It was not to be supposed that the Apaches were so stupid as to give a young captive like him a chance to slip from their hands in broad daylight.

They were too shrewd for that and Fred felt that he must wait for some better opportunity than the present.
The meat was prepared in short order, and then the Apaches fell-to like so many wild beasts, using only their fingers and teeth.

A large quantity of food was provided, and the redskins were rapidly disposing of it, when the lad saw that no one was likely to offer him any, and he struck in and helped himself.
This morning halt of the war-party lasted about an hour, during which Fred felt that there was little attention being paid him.

Considerable earnest talk was indulged in by the warriors, who were apparently discussing some important plans with Lone Wolf, the whole thing resolving itself into a sort of council of war.

When they leaped upon the backs of their mustangs, the decision had been made, and preparations made for carrying it out without delay.
The whole party started up the gorge, Fred riding again with the Apache Apollo, Waukko, while Lone Wolf kept himself at the head of the force.
"I thought he would be mad enough to kill me," mused the boy, as he caught sight of the notorious chief, "for the reason that I gave him such a scare night before last.