; my conjectures were not
ill-founded, as about midnight we entered a valley, and passing through
green fields, came in view of the lodges of the Apache encampment. Our
approach was heralded by the barking of dogs, and soon we were
surrounded by a vast multitude of women and children, who greeted the
returning braves with great enthusiasm.

We halted in the center of the village, and presently a large fire was
blazing in front of the chief's lodge, around which the warriors
assembled. The captives were placed in a row to one side, and except to
be stared at by the women no further attention was taken of us. Each
brave seemed bent on feasting himself, and while we were left to suffer
the pangs of hunger and thirst, our masters indulged in gluttony of a
most riotous and bestial nature. As the night advanced more fuel was
added to the fires, until they crackled and blazed with tremendous fury.
It was not long before the remains of the feast were cleared away, and
the Indians reassembled, each with tomahawk in one hand, and a rattle in
the other; then began the scalp dance, with which these tribes always
celebrate their successful forays.

A number of young women are selected who step into the ring, and holding
up the recently taken scalps, begin a low chant. The braves circle
round, brandishing weapons of various kinds, whilst they distort their
faces and bodies into the most horrid shapes. Simultaneously jumping
into the air, they come down on both feet with a blow and thrust of
their weapons, while it would appear as if they were indulging in the
most horrible butchery. Darting about their glaring eye-balls, as if
actuated by the most fiendish passions. As the dance continues the
excitement grows apace; the bystanders wave their torches and urge the
actors on to renewed endeavor. The scene becomes one wild orgy, in which
the lowest and most blood-thirsty passions are excited. The drums
continue beating, the women shriek, men yell, dogs bark, and the whole
scene becomes wild and terrible in the extreme. No description can do
justice to this remarkable performance, but once seen it leaves a vivid
impress on the mind that time can never efface.

The dance was continued until the stars gradually disappeared, and the
gray streaks of dawn ushered in the new day. Tired, and trembling with
nervous excitement, I was conducted within the lodge; and throwing
myself on the ground, I sought that repose that my body and mind so much