In another hour she began to descend to the plain, and once more to approach the main road, which now ran nearly parallel with her track.

She scanned it cautiously for any early traveler; it stretched north and south in apparent unending solitude.

She struck into it boldly, and urged her horse to the top of his speed, until she reached the cross-road that led to the rancho.

But here she paused and allowed the reins to drop idly on the mustang's back.

A singular and unaccountable irresolution seized her.