By strange flashing threads of light

He beheld in dim-drawn outline,

On the background of the night,

Phantom horse and girlish rider,

Speeding on in reckless race,

Till she turned directly toward him

And he saw her fearless face!

22  

With the journey's slow progression

Slipped away the summer days,

Merging with the sleepy beauty

Of the lazy autumn haze;

And the frosts and drought combining

Waged relentless battle there,

Withering up the scanty ranges,

Leaving all the country bare.

When he entered Colorado,

Following still the barren plain

Where for months the mocking heavens

Never spared a drop of rain,

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