The Young Trail Hunters

es, tryin' to stampede our stock. If ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er

boys came out from under the wago

to," said Hal, turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame

u won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that

t," said Ned; "but I'll go down

le yerself one mite, I'm go

taken in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as J

Magoffin's folks he

alk over to the c

enty men, I'll fetch every one o' the critters back afore ter-morrow night at this time,

think it can

it," was the

if he's lost any stock and will lend us the men

d varmints won't hev more'n four hours the start; an',

n, which was in charge of his major-domo, or head man, Don Ignacio. Him I sought and learned that between twenty and thirty of their mules we

n hour afterwards, when I reached c

ry would not hear to it for a moment, declaring they m

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

w moments only,

d it in a north-easterly direction for three or

into the Llano, [The Llano Estacado, or staked plain; a favorite resort of the Comanches. It is about four thousand feet above the level

rd!' we started in a brisk canter. It was a bea

pedition, especially as we realized that the progress of the Indians must necessari

at last, turned abruptly to the left, and commenced the ascent of the great "divide" which separates the

e saddle and bridle and gave them an opportunity to enjoy a roll in the tall grass through which we passed; and as twilight settled around us, both men and animals began to show unmistakable signs of

didn't 'spect ter be follered, and they've lighted some ros

re picketed, Jerry and Don Ignacio had started out for a reconnoissa

eir suppers eaten and cigarettes smoked, than, wrapping their blankets around their shoulders, with their saddles fo

the glow of the Comanche camp-fire in the distance, and almost persuaded myself that it

the spot where I was reclining, warned me that his master was not far away. I soon heard hi

ve of them were guarding the animals. Near the camp was the carcass of a mule, which the savages had undoubt

ing the Indians. It was thought best for our animals to remain where they were, with a few men to gu

main with the animals. The remainder of the party was then divided into two

me within half a mile of the Indian camp; then to separate. Jerry's party was to att

igned him. Then, upon a signal from Jerry, which was to be the bark of a coyote, or prairie wolf, three t

the attack, until finally Don Ignacio and myself were left alone. Motioning me to follow him, he led the

in, flickering light of their fire, I coul

ct of warming himself; while, about the fire, lay five ot

e dark outline of the herd, quietly feeding. It was e

rs. No sound disturbed the profound silence that reigned about us, as we waited and listened for the signal that was to decide

l, that, for an instant, I persuaded myself it was the creature itself and not old Jerry

ed the question, and I held my breath i

arp, and unmistakable, followed

arthly yell of the Comanche war-whoop, and we all rushed forward pell-mell for the camp, throug

y realized we were in the Indian camp: before I had time to do more than this, I saw J

s and two varmints is a pretty good nig

illed. The remainder had managed to escape in the darkness. We quickly despoiled

rtook of a slight lunch, and were ready to start for our camp on the banks of the Nucces, when Don Ignacio came to me, saying, that, as

and hu

nd enable him to arrive in camp se

ment, saying that three men, besides ou

to remain with us; and, with th

the night; and, when morning dawne

We were in hope that they would not discover us at first; but it soon became evident that they had seen us, for one of thei

ded it was better for us to ride out and meet

ition, giving the Mexicans instructio

larly cunning and wicked looking countenance, came towards us and extended his hand for a shake; while,

manner as to allow it to sweep the ground behind him. They wore moccasins on their feet, made of buckskin, with a heavy fringe or tassels pendant from the seam behind, long enough to permit it to drag upon

eous manner, in ochre and verm

r from a small bag he wore around his neck, which

as fo

is a friend of the White's. My advice is not to Trust

ding it, gave it back to its owner with the

smile; and, as he returned it

bueno amigo"

anker arter. I reckon we may as well shake hands, old feller, 'cause we m

llo insisted upon accompanying us; and, rather than betray any fear, or show that we distrusted him, Jerry

s; for, upon overtaking our herd, they looked about them, evidently expecting to see a

ide to the north; and had been out purchasing some stock from

ons concerning the strength of this last party, its destination, etc., all of w

f sixty or seventy feet; and Jerry immediately emptied, in rapid succession, the contents of both revolvers, without stopping to reload. This caused the greatest astonishment; and, in a short time, they began to manifest a disposition to leave. With ma

tion, I'll lose my guess. They'll go for that air camp to the southward, expectin' to find some greenhorns; and I only hope they may fin

a large emigrant wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen, slowly making its way through the tal

t party we've seen out on the plains since we left San A

Blodget and four companions from Missouri, on the way t

ans; having, by the advice of their guide, kept a few miles away from the main travelled route, on account of there being less liability of mee

friends, and set out once mo