They sent their quadrupeds and wounded men ahead, toward the mouth of the pass by which they had entered that valley, and behind these the warriors rode sullenly along, every one of them longing for an opportunity to strike one more blow before he crossed the mountains. Nothing of the kind could be done that night, but there was no saying what might come into their angry minds before morning. They would have plenty of time to think after they were once safe in the pass, for their enemies would not dream of following them among the rocks.
CHAPTER XXIV
Even before the Apaches set out to find their Lipan enemies Murray and Steve made their way across the ford, and were guided by a bright-eyed boy to the lodge which had been set apart for them. That one had been given them at all was a mark of great respect; and this lodge belonged to Many Bear himself, which added to the honor done them.
"Now, Steve," said Murray, "you stay here awhile. I can do some things better if I'm alone."
"All right. But there's no danger of my going to sleep while you're gone."
"Pretty wide awake, eh? Well, it's an exciting time all around."
"It is for me, Murray. I feel as if I had made a good start on my way home."
"I guess you have. Your path is beginning to look pretty clear."
"I've escaped from the Lipans."