It was singular that the youngest member of the cattlemen should make an important discovery, which not only escaped them, but, as subsequent events proved, was not noticed, or at least did not receive due attention from the Comanches themselves.  
Avon Burnet, from his place on the of , was watching the interview between Gleeson and the two red men, when he awoke to the fact that the joined and formed a part of the hills among which the Comanches had taken refuge. That is to say, one had only to follow the former to reach the broken containing the and their prisoner.
 
If such a ride were made along the right slope, the person must be in plain sight of the Indians; if along the crest, he would be visible to those on the right and left, and, if along the left slope, the cowboys could see him while he would not be perceived by the red men themselves, unless they were on the watch.
 
These facts were apparent to Avon at the first glance he cast to the . He wondered that they escaped the notice of his friends, but this was probably due to their attention being diverted for the time by the cattle, and because, too, of their to wait the report of Gleeson before deciding upon their course of action.
 
The thought instantly came to Avon that if the cowboys would make a sudden break along the base of the slope to the left, they could reach the rear of the Comanches, always provided the latter had taken no precautions against such a flank movement. The plan of campaign was so that he could hardly believe it had been overlooked by the red men. At any rate, before urging his friends to adopt it, he to make a little on his own account, especially as he believed sufficient time was at command.
 
Riding, therefore, to the bottom of the slope, he spurred Thunderbolt to a sharp gait, and quickly covered the intervening space, which was hardly a fourth of a mile. His mustang showed no ill effects from the slight wounds received during the sharp scrimmage some time before.
 
Avon was well aware of the risk he ran, for, if the Comanches were maintaining guard, they could readily pick him off before he could withdraw or adopt the least precaution, but he did not hesitate. When the ground became more broken, he urged his a short way among the hills, and then dismounted. He did this, because he wished to hold his line of retreat open. The way behind him was clear, whereas, if he took his horse further, the course would become so that he could not mount and dash out upon the plain if it became necessary.
 
He expected to make a long and tedious search, with the probable result of failure, so far as his relative was concerned, and with the certainty of great danger to himself, but events moved along with a rush, before he could anticipate them.
 
 
Convinced that he was to the rear of the main party, he advanced with the utmost care. The hills were no more than a hundred feet high at their greatest elevation, and were broken by gullies, ravines, and trails that appeared to have been partly made by the feet of animals, greatly helped by the washing of the severe storms which often sweep over that section.
 
The youth had barely a hundred yards from the point where he left his mustang, and was picking his way cautiously forward, when he was startled by hearing voices. The words were too low for him to distinguish them, but he instantly stopped with his Winchester ready for use. A collision seemed unavoidable, since there was no means of himself except by turning about and running back, and that could hardly avail him.
 
The next minute he was face to face with Shackaye, the young Comanche that was the cause of all the trouble. The fellow was as much startled as he, and stopping short, partly raised his gun, as if to defend himself.
 
Before, however, either could speak or make any movements, Avon was to catch sight of his uncle, Captain Shirril, walking slowly and evidently in pain, close behind him along the narrow path. The instant he his nephew, he raised his hand as a signal for him to do nothing.
 
“It’s all right,” he said, in a guarded voice; “Shackaye is our friend, though he hasn’t been until now.”
 
“How is this?” asked the youth, motionless and undecided whether to advance or retreat.
 
The broad face of the dusky youth expanded with a slight grin, and he replied:
 
“Shackaye fall on ground––Baby shoot ––Shackaye tell warriors Baby dead––leaving him alone––bringing way captain––den Shackaye show captain way home––must hurry––Comanche come!”
 
“Have you a horse with you?” asked Captain Shirril, crowding forward, impatient to improve the precious moments.
 
“Yes; follow me.”
 
The prisoner had been deprived of all his weapons, and was suffering from the severe hurts received, but he roused himself and moved forward at a brisk walk, Avon taking the lead, with the young Indian close behind him and the captain at his heels.
 
Very few minutes were required to pass over the intervening space, but while doing so Captain Shirril made clear several facts which needed explanation. To these may be added others that came to light .
 
As has been intimated elsewhere, the suspicions of Gleeson regarding Shackaye were correct. He had joined the cattlemen for the purpose of helping Wygwind and his band to them. He was unable to do this at the time the cabin was attacked, and therefore kept in the background until the present opportunity presented itself. The intention of the Comanches, as first formed, was to stampede the animals on some favorable night, and thus secure possession of a large number; but there was great risk in the attempt, since the cowboys were , and the cattle being branded, it would have been almost impossible for the thieves to dispose of them, even if able to run them beyond reach of their owners. The Great Cattle Trail is about a hundred yards in width, with smaller paths weaving in and out along the edges, all so distinctly marked that no one can go astray, unless the path is temporarily by snow. The diversion of a considerable number of cattle would leav............