When any one walked by her she crouched low, evidently imagining herself unseen.

If one of us walked toward her, or looked at her, she did not crouch.

At other times, noticeably when no one was near, she would roll on her back and extend all four paws in the air.

Her actions were beautiful, soft, noiseless, quick and subtle.
The day passed, as all days pass in camp, swiftly and pleasantly, and twilight stole down upon us round the ruddy fire.

The wind roared in the pines and lulled to repose; the lonesome, friendly coyote barked; the bells on the hobbled horses jingled sweetly; the great watch stars blinked out of the blue.
The red glow of the burning logs lighted up Jones's calm, cold face.
Tranquil, unalterable and peaceful it seemed; yet beneath the peace I thought I saw a suggestion of wild restraint, of mystery, of unslaked life.
Strangely enough, his next words confirmed my last thought.
"For forty years I've had an ambition.