It was something to think over, something to warm his heart, but for the present it had absolutely to be forgotten so that all his mind could be addressed to the trip so fraught with danger.
He carried only his rifle, revolver, and a small quantity of bread and meat, and thus lightly burdened, he made swift progress down the slope and out into the valley.

Darkness was coming on, and he welcomed it.
Stars were blinking when he reached his old hiding-place in the split of canyon wall, and by their aid he slipped through the dense thickets to the grassy enclosure.

Wrangle stood in the center of it with his head up, and he appeared black and of gigantic proportions in the dim light.
Venters whistled softly, began a slow approach, and then called.

The horse snorted and, plunging away with dull, heavy sound of hoofs, he disappeared in the gloom.

"Wilder than ever!" muttered Venters.