Neither were to be seen, now. Probably Nix had rejoined the train, and
it was out of eye-shot behind a swell in the plains.

"Were you looking for some one?" Alice asked, looking into her
rescuer's face.

"Yes, I was with a train when I first heard your cries; I left the
boys, and came to investigate. I guess they have gone on without me."

"How mean of them! Will we have to make the journey to the Hills
alone?"

"Yes, unless we should providentially fall in with a train or be
overtaken by a stage."

"Are you not afraid?"

"My cognomen is Fearless Frank, lady; you can draw conclusions from
that."

He went and caught the horse, arranged a blanket in the saddle so that
she could ride side-fashion, and assisted her to mount.

The sun was touching the lips of the horizon with a golden kiss; more
time than Frank had supposed' had elapsed since he left the train.

Far off toward the east shadows were hugging close behind the last
lingering rays of sunlight; a couple of coyotes were sneaking into
view a few rods away; birds were winging homeward; a perfume-laden