The road stretched level for miles, then
crossed arroyos and ridges, wound between mounds of broken
ruined rock, found a level again, and then began a long ascent.
Dick asked Mercedes if she was cold, and she answered that she
was, speaking especially of her feet, which were growing numb.
Then she asked to be helped down to walk awhile. At first she was
cold and lame, and accepted the helping hand Dick proffered. After
a little, however, she recovered and went on without assistance.
Dick could scarcely believe his eyes, as from time to time he stole
a sidelong glance at this silent girl, who walked with lithe and
rapid stride. She was wrapped in his long coat, yet it did not hide
her slender grace. He could not see her face, which was concealed
by the black mantle.
A low-spoken word from Ladd recalled Gale to the question of
surroundings and of possible dangers. Ladd had halted a few yards
ahead. They had reached the summit of what was evidently a high
ridge which sloped with much greater steepness on the far side.
It was only after a few more forward steps, however, that Dick
could see down the slope. Then full in view flashed a bright
campfire around which clustered a group of dark figures. They
were encamped in a wide arroyo, where horses could be seen grazing
in black patches of grass between clusters of trees. A second look
at the campers told Gale they were Mexicans. At this moment Lash
came forward to join Ladd, and the two spent a long, uninterrupted
moment studying the arroyo.
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