In late afternoon of the third day following, they came before the walled town of Arispe.
They halted in a woods some five hundred yards from the town, and Geronimo's heart leaped as he stood beside Naiche. Again, in imagination, he saw his mother, his wife, his murdered children. A great joy rose within him at the knowledge that, only a short distance away, their murderers awaited. The Apaches had come upon Arispe so stealthily that the rurales couldn't possibly have fled. A battle was assured.
But their presence must be known soon, and when they were discovered they could expect action from Arispe. The sun was sinking when Naiche said:
"They come."
Eight townsmen bearing a white flag of truce left the walled town and walked toward the trees. Geronimo could not help admiring them. Eight Mexicans who approached any number of Apaches must be courageous.
"What would you do with them, brother?" Naiche asked, stepping closer to Geronimo.
"Hold them prisoner and force the rurales to come out to attempt a rescue," replied Geronimo. "Thus we may be sure of a battle."
"Their flag says they come to talk. It is not honorable to capture them."
"The rurales who slew our women and children at Kas-Kai-Ya were less than honorable too," Geronimo said grimly.
"That is true, but whether we capture or parley is for the chiefs to say. Let us hear."