during our absence.

The sun was just peeping above the eastern horizon when the party from
Magoffin's appeared. They were all Mexicans, each man provided with three
days' rations, which consisted of about a quart of _atole_ [Wheat and
brown sugar ground together and dried. A small quantity mixed with cold
water makes a very pleasant and nutritious meal.] and a piece of jerked
beef, securely fastened behind their saddles with their blankets. Every
man was armed with a rifle and two revolvers, and carried, besides, forty
rounds of ammunition in his belt.

A delay of a few moments only, and we were off.

We soon struck the Comanches' trail and followed it in a north-easterly
direction for three or four hours, when Jerry turned to me and said,--

"I was afraid of this, judge. Them varmints hev struck a 'bee-line' for
the Pecos; and if we don't ketch 'em afore they cross it and git into the
Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the
Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level of the ocean,
and entirely destitute of wood and water.] that's the end on 'em, as fur
as we're concarned, so I reckon we'd best hurry on."

[Illustration: Trailing.]

Uttering the single word, '_Adelante!_' or 'Forward!' we started in
a brisk canter. It was a beautiful morning and the trail was easily
followed.

Our animals were fresh, and everything appeared favorable for the success