The tiny glow of the fire far away to the left was alone visible in the intense blackness; the wind brought to him no sound of movement.

The stillness was profound, almost uncanny; as he paused and listened he could distinguish the throb of his heart.

He was across the trail at last, for he had felt and traced the ruts of wheels, and where the banks had been worked down almost to a level with the prairie.

He crossed this opening like a snake, and then arose to his knees beyond, where the gully deepened.

He remained poised, motionless, scarcely daring to breathe.