a black hat ...

more dust.

They're spreadin' along behind the bank." Loud voices, and then thick clouds of yellow dust, coming from behind the highest and brushiest line of the embankment, attested to the truth of Jean's observation, and also to a reckless disregard of danger.
Suddenly Jean caught a glint of moving color through the fringe of brush.

Instantly he was strung like a whipcord.
Then a tall, hatless and coatless man stepped up in plain sight.

The sun shone on his fair, ruffled hair.