about midnight
The character of the country underwent a complete change ; instead of the sandy desert , we were now passing over a prairie clothed with verdure . At intervals we would enter dense thickets of chaparral , and then emerge into glades , that were veritable flower gardens . At evening a halt was called , but only long enough to water the horses , and partake of a hasty meal ; and continuing the march we forged ahead with increased speed . I judged by the animated gestures of the Indians that we were nearing our destination ; my conjectures were not ill-founded , as about midnight we entered a valley , and passing through green fields , came in view of the lodges of the Apache encampment . Our approach was heralded by the barking of dogs , and soon we were surrounded by a vast multitude of women and children , who greeted the returning braves with great enthusiasm . We halted in the center of the village , and presently a large fire was blazing in front of the chief 's lodge , around which the warriors assembled . The captives were placed in a row to one side , and except to be stared at by the women no further attention was taken of us .