The fighting was still going on in Grand Cane, but they knew it was going badly for their cause, and they did not want to risk losing their prize. It was for that reason, when they turned west upon seeing the McAllen plantation, they assumed it would be well defended, when in fact it was deserted. Gray Wolf had arranged for a rendezvous point due west of the settlement. Since he was unfamiliar with this country he had told his warriors to ride until sunset, and then begin to look for one another. That was one reason why Gray Wolf was the most respected war chief of the Antelope band—he planned for every eventuality. If a raid went poorly, it was the common Comanche tactic to split up into groups of two or three warriors and reunite later at some prearranged place. In this way pursuit was made more problematic for the enemy. The three Comanches made quick time, keeping whenever possible to low, wooded terrain. A few miles from the Brazos, Emily regained consciousness. Draped belly-down over a galloping pony made breathing a hardship, and she was not inclined to long endure the discomfort.
