Got the grub, haven't yer ?" "Tied it on the saddle; which way do we go ?" "Straight south at the bridge; that will bring us to the old trail in about five miles, an' after that the devil himself couldn't find us.
Ever crossed Shoshone ?" "No." "Well, it's a little bit o' hell after sunup, an' we'll have a twenty mile ride before we strike water.

We'll start slow." They swung into saddle, the road before them a mere black ribbon revealed only by the gleam of a few far-off stars peering through rifts in the clouds.

Brennan rode slightly in advance, trusting his mount largely to pick out the way, yet leaning forward eagerly scanning every shadow and listening for the slightest warning sound.

They were upon the grade leading to the bridge when his vigilance was rewarded.

There was some movement to the left, where the hotel trail led down the bank, and instantly both men drew up their ponies and remained intent and rigid.