Geronimo sat as though he had lost everything that made him alive but was still not dead. He knew dimly that Mangus Coloradus was talking in low tones with men whom Geronimo was too dazed to recognize.
The Mimbreno chief said, "We must go to our village."
"And leave our dead?" The question was laden with heartbreak.
Mangus Coloradus said, "We are deep in enemy country, with few arms, no food, and no horses. Is there another way?"
"I will not go," Nadeze said firmly.
"Then you will not return to meet again those who massacred our people," said the chief.
"Return?" Nadeze was puzzled.
"We will come again," Mangus Coloradus promised, "but with warriors only."
"Ha!" Nadeze snarled like an angry puma. "If my dead know that, they will forgive me for leaving! I must go and tell them!"
Others announced their intention to return to the encampment for one last visit with their dead.