occasions like the present, the whole community was in a
ferment of excitement, and crowded around us in great numbers, each more
anxious than the other to have a view of the bartered captives. The
Apaches seemed to be particularly anxious to take stock of their new
acquisitions, and not a few scrimmages occurred between them and the
Camanche women on this account. The men elbowed and the women bit and
clawed at a furious rate. It might have been very amusing, but unluckily
we came in for our share of the blows and objurgations. The mob pushed
us against the walls of the temple so violently that we were in imminent
danger of suffocation. To escape, and free ourselves from this
unpleasant situation, it became necessary to exert ourselves and deal
blows at the surging crowd, and in this way keep them back.

Of course, such measures on our part met with a ready response, and soon
we were in the midst of a row that threatened to assume large
proportions. A chief who happened to be passing at the time, dashed into
the crowd and soon quelled the rioters. Had it not been for this timely
assistance we should certainly have been crushed to death. After a time
we were left in comparative quiet; most of the idlers betaking
themselves to the various groups scattered over the plain. Some of these
parties attracted quite a number of spectators, and judging from their
animated gestures, something of a very interesting character was taking
place. One of the Indian women informed me that they were probably
gambling.

My attention was attracted to a small lodge, about one hundred yards to
our right. Something of unusual moment seemed to be taking place.
Warriors were seen to enter, and others would emerge and go in different
directions, as if in great haste, and on urgent business. Pennants were
flying from poles on the roof, and altogether the place presented a gala
appearance. On inquiry, I learned that this was the council lodge, and
that at the present moment, the final negotiations for our barter were
being consummated. A short time afterwards, the chiefs and their
attendants defiled into the street and approached us. Meantime, the
number of horses that had been agreed upon as an equivalent for the
captives, were brought up and delivered over to their purchasers.

Just as I was brought forth to be delivered over to the Apache chief, my
glance was arrested by the figure of my husband, who stood upon the
outskirts of the circle. Th