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9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page vii

Contents vii

5.3 Diagonalization of Matrices 316

*5.4 Quadratic Forms, Difference Equations, and Normal Modes 329
*5.5 Linear Differential Equations (Calculus Prerequisite) 340
Chapter 5 Review Exercises 346

6 Inner Product Spaces 349

6.1 Inner Product Spaces 349
*6.2 Non-Euclidean Geometry and Special Relativity 358
*6.3 Approximation of Functions and Coding Theory 363
*6.4 Least Squares Solutions 370
Chapter 6 Review Exercises 383

Part 3 Numerical Linear Algebra 385

7 Numerical Methods 387

*7.1 Gaussian Elimination 387
*7.2 The Method of LU Decomposition 393
*7.3 Practical Difficulties in Solving Systems of Equations 400
*7.4 Iterative Methods for Solving Systems of Linear Equations 409
*7.5 Eigenvalues by Iteration and Connectivity of Networks 413
*7.6 The Singular Value Decomposition 423
Chapter 7 Review Exercises 435

8 Linear Programming 437

*8.1 A Geometrical Introduction to Linear Programming 437
*8.2 The Simplex Method 445
*8.3 Geometrical Explanation of the Simplex Method 451
Chapter 8 Review Exercises 457

Appendices 459
A Cross Product 459
B Equations of Planes and Lines in Three-Space 469
C Graphing Calculator Manual 477
C1 Reduced Echelon Form of a Matrix 477
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page viii

viii Contents

C2 Matrix Operations 478

C3 Powers of a Matrix 478
C4 Transpose of a Matrix 479
C5 Inverse of a Matrix 479
C6 Determinant of a Matrix 479
C7 Summary of Formats for Row Operations 480
D MATLAB Manual 481
D1 Entering and Displaying a Matrix (Section 1.1) 482
D2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations (Sections 1.1, 1.2,
1.7) 483
D3 Dot Product, Norm, Angle, Distance (Section 1.6) 487
D4 Matrix Operations (Sections 2.1–2.3) 488
D5 Computational Considerations (Section 2.2) 491
D6 Inverse of a Matrix (Section 2.4) 492
D7 Solving Systems of Equations Using Matrix Inverse
(Section 2.4) 493
D8 Cryptography (Section 2.4) 496
D9 Transformations Defined by Matrices
(Sections 2.5, 2.6) 497
D10 Fractals (Section 2.6) 498
D11 Leontief I/O Model (Section 2.7) 500
D12 Markov Chains (Sections 2.8, 3.5) 502
D13 Digraphs (Section 2.9) 504
D14 Determinants (Sections 3.1–3.3) 506
D15 Cramer’s Rule (Section 3.3) 507
D16 Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors (Sections 3.4, 3.5) 509
D17 Linear Combinations, Dependence, Basis, Rank
(Sections 1.3, 4.2–4.5) 511
D18 Projection, Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization
(Section 4.6) 514
D19 QR Factorization (Section 4.6) 515
D20 Kernel and Range (Section 4.8) 518
D21 Inner Product, Non-Euclidean Geometry
(Sections 6.1, 6.2) 519
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page ix

Contents ix

D22 Space–Time Travel (Section 6.2) 522

D23 Pseudoinverse and Least Squares Curves (Section 6.4) 523
D24 LU Decomposition (Section 7.2) 527
D25 Condition Number of a Matrix (Section 7.3) 529
D26 Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel Iterative Methods
(Section7.4) 530
D27 Singular Value Decomposition (Section 7.6) 532
D28 The Simplex Method in Linear Programming
(Section 8.2) 535
D29 Cross Product (Appendix A) 536
D30 MATLAB Commands, Functions, and M-Files 537
D31 The Linear Algebra with Applications Toolbox M-Files 538

Answers to Selected Exercises 539

Index 589
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page x
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xi

Preface

T
his text is an introduction to linear algebra suitable for a course usually offered at the
sophomore level. The material is arranged in three parts. Part 1 consists of what I
regard as basic material—discussions of systems of linear equations, vectors in Rn
(including the concepts of linear combination, basis, and dimension), matrices, linear trans-
formations, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenspaces, as well as optional applications.
Part 2 builds on this material to discuss general vector spaces, such as spaces of matrices
and functions. It includes topics such as the rank/nullity theorem, inner products, and coor-
dinate representations. Part 3 completes the course with some of the important ideas and
methods in numerical linear algebra such as ill-conditioning, pivoting, LU decomposition,
and singular value decomposition.
This edition continues the tradition of earlier editions by being a flexible blend of the-
ory, important numerical techniques, and interesting applications. The book is arranged
around 29 core sections. These sections include topics that I think are essential to an intro-
ductory linear algebra course. There is then ample time for the instructor to select further
topics that give the course the desired flavor.

Ninth Edition The vector space Rn, subspaces, bases, and dimension are introduced early
(Chapter 1). These ideas are then used in a natural, gradual way to discuss such concepts
as linear transformations in Rn (Chapter 2) and eigenspaces (Chapter 3), leading to general
vector spaces (Chapter 4). The level of abstraction gradually increases as students progress
in the course, and the big jump that often exists for students in going from matrix algebra
to general vector spaces is no longer there. The first three chapters give the foundation of
the vector space Rn; they really form a fairly complete elementary minicourse for the vec-
tor space Rn. The rest of the course builds on this solid foundation.

Changes This edition is a refinement of the Eighth Edition. Certain sections have been
rewritten, others added, and new exercises have been included. One aim has been to improve
the clarity, flow, and selection of material. For example, Sections 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 on the vector
space Rn, subspaces, independence, bases, and the concept of dimension have been rewritten.
It is important that the students thoroughly master these concepts at this time and be able to look
at them from the algebraic and geometric viewpoints. They are used throughout the book.
In the previous edition I used the concept of a shear to help motivate matrix multipli-
cation. I have decided that this approach is too laborious at this time. I have decided that
“simple is best” here—master the algebraic ideas first: size of the product of two matrices,
associative property, partitioning of matrices, etc.
On the other hand, I have now discussed some more advanced topics in greater depth.
Whereas in previous editions I went the route of discussing some topics in example form,
xi
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xii

xii Preface

I have tended to be more theoretical here. In the previous edition, diagonalization of quad-
ratic forms was discussed by means of an example in R2; here we discuss it in Rn. The prin-
cipal axes theorem is included here.
While some illustration of how linear algebra is used in calculus was presented in the pre-
vious edition (use of linear mappings to analyze certain differential equations, Section 4.9), it
was minimal. I have decided in this edition to illustrate more of the overlap between linear
algebra and calculus, seeing some of the concepts of differential equations through the eyes of
linear algebra. For example, systems of linear differential equations are solved using eigen-
values and eigenvectors. Another application of linear algebra in calculus is the use of a
Wronskian to confirm that a given set of functions is linearly independent. I believe that a
number of students either take a course in calculus concurrently with linear algebra or have
had a course in differential equations prior to linear algebra. These students should have the
opportunity to see how various areas of mathematics build on one another’s shoulders; how-
ever, calculus is not a prerequisite for the book—various calculus discussions can be omitted.

The Goals of This Text

• To provide a solid foundation in the mathematics of linear algebra.
• To introduce some of the important numerical aspects of the field.
• To discuss interesting applications so that students may know when and how to apply
linear algebra. Applications are taken from such areas as archaeology, coding theory,
demography, genetics, and relativity.

The Mathematics Linear algebra is a central subject in undergraduate mathematics. Many

important topics must be included in this course. For example, linear dependence, basis,
eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and linear transformations should be covered carefully. Not
only are such topics important in linear algebra, they are usually a prerequisite for other
courses, such as differential equations. A great deal of attention has been given in this book
to presenting the “standard” linear algebra topics.
This course is often the student’s first course in abstract mathematics. The student should
not be overwhelmed with proofs, but should nevertheless be taught how to prove theorems.
When considered instructive, proofs of theorems are provided or given as exercises. Other
proofs are given in outline form, and some have been omitted. Students should be introduced
carefully to the art of developing and writing proofs. This is at the heart of mathematics. The
student should be trained to think “mathematically.” For example, the idea of “if and only if”
is extremely important in mathematics. It arises very naturally in linear algebra.
One reason that linear algebra is an appropriate course in which to introduce abstract
mathematical thinking is that much of the material has geometrical interpretation. The stu-
dent can visualize results. Conversely, linear algebra helps develop the geometrical intu-
ition of the student. Geometry and algebra go hand-in-hand in this course. The process of
starting with known results and methods and generalizing also arises naturally. For exam-
ple, the properties of vectors in R2 and R3 are extended to Rn, and then generalized to vec-
tor spaces of matrices and functions. The use of the dot product to define the familiar angles,
magnitudes, and distances in R2 is extended to Rn. In turn, the same ideas are used with the
inner product to define angles, magnitudes, and distances in general vector spaces.

Computation Although linear algebra has its abstract side, it also has its numerical side.
Students should feel comfortable with the term “algorithm” by the end of the course. The
student participates in the process of determining exactly where certain algorithms are more
efficient than others.
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xiii

Preface xiii

For those who wish to integrate the computer into the course, a MATLAB manual has
been included in Appendix D. MATLAB is the most widely used software for working with
matrices. The manual consists of 31 sections that tie into the regular course material. A brief
summary of the relevant mathematics is given at the beginning of each section. Built-in
functions of MATLAB—such as inv(A) for finding the inverse of a matrix A—are intro-
duced, and programs written in the MATLAB language also are available and can be down-
loaded from www.stetson.edu/~gwilliam/mfiles.htm. The programs include not only
computational programs such as Gauss-Jordan elimination with an all-steps option, but also
applications such as digraphs, Markov chains, and a simulated space–time voyage. Although
this manual is presented in terms of MATLAB, the ideas should be of general interest. The
exercises can be implemented on other matrix algebra software packages.
A graphing calculator also can be used in linear algebra. Calculators are available for
performing matrix computation and for computing reduced echelon forms. A calculator
manual for the course has been included in Appendix C.

