The lieutenant and myself were lying on the ground, conversing together in low tones and waiting for the return of the guides, when suddenly the sharp, clear ring of a rifle from the other side of the spur, broke upon the evening air, followed by a confused noise and straggling discharge of firearms.

What did it mean?

The next instant, as though with one thought, every man, rifle in hand, was rushing pell-mell in the direction of the sound.

The Lieutenant and myself, among the first to reach the point of rocks, saw Jerry hurrying towards us, bearing in his arms a female form, clothed in white.  Quicker than a flash, the soldiers, as though divining the situation by instinct, formed a line that completely shielded him from the weapons of Indians.

Seeing me, he rushed towards me and thrust the girl into my arms, saying, in an excited manner.

“Take keer o’ her, while I go back and give the red devils, hell!”

Taking the girl in my arms, I found it to be indeed Juanita, alive, and Apparantly unharmed.  I carried her to camp, when, finding she had fainted, I laid her on some blankets and hurried back to the assistance of the party.

Before I could reach it, the Indians, completely surprised, had fled; and the soldiers were in possession of the camp and a large portion of their stock.

While hastening towards it, I saw Hal and Ned, who, as soon as they discovered me, came running towards me, and the next moment, Hal was in my arms, sobbing as though his heart would break, while Ned, the tears running in a stream down his cheeks, could only jump up and down, like a little child, exclaiming,—­

“Oh!  I’m so glad!  I’m so glad!”

As soon as Hal could speak he blubbered out,—­

“Where’s Juanita?”

I informed him she was safe in camp, and off the two started to find her; and when, a short time afterwards, I reached camp myself, I found she had recovered from her swoon, and was anxiously watching my return.

Her first question was for her father, and when I assured her that he was well, but extremely anxious on her account, she said,—­

“Ah! but I never expected to see him again on this earth.”

“But didn’t I tell you you would?” inquired Hal.

“Yes,” responded the girl, “you did; but I heard you and Anastacio—­”

“By the way, where is Anastacio?” interrupted I. Poor fellow!  He had been entirely forgotton by us; but, in a short time, the two guides appeared, escorting him between them.

There being no longer any reason why we should not enjoy the brightness and warmth of a camp-fire, we soon had one briskly burning, and by its ruddy light, I was enabled to see the faces of the rescued prisoners.  I could scarcely believe that so great a change could have been made, in so short a time, as had been wrought in Juanita, during her captivity.  Instead of the plump, rosy-cheeked, smiling senorita who entertained us so charmingly at Fort Davis, I saw a pale, wan-looking young lady, prematurely old, and so weak, as to be scarcely able to stand alone.