 they had placed themselves, the apparent earnestness with 
 which they glanced over the bushes, led us to believe that some 
 object was before their eyes of more than common interest. 
 
 So it proved. We had scarcely halted, when they were seen 
 to retire suddenly from the bushes, arid rising erect, run at full 
 speed back down the hill at the same time making signals to 
 as to conceal both ourselves and our horses. 
 
 Fortunately, there was timber near, and in a few seconds, WH 
 
f!2 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 had all ridden into it, taking the horses of the trappers along 
 with us. 
 
 The declivity of the hill enabled the scouts to run with swift 
 ness ; and they were among the trees almost as soon as we. 
 
 " What is it ?" inquired several in a breath. 
 
 " Injun on the back track," replied the panting trappers. 
 
 " Indians ! how many of them ? 7 ' naturally asked one of the 
 rangers. 
 
 " Who sayed Injuns ? I sayed a Injun," sharply retorted 
 Rube. "Dam yur palaver! thur's no time fur yur waggun. 
 Git yur rope ready, Bill 'ee durned greenhorns, keep down 
 yur guns shootin' wont do hyur yu'd hev the hul gang back 
 in the flappin' o' a beaver's tail. Let Bill rope the niggur an' 
 the young fellur hyur he knows how an 7 ef both shed miss 
 7 im, I aint a gwine. 'Ee hear me, fellurs ? don't ne'er a one o' 
 ye fire ef a gun ur wanted, Targuts '11 be surficient, I guess 
 but for yur lives don't a fire them ur blunderbusses o' yourn till 
 I miss they'd be heerd ten mile off. Ready ur yur rope, Billee? 
 you, young fellur ? All right, mind your eyes both, and snare 
 the durned niggur like a swamp rabbit. Yanuer he comes, by 
 the jumpin' Geehosophat !" 
 
 The pithy chapter of instructions above detailed, was deliv 
 ered in far less time than it may take to read it. The speaker 
 never paused till he had uttered the final emphatic shibboleth, 
 which was one of his favorite phrases of embellishment. 
 
 At the same instant, I saw just appearing above the crest 
 of the ridge the head and shoulders of a savage. In a few 
 seconds more, the body was in sight, and then thighs and legs, 
 with a large piebald mustang between them. I need scarcely 
 add, that the horse was going at a gallop. It is a rare sight 
 when a horse-Indian rides any other gait. 
 
 There was only one. The scouts were sure of this. Beyond 
 the swell stretched an open prairie, and if the Indian had had com 
 panions or followers, they would have been seen He was alone 
 
AN INJUN ON THE BACK TRACK. 413 
 
 What had brought him back upon the trail ? Was he upon 
 the scout ? No he was riding without thought, and without 
 precaution. A scout would have acted otherwise. He might 
 have been a messenger, but whither bound ? Surely the Indiana 
 had left no party in our rear 1 
 
 Quick these inquiries passed among us, from mouth to mouth, 
 and quick conjectures were offered in answer. The voyageur 
 gave the most probable solution. 
 
 " Pe gar ! he go back for ze sheel." 
 
 " Shield ! what shield ?" 
 
 " Ah ! you no see 'im. I see 'im wis me eyes he vas cachd 
 dans les herbes von large sheel -bouclier tres gros fabrique 
 from ze peau of de buffle, ze parfleche, et garni avec les scalps, 
 frais et sanglants scalps Mexicains. Mon dieu 1" 
 
 The explanation was understood. Le Blanc had observed a 
 shield among the bushes where we had halted, like enough left 
 behind by some of the braves. It was garnished with scalps 
 fresh Mexican scalps like enough the Indian had forgotten 
 both his armor and his trophies. He was on his way to recover 
 them. Like enough. 
 
 There was no time either for farther talk or conjecture. The 
 red horseman had reached the bottom of the hill, in ten seconds 
 more he would be lazoed or shot. 
 
 Garey and I placed ourselves on opposite sides of fe path 
 both with our lazoes coiled and ready. The trapper was an 
 adept in the use of this singular weapon, and I too understood 
 something of its manege. The trees were somewhat in our way, 
 and would have prevented the proper winding of it, but it was 
 our intention to spur clear of the timber, the moment the Indian 
 came within range, and '* rope " him on the run. 
 
 Rube crouched behind Garey, rifle in hand, and the rangers 
 were also ready in case both the lazoes and Rube's rifle should 
 miss. 
 
 It would not do to let the Indian either go on or go back 
 
THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 In either case he would report us. Should he pass the spot 
 where we were, he would observe our tracks in a minute's time, 
 even amidst the thousands of others, aud would be certain to 
 return by another route. Should he escape from us and gallop 
 back, still worse. He must not be permitted either to go on 
 or go back. He must be captured or killed ! 
 
 For my part, I desired that the former should be his destiny. 
 I had no feeling of revenge to gratify by taking the life of this 
 red man, and had his capture not been absolutely necessary to 
 our own safety, I should willingly have let him come and go as 
 he listed. 
 
 Some of my comrades were actuated by different motives ; 
 killing a Comanche Indian was, in their creed, no greater crime 
 than killing a wolf, a panther, or a grizzly bear ; aud it was not 
 from any motives of mercy that the trapper had cautioned 
 others to hold their fire. Prudence alone directed the advice. 
 The reports of the guns might be heard. 
 
 Through the leaves I looked upon the savage as he ad 
 vanced. A fine looking fellow he was, and no doubt one of the 
 first warriors of his tribe. What his face was I could not see, 
 for the war paint disfigured it with hideous devices ; but his 
 body was large, his chest broad and full, his limbs symmetrical, 
 and well turned to the very toes. He sat his horse like a Cen 
 taur. 
 
 I had no opportunity for prolonged observation. Without 
 hesitating, the Indian galloped up. 
 
 I sprung my horse clear of the timber. I wound the lazo 
 round my head, and hurled it towards the savage. I saw the 
 noose settling over his shoulders, even down to his* hips. 
 
 I spurred in the opposite direction. I felt the quick jerk, 
 and the taut rope told me I had secured the victim. 
 
 I turned in my saddle and glanced back. I saw the rope of 
 Garey around the neck of the Indian's mustang, tightened and 
 holding him fast. Horse and horseman both were ours ! 
 
CAPTURING A COMANCHE. 415 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXIII. 
 
 CAPTURING A C M A N C H E . 
 
 THE savage did not yield himself up without resistance. Re 
 sistance with an Indian is instinctive, as with a wild animal 
 He flung himself from his horse, and drawing his knife, with a 
 single cut severed the thong that bound him. 
 
 In another instant he would have been off among the bushes, 
 bat before he could move from the spot, half a dozen strong 
 arms were around him, and in spite of his struggles, and the 
 dangerous thrusts of his long Spanish knife, he was " choked " 
 down and held fast. 
 
 My followers were for making short work with him. More 
 than one had bared their blades to finish him upon the spot 
 and would have done so had I not interfered. I was averse to 
 spilling his blood, and at my command, or entreaty, his life was 
 
 To prevent him from giving us farther trouble, however, we 
 tied him to a tree, in such a manner that he couJd not possibly 
 free himself. 
 
 The mode of securing him was suggested by Stanfield, the 
 backwoodsman. It was simple and safe. A tree was chosen 
 whose trunk was large enough to fill the embrace of the savage, 
 rio that the ends of his fingers scarce met when his arms were 
 drawn to their full stretch around it ; upon his wrists thongs of 
 raw hide were firmly knotted, and then tied together. His 
 ankles were also bound by similar cords, the ends of which were 
 staked, so as to hinder him from worming around the tree, and 
 perchance wearing off his fastenings, or chafing them so that 
 they might break. 
 
116 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 1 
 
 The ligature was perfect. The most expert jail-breaker could 
 not have frWd himself from such a biuding. 
 
 Tt was our intention to leave him thus, and perhaps set him 
 free upon our return, if we should return by that way a doubt 
 ful hypothesis. 
 
 I thought not at the time of the cruelty we were committing. 
 We had spared the Indian's life a mercy at the moment, and 
 1 was too much concerned about the future of others to waste 
 reflection on his. We had taken the precaution to place him at 
 some distance from the trail. Others of his party might come 
 after and discover him soon enough to interfere with our plans. 
 His prison had been chosen far off in the depth of the woods. 
 Even his shouts could not have been heard by any one passing 
 along the trail. 
 
 He was not to be left entirely alone. A horse was to be his 
 companion not his own, for one of the rangers had fancied an 
 exchange. Stanfield, not well mounted, proposed a " swap," as 
 he jocosely termed it, to which the savage had no alternative 
 but consent; arid the Kentuckian, having "hitched" his worn 
 out nag to a tree, led off the skew-bald mustang in triumph, 
 declaring that he was now " squar wi' the Indyens." Stanfield 
 would have liked it better had the " swap " been made with the 
 renegade who had robbed him. 
 
 We were about to leave the place and move on, when a bright 
 idea suddenly came into my head. It occurred to me that I, 
 too, might effect a profitable exchange with our new-made cap 
 tive a swap, not of horses, but of men in short, an exchange 
 of persons of identities ! 
 
 In truth, a bright idea it was, and one that promised well. 
 
 I have said that I had already conceived a plan for the res 
 cue of my betrothed. I had done so during the night, and aU 
 along the route in my mind Ihad been maturing it. 
 
 The incident that had just transpired had given rise to a host 
 of new ideas, one above all that promised to aid me in facilitat 
 
CAPTUKING A COMAKCHE. 4:17 
 
 ing the execution of my design. The capture of the savage, 
 which had at first given me uneasiness, I now regarded in a very 
 different light as a fortunate circumstance. I could not help 
 thinking that I recognized in it the finger of Providence, and the 
 thought inspired me with hope. I felt that I was not forsaken. 
 
 The plan I had proposed to myself was simple enough. It 
 would require more of courage than stratagem; but to the for 
 mer I was sufficiently nerved by the desperate circumstances in 
 which we bad become involved. I proposed to enter the Indian 
 camp in the night of course by stealth and under cover of dark 
 ness to find the captive, set her limbs free, and then trust to 
 chance for the after escape of both of us. 
 
 If once inside the encampment, and within reach of her, a 
 sudden coup might accomplish all this. Success was not beyond 
 possibility, nor probability neither and the circumstances ad 
 mitted of no plan that promised so fairly. 
 
 To have attempted fight with my few followers against such 
 a host to have attacked the Indian camp, even under the ad 
 vantage of an alarm would have been sheer madness. It must 
 have resulted not only in my own immediate defeat, but would 
 have destroyed our last chance of rescuing the captive. The 
 savages once alarmed and warned, could never be approached 
 again. Isolina would be lost for ever. 
 
 My followers agreed with me upon the imprudence of an 
 attack. Folly they termed it; not from any motives of fear : 
 they were willing to risk all, and had I so ordered, would have 
 charged with me, rifle in hand, into the very midst of the ene 
 my's lines. I knew they would, every man of them. Even the 
 voyageur, the least brave of my party, would not have flinched, 
 for in the midst of brave men, cowards cease to be. 
 
 But such a course would indeed have been folly madness 
 we thought not of adopting it; all approved of the plan I had 
 formed, and what I had already set before them as we tarried 
 by the noon halting-place. 
 
 18* 
 
418 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Several had volunteered to be my companions to venture 
 along with me into the camp of the savages, to share with me 
 the extreme of the danger; but for several reasons I was deter 
 mined to go alone. Should even one of them be along with me, 
 I saw it would double the risk of detection. Stratagem, not 
 strength, was needed; and speed in the last moments would be 
 worth both. 
 
 Of course I did not expect to get the captive clear without 
 being observed and pursued. That would have bee* preposter 
 ous. She would be too well watched by savages not only by 
 her jailers, but by the jealous eyes of those rival claimants of 
 her body. 
 
 No, on the contrary I anticipated pursuit close and eager; 
 it might be strife; but I trusted to my own swiftness of foot, 
 and to hers for well knew I the bold heart and free limb it 
 was no helpless burden I should have to bring away. 
 
 I trusted to my being able to baffle their pursuit to keep 
 them back while she ran forward. For that purpose I should 
 have with me my knife and revolvers. I trusted to these, and 
 much to chance, or perhaps I should rather say, to God. My 
 cause was good my heart firm and hopeful. 
 
 Other precautions I intended to take. Horses ready, as near 
 as they might be brought men also ready seated in their sad 
 dles, rifle in hand, ready for fight or flight. 
 
 Such was the enterprise upon which I was resolved. Success 
 or death the issue. If not successful, I cared not to survive it. 
 
CHAPTER L XXX IV. 
 
 "PAINTING INJUN." 
 
 WITHAL, I was not reckless. If not sanguine, I was far from 
 despondent ; and as I continued to dwell upon it, the prospect 
 seemed to brighten, and success became less problematical. 
 
 One of the chief difficulties I would have to encounter, would 
 be getting into the camp. Once inside the lines that is, among 
 ihe camp-fires and tents, if there should be any I would be 
 comparatively safe. This I knew from experience; for it would 
 not be my first visit to an encampment of prairie Indians. Even 
 in the midst, mingling with the savages themselves, and under 
 the light of their glowing fires, I should be less exposed to the 
 danger of detection than while attempting to cross their lines. 
 First, there might be out-lying pickets; then, within these, the 
 horse-guards; and within these again, the horses themselves ! 
 
 You may smile, when I assert that the last was to me a source 
 of apprehension as great as either of the others. An Indian 
 horse is a sentinel not to be despised. He is as much the 
 enemy of the white man as his master ; and, partly from fear 
 and partly from actual antipathy, he will not permit the former 
 to approach him. The human watcher may be negligent may 
 sleep upon his post the mustang never. The smell of a white 
 man, or the sight of a skulking form, will cause him to snort and 
 neigh so that a whole camp will either be stampeded or put 
 upon the alert in a few minutes. Many a well-planned attack 
 has been defeated by the warning snort of the sentinel-horse. 
 
 It is not that the prairie-horse feels any peculiar attachment 
 tor the Indian. Strange if he did since tyrant more cruel to 
 
,420 THE WAR-TKAlfc. 
 
 the equine race does not exist no driver more severe, no rider 
 more hard, than a horse Indian. It is simply the faithfulness 
 which the noble animal exhibits for his companiDn and master, 
 with the instinct which tells him when tliat master is menaced 
 by danger. He will do the same service for a white as for a red 
 man ; and often does the weary trapper take his lone rest, with 
 full confidence that the vigil will be faithfully kept by his horse. 
 
 Had there been dogs in the Indian camp, my apprehensions 
 would have been still more acute; the danger would have been 
 more than doubled. Even within the lines these cunning brutes 
 would have known me as an enemy. The disguise of garments 
 would not avail. By the scent, an Indian dog can at once tell 
 the white from the red man, and they appear to hold a real 
 antipathy against the race of the Saxon. Even in time of 
 truce, a white man entering an Indian camp can scarce be pro 
 tected from the wolfish pack. 
 
 I knew there were no dogs we saw tracks of none. The 
 Indians had been on the war-trail, and when they proceed on 
 these grand expeditions, their dogs, like their women, are left 
 " at home." I had reason to be thankful that such was their 
 custom. 
 
 Of course, it was my intention to go disguised. It would 
 have been madness to have gone otherwise. In the darkest 
 night iny uniform would have betrayed me; necessarily, in my 
 search for the captive I should be led within the light of the 
 fires. 
 
 It was my design, therefore, to counterfeit the Indian costume, 
 and how to do this had been for some time the subject of my 
 reflections. I had been congratulating myself on the possession 
 of the buffalo-robe. That would go far towards the disguise j 
 but other articles were wanting to complete my costume. The 
 leggings and moccassins; the plumei head-dress and neck orna 
 ments; the long, straggling locks; the bronze complexion of 
 arms and breast; the piebald face of chalk, -harcoal, and vcr- 
 
 
milion where were ail these to be obtained ? There was no 
 costumerie in the desert. 
 
 In the moment of excitement that succeeded the capture of 
 the savage, I had been thinking of other things. It was only 
 when we were about to part from him that the idea jumped into 
 my mind that bright idea ! that he could furnish me the 
 very man. 
 
 I turned back to reconnoitre his person. Dismounting, I 
 scanned him from head to foot. With delight my eyes rested 
 upon his buckskin leggings his bead-embroidered moccasins 
 his pendent collar of javali tusks his eagle plumes, stained red 
 and the ample robe of jaguar-skins that draped his back all 
 pleased me much. 
 
