Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/206

 ever we met any of the home people we stopped and inquired for the missing caravan, while the inmates of the wagon let off a few howls to heighten the effect. By night we were abreast of Chihuahua and drove slowly north until morning, when we got a change of mules. Then we crept nearer freedom, but never appearing to hurry, and on the second night out we allowed the four men to ride on top of their homes in their underclothing. But with the sun they again put on their trimmings and hopped inside. By this time Tib and I were nearly dead for want of sleep; for although we let Collins slumber every little once in a while, we dared not quit our posts. At last we neared the Rio, and the men wanted to take off their suits and make one dash for it, but Tib said nay. On inquiring from a half-breed we at last learned we had only a few miles to make.

"‘Now let's go through with a rush,' I suggested, wearily.

"‘We'll have to,' replied Tib. 'I see the glitter of their shields.'

"And looking back I made out a party of horsemen galloping a mile in our rear, while the sunlight played brightly on something they carried in their hands.

"With a yell to the mules we bumped and tore along, the heavy wagons swaying fearfully as we