."

A party with led-horses were seen galloping out from the base of the
butte, evidently to take up the men on foot--who were still hurrying
towards their mounted comrades, as fast as the nature of their duty
would permit them. There were several groups of the Indians on foot--
each no doubt in charge of a disabled comrade. One crowd appeared to
encircle a man who was not borne upon their shoulders, but was moving
forward on his own feet. The violent gesticulations of those who
surrounded him drew our attention. The man was evidently being menaced
and urged forward--as if he went against his will!

"_Carrai_!" exclaimed the Mexican, "_he_ is not one of their wounded. A
captive! One of your _camarados_, I dare say?"

"No doubt of it," I replied, at that moment equally guided to the
conjecture.

"Wagh!" exclaimed the trapper, "the poor fellow's scalp is in danger
just now. I wonder they take all that trouble to get him away alive!--
that puzzles me, _amigo_! I think it high time they looked to their own
lives, without being so particular about that of their prisoner.
_Santissima Virgen_! As I live, there's a woman among them!"

"Yes--I see her--I know her. Her presence explains why they are taking
him alive."

"You know her?"

"And him too. Poor fellow! I hope she will befriend him; but--"

I was hindered from continuing the explanation. Just at that moment,
the led-horses were rushed up to: and those in charge of the wounded
were seen to spring to their backs. Here and there, a double mount
proclaimed that the disabled men were still capable of making a last
effort for their lives. All had got upon their horses, and in a
straggling crowd were making to join the main band; when, just at that
moment, one of the horses that carried two men was seen to swerve
suddenly from the line, and, heading up the valley, come galloping in
our direction. The horse appeared to have taken fright, and shied away
from the others; while the men upon his back were tossing and writhing
about, as if trying to restrain him! At the same instant, half-a-dozen
mounted Arapahoes were seen shooting forth from the crowd, and with loud
yells galloping in pursuit of the runaway! The double-loaded steed--a
powerful animal--kept on his course; but, not until he had approached
within three or four hundred paces of our own front, could I account for
this strange manoeuvre. Then was I enabled to comprehend the mysterious
escapad