Herguestsreportedanarduousridedownthemountain，withonlyoneincidenttolendexcitement。OnthedescenttheyhadfalleninwithSheriffHaweandseveralofhisdeputies，whowereconsiderablyundertheinfluenceofdrinkandverygreatlyenragedbytheescapeoftheMexicangirlBonita。Hawehadusedinsultinglanguagetotheladiesand，accordingtoAmbrose，wouldhaveinconveniencedthepartyonsomepretextorotherifhehadnotbeensharplysilencedbythecowboys。
　　Madeline'sguestsweretwodaysinrecoveringfromthehardride。
　　Onthethirddaytheyleisurelybegantopreparefordeparture。
　　ThisperiodwasdoublytryingforMadeline。Shehadherownphysicalneedofrest，and，moreover，hadtofaceamentalconflictthatcouldscarcelybepostponedfurther。HersisterandfriendswerekindlyandearnestlypersistentintheirentreatiesthatshegobackEastwiththem。Shedesiredtogo。
　　Itwasnotgoingthatmattered；itwashowandwhenandunderwhatcircumstancesshewastoreturnthatrousedinherdisturbingemotion。BeforeshewentEastshewantedtohavefixedinmindherfuturerelationtotheranchandtheWest。
　　WhenthecrucialhourarrivedshefoundthattheWesthadnotclaimedheryet。Theseoldfriendshadwarmedcoldties。
　　Itturnedout，however，thatthereneedbenohurryaboutmakingthedecision。Madelinewouldhavewelcomedanyexcusetoprocrastinate；but，asithappened，aletterfromAlfredmadeherdepartureoutofthequestionforthepresent。HewrotethathistriptoCaliforniahadbeenveryprofitable，thathehadapropositionforMadelinefromalargecattlecompany，and，particularly，thathewantedtomarryFlorencesoonafterhisarrivalhomeandwouldbringaministerfromDouglasforthatpurpose。
　　Madelinewentsofar，however，astopromiseHelenandherfriendsthatshewouldgoEastsoon，attheverylatestbyThanksgiving。Withthatpromisetheywerereluctantlycontenttosaygood-bytotheranchandtoher。Atthelastmomentthereseemedagreatlikelihoodofahitchinplansforthefirststageofthathomewardjourney。AllofMadeline'sguestshelduptheirhands，Westernfashion，whenLinkStevensappearedwiththebigwhitecar。Linkprotestedinnocently，solemnly，thathewoulddriveslowlyandsafely；butitwasnecessaryforMadelinetoguaranteeLink'swordandtoaccompanythembeforetheywouldenterthecar。Atthestationgood-byswerespokenandrepeated，andMadeline'spromisewasexactedforthehundredthtime。
　　DorothyCoombs'slastwordswere："GivemylovetoMontyPrice。
　　TellhimI'm——I'mgladhekissedme！"
　　Helen'seyeshadasweet，grave，yetmockinglightasshesaid：
　　"Majesty，bringStewartwithyouwhenyoucome。He'llbetherage。"
　　Madelinetreatedtheremarkwiththesamemerrylightnesswithwhichitwasreceivedbytheothers；butafterthetrainhadpulledoutandshewasonherwayhomesherememberedHelen'swordsandlookswithsomethingalmostamountingtoashock。AnymentionofStewart，anythoughtofhim，displeasedher。
　　"WhatdidHelenmean？"musedMadeline。Andshepondered。ThatmockinglightinHelen'seyeshadbeensimplyanironicalglint，acynicalgleamfromthatworldlyexperiencesosuspiciousandtolerantinitswisdom。ThesweetgravityofHelen'slookhadbeenadeeperandmoresubtlething。Madelinewantedtounderstandit，todivineinitanewrelationbetweenHelenandherself，somethingfineandsisterlythatmightleadtolove。
