Presently Ladd let out into a wider lane that appeared to run straight.  The cowboy mounted his horse, and this fact convinced Gale that they had circled back to the road.  The march proceeded then once more at a good, steady, silent walk.  When Dick consulted his watch he was amazed to see that the hour was till early.  How much had happened in little time!  He now began to be aware that the night was growing colder; and, strange to him, he felt something damp that in a country he knew he would have recognized as dew.  He had not been aware there was dew on the desert.  The wind blew stronger, the stars shone whiter, the sky grew darker, and the moon climbed toward the zenith.  The road stretched level for miles, then crossed arroyos and ridges, wound between mounds of broken ruined rock, found a level again, and then began a long ascent.  Dick asked Mercedes if she was cold, and she answered that she was, speaking especially of her feet, which were growing numb.  Then she asked to be helped down to walk awhile.  At first she was cold and lame, and accepted the helping hand Dick proffered.  After a little, however, she recovered and went on without assistance.  Dick could scarcely believe his eyes, as from time to time he stole a sidelong glance at this silent girl, who walked with lithe and rapid stride.  She was wrapped in his long coat, yet it did not hide her slender grace.  He could not see her face, which was concealed by the black mantle.

A low-spoken word from Ladd recalled Gale to the question of surroundings and of possible dangers.  Ladd had halted a few yards ahead.  They had reached the summit of what was evidently a high ridge which sloped with much greater steepness on the far side.  It was only after a few more forward steps, however, that Dick could see down the slope.  Then full in view flashed a bright campfire around which clustered a group of dark figures.  They were encamped in a wide arroyo, where horses could be seen grazing in black patches of grass between clusters of trees.  A second look at the campers told Gale they were Mexicans.  At this moment Lash came forward to join Ladd, and the two spent a long, uninterrupted moment studying the arroyo.  A hoarse laugh, faint yet distinct, floated up on the cool wind.

“Well, Laddy, what’re you makin’ of that outfit?” inquired Lash, speaking softly.

“Same as any of them raider outfits,” replied Ladd.  “They’re across the line for beef.  But they’ll run off any good stock.  As hoss thieves these rebels have got ’em all beat.  That outfit is waitin’ till it’s late.  There’s a ranch up the arroyo.”

Gale heard the first speaker curse under his breath.

“Sure, I feel the same,” said Ladd.  “But we’ve got a girl an’ the young man to look after, not to mention our pack outfit.  An’ we’re huntin’ for a job, not a fight, old hoss.  Keep on your chaps!”

“Nothin’ to it but head south for the Rio Forlorn.”