cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders,
with their saddles for pillows, they one after another dropped off to
sleep; and, in a short time, I was the only one of the party awake.

While I listened for the sound of Jerry's return; ascending a slight
eminence, I watched the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance,
and almost persuaded myself that it was a light in the window of some
settler's dwelling, rather than an Indian encampment.

At length the low, delighted neigh of his pony, which, with my own, had
been picketed near the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his
master was not far away. I soon heard his voice as he spoke to the animal
in passing; and, a moment later, the men stood beside me.

Jerry reported that they ventured near enough to the camp to look into
it. He had counted eleven Indians. Five of them were guarding the
animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had
undoubtedly killed for food. The remainder of the party were evidently
gorged with mule meat, and sleeping soundly.

Both were satisfied that, by the exercise of proper caution, we should
have no difficulty in surprising the Indians. It was thought best for our
animals to remain where they were, with a few men to guard them, and for
the rest of the party to go on foot to the camp, which was about two
miles distant.

The men were awakened, arms carefully examined, and five were detailed to
remain with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into
two companies. One was placed under charge of Jerry, the other under Don
Ignacio.