 But that we were bent on an errand of peril, the last would 
 not have been left there. My followers had eyed it with avidity, 
 and more than one of them had been desirous of removing it j 
 but proximate peril had damped the ardor for spoil, and the 
 splendid robe had been permitted to remain, where so gracefully 
 it hung, upon the shoulders of the savage. It soon replaced 
 the buffalo-robe upon mine. My boots were cast aside, and 
 my legs encased in the scalp-fringed leggings ; my hips were 
 swathed in the leathern " breech-clout," and my feet thrust 
 into the foot-gear of the Comanche, which, by good fortune, 
 fitted to a hair. 
 
 There was yet much required to make me an Indian. Coman- 
 ches upon the war-trail go naked from the waist upward. The 
 tunic shirt is only worn upon the hunt, or on ordinary occasions. 
 How was I to counterfeit the copper skin ? the bronzed, arms 
 and shoulders the mottled breast the face of red, and white, 
 and black ? Paint only could aid me, and where was paint to 
 be procured ? The black we could imitate with gunpowder, 
 but 
 
 " Wagh !" ejaculated Rube, who was seen holding in his 
 hands a wolf-skin, prettily trimmed and garnished with 
 
THE WAK TRAIL. 
 
 and beads. It was the medicine-bag of the Indian. " Wagh 1 
 I thort we'd find the meteerils in the niggur's possible-sack 
 hyur they be." 
 
 Rube had dived his hand to the bottom of the embroidered 
 bag ; and, while speaking, drew it triumphantly forth. Several 
 little leathern packets appeared between his fingers, which, from 
 their stained outsides, evidently contained pigments of various 
 colors, while a small, shining object in their midst proved, on 
 closer inspection, to be a looking-glass I 
 
 Neither the trapper nor myself were astonished at finding 
 these odd "notions" in such a place. On the contrary, it was 
 natural we should have looked for them. Seldom in peace, but 
 never in time of war, does the Indian ride abroad without his 
 rouge and his mirror ! 
 
 The colors were of the right sort, and corresponded exactly 
 with those that glistened upon the skin of the captive warrior. 
 
 Under the keen edge of a bowie, my moustache came off in a 
 twinkling. A little grease was procured ; the paints were 
 mixed ; and placing myself side by side with the Indian, I stood 
 for his portrait. Rube was the painter ; a piece of soft buck 
 skin his brush ; the broad palm of Garey his palette. 
 
 The operation did not last a great while. In twenty minutes 
 it was all over, and the Indian brave and I appeared the exact 
 counterpart of each other. Streak by streak, and spot by spot, 
 had the old trapper imitated those hideous hieroglyphics, even to 
 the red hand upon the breast, and the cross upon the brow. In 
 horrid aspect, the copy quite equalled the original. 
 
 One thing was still lacking an important element in the 
 metamorphosis of disguise. I wanted the long, snaky, black 
 trusses that adorned the head of the Comanche. 
 
 The want was soon supplied. Again the bowie-blade was 
 called upon to serve as scissors; and with Garey to perform the 
 tonsorial feat, the chevelure of the Indian was shorn of its flow 
 ing glories. 
 
** PAINTING INJUN." 
 
 The savage winced as the keen blade glistened around his 
 brow. He had no other thought than that he was about to be 
 scalped alive ! 
 
 " 'Taint the way I'd raise his bar, the dod rotted niggur ! 
 Fotch the hide along wi' it, Bill ! it'll save bother j ee'll hev to 
 make a wig ef 'ee don't. Skin 'im, durn 'im I" 
 
 Of course, Garey did not give heed to the cruel counsel, which 
 he knew was not meant for earnest. 
 
 A rude "scratch " was soon constructed, and, being placed 
 upon my head, was attached to my own waving locks. Fortu 
 nately, these were of a dark color, and the hue corresponded. 
 
 I fancied I saw the Indian smile, wher? ^e perceived the use 
 we were making of his splendid tresses. It was a grim smile, 
 however; and from the first moment to the last, neither word 
 nor ejaculation escaped from his lips. 
 
 Even I was forced to smile. I could not restrain myself. The 
 odd travesty in which we were engaged, the strange commingling 
 of the comic and serious in the act, and, above all, the ludicrous 
 look of the captive Indian after they had close cropped him, was 
 enough to make a stone smile. My comrades could not restrain 
 themselves, but laughed outright. 
 
 The plume-bonnet was now placed on my head. It was fortu 
 nate the brave had one for this magnificent headdress is rarely 
 worn on a war-expedition fortunate, for it aided materially in 
 concealing the counterfeit. The false hair could hardly have 
 been detected, even under the light of day. 
 
 There was no more to be done. The painter, hair-dresser, 
 and costumier had performed their several offices. I was ready 
 for the 
 
424 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXV. 
 
 THE LAST HOURS ON THE 1 A A. I L . 
 
 Monk cautiously than ever, we now crept a/.ong the trail ad 
 vancing only after the ground had been thoroughly " quartered J ' 
 by the scouts. Time was of the least consequence. The fresh 
 sign of the Indians told us they were but a short way ahead o( 
 us. We could have ridden within sight of them at any moment. 
 
 We did not wish to set eyes upon them before sunset. It 
 could be no advantage to overtake them on the march but the 
 contrary. Some lagging Indian might be found in the rear of 
 the band ; we might come in contact with him, and thus defeat 
 all our designs. 
 
 We hung back, therefore, allowing time for the savages ti 
 pitch their camp, and for the stragglers to get into it. 
 
 On the other hand, I had no desire to arrive late. The couu 
 cil was to be held that night so she had learned and after 
 the council must come the crisis. I must be in time for both. 
 
 At what hour would the council take place ? It might be 
 just after they had halted. 
 
 The son of a chief, and a chief himself for the white renegade 
 was a leader of red men a question between two such men 
 would not remain long undecided. And a question of so much 
 importance involving such consequences property in body and 
 soul possession of the most beautiful woman in the world ! 
 
 Oh ! I wondered, could these hideous ochre-stained, grease- 
 bedaubed brutes, appreciate that peerless beauty ? Impossible, 
 I thought. The delicate lines of her loveliness would be lost 
 upon their gross eyes and coarse sensual hearts. That pear! 
 
THE LAST HOURS ON THE TRAIL. 425 
 
 beyond price paste would have satisfied them as well they 
 could not distinguish the diamond from common glass. 
 
 And yet the Comanche is not without Love-craft. Coarse as 
 might be the passion, they must have loved her both must 
 have loved her red savage and white savage. 
 
 For this very reason the " trial " would not be delayed. The 
 question would be speedily decided, so that the quarrel of the 
 chiefs might be brought to an end. For this very reason the 
 crisis might be hastened, the council take place at an early 
 hour ; for tl^is very reason I, too, must needs be upon the spot 
 at an early hour. 
 
 It was my aim to arrive within sight of the Indian encamp 
 ment just before night in the twilight, if possible that we 
 might be able to make recognizance of the ground before dark 
 ness would cover it from our view. We were desirous of ac 
 quainting ourselves with the lay of the surrounding country as 
 well, so that in the event of our escape, we should know which 
 was the best direction to take. 
 
 We timed our advance by the sign upon the trail. The keen 
 scouts could tell almost to a minute when the latest tracks were 
 made, and by this we were guided. Both glided silently along 
 their eyes constantly and earnestly turned upon the ground. 
 
 Mine were more anxiously bent upon the sky. From that 
 quarter I most feared an obstacle to the execution of my pur 
 pose. 
 
 What a change had come over my desires. How different are 
 they from those of the preceding night. The very same aspect 
 of the heavens that had hitherto chagrined and baffled me, would 
 now have been welcome. In my heart I had lately execrated 
 the clouds in that same heart I was now praying for cloud, 
 and storm, and darkness. 
 
 Now could I have blessed the clouds, there were none to blesa 
 not a speck appeared over the whole face of the firmament 
 the eye beheld only the illimitable ether. 
 
THE WAE-TB.AIL. 
 
 In another hour that boundless blue would be studded over 
 with millions of bright stars, and silvered by the light of a re 
 splendent moon the night would be as day. 
 
 I was dismayed at the prospect. I prayed for cloud, and 
 storm, and darkness. Human heart I unreasoning and unrea 
 sonable when blinded by its own petty passion. My petition 
 was opposed to the unalterable laws of Nature it could not bo 
 hea^d. 
 
 I can scarce describe how the aspect of that bright sky 
 troubled and pained me. The night bird, who joys only in 
 deepest darkness, could not have liked it less. 
 
 Should there be moonlight, the enterprise would be made 
 more perilous doubly more. Doubly more should thwe be 
 moonlight why need I form an hypothesis ? Moonlight there 
 would be to a certainty. It was the middle term of the lunar 
 mouth, and the moon would be up almost as the sun went down 
 full, round, and almost as bright as he, with no cloud to cover 
 her face to shroud the earth from her white diaphanous light. 
 Certainly there would be moonlight ! 
 
 Well thought of us was that disguise ! Well spent was our 
 labor in making it so perfect ! Under the moonlight, to it only 
 could I trust. By it only might I expect to preserve my in 
 cognito. 
 
 But the eye of the Indian savage is sharp, and his perception 
 keen almost as instinct itself. I could not rely much upon my 
 borrowed plumes, should speech be required from me. Just on 
 account of the cunning imitation, the perfectness of the pattern, 
 Borne of the friends of the original model might have business 
 with me might approach and address me. I knew not a word 
 of Comanche how should I escape from the colloquy ? 
 
 Such thoughts were troubling me as we rode along the trail. 
 
 Night was near the sun's lorn rival rested on the far ho 
 rizon of the west the hour was an anxious one to me. 
 
 The scouts had been for some tima in the advance, without 
 
THE COMANCHE CAMP. 427 
 
 returning to report ; and we had halted in a copse to wait for 
 them. A high hill was before us, wooded only at the summit. 
 Over this hill the war -trail led. We had observed the scouts 
 to go into the timber, and we kept our eyes upon the spot, 
 waiting for their return. 
 
 Presently, one of them appeared just outside the edge of the 
 woods. Garey we saw it was. He made signs to us to come 
 on. 
 
 We rode up to the hill, and entered among the trees. Here 
 we diverged from the trail. The scout guided us through the 
 trunks, over the high summit. On the other side the wood ex 
 tended only a little below, but we did not ride beyond it. We 
 halted before coming to its edge, and, dismounting, tied our 
 horses to the trees. 
 
 We crept forward on our hands and knees, till we had reached 
 the outmost verge of the timber. Through the leaves we peered, 
 looking down into the plain beyond. We saw smokes and 
 fires, and a skin lodge in their midst. We saw dark forms 
 around men moving over the ground, and horses with their 
 heads to the grass. We were looking upon the Comanche 
 camp. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXVI. 
 
 THE COMANCHE CAMP. 
 
 WE had reached our ground just at the moment I' had 
 desired. It was twilight dark enough to render ourselves 
 inconspicuous under the additional shadow of the trees, yet 
 sufficiently clear to allow a full reconnoissance oi the enemy's 
 position. Our point of view was a good one under a single 
 coup d'wil commanding the encampment, and a vast extent of 
 countrv around it. The hill we had climbed a sort of isolated 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 bntte was the only eminence of any considerable elevation foi 
 miles around, and the site of the camp was uporf the plain that 
 stretched away from its base, apparently beyond limit. 
 
 This plain was what is termed a "pecan" prairie that is a 
 prairie half covered with groves, copses and lists of woodland, 
 in which the predominating tree is the pecan, a species of 
 hickory, bearing an oval edible nut of commercial value (Carya 
 oliviformis). Between the pores and " mottes" of timber single 
 trees stood apart, their heads fully developed by the free 
 play given to their branches. These park-looking trees, with 
 the coppice-like groves of the pecan, lent an air of high civiliza 
 tion to the landscape, and the winding stream, whose water under 
 the still lingering rays glistened with the sheen of silver, added 
 to the deception. Withal, it was a wilderness a beautiful 
 wilderness. Human hands had never planted those groves 
 human agency had naught to do with the formation or adorn 
 ment of that lovely landscape. 
 
 Upon the bank of the stream, and about half a mile from 
 the base of the hill, stood the Indian camp. A glance at th? 
 position showed how well it had been chosen not so mucl 
 for defence, as to protect it against a surprise. 
 
 Assuming the lodge there was but one as the centre of the 
 camp, it was placed upon the edge of a small grove, and fronting 
 the stream. From the tent to the water's edge, the plain 
 sloped gently downward like the glacis of a fortification. The 
 smooth sward that covered the space between the trees and the 
 water was the ground of the camp. On this could be seen the 
 dusky warriors, some afoot, standing in various attitudes or 
 moving about, others reclining upon the grass, and still others 
 bending over the fires, as if engaged in the preparation of the 
 evening meal 
 
 A line of spears, regularly placed, marked the allotment 
 of each. These slender shafts nearly five yards in length 
 rose tall above the turf, like masts of distant ships, displaying 
 
THE COMANCHE CAMP. 4-29 
 
 their profusion of pennons and bannerets of painted plumes and 
 human hair. At the base of each could be seen the gaudy 
 shield, the bow and quiver, the embroidered pouch, and the 
 medicine-bag of the owner ; and grouped around many of them 
 appeared objects of a far different character objects that we 
 could not contemplate without acute emotion. They were 
 women enough of light still ruled the sky to show us their 
 faces they were white women the captives. Strange were my 
 sensations as I regarded those forms and faces, but they were 
 far off. Even a lover's eye was unequal to the distance. 
 
 Flanking the camp, on right and left, were the horses. They 
 occupied a broad belt of ground, for they were staked out to 
 feed, and each was allowed the length of his lazo. Their line 
 conveyed to the rear, and met behind the grove, so that the 
 camp was embraced by an arc of browsing animals, the river 
 forming its chord. Across the stream the encampment did not 
 extend. 
 
 I have said that the spot was well selected to guard against a 
 surprise. Its peculiar adaptability consisted in the fact, that 
 the little grove that backed the camp, was the only timber 
 within a radius of a thousand yards. All around, and even 
 on the opposite side of the stream, the plain was treeless and 
 free from cover of any kind. There were no inequalities of 
 ground neither break, bush, nor scaur to shelter the approach 
 of an enemy. 
 
 Had the position been chosen ? or was it accidental ? In 
 such a place and at such a time it was not likely they had 
 any fear of a surprise but with the Indian, caution is so 
 habitually exercised, that it becomes almost an instinct, and 
 doubtless under such an impulse, and without any prethought 
 whatever, the savages had aptly fixed upon the spot where they 
 were encamped. The grove gave them wood, the stream water, 
 the plain pabulum for their horses. With one of these last for 
 their own food, they had all the requisites of an Indian camp. 
 
4:30 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 At the first glance, I saw the strength of their position. 
 Not so much with the eye of a soldier as that of a hunter 
 and bush fighter did I perceive it. In a military sense, it 
 offered no point of defence ; but it could not be approached by 
 stratagem, and that is all the horse-Indian ever fears. Alarm 
 him, not too suddenly give him five minutes' warning, and he 
 cannot be attacked. If superior in strength, you may chase 
 him, bub you must be better mounted than he, to bring him 
 to close combat. Retreat, not defence, is generally the leading 
 idea of Comanche strategy, unless when opposed to a Mexican 
 foe. Then he will stand fight, with the courage of a master. 
 
 As I continued to gaze at the Indian encampment, my heart, 
 sank within me. Except under cover of a dark night a very 
 dark night it could not be entered. The keenest spy could not 
 have approached it it appeared unapproachable. 
 
 The same thought must at that moment have occupied the 
 minds of my companions. I saw the gloom of disappointment 
 on the brows of all, silent and sullen. None of them said a 
 word. They had not spoken since we came upon the ground. 
 
 What think you, reader, were the emotions that thrilled 
 my soul as the conviction was forced upon me that she I sought 
 was thus separated from me by an impassable barrier, the 
 attempting to penetrate which would in all probability result in 
 my own destruction and her inevitable captivity the more pro 
 longed and the more severe from the very fact that she had 
 friends among the pale-faces the bitter enemies of her captors. 
 Although the impulses of my nature prompted me individually to 
 dare every danger in the mad hope of rescuing Isolina, yet a 
 moment's reflection convinced me of the inutility of the attempt, 
 and I chafed like an untamed mustang which "n vain draws upon 
 the lazo which checks his flight. 
 
NO COVER. 431 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXYII. 
 
 NO COVER. 
 
 IN silence I continued to scrutinize the camp, but could dis 
 cover no mode of approaching it secretly, or in safety. 
 
 As I have said, the adjacent plain, for nearly a thousand 
 yards' radius, was smooth grass-covered prairie. Even the grass 
 was short. It would scarcely have sheltered the smallest game, 
 much less afford shelter for the body of a man much less for 
 that of a horse. 
 
