This trail was seldom trodden at that time, and then only by armed men, for it was regarded as dangerous.

Notwithstanding the proximity of the settlement at the Rito, the Navajos--Dinne, or Moshome--lurked here quite often, and many an unfortunate had lost his life while ascending the trail alone.
Shotaye was therefore travelling an exceedingly hazardous road, but she did not think of danger.

Many a time before had she clambered up and down this rocky labyrinth, and while the Dinne fairly swarmed, nothing had ever happened to her.

It is true that she was exceedingly wary, and had in her innumerable excursions gathered quite as much knowledge of the tricks of war as the most experienced scout, so that she felt almost intuitively the approach of danger.

She had gradually become imbued with the idea that she was invulnerable.