"She'll be along here soon," he added.
"If you mean the Santa Cruz stage," said Hamlin, "she's here already.

I passed her on the ridge half an hour ago." The boy gave a sudden start, and a quick uneasy expression passed over his face.

"Go 'long with ye!" he said, with a forced smile: "it ain't her time yet." "But I SAW her," repeated Hamlin, much amused.

"Are you expecting company?
Hullo! Where are you off to?
Come back." But his companion had already vanished in the thicket with the undeliberate and impulsive act of an animal.

There was a momentary rustle in the alders fifty feet away, and then all was silent.