　　Thethought，however，revolvingaroundastrangesuggestionofStewart，waspoisonedatitsinception，andshedismissedit。
　　Uponthedriveintotheranch，asshewaspassingthelowerlake，shesawStewartwalkinglistlesslyalongtheshore。Whenhebecameawareoftheapproachofthecarhesuddenlyawakenedfromhisaimlesssaunteringanddisappearedquicklyintheshadeoftheshrubbery。ThiswasnotbyanymeansthefirsttimeMadelinehadseenhimavoidapossiblemeetingwithher。Somehowtheacthadpainedher，thoughaffordingherarelief。Shedidnotwanttomeethimfacetoface。
　　ItwasannoyingforhertoguessthatStillwellhadsomethingtosayinStewart'sdefense。Theoldcattlemanwasevidentlydistressed。SeveraltimeshehadtriedtoopenaconversationwithMadelinerelatingtoStewart；shehadevadedhimuntilthelasttime，whenhispersistencehadbroughtacoldandfinalrefusaltohearanotherwordabouttheforeman。Stillwellhadbeencrushed。
　　AsdayspassedStewartremainedattheranchwithouthisoldfaithfulnesstohiswork。Madelinewasnotmovedtoakinderframeofmindtoseehimwanderingdejectedlyaround。Ithurther，andbecauseithurthershegrewalltheharder。ThenshecouldnothelphearingsnatchesofconversationwhichstrengthenedhersuspicionsthatStewartwaslosinghisgriponhimself，thathewouldsoontakethedownwardcourseagain。
　　Verificationofherownsuspicionmadeitabelief，andbeliefbroughtaboutasharpconflictbetweenhergenerosityandsomefeelingthatshecouldnotname。Itwasnotaquestionofjusticeormercyorsympathy。IfasinglewordcouldhavesavedStewartfromsinkinghissplendidmanhoodintothebruteshehadrecoiledfromatChiricahua，shewouldnothavespokenit。Shecouldnotrestorehimtohisformerplaceinherregard；shereallydidnotwanthimattheranchatall。Once，consideringinwonderherknowledgeofmen，sheinterrogatedherselftoseejustwhyshecouldnotoverlookStewart'stransgression。Sheneverwantedtospeaktohimagain，orseehim，orthinkofhim。
　　Insomeway，throughherinterestinStewart，shehadcometofeelforherselfaninexplicablethingclosetoscorn。
　　AtelegramfromDouglas，heraldingthecomingofAlfredandaminister，putanendtoMadeline'sbrooding，andshesharedsomethingofFlorenceKingsley'sexcitement。Thecowboyswereaseagerandgossipyasgirls。ItwasarrangedtohavetheweddingceremonyperformedinMadeline'sgreathall-chamber，andthedinnerinthecool，flower-scentedpatio。
　　Alfredandhisministerarrivedattheranchinthebigwhitecar。Theyappearedconsiderablywind-blown。Infact，theministerwasbreathless，almostsightless，andcertainlyhatless。
　　Alfred，usedashewastowindandspeed，remarkedthathedidnotwonderatNels'saversiontoridingafleetingcannon-ball。
　　TheimperturbableLinktookoffhiscapandgogglesand，consultinghiswatch，madehisusualapologeticreporttoMadeline，deploringthefactthatateamsterandafewstraycattleontheroadhadheldhimdowntothemananatimeofonlyamileaminute。
　　ArrangementsfortheweddingbroughtAlfred'sdelightedapproval。
　　WhenhehadlearnedallFlorenceandMadelinewouldtellhimheexpressedadesiretohavethecowboysattend；andthenhewentontotalkaboutCalifornia，wherehewasgoingtakeFlorenceonashorttrip。HewascuriouslyinterestedtofindoutallaboutMadeline'sguestsandwhathadhappenedtothem。HiskeenglanceatMadelinegrewsofterasshetalked。
