" said Jerry; "but who put 'em there? Somebody did,
for sartin."

"Probably some Traveller like ourselves," replied Hal.

"Likely ez not!" grinned Jerry. "Travellers don't ginerally have nothin'
ter do but pick up stones and pile 'em up in thet shape, do they? No,
sir! them Comanches know what thet means better'n you nor me; and, ten
ter one, that's bin put there within twenty-four hours, too."

An examination revealed the fact that the pile had indeed been recently
collected and put together with great care, evidently for the purpose of
giving information to some party who were expected over the route within
a short time. I have since found, that, in the absence of stones, these
Indians frequently set the bleached head of a buffalo or deer in some
conspicuous place, with so much significance that the whole tribe
understand its meaning perfectly.

Just before dark, we found good water and grass about fifty yards away
from the road in a little ravine, and here I determined to encamp for the
night, notwithstanding Jerry advised our moving to the top of a knoll,
half a mile away.

Our wagons were drawn up between the camp and the ravine, so as to serve
as a protection to our animals as well as ourselves in case of an attack.
We also adopted the further precaution of securely fastening our mules to
the wagon wheels and putting out an extra guard, that was to be relieved
every two hours during the night, which proved to be cloudy and dark.

We all retired early, neither of us really apprehending any trouble; but,
about two hours before daybreak, we were awaked by the guard, who
reported that he heard noises in and about the ravine.

"If that's the case, we may ez well git up and be ready for 'em," said
Jerry, "Rout 'em all out; it's most daylight, anyway;" but, before the
guard had time to obey this order, the war-whoop burst upon our ears,
accompanied by a flight of arrows that went whizzing far over our heads
into the darkness beyond.

In an instant every man was on his feet, rifle in hand. It soon became
evident that the Comanches had taken possession of the ravine, its banks
serving as a breastwork, behind which they were effectually sheltered in
the darkness, from our bullets.

"Wal, there's one good thing," remarked old Jerry; "ez long ez they shoot
from behind them banks there ain't no danger of their hitting us; for
they'll allus aim too high."

"I'm not so sure of that," replied I, as an arrow struck me i