Applications Linear algebra is a subject of great breadth. Its spectrum ranges from the
abstract through numerical techniques to applications. In this book I have attempted to give
the reader a glimpse of many interesting applications. These applications range from the-
oretical applications—such as the use of linear algebra in differential equations, difference
equations, and least squares analyses—to many practical applications in fields such as
archaeology, demography, electrical engineering, traffic analysis, fractal geometry, rela-
tivity, and history. All such discussions are self-contained. There should be something here
to interest everyone! I have tried to involve the reader in the applications by using exer-
cises that extend the discussions given. Students have to be trained in the art of applying
mathematics. Where better than in the linear algebra course, with its wealth of applications?
Time is always a challenge when teaching. It becomes important to tap that out-of-class
time as much as possible. A good way to do this is with group application projects. The
instructor can select those applications that are of most interest to the class.

The Flow of Material

This book contains mathematics with interesting applications integrated into the main body
of the text. My approach is to develop the mathematics first and then provide the application.
I believe that this makes for the clearest text presentation. However, some instructors may
prefer to look ahead with the class to an application and use it to motivate the mathematics.
Historically, mathematics has developed through interplay with applications. For example,
the analysis of the long-term behavior of a Markov chain model for analyzing population
movement between U.S. cities and suburbs can be used to motivate eigenvalues and eigen-
vectors. This type of approach can be very instructive but should not be overdone.

Chapter 1 Linear Equations and Vectors The reader is led from solving systems of two
linear equations to solving general systems. The Gauss-Jordan method of forward elimina-
tion is used—it is a clean, uncomplicated algorithm for the small systems encountered. (The
Gauss method that uses forward elimination to arrive at the echelon form, and then back sub-
stitution to get the reduced echelon form, can be easily substituted if preferred, based on the
discussion in Section 7.1. The examples then in fact become useful exercises for checking
mastery of the method.) Solutions in many variables lead to the vector space Rn. Concepts
of linear independence, basis, and dimension are discussed. They are illustrated within the
framework of subspaces of solutions to specific homogeneous systems. I have tried to make
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xiv

xiv Preface

this an informal introduction to these ideas, which will be followed in Chapter 4 by a more
in-depth discussion. The significance of these concepts to the large picture will then be appar-
ent right from the outset. Exercises at this stage require a brief explanation involving sim-
ple vectors. The aim is to get the students to understand the ideas without having to attempt
it through a haze of arithmetic. In the following sections, the course then becomes a natural,
beautiful buildup of ideas. The dot product leads to the concepts of angle, vector magnitude,
distance, and geometry of Rn. (This section on the dot product can be deferred to just before
Section 4.6, which is on orthonormal vectors, if desired.) The chapter closes with three
optional applications. Fitting a polynomial of degree n – 1 to n data points leads to a system
of linear equations that has a unique solution. The analyses of electrical networks and traf-
fic flow give rise to systems that have unique solutions and many solutions. The model for
traffic flow is similar to that of electrical networks, but has fewer restrictions, leading to
more freedom and thus many solutions in place of a unique solution.

Chapter 2 Matrices and Linear Transformations Matrices were used in the first chapter to
handle systems of equations. This application motivates the algebraic development of the the-
ory of matrices in this chapter. A beautiful application of matrices in archaeology that illus-
trates the usefulness of matrix multiplication, transpose, and symmetric matrices, is included
in this chapter. The reader can anticipate, for physical reasons, why the product of a matrix
and its transpose has to be symmetric and can then arrive at the result mathematically. This
is mathematics at its best! A derivation of the general result that the set of solutions to a homo-
geneous system of linear equations forms a subspace builds on the discussion of specific sys-
tems in Chapter 1. A discussion of dilations, reflections, and rotations leads to matrix
transformations and an early introduction of linear transformations on Rn. Matrix represen-
tations of linear transformations with respect to standard bases of Rn are derived and applied.
A self-contained illustration of the role of linear transformations in computer graphics is pre-
sented. The chapter closes with three optional sections on applications that should have broad
appeal. The Leontief Input-Output Model in Economics is used to analyze the interdepend-
ence of industries. (Wassily Leontief received a Nobel Prize in 1973 for his work in this area.)
A Markov chain model is used in demography and genetics, and digraphs are used in com-
munication and sociology. Instructors who cannot fit these sections into their formal class
schedule should encourage readers to browse through them. All discussions are self-con-
tained. These sections can be given as out-of-class projects or as reading assignments.

Chapter 3 Determinants and Eigenvectors Determinants and their properties are intro-
duced as quickly and painlessly as possible. Some proofs are included for the sake of com-
pleteness, but can be skipped if the instructor so desires. The chapter closes with an introduction
to eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and eigenspaces. The student will see applications in demog-
raphy and weather prediction and a discussion of the Leslie Model used for predicting births
and deaths of animals. The importance of eigenvalues to the implementation of Google is dis-
cussed. Some instructors may wish to discuss diagonalization of matrices from Section 5.3
at this time.

Chapter 4 General Vector Spaces The structure of the abstract vector space is based on
that of Rn. The concepts of subspace, linear dependence, basis, and dimension are defined
rigorously and are extended to spaces of matrices and functions. The Wronskian test (optional),
which can often reveal that a set of functions is linearly independent, is introduced. The
section on rank brings together many of the earlier concepts. The reader will see that matrix
inverse, determinant, rank, and uniqueness of solutions are all related. This chapter includes
an introduction to projections—onto one and many dimensional spaces. A discussion of
linear transformations completes the earlier introduction. Topics such as kernel, range, and
the rank/nullity theorem are presented. Linear transformations, kernel, and range are used
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xv

Preface xv

to give the reader a geometrical picture of the sets of solutions to systems of linear equa-
tions, both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous.

Chapter 5 Coordinate Representations The reader will see that every finite dimensional
vector space is isomorphic to Rn. This implies that every such vector space is, in a mathe-
matical sense, “the same as” Rn. These isomorphisms are defined by the bases of the space.
Different bases also lead to different matrix representations of linear transformation. The
central role of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in finding diagonal representations is discussed.
These techniques are used to arrive at the normal modes of oscillating systems. This chapter
ends with an optional section on linear algebra and linear differential equations. It shows
how the concepts of eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and diagonalization play a role in solving
systems of linear differential equations.

Chapter 6 Inner Product Spaces The axioms of inner products are presented and inner
products are used (as was the dot product earlier in Rn) to define norms of vectors, angles
between vectors, and distances in general vector spaces. These ideas are used to approxi-
mate functions by polynomials. The importance of such approximations to computer soft-
ware is discussed. I could not resist including a discussion of the use of vector space theory
to detect errors in codes. The Hamming code, whose elements are vectors over a finite field,
is introduced. The reader is also introduced to non-Euclidean geometry, leading to a self-
contained discussion of the special relativity model of space–time. Having developed the
general inner product space, the reader finds that the framework is not appropriate for the
mathematical description of space–time. The positive definite axiom is discarded, opening
up the door first for the pseudo inner product that is used in special relativity, and later for
one that describes gravity in general relativity. It is appropriate at this time to discuss the
importance of first mastering standard mathematical structures, such as inner product spaces,
and then to indicate that mathematical research often involves changing the axioms of such
standard structures. The chapter closes with a discussion of the use of a pseudoinverse to
determine least squares curves for given data.

Chapter 7 Numerical Methods This chapter on numerical methods is important to the

practitioner of linear algebra in today’s computing environment. I have included Gaussian
elimination, LU decomposition, and the Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel iterative methods. The
merits of the various methods for solving linear systems are discussed. In addition to dis-
cussing the standard topics of round-off error, pivoting, and scaling, I felt it important and
well within the scope of the course to introduce the concept of ill-conditioning. It is very
interesting to return to some of the systems of equations that have arisen earlier in the course
and find out how dependable the solutions are! The matrix of coefficients of a least squares
problem, for example, is very often a Vandermonde matrix, leading to an ill-conditioned
system. The chapter concludes with an iterative method for finding dominant eigenvalues
and eigenvectors. This discussion leads very naturally into a discussion of techniques used
by geographers to measure the relative accessibility of nodes in a network. The connectiv-
ity of the road network of Cuba is found. The chapter closes with a discussion of singular
value decomposition. This is more complete than the discussion usually given in intro-
ductory linear algebra books.

Chapter 8 Linear Programming This final chapter gives the student a brief introduction
to the ideas of linear programming. The field, developed by George Dantzig and his asso-
ciates at the U.S. Department of the Air Force in 1947, is now widely used in industry and
has its foundation in linear algebra. Problems are described by systems of linear inequali-
ties. The reader sees how small systems can be solved in a geometrical manner, but that
large systems are solved using row operations on matrices using the simplex algorithm.
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 26/10/17 10:39 AM Page xvi

xvi Preface

Chapter Features
• Each section begins with a motivating introduction, which ties the material to previ-
ously learned topics.
• The pace of the book gradually increases. As the student matures mathematically, the
explanations gradually become more sophisticated.
• Notation is carefully developed. It is important that notation at this level be standard,
but there is some flexibility. Good notation helps understanding; poor notation clouds
the picture.
• Much attention has been given to the layout of the text. Readability is vital.
• Many carefully explained examples illustrate the concepts.
• There is an abundance of exercises. Initial exercises are usually of a computational
nature, then become more theoretical in flavor.
• Many, but not all, exercises are based on examples given in the text. It is important
that students have the maximum opportunity to develop their creative abilities.
• Review exercises at the end of each chapter have been carefully selected to give the
student an overview of material covered in that chapter.