 I would willingly have crawled on hands and knees over the 
 half mile that separated us from the encampment ; but that 
 would have been of no service. I might just as well have walk 
 ed erect. Erect, or prostrate, I should be seen all the same by 
 the occupants of the camp, or the guards of the horses. Even 
 if I succeeded in effecting an entrance within the lines, what 
 then ? Even should I succeed in finding Isolina, what hope was 
 there of our getting off ? 
 
 There was no probability of our being able to leave the lines 
 unseen not the least. We should certainly be pursued, and 
 what chance for us to escape? It was not probable we could 
 run for a thousand yards with the hue and cry after us ? 
 No, we should be overtaken re-captured speared or toma 
 hawked upon the spot ! 
 
 The design I had formed was to have brought my horse as 
 close as possible to the Indian lines to have left him under 
 cover, and within such distance as would make it possible to reach 
 him by a run, then mounting with my betrothed in my arms, to 
 gallop to my comrades. These I had intended should be placed 
 in ambush, as near to the camp as the nature of the ground 
 would permit. But my preconceived plan was entirely frus 
 trated by the peculiar situation of the Indian encampment. I had 
 
432 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 anticipated that there would be either trees, brushwood, or 
 broken ground in its neighborhood, under shelter of which we 
 might approach. To my chagrin there was none of the three. 
 There was no timber nearer than the grove in which we were 
 lying the copse excepted, and to have reached this would have 
 been to enter the camp itself. 
 
 We appeared to have advanced to the utmost limit possible 
 that afforded cover. A few feet farther would have carried us 
 outside the margin of the timber ; and then we should have 
 been as conspicuous to the denizens of the camp, as they now 
 were to us. Forward we dare not stir, not a step farther. 
 
 I was puzzled, perplexed, chagrined. 
 
 Once more I turned my eyes upon the sky, but I drew not 
 thence a ray of hope. The heavens were too bright. The sun 
 had gone down in the west ; but in the east was rising full, 
 round, and red, almost his counterpart. How I should have 
 welcomed an eclipse. I thought of omnipotent power. I 
 thought of the command of the Israelitish captain. I should 
 have joyed to see the shadow of the opaque earth pass over that 
 shining orb, rob it of its borrowed light, if only for a single 
 hour. 
 
 Eclipse or cloud there was none no prospect of either no 
 hope either from the earth or the sky. 
 
 Yerily then must I abandon my design, and adopt some 
 other for the rescue of my betrothed ? What other ? I could 
 think of no other that might be termed a plan. We might gal 
 lop forward, and openly attack the camp ? Sheer desperation 
 alone could impel to such a course, and the result would be ruin 
 to all to her among the rest. We could not hope to rescue 
 her nine to a hundred for we saw and could now count our 
 dusky foemen. 
 
 They would see us afar off would be prepared to receive us 
 prepared to hurl their masses upon us to destroy us altogether 
 sheer desperation. 
 
NO COVEK. 4-33 
 
 What other plan ? what 
 
 Something of one occurred to me at that moment. A slight 
 shadow of it had crossed my mind before. It seemed, though 
 fearfully perilous, practicable ; but what of peril ? It was not 
 the time, nor was I in the mood to regard danger. Any thing 
 short of the prospect of certain death had no terror for me 
 then ; and even this I should have preferred to failure 
 
 We had along with us the horse of the captive Comanche. 
 Stanlield had brought the animal, having left his own in ex 
 change. My new design was to mount the Indian horse, and 
 ride him boldly into the camp. In this consisted the whole of 
 my newly conceived scheme. Surely the idea was a good one 
 a slight alteration of my original plan. I had already under 
 taken to play the role of an ladian warrior, while within the 
 camp : it would only require me to begin the personation outside 
 the lines, and make my entree along with debut. There would be 
 more dramatic appropriates ;s, with a proportionate increase of 
 danger. But I did not jest thus. I had no thought of merri 
 ment at the time. The travesty I had undertaken was no bur 
 lesque. 
 
 The worst feature of the new scheme was the increased risk 
 of being brought in contact with the friends of the warrior of 
 the red-hand of being accosted by them, and of course expected 
 to make reply. How could I avoid meeting them one or more 
 of them ? If interrogated, how shun making answer ? I knew 
 a few words of the Comanche tongue, but not enough to hold a 
 conversation in it. Either my false accent or my voice would 
 betray me I True, I might answer in Spanish. Many. of the 
 Oomanches speak this language ; but my using it would appear 
 a suspicious circumstance. 
 
 There was another source of apprehension. I could not con 
 fide in the Indian horse. He had endeavored to fling Stan- 
 field all along the way, kicking violently, and biting at his rider 
 while seated upon his back. Should he behave in a similar 
 
 19 
 
34 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 manner with me while entering the camp, it would attract the at 
 tention of the Indians. It wonld lead to scrutiny and sciir 
 picion. 
 
 Still another fear, even should I succeed in the main points, it 
 entering the camp, finding the captive, and wresting her from 
 the hands of her jailers how after ? I could never depend 
 upon this capricious mustang to carry us clear of the pursuit 
 there would be others as swift, perhaps swifter than he, and we 
 should only be carried back to die. Oh ! that I could have 
 taken my own steed near to the lines of yonder guard oh 1 
 that I could have ridden him there. 
 
 It might not be ; I saw that it could not be, and I was 
 forced to abandon all thought of it. 
 
 I had well-nigh made up my mind to risk all the chances of 
 my assumed character, by mounting the Indian horse. To my 
 comrades I imparted the idea, and asked their counsel. 
 
 All regarded it as fraught with danger. One or two advised 
 me against it. They were those who did not understand my 
 motives who could not comprehend the sentiment of love 
 who knew not the courage which that noble passion may im 
 part. Little understood they how its emotions inspire to deeds 
 of daring how love absorbs all selfishness, even life becoming a 
 secondary consideration, when weighed against the happiness or 
 safety of its object. These men had never loved as I. I gave 
 no ear to their too prudent counsels. 
 
 Others acknowledged the danger, but saw not how I could 
 act differently. One or two of them had, in their lives' course, 
 experienced a touch of the tender feeling akin to mine. These 
 could appreciate ; and counselled me in consonance with my 
 half-formed resolution. I liked their counsel best. 
 
 One had not yet spoken one upon whose advice I placed a 
 higher value than upon the combined wisdom of all the others. 
 I bad not yet had the opinion of the earless trapper. 
 
 Oh, how I longed to hear him speak reflective vacuum 
 
RUBE CONSULTING HIS ORACLE. 435 
 
 bravo and sagacious Rube ! I felt as if his assent or dissent 
 would decide my wavering for his judgment was ever clear, 
 cool, and calculating all the chances of success, or danger of 
 defeat. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 
 
 RUBE CONSULTING HIS ORACLE. 
 
 HE was standing apart from the rest leaning I should rathev 
 say, for his body was not erect, but diagonal. In this attitude 
 it was propped by his rifle, the butt of which was steadied against 
 the stump of a tree, while the muzzle appeared to rest upon the 
 bridge of Rube's own nose. 
 
 As the man and the piece were about of a length, the two 
 thus placed in juxtaposition presented the exact figure of an 
 inverted Y, and the small close-capped skull of the trapper 
 formed a sufficiently tapering apex to the angle. Both hands 
 were clasped round the barrel near its muzzle, his fingers inter 
 locking while the thumbs lay flat, one upon each side of his n<>se, 
 
 At the first glance it was difficult to tell whether he was gaz 
 ing into the barrel of the piece, or beyond it upon the Indian 
 camp. 
 
 The attitude was not new to him, nor to rqys. It was no;, the 
 first time I had observed him in a posture precisely similar. I 
 knew it was his favorite pose, when any question of unusual 
 difficulty required all the energy of his " instincts." He was 
 now, as often of yore, consulting his "divinity," presumed to 
 dwell far down within the dark tube of " Targuts." 
 
 After a time all the others ceased to speak, and stood watch 
 ing him. They knew that no step would be taken before 
 Rube's advice had been received, and they waited with more O' 
 less patience for him to speak. 
 
436 THE WAR-TKAIL. 
 
 So true is it, that among no class of men is such deference 
 paid to sagacity and courage as among the trappers and hunters, 
 who are compelled to rely so much upon their " gifts r j? 
 " instincts," as they term them which is certainly a misnomer, 
 as they are not attained save by years of experience and study 
 in the school of woodcraft. 
 
 Full ten minutes passed, and still the old trapper neither 
 stirred nor spoke. Nor lip nor muscle of him was seen to move. 
 The eyes alone could be detected in motion, and these small 
 orbs, scintillating in their deep sockets, were the only, signs of 
 life which he showed. Standing rigid and still, he appeared not 
 a statue but a scarecrow propped up by a stick, and the long, 
 weather-washed rifle did not belie the resemblance. Full ten 
 minutes passed, and still he spoke not. His "oracle" had not 
 yet yielded its response. 
 
 I have said that at the first glance it was difficult to tell 
 whether the old man was gazing into the barrel of his gun or 
 beyond it. After watching him closely, I saw that he was doing 
 both. Now his eyes were a little raised, as if he looked upon 
 the plain, anon they were lowered, and evidently peering into 
 the hollow tube. He was drawing the data of his problem from 
 facts he was trusting to his divinity for the solution. 
 
 For a long time he kept up this singular process of conjura 
 tion, alternating his glances in equal distribution between the 
 hollow cylinder aud the small circle of vision that covered the 
 Indian camp. 
 
 The others began to grow impatient; all were interested ia 
 the result, and not without reason. Standing upon the limits 
 of a life-danger, it is not strange they should feel anxiety about 
 the issue. 
 
 So far, however, none had offered to interrupt or question 
 the queer old man. None dared. One or two of the party had 
 already had a taste of his quality when fretted or interfered 
 with, and no one desired to draw upon himself the sharp " talk ' 
 of the earless trapper. 
 
RUBE CONSULTING HIS ORACLE. 4:37 
 
 Garey at length approached, but not until Rube, with a 
 triumphant toss of his head and a scarcely audible " whoop " 
 from his thin lips, showed signs that the consultation had ended, 
 and that the "joss " who dwelt at the bottom of his rifle barrel, 
 had vouchsafed an answer! 
 
 I had watched him with the rest. I liked that expressive 
 Ditch of the head; I liked the low but momentous sibillation 
 that terminated the seance, between him and his familiar spirit. 
 They were signs that the knot was unravelled that the old 
 trapper had devised some possible plan, by which the Indian 
 camp might be entered. 
 
 Garey and I drew near, but not to question him. We under 
 stood him too well for that. We knew that he must be left free 
 to develop his purpose in his own time; and we left him free- 
 simply placing ourselves by his side. 
 
 "Wai, Billee!" he said, after drawing a long breath, "an* 
 yerself, young fellur, what d'ee both think o' this hyur bizness 
 Jooks ugly, don't it eh, boyees ?" 
 
 " Taint ugly," was Garey 's laconic answer. 
 
 " Tho't so meeself at first." 
 
 " Thar aint no plan o' fightin' into thar camp," said the young 
 trapper, in a desponding tone. 
 
 "The h thur aintl What greenhorn put thet idee inter 
 yur brain-pan, Bill ?" 
 
 " Wai, thar are a plan, but taint much o' a one. We've been 
 talkin' it over hyar." 
 
 "Le's hear it," responded Rube, with an exulting chuckle; 
 " le's hev it, boyee ! an' quick Bill, fur time's dodrotted pre 
 cious 'bout now. Wai ?" 
 
 "Its jest this, Rube, nyther less nor more the capt'in pro 
 poses to take the Injun's horse, and ride straight into thar camp." 
 
 " Strait custrut in do'ee ?" 
 
 " In course it ud be no use gwine about the bush they 
 kin see him a comin' from any side." 
 
4:38 THE WAB-TKAIL. 
 
 "I'll be durned ef they kin thet I'll be darned. Wagh! 
 they cudn't a see me thet they cudn't, ef every nigger o' 'em 
 hed the eyes o' an Argoose thet they cudn't, Billee." 
 
 " How ?" I inquired. " Do you mean to say that it is possi 
 ble for any one to appoach yonder camp without being 
 observed? Is that what you mean, Rube ?" 
 
 " That ur preezactly what I mean, young fellur; no, not 
 adzactly thet, eyther. One o' you I didn't say. What I said 
 wur thet this hyur trapper, Rube Rawlins o' the Rocky Moun 
 tains, kud slide inter yander campmint jest like greased lightnin' 
 through a gooseberry-bush, 'ithout e'er an Injun seein' 'im ; and 
 thet too ef the red skinned varmints hed more eyes in thui 
 heads than they hev lice; which, accordin' to this child's recknin', 
 ud give ivery squaw's son o' the gang as miny peepers as thur 
 ur spots in a peacock's tail, an' a wheen over to breed, I kalker- 
 late. No plan to git inter thur camp 'ithout bein' seed! 
 Wagh ! yur gettin' green, Bill Garey." 
 
 " How can it be accomplished, Rube ? Pray explain. You 
 know how impatient " 
 
 " Don't git impayshent, young fellur 1 thet ur's no use whet- 
 somdever. Yu'll need payshinse, an' a good grist o' thet ur, 
 afore ye kin warm yur shins at yander fires; but ee kin do it, 
 an' in the nick o' time too, ef yu'll go preezactly accordin' to 
 what ole Rube tells ye, an' keep yur eye well skinned, an' yur 
 teeth from chatterin' I knows yu'll do all thet. I knows yur 
 weasel to the back o' yur neck, an' kin whip yur weight in wildcats 
 any day i' the year. Now, d'yur agree to follur my dereckshuns ?" 
 
 " I promise faithfully to act according to your advice." 
 
 " Thet ur sensible sayed durnation'd sensible. Wai, then, 
 I'll gi' ye my device." 
 
 As Rube said this, he moved forward to the edge of the tim 
 ber, making a sign for Garey and myself to follow. 
 
 On reaching its outer edge, but still within cover, he dropped 
 down upoa. his knees, behind some evergreen bushes. 
 
J imitated his example, and kneeling upon his right, while 
 Garey crouched down on the left. 
 
 Our eyes were directed upon the Indian camp, of which, and 
 the plain around it, we had a good view as good as could be 
 obtained under the light of a too brilliant moon. 
 
 After we had surveyed the scene for some moments in silence, 
 .he old trapper condescended to begin the conversation. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXXIX. 
 
 THE TRAPPER'S COUNSEL. 
 
 Bill Garey, an 7 you young fellur, jest clap yer eyes on 
 thet ere campmint, an 7 see ef tbur aint a road lead in' inter the 
 very heart o' it, strait as the tail o' a skeert fox ? ce see it ? 
 eh?" 
 
 "Not under kiver?" replied Garey, interrogatively. 
 
 " Under kiver every step o' the way the best o' kiver." 
 
 Garey and I once more scrutinized the whole circumference 
 of the encampment, and the ground adjacent. We could per 
 ceive no cover by which the camp could be approached. Surely 
 there was none. 
 
 What could Rube mean? Were there clouds in the sky? 
 Had he perceived some portent of coming darkness ? Had his 
 words reference to this ? 
 
 I raised my eyes, and swept the whole canopy with inquiring 
 glances Up to the zenith, around the horizon, east, we&i, 
 north, and south, I looked for clouds, but looked in vain. A 
 few light cirri floated high in the atmosphere, but these, even 
 when crossing the moon's disc, cast no. perceptible shadow. On 
 the contrary, they were tokens of settled weather, and moving 
 slowly, almost fixed upon the face of the heavens, were evidence 
 that no sudden change might be expected. When the trapper 
 
440 THE WAE-TRAIL. 
 
 talked of entering the camp under cover, he could not have 
 meant under cover of darkness. What then ? 
 
 " Don't see any kiver, old boss ?" said Garey, after a pause ; 
 " neyther bush nor weed." 
 
 "Bush!" echoed Rube, "who's talking about weeds and 
 bushes ? There's other ways o' hidin' yur karkidge 'sides stick- 
 in' it in a bush or under a weed. Your a gettiu' durnation'd 
 pumpkin-headed, Bill Garey. I 'gin to think yur in the same 
 perdicament as the young fellur hisself. You've been a humbug- 
 gin' wr' one o' them ur Mexican Moochachers." 
 
 " No, Rube, no." ^ 
 
 " Duru me ef I don't bleeve you hfe 1 , boy. I heern ye tell 
 one o' 'em " 
 
 " What ?" 
 
 " Wagh ! ye know well enough. Didn't 'ee tell one o' thur 
 gurls at the rancherie that ye loved her as hard as a mule kud 
 kick sartintly ye did ; them wur your preezact words, Biliie." 
 
 " I was only jokin', hoss." 
 
 " Pretty jokin' that will be, when I gits back to Bent's fort, 
 an' tell yur Coco squaw he he he ho ho ho ! Gee 
 hosophat ! thur will be a rumpus." 
 
