Somewhere east of the river there were scattered ranches.

But he was as liable to find the rancher in touch with the outlaws as he was likely to find him honest.

Duane hoped his good fortune would not desert him in this last service to Jennie.

Next to the worry of that was realization of his condition.

He had gotten up too soon; he had ridden too far and hard, and now he felt that any moment he might fall from his saddle.