On the Trail of Geronimo — page 265: what you’re looking at

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

ON THE TRAIL OF GERONIMO. 253 tion to cut off the scouts before they could rejoin their command. Nothing was more certain than that Geronimo himself was in the mountains at no great distance, gathering his fierce Apaches around him, and pre- paring for one of those cyclone-like raids in which he spread death, terror and destruction through the Southwest. The keen eyes of the heutenant saw no Indians on the plain to the rear, nor indeed in any direc- tion. Looking toward the ruins of the structure in front, all signs of life were lacking, but, about a mile to the north and at the base of the first rise of the range, he made out a column of smoke, no broader than his hand, which, instead of ascending in a direct line, took a spiral course, such as it never could have assumed of its own accord. The inference was unavoidable. This was the signal fire of Geronimo or some of his followers. “T would give a good deal,’ remarked the lieutenant, discussing the matter with his com- panions, “if I could read its meaning, but it speaks a language beyond my comprehension.” “No one can make it out but those for whose eyes it is intended,” said Joggens, “ and they will read it readily enough.” (C(O) nN) (e 6)(0)(6) SS (C(O)