"Now we can see, and not be seen.

They must be cavalrymen, the way they ride, but we can take no chances." They watched the black specks pass east to where the bluff circled in toward the river.

It was from there those distant riders first observed the dim spiral of smoke still curling up from the burning stage, for they halted, bunching together, and then disappeared slowly down a gash in the side of the hill.

Emerging on the lower flat they turned in the direction of the fire, spurring their horses into a swift trot.

There was no longer any doubt of their being troopers, and Hamlin stood upright on the sand hummock waving his hat.