On the Trail of Geronimo — page 181: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ON THE TRAIL OF GERONIMO. 169 that, they make all speed hither ; we can hold any force at bay until they have time to arrive.” “T forgot,” said the leutenant, admiringly, “that Miss Harland told me each of you hada rifle and knew how to use it. I see my mistake and apologize, but it’s time we arranged matters.” It is safe to say that there were not many affairs in the Southwest between the Indians and whites in which fortune so specially favored the latter. The troopers equaled the Apaches in number, they were better armed, and were within a strong build- ing, Irom which they could fire with absolute safety to themselves. It was evident that the warriors believed the women were entirely alone, since the men kept carefully out of sight. Doubtless some of their number had received hospitality from the ranch- men, and more than likely one or two had been prowling in the vicinity until they learned that Har- land was absent, and the three ranchmen were a couple of miles distant looking after the immense herd of cattle. The Indians were justified, there- fore, in believing that a more favorable time for attack could not present itself. True, they would Comilcooolkks (CO)