 " Nonsense, Rube, thar's nothen ov it." 
 
 " Thar must a be yur brain pan's out o' order Bill, ye haint 
 hed a clur idee for nine days back. Bushes and weeds too. 
 Wagh ! Who sayed thur wur bushes. Whar's yur eyes ? d'ye 
 see a bank ?" 
 
 " A bank ?" echoed Garey and I, simultaneously. 
 
 " Ye-es," drawled Rube, " a bank. I guess there's a bank, 
 right afore yur noses, ef both o' you aint as blind as the kittens 
 o' a possum. Now, do *ee see it ?" 
 
 Neither of us made reply to the final interrogatory. For the 
 5rst time, we began to comprehend Rube's meaning, and our 
 eyes as well as thoughts were suddenly directed upon the object 
 indicated by his words the bank of the stream for to this he 
 referred. 
 
I have stated that the little river ran close to the Indian 
 lines, and on one side formed the boundary of the camp. 
 
 We could tell that the current was towards us ; for the 
 stream, on reaching the hill upon which we were, turned sharply 
 off and swept round its base. The Indian camp was on the left 
 bank, though upon its right, when viewed up stream, as we were 
 regarding it. Any one proceeding up the left bank must, there 
 fore, necessarily pass within the lines, and through among the 
 horses that were staked nearest to the water. 
 
 It need riot be supposed that under our new scrutiny the 
 stream had hitherto escaped observation. I myself had long 
 ago thought of it, as a means of covering my approach. Time 
 after time had my eyes dwelt upon it, but without result. In 
 its channel I could perceive no shelter from observation. Its 
 banks were low, and without either rush or bush upon them 
 The green turf of the prairie stretched up to the very brink, 
 and scarce twelve inches below its level was the surface of the 
 current. This was especially the case along the front of the 
 encampment, and for some distance above and below. 
 
 Any one endeavoring to enter the camp by stealing up the 
 channel, must have gone completely under the water for even 
 a swimmer could have been observed upon its surface. Or even 
 if a man could have approached in this way, there was no hope 
 that a horse could be taken near, and without the horse, what 
 prospect of ultimate escape ? 
 
 It had seemed to me impossible. More than once had I taken 
 into consideration, and as often rejected the idea. Not so 
 Rube. It was the very scheme he had conceived, and he no^ 
 Voceeded to point out its practicability. 
 
 11 Now, then, 'ee see a bank, do 'ee ?" 
 
 " Taint much o' a bank," replied Garey, rather discouVagingly. 
 
 " Xo taint as high as Missoora Bluffs, nor the blluffs o 
 Snake River that nob'dy durnies but ef taint as high as i\ 
 mout be, it ur ivery minnit a-gettin higher, I reck'u." 
 
 19* 
 
442 1HE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 " Getting higher, you say ?" 
 
 "Ye-es, or what ur putty consid'able the same thing, thi 
 tother ur a gettin' lower." 
 
 " The water, you mean ?" 
 
 11 The water ur a falliri' gwine down by inches at a jump, 
 an in a hour from this, thur'll be bluffs in front o' the camp, 
 helf a yard high thet's what thur'll be." 
 
 " And you think I could get into the camp by creeping 
 under there ?" 
 
 " Sure o't ; whet's to hiuner ye ? it ur as easy as fallin' off a 
 log" 
 
 " But the horse how could I bring him near ?" 
 
 " Jest the same way as yurself. I tell yur, the bed o' that 
 river ur deep enuf to hide the biggest hoss in creeashun. 'T ur 
 now full for the reezun there's been a fresh in consykwince o' 
 last night's rain ; 'ee needn't mind thet the hoss kin wade or 
 swim eythur, an' the bank '11 kiver 'im from the eyes o' the Injuns. 
 You kin leave him in the river." 
 
 " In the water ?" 
 
 " In coorse yur hoss '11 stand thur an' ef he don't, you kin 
 tie his nose to the bank. You kin take 'im as near as you please, 
 but don't go too far to wind'rd, else them mustangs '11 smell 
 'im, and then it ur all up both wi' yurself an' yur hoss. About 
 two hundred yurds '11 be yur likliest distance. Ef yur git the 
 gurl clur ye kin easy run that, I reckin ; jest start for the hosss, 
 an' when yur mounted, gallip like durnation up hyur for the 
 timmer, whur we'll be cached, an' then, durned ef the red skins 
 don't git goss out o' our rifles wagh ! thet's the- way tur do 
 the thing it ur." 
 
 Certainly the plan appeared practicable enough. The sinking 
 of the water was a new element. It had escaped my observa 
 tion, though Rube had noted it. It was this that hac 1 delayed 
 him so long in giving his opinion. He had been watching it 
 while leaning upon his rifle, though none of the rest of us had 
 
TAKING TO THE WATER. 443 
 
 thought of such a thing. He remembered the heavy rain of tho 
 night before. He saw that it had caused a freshet in the little 
 river, that its subsidence had begun, and as in most prairie 
 streams, it was progressing with rapidity. His keen eye 
 *iad detected a fall of several inches during ihe half hour we 
 lad been upon the ground. I could myself observe, now that 
 the thing was pointed out to me that the banks were higher 
 f ,han before. 
 
 Certainly the plan of approaching by the stream had assumed 
 a more feasible aspect. If the channel should prove deep 
 enough, I might get the horse sufficiently near the rest would 
 have to be left to stratagem and chance. 
 
 " Yur ridin' ic vhe Injuu hoss," said Rube, " would never do 
 it mout on the ^o-st pinch, an' ef ye don't git in the tother 
 way, you kin still try ; i ; but you cu'd niver git acrosst through 
 the picket; them mustang? \d be sure to raise sich a snortin' and 
 stonapin', an' whigerin' as> 'ud bring the hul campraeiit about 
 ye, and some o' the sharp eyed niggurs ; ud be sartin to find out 
 yur hide wur white. Tother way ur fur the safest it ur." 
 
 I was not long in making up my mind. Rube's counsel at 
 once decided me, and I resolved to act accordingly. 
 
 CHAPTER XC. 
 
 TAKING TO THE W A T; E R . 
 
 I SPENT but little time in preparatioas. These had been made 
 already. 
 
 It remained only to tighten my saddle girth, look to the caps 
 of my revolvers, and place both pistols and knife in the belt 
 behind my back. There the weapons would be concealed by the 
 pendent robe of the jaguar skins. In a few minutes I was ready 
 
 I still loitered awhile, to wait for the falling of the water 
 
4:44 THE WAK-TEAIL. 
 
 Not long I was too anxious to tarry long. The hour of tha 
 council might be come I might be too late for the crisis. Not 
 long did I loiter. 
 
 It was not necessary. Even by the moonlight we could dis 
 tinguish the dark line of the bank separating the grassy turf 
 from the surface of the water. The rippling current was shining 
 like silver-lace, and by contrast, the dark earthy stripe that 
 roge vertically above it, could be observed more distinctly. It 
 was sensibly broader. 
 
 I could wait no longer. I leaped into the saddle. My com 
 rades crowded around me to say a parting word. With a wish 
 or a prayer upon their lips, one after another pressed my hand. 
 Some doubted of their ever seeing me again I could tell this 
 from the tone of their leave-taking ; others were more confident. 
 All vowed to revenge me if I fell. 
 
 Rube and Garey went with me down the hill. At the point 
 where the stream infringed upon it there were bushes. These 
 continued up the declivity, and joined the timber upon the sum 
 mit. Under their cover we had descended, reaching the bank 
 just at the salient angle of the bend. A thin skirting of similar 
 bushes ran around the base of the hill, and following the path 
 by which we had come, the ambuscade might have been moved 
 a little nearer to the camp. But the cover was not so good as 
 the grove upon the summit, and in case of a retreat, it would be 
 necessary to gallop up the naked face of the slope, and thus 
 expose cur numbers. It was decided, therefore, to leave the 
 men where they were. 
 
 From the bend to the Indian camp the river trended almost in 
 a straight line, and its long reach lay before my eyes like a band 
 of shining metal. Along its bank the bush extended no further, 
 A single step towards the camp would have exposed me to the 
 view of its occupants. 
 
 At this point, therefore, it was necessary for me to take the 
 water, and dismounting, I made ready for the immersion. 
 
TAKING TO THE WATER. 145 
 
 The trappers had spoken their last words of instruction and 
 counsel. They had both grasped my hand, giving it a siguifica.it 
 squeeze that promised more than words : but to these too had 
 they given utterance. 
 
 " Don't be afeard, capt'n !" said the younger ; " Rube and I 
 won't be far off. If we hear your pistols, we'll make a rush 
 tor'st you, and meet you half way anyhow ; and if anything 
 should happen amiss" here Garey spoke with emphasis "you 
 may depend on't, we'll take a bloody revenge." 
 
 " Ye-es," echoed Rube, " we'll do jest thet thur'll be many a 
 nick in Targuts afore next Krissmuss, ef you ur rubbed out, 
 young fellur that I swear to ye but don't be skeeart ! Keep 
 yur eyes sharp skinned, an' your claws steady, an' thur's no feer 
 but you'll get clur oncest yur clur o' the camp, 'ee may 
 reckon on us but start for the timmer, an' gallop as ef olo 
 scratch wur a gruppin at the tail o' yur critter." 
 
 I waited to hear no more, but leading Moro down the bank 
 at a place where it sloped, I stepped gently into the current. 
 My well-trained steed followed without hesitation, and in another 
 instant we were both breast deep in the flood. The water was 
 just the depth I desired. There was a half yard of bank that 
 rose vertically above the surface, and this was .sufficient , to 
 shelter either my own head as I stood erect, or the frontlet of 
 ray horse. Should the channel continue of uniform depth as far 
 as the camp, the approach would be easy indeed, and, for certain, 
 hydrographic reasons, I was in hopes it would. 
 
 The plumes of the Indian bonnet rose above the level of 
 the meadow turf; and as these feathers, dyed of gay colors, 
 would have formed a conspicuous object, I took off the gaudy 
 head-dress and carried it in my hand. I also raised the robe of 
 jaguar skin over my shoulders, in order to keep it dry, and for the 
 same reason I temporarily carried my pistols above the water-line 
 
 The making of these slight alterations occupied only a minute 
 or so, and as soon as they were . completed, I moved forward 
 
 
 
44:6 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 through the water. The very depth of the stream proved a cir 
 cumstance in my favor. In wading, both horse and man make 
 less noise in deep than in shallow water, and this was an 
 important consideration. The night was still too still for iny 
 wishes and the plunging sound would have been heard afar oft', 
 but fortunately, there were rapids below, just where the stream 
 forced its way through the spur of the hill, and the hissing sough 
 there, louder in the still night, was borne upon the air to the 
 distance of many miles. Their noise to my own ears almost 
 drowned the plashing made by Moro and myself. I had noted 
 this point cPavantage, before embarking upon the enterprize. 
 
 At the distance of two hundred yards from the bushes, I 
 paused to look back. My purpose was to fix in my memory the 
 direction of the hill, and more especially the point where my 
 comrades had been left in ambush. In the event of a close 
 pursuit, it would not do to mistake their exact situation. 
 
 I easily made out the place, and saw that, for several reasons, 
 a better could not have been chosen. The trees that timbered 
 the crest of the hill were of a peculiar kind, more so upon 
 the face of the earth. They were a species of arborescent 
 yucca, then unknown to botanists. Many of them were forty 
 feet in height, and their thick angular branches and terminal 
 fascicles of rigid leaves, outlined against the sky, formed a singu 
 lar, almost an unearthly spectacle. It was unlike any other 
 vegetation upon earth, more resembling a grove of cast iron than 
 a wood of exogenous trees. 
 
 Why I regarded the spot as favorable for an ambush, was 
 chiefly this : a party approaching it from the plain, and climb 
 ing the hill, might fancy a host of enemies in their front, for the 
 trees themselves, with their heads of radiating blades, bore a 
 itriking resemblance to an array of plumed gigantic warriors. 
 Many of the yuccas were only six feet in height, with tufted 
 heads and branchless trunks as gross as the body of a man, and 
 these might readily have been mistaken for human beings. 
 
TJP STREAM. 44:7 
 
 I saw at a glance the advantage of the position, should the 
 Indians pursue me, and I could succeed in reaching the timber 
 before them. A volley from my comrades would check the 
 pursuers, however numerous. The nine rifles would be enough, 
 with a few shots from the revolvers. The ravages would fancy 
 nine hundred under the mystifying shadows of that spectral-like 
 grove. 
 
 With confidence, strengthened by these considerations, I once 
 more turned my face up stream, and breasting the current, 
 kept on. 
 
 CHAPTER XCI. 
 
 UP STREAM. 
 
 MY advance was far from being rapid. The water was occa 
 sionally deeper or shallower, but generally rising above my hips, 
 deep enough to render wading a task of time and strength. The 
 current was of course against me, and though not very swift, 
 seriously impeded my progress. I could have advanced more 
 rapidly, but for the necessity of keeping my head and that of my 
 horse below the escarpment of the bank. At times it was a 
 close fit, with scarce an inch to spare, and in several places 1 
 was compelled to move with my back bent, and my horse's 
 nose was held down to the surface of the water. 
 
 At intervals I paused to rest myself, for the exertion of wading 
 against the current wearied me, and took away my breath. This 
 was particularly the case when I was required to crouch, but I 
 chose my resting-place where the channel was deepest, and where 
 ] could stand erect. 
 
 I was all the time anxious to look up and take a survey of 
 the camp. I wished to ascertain its distance and position ; but 
 I dared not raise my head above the level of the bank. The 
 
44:8 THE WAR-TKAIL, 
 
 sward that covered it was smooth as a mowb meadow, and the 
 edge line of the turf even and unbroken. Had I shown but my 
 hand above it, it might have been seen in the clear white light. 
 T dared not show either the hand or head. 
 
 I had advanced I know not how far, but I fancied I must be 
 near the lines. All the way I had kept close under the left 
 bank, which, as Rube had predicted, now rose a full half yard 
 above the water's line. This was a favorable circumstance, and 
 another equally so was the fact that the moon on that the 
 eastern side was yet low in the sky, and consequently the bank 
 flung a broad black shadow that extended nearly half way across 
 the stream. In this shadow I walked ; and its friendly darkness 
 sheltered both myself and my horse. 
 
 I fancied I must be near the lines, and longed to reconnoitre 
 them, but for the reason already given, dare not. 
 
 I was equally afraid to make any further advance ; for that 
 would be still more perilous. I had already noted the direction 
 of the wind. It blew from the river, and towards the camp ; 
 and should I bring my horse opposite the line of the mustangs, 
 I would then be directly to windward of them, and in danger 
 from their keen nostril. They would be almost curtain to take 
 up the scent of my steed, and utter their warning snorts. The 
 breeze was light, but so much the worse. There was sufficient 
 to convey the smell, and not enough to drown the plunging 
 noise necessarily made by my horse moving through the water, 
 with the hollow pounding of his hoofs upon the rocks at the 
 bottom. 
 
 If I raised my head over the bank, there was the danger of 
 being observed ; if I advanced, the prospect was one of still 
 greater peril. 
 
 For some moments I stood hesitating uncertain as to whe 
 ther I should leave my horse, or lead him a little further. I 
 heard noises from the camp, but they were not distinct enough 
 to guide. 
 
UP BTKEAM. 449 
 
 I looked back down the river with the hope of being able to 
 calculate the distance I had come, and by that means decide 
 where I was. But my observations furnished no data by which 
 I could determine my position. With iny eyes almost on a level 
 with the surface of the water, I could not judge satisfactorily of 
 distance. 
 
 I turned my face up-stream and again, scrutinized the parapet 
 line of the bank. Just then I saw an object over the edge, that 
 answered well to guide me. It was the croup and hip bones of 
 a horse one of the mustangs staked near the bank. I saw 
 neither the head nor shoulders of the animal. Its hind quarters 
 were towards the stream. Its head was to the grass it was 
 browsing. 
 
 The sight gratified me : the mustang was full two hundred 
 yards above the point I had reached. I knew that its position 
 marked the outer line of the encampment. I was just in the 
 place where I wanted to be about two hundred yards from 
 their lines just at the distance I desired to leave my horse. 
 
 I had taken the precaution to bring with me my picket pin 
 one of the essentials of the prairie traveller. It was the work 
 of a moment to delve it into the bank. I needed not to drive ir 
 with violence : my well-trained steed never broke fastening, how 
 ever slight. With him the stake was only a sign that he was 
 not free to wander. 
 
 In a moment he was staked ; and with a " whisper " I parted 
 from him ; and kept on up-stream. 
 