Supplements
• Complete Solutions Manual, with detailed solutions to all exercises.
• Student Solutions Manual, available in eBook format, with complete answers to
selected exercises.
• MATLAB programs for those who wish to integrate MATLAB into the course are
available from www.stetson.edu/~gwilliam/mfiles.htm.
• WebAssign online homework and assessment with eBook.
• Test Bank
• Slides in PowerPoint format
Designated instructor’s materials are for qualified instructors only. For more information
or to request access to these resources, please visit www.jblearning.com or contact your
account representative. Jones & Bartlett Learning reserves the right to evaluate all requests.

Acknowledgments
My deepest thanks go to my friend Dennis Kletzing for sharing his many insights into the
teaching of linear algebra. A special thanks to my colleague Lisa Coulter of Stetson University
for her conversations on linear algebra and her collaboration on software development.
Some of Lisa’s M-Files appear in the MATLAB Appendix.
I am grateful to The MathWorks for their continued support for the project—
especially to my contact, Meg Vuliez.
I would also like to thank the following reviewers for their feedback:
Hongwei Chen
Christopher Newport University
Eddie Cheng
Oakland University
9781284120097_FMxx_i_xvii 27/10/17 10:37 AM Page xvii

Preface xvii

Bill Cook
Appalachian State University
Danilo Diedrichs
Wheaton College
William Donnell
University of Texas at Dallas
Kseniya Fuhrman
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Katarina Jegdic
University of Houston, Downtown
Lew Ludwig
Denison University
Jean-Marie Magnier
Springfield Technical Community College
James E. Martin
Christopher Newport University
Betsy McCall
Anne Arundel Community College
Douglas Norton
Villanova University
Jonathan Oaks
Macomb Community College
Lesley Wiglesworth
Centre College

I am as usual grateful to my wife Donna for all her mathematical and computer sup-
port. This book would not have been possible without her involvement and encouragement.
My deep thanks go to Amy Rose, Director of Vendor Management of Jones & Bartlett
Learning, who oversaw the production of this book in such an efficient, patient, and under-
standing manner. I am especially grateful to Laura Pagluica, Product Manager, for her
enthusiastic backing and encouragement. Thanks, also, to Andrea DeFronzo, Director of
Marketing, for her support and hard work. I am most grateful to Mary Menzemer, Product
Assistant of Mathematics and Computer Science, who oversaw the development of this
work. It has been a pleasure working with her. I owe much to Juna Abrams, Vendor Manager,
for her guidance and encouragement in this writing. I am very grateful to Thais Miller,
Rights & Media Specialist of Ascend Learning, who spent much careful time selecting
appropriate pictures.
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:58 AM Page 2

© nito/ShutterStock, Inc.

The Montjuïc Communications Tower, or Torre Telefónica,

was built in the center of the Olympic Park in Barcelona,
Spain, for the 1992 Olympic Games. The tower, built by
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was designed to
carry coverage of the Olympic Games to broadcast sta-
tions around the world. The structure was designed to
represent an athlete holding up an Olympic torch.
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:58 AM Page 3

P A R T

Linear Equations,
Vectors, and Matrices 1
1 Linear Equations and Vectors
2 Matrices and Linear Transformations
3 Determinants and Eigenvectors

3
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:59 AM Page 4

© okeyphotos/Getty Images

Informally referred to as “the Gherkin,” 30 St. Mary Axe in

London, England, is located in London’s financial district.
The building employs energy-saving methods, such as
maximizing the use of natural light and ventilation, which
allow it to use half the power a similar structure would
typically consume.
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:59 AM Page 5

C H A P T E R

Linear Equations
and Vectors 1
M
athematics is, of course, a discipline in its own right. It is, however, more
than that—it is a tool used in many other fields. Linear algebra is a branch
of mathematics that plays a central role in modern mathematics, and also
is of importance to engineers and physical, social, and behavioral scientists. In this course
the reader will learn mathematics, will learn to think mathematically, and will be instructed
in the art of applying mathematics. The course is a blend of theory, numerical techniques,
and interesting applications.
When mathematics is used to solve a problem it often becomes necessary to find
a solution to a so-called system of linear equations. Historically, linear algebra developed
from studying methods for solving such equations. This chapter introduces methods for
solving systems of linear equations and looks at some of the properties of the solutions.
It is important to know not only what the solutions to a given system of equations are
but why they are the solutions. If the system describes some real-life situation, then an
understanding of the behavior of the solutions can lead to a better understanding of the
circumstances. The solutions form subsets of spaces called vector spaces. We develop
the basic algebraic structure of vector spaces. We shall discuss two applications of sys-
tems of linear equations. We shall determine currents through electrical networks and
analyze traffic flows through road networks.

1.1 Matrices and Systems of Linear Equations

An equation in the variables x and y that can be written in the form ax 1 by 5 c, where
a, b, and c are real constants (a and b not both zero), is called a linear equation. The graph
of such an equation is a straight line in the xy-plane. Consider the system of two linear
equations,
2x 1 y 5 5
2x 2 y 5 4

5
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:59 AM Page 6

6 CHAPTER 1 Linear Equations and Vectors

A pair of values of x and y that satisfies both equations is called a solution. It can be seen
by substitution that x 5 3, y 5 2 is a solution to this system. A solution to such a system
will be a point at which the graphs of the two equations intersect. The following examples,
Figures 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, illustrate that three possibilities can arise for such systems of
equations. There can be a unique solution, no solution, or many solutions. We use the
point/slope form y 5 mx 1 b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept, to graph these
lines.

Unique solution No solution Many solutions

x+y=5 –2x + y = 3 4x – 2y = 6
2x – y = 4 – 4x + 2y = 2 6x – 3y = 9
Write as y = –x + 5 and y = 2x – 4. Write as y = 2x + 3 and y = 2x + 1. Each equation can be written as
The lines have slopes –1 and 2, and The lines have slope 2, and y-intercepts y = 2x – 3. The graph of each
y-intercepts 5 and –4. They intersect 3 and 1. They are parallel. There is no equation is a line with slope 2
at a point, the solution. There is a unique point of intersection. No solution. and y-intercept –3. Any point
solution, x = 3, y = 2. on the line is a solution.
Many solutions.
y 2x – y = 4
x+y=5 y y

4x – 2y = 6
–2x + y = 3 – 4x + 2y = 2 6x – 3y = 9
(3, 2)

x x x

Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3

Our aim in this chapter is to analyze larger systems of linear equations. A linear equa-
tion in n variables x1, x2, x3, c, xn is one that can be written in the form
a1x1 1 a2x2 1 a3x3 1 c1 anxn 5 b,

where the coefficients a1, a2, c, an and b are constants. The following is an example of
a system of three linear equations.

1x1 1 1x2 1 1x3 5 22

2x1 1 3x2 1 2x3 5 23
1x1 2 1x2 2 2x3 5 26
It can be seen on substitution that x1 5 21, x2 5 1, x3 5 2 is a solution to this system.
(We arrive at this solution in Example 1 of this section.)
A linear equation in three variables corresponds to a plane in three-dimensional space.
Solutions to a system of three such equations will be points that lie on all three planes. As
for systems of two equations, there can be a unique solution, no solution, or many solu-
tions. We illustrate some of the various possibilities in Figure 1.4.
As the number of variables increases, a geometrical interpretation of such a system of
equations becomes increasingly complex. Each equation will represent a space embedded
in a larger space. Solutions will be points that lie on all the embedded spaces. While a gen-
eral geometrical way of thinking about a problem is often useful, we rely on algebraic meth-
ods for arriving at and interpreting the solution. We introduce a method for solving systems
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:59 AM Page 7

1.1 Matrices and Systems of Linear Equations 7

Unique solution

B
B

A P
P C
C
Three planes A, B, and C intersect at a single point P.
P corresponds to a unique solution.
A

No solution B
A

C C

Planes A, B, and C have no points in common.

There is no solution.
Many solutions
B ABC

A Q

P C

Three planes A, B, and C intersect Three equations represent the same

in a line PQ. Any point on the line plane. Any point on the plane is
is a solution. a solution.

Figure 1.4

of linear equations called Gauss-Jordan elimination.1 This method involves systemati-

cally eliminating variables from equations. In this section, we shall see how this method
applies to systems of equations that have a unique solution. In the following section, we
shall extend the method to more general systems of linear equations.
We shall use rectangular arrays of numbers called matrices to describe systems of lin-
ear equations. At this time we introduce the necessary terminology.
1Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) was one of the greatest mathematical scientists ever. Among his discoveries was a way

to calculate the orbits of asteroids. He taught for forty-seven years at the University of Göttingen, Germany. He made con-
tributions to many areas of mathematics, including number theory, probability, and statistics. Gauss has been described as
“not really a physicist in the sense of searching for new phenomena, but rather a mathematician who attempted to formulate
in exact mathematical terms the experimental results of others.” Gauss had a turbulent personal life, suffering financial and
political problems because of revolutions in Germany.
Wilhelm Jordan (1842–1899) taught geodesy at the Technical College of Karlsruhe, Germany. His most important work
was a handbook on geodesy that contained his research on systems of equations. Jordan was recognized as being a master
teacher and an excellent writer.
9781284120097_CH01_002_067.qxd 10/25/17 6:59 AM Page 8

8 CHAPTER 1 Linear Equations and Vectors

DEFINITION A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers. The numbers in the array are called the elements of the
matrix.

