It seemed as if the whole gamut of fear was to be run by Mendez, who found himself in such peculiar danger. The horsemen made a shift of position which brought them several yards nearer the prostrate figure, who would have been glad to sink himself several feet under the ground had it been possible.
But this supreme trial of his nerves brought its consolation, for he was now able to hear and understand nearly everything said by his enemies—an achievement which otherwise would have been among the impossibilities.
A significant fact, immediately preceding this eavesdropper episode, was the arrival of Maroz and Ceballos, who, as will be remembered, had been sent away by Lieutenant Decker. From his curious hiding-place Mendez recognized both, as they rode up in the bright moonlight and joined the group as if they were friends who expected their coming.
It will be more intelligible if we give a liberal interpretation of the conversation between Geronimo and the two arrivals.
“I am glad to look upon the face of my brothers,” said the leader, by way of greeting; “I knew you would hasten to join us.”
“We came as soon as we could; but the soldiers watch us closely; they distrust us, though we have done all we could to make them think us friends.”
To this remark by Maroz, Ceballos added:
“We are eager to give the great Geronimo all the help we can.”
“Where are the soldiers?” was the pertinent query of the chief.
“We are not sure; they were a few miles to the east, near the Sutra Valley.”