The emigrants understood, as a matter of course, that the approach of the redskins meant nothing hostile, although more than one of them quietly examined his rifle to make sure it was loaded and ready for instant use.
A few moments later, the war party came to a dead halt about a hundred yards distant, and the leader or chief made a gesture of friendship, which was answered in pantomimes by Lancaster, who muttered at the same time to those near him.
“Two of them dogs is Comanches.”
“Wonder if they aint the ones that stole my sheep!” exclaimed Leonidas, sagely.
The preliminaries being arranged the chief now rode forward, his warriors following at a distance of a dozen yards or so. The emigrants reassured them by signs that they were welcome, whereupon the whole ten slid lightly from their horses, and, leaving them stand without any fastening or guardianship, came forward, until it may be said, they mingled in with the whites, at which point they laid their arms upon the ground, and waited for their white friends to do the same.
“Put down your guns,” said the trapper, “that’s what they’re waiting for, but if you can hang on to your pistols at the same time without their noticing you, why I haint any ’bjection.”
“I swan, if I let go of my revolver,” muttered Swipes, as he shoved the weapon as far as possible down his pantaloons pocket.
The Apaches now came forward, and seated themselves upon the ground, placing themselves in a semi-circle, while the circle was completed by a dozen of the emigrants, including the hunters, Swipes taking good care to occupy the centre of the Caucasian line, so as to be as far away as possible from the American.
At this juncture, Mr. Bonfield whispered to Lancaster, who was sitting next to him, that the chief or leader was the same fellow who had visited their camp alone, about a week before. He was now painted and bedaubed, with the evident intention of concealing his identity, but Mr. Bonfield was sure he recognized him. When finally he opened his mouth, and spoke, the last atom of doubt was removed.
Lancaster nodded his head to signify that he understood what it all meant.