　　"Ibreatheagain，"hesaid，andlaughed。"Iwasafraid。Well，I
　　musthavemissedsomesport。IcanjustfancywhatMontyandNelsdidtothatEnglishman。Soyouwentuptothecrags。
　　That'sawildplace。I'mnotsurprisedatguerrillasfallinginwithyouupthere。ThecragswereafamousrendezvousforApaches——it'sneartheborder——almostinaccessible——goodwaterandgrass。IwonderwhattheU。S。cavalrywouldthinkiftheyknewtheseguerrillascrossedtheborderrightundertheirnoses。
　　Well，it'spracticallyimpossibletopatrolsomeofthatborder-line。It'sdesert，mountain，andcanon，exceedinglywildandbroken。I'msorrytosaythatthereseemstobemoretroubleinsightwiththeseguerrillasthanatanytimeheretofore。
　　Orozco，therebelleader，hasfailedtowithstandMadero'sarmy。
　　TheFederalsareoccupyingChihuahuanow，andaredrivingtherebelsnorth。Orozcohasbrokenuphisarmyintoguerrillabands。
　　Theyaremovingnorthandwest，intendingtocarryonguerrillawarfareinSonora。Ican'tsayjusthowthiswillaffectushere。Butwe'retooclosetotheborderforcomfort。Theseguerrillasarenight-ridinghawks；theycancrosstheborder，raidushere，andgetbackthesamenight。Fighting，Iimagine，willnotberestrictedtonorthernMexico。Withtherevolutionafailuretheguerrillaswillbemorenumerous，bolder，andhungrier。Unfortunately，wehappentobefavorablysituatedforthemdownhereinthiswildernesscornerofthestate。"
　　OnthefollowingdayAlfredandFlorenceweremarried。Florence'ssisterandseveralfriendsfromElCajonwerepresent，besidesMadeline，Stillwell，andhismen。ItwasAlfred'sexpresswishthatStewartattendtheceremony。Madelinewasamusedwhenshenoticedthepainfullysuppressedexcitementofthecowboys。Forthemaweddingmusthavebeenanunusualandimpressiveevent。
　　Shebegantohaveabetterunderstandingofthenatureofitwhentheycastoffrestraintandpressedforwardtokissthebride。
　　InallherlifeMadelinehadneverseenabridekissedsomuchandsoheartily，noronesoflushedanddisheveledandhappy。
　　Thisindeedwasajoyfuloccasion。Therewasnothingofthe"effeteEast"aboutAlfredHammond；hemighthavebeenaWesternerallhisdays。WhenMadelinemanagedtogetthroughthepressofcowboystoofferhercongratulationsAlfredgaveherabearhugandakiss。Thisappearedtofascinatethecowboys。
　　Withshiningeyesandfacesaglow，withsmiling，boyishboldness，theymadearushatMadeline。Foroneinstantherheartleapedtoherthroat。Theylookedasiftheycouldmostshamelesslykissandmaulher。Thatlittle，ugly-faced，soft-eyed，rude，tender-heartedruffian，MontyPrice，wasinthelead。Heresembledadragonactuatedbysentiment。AllatonceMadeline'sinstinctiveantagonismtobeingtouchedbystrangehandsorlipsbattledwithareal，warm，andfun-lovingdesiretoletthecowboysworktheirwillwithher。ButshesawStewarthangingatthebackofthecrowd，andsomething——somefierce，darkexpressionofpain——amazedher，whileitfrozeherdesiretobekind。Thenshedidnotknowwhatchangemusthavecometoherfaceandbearing；butshesawMontyfallbacksheepishlyandtheothercowboysdrawasidetoletherleadthewayintothepatio。
　　Thedinnerbeganquietlyenoughwiththecowboysdividedbetweenembarrassmentandvoraciousappetitesthattheyevidentlyfearedtoindulge。Wine，however，loosenedtheirtongues，andwhenStillwellgotuptomakethespeecheverybodyseemedtoexpectofhimtheygreetedhimwitharoar。
