Mason approached the subject in curt, business-like fashion, rapidly translating to the rest all that the Indians said, and cutting very short the embroideries, formalities, and courtesy-titles contained in their address. It appeared that Comanche scouts had reported a march of the Apaches towards their own camp; they were several hundred strong, and were coming across country from the Rio del Norte direction. "Last time we drove them away with great slaughter," continued the Comanche chief; "but they are more now, and many of them have guns; they are more confident too, for our scouts learn that they have inflicted a great defeat on white men." "Ask him whereabouts," said Wise hurriedly. "In Sonora, it is understood." "Surely he doesn't expect us to join him?" muttered Wise. "No; no sich thing. He's only come to say he's moving his camp from the Buonaventura, so that we mustn't rely on help from his tribe as heretofore, until they've met and whipped the Apaches. His tribe have always been the best o' friends with us. Say, it'll _be_ a battle; not a make-believe; but bear in mind what I said; keep out'n it." "If these Apaches are coming from the del Norte, they'll probably not be the same as the ones we expect." "Never no tellings; they're here to-day, and goodness knows where to-morrow." "Then I'll stay as long as I said," answered the lieutenant; and he went back to finish his night's rest. When he turned out in the morning the Comanches had long gone and the trappers were discussing plans, some advocating going about their work as usual, since the seamen were there to guard the camp; the rest insisting that both parties ought to lie hidden within the camp and give it the appearance of being entirely deserted. As the Apaches, being mounted, would have such an enormous advantage, whether in the open field or in eluding pursuit, Wise and Mason decided upon the latter course, and positions were being assigned to the men, when, all in a moment, a dozen rifles blazed out from beyond the edge of the clearing; bullets rattled against the huts, and two of the trappers fell back wounded. A roar of vengeance rose from all except the sailors, who, catching their officer's eye, at once sent an answering volley among the trees. "They're on foot," screamed one trapper as he snatched up his gun and ran like a madman across the clearing. "Come on, boys; there they go." "Fall in," said Wise shortly; then turned to Mason. "This is a bad business for you chaps--but we must go to work in a proper fashion. You can spot their trail better than we; go on, we'll follow you." With the exception of the delirious person who had already gone in pursuit, the trappers collected in an orderly manner, each man swiftly examining his stock of ammunition and snatching up whatever food lay to hand; and all were ready to start at a sign from Mason.