Where he rode was the very western extreme of the prairie country,
billowed like the sea, and from off the crest of its higher ridges, the
wide level sweep of the plains was visible, extending like a vast brown
ocean to the foothills of the far-away mountains. Yet the actual
commencement of that drear, barren expanse was fully ten miles distant,
while all about where he rode the conformation was irregular, comprising
narrow valleys and swelling mounds, with here and there a sharp ravine,
riven from the rock, and invisible until one drew up startled at its very
brink. The general trend of depression was undoubtedly southward, leading
toward the valley of the Arkansas, yet irregular ridges occasionally cut
across, adding to the confusion. The entire surrounding landscape
presented the same aspect, with no special object upon which the eye could
rest for guidance--no tree, no upheaval of rock, no peculiarity of summit,
no snake-like trail,--all about extended the same dull, dead monotony of
brown, sun-baked hills, with slightly greener depressions lying between,
interspersed by patches of sand or the white gleam of alkali. It was a
dreary, deserted land, parched under the hot summer sun, brightened by no
vegetation, excepting sparse bunches of buffalo grass or an occasional
stunted sage bush, and disclosing nowhere slightest sign of human
habitation.

The rising sun reddened the crest of the hills, and the rider, halting his
willing horse, sat motionless, gazing steadily into the southwest.
Apparently he perceived nothing there unusual, for he slowly turned his
body about in the saddle, sweeping his eyes, inch by inch, along the line
of the horizon, until the entire circuit had been completed. Then his
compressed lips smiled slightly, his hand unconsciously patting the
horse's neck.