n the thigh.

"Nor I, either," exclaimed Ned, as one of the mules dropped to the
ground, with the shaft of an arrow sticking in his side.

"We can't stan' this a great while, no how; we must drive 'em out," said
Jerry. "Who'll go with me round to the mouth of that cussed ravine? We
must git inter their rear, somehow."

"But we don't know their exact position, nor how many there are of them,"
replied I; "and it seems to me that the best thing we can do, is to remain
where we are."

"And be shot like dogs?" queried Jerry. "No, sir; it won't do ter fire
from this pint, 'cause ther flash from our guns will give 'em light enuff
ter find out our position; but we kin git round in behind 'em, and a few
shots will settle the matter. It's mighty lucky for us, that they hain't
got nothin' but arrers; for if they hed firearms, 'twould hurt."

Jerry and one of the Mexicans started for the purpose of getting in the
rear of the enemy, if possible, while I remained in charge of the camp.
Suddenly, Ned, whose eyes were keen, declared that he saw something
crawling in the tall grass behind the wagons. He was so positive of this,
that after vainly endeavoring to get sight at the object myself, I told
him to take good aim and fire. This he did, bringing out a lusty yell
from his mark, and a fresh shower of arrows from our assailants.

In a short time we heard the sound of Jerry's revolvers from some
distance down the ravine, and then all was quiet. It was fast becoming
light; but we did not dare to move from our position until assured beyond
doubt that the Indians had left. We soon heard old Jerry's cheery voice
announcing that everything was right; and then we ventured out upon an
exploring tour.

The first thing we discovered was a dead Indian, within thirty feet of
the wagons. Ned's first Indian! The boy looked frightened as he realized
the fact that he had really killed a Comanche; and, for some time
thereafter, hardly appeared like himself; but the congratulations he
received upon all sides, soon served to reassure him again, and in a
little while he felt as proud of his exploit as old Jerry did for him.

We lost one mule, and I was slightly wounded by an arrow, during the
fight; while the enemy lost one killed, and, we had good reason to
believe, had several wounded.

The wagons bore the marks of many arrows; and, had it not been for the
protection afforded by them, our entire party would have been massacred
without doubt.