Casey flattened his abused body to the hummocky sand and hung on.
Hours later, by the pale stars that peered out breathlessly when the fury of the gale was gone, Casey pulled himself painfully to his feet and looked for the burros and William.

Judging by his own experience, they had had a rough time of it and would not go far after the wind permitted them to stop.

But as to guessing how far they had been impelled, or in what direction, Casey knew that was impossible.

Still, he tried.

When the air grew clearer and the surrounding hills bulked like huge shadows against the sky, he saw that he had been blown toward the ridge that guards Crazy Woman lake.