　　Stillwellwasnowonehuge，mountainoussmile。Hewassohappythatheappearedonthevergeoftears。Herambledonecstaticallytillhecametoraisehisglass。
　　"An'now，girlsan'boys，let'salldrinktothebridean'groom；
　　totheirsincerean'lastin'love；totheirhappinessan'
　　prosperity；totheirgoodhealthan'longlife。Let'sdrinktotheunitin'oftheEastwiththeWest。Nomanfullofredbloodan'therealbreathoflifecouldresistaWesterngirlan'agoodhossan'God'sfreehand——thatopencountryoutthere。SoweclaimAlHammond，an'maywebetruetohim。An'，friends，I
　　thinkitfittin'thatwedrinktohissisteran'toourhopes。
　　Heah'stotheladywehopetomakeourMajesty！Heah'stothemanwho'llcomeridin'outoftheWest，afine，big-heartedmanwithafasthossan'astrongrope，an'mayhewinan'holdher！
　　Come，friends，drink。"
　　Aheavypoundofhorses'hoofsandayelloutsidearrestedStillwell'svoiceandhaltedhishandinmidair。
　　Thepatiobecameassilentasanunoccupiedroom。
　　ThroughtheopendoorsandwindowsofMadeline'schamberburstthesoundsofhorsesstampingtoahalt，thenharshspeechofmen，andalowcryofawomaninpain。
　　Rapidstepscrossedtheporch，enteredMadeline'sroom。Nelsappearedinthedoorway。Madelinewassurprisedtoseethatbehadnotbeenatthedinner-table。Shewasdisturbedatsightofhisface。
　　"Stewart，you'rewantedoutdoors，"calledNels，bluntly。"Monty，youslopeoutherewithme。You，Nick，an'Stillwell——Ireckontherestofyouhedbettershutthedoorsan'stayinside。"
　　Nelsdisappeared。QuickasacatMontyglidedout。Madelinebeardhissoft，swiftstepspassfromherroomintoheroffice。
　　Hebadlefthisgunsthere。Madelinetrembled。ShesawStewartgetupquietlyandwithoutanychangeofexpressiononhisdark，sadfaceleavethepatio。NickSteelefollowedhim。Stillwelldroppedhiswine-glass。Asitbroke，shiveringthesilence，hishugesmilevanished。Hisfacesetintotheoldcragginessandtheredslowlythickenedintoblack。Stillwellwentoutandclosedthedoorbehindhim。
　　Thentherewasablanksilence。Theenjoymentofthemomenthadbeenrudelydisrupted。Madelineglanceddownthelinesofbrownfacestoseethepleasurefadeintotheoldfamiliarhardness。
　　"What'swrong？"askedAlfred，ratherstupidly。Thechangeofmoodhadbeentoorapidforhim。Suddenlyheawakened，thoroughlyarousedattheinterruption。"I'mgoingtoseewho'sbuttedinheretospoilourdinner，"hesaid，andstrodeout。
　　Hereturnedbeforeanyoneatthetablehadspokenormoved，andnowthedullredofangermottledhisforehead。
　　"It'sthesheriffofElCajon！"heexclaimed，contemptuously。
　　"PatHawewithsomeofhistoughdeputiescometoarrestGeneStewart。They'vegotthatpoorlittleMexicangirlouttheretiedonahorse。Confoundthatsheriff！"
　　Madelinecalmlyrosefromthetable，eludingFlorence'sentreatinghand，andstartedforthedoor。Thecowboysjumpedup。Alfredbarredherprogress。
　　"Alfred，Iamgoingout，"shesaid。
　　"No，Iguessnot，"hereplied。"That'snoplaceforyou。"
　　"Iamgoing。"Shelookedstraightathim。
　　"Madeline！Why，whatisit？Youlook——Dear，there'sprettysuretobetroubleoutside。Maybethere'llbeafight。Youcandonothing。Youmustnotgo。"
　　"PerhapsIcanpreventtrouble，"shereplied。
