penetrate the black curtain. The wind was fortunate, blowing steadily
across the flat from the river, and they were surely invisible against
the background of the overhanging bluff. He did not even feel it
necessary to crouch low to avoid discovery. He knew that peril would
confront them later, when they ventured out into the open. How light
she seemed, as though he clasped a child. Bearing her was going to be
easier than he had supposed; the excitement yielded him a new measure
of strength, yet he went forward very slowly, feeling along, inch by
inch, planting his feet with exceeding care. The earth was hard-packed
and would leave little trail; there were no leaves, no dead grass to
rustle. Beyond the protection afforded by the stage he felt the full
sweep of the wind and permitted her head to rest lower on one arm so
that he could look about more clearly. She had not even moaned,
although he had felt her breath upon his face. Once he stumbled
slightly over some fallen earth, and farther along a foot slipped on a
treacherous stone, but the slight noise died unnoticed in the night.
It was farther to the gully than he had supposed; his heart was in his
throat fearing he had missed it, half-believing the depression failed
to extend to the base of the bluff. Then his foot, exploring blindly,
touched the edge of the bank. Carefully he laid his burden down,
placing his battered campaign hat beneath her head. He bent over her
again, assuring himself that she breathed regularly, and then crept
down alone into the shallow ravine.

His nerves were like steel now, his hand steady, his heart beating
without an accelerated throb. He knew the work, and rejoiced in it.
This was why he was a soldier. Silently, swiftly, he unbuckled his
belt, refastening it across the straps so as to hold canteen and
haversack noiseless, and then, revolver in hand, began creeping down
under cover of the low banks. He must explore the path first before