Hyar goes." Steeling himself for the terrible spectacle, which he believes to be certainly awaiting him, he once more advances towards the tree.
A dozen strides bring him up, and less than half a dozen more carry him around it.
No body, living or dead--no remains of man, mutilated or otherwise! For some time Wilder stands in speechless surprise, his glances going all around.

But no human figure is seen, either by the palmilla or among the sage-bushes beside it.

Can the wounded man have crawled away?
But no; why should he?
Still, to make sure, the ex-Ranger shouts out, calling Hamersley by name.
He gets no response.

Alone he hears the echo of his own voice, mingling with the hoarse croaking of the vultures, scared by his shouts.
His hunter habits now counsel him to a different course of action.

His comrade cannot be dead, else the corpse would be there.