awoke the desert with an outcry that racked his
whole body. But he did not stop. Again and
again he flung his call across the silence, hurling
it in mighty staccato in the direction of the ranch
wagon until he saw the man suddenly draw rein,
remain still for a time, then start up the horses
again, this time in his direction. And now, and
not till now, he ceased his nickering, and, in the
great weariness and fatigue upon him, let his head
droop, with eyes closed, until his nose almost
touched the ground.

And although he did not know it, in the past
four hours this dumb animal had in every way
lived up to the faith and trust reposed in him by
the little woman in the distant valley.

[[279]]

p278 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p279w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p280

v?