it as single strands feed a rope. It lacked the directness of its
intersector because of the impenetrable chaparrals which forced it to
wander hither and yon. Neither was it as plain to the eye, for preference,
except in cases of urgent necessity, foreswore its saving of miles and
journeyed by the more circuitous southern trail which wound beneath
cottonwoods and mottes of live oak and frequently dipped beneath the
waters of sluggish streams, the banks of which were fringed with willows.

As a lean coyote loped past the point of intersection a moving object
suddenly topped the skyline of the southern end of the sandhills to the
east and sprang into sharp silhouette, paused for an instant on the edge
of the range and then, plunging down into the shadows at its base, rode
rapidly toward the bowlder.

He was an Apache, and was magnificent in his proportions and the easy
erectness of his poise. He glanced sharply about him, letting his gaze
finally settle on the southern trail and then, leaning over, he placed an
object on the highest point of the rock. Wheeling abruptly, he galloped
back over his trail, the rising wind setting diligently at work to cover
the hoofprints of his pony. He had no sooner dropped from sight over the
hills than another figure began to be defined in the dim light, this time
from the north.

The newcomer rode at an easy canter and found small pleasure in the cloud
of alkali dust which the wind kept at pace with him. His hat, the first
visible sign of his calling, proclaimed him to be a cowboy, and when
he had stopped at the bowlder his every possession endorsed the silent
testimony of the hat.

He was bronzed and self-reliant, some reason for the latter being
suggested by the long-barreled rifle which swung from his right saddle
skirt and the pair of Colt's which lay along his thighs. He wore the
usual blue flannel shirt, open at the throat, the regular silk kerchief
about his neck, and the indispensable chaps, which were of angora
goatskin. His boots were tight fitting, with high heels, and huge
brass spurs projected therefrom. A forty-foot coil of rawhide hung from
the pommel of his "rocking-chair" saddle and a slicker was strapped
behind the cantle.

He glanced behind him as he drew rein, wondering when the sheriff would
show himself, for he was being followed, of that he was certain. That was
why he had ridden through so many chaparrals and doubled on his trail.
He was now riding to descri