ch
attains a height of about twenty-five feet, the trunks shaggy with a
fringe of dead spines left by each year's growth. Cooler suggested
that at a given signal the trunks of two of these trees should be set
on fire to light up the camp, and enable the soldiers to pick off the
Apaches as they left their shelter when our attack should begin. He
also proposed that we yell, saying: "If you out-yell 'em, lieutenant,
you can out-fight 'em."

Although I seriously doubted whether twenty-five white throats could
make as much noise as half a dozen red ones, I consented to the
proposition. I sent nine men to the flat upon which the ponies and
cattle were grazing, with orders to place themselves between the creek
and herd, and when the firing began drive the animals into the hills.

When these instructions had been given, Surgeon Coues asked me if the
firing would be directed into the tents.

"Yes, doctor," I replied.

"Of course, Miss Brenda is in one of them," he observed.

"Yes, and if we shoot into them indiscriminately we are quite as
likely to hit her as any one."

"Can you think of any way of locating her?"

"No; I am at a dead loss. We will try Cooler's plan of yelling, and
perhaps that will bring the Indians out."

I sent Clary, who had been directed to remain near me, for Sergeant
Rafferty, and when the sergeant appeared directed him to forbid any
one to fire a shot until ordered to do so.

XIX

THE ATTACK ON THE APACHE CAMP

Orders were passed and dispositions so made that one-half the force
was placed on each flank of the camp. All movements were made at a
considerable distance from the place to be attacked, and the utmost
care taken not to make a sound that would alarm the sleeping foe. Once
on the flanks, the men were to creep up slowly and stealthily to
effective rifle range. When the trunks of the palmettos were lighted
all were to yell as diabolically as possible, and fire at every Indian
that showed himself.

The front of the camp looked towards the creek, which flowed over
bowlders and pebbles with a great rush and roar. The Indians were
expected in their flight to make a dash for the stream, and attempt to
pass through the shoal rapids to the wooded bluffs beyond. My
instructions were for the men to screen themselves on the flanks,
behind the yuccas, Spanish-bayonet, emole, and cacti. Accompanied by
Tom Clary and Paul Weaver, I selected a clump of vegetation on the
northern side, from