entaurs, well
acquainted with the country, will have scattered far and wide, beyond
all likelihood of being again encountered.

The settlers are satisfied at having recovered their relatives, as also
their stolen stock. As to the Rangers, enough has been accomplished to
slake their revengeful thirst--for the time. These last, however, have
not come off unscathed; for the Comanches, well armed with guns, bows,
and lances, did not die unresistingly. In Texas Indians rarely do, and
never when they engage in a fight with Rangers. Between them and these
border _guerrilleros_--in one sense almost as much savages as
themselves--war is an understood game--to the bitter end, with no
quarter either asked or given.

The Rangers count three of their number killed and about twice as many
wounded--enough, considering the advantage they had in their unwarned
attack upon enemies who for once proved unwatchful.

When the conflict has finally come to a close, and daylight makes
manifest the result, the victors take possession of the spoil--most of
it their own property. The horses that strayed or stampeded during the
fight are again collected into a drove--those of the Indians being
united to it. This done, only a short stay is intended--just long
enough to bury the bodies of the three Rangers who have been killed, get
stretchers prepared for such of the wounded as are unable to sit in the
saddle, and make other preparations for return towards the settlements.

They do not hasten their departure through any apprehension of a
counter-attack on the side of the Comanches. Fifty Texan Rangers--and
there are this number of them--have no fear on any part of the plains,
so long as they are mounted on good horses, carry rifles in their hands,
bowie-knives and pistols in their belts, with a sufficient supply of
powder in their flasks, and bullets in their pouches. With all these
items they are amply provided; and were there now any necessity for
continuing the pursuit, or the prospect of striking another coup, they
would go on, even though the chase should conduct them into the defiles
of the Rocky Mountains. To pursue and slay the savage is their
vocation, their duty, their pastime and pleasure.

But the settlers are desirous of a speedy return to their homes, that
they may relieve the anxiety of other dear ones, who there await them.
They long to impart the glad tidings they will take with them.

While the preparations for depart