stic.

And whether the regrets would center upon my slinking home defeated, or in
having definitely cast her away, puzzled me as sorely as it did to
discover that I was well content to be here, with her, in our little
clearing amidst the desert fog, listening to her soft breathing and
debating over what she might have done had I actually kissed her to
comfort her and assure her that I was not unmindful of her really brave
spirit.

Daniel had been disposed of, Montoyo did not deserve her; I had won her,
she could inspire and guide me if I stayed; and I saw myself staying, and
I saw myself going home, and I already regretted a host of things, as a
man will when at the forking of the trails.

The fog gently closed in during the night. When I awakened we were again
enshrouded by the fleece of it, denser than when we had ridden through it,
but now whiter with the dawn. As I gazed sleepily about I could just make
out the forms of the two mules, standing motionless and huddled; I could
see her more clearly, at shorter distance--her buffalo robe moist with the
semblance of dew that had beaded also upon her massy hair.

Evidently she had not stirred all night; might be still asleep. No; her
eyes were open, and when I stiffly shifted posture she looked across at
me.

"Sh!" she warned, with quick shake of head. The same warning bade me
listen. In a moment I heard voices.

CHAPTER XIX

I STAKE AGAIN

They were indistinguishable except as vocal sounds deadened by the
impeding fog; but human voices they certainly were. Throwing off her robe
she abruptly sat up, seeking, her features tensed with the strain. She
beckoned to me. I scuttled over, as anxious as she. The voices might be
far, they might be near; but it was an eerie situation, as if we were
neighboring with warlocks.

"I've been hearing them some little while," she whispered.

"The Captain Adams men may be trailing us?"

"I hope not! Oh, I hope not," she gasped, in sheer agony. "If we might
only know in time."

Suddenly the fog was shot with gold, as the sun flashed in. In obedience
to the command a slow and stately movement began, by all the troops of
mist. The myriad elements drifted in unison, marching and countermarching
and rearranging, until presently, while we crouched intent to fathom the
secrets of their late camp, a wondrously beautiful phenomenon offered.

The great army rose for flight, lifting like a blanket. Gradually the
earth appeared