Texan mounted his men on horses, separated one-third of the mules from the
others, drove them out of the enclosure, and left them on the green
hillside, while he pushed on a quarter of a mile into the plain and formed
his line of four skirmishers. When a few of the Apaches approached to see
what was going on, he levelled his rifle, knocked over one of the horses,
and sent the rest off capering. After four or five hours he drove in his
mules and took out another set. The Indians could only interrupt his
pastoral labors by making a general charge; and that would expose them to
a fire from the ruin, against which they could not retaliate. They thought
it wise to make no trouble, and all day the foraging went on in peace.

Peace everywhere. Inside the fortress sleeping, cooking, mending of
equipments, and cleaning of arms. Over the plain mustangs filling
themselves with grass and warriors searching for roots. Not a movement
worth heeding was made by the Apaches until the herders drove in their
first relay of mules, when a dozen hungry braves lassoed the horse which
Smith had shot, dragged him away to a safe distance, and proceeded to cut
him up into steaks. On seeing this, the Texan cursed himself to all the
hells that were known to him.

"It's the last time they'll catch me butcherin' for 'em," he growled. "If
I can't hit a man, I won't shute."

One more night in the Casa de Montezuma, with Thurstane for officer of the
guard. His arrangements were like Meyer's: the animals in the rear rooms
of the Casa; Coronado's squad in one of the outer rooms, and Meyer's in
the other; a sentry on the roof, and another in the plaza. The only change
was that, owing to scarcity of fuel, no watch-fires were built. As
Thurstane expected an attack, and as Indian assaults usually take place
just before daybreak, he chose the first half of the night for his tour of
sleep. At one he was awakened by Sweeny, who was sergeant of his squad,
Kelly being with Meyer and Shubert with Coronado.

"Well, Sweeny, anything stirring?" he asked.

"Divil a stir, Liftinant."

"Did nothing happen during your guard?"

"Liftinant," replied Sweeny, searching his memory for an incident which
should prove his watchfulness--"the moon went down."

"I hope you didn't interfere."

"Liftinant, I thought it was none o' my bizniss."

"Send a man to relieve the sentry on the roof, and let him come down
here."

"I done it, Liftinant, before I throubled ye. Where s