Matrices are usually denoted by capital letters. Examples of matrices in standard nota-
tion are
7 1 3 5 6
A5 c d, B5 £ 0 5§, C 5 £ 0 22 5§
2 3 24
7 5 21
28 3 8 9 12
Rows and Columns Matrices consist of rows and columns. Rows are labeled from the top
of the matrix, columns from the left. The following matrix has two rows and three columns.

c d
2 3 24
7 5 21
The rows are:
32 3 24 4 , 37 5 21 4
row 1 row 2

The columns are:

c d, c d, c d
2 3 24
7 5 21
column 1 column 2 column 3

Submatrix A submatrix of a given matrix is an array obtained by deleting certain rows

and columns of the matrix. For example, consider the following matrix A. The matrices P,
Q, and R are submatrices of A.
1 7 4 1 7 7
A 5 £2 0§ P 5 £2 3§ Q 5 £3§ R5 c d
1 4
3
5 22
5 1 22 5 1 1
matrix A submatrices of A

Size and Type The size of a matrix is described by specifying the number of rows and
columns in the matrix. For example, a matrix having two rows and three columns is said
to be a 2 3 3 matrix; the first number indicates the number of rows, and the second indicates
the number of columns. When the number of rows is equal to the number of columns, the
matrix is said to be a square matrix. A matrix consisting of one row is called a row matrix.
A matrix consisting of one column is a column matrix. The following matrices are of the
stated sizes and types.
2 5 7 8
c d £ 29 1§ 3 4 23 54 £3§
1 0 3
0 8
22 4 5
23 5 8 2
2 3 3 matrix 3 3 3 matrix 1 3 4 matrix 3 3 1 matrix
a square matrix a row matrix a column matrix
Location The location of an element in a matrix is described by giving the row and col-
umn in which the element lies. For example, consider the following matrix.

c d
2 3 24
7 5 21
The element 7 is in row 2, column 1. We say that it is in location (2, 1).
Discovering Diverse Content Through
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The Mexican shrugged his shoulders and seized the pistol in his
girdle.
It is impossible to say how this scene would have ended, had not a
new incident happened to change its features completely. From the
same tree in which the Mexican had been hidden a few moments
previously, another individual suddenly fell, rushed on the chief, and
hurled him to the ground before he could make a gesture to defend
himself, so thoroughly was he off his guard.
"By Jove!" Belhumeur muttered with a stifled laugh, "there must be
a legion of devils in that tree."
The Mexican and the man who had come so luckily to his help had
securely tied the Indian with a reata.
"Now you are in my power, chief," the Mexican said, "and you will be
obliged to consent to my terms."
The Apache grinned, and uttered a shrill whistle.
At this signal fifty Indian warriors appeared, as if they had sprung
from the ground, and that so suddenly, that the two white men were
surrounded in an instant by an impassable circle.
"Deuce!" Belhumeur said in an aside, "that complicates matters.
How will they get out of that?"
"And we?" Louis whispered in his ear.
The Canadian replied by that shrug of the shoulders which signifies
in all languages, "We must trust in Heaven," and began looking
again, interested as he was in the highest degree by the unexpected
changes of scene.
"Cucharés!" the Mexican said to his companion, "Hold that scoundrel
tight and at the least suspicious movement kill him like a dog."
"Be calm, Don Martial," the lepero answered, pulling from his
vaquera boot a knife, whose sharp blade flashed with a bluish tinge
in the moon's rays.
"What decision does the Black Bear come to?" the Tigrero went on,
addressing the chief lying at his feet.
"The life of a chief belongs to thee, dog of the palefaces: take it if
thou darest!" the Apache replied with a smile of contempt.
"I will not kill you: not because I am afraid, for I know not such a
feeling," the Mexican said, "but because I disdain to shed the blood
of an enemy who is defenceless, even if he be, like you, an unclean
coyote."
"Kill me, I say, if thou canst, but insult me not. Hasten! For my
warriors may lose patience, sacrifice thee to their wrath, and thou
mightest die unavenged."
"You are jesting; you know perfectly well that your warriors will not
move an inch so long as I hold you thus. I propose to offer you
peace."
"Peace!" the chief said, and his eyes flashed. "On what conditions?"
"Two only. Cucharés, unfasten the reata, but watch him closely."
The lepero obeyed.
"Thanks," the chief said as he rose to his knees. "Speak; I am
listening—my ears are open. What are these conditions?"
"First, my comrade and myself will be free to retire whither we
please."
"Good, and next?"
"Next, you will pledge yourself to remain with your warriors, and not
return to the hacienda in the disguise you have assumed for the
next twenty-four hours."
"Is that all?"
"It is all."
"Listen to me in your turn, then, paleface. I accept your conditions,
but I must tell you mine."
"Speak."
"I will not re-enter the hacienda save with the eagle feather in my
war-tuft, at the head of my warriors, and that before the sun has
thrice set behind the lofty peaks of the mountains of the day."
"You are boasting, Apache; it is impossible for you to enter the
hacienda save by treachery."
"We shall see;" and smiling with a sinister air, he added, "the singing
bird will go into the hut of an Apache chief to cook his game."
The Mexican shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.
"Try to take the hacienda and carry off the maiden," he said.
"I will try. Your hand."
"Here it is."
The chief turned to his warriors, holding the Tigrero's hand clasped
in his own.
"Brothers!" he said in a loud voice, and with an accent of supreme
majesty, "this paleface is the friend of the Black Bear—let no one
molest him."
The warriors bowed respectfully, and fell back to the right and left,
to leave a passage for the two white men.
"Farewell!" the Black Bear said, saluting his enemy. "In twenty-four
hours I shall be on your trail."
"You are mistaken, dog of an Apache," Don Martial replied
disdainfully; "I shall be on yours."
"Good! We are, then, certain of meeting," the Black Bear said.
And he retired with a slow and firm step, followed by his warriors,
whose footfalls soon died away in the depths of the forest.
"On my faith, Don Martial," the lepero said, "I believe that you were
wrong to let that Indian dog escape so easily."
The Tigrero shrugged his shoulders.
"Were we not obliged to get out of the wasp's nest into which we
had thrust our heads?" he said. "Bah! It is only put off for a time.
Let us go and find our horses."
"One moment if you will grant it me," Belhumeur said, leaving his
hiding place, and advancing politely with his two comrades.
"What's this?" Cucharés said, pulling out his knife again, while Don
Martial coolly cocked his pistols.
"This? Caballero," Belhumeur said quietly, "I fancy you can see
plainly; enough."
"I see three men."
"Indeed, you are not at all mistaken. Three men who have been
unseen witnesses of the scene you ended so bravely—three men
who held themselves ready to come to your aid had it been
necessary, and who now offer to make common cause with you, to
prevent the plunder of the hacienda by the Apaches. Does that suit
you?"
"That depends," the Tigrero said. "I must know first what interest
urges you to act in this manner."
"That of being agreeable to you in the first place," Belhumeur replied
politely, "and next, the desire to save the scalps of the poor
wretches menaced by those infernal redskins."
"In that case I heartily accept your offer."
"Be good enough, then, to follow us to our camping ground, that we
may discuss the plan of the campaign."
So soon as Cucharés noticed that the men who presented
themselves so strangely were really friends, he returned his knife to
his boot, and went in search of the horses, which had been left a
short distance off. He arrived at this moment, leading the two
horses, and the five men proceeded together to the camping
ground.
"Take care," Belhumeur said to Don Martial; "you have made
yourself an implacable enemy this night. If you do not make haste to
kill him, one day or another the Black Bear will kill you. The Apaches
never pardon an insult."
"I know it; so I shall take my precautions, you may be sure."
"That is your concern. Perhaps it would have been better to get rid
of him, at the risk of what might have happened afterwards."
"How could I imagine I had friends so near me? Oh, had I but
known it!"
"Well, it is of no use crying over spilt milk."
"Do you believe that he will keep scrupulously the conditions he
accepted?"
"You do not know the Black Bear; he is a man of noble sentiments
and has a way of his own for understanding points of honour. You
saw that during your entire discussion he disdained to play any
trickery: his words were always frank."
"They were."
"Be certain, therefore, that he will keep his promise."
The conversation was interrupted. Don Martial had suddenly become
pensive. The Apache's menaces gave him a good deal to think
about. The camp was reached, and Eagle-head immediately set to
work rekindling the fire.
"What are you about?" Belhumeur observed to him. "You will reveal
our presence."
"No," the Indian said, shaking his head. "The Black Bear has retired
with his warriors: they are far away at present; so we need not take
useless precautions."
The fire soon cracked again. The five men crouched round it joyfully,
lit their pipes and began smoking.
"I don't care," the Canadian presently said. "Had it not been for the
extraordinary coolness you displayed I do not know how you would
have escaped."
"Let us now see how best to foil the plans of those red devils," said
the Mexican.
"It is very simple," Louis interposed. "One of us will proceed
tomorrow to the hacienda, to warn the owner of what has passed
this night. He will be on his guard and all will be right."
"Yes, I believe those are the best means, and we will employ them."
"Five men are as nothing against five hundred," observed Eagle-
head; "we must warn the palefaces."
"That is assuredly the plan we must follow," the Tigrero remarked;
"but which of us will consent to go to the hacienda? Neither my
comrade nor myself can do so."
"I fancy there is some love story hidden under all this," the Canadian
observed cunningly. "I can understand that you would find a
difficulty in—"
"What need of further discussion?" Louis interrupted. "With
tomorrow's dawn I will go to the hacienda; I undertake to explain to
the owner all the dangers that menace him in their fullest details."
"That is agreed on, then, and all is settled," Belhumeur said.
"Then, so soon as our horses have rested, my comrade and myself
will return to Guaymas."
"No, you will not, if you please," the Frenchman objected. "I fancy it
is proper that you should know the result of the mission I undertake,
for it concerns you even more than us. I suspect—"
The Mexican repressed a lively movement of annoyance.
"You are right," he replied; "I did not think of that. I will therefore
await your return."
The hunters interchanged a few more remarks, then wrapped
themselves in their blankets, lay down on the ground, and speedily
fell asleep. The profoundest silence fell on the clearing, which was
but dimly lighted by the reddish rays of the expiring fire. The
adventurers had been asleep about two hours, when the branches of
a shrub were gently parted and a man made his appearance.
He stopped for a moment, seemed to be listening, then crawled
without the slightest sound toward the spot where the Tigrero was
reposing. It would have been easy to recognise the Black Bear by
the light of the fire. The Apache chief plucked his scalping knife from
his girdle, and laid it gently on the Tigrero's chest; then casting a
parting glance around, to convince himself that the five men slept,
he retired with the same precautions, and soon disappeared in the
shrub, which closed upon him.

