CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.
A FORCED CONFESSION.
The party of Texans has made what prairie men call a "coup." On counting the corpses of their slain enemies they find that at least one-half of the Tenawa warriors have fallen, including their chief.
They can make an approximate estimate of the number that was opposed to them by the signs visible around the camp, as also upon the trail they have been for several days following.

Those who escaped have got off, some on their horses, hastily caught and mounted; others afoot, by taking to the timber.

They were not pursued, as it was still dark night when the action ended, and by daylight these wild centaurs, well acquainted with the country, will have scattered far and wide, beyond all likelihood of being again encountered.
The settlers are satisfied at having recovered their relatives, as also their stolen stock.

As to the Rangers, enough has been accomplished to slake their revengeful thirst--for the time.

These last, however, have not come off unscathed; for the Comanches, well armed with guns, bows, and lances, did not die unresistingly.