Here he had to feel his way in pitch blackness and to wedge his progress between the close saplings.

Time meant little to him now that he had started, and he edged along with slow side movement till he got clear of the thicket.

Ring and Whitie stood waiting for him.

Taking to the open aisles and patches of the sage, he walked guardedly, careful not to stumble or step in dust or strike against spreading sage-branches.
If he were burdened he did not feel it.

From time to time, when he passed out of the black lines of shade into the wan starlight, he glanced at the white face of the girl lying in his arms.