The Kevin review. [volume] (Kevin, Mont.) 1922-1929, 1924-04-17

was not likely to be another doWnpOul
until ~nightfail the first rains are 40
continuous, as in later weeks. The
day promised intense heat, but the
long, rolling ridges of the desert had
already a sub-tinge of green.
Hour after hour, the two men rode
side by side. Occasionally Winton
ventured some remark, but the judge
hardly answered him; he was brood.
ing, with his head sunk on his breast.
Winton was lost in dreams of Sheila.
After a long time, in the broiling heat
of the noon sun. he saw the faint out
lines of the distant hills before him.
First they were a blue line against
the sky, then a patch of green against
the brown of the desert. He pointed
them out to his companion, but the
judge only looked up, nodded, and re-
sumed his %brooding. Presently he
raised his head, and Winton was
alarmed to see the light of the deadly
purpose in his eyes.
Hell make for there, Garrett"
he said.
.Seaton?"
Judge Davis nodded. "They told me
last night he answered. '.That's
why | wanted to give him a nights
start. He'll have made that place by
now. I've been there-long ago. Well
meet. 1t will be the fulfillment of a
quest that occupied a great part of
my time years ago, Garrett; l put it
aside, but l never abandoned it alto
gether, and now I've taken 1t up
again"
1t occurred to Winton that If Judge
Davis went mad, he would go mad in
precisely that cool, methodical way.
He wondered if he was armed, and
what he would do if he and Seaton
met. And he cursed himself for no:
having reflected that such a meeting
was highly probable.
He had a f~ieetin, idea of attempt
ing physical restraint, but he aban-
doned the idea instantly. Whatever
needed to be lone must be done when
the time arrived.
The distant hills grew nearer. Green
valleys and precipitous heights APP
peared. The sun was at the zenith.
The horses walked with hanging
heads, painting. Not a living thing
appeared on the vast plain except the
steeds and their riders.
But presently Winton caught sight
of something on the far horizon that
looked like a vast flock of sheep. Yet
surely no man had ever owned so
large a herd. 1t formed a wide arc,
miles in length, along the edge of
the desert.
1t was a mirage, of course. But,
isted; and Winton, more puzzled than
followed it with his eyes as he
on, wondering when it would dis
1t did not disappear. The
entire herd seemed moving in the d.
rection of the hills, now about four
miles away, travelling almost parallel
with the horses, yet with sufficient in
clination to make it probable that.
If it were indeed a real herd, it would
pass into the valley toward which the
riders were making.
1t last Winton called the judges
attention to the flock. But Judge Da-
Wis, seeming hardly to be aware of
his presence, shook himself impa-
and rode on, immersed in his
morbid introspection.
The flock appeared to keep pace
with the horses, and it was now
converging toward the pass.
watching it, abandoned the
dea that it was a mirage. Yet it
not possibly be any mans flock.
There were hundreds Of thousands of
he animals, moving, apparently,
herdsmen.
The valley opened before them.
yinton recognized his location; the
native village was not far away The
iders were already ascending into
he foothills. AS they rounded one
# the bases of the mountain chain
vinton looked back, and saw the herd
much nearer. Then it was lost to
light, and he thought no longer Of $
he prodigy in thinking of Sheila. |
They rode along the winding pass, |
scending. descending, until at last
he cluster of beehive huts appeared "
I the distance. I
Suddenly Winton saw that Judge {
,avis was clutching a revolver In his G
and. :
The sight shocked him but less than
ne look which Davis face had now
ssumed. If Seaton was in the vii
lge there would be murder. Winton
to take the weapon gently from
hand; but with an adroit
lovement, as If he had been on guard
the time, the judge wrenched him
Elf away, and suddenly spurred the
orse he rode, which darted on ahead
own the valley.
ITO BE