 I had not gone a dozen yards further, when I perceived a 
 break in the line of the bank. It was a little " gulley," that led 
 slanting from the level of the prairie down to the bed of the 
 stream. Its counterpart I perceived on the opposite side. The 
 two indicated a ford or crossing, used by buffaloes, wild horses, 
 and other denizens of the prairie. 
 
 At first I viewed it with apprehension. I feared it might un 
 cover my body to the eyes of the enemy, but on coming opposite 
 
1:50 THE WAR-TKAJL. 
 
 my fears were allayed. The slope was abrupt, and the high 
 ground screened me as before. There would be no danger in 
 passing the place. 
 
 As I was about moving on, an idea arrested me ; and I paused 
 to regard the gulley with a look of greater interest. It offered 
 me an advantage. 
 
 I had been troubled about the position in which I had left my 
 horse. Should I succeed in getting back, of course it would be 
 under the pressure of hot pursuit, and my steed was not conve 
 niently placed. His back was below the level of the bank. He 
 might easily be mounted, but how got out of the bed of the 
 stream. Only by a desperate leap might he reach the plain 
 above, and he might fail in the effort time might be lost, when 
 time and speed would be most wanted. 
 
 I had been troubled with this thought. It need trouble ma 
 no longer. The "crossing" afforded easy access either to or 
 from the channel of the river the very thing I wanted. 
 
 I was not slow to profit by the discovery. I turned back, 
 and having released the rein, led my horse gently up to the 
 break. 
 
 Choosing a spot under the highest part of the bank, I fasten 
 ed him as before, and there left him. 
 
 I now moved with more ease and confidence, but with in 
 creased caution. I was getting too near to risk making the 
 slightest noise in the water. A single plash might betray me. 
 
 It was my intention to keep in the channel until I had passed 
 the point where the horses were staked. By so doing I should 
 avoid crossing the line of the horse-guards, and what was quite 
 as important, that of the horses themselves, for I was equally 
 apprehensive of being discovered by the latter. Once inside 
 their circle, they would take no notice of me, for, doubtless, 
 there would be other Indians within sight, and I trusted to my 
 well counterfeited semblance of savagery to deceive tiie eyes of 
 t^e equine sentinels. 
 
UP STREAM. 451 
 
 1 did not wish to go far beyond their line. That would bring 
 ft*- in front of the camp itself, too near its fires and its idle 
 groups. 
 
 I had noticed before starting, that there was a broad belt be 
 tween the place occupied by the men, and that where their 
 horses were staked. This "neutral" ground was little used 
 by the camp-loungers, and somewhere on the edge of it I was 
 desirous of making my entree. 
 
 I succeeded to my utmost wishes. Closely hugging the bank, 
 I passed the browsing mustangs ; under their very noses I 
 glided past, for I could hear them munching the herbage right 
 over me, but so silently did I steal along, that neither snort nor 
 hoof-stroke heralded my advance. 
 
 In a few minutes I was sufficiently beyond them to make a 
 halt. I raised my head slowly and gently I raised it till my 
 eyes were above the level of the prairie slope. No one was 
 near. I could see the swarth savages grouped around their 
 fires, but they were an hundred yards off, or more. They were 
 capering and talking and laughing ; but no ear was bent, and 
 no eye seemed turned towards me. No one was near. 
 
 I grasped the bank with my hands, and drew myself out. 
 Slowly and silently I ascended, like some demon from the dark 
 trap-door of a stage, on my knees I reached the level of the 
 turf, and then gently rising to my feet, I stood erect within the 
 limits of the Indian camp, to all appearance as complete a 
 Ravage as any upon the ground ! 
 
4:52 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 , CHAPTER XCII. 
 
 COUP D'CEIL OF THE CAMP. 
 
 FOR some minutes I stood motionless as a statue. I stirred 
 neither hand nor foot, lest. the movement should catch the eye, 
 either of the horse-guards or those moving around the fires. I 
 had already donned by plumed head-dress before climbing out of 
 the channel. My first thought was to replace my pistols in the 
 belt behind my back. The movement was stealthily made; and 
 with like stealthy action, I suffered the mantle of jaguar-skins 
 to drop from my shoulders, and hang to its full length. I had 
 saved the robe from getting wet, and its ample skirt now served 
 me in concealing my soaked breech-cloth, as well as the upper 
 half of my leggings. These and the moccasins were, of course, 
 saturated with water, but I had not much uneasiness about that. 
 In a prairie camp, and upon the banks of a deep stream, an 
 Indian with wet leggings could not be a spectacle to excite sus 
 picion. There would be many reasons why my counterpart 
 might choose to immerse his copper-colored extremities in the 
 river. Moreover, the buckskin, dressed Indian-fashion, was 
 speedily casting the water; it would soon drip dry, or, even if 
 wet, would scarce be observed under such a light. 
 
 The spot where I had "landed," chanced to be one of the 
 least conspicuous in the whole area of the camp. I was just 
 between two lights the red glare of the camp-fires and the 
 mellower beams of the moon ; and the atmospheric confusion 
 occasioned by the meeting of the distinct kinds of light favored 
 me, by producing a species of optical illusion. It was but slight, 
 and I could easily be seen from the centre of the camp, but not 
 with sufficient distinctness for my disguise to be penetrated by 
 
4:53 
 
 any one. Therefore, it was hardly probable that any of the 
 savages would approach, or trouble their heads about me. I 
 might pass for one of themselves indulging in a solitary saunter, 
 yielding himself to a moment of abstraction or melancholy. I 
 was well enough acquainted with Indian life to know that there 
 was nothing outre or unlikely in this behavior. Such conduct 
 was perfectly en regie. 
 
 1 did not remain long on that spot only long enough to 
 catch the salient features of the scene. I saw there were many 
 fires, and around each was grouped a number of human forms 
 some squatted, some standing. The night was cold enough to 
 make them draw near to the burning logs, and for this reason 
 but few were wandering about a fortunate circumstance for me. 
 
 There was one fire larger than the rest. From its dimensions 
 it might be termed a bonfire, such as is made by the flattering 
 gnd fluukeyish peasanty of Old World lands when they welcome 
 home the squire and the count. It was placed directly in front 
 of the solitary tent, and not a dozen paces from its entrance. 
 Its blazing pile gave forth a flood of red light that reached even 
 to the spot where I stood, and flickered in my face. I even 
 fancied I could feel its warmth upon my cheeks. 
 
 Around this fire were many forms of men, all of them stand 
 ing up. I could see the faces of those who were upon its far 
 ther side, but only the figures of those on the nearer. The for 
 mer I could see with almost as much distinctness as if I had 
 been close beside them. I could trace the lineaments of their 
 features the painted devices on their breasts and faces the 
 style of their habiliments. 
 
 The sight of these last somewhat astonished me. I had 
 expected to see red-skinned warriors, in leggings, moccasins, 
 and breech-cloth with heads naked or plumed, and shoulders 
 draped under brown robes of buffalo-skin. Some such there 
 were, but not all of them were so costumed, On the contrary, 
 I beheld savages shrouded in scrapes and cloaks of broadcloth, 
 
4:54: THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 with calzoneros on their legs, and upon their heads huge hats of 
 black glaze regular Mexican sombreros ! In short, I beheld 
 numbers of them in full Mexican costume 1 
 
 Others again were dressed somewhat in a military fashion, 
 with helmets or stiff shakos, ill-fitting uniform coats of red or 
 blue cloth, oddly contrasting with the brown buckskin that 
 covered their legs and feet. 
 
 With some astonishment I beheld these " fancy dresses," but 
 my surprise passed away when I reflected as to who were the 
 men before me, and whence they had lately come where they 
 had been, and on what errand. It was no travesty, but a scene 
 of actual life. The savages were clad in the spoils they had 
 captured from civilization. 
 
 I need not have been at such pains with my toilette. Under 
 any guise I could scarce have looked odd in the midst of such a 
 motley crew. Even my own uniform might have passed muster 
 all except the color of my skin. 
 
 Fortunately, a few of the band still preserved their native 
 costume a few appeared in full paint and plumes, else I should 
 have been too Indian for such a company ! 
 
 It cost not a minute to note these peculiarities, nor did I 
 stay to observe them minutely. My eyes were in search of 
 Isolina, 
 
 I cast inquiring glances on all sides. I scrutinized the groups 
 around the different fires. I saw other women, whom I knew to 
 be captives, but I saw not her. 
 
 I scanned their forms, and the faces of those who were turned 
 towards me. A glance would have been enough. I could 
 easily have recognized her face under the fire light under any 
 light. It was not before me. 
 
 " In the tent in the tent. She must be there." 
 
 I hastened to move away from the spot where I had hitherto 
 been standing. My eye, quickened by the necessity of action, 
 had fallen upon the copse that covered the entire background of 
 
A FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER. 455 
 
 tne camp. At a glance I detected the advantage offered by its 
 shadowy cover. 
 
 The tent was placed close to the edge of the timber ; and in 
 front of the tent, as already stated, was the great fire. Plainly, 
 this was the gravitating point the centre of motive and motion. 
 
 If aught of interest was to be enacted, there would lie the 
 scene. In the lodge, or near it, would she be found. Certainly 
 she must be there ; and there I resolved to seek her. 
 
 CHAPTER XCIIL 
 
 A FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER. 
 
 JUST then the shrill voice of a crier pealed through the camp, 
 and I observed an unusual movement. I could not make out 
 what the man said, but the peculiar intonation told that he was 
 uttering some signal or summons. Something of interest was 
 about to transpire. 
 
 The Indians now commenced circling around the blazing pile, 
 meeting and passing each other, as if threading the mazes of 
 some silent, and solemn dance. Others were seen hastening 
 from distant parts of the camp, as if to observe the actions of 
 those around the fire ; or join with them in the movement. 
 
 I did not wait to watch them. Their attention thus occu 
 pied gave me an opportunity of reaching the copse unobserved, 
 and without further ado, I started towards it. 
 
 I walked slowly, and with an assumed air of careless indiffer 
 ence. I counterfeited the Comanche walk not that bold, free 
 port, the magnificent and inimitable stride, so characteristic of 
 Chippewa and Shawano, Huron, and Iraquois but the shuffling, 
 gingery step of an English jockey, for such in reality is the 
 of the Comanche Indian, when a-foot. 
 
4:56 THE WAIf-TKAIL. 
 
 I must have played my part well. A savage crossing from 
 the horse-guards towards the great fire passed near me, and 
 hailed me by name. 
 
 " Wakono /" cried he. 
 
 " Que cosa ? Well what matter ?" I replied in Spanish, 
 imitating as well as I could the Indian voice and accent. It 
 was a venture, but I was taken at a .short, and could not well 
 remain silent. 
 
 The man appeared some little surprised at being addressed 
 in the language of Mexico. Nevertheless, he understood it, and 
 made rejoinder. 
 
 " You hear the summons, Wakono ? Why do you not 
 come forward ? The council meets. Hissooroyo is already 
 there." 
 
 I understood what was said, more from the Indians gestures 
 than his speech, though the words "summons," "council," and 
 the name " Hisscoroyo " helped nie to comprehend his meaning. 
 I chanced to know the Comanche epithet for the two first, and 
 also that Hissooroyo (the Spanish wolf) was the Indian appella 
 tion of the Mexican renegade. 
 
 Though I understood what was said, I was not prepared "vith 
 a reply. I dared not risk the answer in Spanish, for I knew net 
 the extent of Wakono's proficiency in the Andalusian tongue. 
 
 I felt myself in a dilemma, and the importunate savage no 
 doubt some friend of Wakono himself appeared determined to 
 stick to me. How was I to get rid of him ? 
 
 A happy idea came to my relief. Assuming an air of ex 
 treme dignity, arid as though I did not wish to be disturbed IL 
 my meditations, I raised my hand and waved the man a parting 
 salute. At the same time, I turned my head and walked slowly 
 away. 
 
 The Indian accepted the conge, and moved off, but evidently 
 with an air of reluctance. As I glanced back over my shoulder, 
 I could see him starting from the spot with a hesitating step, 
 
A FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER. 457 
 
 no doubt somewhat astonished ao the straiige behavior of Ins 
 friend Wakono. 
 
 I did not look back again, until I had placed myself under 
 the shadow of the timber. Then I turned to reconnoitre. My 
 friend had continued on to the fire. I saw him just entering 
 among the crowd that circled around the great fire. 
 
 Screened from observation by the shadow, 1 could now pause 
 and reflect. The trifling incident that had caused me some 
 apprehension, had also helped me to some useful knowledge. 
 First, I learned my own name. Second, that there was a coun 
 cil about to take place and thirdly, that the renegade, Hissoo- 
 royo, had something to do with this council. 
 
 This was knowledge of importance ; combined with my pre 
 vious information, everything was now made clear. This council 
 could be no other than the jury- trial between the renegade and 
 the yet nameless chief ; the same that was to decide to which 
 belonged the right of property in my betrothed. 
 
 It was about to meet it had not assembled as yet. Then 
 had I arrived in time ; neither white savage or red savage had 
 yet come into possession neither had dared to lay hands on 
 the coveted and priceless gem. 
 
 Isolina was still safe thus singularly preserved from brutal 
 contact. These dogs in the manger, their mutual jealousy, had 
 proved her protection ! I was consoled by the thought strange 
 source of consolation ! 
 
 I was in time, but where was she ? From my new position, 
 I had a still better view of the camp, its fires, and its denizens 
 she was nowhere to be seen ! 
 
 In the lodge then she must certainly be there or a new 
 thought occurred to me she may be kept apart from the other 
 captives ? in the copse she may be concealed in the copse 
 until the sentence be pronounced ? 
 
 This last conjecture brought along with it hopes and resolves. 
 [ determined to search the copse. If I should find her there 
 
 ao 
 
458 THE WAE-TBAIL. 
 
 my emprise would be easy indeed ; at all events, easier than 1 
 hsd anticipated. Though guarded by the savages, I should 
 rescue her from their grasp. The lives of six men perhaps 
 twice that number were under my belt. The odds of unarmed 
 numbers would be nothing against the deadly bullets of my 
 revolvers, and I saw that most of the savages had laid aside 
 their weapons, confident in the security of their camp. 
 
 But I might find her alone, or perhaps with a single jailor. 
 The meeting of the council favored the supposition. The men 
 would all be there some to take part, others interested in 
 the result, or merely from curiosity to watch the proceedings. 
 Yes, all of them would have an interest in the issue too surely, 
 ull. The barbarous custom of these savage brutes at that mo 
 ment came to my remembrance. 
 
 I stayed no longer to reflect, but gliding into the grove, corn- 
 *-*nced my search for the captive. 
 
 , The ground was favorable to my progress. There was not 
 auch underwood, and the trees grew thinly. I could easily 
 pass amongst them without the necessity of crouching, and 
 without making noise. The silent tread of the moccasin was in 
 my favor, as also the dark foliage that stretched overhead, hid 
 ing the sky from my view. 
 
 The chief timber of the copse was the pecan-hickory almost 
 an evergreen and the trees were still in full leaf, only here 
 and there, where the trunks stood far apart, did the moonbeams 
 strike through the thick foliage. 
 
 The surface of the ground was shrouded from her light, and 
 the narrow aisles through which I passed were as dark as if no 
 moon had been shining. 
 
 There was still light enough to reveal some horrid scenes. 
 Heavens I my heart bleeds at the remembrance. 
 
 I was wrong in my conjecture. The men had not all gone 
 to the council ; the captive women were not all by the camp- 
 fires. I beheld passion in its most brutal form red ruffians 
 
" A FKIENDLY ENCOUNTEE. 45 U 
 
 lolling in. the bush beside their helpless victims women fair, 
 white women, with drooping heads and listless air, wounded, dis- 
 shevelled, weeping ! O Heaven ! My heart recoils at the 
 remembrance ! 
 
 It recoiled at the sight it burned with indignation. At 
 every turn did it prompt me to draw knife or pistol. At every 
 step my fingers itched to immolate a hideous paint-besmeared 
 brute to slay a " noble " savage. 
 
 I was restrained only by my own desperate situation by my 
 apprehensions for the safety of Isolina now more acute than 
 ever. What horrid imaginings crowded into my brain begot by 
 the barbarous drama that was being enacted around me, shame 
 lessly before my face under my very eyes. 
 
 The monsters too earnestly occupied with their coarse 
 caresses, took no heed of me ; and I passed on without remark 
 or interruption. 
 
 I threaded the pathways of the grove one after another 
 gliding through as rapidly as the path would permit. I entered 
 every aisle and glade. I searched everywhere, even to the 
 farthest limits of the woods. I saw more men more weeping 
 women more red ruffianism. I saw naught of her for whom 
 I searched. 
 
 " In the tent, then she must be there." 
 
