Save for a few huts clustered on the hillside, there were no signs of human habitation in sight.

The lights in a switch target showed yellow against the growing dawn.
"I am quite ready, sir," reported Oscar, touching his hat.

"There is nothing here but the station; the settlement is farther on our way." "Then let us be off," said Armitage, swinging into the saddle.
Oscar led the way in silence along a narrow road that clung close to the base of a great pine-covered hill.

The morning was sharp and the horses stepped smartly, the breath of their nostrils showing white on the air.
The far roar and whistle of the train came back more and more faintly, and when it had quite ceased Armitage sighed, pushed his soft felt hat from his face, and settled himself more firmly in his saddle.

The keen air was as stimulating as wine, and he put his horse to the gallop and rode ahead to shake up his blood.
"It is good," said the stolid cavalryman, as Armitage wheeled again into line with him.
"Yes, it is good," repeated Armitage.
A peace descended upon him that he had not known in many days.