Freshly cut willows showed how the beaver was preparing for the long winter ahead.

Columbine remembered then how greatly pleased Wade had been to learn about this old beaver; and more than once Wade had talked about trapping some younger beavers and bringing them there to make company for the old fellow.
The trail led across the brook at a wide, shallow place, where the splashing made by Pronto sent the trout scurrying for deeper water.
Columbine kept to that trail, knowing that it led up into Sage Valley, where Wilson Moore had taken up the homestead property.

Fresh horse tracks told her that Wade had ridden along there some time earlier.
Pronto shied at the whirring of sage-hens.

Presently Columbine ascertained they were flushed by the hound Kane, that had broken loose and followed her.

He had done so before, and the fact had not displeased her.
"Kane! Kane! come here!" she called.