"
* * * * *
Next morning, with blanket and slicker rolled behind his saddle, he rode
down the Moonstone Canon Trail. At the foot of the range he turned
eastward, a new world before him. The far hills, hiding the desert
beyond, bulked large and mysterious.
Louise had not been present when he bade good-bye to his Moonstone
friends.
CHAPTER XXV
IN THE SHADOW OF THE HILLS
The afternoon of the third day out from the Moonstone Ranch, Collie
picketed the roan pony Yuma near a water-hole in the desert. He spread
his saddle-blankets, rolled a cigarette, and smoked. Presently he rose
and took some food from a saddle-pocket.
The pony, unused to the desert, fretted and sniffed at the sagebrush
with evident disgust. Collie had given her water, but there was no
grazing.
After he had eaten he studied the rough map that Overland had given him.
There, to the south, was the desert town. He had passed that, as
directed, skirting it widely. There to the east were the hills.
Somewhere behind them was the hidden canon and Overland Red.
Stiff and tired from his long ride, he stretched himself for a short
rest. He dozed. Something touched his foot.
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