ted, along the horizon's edge. It is the dawn,
for day is just breaking.

At first Clancy is gratified by a sight, so oft gladdening hearts.
Daylight will assist him in his search.

Soon, he thinks otherwise. Sweeping his eyes over the upland plain, he
sees it is sterile and treeless. A thin skirting of timber runs along
the bluff edge; but elsewhere all is open, except a solitary grove at no
great distance off.

The rendezvous of the robbers would not be there, but more likely on the
other side of the arid expanse. Noting a trail which leads outwards, he
suspects the pursued man to have taken it. But to follow in full
daylight may not only defeat all chance of overtaking him, but expose
them to the danger of capture by the freebooters coming in behind.

Clancy casts his eye across the plain, then back towards the
bottom-land. He begins to repent his imprudence in having ventured up
the pass. But now to descend might be more dangerous than to stay.
There is danger either way, and in every direction. So thinking, he
says:

"I fear, Jupe, we've been going too fast, and it may be too far. If we
encounter these desperadoes, I needn't tell you we'll be in trouble.
What ought we to do, think you?"

"Well Masser Charle, I don't jest know. I'se a stranger on these Texas
prairies. If 'twar in a Massissip swamp, I might be better able to
advise. Hyar I'se all in a quandairy."

"If we go back we may meet them in the teeth. Besides, I shan't--can't
now. I must keep on, till I've set eyes on Dick Darke."

"Well, Masser Charle, s'pose we lie hid durin' the day, an' track him
after night? The ole dog sure take up the scent for good twenty-four
hours to come. There's a bunch of trees out yonner, that'll give us a
hidin' place; an' if the thieves go past this way, we sure see 'em.
They no see us there."

"But if they go past, it will be all over. I could have little hope of
finding him alone. Along with them he would--"

Clancy speaks as if in soliloquy.

Abruptly changing tone, he continues:--

"No, Jupe; we must go on, now. I'll take the risk, if you're not afraid
to follow me."

"Masser Charle, I ain't afraid. I'se told you I follow you anywhere--to
death if you need me die. I'se tell you that over again."

"And again thanks, my faithful friend! We won't talk of death, till
we've come up with Dick Darke. Then you shall see it one way or other.
He, or I, hasn't many hours to live. Come, Brasfo