realized as fully as they the delicate and perilous task he had taken
upon himself.

Reaching the top of the ridge which has been referred to so often, the
first glance was at the herd of cattle, which it was instantly seen
required looking after. They had drifted far to the westward, and were
so scattered as to need rounding-up in a general way or rather herding.
Everything was favorable for good progress that day, since the stream to
be crossed was small and shallow, and the sky was not only clear but the
air just crisp enough to render travelling pleasant. But there was no
thought of going forward until the fate of the captain was settled.

With only a brief halt the cowboys spurred their mustangs down the slope
to attend to the cattle, but Avon Burnet remained on the crest, his
interest lying elsewhere.

There was only a single small field glass in the company, and as it
happened that was in the possession of Captain Shirril, so that the
youth had to depend upon his unaided vision. But the atmosphere in the
Southwest is generally of crystalline clearness, and he was able to see
his friend quite plainly until the hill beyond should hide him from
view.

At the moment Avon turned the head of his horse toward the east, the
Texan was quite close to the place where the Comanches had taken refuge
with their prisoner. His horse was walking slowly, and it was evident he
was on the watch for some sign from the red men who held the key to the
situation. As he drew nearer his mustang moved still more deliberately,
until it was hard to decide whether he was advancing at all.

Looking closely, however, he perceived that Gleeson's progress had not
ceased, and he was making some kind of signal. He had removed the
handkerchief from around his neck, and was fluttering it over his head.
Although its color debarred it from serving as the regulation flag of
truce, there was little doubt that the meaning of its owner would be
understood by whomsoever saw it.

"Ah, there they are!"

This exclamation was uttered a few minutes later, when the watcher on
the crest caught sight, not of one but of two Indians, who emerged from
the hills on foot. They walked directly toward the Texan, their actions
proving that they appeared in answer to his signal.

Gleeson, on perceiving them, brought his steed to a stand still and
awaited their coming. None could have known better than he that he was
within range of the companions of these two warri