is new scheme was the increased risk of being
brought in contact with the friends of the warrior of the red hand--of
being accosted by them, and of course expected to make reply. How could
I avoid meeting them--one or more of them? If interrogated, how shun
making answer? I knew a few words of the Comanche tongue, but not
enough to hold a conversation in it. Either my false accent or my voice
would betray me! True, I might answer in Spanish. Many of the
Comanches speak this language; but my using it would appear a suspicious
circumstance.

There was another source of apprehension: I could not confide in the
Indian horse. He had endeavoured to fling Stanfield all along the way--
kicking violently, and biting at his Saxon rider while seated upon his
back. Should he behave in a similar manner with me while entering the
camp, it would certainly attract the attention of the Indian guards. It
would lead to scrutiny and suspicion.

Still another fear: even should I succeed in the main points--in
entering the camp, finding the captive, and wresting her from the hands
of her jailers--how after? I could never depend upon this capricious
mustang to carry us clear of the pursuit--there would be others as
swift, perhaps swifter than he, and we should only be carried back to
die. Oh! that I could have taken my own steed near to the line of
yonder guard--oh! that I could have hidden him there!

It might not be; I saw that it could not be; and I was forced to abandon
the thoughts of it.

I had well-nigh made up my mind to risk all the chances of my assumed
character, by mounting the Indian horse. To my comrades I imparted the
idea, and asked their counsel.

All regarded it as fraught with danger; one or two advised me against
it. They were those who did not understand my motives--who could not
comprehend the sentiment of love--who knew not the strength and courage
which that noble passion may impart. Little understood they how its
emotions inspire to deeds of daring--how love absorbs all selfishness--
even life becoming a secondary consideration, when weighed against the
happiness or safety of its object. These rude men had never loved as I.
I gave no ear to their too prudent counsels.

Others acknowledged the danger, but saw not how I could act differently.
One or two had in their life's course experienced a touch of tender
feeling akin to mine. These could appreciate; and counselled me in
consonance with my hal