 I turned my face towards the lodge, and moving with stealthy 
 step, soon arrived among the trees that stood in the rear. I 
 halted near the edge, and separating the leaves with my hands 
 peered cautiously through. I had no need to search further. 
 Isolina was before ray eyes. 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 A SPY IN THE COUNCIL. 
 
 YES, there was my betrothed within sight, within hearing, 
 almost within reach of my hands; and I dared not touch, I 
 dared not speak, I scarce dared look upon her. My fingers trem 
 bled among the leaves; my heart rose and fell; I could feel 
 within my breast its strokes rapid and irregular; I could hear 
 its sonorous vibration. 
 
 It was not at the first glance I saw Isolina. On looking 
 through the leaves the coup d'ail was a scene that quite aston 
 ished me, and for a while occupied my attention. Siace I had 
 last gazed upon the great fire, the grouping around it had 
 undergone an entire change. A new tableau was presented, 
 that for the moment held me under a spell of surprise. 
 
 The fire no longer blazed, or only slightly and when stirred. 
 The logs had burned into coals, and now yielded a fainter light, 
 but one more red and garish. It was steady nevertheless, arid 
 the position of the pile rendered it strong enough to illumine 
 the camp around to its utmost limits. 
 
 The fire was still encircled by savages, but no longer stand 
 ing nor grouped irregularly, as I had before observed them. 
 On the contrary, they were seated, or rather squatted, at equal 
 distances from each other, and forming a ring that girdled the 
 huge mound of embers. 
 
 There were about twenty of these men I did not count 
 
A SPY IN THE COUNCIL. 461 
 
 them but I observed that all were in their native costume 
 leggings, and breech-cloth to the waist, nothing above, save the 
 armlets and shell ornaments of the nose, ears and neck. All 
 were profusely painted with chalk, ochre and vermilion. Be 
 yond doubt I was looking upon the " council." 
 
 The other Indians they in " fancy dresses " were still upon 
 the ground, but they stood behind, retired a pace or two from 
 the circle, in groups of two, three or four, talking in low mutter- 
 ings. Others were moving about, still at a. greater distance 
 from the fire. 
 
 My observation of all these features of the scene, did not 
 occupy ten seconds of time -just so long as my eyes were get 
 ting accustomed to the light. At the end of that interval my 
 glance rested upon Isolina, and there became fixed. 
 
 In the chain of Indians that encircled the fire there was a break 
 an interval of ten or a dozen feet. It was directly in front of the 
 lodge, and above the fire for the ground gently sloped from the 
 tent towards the stream. In this spot the captive was seated. 
 Her position was exactly between the lodge and the fire, and a 
 little retired behind the circle of the council. The tent inter" 
 vening between her and my position had prevented me from 
 seeing her at first. 
 
 She was half-seated, half- reclining upon a robe of wolf skins. 
 I saw that her arms were free. I saw that her limbs were bound. 
 Her back was to the tent her face turned towards the council 
 I could not see it. 
 
 To recognize my betrothed, I did not need to look upon her 
 face. Her matchless form, outlined against the red embers, was 
 easily identified. The full round curve of the neck; the oval 
 lines of the head; the majestic sweep of the shoulders; the arms 
 smooth and symmetrical; all these were familiar to my eyes, for 
 oft had they dwelt on them in admiration. I could not be mis 
 taken. The form before me was that graven upon my heart; it 
 was Isolina's. 
 
62 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 There was another salient point in this singular tableau, that 
 would nolj escape observation. Beyond the fire, and directly 
 opposite to where Isolina was placed, I saw another well- 
 known object the white steed ! He was not staked there, but 
 haltered and held in hand by one of the Indians. He must have 
 been lately brought upon the ground; for, from neither of my 
 former points of observation, had I noted him. He, like his 
 mistress, was to be put on trial his ownership was also matter 
 of dispute. 
 
 There was in eight one more object that interested me. Not 
 with friendly interest did I regard it, but with disgust and 
 indignation. 
 
 Not seated in the council-ring, not standing among the idle 
 groups, but apart from all, I beheld Hissoo-rozo, the renegade. 
 Savage as were the red warriors, fiend-like as they appeared 
 with their paint-smeared visages, not one looked so savage or 
 fiend-like as he. 
 
 The features of this man were naturally bad; but the paint 
 for he had adopted this with every other vile custom of barba 
 rian life rendered their expression positively ferocious. The 
 device upon his forehead was a death's head and cross-bones, 
 done in white chalk, and upon this appeared the well imitated 
 semblance of a bleedng scalp the appropriate symbols of a 
 cruel disposition. 
 
 There was something unnatural in a white skin thus disfigured 
 for the natural complexion was not hidden. Here and there 
 it could be perceived forming the ground of the motley elabora 
 tion its pallid hue in strange contrast with the deeper colors 
 that daubed it. It was not the canvas for such a picture. 
 
 Yet there the picture was in red and yellow, black, white and 
 blue; there stood the deep-dyed villain. 
 
 I saw not his rival. I looked for him, but saw him not. 
 Perhaps he was one of those who stood around. Perhaps ho 
 had not yet come up. He was the on of the great chief per- 
 
THE COUNCIL IN SESSION. 46 & 
 
 naps he was inside the lodge. The last was the most probable 
 conjecture. 
 
 The great calumet was brought forward, and lit by the fire. 
 It was passed around the circle, from mouth to mouth, each 
 savage satisfying himself with a single draw from the tube. I 
 knew that this was the inauguration of the council. The trial 
 was about to proceed. 
 
 CHAPTER XCV. 
 
 THE COUNCIL IN SESSION. 
 
 THE situation into which I had chanced, could not have been 
 better had I deliberately chosen it. I had under my eyes the 
 council-fire and council, the group around in short, the whole 
 area of the camp. 
 
 What was of equal importance, I could see without being 
 seen. Along the edge of the copse there extended a narrow 
 belt of the shadow, similar to that which had favored me while 
 in the channel, and produced by a like cause, for the stream and 
 the selvedge of the grove were parallel to each other. The moon 
 beams fell obliquely upon the grove, and under the thick foliage 
 of the pecans I was well screened from her light behind, while 
 the lodge covered me from the glare of the fire in front. 
 
 I could not have been better placed for my purpose. I saw 
 the advantage of the position, and resolved, therefore, to abide 
 upon it. 
 
 The observations and reflections thus given in detail occupied 
 me but a few minutes of time. Thought is quick, and at that 
 crisis mine was more than usually on the alert. Almost instan 
 taneously did I perceive the points that most interested me, 
 or had reference to my plans almost instantaneously I had 
 
46*4 THE WAK-TKAIL. 
 
 mastered the situation, and I next bent my mind upon how tc 
 take advantage of it. 
 
 I saw there was but one way to proceed my original scheme 
 uust be carried out ; under so many eyes, there was not the 
 slightest chance that the captive could be stolen away she 
 must be taken openly, and by a bold stroke. Of this was I 
 convinced. 
 
 The question arose, when should I make the attempt ? At 
 that moment ? She was not ten paces from where I stood ! 
 Could I rush forward, and with my knife set free her limbs ? 
 Might we then get off before the savages could fling themselves 
 upon IK ? 
 
 Hopeless impossible. She was too near them she was too 
 near the renegade who claimed her as his property. He was 
 standing almost over her within the distance of a single leap. 
 In his belt was the long triangular blade, the Spanish knife 
 He could cut me down ere I could have severed a cord of her 
 fastenings. The attempt would fail. Success was hopeless 
 impossible. I must wait for a better opportunity, and I waited, 
 
 I remembered Rube's last word of counsel, not to act too 
 hastily ; and his reasons, that if I must make a " desprit strike 
 fur it," to leave the grand coup to the last moment. The circum 
 stances could be no worse then than now. 
 
 Under the influence of this idea I checked my impatience, and 
 waited. 
 
 I watched Hissoo-rozo I watched the squatted forms around 
 the fire I watched straggling groups behind them in turns my 
 eyes wandered from one to the other. 
 
 At intervals they rested upon Isolina. 
 
 Up to this moment, I had not seen her countenance. 1 saw 
 only the reverse of that beautiful image so deeply graven upon 
 my heart. But even then, under that suspense of peril, strange 
 thoughts were passing within me. I felt a singular longing 
 to look upon her face. I remembered the herredero. 
 
THE COUNCIL IN SESSION. 465 
 
 It pleased fortune to smile upon me. So manyli:tle Incidents 
 were occurring in my favor, that I began to believe the fates 
 propitious, and my hopes of success were growing stronger 
 apace. Just then, the captive turned her head, and her face 
 was towards me. 
 
 There was no mark on that fair brow that soft cheek was 
 without a scar the delicate skin was intact, smooth and 
 diaphanous as ever. The herredero had been merciful ! 
 
 Perhaps something had occurred to interrupt or hinder him 
 from his horrid work ? Would that the matador had met with 
 a similar interruption ! I could not tell those profuse clusters 
 covered all neck, bosom and shoulders were hidden under the 
 dark dishevelment. 
 
 I could not tell, but I did not dare to hope. Cyprio had 
 seen the blood ! It was but a momentary glance, and her face 
 was again turned away. At intervals she repeated it, and I saw 
 that she looked in other directions. I could note the uneasiness 
 of her manner. I could tell why those glances were given. I 
 knew her design. Oh, for one word in her hearing one whisper ! 
 
 It might not be she was too closely watched. Jealous eyes 
 were upon her savage hearts were gloating over her beauty. 
 No word could have reached her that would not have been 
 heard by others by all around the fire for the silence was 
 profound. The " council " had not yet essayed to speak. 
 
 The stillness was at length broken by the voice of a crier, 
 who in a shrill tone proclaimed that the " council was in 
 session." 
 
 There was something so ceremonious in the whole proceedings, 
 jind every movement was made with such regularity, that but 
 for the open air, the fire, the wild savage costumes and fierce 
 painted faces, I might have fancied myself in the presence of a 
 civilized court, and witnessing a trial by jury. It was, in effect, 
 just such a trial, though judge there was none. The members 
 of the jury were themselves the judges, for in the simplicity of 
 
 20* 
 
466 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 such primitive litigation, each was presumed to understand the 
 law without an interpreter. Pleaders, too, were equally absent. 
 Each party plaintiff and defendant was expected to plead his 
 own case. Such is the simple fashion in the high court of 
 the prairies a fashion which might elsewhere be adopted with 
 advantage. 
 
 The name of Hissoo-rozo pealed loud upon the air. The crier 
 was calling him into court another parallel with the customs of 
 civilization. 
 
 Three times the name was pronounced, at each repetition in a 
 shriller and louder tone than before. 
 
 The man might have spared his voice. He who was sum 
 moned was upon the spot, and ready to answer. Before the 
 echo died away, the renegade uttered a loud response, and 
 stepping to an open space within the ring, halted, drew himself 
 up to his full height, folded his arms, and in this attitude stood 
 waiting. 
 
 At this crisis, the thought occurred to me, whether 1 should 
 rush forward, and at once decide the fate of myself and my 
 betrothed. The seated warriors appeared to be all unarmed ; 
 and the renegade, whose hand I most regarded, was now further 
 off, having gone round to the opposite side of the fire. The 
 situation was more favorable, and for the moment I stood bend 
 ing upon the spring. But my eye fell upon the spectators in the 
 back-ground. Many of them were directly in the way I should 
 have to take. I saw that many of them carried weapons, either 
 in their hands or upon their persons, and that Hissoo-rozo him 
 self was still too near. 
 
 I could never fight my way against such odds. I could not 
 break such a line. It would be madness to attempt it. Rube's 
 counsel was ringing in my ears ; and once more I atandoued the 
 rash design. 
 
THE RENEGADE CLAIMS HIS CAPTIVES. 467 
 
 CHAPTER X3VI. 
 
 THE RENEGADE CLAIMS HIS CAPTIVES. 
 
 THERE was an interval of silence a dramatic pause that 
 lasted for more than a minute. It was ended by one of the 
 council rising to his feet, and, by a gesture, inviting Hissoo-rozo 
 to speak. 
 
 The renegade began : 
 
 " Red warriors of the Hietan ! Brothers ! What I have to 
 say before the council will not require many words. I claim 
 yonder Mexican girl as my captive, and therefore as my own. 
 Who denies my right ? I claim the white horse as mine my 
 prize, fairly taken." 
 
 The speaker paused, as if to wait for further commands from 
 the council. 
 
 " Hissoo-rozo has spoken his claim to the Mexican maiden 
 and the white steed. He has not said upon what right he rests 
 it. Let him declare his right in presence of the council !" 
 
 This was said by the same Indian who had made the gesture, 
 and who appeared to direct the proceedings. He was not act 
 ing by any superior authority which he may have possessed, but 
 merely by reason of his being the oldest of the party. Among 
 the Indians, age gives precedence. 
 
 "Brothers !" said Hissoo-rozo, m obedience to the command, 
 "my claim is just. Of that you are to be the judges. 1 knou r 
 your true hearts you will not shut them against justice. I 
 need not read to you your own law, that he who makes a cap 
 tive has the right to keep it to do, with it as te will. This is 
 the law of your tribe of my tribe as well ; for yours is mine.* 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Gusts of approbation caused a momentary interruption in the 
 speech. 
 
 " Hietaus I" resumed the speaker, " my skin is while, but my 
 heart is the color of your own. You did me the honor to adopt 
 me into your nation. You honored me, by making me first a war 
 rior, and afterwards a war-chief. Have I ever given you cause 
 to regret what yon have done ? Have I betrayed your trust T J 
 
 A volley of exclamations indicated a response in the negative. 
 
 " I have confidence, then, in your love of justice and truth. I 
 have no fear that the color of my skin will blind your eyes ; for 
 you all know the color of my heart." 
 
 Fresh gusts of approbation followed this adroit stroke. 
 
 " Then, brothers, listen to my cause ! I claim the maiden 
 and. the horse. I need not tell where they were found and how, 
 Your own eyes were witness of their capture. There has been 
 talk of a doubt as to who made it ; for many horsemen were in 
 the pursuit. I deny that there is any doubt. My lazo was first 
 over the head of the horse was first tightened around his 
 throat first brought him to a stand. To take the horse was 
 to take the rider. It was my deed both are my captives. I 
 claim both as my property. Who is he that disputes my claim ? 
 Let him stand forth I" 
 
 Having delivered this challenge with a defiant emphasis, the 
 speaker fell back into his former attitude ; and once more fold 
 ing his arms, remained silent and immobile. 
 
 Another pause followed, which was again terminated by a 
 sign from the old warrior who had first spoken". His gesture 
 was directed to the crier, who, the moment after, raising his 
 loud, shrill voice, called out : 
 
 "Wakotio!" 
 
 The name caused me to start as if struck by an arrow. It 
 was my own appellation. I was Wakono ! 
 
 It was pronounced thrice each time louder than the pre 
 ceding 
 
THE JKENEGADE CLAIMS HIS CAPTIVES. 469 
 
 " Wakono ! Wakono ! Wakono !" 
 
 A light flashed upon me. Wakono was the rival cl&ULant. 
 He whose breech-cloth was around my hips, whose robe hung 
 from my shoulders, whose plumed bonnet adorned my head, 
 whose pigments disfigured my face he of the red hand upon 
 his breast, and the cross upon his brow was no other than 
 Wakono ! 
 
 I cannot describe the singular sensation I felt at the discovery. 
 I was in a perilous position, indeed. My fingers trembled among 
 the leaves. I released the branchlets, and let them close up 
 before my face. I dared not trust myself to look forth. 
 
 For some moments I stood still and silent, but not without 
 trembling. I could not steady my nerves under such a dread 
 agitation. 
 
 I listened, but looked not. There was an interval of breath 
 less silence. No one seemed to stir or speak. They were 
 waiting the effect of the summons. 
 
 Once more the voice of the crier was heard, pronouncing in 
 triple repetition 
 
 " Wakono! Wakono! Wakono!" 
 
 Again followed an interval of silence ; but I could hear low 
 mutterings of surprise and disappointment, as soon as it was per 
 ceived that the Indian did not answer to his name. 
 
 I alone knew the reason of his demissness. I knew that' 
 Wakono could not the true Wakouo ; that his counterfeit 
 would not come. 
 
 Though I had undertaken to personate the savage chieftain, 
 for this act in the drama I was not prepared. The stage must 
 wait. 
 
 Even at that moment I was sensible of the ludicrousness of 
 , the situation. So extreme was it, that even at that moment, of 
 direst peril I felt a half inclination for laughter ! But the feel 
 ing was easily checked ; and once more parting the branches, I 
 ventured to look forth. 
 
3:70 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 I saw there was some confusion. Wakono had been reported 
 " missing." The members of the council still preserved both 
 their seats and stoical composure, but the younger warriors 
 behind were uttering harsh ejaculations, and moving about from 
 place to place, with that restless air that betokens at once sur 
 prise and disappointment. 
 
