Already MacDonald's men were at work clearing the mouth of the coyote.

In half an hour he would be out in the big, breathing world again.
The thought brought him to his feet.

The numbness was gone from his limbs and he could walk about.

His first move was to strike a match and look at his watch.
"Half-past ten!" He spoke the words aloud, thinking of Meleese.

In an hour and a half he was to meet her on the trail.