Barker was right.

He had really kept them at easy distance the whole length of the journey.
But they were now reaching its end.

When they issued at last from the arroyo they came upon the outskirts of Boomville and the great stage-road.

Indeed, the six horses of the Pioneer coach were just panting along the last half mile of the steep upgrade as they approached.

They halted mechanically as the heavy vehicle swayed and creaked by them.