horses away, evidently to water them. The girl remained behind.
Shefford addressed her, but she was shy and did not respond. He then
set about cooking a meal for his visitors, and was busily engaged at
this when the Indian returned without the horses. Presently Shefford
resumed his seat by the fire and watched the two eat what he had
prepared. They certainly were hungry and soon had the pans and cups
empty. Then the girl drew back a little into the shadow, while the
man sat with his legs crossed and his feet tucked under him.

His dark face was smooth, yet it seemed to have lines under the
surface. Shefford was impressed. He had never seen an Indian who
interested him as this one. Looked at superficially, he appeared
young, wild, silent, locked in his primeval apathy, just a healthy
savage; but looked at more attentively, he appeared matured, even
old, a strange, sad, brooding figure, with a burden on his shoulders.
Shefford found himself growing curious.

"What place?" asked Shefford, waving his hand toward the dark opening
between the black cliffs.

"Sagi," replied the Indian.

That did not mean anything to Shefford, and he asked if the Sagi was
the pass, but the Indian shook his head.

"Wife?" asked Shefford, pointing to the girl.

The Indian shook his head again. "_Bi-la_," he said.

"What you mean?" asked Shefford. "What _bi-la_?"