He smiled in a way that changed his face--brightened out the set hardness.
"I reckon I'll have to crawl," he said, ruefully.

"But maybe I can ride in a few days--if you'll come back again." His remark brought to Lucy the idea that of course she would hardly see this rider again after to-day.

Even if he went to the Ford, which event was unlikely, he would not remain there long.

The sensation of blankness puzzled her, and she felt an unfamiliar confusion.
"I--I've brought you--some things," she said, pointing to the larger pack.
"Grub, you mean ?" "No." "That was all I asked you for, miss," he said, somewhat stiffly.
"Yes, but--I--I thought--" Lucy became unaccountably embarrassed.
Suppose this strange rider would be offended.

"Your clothes were--so torn....