Lassiter was not long in catching up, and presently they were riding side by side.

It reminded her how she used to ride with Venters.

Where was he now?
She gazed far down the slope to the curved purple lines of Deception Pass and involuntarily shut her eyes with a trembling stir of nameless fear.
"We'll turn off here," Lassiter said, "en' take to the sage a mile or so.

The white herd is behind them big ridges." "What are you going to show me ?" asked Jane.

"I'm prepared--don't be afraid." He smiled as if he meant that bad news came swiftly enough without being presaged by speech.
When they reached the lee of a rolling ridge Lassiter dismounted, motioning to her to do likewise.