Drawing a rubber safe from his pocket, he struck a match, and by the tiny flame looked at the head and side of the dead steed.
One scrutinizing glance was enough; the body was not that of his own favorite, but of Jack, belonging to his uncle.
“Poor Jack!” murmured the youth with a thrill of sympathy, “you have been on many a stirring campaign, but you will go on no more. I wonder how it was you met your death.”
It looked as if the mustang had been stricken by a stray shot, that may have been fired by a friend, for it was not to be supposed 186 that a Comanche would have killed him purposely, when he would have been a valuable prize.
The bridle and saddle were in the cabin, so that the owner had simply lost one of his horses, his supply of extra ones being sufficient to replace him without trouble.
“I am afraid there is little chance of finding Thunderbolt alive,” added the youth, as he resumed his search.
He made his way through the bush with the utmost care, for, although the Indians had been sharply repulsed, he was aware of the custom of those people, when any of their number are killed or wounded. The survivors put forth every exertion to take them away with them, having the horror of their race against any falling into the hands of their enemies. It was more than likely that when the sun rose not a body would be anywhere in sight. Even the warrior who had run him so hard, only to succumb to the rifle of Ballyhoo Gleeson, would not be forgotten by his former comrades.
Advancing with the utmost caution, he 187 heard a rustling in the bush in front. Quite sure that it was caused by his enemies, he stood a minute or two listening, uncertain whether to advance or withdraw. But he found the parties were receding, and he ventured to steal forward in order to gain a closer sight of them.
A short walk took him to the edge of the mesquite, where the additional light offered a partial view of a strange scene.
Two able-bodied warriors were supporting a third between them. The wounded one was able to walk slowly with help, but it was apparent that he was badly hurt, for he leaned heavily upon his support, who stopped at intervals to give him rest.