Imagery of Hell Creek
By the first mention of Hell Creek by Boon, we are anticipating what sort of place it's going to be; it isn't going to be pretty, that's for sure. The image doesn't disappoint: the place, or what's supposed to be a road is a swamp-like mess of sticks and logs and occasional hump of earth. The ridiculousness of the road is intensified by a worker with mules standing nearby and just waiting to be called for help.
Imagery of civilization to country-side difference
When they finally pass Hell Creek the travelling trio is entering civilization of larger towns. Lucius notices single country stores and the commerce being rich. The air even smelled urban with raised dust which one could almost taste. As they reached Memphis, there were streetcars, buggies, and surreys and other means of transportation. Lucius was also amazed by the tall buildings, stores and hotels.
Imagery of an unusual scent
When Lucius starts practicing to ride the Lightning horse for the first time, he notices that Ned pulls out something and brings it to the horse's mouth. He smells a sharp scent that he should have recognized immediately, but being nervous he didn't have time to think about it. This happens in every instance Lucius is about to ride the horse, but he never got around to recognize the scent. It is only at the end that we learn that the trick Ned used to make the horse run is giving it sardines (or "sour deans" according to Ned).
