day.

The mule and cavalry herds were examined for the cream-colored pony,
but that also was missing. Then the thought suggested itself that the
lad might be wandering on the road we had just traversed; but an
examination of the sergeant of the guard showed that to be impossible.

But one conclusion could be arrived at, and that was that Henry had
been picked up by the Navajos when returning from the command to my
detachment on the Carizo.

At the conclusion of the search the officers gathered near their
wagons for a consultation. Frank remained apart, silent and miserable.

Captain Bayard said: "It is impossible for us to make an immediate
pursuit with horses in such a condition as ours. To attempt a pursuit
over the barren region about us would be to invite failure and
disaster. If we had Mexican ponies, or Indian ponies like those of the
boys, we might start at once. The boy is probably a prisoner, and a
delay of one or two days can make little difference to him."

"But can we go with any better prospect of success to-morrow or next
day?" I asked.

"Yes, a march of sixteen miles and a half will bring us to the
Colorado Chiquito--a stream flowing at all times with pure water;
there, also, we shall find abundance of grass and a recently
established cavalry camp. I received a letter from the department
commander before I left Wingate, stating that Lieutenant Hubbell and
forty New Mexican cavalry had been ordered there three weeks ago. We
shall find an abundance of grain at the camp, and can put our animals
in good condition for an expedition into Elarnagan's country in a few
days. Now, gentlemen, let us get such rest as we can, and start at an
early hour in the morning."

IX

THE RESCUING PARTY

At the close of the consultation I rejoined Corporal Frank, and we
went back to our former seat under the cliff. The boy was exceedingly
depressed, and I did my best to persuade him that all would end well
and his brother would be rescued.

"But he may be dead, or dying," he answered to my arguments.

"No; that is improbable. Had he been killed, the Indians would have
taken particular pains to mutilate and place his body where the
passing column would have seen it. That in itself is good evidence
that he is living. The worst that is likely to happen is that he may
be held for ransom or exchange."

"But how _can_ I wait?" exclaimed Frank. "I feel as though I ought to
start now."

"That would do no good,