When they had struck into the latter and travelled it for half a mile, they saw a long distance ahead someone walking toward them, also leading a horse.

In a land where men saddle a mount to ride a few hundred yards, the singular coincidence excited their curiosity.

They wondered why the fellow walked, as doubtless he was wondering the same thing of them.

But as they drew nearer they perceived the pedestrian to be not a man but a woman; and when they met Bryant recognized in her the girl who had sat by Charlie Menocal in his automobile at the ford.

Her gray corded riding habit was dusty; she appeared both hot and tired; and her countenance showed a deep dejection.