Bess, tired out and silent, laid her head in a saddle and went to sleep between the two dogs.

Venters did not close his eyes.

The canyon silence appeared full of the low, continuous hum of insects.

He listened until the hum grew into a roar, and then, breaking the spell, once more he heard it low and clear.

He watched the stars and the moving shadows, and always his glance returned to the girl's dimly pale face.