plains, no how."

After long haggling and bargaining between Jerry and the Indian, the
amount of ransom was agreed upon, and the brave rode off to bring the
boys, while Jerry and I started for the train to procure the blankets,
powder, brass wire, beads and tobacco, we were to give in exchange for
them.

An hour or two later, two Indians appeared upon the summit of the high
ground with the boys; then Jerry and I, with the goods, rode forward to
make the exchange. This was soon effected, and they left us with profuse
expressions of regard; although, from the haste displayed in removing
their ill-gotten wealth, it was evident that they placed as little
confidence in our honesty, as we did in theirs.

We were overjoyed to get the boys back safe and sound; and, though Jerry
was disposed to grumble at the idea of having them along, in a trip
across the plains, he was glad to listen to Ned's explanation of the
manner of their capture.

While they were watching the dogs, their ponies got frightened and ran
away; when they discovered this, they also started for camp.

After it grew dark, they saw at a long distance from the road the light
of a camp-fire. Thinking it ours, they started for it, and walked
directly into the midst of a party of fifteen Comanches, who were as much
surprised at seeing two youngsters armed with rifles coming into their
midst, as they were frightened at finding themselves surrounded by naked,
painted savages.