The old-timer led them to the chief’s lodge, where they sat down and waited.
Within the hour a group of Apaches came riding up the nearest gorge, and at their head General Howard saw one whose sinister face conformed to the description which Jeffords had given him. The warrior was carrying a lance. And behind him rode the war-chief. Cochise dismounted and entered his lodge. After the Mexican fashion he kissed Jeffords on both cheeks embracing him warmly. Then––
“What is it these men want?” he asked.
Jeffords introduced General Howard and the aide, and stated the former’s motive in making this visit. Cochise sat silent for some moments. At length, pointing to General Howard––
––“Will he keep his word if we exchange promises?” he demanded.
“I have advised him not to promise too much, as is the habit of many white men,” Jeffords answered, “and I believe he is honest.”
The old war-chief fell silent again. Finally he turned to General Howard.
“Some of my young men,” he said slowly, “are away now. They are making their living. They may come back at any time. And when they come back there may be trouble. It would be better if you were not here then.”
And General Howard knew enough about the Apaches and their habits to be sure in what manner those young men were making their living; what sort of trouble would probably follow their arrival in the camp. It would be an awkward situation if he were to be in this place during a battle between the savages and his fellow-soldiers. But he was not a young man and the prospects of a long ride back to the nearest military post were not alluring. He said as much.