"
And like the swooping hawk they started down the slope. It was
precipitous in many places, but Pierre kept almost at a gallop, making
the mare take the slopes often crouched back on her haunches with
forefeet braced forward, and sliding many yards at a time.
In between the boulders he darted, twisting here and there, and always
erect and jaunty in the saddle, swaying easily with every movement of
the mare. Not far behind him came the girl. Fine rider that she was,
she could not hope to compete with such matchless horsemanship where
man and horse were only one piece of strong brawn and muscle, one
daring spirit. Many a time the chances seemed too desperate to her,
but she followed blindly where he led, setting her teeth at each
succeeding venture, and coming out safe every time, until they swung
out at last through a screen of brush and onto the level floor of
the valley.
CHAPTER 20
In the heart of that valley two roads crossed. Many a year before a
man with some imagination and illimitable faith was moved by the
crossing of those roads to build a general merchandise store.
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