CHAPTER X.

BEFORE THE ATTACK.

At the first cry of the maukawis—that is to say, at sunrise—the
adventurers awoke.
The night had been calm. They had slept with nothing to disturb
their rest. Iced, however, by the abundant dew which had filtered
through their blankets during their sleep, they hurriedly rose to
restore the circulation of their blood and warm their stiffened limbs.
At the first movement Don Martial made a knife fell down on the
ground. The Mexican picked it up, and uttered a cry of amazement
and almost of terror as he showed it to his companions. The arm so
unexpectedly found was a scalping knife, whose blade was still
stained with large bloody spots.
"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, brandishing the knife
angrily.
Eagle-head seized it, and examined it carefully.
"Wah!" he said in surprise, "the Black Bear has been with us during
our sleep."
The hunters could not refrain from a movement of alarm.
"It is impossible," Belhumeur observed.
The Indian shook his head as he displayed the weapon.
"This," he continued, "is the Apache chief's scalping knife; the totem
of the tribe is engraved on the hilt."
"'Tis true."
"The Black Bear is a renowned chief. His heart is large enough to
contain a world. Obliged to fulfil the engagements he has made, he
wished to prove to his enemy that he was master of his life, and that
he would take it whenever he thought proper. That is the meaning of
this knife placed on the chest of the Yori during his sleep."
The adventurers were confounded by so much boldness. They
shuddered at the thought that they had been at the mercy of the
chief, who disdained to kill them, and contented himself with defying
them. The Mexican especially felt a shudder in spite of his courage.
The Canadian was the first to recover his coolness.
"Canario!" he exclaimed, "This Apache dog did right to warn us. Now
we will be on our guard."
"Hum!" Cucharés said, passing his hands through his thick and
matted hair, "I have not the least desire to be scalped."
"Bah!" Belhumeur said, "People sometimes recover."
"That is possible; but I don't care to make the attempt."
"And now that day has quite broken," Louis observed, "I fancy the
time has arrived for me to go to the hacienda. What do you say,
gentlemen?"
"We have not a moment to lose, if we wish to foil the enemy's
plans," said Don Martial in support of his suggestion.
"The more so as we have to take certain measures which it would be
as well to determine as soon as possible," Belhumeur remarked.
The Indian and the lepero contented themselves with giving their
assent through a nod.
"Now let us arrange a meeting place," Louis went on to say. "You
can not wait for me here, as the Indians know where to find you."
"Yes," Belhumeur replied thoughtfully, "but I do not know the
country where we now are, and I should be quite troubled to find a
fitting spot."
"I know one," Eagle-head said. "I will lead you to it: our pale brother
will join us again there."
"Very good, but for that purpose I must know the spot."
"My brother need not trouble himself about that. When he leaves the
great cabin I shall be near him."
"Very good—all right. Good-by till we meet again."
Louis saddled his horse and started off at a gallop in the direction of
the hacienda, which was about three musket shots from the
camping place.
The Count de Lhorailles was walking about anxiously in the hall of
the main body of the building. In spite of himself his meeting with
the Mexican occupied his mind. He wished to have a frank
explanation with Doña Anita in her father's presence, which should
dissipate his doubts, or at least give him the key of the mystery that
surrounded the affair.
Another circumstance also dulled his humour, and redoubled his
alarms. At daybreak Diégo Léon, his lieutenant, told him that the
Indian guide brought home with them the previous day had
disappeared during the night, and left no trace. The position was
becoming serious. The Mexican moon was approaching. That guide
was evidently an Indian spy, ordered to inquire into the strength of
the hacienda, and the means of surprising it. The Apaches and
Comanches could not be far off; perhaps they were already on the
watch in the tall prairie grass, awaiting the favourable moment to
rush on their implacable foes.
The count did not conceal from himself that if his position was
critical, he was the main cause of it. Invested by the government
with an important command, especially charged with the protection
of the frontier against Indian invasions, he had not yet made a
move, and had in no way tried to fulfil the commission he had not
merely accepted but solicited. The Mexican moon commenced in a
month; before that period he must strike a decisive blow, which
would inspire the Indians with a wholesome terror, prevent them
combining and thus foil their plans.
The count had been reflecting for a long time, forgetting in his
anxiety the guests he had brought to his house, after whom he had
not yet asked, when his old lieutenant appeared before him.
"What do you want, Martin?" he asked.
"Excuse me for disturbing you, captain. Diégo Léon, who is on guard
at the isthmus battery with eight men, has just sent me to tell you
that a man wishes to see you on a serious matter."
"What sort of a man is he?"
"A white man, well dressed, and mounted on an excellent horse."
"Hem! Did he said nothing further?"
"Pardon me, he added this: 'You will say to the man who commands
you that I am one of the men he met at the Rancho of San José.'"
The count's face grew suddenly serene.
"Let him come in," he said: "'tis a friend."
The lieutenant withdrew. So soon as he was alone the count
recommenced his walk.
"What can this man want of me?" he muttered. "When I asked his
friend and himself to accompany me here they both refused. What
reason can have caused such a sudden change in their plans? Bah!
What is the use of addling one's brains?" he added, on hearing a
horse's footfall re-echoing in the inner patio. "I shall soon know."
Almost immediately Don Louis appeared, led by the lieutenant, who,
on a sign from the count, at once disappeared.
"What happy accident," the count said graciously, "procures me the
honour of a visit I was so far from expecting?"
Don Louis politely returned the salutation, and replied,
"It is no happy accident that brings me. God grant that I may not be
the harbinger of misfortune!"
These words made the count frown.
"What do you mean, señor?" he asked in anxiety. "I do not
understand you."
"You will soon do so. But speak French, if you have no objection; we
shall understand each other more easily," he said, giving up the
Spanish which he had hitherto employed.
"What!" the count exclaimed in surprise, "You speak French?"
"Yes," Louis said, "for I have the honour of being your fellow
countryman, although," he added with a suppressed sigh, "I have
quitted our country for more than ten years. It is always a great
pleasure to me to be able to speak my own language."
The expression of the count's face completely changed on hearing
these words.
"Oh!" he continued, "permit me to press your hand, sir. Two
Frenchmen who meet in this distant land are brothers; let us
momentarily forget the spot where we are, and talk about France—
that dear country from which we are so remote and which we love
so much."
"Alas, sir!" Louis replied, with suppressed emotion, "I should be
happy to forget for a few minutes what surrounds us, to summon up
the recollections of our common country. Unfortunately the moment
is a grave one; great dangers threaten you, and the time we would
thus lose might produce a fearful catastrophe."
"You startle me, sir. What is happening? What have you so terrible to
announce to me?"
"Did I not tell you that I was a messenger of evil tidings?"
"No matter. When told by you they will be welcome. In the situation
in which I am placed in this desert, must I not ever expect
misfortune?"
"I hope to be able to help you in warding off the danger that now
hangs over you."
"Thanks for your fraternal conduct. Now speak, I am listening to
you. Whatever you may tell me, I shall have the courage to hear it."
Don Louis, without revealing to the count his meeting with the
Tigrero, as had been agreed on, told him how he had overheard a
conversation between his guide and several Apache warriors
ambushed in the vicinity of the hacienda, and the plan they had
formed to surprise the colony.
"And now, sir," he added, "it is for you to judge of the gravity of this
news, and the arrangements you will have to make, in order to foil
the plans of the Indians."
"I thank you, sir. When my lieutenant told me, a few moments prior
to your arrival, of the disappearance of the guide, I immediately saw
that I had to do with a spy. What you now report to me converts my
suspicions into certainty. As you say, there is not a moment to lose,
and I will at once think over the necessary arrangements."
He walked to a table and struck a bell sharply. A peon entered.
"The first lieutenant," he said. In a few minutes the latter arrived.
"Lieutenant," the count said to him, "take twenty men with you, and
scour the country for three leagues round. I have just learned that
Indians are concealed near here."
The old soldier bowed in reply, and prepared to obey.
"An instant," Louis exclaimed, signing him to stop, "one word more."
"Eh?" Martin Leroux said, turning round in amazement, "You are
talking French now."
"As you hear," Louis answered with a smile.
"You wished to make a remark," the count asked.
"I have lived in America a very long time. My home has been the
desert, and I know the Indians, whom I have learned to rival in
craft. If you allow me. I will give you some advice, which, I fancy,
may be useful to you under present circumstances."
"By Jove!" the count exclaimed; "pray speak, my dear countryman.
Your advice will be very advantageous to us, I feel assured."
At this moment Don Sylva entered the room.
"Ah!" the count continued, "come hither, my friend. We have great
need of you. Your knowledge of Indian habits will prove most useful
to us."
"What has happened?" the hacendero asked as he bowed
courteously to all present.
"We are threatened with an attack from the Apaches."
"Oh, oh! That is serious, my friend. What do you propose doing?"
"I do not know yet. I had given Don Martin orders to scour the
neighbourhood; but this gentleman appears to be of a different
opinion."
"The caballero is right," the Mexican answered, bowing to Don Louis;
"but, in the first place, are you certain about this attack?"
"This gentleman came expressly to warn me."
"Then there can be no further doubt. We must make the necessary
arrangements as quickly as possible. What is the caballero's
opinion?"
"He was about to give it at the moment you came in."
"Then pray do not let me disturb your conference. Speak, sir."
Don Louis bowed and took the word.
