CHAPTER VIII.
MAROZ AND CEBALLOS.
The faint signal had only the breadth of the stream to cross and was heard by the two men.
“It is Mendez,” repeated Decker in a whisper; “he brings important news.”
“Are you sure it is he?” was the guarded inquiry of Freeman, whose longer residence in that section of the Union and greater experience with the wily Apaches made him distrustful. The events of the preceding few hours especially warned him that it was impossible to use too much caution in dealing with their enemies.
“I am as sure as one can well be,” said the officer, who, it will be remembered, was not on his horse but standing beside him.
“If it be he why does he not come to us? The stream is not deep.”
“Perhaps he expects us to join him—sh!”
The call which had caught their attention a few minutes before was heard again.
“It will be the height of folly to attempt to reach the other bank while this uncertainty exists,” said Freeman; “I shall not do it.”
“Withdraw a short distance and wait for me.”