CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
INTO THE DESERT.
The cliff, up which the young prairie merchant and his guide, after their series of hairbreadth escapes, have succeeded in climbing, is the scarped edge of a spur of the famous Llano Estacado, or "Staked Plain," and it is into this sterile tract they are now fleeing.
Neither have any definite knowledge of the country before them, or the direction they ought to take.

Their only thought is to put space between themselves and the scene of their disaster--enough to secure them against being seen by the eye of any Indian coming after.
A glance is sufficient to satisfy them that only by distance can they obtain concealment.

Far as the eye can reach the surface appears a perfect level, without shrub or tree.

There is not cover enough to give hiding-place to a hare.

Although now in full run, and with no appearance of being pursued, they are far from being confident of escaping.