They were travelling steadily south, the horses beginning to exhibit traces of weariness, yet still keeping up a dogged trot.

All about extended a wild, desolate scene of rock and sand, bounded on every horizon by barren ridges.

The only vegetation was sage brush, while the trail, scarcely visible to the eye, would circle here and there among grotesque formations, and occasionally seemed to disappear altogether.

Nowhere was there slightest sign of life--no bird, no beast, no snake even, crossed their path.

All was dead, silent, stricken with desolation.