I only feel that I am living in the presence of an astounding mystery.
"Strange thoughts possess me.

What is the fire that burns but does not consume Joe Cumberland?
What is the thing in the wandering Dan Barry which Kate Cumberland fears and yet waits for?
Why was it that Daniels trembled with dread when he started out to find a man who, by his own profession, he holds to be his best friend?
"You see how the mystery assumes shape?
It is before me.

It is in my hand.

And yet I cannot grasp its elements.
"The story of a man, a horse, and a dog.

What is the story?
"To-day I wandered about the great corrals and came to one which was bounded by a fence of extraordinary height.