　　AssheleftthepatioshewasawarethatAlfred，withFlorenceathissideandthecowboysbehind，werestartingtofollowher。
　　Whenshegotoutofherroomupontheporchsheheardseveralmeninloud，angrydiscussion。Then，atsightofBonitahelplesslyandcruellybounduponahorse，paleanddisheveledandsuffering，Madelineexperiencedthethrillthatsightormentionofthisgirlalwaysgaveher。Ityieldedtoahotpanginherbreast——thatlivepainwhichsoshamedher。Butalmostinstantly，asasecondglanceshowedanagonyinBonita'sface，herbruisedarmswheretheropebitdeepintotheflesh，herlittlebrownhandsstainedwithblood，Madelinewasovercomebypityfortheunfortunategirlandawoman'srighteouspassionatsuchbarbaroustreatmentofoneofherownsex。
　　ThemanholdingthebridleofthehorseonwhichBonitahadbeenboundwasatoncerecognizedbyMadelineasthebig-bodied，bullet-headedguerrillawhohadfoundthebasketofwineinthespringatcamp。Redderofface，blackerofbeard，coarserofaspect，evidentlyundertheinfluenceofliquor，hewasasfierce-lookingasagorillaandasrepulsive。Besideshimtherewerethreeothermenpresent，allmountedonwearyhorses。Theoneintheforeground，gaunt，sharp-featured，red-eyed，withapointedbeard，sherecognizedasthesheriffofElCajon。
　　Madelinehesitated，thenstoppedinthemiddleoftheporch。
　　Alfred，Florence，andseveralothersfollowedherout；therestofthecowboysandguestscrowdedthewindowsanddoors。
　　StillwellsawMadeline，and，throwinguphishands，roaredtobeheard。Thisquietedthegesticulating，quarrelingmen。
　　"Walnow，PatHawe，what'sdrivin'youlikealocoedsteerontherampage？"demandedStillwell。
　　"Keepinthetraces，Bill，"repliedHawe。"YousavvywhatIcomefer。I'vebeenbidin'mytime。ButI'mreadynow。I'mhyartoarrestacriminal。"
　　Thehugeframeoftheoldcattlemanjerkedasifhehadbeenstabbed。Hisfaceturnedpurple。
　　"Whatcriminal？"heshouted，hoarsely。
　　Thesheriffflickedhisquirtagainsthisdirtyboot，andhetwistedhisthinlipsintoaleer。Thesituationwasagreeabletohim。
　　"Why，Bill，Iknowedyouhedano-goodoutfitridin'thisrange；
　　butIwasn'twisethetyouhedmore'nonecriminal。"
　　"Cutthattalk！Whichcowboyareyouwantin'toarrest？"
　　Hawe'smanneraltered。
　　"GeneStewart，"hereplied，curtly。
　　"Onwhatcharge？"
　　"Ferkillin'aGreaseronenightlastfall。"
　　"Soyou'restillharpin'onthat？Pat，you'reonthewrongtrail。Youcan'tlaythatkillin'ontoStewart。Thething'sancientbynow。Butifyouinsistonbringin'himtocourt，letthearrestgoto-day——we'rehevin'somefiestahyar——an'I'llfetchGeneintoElCajon。"
　　"Nope。IreckonI'lltakehimwhenIgotthechance，beforeheslopes。"
　　"I'mgivin'youmyword，"thunderedStillwell。
　　"IreckonIdon'thevtotakeyourword，Bill，oranybodyelse's。"
　　Stillwell'sgreatbulkquiveredwithhisrage，yethemadeasuccessfulefforttocontrolit。
　　"Seehyar，PatHawe，Iknowwhat'sreasonable。Lawislaw。Butinthiscountrytherealwayshasbeenan'isnowasafean'sanewaytoproceedwiththelaw。Mebbeyou'veforgotthat。Thelawasinvestedinonemaninawildcountryisliable，owin'tothatman'sweaknessesan'onlimitedauthority，tobedisputedevenbyadecentolecattlemanlikemyself。I'ma-goin'togiveyouahunch。Pat，you'renotoverlikedintheseparts。You'veridtoomuchwithahighhand。Someofyourdealshevbeenshady，an'
　　don'tyouoverlookwhatI'msayin'。Butyou'rethesheriff，an'
