midnight
how could we ? We waited until twilight came , and then reluctantly retraced our steps , believing it useless to attempt to follow the thieves after so long a time had been given them in which to escape with their prisoners . I was much pleased , however , to hear Jerry express the opinion , that the Comanches would gladly ransom them , and that the only obstacle in the way would be the difficulty in communicating with the band who made the capture ; for it seemed probable that they belonged in that , then , almost inaccessible portion of the state , known as the `` Pan-handle . '' When midnight came and no tidings reached us from the fort , we reluctantly determined to start homeward . While pursuing our way towards camp , Jerry and myself determined to visit a spring several miles to the east of our course , and then to overtake our party at a point where the trail led over a spur of the mountains , that ran far out into the plain . We experienced no difficulty in finding the spring ; and , after a short rest , filled our canteens with the cool , sparkling water , and started to intercept our friends at the place agreed upon . Ere we were a mile upon the road .