 At this crisis, an Indian was seen emerging from the tent. 
 He was a man of somewhat venerable aspect, though venerable 
 more from age than any positive expression of virtue. His 
 cheeks were furrowed by time, and his hair white as bleached 
 flax a rare sight among Indians. 
 
 There was something about this individual that bespoke him 
 a person of authority. Wakono was the son of a chief the 
 chief, then, should be an old man. This must be he ? 
 
 I had no doubt of it, and my conjecture proved to be correct. 
 
 The white-haired Indian stepped forward to the edge of the 
 ring, and with a waive of his hand commanded silence. 
 
 He was instantly obeyed. Murmurings ceased, and all placed 
 themselves in fixed attitudes to listen. 
 
 CHAPTER XCYI1. 
 
 SPEECHES IN COUNCIL. 
 
 " HIETANS ! began the chief, for such in reality was the old 
 Indian. My children, and brothers in council ! I appeal to 
 you to stay judgment in this matter. I am your chief, but I 
 claim no consideration for that. Wakono is my son, but for him 
 I ask no favor. I but demand justice and right such as would 
 be given to the humblest in our tribe. I ask no more for my 
 son Wakono. Wakono is a brave warrior who among you 
 does not know it ? His shield is garnished with many trophies 
 
SPEECHES IN COUNCIL. 471 
 
 taken from the hated pale face his leggings are fringed with 
 scalps of the Utah and Cheyenne at his heels drag the long 
 locks of the Pawnee and Arapaho. Who will deny that Wa- 
 koiio my son Wakono is a brave warrior ? 
 
 A murmur of assent was 'the response to the paternal ap 
 peal. 
 
 " The Spanish Wolf, too, is a warrior a brave warrior. 1 
 deny it not. He is stout of heart and strong of arm. He has 
 taken rcany scalps from the enemy of the Hietan. I honor him 
 for his achievements ; who among us does not ?" 
 
 A general chorus of grunts and ether ejaculation's, from both 
 council and spectators, responded to this interrogatory. 
 
 The response, both in tone and manner, was strongly in the 
 affirmative : and I could tell by this, that the renegade was the 
 favorite. 
 
 The old chief also perceived that such was the prevailing sen 
 timent, and despite his pretensions to fair play, he was evidently 
 a little nettled at the reply. The father of Wakono was un 
 doubtedly no Brutus. 
 
 After a momentary pause, he resumed speech, but in a tone 
 entirely altered. He was now painting the reverse side of 
 Hissoo-rozo's portrait, and as he threw in the darker touches, it 
 was with evident pique and hostility. 
 
 " I honor the Spanish Wolf," he continued, " I honor him for 
 bis strong arm and his stout heart. I have said so ; but hear 
 me, Hietans hear me children and brothers ! there are two of 
 every kind there is a night and a day a winter and a sum 
 mer a green prairie and a desert plain, and like these is the 
 tongue of Hissoo-rozo. It speaks two ways, that differ as light 
 from the darkness at is double it forks like the tongue of the 
 rattle serpent it is not to be believed ." 
 
 The chief ceased speaking, and the Spanish Wolf was per 
 mitted to make reply. He did not attempt to defend himself 
 from the charge of the " double tongue." Perhaps he kne\f 
 
472 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 that the accusation was just enough, and he ha! no reason to 
 tremble for h*s popularity on that score. He must have been a 
 great liar indeed to have excelled, or even equalled the most 
 ordinary story-teller in the Comanche nation, for the menda 
 city of these Indians .would have been a match for Sparta 
 herself. 
 
 The renegade did not even deny the assertion. He seemed 
 to be confident in his case. He simply replied. 
 
 " If the tongue of Hissoo-rozo is double, let not the council 
 rely upon his word. Let witnesses be called there are many 
 who are ready to testify to the truth of what Hissoo-rozo has 
 spoken." 
 
 " First hear Wakono ! let Wakono be heard ! where is 
 Wakono ?" 
 
 These demands were made by warriors, members of the coun 
 cil, who spoke almost simultaneously. 
 
 " Once more the crier's voice was heard calling " Wakono !" 
 
 "Brothers!" again spoke the chief, "it is for this that I 
 would stay your judgment. My son is not here he went back 
 upon the trail ; a,nd has not returned. I know not his purpose. 
 My heart is in doubt, but not in fear. Wakono is a strong 
 warrior, and can take care of himself. He will not be long ab 
 sent. He must soon return. For this I ask you to delay the 
 judgment." 
 
 A murmur of disapprobation followed this avowal. The allies 
 of the Spanish Wolf evidently mustered stronger than the friends 
 of the young chief. The renegade once more addressed the 
 council. 
 
 " What trifling would this be, warriors of the Hietan ? Two 
 suns have gone down, and this question is not decided 1 I ask 
 only justice. By our laws the judgment cannot stand over. 
 The captives must belong to some one. I claim them as mine, 
 and I offer witnesses to prove my right. Wakono has 
 else why is he not here to avow it. He has no proofs but 
 
SPEECHES IN COUNCIL. 473 
 
 own word he is ashamed to stand before you without proof 
 that is why he is now absent from the camp." 
 
 This announcement produced a sensation, and I could per 
 ceive that the old chief partook equally with the others of the 
 suspicion thus created. 
 
 " Who says Wakono is in the camp?" inquired he, in a loud 
 voice. 
 
 An Indian stepped forth from the crowd of spectators. I re 
 cognized the man whom I had met crossing from the horse 
 guard. 
 
 " Wakono is in the camp," repeated he, as he paused outside 
 the circle. " I saw the young chief. I spake with him." 
 
 " Where ?" 
 
 " Only now." 
 
 " Where ?" 
 
 The man pointed to the scene of our accidental rencontre. 
 
 44 He was going yonder," said he, " he went among the trees 
 I saw him no more." 
 
 This intelligence evidently increased the astonishment of all. 
 They could not comprehend why Wakono should be upon the 
 ground, and yet not come forward to assert his claim. Had he 
 abandoned it altogether ? 
 
 The father of the claimant appeared as much puzzled as any 
 one. He made no attempt to explain the absence of his son. 
 He could not. He stood silent, and evidently in a state of mys 
 tification. 
 
 Several now suggested that a search be made for the absent 
 warrior. It was proposed to send messengers throughout the 
 camp to search the grove. 
 
 My blood ran cold as I listened to the proposal, my knees 
 trembled beneath me. I knew that if the grove should be 
 searched, I would have no chance of remaining longer concealed. 
 The Iress of Wakono was conspicuous I saw that there was 
 none other "ike it no other wore a rrbe of jaguar skins, and 
 
474: THE WAB-TKAIL. 
 
 this would betray me. Even the paint could not avail, I should 
 be led into the firelight. The counterfeit would be easily de 
 tected. I should be butchered upon the spot perhaps tortured 
 for my treatment of the true Wakono, which would soon become 
 known. 
 
 My apprehensions had reached the climax of acuteness, when 
 they were suddenly relieved by some words from the Spanish 
 Wolf. 
 
 " Why search for Wakono ?" cried he, " Wakono knows his 
 own name ? it has been called, and loud enough. Wakono has 
 ears surely he can hear for himself ; if he is in the camp. Call 
 him again, if you will !" 
 
 TBis proposition appeared reasonable. It was adopted, and 
 the crier once more summoned the young chief by name. 
 
 The voice, as all perceived, could have been heard to the far 
 thest bounds of the camp, and far beyond. 
 
 An interval was allowed, during which there reigned perfect 
 silence, every one bending his ear to listen. There came no 
 answer no Wakono appeared to the summons, 
 
 " Now," triumphantly exclaimed the renegade, " is it not as 1 
 said ? Warriors I I demand your judgment." 
 
 There was no immediate reply. A long pause followed, dur 
 ing which no one spoke either in the circle, or among the 
 spectators. 
 
 At length the oldest of the council rose relit the calumet, 
 and after taking a whiff from the tube, handed it to the Indian 
 seated on his left, This one in like manner passed it to the next 
 and he to the next, until the pipe had made the circuit of tht 
 fire, and was returned to the old warrior who had first smoked 
 from it. The latter now laid aside the pipe, and in a formal 
 manner, but in a voice inaudible to the spectators, proposed the 
 question. The vote was taken in rotation, and was also de 
 livered sotto voce. The judgment only was pronounced aloud. 
 
 The decinion was singular, and somewhat unexpected. The 
 
A ROUGH COURTSHIP. 4-J6 
 
 jury had been moved by a strong bearing towards equity, and 
 an amicable adjustment, that might prove acceptable to all 
 parties. 
 
 The horse was adjudged to Wakono the maiden was declared 
 the property of the Spanish Wolf ! 
 
 CHAPTER XCYIII. 
 
 A ROUGH COURTSHIP. 
 
 THE decision appeared to give satisfaction to all. A grim 
 amile upon his face- testified that the renegade himself was 
 pleased. How could he be otherwise ? He had certainly the 
 best of the suit, for what was a beautiful horse to a beautiful 
 woman, and such a woman ? 
 
 Even the white haired chief seemed satisfied perhaps, of the 
 two the old savage jockey preferred the horse ? It migh! have 
 been different had Wakono been upon the ground. I was 
 much mistaken if he would so tamely have acquiesced in the 
 decision. 
 
 Yes, the renegade was satisfied more than that, he was 
 rejoiced. His bearing bespoke his consciousness of the posses 
 sion of a rare and much coveted thing. He was unable to con 
 ceal the gratification he felt, and with an air of triumph and 
 exultation he approached the spot where the captive sat. 
 
 As soon as the sentence was pronounced the Indians, who 
 had been seated, rose to their feet. The council was dismissed. 
 Some of the members strolled off on their own business, others 
 remained by the great fire, mixing among their comrades, nc 
 longer with the solemn gravity of councillors, but chatting, 
 laughing, shouting, and gesticulating as glibly and gaily as if 
 thev had been so many French dancing masters. 
 
THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 The trial and its objects appeared to IK? at once forgot tea. 
 Neither plaintiff, defendant, nor cause seemed any longer to 
 tfccupy the thoughts of any one. The horse had been delivered 
 to a friend of Wakono ; the maiden to Hissoo-rozo, and the 
 thing was settled and over. 
 
 Perhaps, here and there some young brave, with a pain in 
 his heart, may have bent wistful glances upon the lovely cap 
 tive. No doubt, there were many who looked with envious 
 thoughts upon his Hissoo-rozo and his fortunes. 
 
 After the council was over no one interfered no one seem 
 ingly took any interest either in the renegade or his pale-faced 
 squaw. They were left to themselves. 
 
 And to me. From that moment my eyes and thoughts 
 rested only on them. I saw no one else. I thought of nothing 
 else. I watched but the "wolf" and his victim. 
 
 The old chief had returned into the tent. Isolina had been 
 left alone. 
 
 Only a moment alone. Had it been otherwise, I should have 
 sprung forward. My finger had moved mechanically towards 
 my knife ; but there was not time. In the next instant Hissoo- 
 rozo stood beside her. He addressed her in Spanish he did 
 not desire the others to understand what he said. Speaking in 
 this language there would be less danger. 
 
 There was one. who listened to every word. I listened ; uof 
 a syllable escaped. 
 
 " Now I" began he, in an exulting tone. " Now, Dona 
 Isoliua de Yargas ! You have heard ? I know you understand 
 the tongue in which the council has spoken your native tongtw 
 ba ! ha ! ha !" 
 
 The brute was jeering her. 
 
 " Yon are mine soul and body mine you have heard ?" 
 I have heard," was the reply, in a tone of resignation ! 
 
 " And surely you are satisfied, are you not ? You should 
 De j I am white as yourself ; I have saved you from the 
 
A BOUGH COURTSHIP. 477 
 
 embrace of a red Indian. Surely you are satisfied with the 
 judgment ?" 
 
 " I am satisfied." 
 
 This was uttered in the same tone of resignation. The 
 answer somewhat surprised me. 
 
 " 'Tis a lie !" responded the brutal monster. " You are play 
 ing false with me, sweet senorita. But yesterday you spoke 
 words of scorn you would scorn me still ?" 
 
 " I have no power to scorn you. I am your captive." 
 
 " Carrambo 1 you speak truth. You have no power either 
 to scorn or refuse me ha ! ha ! ha ! And as little do I care 
 if you did. You may like me or not at your pleasure. Per 
 haps, you will take to me in time, as much as I may wish it ; 
 bat that will be for your consideration, sweet senorita ! Mean- 
 vvhile, you are mine body and soul you are mine and I mean 
 to treat you after my own fashion." 
 
 The coarse vaunt caused my blood already hot enough to 
 boil within my viens. I grasped the haft of my knife, and, like 
 a tiger, stood cowering upon the spring. My intent was first to 
 cut down the ruffian, and then set free the limbs of the captive 
 with the blood-stained blade. 
 
 The chances were still against me. A score of savages were 
 yet around the fire. Even should he fall at the first blow, I 
 could not hope to get clear. 
 
 But I could bear it no longer, and would have risked the 
 chances at that moment had not my foot been stayed by some 
 words that followed. 
 
 " Come !" exclaimed the renegade, speaking to his victim^ 
 and making sign for her to follow him. " Come, sweet seno 
 rita ! This place is too public for man and wife. I would 
 talk with you elsewhere I know where there are softer spots 
 for that fair form to recline upon \ retty glades, and arbors, 
 choice retreats within the shadow of the grove. There, dear 
 est, shall we retire. Vamos '" ' 
 
4-78 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Though hideous the signification of the mock poetic speech, 1 
 joyed at hearing it. It arrested my hand and limb, both of 
 which were ready for action. It promised a better opportunity. 
 With an effort, therefore, I restrained myself, and resolved to 
 wait. I listened for the reply of Isolina. I watched her as 
 well. I noted her every movement. I saw that she pointed to 
 her limbs to the thong fastenings around her ankles. 
 
 " How can I follow you ?" she inquired, in a calm voice, and 
 in a tone of surprise. Surely that tone was feigned ? Surely 
 she meditated some design ? 
 
 " True," said the man, turning back and drawing the knife 
 from his belt. " Carrambo ! I had not thought of that, but we 
 shall soon " 
 
 He did not finish the sentence. He stopped in the middle of 
 it, and in an attitude that betokened hesitation. In this atti 
 tude he remained awhile, gazing into the eyes of his victim. 
 Then, as if suddenly changing his mind, he stuck the knife back 
 into its sheath, and at the same time cried out : 
 
 " By the Yirgin ! I will not trust you. You are too free of 
 limb, sweet Margariti ! You might try to give me the slip. 
 This is a better plan. Come ! raise yourself up ! a little 
 higher so now we go ! Now for the grove vamos ."' 
 
 While delivering the last words, the ruffian bent himself 
 over the half-prostrate captive, and placing his arm underneath, 
 wound it around her waist. He then raised her upward until 
 her bosom rested upon his the bosom of my betrothed iu 
 juxtaposition with the painted breast of this worse than 
 savage I 
 
 I saw it, and slew him not. I saw it, and kept cool. I can 
 scarce tell why, for it is not a characteristic of my nature. My 
 nerves, from being so much played upon during the preceding 
 hours, had acquired the firmness of steel, perhaps, enabled me 
 to endure the sight this combined with the almost certain 
 prospect of an improved opportunity. 
 
THE CRISIS. 
 
 479 
 
 At all events, I kept cool, and remained in my place, tnough 
 only for a moment longer. 
 
 CHAPTER XCIX. 
 
 THE CRISIS. 
 
 TBB vraK^jpcte having raised the unresisting captive in his arms, 
 proe&fti&sd to carry her away from the spot. He scarce carried 
 bcp. Her feet, naked and bound, were trailing upon the grass, 
 both together. 
 
 He passed the lodge, and was going toward the copse, in an 
 oblique direction. The savages who saw him only shouted, and 
 laughed. 
 
 I waited neither to see or hear more. Still keeping within 
 the timber, I glided along its edge. With quick but noiseless 
 step I went, making for the same point towards which the ruf 
 fian ravish er was tending. 
 
 I arrived first, and stooping under the shadow of the trees, 
 waited with knife in hand, firm grasped and ready. 
 
 His burden had delayed him. He had stopped midway to 
 rest, and was now standing scarce ten paces from the edge of 
 the grove, with his victim still in his arms, and apparently lean 
 ing against him. 
 
 There was a momentary wavering in my mind as to whether 
 I should not then rush forth, and strike the coup. The chance 
 seemed as good as I might have. 
 
