After we mounted and rode away, scarcely a word was exchanged between us.

I recall asking a question or two, but his answers did not encourage any attempt at probing, and I consequently fell silent, urging my horse in the effort to keep pace with his heavier mount.

We rode straight across the country, avoiding the roads, and keeping under cover as much as possible, taking advantage of every depression of the surface.

Farrell knew every inch of the way, and his watchful eyes scanned the summit of the ridges with constant vigilance.

Just before dusk we overtook a dozen horsemen in the breaks of a creek bottom, roughly dressed fellows, heavily armed, riding in the same direction as ourselves, and, after the exchange of a word or two, the whole party of us jogged along together.