"Silently and stealthily I made my way down the canyon. When I came in sight of the camp the two pack horses were nowhere to be seen. Then I knew what had happened.
"I lost no time in following the Indian, who was was driving off our animals. I hoped to catch him before he got out on the plains, and I caught sight of him after I had gone a half a mile.
"He was a rather short, squat Indian, but powerfully built. I could have shot him in the back, but I hated to do that even to an Apache thief. So I followed quickly on his trail. Once he turned suspiciously, but I dropped instantly to cover.
"With a silent rush I came up behind him and when I was about ten feet away, he turned, and before he had recovered from his instantaneous surprise, I had smashed him down with the butt of my rifle.
"My next move was to tie him up good and fast, and then gag him. Then I went back for Tom, who was much relieved to see me.
"'Where are the boys?' he inquired anxiously.
"'They evidently haven't returned,' I replied, 'but I am sure they are all right.'
"But I, too, was worried, though I did not wish to alarm Tom. So I put the best face on it that was possible.
"'Did you see the Apache?' asked Tom.
"'Yes, and fortunately before he saw me,' I replied.