The sun's down." Bud got up from sitting cross-legged like a Turk, helped Honey to her feet--and felt her fingers clinging warmly to his own.

He led the way to the cave's mouth, not looking at her.

"Great sunset," he observed carelessly, glancing up at the ridge while he held her horse for her to mount.
Honey showed that she was perfectly at home in the saddle.

She rode on ahead, leaving Bud to mount and follow.

He was just swinging leisurely into the saddle when Stopper threw his head around, glancing back toward the level just beyond the cave.