plan,"
went on Presbrey, noting how gingerly his visitor had gone about his
ablutions. "Well, come and eat."

Shefford marked that if the trader did live a lonely life he fared well.
There was more on the table than twice two men could have eaten. It was
the first time in four days that Shefford had sat at a table, and he
made up for lost opportunity.

His host's actions indicated pleasure, yet the strange, hard face never
relaxed, never changed. When the meal was finished Presbrey declined
assistance, had a generous thought of the Indian girl, who, he said,
could have a place to eat and sleep down-stairs, and then with the skill
and despatch of an accomplished housewife cleared the table, after which
work he filled a pipe and evidently prepared to listen.

It took only one question for Shefford to find that the trader was
starved for news of the outside world; and for an hour Shefford fed that
appetite, even as he had been done by. But when he had talked himself
out there seemed indication of Presbrey being more than a good listener.

"How'd you come in?" he asked, presently.

"By Flagstaff--across the Little Colorado--and through Moencopie."

"Did you stop at Moen Ave?"

"No. What place is that?"

"A missionary lives there. Did you stop at Tuba?"

"Only long enough to drink and water my horse. That was a wonderful
spring for the desert."

"You said you were a wanderer.... Do you want a job? I'll give you one."

"No, thank you, Presbrey."

"I saw your pack. That's no pack to travel with in this country. Your
horse won't last, either. Have you any money?"

"Yes, plenty of money."

"Well, that's good. Not that a white man out here would ever take a
dollar from you. But you can buy from the Indians as you go. Where are
you making for, anyhow?"

Shefford hesitated, debating in mind whether to tell his purpose or not.
His host did not press the question.

"I see. Just foot-loose and wandering around," went on Presbrey. "I can
understand how the desert appeals to you. Preachers lead easy, safe,
crowded, bound lives. They're shut up in a church with a Bible and good
people. When once in a lifetime they get loose--they break out."

"Yes, I've broken out--beyond all bounds," replied Shefford, sadly.
He seemed retrospective for a moment, unaware of the trader's keen and
sympathetic glance, and then he caught himself. "I want to see some wild
life. Do you know the country north of here?"

"Only what the Na