upsets me. It feels almost as if there were some living presence
off over the alkali that meant us harm."

"I think I know what the matter is," said Peggy gently, "you're
tired and overwrought. Come, let us get to bed, for Mr. Bell has
ordered in early start in the morning."

Just how long afterward it was the awakened Peggy had no means of
telling, but as she lay sleepless she felt a longing to look out
over the light-shrouded desert once more. Arising she tiptoed to
the window, and drawing the shade without making more than the
merest rustle of noise she looked out. As she did so Peggy almost
uttered a startled exclamation, which, however, she instantly
checked.

Three men had just emerged upon the balcony from an adjoining
window. They brought chairs with them and sat there smoking. Peggy
could catch the rank, strong odor of the tobacco.

"It's better out here and we can talk more quietly," said one of
them, as they sat down. "You say that Bell and his outfit start
to-morrow?"

"That's what I overheard him say when I was listening to 'em talking
arter supper," struck in another voice, "so I guess it's the early
trail for us, too."

"Reckon so," came in a third speaker; "Jim Bell is going to travel
fast. He's got the best horses and mules in this part of the
country, and he won't spare 'em."