"Caballero!" he began, turning to Don Sylva, "What I am about to
say is addressed principally to the French señores, who, accustomed
to European warfare and in the white mode of fighting, are, I am
convinced, ignorant of Indian tactics."
"'Tis true," the count observed.
"Bah!" Leroux said, twirling his long moustaches with great self-
sufficiency, "We will learn them."
"Take care you do not do so at your own expense," Don Louis
continued. "Indian war is entirely one of stratagems and ambushes.
The enemy who attacks you never forms in line; he remains
constantly concealed, employing all means to conquer, but
principally treachery. Five hundred Apache warriors, commanded by
an intrepid chief, would defeat in the prairie your best soldiers,
whom they would decimate, while not giving a chance for
retaliation."
"Oh, oh!" the count muttered, "Is that their only way of fighting?"
"The only one," the hacendero said in confirmation.
"Hum!" Leroux remarked, "I fancy it is very like the war in Africa."
"Not so much as you suppose. The Arabs let themselves be seen,
while the Apaches, I repeat to you, only show themselves in the
utmost extremity."
"Then my plan of pushing forward a reconnoissance—"
"Is impracticable for two reasons: either your horsemen, though
surrounded by enemies, will not discover one of them, or they will
be attracted into an ambush, where, in spite of prodigies of valour,
they will perish to the last man."
"All that this gentleman says is most perfectly true: it is easy to see
that he has a great experience of Indian warfare, and has often
measured himself with Indios bravos."
"That experience cost my happiness. All those I loved were
massacred by these ferocious enemies," Don Louis replied
sorrowfully. "Fear the same fate if you do not display the greatest
prudence. I know how repugnant it is to the chivalrous character of
our nation to follow such a course; but in my opinion it is the only
one that offers any chances of salvation."
"We have here several women, children, and your daughter before
all, Don Sylva. We must absolutely shelter her from all danger; if
possible, spare her the slightest alarm. I, therefore, accept this
gentleman's views, and am determined to act with the greatest
circumspection."
"I thank you for my daughter and myself."
"And now, sir, as we are already indebted to you for such good
advice, complete your task. In my place, what would you do?"
"My advice is as follows," Louis answered seriously. "The Apaches
will attack you for certain reasons I know, and which it is
unnecessary to tell you. They make a point of honour of the success
of that attack. Hence intrench yourselves here as well as you can.
You have a considerable garrison composed of tried men;
consequently, nearly all the chances are in your favour."
"I have one hundred and seventy resolute Frenchmen, who have all
been soldiers."
"Behind good walls, and well armed, they are more than you want."
"Without counting forty peons, accustomed to pursuing the Indians,
and whom I brought with me," Don Sylva remarked.
"Are those men here at this moment?" Louis asked sharply.
"Yes, sir."
"Oh! That simplifies the question materially. If you will believe me,
the Indians have now everything to fear instead of you."
"Explain."
"It is evident that you will be attacked from the river. Perhaps, in
order to divide your forces, the Indians will make a feigned attack
from the side of the isthmus; but that point is too strongly defended
for them to attempt to carry it. I repeat, then, all the enemy's efforts
will be directed on the side of the river."
"I would call your attention to the fact, sir," the lieutenant said, "that
at this moment the river is rendered unnavigable by thousands of
trees torn from the mountains by the storms, and which it bears
along with it."
"I know not whether the river is navigable or not," Don Louis replied
firmly, "but of one thing I am certain, that the Apaches will attack
you on that side."
"In any case, and not to be taken by surprise, two of the guns will
be moved from the isthmus battery, leaving four there, which are
more than sufficient, and laid so as to enfilade the river, care be
taken to mask them. You will also, Leroux, mount a culverin on the
platform of the mirador, whence we shall command the course of the
Gila. Go and have these orders executed at once."
The old soldier went out without any reply, in order to carry out the
commands of his chief.
"You see, gentlemen," the count then said, "that I hasten to profit
by the counsels you are good enough to give me. I recognise my
utter inexperience of this Indian warfare, and I repeat that I am
happy at being so well supported."
"This gentleman has foreseen everything," the hacendero said; "like
him, I believe that the house is most exposed to the river front."
"A last word," Don Louis continued.
"Speak, speak, sir."
"Did you not say, caballero, that you brought with you forty peons,
accustomed to Indian warfare, and that they were still here?"
"Yes, I said so, and it is perfectly true."
"Very good. I believe—and be good enough to take it as a simple
observation, caballero—I say I believe that it would be a
masterstroke, which would insure you the victory, to place your
enemies between two fires."
"Indeed it would," the count exclaimed; "but how to do it? You
yourself said, only a moment ago, that it would be the height of
imprudence to send out a scouting party."
"I said, and I repeat it, the grass and woods are at this moment
filled with eyes fixed on the hacienda, who will let no one pass out
unnoticed."
"Well?"
"Did I not tell you that this war was one of stratagems and
ambushes?"
"You did; but I do not understand, I confess, what you are driving
at."
"It is however, excessively simple; you will understand me in a few
words."
"I much desire it."
"Señor caballero," Don Louis went on, turning to Don Sylva, "do you
intend to remain here?"
"Yes; for certain private reasons I must remain some time here."
"I have no intention, be assured, señor, to interfere in your private
affairs. So you remain here?"
"Yes."
"Very good. Have you among your peons a devoted man on whom
you can count as on yourself?"
"Cascaras! I should think so. I have Blas Vasquez."
"Would you be good enough to tell me who this Blas is, as I have
not the honour of his acquaintance?"
"He is my capataz, and I can trust to him as to myself in matters of
danger."
"Excellent! All is going on famously, then."
"I really cannot make you out," the count said.
"You shall see," said Louis.
"I have been trying to do so for the last half hour."
"Your capataz, to whom you will give your instructions, will put
himself at the head of his peons within an hour, and ostensibly take
the road to Guaymas; but, as soon as he has gone two or three
leagues to a point we shall settle on, he will halt. The rest will be the
business of myself and friends."
"Oh! I understand your plan now. The peons hidden by you will
attack the Indians in the rear so soon as the action has commenced
between and them us."
"That is it."
"But the Apaches? Do you believe they will allow a troop of white
men to retire without harassing them?"
"The Indians are too shrewd to oppose them. What good would it do
to attack a body of men who have no baggage? The fight would not
profit them, but cause their position to be discovered. No, no, be
easy, caballero, they will not stir: they have too great an interest in
remaining invisible."
"And what do you intend to do?"
"The Indians certainly saw me come in this direction; they know I
am here. If I went out with them it would betray all. I shall go away
alone as I came, and that immediately."
"The plan is so simple and well arranged that it must succeed.
Receive our thanks, sir, and be kind enough to tell us your name,
that we may know the man to whom we are indebted for so great a
service."
"To what end, sir?"
"I join my entreaties, caballero, to those of my friend, Don Gaëtano,
in order to induce you to reveal the name of a man whose memory
will be eternally engraved on our hearts."
Don Louis hesitated, though unable to account to himself for the
reason that made him do so. He felt a repugnance to give up his
incognito as respected the count. The two men, however, pressed
him so politely, that having no serious reason to offer for the
maintenance of his incognito, he allowed himself to be vanquished
by their entreaties, and consented to give his name.
"Caballeros," he at length said, "I am the Count Louis Edward
Maxime de Prébois Crancé."
"We are friends, I trust," De Lhorailles said, holding out his hand to
him.
"What I have done is a proof of it, I think, sir," the other replied with
a bow, but not taking the offered hand.
"I thank you," the count went on, without appearing to notice Louis'
repugnance. "Do you intend to leave us soon?"
"I must leave you to the urgent business you have on hand. If you
will allow me, I will take my leave at once."
"Not breakfasting, at least?"
"You will excuse me, but time presses. I have friends I have now left
for some hours, and who must be alarmed by my lengthened
absence."
"As they know you are at my house, that is impossible, sir," the
count said, somewhat piqued.
"They do not know that I arrived here without accident."
"That is different; then I will not delay you. Once again I thank you,
sir."
"I have acted in accordance with my conscience; you owe me no
thanks."
The three men quitted the hall, and proceeded towards the isthmus
battery, talking of indifferent matters. About half way they met Don
Blas, the capataz. Don Sylva made him a sign to join them, and
when he was near them explained to him in two words the events
that were preparing, and the part he would have to play.
"Voto a Brios!" the capataz exclaimed joyously. "I thank you, Don
Sylva, for this good news. We shall have a row at last, then, with
those Apache dogs! Caray! They'll see some fun, I swear."
"I trust entirely to you, Blas."
"But at what place must I await this caballero?"
"That is true: we have not fixed the place of meeting."
"About three leagues from here, on the Guaymas road, at a place
where the road makes a bend, there is an isolated hill called, I think,
El Pan de Azucar: you can ambush there without any fear of
discovery. I will join you at this spot with my friends."
"That is agreed. At about what hour?"
"I cannot say for certain: that must depend on circumstances."
A few minutes later Don Louis was riding back to the prairie, while
the Count de Lhorailles and the two Mexicans, made preparations for
an active defence of the colony.
"It is strange," Don Louis muttered to himself as he galloped on,
"that this man who is my countryman, and for whom I shall risk my
life ere long, inspires me with no sympathy."
Suddenly his horse shied. Roughly startled from his reverie, the
Frenchman looked up.
Eagle-head stood before him.

