and on reaching the crest saw before us a deep valley, walled in on
every side by towering cliffs of milk-white-quartz; its surface was
level, or nearly so; through its centre a crystal line indicated the
presence of a small stream. A dense forest of pine fringed it on three
sides; vast herds of horses and cattle roamed over the plain, and
cropped its luxuriant herbage. The valley was elliptical in form, and
measured perhaps twelve miles in length by four or five in width; at
its upper extremity a group of strange looking structures were visible,
of many forms and sizes; one towering far above the rest had the
appearance of a huge pyramid. From the joyful exclamations of the
Indians I felt confident that our journey was nearly at an end. The
tired mustangs were urged forward, and half an hour later we entered a
defile, passed round the face of the cliff on a narrow ledge of rock,
where two could not ride abreast, and emerged upon a platform from
whence an easy descent led to the plain below. On reaching its grassy
surface, the Indians set forward at full speed, uttering loud yells of
delight and exultation; and we could perceive many forms hastening down
the valley to meet us. The intervening space was quickly passed, and we
soon stood among the strange barbaric structures which form the chief
town of the Camanches.

The captives were halted before the pyramidal building, which, from its
great size and peculiar appearance, I supposed to be the council house,
or the dwelling of the chief. I afterwards learned that it was the
temple, where they worship and sacrifice to the Sun-God; for, like all
the southern Indians, descendants of the ancient Aztecs, the Camanches
worship the sun and fire.

But little time however, was given me for observation or reflection. I
was rudely jerked from my horse, and with the other male captives led
into one of the smaller lodges. Descending a rude ladder, we were
placed in an underground apartment, and after being supplied with a
scanty allowance of food, were again bound and left to silence and
darkness.

Again separated from my wife, and knowing but too well what treatment
she would be likely to receive at the hands of the red demons, flushed
with victory and spoil, I abandoned myself to the most gloomy
reflections, which continued for many hours, until tardy sleep relieved
me for a time from my self-imposed torture.

CHAPTER V.

THE INDIAN TOWN.

How long I should have la