Page 6 (1/2)

The country grew rougher, rock-strewn, covered with cedars and

patches of pine Deer crashed out of the thickets and grouse whirred

up from under the horses The warive it up," called Roberts back to her

"No--no Go on," replied Joan

And they urged their horses faster Finally they reached the suht they san into a round, shallow

valley, which led on, like all the deceptive reaches, to the ranges

There ater down there It glinted like red ribbon in the

sunlight Not a living thing was in sight Joan grew ed It see Jirew difficult to

follow Finally, to make matters worse, Roberts's horse slipped in a

rocky wash and laed, could hardly walk

Roberts got off to exa," he said, which was hishow bad the injury

was "Joan, I reckon there'll be soht

For your horse can't carry double an' I can't walk"

Joan dismounted There ater in the wash, and she helped Roberts

bathe the sprained and swelling joint In the interest and syot her own trouble

"Reckon we'll have to

around "Lucky I've a pack on that saddle I can make you