Save for those frowning red cliffs Hare would have forgotten
where he was; the warm sun, the yellow fruit, the merry screams of
children, the joyous laughter of girls, were pleasant reminders of autumn
picnic days long gone. But, in the face of those dominating wind-scarred
walls, he could not forget.
That night Hare endeavored to see Mescal alone for a few moments, to see
her once more with unguarded eyes, to whisper a few words, to say
good-bye; but it was impossible.
On the morrow he rode out of the red cliff gate with Dave and the pack-
horses, a dull ache in his heart; for amid the cheering crowd of children
and women who bade them good-bye he had caught the wave of Mescal's hand
and a look of her eyes that would be with him always. What might happen
before he returned, if he ever did return! For he knew now, as well as he
could feel Silvermane's easy stride, that out there under the white glare
of desert, the white gleam of the slopes of Coconina, was wild life
awaiting him. And he shut his teeth, and narrowed his eyes, and faced it
with an eager joy that was in strange contrast to the pang in his breast.
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