THE TRIAL OF PATIENCE The hours of the afternoon trailed slowly away, one by one.

Perspiration appeared at last upon the glossy skins of the horses, but their stride did not abate.

The powerful muscles still worked with their full strength and ease.

Ned never felt a tremor in the splendid horse beneath him.

But when he looked back again there were the Lipans, a little further away, but hanging on as grimly as before, still riding in a close group.
Ned began to understand now the deadly nature of the pursuit.