"I'm a rell ole cowpuncher." Miss Allen thought that was what he said, but at the time she did not quite understand, except his denial of being a baby; that was clear enough.

She turned to the climb, feeling that she must hurry if she expected to get him and take him home before dark.

She knew that every minute was precious and must not be wasted.

It was well after noon--she had forgotten to eat her lunch, but her watch said it was nearly one o'clock already.

She had no idea how far she had ridden, but she thought it must be twelve miles at least.
She had no idea, either, how far she had run down the butte to the cliff--until she began to climb back.