suppers eaten and
cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders,
with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to
sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake.

While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight
eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance,
and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some
settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment.

At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had
been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his
master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal
in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me.

Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into
it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the
animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had
undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently
gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly.

Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should
have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our
animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for
the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two
miles distant.

The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to
remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into
two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don
Ignacio.

Our orders were to move forward as quietly and expeditiously as possible
until we came within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate.
Jerry's party was to attempt the recapture of the stock. The other was to
pay its respects to the camp itself.

Nothing was to be done, however, until ample time had passed to enable
each man to reach the position assigned him. Then, upon a signal from
Jerry, which was to be the bark of a _coyote_, or prairie wolf,
three times repeated, the attack was to be made. After the signal, every
man was expected to take care of himself.

The preliminaries arranged, the men one after another disappeared in the
darkness as they moved forward to the attack, until finally Don Ignacio
and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the way to
the top of a slight elevat