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That led to sarcasm on
their part and bitter anger on his. It came to Lucy's ears that Joel began to
act and talk strangely. She found out that the rider Van had knocked Joel down
in Brackton's store and had kicked a gun out of his hand. Van laughed off the
rumor and Brackton gave her no satisfaction. Moreover, she heard no other
rumors. The channels of gossip had suddenly closed to her. Bostil, when
questioned by Lucy, swore in a way that amazed her, and all he told her was to
leave Creech alone. Finally, when Muncie discharged Joel, who worked now and
then, Lucy realized that something was wrong with Joel and that she was to
blame for it.
She grew worried and anxious and sorry, but she held her peace, and determined
to find out for herself what was wrong. Every day when she rode out into the
sage she expected to meet him, or at least see him somewhere; nevertheless
days went by and there was no sign of him.
One afternoon she saw some Indians driving sheep down the river road toward
the ford, and, acting upon impulse, she turned her horse after them.


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