On the Trail of Geronimo — page 274: what you’re looking at

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

260 ON THE TRAIL OF GERONIMO. This was the first reference to ascheme that had been in his mind from the moment he learned that the Apaches had carried off the females of Caleb— Harland’s household. It seemed heartless for him and his comrades to fight their way back to the post, without an effort to save the captives, and yet it will be understood from what has been related, that absolutely nothing could be done as matters stood. Indeed, it may be repeated, that this little squad of cavalry might count itself for- tunate if all the members succeeded in getting out of the section where peril was on every hand. There was something inspiring in the prospect of four men rescuing three prisoners from a strong war party of Apaches, but it was among the im- possibilities. That was the reason why Lieuten- ant Whitcomb made no reference to it, until he saw the probability that a strong company of his friends were within call. “T wonder what the captain must have thought alter signaling as he did, to find I took no notice of it.” ‘What notice did he expect you to take ?”’ “It was agreed that whichever of us saw the sign, was to signal back that he understood it, by firing