 . I was about deciding in the affirmative, when I saw Hissoo- 
 ro/o had again taken up his burden, and was moving towards 
 me. He was making directly for the spot where I stood. The 
 crisis was near 1 
 
 It was even nearer than I thought. The man had scarce 
 
430 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 made three stops from the point of rest, when I saw him stum 
 ble and fall to the earth, carrying the captive along with 
 him I 
 
 The fall appeared accidental I might have deemed it so, but 
 for the wild shout with which it was accompanied. Something 
 more than a mere stumble elicited that fearful cry 1 
 
 There was a short struggle upon the ground the bodies be 
 came separated one was seen to spring suddenly back. I saw 
 it was Isolina ! There was something in her hand both moon 
 light arid firelight gleamed upon a crimsoned bladu ; sbe ufao 
 grasped it bent for an instant downward the keen edge sever^ed 
 the thongs from her limbs, and the moment after she was nm- 
 ning in full flight across the level sward of the camp-ground. 
 
 Without reflection I sprang out of the covert and rushed 
 after. I passed the renegade who had half regained his feet, 
 and appeared but slightly wounded. Astonishment as much as 
 aught else seemed to hold him to the spot. He was shouting 
 and swearing, calling for help, and uttering threats of ven 
 geance. 
 
 I could have slain him, and was half inclined to the act ; but 
 there was no time to stay. I only thought of overtaking the fugi 
 tive, and aiding her in her flight. 
 
 The alarm was given the camp was in commotion fifty 
 savages were starting upon the chase. 
 
 As we ran, my eyes fell upon a horse a white horse. It was 
 the steed. A man was leading him by a lazo. He was taking 
 him from the fires towards the grounds occupied by the mustangs. 
 He was going to picket him upon the grass. 
 
 Horse and man were directly in front of us, as we ran in 
 front of the fugitive. She was making towards them. I divined 
 her intention. 
 
 Jn a few seconds she was up to the horse, and had seized the 
 rope. The Indian struggled and tried to take it away from 
 her ; the red blade gleamed in his eyes, and he gave back. 
 
THE CRISIS. 
 
 He still clung to the rope, but in an instant it was cut from 
 his hands, and quick as thought the heroic woman leaped upon 
 the back of the steed, and was seen galloping away. 
 
 The Indian was one of the horse-guards, and was therefore 
 armed. He carried bow and quiver. Before the horse had 
 galloped beyond reach, he had bent his bow and sent an arrow 
 from the string. I heard the " wheep" of the shaft, and fancied 
 I heard it strike, but the steed kept on ! 
 
 I had plucked up one of the long spears as I ran across tne 
 camp. Before the Indian could adjust another arrow to the 
 string, I had pinned him to the grass. 
 
 I drew back the spear, and keeping the white horse in view, 
 ran on. 
 
 I was soon in the midst of the mustangs. Many of them had 
 already stampeded, and were galloping to and fro over the 
 ground. The guards were dismayed, and as yet knew not the 
 cause of the alarm. The steed, with his rider, had passed safely 
 through their line. 
 
 I was following on foot. Fifty savages were after me, I 
 could hear their shouts, I could hear them cry ** Wakono," but 
 I was soon far in the advance of all. The horse-guards as I 
 passed them were shouting " Wakono !" As soon as I had 
 cleared the horse-drove, I again perceived the steed; but he 
 was now some distance off. To my joy he was going in the 
 right direction straight for the yuccas upon the hill ; my met 
 would see and intercept him. 
 
 I ran along the stream with all speed. I reached the broken 
 bank, and without stopping rushed into the gulley, for my 
 horse. 
 
 What was my astonishment to find that he was gone ! my 
 noble steed gone, and in his place the spotted mustang of the 
 Indian ! I looked up and down the channel. I looked along 
 its banks. Moro was not in sight. 
 
 I was puzzled, perplexed, furious. I knew no explanation of 
 the mystery, I could think of none. Who could have done it 
 
4:82 THE WAR-TRAIL. 
 
 Rube must have done it ; but why ? In rny hot haste I could 
 find no reason for this singular action. 
 
 I had no time to reflect not a moment. I drew the animal 
 from the water, and leaping upon his back, rode out of the 
 channel. 
 
 As I regained the level of the plain, I saw mounted men a 
 crowd of them coming from the camp. They were the savages 
 in pursuit. One was far ahead of the rest, and before I could 
 ^urn my horse to flee he was close up to me. 
 
 In the moonlight I easily recognized him it was Hissoo-rozo, 
 me renegade. 
 
 " Slave I" shouted he, speaking in the Comanche tongue, and 
 with furious emphasis, " it is you who have planned this. Sqnaw ! 
 coward ! you shall die. The white captive is mine mine 
 Wakono ! and you" 
 
 He did not finish the sentence. I still carried the Comanche 
 spear. My six months' service in a lance regiment now stood 
 me in good stead the mustang behaved handsomely, and car 
 ried me full tilt upon my foe. 
 
 In another instant the renegade and his horse were part 
 ed, the former lay levelled upon the grass, transfixed with the 
 long spear, while the latter was galloping riderless over the 
 plain ! 
 
 At this crisis I perceived the crowd con.ing up, and close to 
 the spot. There were twenty or more, and I saw that I should 
 soon be surrounded. 
 
 A happy idea came opportunely to my relief. All along I 
 perceived that I was mistaken for Wakono. The Indian in the 
 camp had cried " Wakono." The horse-guard shouted " Wa 
 kono" as I passed ; the pursuers were calling " Wakono" as 
 they rode up ; the renegade had fallen with the name upon his 
 lips the spotted horse, the robe of Jaguar skins, the plumed 
 head-dress, the red hand, the white cross, all proclaimed me 
 Wakono. 
 
 I urged my horse forward, and reined up in front of the pur 
 
THE LAST GALLOP. 483 
 
 suers. T raised ray arm, and shook it in menace before their 
 faces. At the same instant I cried out in a loud voice : 
 
 " I am Wakono ! Death to him who follows !" I spoke in 
 Oomanche. I was not so sure of the correctness of my words, 
 cither of the orthography or syntax, but I had the gratification 
 to perceive that I was understood. Perhaps my gestures helped 
 the savages to comprehend me the meaning of them was not 
 to be mistaken. 
 
 From whatever cause, the pursuers made no further advance, 
 but one and all, drawing 1 in their horses, halted upon the 
 
 vot. ^wrotl ut* 
 
 I stayed not for further parley, but wheeling quickly around, 
 galloped off as fast as the mustang could carry me. 
 
 CHAPTER C. 
 
 THSLAST GALLOP. 
 
 ON facing towards the hill, I perceived the steed still not 
 so distant. His white body gleaming under the clear moon 
 light, could have been easily distinguished at a far greater 
 distance. 
 
 I had expected to see him much further away ; but after all, 
 the tilt of the lances, and the menace delivered to the pursuing 
 horsemen, had scarce occupied a score of seconds, and he could 
 not in the time have gone out of sight. 
 
 He was still running between myself and the foot of the hill, 
 apparently keeping along the bank of the stream. 
 
 I put the Indian horse to his full speed. The point of my 
 knife served for whip and spur. I was no longer encumbered 
 with the spear. It had been left in the body of Hissoo-rozo. 
 
 I kept my eyes fixed upon the steed, but he was fast closing 
 
4:84 THE WAR-TEAIL. 
 
 into tlie timber that shielded the base of the hill. He was near- 
 ipg the bend where I had taken the water, and would soon be 
 hidden from my view. 
 
 All at once I saw him behind the bushes, swerve and strike to 
 the left across the open plain. To my surprise I saw this, for I 
 had conjectured that his rider was aiming for the cover offered 
 by the thicket. 
 
 Without waiting to think of an explanation, I headed the 
 mustang into the diagonal line, and galloped forward. 
 
 I was in hopes of getting nearer by the advantage thus given 
 rae, but I was ill-satisfied with the creeping pace of the Indian 
 Jhorse so unlike the long free stretch of my noble Moro. 
 Where was he ? Why was I not bestriding him ? 
 
 The white steed soon shot clear of the hill, and was running 
 upon the plain that stretched beyond it. I saw that I was not 
 gaining up< i him; on the contrary, he was every moment 
 widening the distance between us. Where was Moro ? W T hy 
 had he been taken away f 
 
 At that instant I perceived a horseman making along the foot 
 of the hill, as if to intercept me. He was dashing furiously 
 through the thicket that skirted the base of the acclivity. I 
 could hear the bushes rattling against the flanks of his horse. 
 He was evidently making all the haste in his power, at the same 
 time aiming to keep concealed from the view of any one upon 
 the plain. 
 
 I recognized my horse, and upon his back the thin, lank form 
 of the earless trapper. 
 
 We met the moment after at the point where the thicket 
 ended. Without a word passing between us, both simultaneous 
 ly flung ourselves to the ground, exchanged horses, and remount 
 ed. Thank Heaven ! Moro was at last between my knees. 
 
 "Now, young fellur!" cried the trapper, as I parted from 
 him, " gallip like durnation, an' kitch up wi' her ! we'll soon 
 be arter on yur trail away then away !" 
 
 1 needed no prompting from Rube. His speech was not 
 
THE LAST GALLOP. 485 
 
 finished before I had sprung my horse forward, and was going 
 like the wind. 
 
 It was only then that I could comprehend why the horses had 
 been changed a ruse it was an afterthought of the cunning 
 trappers ! Had I mounted my . own conspicuous steed by the 
 camp, the Indians would in all probability have suspected some 
 thing, and continued the pursuit. It was the spotted mustang 
 that had enabled me to carry out the counterfeit ! 
 
 I had now beneath me a horse I could depend upon ; and 
 with renewed vigor I bent myself to the chase. For the third 
 time the black and white stallions were to make trial of their 
 speed for the third time was it to be a struggle between these 
 noble creatures. Would the struggle be hard and long ? Would 
 Moro again be defeated ? Such were my thoughts as I swept 
 onward in the pursuit. 
 
 I rode in silence. I scarce drew breath, so keen were my 
 apprehensions about the result. A long start had the prairie- 
 horse ; my delay had thrown me far behind him nearly a mile. 
 But for the friendly light, I should have lost sight of him 
 altogether ; but the plain was open, the moon shining brightly, 
 and the snow-white form, like a meteor, beckoned me onward. 
 
 I had not galloped far before perceiving that I rapidly gained 
 upon the steed. Surely he was not running at his fleetest ? 
 Surely he was going more slowly than was his wont ? 
 
 Oh, could his rider but know who was coming after ! Could 
 she but hear me ! I would have called, but the distance was 
 still too great she could not have heard even my shouts how 
 could she distinguish my voice ? 
 
 I galloped on in silence. I was gaining constantly and 
 rapidly gaining. Surely I was drawing nearer, or were my eyes 
 playing false under the light of the moon ? 
 
 I fancied that the steed was running heavily -slowly and 
 heavily as if he was laboring in the race. I fancied no, it 
 was no fancy I was sure of it ! Beyond a doubt, he was not 
 at his swiftest speed ! 
 
4:86 THE WAK-TRAIL. 
 
 "What could it mean ? Was he broken by fatigue ? 
 
 Still nearer and nearer I came, until scarce three hundred 
 yards appeared between us. I fancied that my shouts might be 
 
 heard, that my voice 1 called aloud I called the name of 
 
 my betrothed, coupling it with my own ; but no answer came 
 back no sign of 'recognition to cheer me. 
 
 The ground that now lay between us favored a race-course 
 speed ; and I was about putting my horse to his full stretch, 
 when, to my astonishment, I saw the steed stagger forward, and 
 fall headlong to the earth ! 
 
 It did not check my career, and in a few seconds more 
 I was upon the spot, and halting over horse and rider, still 
 prostrate, I flung myself from the saddle and drew nearer. Iso- 
 lina had now disengaged herself, and risen to her feet. With 
 her right hand clasping the red knife, she stood confronting 
 me. 
 
 " Savage ! approach me not !" she cried, in the Comanche 
 tongue, and with a gesture that told me her determination. 
 
 " Isolina, I am not it is" 
 
 " Henri." 
 
 No words interrupted that wild embrace. No sound could bo 
 heard save that made by our hearts, as they throbbed closely 
 together. ****** 
 
 Silently I stood upon the plain, with my betrothed in my 
 arms. Moro was by our side, proudly curving his neck and 
 chafing the steel between his foaming lips. At our feet lay the 
 prairie-horse, with the barb in his heart and the feathered shaft 
 pointing from his side. His eyes were fixed and glassy. Blood 
 still ran from his spread nostrils, but his beautiful limbs were 
 motionless in death ! 
 
 Dark horsemen were seen approaching the spot. We did not 
 attempt to flee from them. I recognized my followers. 
 
 We looked back over the plain. There were no signs of pur 
 suit, but for all that we did not tarry there. We knew not how 
 soon the Indians might be after us. The friends of Hissoo rozc 
 
THE LAST GALLOP. 487 
 
 might start forth upon the trail of Wakono ! It was near day 
 break when we halted to rest, and then only after the prairie had 
 been fired behind us. 
 
 We found shelter in a pretty grove of acacias, and a grassy 
 turf on which to repose. My wearied followers soon fell asleep. 
 
 I slept not. I watched over the slumbers of my betrothed. 
 Her beautiful head rested upon my knees her soft, damask 
 cheek was pillowed upon the robe of jaguar skins, and my 
 eyes rested upon it ; the thick tresses had fallen aside, and I 
 saw 
 
 The matador, too, had been merciful, or had gold bribed him 
 from his cruel intent ? No matter which, he had failed in the 
 fiendish duty. There, in full entirety, were those delicate organs 
 perfect complete. I saw but the trifling scar, where the gold- 
 circlet had been rudely plucked the source of that red hemor 
 rhage that had been seen by Cyprio ! 
 
 I was too happy to sleep. * * * It was our last night 
 upon the prairies. Before the setting of another sun, we 
 had crossed the Rio Grande, and arrived in the camp of our 
 army. Under the broad, protecting wings of the American 
 eagle, my betrothed could repose in safety until that blissful 
 hour when * * 
 
*88 THp; WAR-TRAIT.. 
 
 CHAPTER CL 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 OP the Comanches we never heard more. The story of one 
 only was afterwards told a fearful tale. Ill-fated Wakono ! 
 A horrid end was his. 
 
 An oft-told tale by the prairie camp-fire, is that of the skele 
 ton of an Indian warrior, found clasping the trunk of a tree ! 
 Wakono had horribly perished. 
 
 We had no design of giving him to such a fate. Without 
 thought had we acted, and though he may have deserved death, 
 we had not designed for him such terrible retribution. Perhaps 
 I was the only one who had any remorseful feeling but the 
 remembrance of that scalp-bedecked shield the scenes in that 
 Cyprian grove those weeping captives, wedded to a woeful 
 lot the remembrance of these cruel realities ever more rose 
 before my mind, stifling the remorse. I should otherwise have 
 felt for the doom of the ill-starred savage. 
 
 His death, though terrible in kind, was merited by his deeds, 
 and was, perhaps, as just as punishments usually are. 
 
 Dramatic unity demands the death of Ijurra, and by the hand 
 of Hollingsworth. Truth enables me to satisfy the demand. 
 
 On my return to the camp, I learned that the act was already 
 consummated the brother's blood had been avenged ! 
 
 It was a tragic tale, and would take many chapters in the 
 telling. I may not give them here. Let a few particulars 
 suffice 
 
 Frcin that dread night Hollingsworth had found a willing 
 
CONCLUSION. 489 
 
 fraud to aid him in his purpose of retribution one who yearned 
 for vengeance, keenly as himself. Wheatley was the man. 
 
 The two with a chosen party had thrown themselves on the 
 trail of the guerrilla; and, with Hedro as their guide, had 
 followed it far within the hostile lines. Like sleuth hounds had 
 they followed it night and day until they succeeded in tracking 
 the guerrilleros to their lair. 
 
 It was a desperate conflict hand to hand, and knife to knife ; 
 but the rangers at length triumphed. Most of the guerrilleros 
 were slain, and the band nearly annihilated. Ijurra fell by 
 Hollingsworth's own hand; while the death of the red ruffian, 
 El Zorro, by the bowie knife of the Texan Lieutenant was an 
 appropriate punishment for the cruelty inflicted upon Conchita. 
 
 The revenge of both was complete though their sorrow was 
 still borne within their hearts. 
 
 The expedition of the two Lieutenants was productive of 
 other fruits. In the lair of the guerrilla they found many 
 prisoners Yankees and Ayankiedos, and among others that 
 rare diplomatist, Don Hainan de Vargas. Of course the old 
 gentleman was relieved from his involuntary service with the 
 Guerrilleros, and arrived at the head-quarters of the American 
 Army, just in time to welcome his fair daughter and future son- 
 in-law from their ante-hymeneal " tour upon the prairies." 
 
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