　　I'mrespectin'youroffice。I'mrespectin'itthismuch。Ifthemilkofhumandecencyissosouredinyourbreastthatyoucan'thevakindfeelin'，thentrytoavoidtheonpleasantnessthat'llresultfromanycontrarymoveonyourpartto-day。Doyougetthathunch？"
　　"Stillwell，you'rethreatenin'anofficer，"repliedHawe，angrily。
　　"Willyouhitthetrailquickoutofhyar？"queriedStillwell，instrainedvoice。"IguaranteeStewart'sappearanceinElCajonanydayyousay。"
　　"No。Icometoarresthim，an'I'mgoin'to。"
　　"Sothat'syourgame！"shoutedStillwell。"We-allaregladtogetyoustraight，Pat。Nowlisten，youcheap，red-eyedcoyoteofasheriff！Youdon'tcarehowmanyenemiesyoumake。Youknowyou'llnevergetofficeagaininthiscounty。Whatdoyoucarenow？It'samazin'strangehowearnestyouaretohuntdownthemanwhokilledthatparticularGreaser。Ireckonthere'sbeensomedozenormorekillin'sofGreasersinthelastyear。Whydon'tyoutaketotrailin'someofthemkillin's？I'lltellyouwhy。You'reafraidtogoneartheborder。An'yourhateofGeneStewartmakesyouwanttohoundhiman'puthimwherehe'sneverbeenyet——injail。Youwanttospitehisfriends。Wal，listen，youlean-jawed，skunk-bittencoyote！Goaheadan'trytoarresthim！"
　　Stillwelltookonemightystrideofftheporch。Hislastwordshadbeencold。HisrageappearedtohavebeentransferredtoHawe。ThesheriffhadbeguntostutterandshakealankyredhandatthecattlemanwhenStewartsteppedout。
　　"Here，youfellows，givemeachancetosayaword。"
　　AsStewartappearedtheMexicangirlsuddenlyseemedvitalizedoutofherstupor。Shestrainedatherbonds，asiftoliftherhandsbeseechingly。Aflushanimatedherhaggardface，andherbigdarkeyeslighted。
　　"SenorGene！"shemoaned。"Helpme！Isoseek。Theybeatme，ropeme，'mos'keelme。Oh，helpme，SenorGene！"
　　"Shutup，erI'llgagyou，"saidthemanwhoheldBonita'shorse。
　　"Muzzleher，Sneed，ifsheblabsagain，"calledHawe。Madelinefeltsomethingtenseandstrainedworkingintheshortsilence。
　　Wasitonlyaphaseofherthrillingexcitement？HerswiftglanceshowedthefacesofNelsandMontyandNicktobebrooding，cold，watchful。ShewonderedwhyStewartdidnotlooktowardBonita。He，too，wasnowdark-faced，cool，quiet，withsomethingominousabouthim。
　　"Hawe，I'llsubmittoarrestwithoutanyfuss，"hesaid，slowly，"ifyou'lltaketheropesoffthatgirl。"
　　"Nope，"repliedthesheriff。"Shegotawayfrommeonct。She'shawg-tiednow，an'she'llstayhawg-tied。"
　　MadelinethoughtshesawStewartgiveaslightstart。Butanunaccountabledimnesscameoverhereyes，atbriefintervalsobscuringherkeensight。Vaguelyshewasconsciousofacloggedandbeatingtumultinherbreast。
　　"Allright，let'shurryoutofhere，"saidStewart。"You'vemadeannoyanceenough。Ridedowntothecorralwithme。I'llgetmyhorseandgowithyou。"
　　"Holdon！"yelledHawe，asStewartturnedaway。"Notsofast。
　　Who'sdoin'this？Youdon'tcomenoElCapitanstuntsonme。
　　You'llrideoneofmypack-horses，an'you'llgoinirons。"
　　"Youwanttohandcuffme？"queriedStewart，withsuddenswiftstartofpassion。
　　"Wantto？Haw，haw！Nope，Stewart，thet'sjestmywaywithhoss-thieves，raiders，Greasers，murderers，an'sich。Seehyar，youSneed，gitoffan'puttheironsonthisman。"
　　TheguerrillacalledSneedslidoffhishorseandbegantofumbleinhissaddle-bags。
