these two representatives, the
Comanche replied that no one but Gleeson himself must act in the
transaction. His appearance on the crest of the ridge, with the string
of horses, would be the signal for Wygwind and Richita to bring forward
Captain Shirril and to release him simultaneously with the driving
forward of the animals. The exchange, therefore, could be effected
without either party gaining the upper hand.

It was thus the Comanche stated the situation, and on the face of it,
everything appeared equitable, but it was hard for the Texan to repress
his chagrin, for he saw that every possible advantage remained with the
red men. They would group themselves among the hills, so near that not
only the prisoner, but Gleeson himself would be within range of their
rifles, until the last act of the drama should be completed. There was
no chance for any dash on the part of the cowboys, by which they could
secure their leader and save their property. Had the Texan been allowed
to bring his party with him, such an attempt would have followed with a
fair prospect of success.

But he had learned long before to accept the ills of life with grim
philosophy, and he did not permit the diplomats to observe any evidence
of his resentment at being overreached by them. While he was convinced
that they would neglect no opportunity to break faith, he acted as if
there was not a doubt in his mind.

The agreement required him to return to camp to secure the animals, and
he intimated that considerable time must elapse before the exchange
could be effected. Wygwind assured him he would be on the watch for his
appearance, and, whatever delay took place should not be chargeable to
_him_. With this understanding, the Texan wheeled and galloped toward
the ridge, beyond which he knew his comrades were awaiting his return
and report.

It was received as he expected; that is to say, the views of his
friends were almost as numerous as themselves. Ward, Burrell, and Andy
Wynwood, the cowboys from Arkansas, declared that there was but one
thing to do, and that was to accept the terms offered. Gleeson was quite
certain the Comanches would fulfil their part in spirit and letter, for
they could not fail to know that any attempted trickery on their part
would be followed by an attack so instant and fierce that they must
suffer severely, even with the hill to serve them for refuge.

Zach Collis took the opposite view, maintaining that the only resul