Far as the eye could reach rolled an illimitable, tawny sea.

The short, harsh grass near at hand he discovered to be dotted here and there with small, gay flowers.

Back of him, as he turned his head, he saw a square of vivid green, which water had created as a garden spot of grass and flowers at the stone hotel.

He did not find this green of civilization more consoling or inspiring than the natural colour of the wild land that lay before him.

For the first time in his life he looked upon the great Plains, and for the first time felt their fascination.