arroyo, traveled along its dry course, and then
clambered up on the desert. But it was wearying
work, and, becoming ever more aware of his double
load, he began to chafe with dissatisfaction. Yet
he held to his gait, hopeful of better things -- he
was always hopeful of better things now -- until
he reached another dune, larger than any as yet
encountered, when once more he broke out of his
stride to circle its bottom. As he did so, of his
own volition he checked himself. Dead ahead
he saw horses scattered about, and beyond the
horses, rising limply in the noon haze, a thin
column of smoke. Also, he felt both his riders
stiffen. Then on the midday hush rose the crack
of firearms from the direction of the camp.

His master lifted a shrill voice. He felt a
mighty pull at his head. He swung around like
a flash. Then came the flaying of a rope and frantic
urging of heels. He plunged among the surging
horses, dancing and whirling excitedly, and
out into the open beyond. He set his teeth grimly,
and raced headlong to the south, galloping furiously,
tearing blindly over the desert. He headed
straight for the distant basin, straight for the
mouth of the canyon, hurtling forward, struggling
mightily under his double load. He did not
know it, but he was speeding into a tragic crisis.

The others overtook him. They were carrying
but single loads. But they did not pass him. He
saw to that. He burst forward into even greater
speed, clung to it grimly, forged into a position
well in the lead. And he held this place -- around

[[248]]

p247 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p248w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p249

v?