Satisfied of this pleasant fact, he then made search for the smoke of the campfire which was the real cause of his escape.
No twinkling point of light revealed its location, but, having decided where it was first seen, he fancied he could detect the faintest outline of a column of vapor rising until, clear of the crest of the mountain behind it, it could be seen outlined against the sky beyond.

He more than suspected, however, that it was merely imagination.

Leaning back against a boulder, the lad folded his arms and endeavored to take in the situation in its entirety.
"Thank the Lord, that I have a good start," he mused, his heart stirred with deep gratitude at the remarkable manner in which he had eluded the Apaches.
With the knowledge that for the nonce he was clear of his enemies, several other facts impressed themselves upon his mind--facts which were both important and unpleasant.

In the first place, he had not eaten a mouthful of food since morning, and he was hungry.

He had swallowed enough water to stave off the more uncomfortable sensation of thirst, but water is not worth much to appease the hunger.