Finally, when Muncie discharged Joel, who worked now and then, Lucy realized that something was wrong with Joel and that she was to blame for it.
She grew worried and anxious and sorry, but she held her peace, and determined to find out for herself what was wrong.

Every day when she rode out into the sage she expected to meet him, or at least see him somewhere; nevertheless days went by and there was no sign of him.
One afternoon she saw some Indians driving sheep down the river road toward the ford, and, acting upon impulse, she turned her horse after them.
Lucy seldom went down the river road.

Riding down and up was merely work, and a horse has as little liking for it as she had.

Usually it was a hot, dusty trip, and the great, dark, overhanging walls had a depressing effect, upon her.

She always felt awe at the gloomy canyon and fear at the strange, murmuring red river.