ut even without this knowledge she might still have learned the designs
of the savages--for these southern Comanches are accomplished linguists;
many of them can speak the beautiful language of Andalusia! There was a
time when a portion of the tribe submitted to the teaching of the
mission padres; besides, a few among them might boast--which they do
not--of Iberian blood!

No doubt, then, that the captive in their midst had overheard them
discussing their projects.

We had ridden about two hours, when we came upon the ground where the
Indians had made their night-camp. We approached it warily and with
stealth, for we were now travelling with great caution. We had need.
Should a single savage, straggling behind, set eyes upon us, we might as
well be seen by the whole band. If discovered upon the war-trail, our
lives would not be worth much. Some of us might escape; but even if all
of us survived our plan would be completely frustrated.

I say plan, for I had formed one. During the long vigil of the night,
my thoughts had not been idle, and a course of action I had traced out,
though it was not yet fully developed in my mind. Circumstances might
yet alter it, or aid me in its execution.

We approached their night-encampment, then, warily and with stealth.
The smoke of its smouldering fires pointed out the place, and warned us
from afar.

We found it quite deserted--the gaunt wolf and coyote alone occupying
the ground, disputing with each other possession of the hide and bones
of a horse--the debris of the Indian breakfast.

Had we not known already, the trappers could have told by the sign of
the camp to what tribe the Indians belonged. There were still standing
the poles of a tent--only one--doubtless the lodge of the head chief.
The poles were temporary ones--saplings cut from the adjacent thicket.
They were placed in a circle, and meeting at the top, were tied together
with a piece of thong--so that, when covered, the lodge would have
exhibited the form of a perfect cone. This we knew was the fashion of
the Comanche tent.

"Ef 't hed 'a been Kickapoo," said Rube, who took the opportunity of
displaying his knowledge, "th'ud 'a bent thur poles in'ard, so's to make
a sort o' a roun top, d'ee see; an ef 't hed 'a been Wacoes or
Witcheetoes, thu'd 'a left a hole at the top, to let out thur smoke.
Delawurs an Shawnee wud 'a hed tents, jest like whites; but thet ur
ain't thur way o' makin a fire. In a Shawne