Within the line of fires the horses
were picketed in two rows. In the center of the circle, upon the
highest point of the rise, was a small house. As we approached we
could see a stir in the camp: a party of men were mounting their
horses as if for an expedition.
"'I hope El Zeres is on the point of starting somewhere, Rube,' I
said, 'and that he is in too great a hurry to stop to amuse himself
with us as he has threatened: it will give us another day."
"'I hope so,' Rube said; 'it's hard if we don't manage to make
tracks if we get twenty-four hours.'
"On reaching the camp we were ordered to alight; and upon its being
known who we were, there was as many shouts of triumph as if we had
been generals.
"'We are quite celebrated characters, Seth,' Rube said, with his
usual laugh.
"'Ah,' said I, 'we could do without such celebrity just at present.'
"'I don't know,' Rube said. 'If we were mere American soldiers they
would cut our throats at once: as it is they may keep us for a more
ceremonial killing.'
"As we were talking we were being led up toward the central hut,
which was evidently the abode of the chief. He was standing at the
door, tapping his riding-boot impatiently with a heavy whip; a man
was holding his horse in readiness.
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