[CHAPTER VI.]
THE APACHES.
At the shot fired by Pedro Sandoval, after the fashion, of a peroration to his too lengthened story, as we have seen, the Apaches, who had hitherto kept out of earshot, ran up at full speed. Red Cedar hurried in pursuit of Bloodson, but uselessly; he could not catch up to him, and was compelled to rejoin his comrades. The latter were already making preparations to bury the old pirate, whose body they could not leave to be devoured by the wild beasts and birds of prey. Sandoval was a great favourite of the Apaches, with whom he had lived a long time, and they had on many occasions, been able to appreciate his courage and marauding talents.
Stanapat had assembled his band, and was at the head of a certain number of resolute warriors, whom he divided into two parties, and then approached Red Cedar.
"Will my brother listen to the words of a friend?" he said.
"My father can speak; although my heart is very sad, my ears are open," the squatter answered.
"Good," the chief continued; "my brother will take a party of my young men, and put himself on the trail of the palefaces, while I pay the white warrior the duties proper for him."
"Can I thus leave a friend, before his body is placed in the ground?"
"My brother knows what he ought to do, but the palefaces are rapidly retiring."
"You are right, chief; I go, but I leave you my warriors—my comrades will be sufficient for me. Where shall I find you again?"