"Did you never see one before?"
"Yes, stuffed; but this bird is alive and free." She looked at Edith.
"You look pale, Edith," she said, with sudden alarm. "Are you feeling worse?"
"No. Only tired. We'll soon reach the clearing, and just beyond that, the ford; and just beyond that, the ranch house. So I can soon rest."
Esther drew a deep breath, and said:
"I feel as though the spirit of the eagle had entered into me."
But darkness was coming on apace. To their relief they soon entered the clearing, and reached the bank of the stream, where they halted a few minutes. The horses pricked up their ears.
"Do you think the ford is dangerous now, Edith?"
"It is usually quite safe at this season, unless there has been a cloudburst. The horses know the ford, and are used to crossing. Papa gives them the rein, and they have always brought him safely through. We had better place our luggage on the seat," she said, "and keep our feet up. Tuck your skirts up, or you'll get a drenching."
Then she leaned forward, and called each horse by name.