　　"Yousee，Bill，"wentonHawe，"Isworeinanewdepootyferthisparticularjob。Sneedissomehandy。HeroundedupthetlittleMexicancatferme。"
　　Stillwelldidnothearthesheriff；hewasgazingatStewartinakindofimploringamaze。
　　"Gene，youain'tgoin'tostandferthemhandcuffs？"hepleaded。
　　"Yes，"repliedthecowboy。"Bill，oldfriend，I'manoutsiderhere。There'snocallforMissHammondand——andherbrotherandFlorencetobeworriedfurtheraboutme。Theirhappydayhasalreadybeenspoiledonmyaccount。Iwanttogetoutquick。"
　　"Wal，youmightbetoodamnconsiderateofMissHammond'ssensitivefeelin's。"Therewasnownotraceofthecourteous，kindlyoldrancher。Helookedharderthanstone。"Howaboutmyfeelin's？Iwanttoknowifyou'regoin'toletthissneakin'
　　coyote，thislastgaspoftheoldrum-guzzlin'frontiersheriffs，putyouinironsan'hawg-tieyouan'driveyouofftojail？"
　　"Yes，"repliedStewart，steadily。
　　"Wal，byGawd！You，GeneStewart！What'scomeoveryou？Why，man，gointhehouse，an'I'll'tendtothisfeller。Thento-morrowyoucanrideinan'giveyourselfuplikeagentleman。"
　　"No。I'llgo。Thanks，Bill，forthewayyouandtheboyswouldsticktome。Hurry，Hawe，beforemymindchanges。"
　　Hisvoicebrokeatthelast，betrayingthewonderfulcontrolhehadkeptoverhispassions。Asheceasedspeakingheseemedsuddenlytobecomespiritless。Hedroppedhishead。
　　Madelinesawinhimthenasemblancetothehopeless，shamedStewartofearlierdays。Thevagueriotinherbreastleapedintoconsciousfury——awoman'spassionaterepudiationofStewart'sbrokenspirit。Itwasnotthatshewouldhavehimbealawbreaker；itwasthatshecouldnotbeartoseehimdenyhismanhood。Onceshehadentreatedhimtobecomeherkindofacowboy——amaninwhomreasontemperedpassion。Shehadlethimseehowpainfulandshockinganyviolencewastoher。Andtheideahadobsessedhim，softenedhim，hadgrownlikeastultifyinglichenuponhiswill，hadshornhimofawild，boldspiritshenowstrangelylongedtoseehimfeel。WhenthemanSneedcameforward，jinglingtheironfetters，Madeline'sbloodturnedtofire。ShewouldhaveforgivenStewartthenforlapsingintothekindofcowboyithadbeenherblindandsicklysentimenttoabhor。Thiswasaman'sWest——aman'sgame。Whatrighthadawomanrearedinasoftermoldtouseherbeautyandherinfluencetochangeamanwhowasboldandfreeandstrong？Atthatmoment，withherbloodhotandracing，shewouldhavegloriedintheviolencewhichshehadsodeplored：shewouldhavewelcomedtheactionthathadcharacterizedStewart'streatmentofDonCarlos；shehadinherthesuddendawningtemperofawomanwhohadbeenassimilatingthelifeandnaturearoundherandwhowouldnothaveturnedhereyesawayfromaharshandbloodydeed。
　　ButStewartheldforthhishandstobemanacled。ThenMadelineheardherownvoiceburstoutinaringing，imperious"Wait！"
　　Inthetimeittookhertomakethefewstepstotheedgeoftheporch，facingthemen，shenotonlyfeltherangerandjusticeandpridesummoningforcestohercommand，buttherewassomethingelsecalling——adeep，passionate，mysteriousthingnotbornofthemoment。
　　Sneeddroppedthemanacles。Stewart'sfacetookonachalkywhiteness。Hawe，inaslow，stupidembarrassmentbeyondhiscontrol，removedhissombreroinarespectthatseemedwrenchedfromhim。
　　"Mr。Hawe，IcanprovetoyouthatStewartwasnotconcernedinanywaywhateverwiththecrimeforwhichyouwanttoarresthim。"