CHAPTER XI.

THE MEXICAN MOON.

After his visit to the hunters the Black Bear set out, at the head of
his warriors, to proceed to a neighbouring island, known by the
name of Choke-Heckel, which was one of the advanced Apache
posts on the Mexican frontier. He reached the isle at daybreak. At
this spot the Gila attains its greatest width: each of the arms formed
by the island is nearly two miles wide. The island which rises in the
middle of the water, like a basket of flowers, is about two miles long
by half a mile wide, and is one immense bouquet, exhaling the
sweetest perfumes, and the melodious songs of the birds which
congregate in incalculable numbers on all the branches of the trees
by which it is covered.
Illumined on this day by the splendid beams of a flashing sun, the
place had a strange and unusual appearance which had a powerful
effect on the imagination. As far as the eye could reach over the
island and the two banks of the Gila could be seen tents of buffalo
hide, or huts of branches leaned against each other, and whose
strange colours wearied the sight. Numerous canoes made of horse-
skins sewed together, and mostly round, or else hollowed out of
trunks of trees, traversed the river in every direction. The warriors
dismounted and set their horses free, which immediately proceeded
to join a number of others.
The chief went towards the huts before which feather flags and the
scalps of renowned warriors fluttered in the breeze, passing through
the women who were preparing the morning meal. But the Black
Bear had been recognised immediately on his arrival, and all got out
of his way with respectful bows. A thing no European could credit is
the respect all Indians, without exception, pay to their chiefs. Among
those who have kept up the manners of their forefathers, and,
disdaining European civilisation, have continued to wander about the
prairies as free men, this respect is changed into fanaticism, almost
into adoration.
The gold fillet adorned with two buffalo horns, placed on the Black
Bear's brow, caused him to be recognised by all, and the liveliest joy
was evinced on his passage. He at length reached the river's bank.
On arriving there he made a sign to a man fishing a short distance
off in a canoe; the latter hastened up, and the chief passed over to
the island. A hut of branches had been prepared for him. It is
probable that invisible sentinels were watching for his arrival, for the
moment he set foot on land, a chief called the Little Panther
presented himself before him.
"The great chief is welcome among his brothers," he said, bowing
courteously before the Black Bear. "Has my father had a good
journey?"
"I have had a good journey, I thank my brother."
"If my father consents I will lead him to jacal built to receive him."
"Let us go," the chief said.
The Little Panther bowed a second time, and guided the chief along
a path formed through the shrubs. They soon arrived at a jacal,
which, in the mind of the Indians, offered the ideal of what was
comfortable, through its size, the brilliancy of the colours with which
it was painted, and its cleanliness.
"My father is at home," the Little Panther said, respectfully raising
the fresada (blanket) which closed the jacal, and falling back to let
the Black Bear pass. The latter entered.
"My brother will follow me," he said.
The Little Panther walked in behind him, and let the curtain fall. This
abode did not in any way differ from that of the other Indians. A fire
burned in the centre. The Black Bear made a sign to the other chief
to sit down on a buffalo skull. He then chose one for himself, and sat
down near the fire. After a moment's silence, employed by the two
chiefs in smoking gravely, the Black Bear addressed the Little
Panther:—
"Are the chiefs of all the tribes of our nation collected on the island
as I ordered?"
"They are."
"When will they come to my jacal?"
"That depends on my father. They await his good pleasure."
The Black Bear began smoking again silently. A long period was thus
spent.
"Nothing new has happened during my absence?" the Black Bear
asked, shaking the ash out of his calumet on his thumb.
"Three chiefs of the prairie Comanches have arrived, sent by their
nation to treat with the Apaches."
"Wah!" the chief said. "Are they renowned warriors?"
"They have many wolves' tails on their moccasins. They must be
valiant."
The Black Bear nodded his head in affirmation.
"One of them, it is said, is the Jester," the Little Panther continued.
"Is my brother certain of what he says?" the chief asked sharply.
"The Comanche warriors refused to give their names when they
learned the absence of my father. They answered it was well, and
that they would await his return."
"Good! They are chiefs. Where are they?"
"They have lighted a fire, round which they are camping."
"Time is precious. My brother will warn the Apache chiefs that I
await them at the council fire."
The Little Panther rose without replying, and quitted the jacal.
For about an hour the Indian chief remained alone buried in
thought: at the end of that time the sound of several approaching
men could be heard outside. The curtain was raised by the Little
Panther, who walked in.
"Well?" the Black Bear asked.
"The chiefs are waiting."
"Let them come in."
The chiefs made their appearance. They were ten in number; each
had put on his best ornaments, and all wore their war paint. They
entered silently, and ranged themselves silently round the fire, after
silently saluting the great chief, and kissing the hem of his robe.
As soon as all the chiefs had assembled in the interior of the toldo, a
troop of Apache warriors drew up outside, to keep off the curious,
and insure the secrecy of the deliberations. The Black Bear, in spite
of his self-mastery, could not refrain from a movement of joy at the
sight of all these men, who were entirely devoted to him, and by
whose help he felt certain of accomplishing his projects.
"My brothers are welcome," he said, inviting them by a sign to take
seats on the buffalo skulls ranged round the fire, "I was awaiting
them impatiently."
The chiefs bowed and sat down. Then the pipe bearer entered and
presented the calumet to each warrior, who drew two or three puffs
of tobacco. When this ceremony was over, and the pipe bearer had
departed, the deliberations began.
"Before all," said the Black Bear, "I must give you an account of my
mission. The Black Bear has completely fulfilled it; he has entered
the hut of the white men; he has thoroughly examined it; he knows
the number of palefaces that defend it; and when the hour arrives
for him to lead his warriors there, the Black Bear will know how to
find the road again."
The chiefs bowed with satisfaction.
"This great cabin of the whites," the Black Bear continued, "is the
only serious obstacle we shall find on our road in the new expedition
we are undertaking."
"The Yoris are dogs without courage. The Apaches will give them
petticoats, and make them prepare their game," the Little Panther
said with a grin.
The Black Bear shook his head.
"The palefaces of the great cabin of Guetzalli are not Yoris," he said.
"A chief has seen them—-they are men. Nearly all of them have blue
eyes and hair the colour of ripe maize; they seem very brave—my
brothers must be prudent."
"Does not my father know who these men are?" a chief inquired.
"The Black Bear does not know. He was told down there near the
great Salt Lake, that they inhabited a country very far from here,
toward the rising sun: that is all."
"These men have no trees, nor fruit, nor buffaloes in their own
country, that they come to steal ours."
"The palefaces are insatiable," the Black Bear replied. "They forget
that the Great Spirit has only given them, like other men, one mouth
and two hands. All they see they covet. The Wacondah, who loves
his red sons, let them be born in a rich country, and has covered
them with his gifts. The palefaces are jealous, and seek continually
to rob and dispossess them; but the Apaches are brave warriors:
they can defend their hunting grounds, and prevent them being
trampled by these vagabonds, who have come from the other side of
the Great Salt Lake on the floating cabins of the Great Medicine."
The chiefs warmly applauded this harangue, which expressed so well
the sentiments that affected them, and the animosity with which
they were animated against the white race—that conquering and
invading race, which constantly drives them further into the desert,
not even leaving them the requisite space to breathe and live quietly
after their fashion.
"The great nation of the Comanches of the Lakes, that which is
called the Queen of the Prairies, has deputed to our nation three
renowned warriors. I know not the object of this embassy, which,
however, must be peaceful. Does it please you, chiefs of my nation,
to receive them, and admit them to smoke the calumet of peace
round our council fire."
"My father is a very wise warrior," the Little Panther replied: "he can,
when he likes, divine the most hidden thoughts in the heart of his
enemies. What he does will be well done. The chiefs of his nation
will be always happy to regulate their conduct by the counsels he
may deign to give them."
The Black Bear threw a glance round the assembly, as if to assure
himself that the Little Panther had truly expressed the general will.
The members of the council silently bowed their heads in
acquiescence. The chief smiled proudly on seeing himself so
appreciated by his companions, and addressing the Little Panther,
said,—
"Let my brothers, the Comanche chiefs, be introduced."
These words were pronounced with a majesty equal to that of a
European king sitting in parliament.
The Little Panther went out to execute the order he had received.
During his absence, which was rather long, not a word was
exchanged between the chiefs seated on buffalo skulls, with their
elbows on their knees, and their chins on the palm of their hand;
they remained motionless and silent, apparently plunged into deep
thought.
The Little Panther at length returned, preceding the Comanche
warriors. On their entry the Apache chiefs rose and saluted them
ceremoniously. The Comanches returned the salutation with no less
courtesy, but without any other response, and waited till they were
addressed.
The Comanche warriors were young and finely built; they had a
martial bearing, a free glance, and thoughtful brow. Dressed in their
national costume, with heads proudly raised, and hands stemmed in
their sides, they had something noble and loyal about them which
aroused sympathy. One of them specially, the youngest of the three
—he was hardly five-and-twenty—must be a superior man, to judge
by appearances: the stern lines of his countenance, the brilliancy of
his glance, the elegance and majesty of his bearing, caused him to
be recognised at the first glance as a chosen man.
His name was the Jester; and, as might be guessed from the tuft of
condor feathers passed through his warlock, he was one of the
principal chiefs of the nation.
The Apache chiefs bent on the new arrivals, while not appearing to
notice them, that profoundly inquisitive glance possessed to so
eminent a degree by the Indians. The Comanches, though they
might guess the power of the glances fixed on them, did not make a
sign, nor allow a movement to escape them, indicating that they
knew themselves to be the object of attention to all present.
Machiavel, author of the "Prince" though he was, compared with the
red men, was only a child in matters of policy. These poor savages,
as they are called by those who do not know them, are the cleverest
and most cunning diplomatists in existence.
After an instant's delay the Black Bear took a step toward the
Comanche chiefs, bowed to them, and holding out his right hand
palm upwards, said,—
"I am happy to receive beneath my cabin, in the midst of my people,
my brothers, the Comanches of the Lakes. They will take their place
at the council fire, and smoke with their brothers the calumet of
peace."
"Be it so," the Jester replied in a stern voice. "Are we not all children
of Wacondah?"
And, without adding another word, he took his seat with the other
chiefs at the council fire, side by side with the Apaches. The
conversation was broken off again, for everyone was smoking. At
length, when the calumet bowls contained only ashes, the Black
Bear turned with a courteous smile to the Jester.
"My brothers, the Comanches of the Lakes, are doubtlessly hunting
the buffalo not far from here, and then the thought occurred to
them to visit their Apache brothers. I thank them for it."
The Jester bowed.
"The Comanches of the Lakes are far away chasing the antelopes on
the Del Nato. The Jester, and a few devoted warriors of his tribe who
accompany him, are alone encamped on the hunting grounds."
"The Jester is a chief renowned on the prairie," the Apache
graciously remarked. "The Black Bear is happy to have seen him. So
great a warrior as my brother does not act thus without some
plausible motive."
"The Black Bear has guessed it. The Jester has come to renew with
his Apache brothers the narrow bonds of a loyal friendship. Why,
instead of disputing a territory to which we have equal claims,
should we not divide it between us? Should the red men destroy
each other? Would it not be better to bury the war hatchet by the
council fire at such a depth that, when an Apache met a Comanche,
he would only see in him a well-beloved brother? The palefaces, who
each moon encroach on our possessions more and more, carry on a
furious war with us; then why should we help them by our intestine
dissensions?"
The Black Bear rose, and, stretching forth his arm with authority,
said,—
"My brother, the Jester, is right. Only one sentiment should
henceforth guide us—patriotism! Let us lay aside all our paltry
enmities, to think but of one thing—liberty! The palefaces are
perfectly ignorant of our plans. During the few days I passed at
Guaymas I was able to convince myself of that: thus our sudden
invasion will be to them a thunderbolt, which will ice them with
terror. They will be more than half conquered by our approach."
There was a solemn silence. The Jester then turned a calm and
proud glance round the meeting, and exclaimed,—
"The Mexican moon will begin in twenty-four hours. Redskin
warriors! Shall we allow it to pass away without attempting one of
those daring strokes which we usually perform at this period of the
year? There is one establishment above all, over which we should
rush like a whirlwind: that establishment founded by palefaces, other
than the Yoris, is for us a permanent menace. I will not deal craftily
with you. Apache chiefs! I come to offer you frankly, if you will
attack Guetzalli, the support of four hundred Comanche warriors, at
whose head I will place myself."
At this proposition a quiver of pleasure ran through the meeting.
"I joyfully accept my brother's proposal," the Black Bear said. "I
have, nearly the same number of warriors: our two bands will be
strong enough, I hope, to utterly destroy the palefaces. Tomorrow,
at the rising of the moon, we will set out."
The chiefs retired, and the Black Bear and the Jester were left alone.
These two chiefs enjoyed an equal reputation, and both were adored
by their countrymen, hence they examined each other curiously, for
up to that moment they had always been enemies, and never had
the chance of meeting save with weapons in their hands.
"I thank my brother for his cordial offer," the Black Bear was the first
to say. "Under the present circumstances his help will be very
advantageous for us; but once the victory is decided, the spoil will
be equally shared between the two nations."
The Jester bowed.
"What plan has my brother formed?" he asked.
"A very simple one. The Comanches are terrible horsemen: with my
brother at their head, they must be invincible. So soon as the moon
shines in the heavens the Jester will set out with his warriors, and
proceed toward Guetzalli, being careful to fire the prairie in front of
his detachment, in order to raise a curtain of smoke which will
conceal his movements and prevent his warriors being counted. If,
as is not probable, the palefaces have placed vedettes before their
great lodge to announce the arrival of the expedition, my brother
will seize and kill them at once, to prevent them giving any alarm. In
this expedition, as in all those that have preceded it, everything
belonging to the palefaces—lodges, jacals, houses—will be burnt;
the beasts carried off and sent to the rear. On arriving in front of
Guetzalli my brother will hide himself as well as he can, and await
the signal I will give him to attack the palefaces."
"Good! My brother is a prudent chief. He will succeed. I will do
exactly as he has told me; and he, what will he do while I am
executing this portion of the general plan?"
A strange smile played on the Black Bear's lips.
"He will see," he said laying his hand on the Comanche's shoulder.
"Let him act as a chief, and I promise him a glorious victory."
"Good!" the Comanche made answer. "My brother is the first of his
nation; he knows how he should behave; the Apaches are not
women. I go to rejoin my warriors."
"'Tis well; my brother has understood. Tomorrow at the rising of the
moon."
The Jester bowed, and the two chiefs separated, apparently the best
friends in the world. A few moments later the greatest animation
prevailed in the Apache camp; the women struck the tents and
loaded the mules, the children lassoed and saddled the horses, and
all preparations were made for their departure.

