He could not know that the Chiricahuas were to fight again, and to be defeated again, the next day. Had the Mimbrenos stayed to help, the soldiers might have been defeated. Then, at least until the Civil War ended and more soldiers came, the combined Apache forces probably would have retaken all their homeland. But almost none of the Mimbreno warriors had any thought for anything save the badly wounded Mangus Coloradus. Under his leadership, they had become a very powerful tribe. If they were robbed of his wisdom, who knew what might happen? Stockily built Victorio, a cold-eyed, ferocious Mimbreno sub-chief, had hurried to Mangus Coloradus as soon as he heard of his wound. Now he said: "I will help carry our leader. Guide us, Geronimo." He picked up one end of the litter. Mangas took the other. Geronimo led the way through the darkness. He dropped pinches of _hoddentin_ as he walked, for this was supposed to make the wounded Mangus Coloradus' path much easier. But the seventy-year-old chief was unable to speak above a whisper during the long and difficult journey. Stopping only to hunt food and for snatches of sleep, the Mimbrenos carried him over mountains and across deserts. At last they were in Mexico, before the gates of the walled town of Janos. The _rurales_ of the town came out to meet them. Though they were armed and in considerable force, the _rurales_ were afraid. The Mimbreno braves were in full strength. They also were fully armed, and with no women and children to hamper them. Murmuring prayers, the _rurales_ made ready to defend themselves and the townspeople. But Geronimo stepped up to their captain. "We come in peace," he said. "Our chief is wounded, and we bring him to your medicine man." A sweat of fear bathed the captain's face, but a gasp of relief escaped his lips. There was hope. This was no war party. The captain dismounted, gave his horse's reins to a private, and walked beside Geronimo and the two men carrying Mangus Coloradus' litter. Men, women, and children shrank against houses or scurried away as the procession made its way to the doctor's house. [Illustration: _The Mimbrenos carried him over mountains and across deserts_] "They come in peace. Their chief is wounded and they wish only to bring him to our doctor," the captain explained to whoever remained near enough to hear. Those who heard passed the word to others. Then all the people of Janos hurried to the church. Often they had wished that Mangus Coloradus might die. Now they prayed for his life, for they feared that, if he died, the angered Apaches would kill everybody in Janos. When they reached the doctor's house, Mangas and Victorio carried Mangus Coloradus in. Most of the warriors took up positions outside the house so that no one might come near. The captain of the _rurales_ and Geronimo entered with the litter bearers. Geronimo addressed the doctor. "Make him well."