The start across the arid stretch was made at noon. Every hoof
had been thoroughly watered in advance, and with the heat of summer
on us it promised to be an ordeal to man and beast. But Loving had
driven it before, and knew fully what was before him as we trailed
out under a noonday sun. An evening halt was made for refreshing
the inner man, and as soon as darkness settled over us the herd was
again started. We were conscious of the presence of Indians, and
deceived them by leaving our camp-fire burning, but holding our
effects closely together throughout the night, the remuda even
mixing with the cattle. When day broke we were fully thirty miles
from our noon camp of the day before, yet with the exception of an
hour's rest there was never a halt. A second day and night were
s
