advantage of the mountain-shadow that had just reached that spot.
In repose, he always sat, when in the cove, with his face toward the
natural roadway leading over the flat hill-island into the farther
reach of the horseshoe. It was thus he hoped to prevent surprise
from inimical horsemen, and it was thus that, on this particular
afternoon, he detected a shadow creeping over the reddish-brown
stone passage before its producing cause rode suddenly against the
background of the blue sky.

At first glimpse of that shadow of a feathered head, Willock flung
himself down the dirt steps leading to the open door; now, lying
flat, he directed the barrel of his gun over the edge of the level
ground, covering an approaching horseman. As only one Indian came
into view, and as this Indian was armed in a manner as astounding
as it was irresistible, Willock rose to his height of
six-foot-three, lowered his weapon, and advanced to meet him.

When he was near, the Indian--the same chief from whom Willock had
fled on the day of his intended housewarming--this Indian sprang
lightly to the ground, and lifted from the horse that defense which
he had borne in front of him on penetrating the cove; it was the
child for whose sake Willock had separated himself from his kind.

At first, Willock thought he was dreaming one of those dreams that
had solaced his half-waking hours, for he had often imagined how it
would be if that child were in the mountains to bear him company.
But however doubtful he might he regarding her, he took no chances
about the Indian, but kept his alert gaze fixed on him to forestall
any design of treachery.