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Show FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. 271 went to our camp. I told the brethren that I would not return without the stock. The commander wanted to know of me how long I wished to follow the trail. I told him until I got the animals or died trying. He said he never left a trail as long as one man stayed with him. The agreement was if I did not return, the brethren were to hire a team, return to El Paso, and report to Brother Brigham. As soon as we struck the trail the Mexican^ decided that the animals had been stolen by Apaches, as we could see plainly that there were barefooted tracks along with ours. The trail was quite plain until we reached a low mountain range. Here the formation was rocky and no trail could be seen. I had taken the lay of the country in the distance and picked out the point where I was satisfied the ani-mals would have to go. So, while the Mexicans were looking for tracks, I made for this pass. On reaching the summit of the rise the country opened out. somewhat level. I made a circuit and soon struck the trail. I was now alone, but on calling the others heard me and soon came in sight. I started on a gallop. One of the party, riding up, overtook and com-plimented me on my ability to trail. As we rode I looked back and saw a signal fire. I asked what it was for. My companion said, " The cap-tain is now satisfied that the Apaches have your stock, and that is a signal fire for some more men to come on and follow our trail, bringing water, as there is none for three days in this direction." He proposed riding a little slower till the captain - came up. I felt more like going faster. There was a clump of cedars in sight in the direc- |
