the savages pricking the animals with their spears, and
placing branches of the cactus under their tails. We were fainting when
it ended.

Our captors now divided themselves into two parties, and started up the
barranca, taking opposite sides. One went with the Mexican captives and
the girls and children of the tribe. The larger party, under Dacoma--
now head chief, for the other had been killed in the conflict--guarded
us.

We were carried up that side on which was the spring, and, arriving at
the water, were halted for the night. We were taken off the mules and
securely tied to one another, our guard watching us without intermission
till morning. We were then packed as before and carried westward across
the desert.

CHAPTER FIFTY.

A FAST DYE.

After a four days' journey, painful even to be remembered, we re-entered
the valley of Navajoa. The other captives, along with the great
caballada, had arrived before us; and we saw the plundered cattle
scattered over the plain.

As we approached the town, we were met by crowds of women and children,
far more than we had seen on our former visit. These were guests, who
had come in from other villages of the Navajoes that lay farther to the
north. They were there to witness the triumphant return of the
warriors, and partake of the great feast that always follows a
successful foray.

I noticed many white faces among them, with features of the Iberian
race. They had been captives; they were now the wives of warriors.
They were dressed like the others, and seemed to participate in the
general joy. They, like Seguin's daughter, had been Indianised.

There were many Mestizoes, half-bloods, the descendants of Indians and
their Mexican captives, the offspring of many a Sabine wedding.

We were carried through the streets, and out to the western side of the
village. The crowd followed us with mingled exclamations of triumph,
hatred, and curiosity. At the distance of a hundred yards or so from
the houses, and close to the river bank, our guards drew up.

I had turned my eyes on all sides as we passed through, as well as my
awkward position would permit I could see nothing of her, or any of the
female captives. Where could they be? Perhaps in the temple.

This building stood on the opposite side of the town, and the houses
prevented me from seeing it. Its top only was visible from the spot
where we had been halted.

We were untied and taken down. We we