"Joel's comin'. He'll be up hyar before
long. I reckon we'd jest as well let him come. Fer there's water an' grass
hyar. An' down below grass is scarce."
It seemed an age to Lucy, waiting there, until she did see horses zigzagging
the ridges below. They disappeared, and then it was another age before they
reappeared close under the bulge of wall. She thrilled at sight of Sage King
and Sarchedon. She got only a glimpse of them. They must pass round under her
to climb a split in the wall, and up a long draw that reached level ground
back in the forest. But they were near, and Lucy tried to wait. Creech showed
eagerness at first, and then went on with his camp-fire duties. While in camp
he always cooked a midday meal.
Lucy saw the horses first. She screamed out. Creech jumped up in alarm.
Joel Creech, mounted on Sage King, and leading Sarchedon, was coming at a
gallop. The other horses were following.
"What's his hurry?" demanded Lucy. "After climbing out of that canyon Joel
ought not to push the horses."
"He'll git it from me if there's no reason," growled Creech.
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