Pagina 71 di 439

Again the low murmur, beyond a possibility of doubt. Both of them

caught it. The girl opened her throat in a loud cry for help. An

answering shout came back clear and strong. Struve wheeled and

started up the arroyo, bending in and out among the cactus till

he disappeared over the brow.

Two horsemen burst into sight, galloping down the steep trail at

breakneck speed, flinging down a small avalanche of shale with

them. One of them caught sight of the girl, drew up so short that

his horse slid to its haunches, and leaped from the saddle in a

cloud of dust.

He ran toward her, and she to him, hands out to meet her rescuer.

"Why didn't you come sooner? I've waited so long," she cried

pathetically, as his arms went about her.

"You poor lamb! Thank God we're in time!" was all he could say.

Then for the first time in her life she fainted.

The other rider lounged forward, a hat in his hand that he had

just picked up close to the fire.