That's
fair, ain't it?"
They went at it with a will, glad to have something clearly defined
before them, Brennan in his slow, efficient way, but Westcott, eager
and hopeful, spurred on by his memory of the girl, whose rescue was the
sole object which had brought him there. The team was driven into the
security of the sand drifts and unhitched. The saddles were taken from
the backs of the ponies, and what grain Moore had in the wagon was
carefully apportioned among the four animals. Satisfied these would
not stray, the men looked carefully to their supply of ammunition and
set forth on their tramp.
This proved a harder journey than either Brennan or Westcott had
anticipated, for Moore led off briskly, taking a wide circle, until a
considerable ridge concealed their movements from the south. The sand
was loose, and in places they sank deeply, their feet sliding back and
retarding progress. All three were breathing heavily from the exertion
when, under protection of the ridge, they found better walking.
Even here, however, the way was treacherous and deceiving, yet they
pressed forward steadily, following the twists and turns of the pile of
sand on their right.
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