COCHISE COWBOYS 5

late that afternoon denton approached soldier holes water hole. he had stopped out away from it makeing sure that no one else was there. when he rode up to the water holes he saw a multitude of horse tracks over cattle tracks. but no on was in sight. he watered his horses and filled his canteen then rode on. he had learned his lesson about camping there. it was the main water hole on the trail north out of mexico. he didnt want any more contact with the folks who traveled that trail. he rode on a mile or so to the edge of the cienaga to a good sheltered spot. he would make a cold camp for the night. let his horses rest. after unsaddling he led the horses out a ways and hobbled them for the night then walked back to where his gear was stacked. he went into the pack of supplys and came out with a can of sliced peaches. he sat back watching the sunset and spearing peach slices with his pocket knife. when done he slurped the sweet juice. this was his supper. as the sun dropped behind the mule mountains he rolled up in a saddle blanket and dozed off, all was quiet. mesquite smoke. the smell of mesquit smoke brought him awake. it was just barely daylight.turning his head slowly he saw a apache indian tending a small fire a coffee pot next to itit took denton a few moments to clear his head. a apache? in his camp? he rolled slowley to his side and slippe the pistol from his belt. he then cleared his throat. the indian slowley turned his head and looked at denton with the sharpest , clearest blue eyes he had ever seen! the long black hair was hanging down shoulder length on each side of the indians head. "good morning. the coffee is ready would you care for a cup?" denton couldnt speak his shock was so great. the apache spoke almost perfect english. then it dawned on him. this indian was a woman! "yes please. do you take over a mans camp when ever you please?"denton accepted the coffee " no, i just stumbled onto you. there are biscuits and bacon are you ready for something to eat?"the woman asked. denton almost choked on the coffee."what goes on here?" "you better eat. you need to move camp soon. they will be passing soon. and if i found you ime sure they will."the indian handed denton a biscuit with bacon . " who is they? what gives here? " denton was eating as fast as he dared, chaseing it with the coffee. " they are a band of apaches following me. for two years ive been held in the sierra madre mountains by them. two days ago i got up and walked away. i ont want to go back."the indian was picking up the camp and reloading the packs it was then denton noticed his horses were standing close. saddled and ready to pack. " you been busy this night. how do we stay ahead of these indians?" " you ride on, ill cover this camp then follow wipeing out the tracks.. i dont know if it will work but its the best i can do. go to the back side of that hill over yonder. ill come to you there." the indian was packing the pack horse expertly. " how are you called?" denton asked. without looking back she simply said " inez" " where are you going if you elude the apaches?" denton asked. " i dont know, just away. i was a slave to that bunch but they didnt use me other wise. they knew i would kil;l who ever tried." inez made it clear. " now get on your horse and go." denton mounted and looking down at the woman was amazed she was so sure of herself" ill wait over there for you." was all he said as he rode away to the east. inez took a grease would stem and began wiping out tracks. she kicked dirt over the coals of the fire then started backing along the trail that denton had left brushing out the tracks as she went. from the south a line of foot men came single file. they went to the water holes and started drinking. there were 6 apaches. three would drink while three stood guard. when all had drank they started walking circles trying to find inez s trail. suddenly one pointed to the north . a plume of dust was raiseing beyond the ciennaga. the indians watched a moment then turned and started trotting back south. . on the hill denton lay with his rifle watching. inez stood with his horses.he watched until the apaches had disapeared into the brush flat to the south. then he turned his attention to the dust plume in the north. five cowboys rode up to the water holes driveing a hand full of horses. denton slid back down the hill and pushed his rifle into the saddle scabbord. he mounted then pushed his foot forward leaveing the stirrup empty" get up here behind me. i cant leave you. when we get to my ranch we will figgure out what to do with you" inez swung up behind him, and they turned east.