CHAPTER XII.

A WOMAN'S STRATAGEM.
The next day at the rising of the moon, as had been agreed, the
Jester ordered his detachment to set out. Presently a party of
horsemen who had hurried onwards threw lighted torches amid the
shrubs, and in a few minutes an immense curtain of flames rose to
the sky, and completely veiled the horizon. The Comanches carried
out the orders of the Apache chief with such rapidity and
intelligence, that in less than an hour all was consumed.
The Black Bear, concealed in the island with his war party, had not
made a move. The traces left by the Comanches were, alas! very
visible, for the country only that morning so lovely, rich, and
luxuriant, was at present gloomy and desolate. There was no
verdure, no flowers, no birds hidden beneath the frondage, and
twittering as if to outrival each other.
The Indians' plan would have met with perfect success through the
arrangement of the campaigners, and the Guetzalli colonists would
have been surprised, had other men than Belhumeur and his friends
been on the route of the Indian army.
The Canadian was watching. At the first smoke that arose in the
distance he understood the intention of the redskins, and without
losing a moment he sent off Eagle-head to the colony to inform the
count of what was taking place. Still, behind the fire, the Comanches
were arriving at full speed destroying and trampling beneath their
horse's hoofs what the flames might have spared.
Night had completely set in when the Jester had arrived in sight of
the colony. Supposing that, through the rapidity of his march, the
white men would not have had time to place themselves on the
defensive, he ambushed a portion of his men, placed himself at the
head of the rest, and crawled with all the precautions employed in
such cases toward the isthmus battery.
No one appeared: the glacis and entrenchments seemed abandoned.
The Jester uttered his war cry, rose suddenly, and bounding forward
like a jaguar, crossed the entrenchment, followed by his warriors.
But, at the moment when the Comanches prepared to leap into the
interior, a fearful discharge at point blank range levelled more than
one half of the Indian detachment, while the survivors took to flight.
The Comanches had one great disadvantage—they possessed no
firearms. The musketry decimated them, and they could only reply
by firing their arrows, or by hurling their javelins. Noticing, therefore,
though too late for himself, that the French were on their guard, the
Jester, desperate at the check he had experienced, and his serious
losses, was unwilling to further weaken the confidence of his
warriors by useless tentatives. He concealed his detachment under
the cover of the virgin forest, and resolved to wait for the Black
Bear's signal ere he made a move.
Don Louis had followed Eagle-head. The Indian, after several
turnings, led him almost opposite the isthmus battery to the
entrance of a dense thicket of cactus, aloes, and floripondios.
"My brother can dismount," he said to the Frenchman; "we have
arrived."
"Arrived where?" Louis asked, looking around him in vain.
Without replying the chief took the horse, and led it away. Louis,
during the interval looked all around him: but his researches had no
result.
"Well," Eagle-head asked on his return, "has my brother found it?"
"On my faith, no, chief. I give it up."
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