was instantly obeyed. The wranglers, one and all,
promptly suspended their disputes; and flinging their weapons aside, at
once set to carrying out his orders.

Seizing upon the shovels, late dropped from the hands of their now
lifeless antagonists, and plying them to better purpose, they soon
smothered the flame, and the smoke too, till only a thin drift stole up
through the sand thrown thickly over it.

Meanwhile a man, in appearance somewhat differing from the rest, was
seen moving among them.

Indian in garb and guise, savage in his accoutrements, as the colour of
his skin, he nevertheless, showed features more resembling races that
are civilised. His countenance was of a cast apparently Caucasian, its
lineaments unlike those of the American aboriginal; above all, unlike in
his having a heavy beard, growing well forward upon his cheeks, and
bushing down below the chin.

True, that among the Comanche Indians bearded men are occasionally met
with--_mestizos_, the descendants of renegade whites. But none paraded
as he, who now appeared stalking around the ruined caravan. And there
was another individual by his side, who had also hair upon his cheeks,
though thinner and more straggling; while the speech passing between the
two was not the guttural tongue of the Tenawa Comanches, but pure
Mexican Spanish.

Both were on foot, having dismounted; he with the heavy beard leading,
the other keeping after as if in attendance.

The former flitted from one to another of those who lay slain; in turn
stooping over each corpse, and scrutinising it--to some giving but a
cursory glance, to others more careful examination--then leaving each
with an air of disappointment, and a corresponding exclamation.

At length, after going the complete round of the dead, he faced towards
his satellite, saying,--

"_Por dios_! he don't appear to be among them! What can it mean? There
could be no doubt of his intention to accompany the caravan. Here it
is, and here we are; but where is he? _Carajo_! If he has escaped me,
I shall feel as if I'd had all this trouble for nothing."

"Think of the precious plunder," rejoined the other. "These grand
_carretas_ are loaded with rich goods. Surely they don't count for
nothing."

"A fig for the goods! I'd give more for his scalp than all the silks
and satins that were ever carried to Santa Fe. Not that I'd care to
keep such a trifle. The Horned Lizard will be welcome to it, soon as I