which the front of the tents could be observed.
Sergeant Rafferty, with George Cooler, was on the opposite flank, and
the lighting of a tree on my side was to be the signal for one to be
lighted on the other, and for the yelling to begin.

This plan was carried out. The flash of one match was followed
promptly by the flash of another. Two flames burst forth, and rapidly
climbed the shaggy trunks of the little palms, lighting up the whole
locality. At the same instant an imitation war-whoop burst from
vigorous lungs and throats.

Every one held his rifle in readiness to shoot the escaping Apaches,
but not a redskin showed his jetty head. The soldiers yelled and
yelled, practising every variation ingenuity could invent in the vain
attempt to make their tame white-man utterances resemble the
blood-curdling, hair-raising, heart-jumping shrieks of their Indian
foes, now so strangely silent. Not a savage responded vocally or
otherwise.

But for the presence of the captive girl in one of the thirteen tents
the attack would have begun by riddling the thinly covered shelters
with bullets at low range.

The two burning trees had gone out and two others had been lighted,
and it soon appeared evident that if something was not done to bring
out the foe the supply of torches would soon be exhausted and nothing
accomplished. In the darkness the advantage might even turn to the
side of the redman.

Surgeon Coues, who reclined near me, asked: "Do you think any of those
fellows understand English?"

"Perhaps a few common phrases. They know Spanish fairly well from
living for some centuries near the Mexicans."

"Are they quite as old as that, lieutenant?"

"You know what I mean, doctor."

"Why not speak to Brenda in English, and ask her to try to show us
where she is? The Apaches will not understand--will think you are
talking to your men."

"An excellent idea, doctor. I'll try it."

Private Tom Clary was sent along both flanks with orders for all
yelling to cease and for perfect quiet to be maintained. Then, acting
upon the surgeon's suggestion, I called, in a clear, loud voice:

"Brenda, we are here--your friends from the fort. Your relatives are
safe. Try to make a signal, or do something by which we can learn
where you are. Take plenty of time, and do nothing to endanger your
life."

A long silence ensued, during which two more pillars of fire burned
out. I was beginning to fear I should be obliged to offer terms to