laps of
their hunting-shirts. We thought that we observed a similar manoeuvre
going on upon the opposite bank with the tomahawks of our adversaries.

We could make but little objection to the terms proposed; and as Seguin
knew that time saved was an important object, he hastened to accept
them.

As soon as this was announced to the Navajoes, twenty men--already
chosen, no doubt--stepped out into the open prairie, and striking their
lances into the ground, rested against them their bows, quivers, and
shields. We saw no tomahawks, and we knew that every Navajo carries
this weapon. They all had the means of concealing them about their
persons; for most of them were dressed in the garb of civilised life, in
the plundered habiliments of the rancho and hacienda. We cared little,
as we, too, were sufficiently armed. We saw that the party selected
were men of powerful strength; in fact, they were the picked warriors of
the tribe.

Ours were similarly chosen. Among them were El Sol and Garey, Rube, and
the bull-fighter Sanchez. Seguin and I were of the number. Most of the
trappers, with a few Delaware Indians, completed the complement.

The twenty were soon selected; and, stepping out on the open ground, as
the Navajoes had done, we piled our rifles in the presence of the enemy.

Our captives were then mounted and made ready for starting. The queen
and the Mexican girls were brought forward among the rest.

This last was a piece of strategy on the part of Seguin. He knew that
we had captives enough to exchange one for one, without these; but he
saw, as we all did, that to leave the queen behind would interrupt the
negotiation, and perhaps put an end to it altogether. He had resolved,
therefore, on taking her along, trusting that he could better negotiate
for her on the ground. Failing this, there would be but one appeal--to
arms; and he knew that our party was well prepared for that alternative.

Both sides were at length ready, and, at a signal, commenced riding down
the barranca, in the direction of the mine. The rest of the two bands
remained eyeing each other across the gulf, with glances of mistrust and
hatred. Neither party could move without the other seeing it; for the
plains in which they were, though on opposite sides of the barranca,
were but segments of the same horizontal plateau. A horseman proceeding
from either party could have been seen by the others to a distance of
many miles.

The flag