　　Thesheriff'sstareunderwentablinkingchange。Hecoughed，stammered，andtriedtospeak。Manifestly，hehadbeenthrowncompletelyoffhisbalance。Astonishmentslowlymergedintodiscomfiture。
　　"ItwasabsolutelyimpossibleforStewarttohavebeenconnectedwiththatassault，"wentonMadeline，swiftly，"forhewaswithmeinthewaiting-roomofthestationatthemomenttheassaultwasmadeoutside。IassureyouIhaveadistinctandvividrecollection。Thedoorwasopen。Iheardthevoicesofquarrelingmen。Theygrewlouder。ThelanguagewasSpanish。
　　Evidentlythesemenhadleftthedance-halloppositeandwereapproachingthestation。Iheardawoman'svoiceminglingwiththeothers。It，too，wasSpanish，andIcouldnotunderstand。
　　Butthetonewasbeseeching。ThenIheardfootstepsonthegravel。IknewStewartheardthem。Icouldseefromhisfacethatsomethingdreadfulwasabouttohappen。Justoutsidethedoorthentherewerehoarse，furiousvoices，ascuffle，amuffledshot，awoman'scry，thethudofafallingbody，andrapidfootstepsofamanrunningaway。Next，thegirlBonitastaggeredintothedoor。Shewaswhite，trembling，terror-stricken。SherecognizedStewart，appealedtohim。Stewartsupportedherandendeavoredtocalmher。Hewasexcited。HeaskedherifDannyMainshadbeenshot，orifhehaddonetheshooting。Thegirlsaidno。ShetoldStewartthatshehaddancedalittle，flirtedalittlewithvaqueros，andtheyhadquarreledoverher。ThenStewarttookheroutsideandputheruponhishorse。Isawthegirlridethathorsedownthestreettodisappearinthedarkness。"
　　WhileMadelinespokeanotherchangeappearedtobeworkinginthemanHawe。Hewasnotlongdisconcerted，buthisdiscomfitureworetoasullenfury，andhissharpfeaturesfixedinanexpressionofcraft。
　　"Thet'smightyinterestin'，MissHammond，'mostasinterestin'asastory-book，"hesald。"Now，sinceyou'resoobligin'awitness，I'dsureliketoputaquestionortwo。WhattimedidyouarriveatElCajonthetnight？"
　　"Itwasaftereleveno'clock，"repliedMadeline。
　　"Nobodytheretomeetyou？"
　　"No。"
　　"Thestationagentan'operatorbothgone？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Wal，howsoondidthisfellerStewartshowup？"Hawecontinued，withawrysmile。
　　"Verysoonaftermyarrival。Ithink——perhapsfifteenminutes，possiblyalittlemore。"
　　"Somedarkan'lonesomearoundthetstation，wasn'tit？"
　　"Indeedyes。"
　　"An'whattimewastheGreasershot？"queriedHawe，withhislittleeyesgleaminglikecoals。
　　"Probablyclosetohalfpastone。Itwastwoo'clockwhenI
　　lookedatmywatchatFlorenceKingsley'shouse。DirectlyafterStewartsentBonitaawayhetookmetoMissKingsley's。So，allowingforthewalkandafewminutes'conversationwithher，I
　　canprettydefinitelysaytheshootingtookplaceatabouthalfpastone。"
　　Stillwellheavedhisbigframeastepclosertothesheriff。
　　"What'reyoudrivin'at？"heroared，hisfaceblackagain。
　　"Evidence，"snappedHawe。
　　Madelinemarveledatthisinterruption；andasStewartirresistiblydrewherglanceshesawhimgray-facedasashes，shaking，utterlyunnerved。
　　"Ithankyou，MissHammond，"hesaid，huskily。"Butyouneedn'tansweranymoreofHawe'squestions。He's——he's——It'snotnecessary。I'llgowithhimnow，underarrest。Bonitawillcorroborateyourtestimonyincourt，andthatwillsavemefromthis——thisman'sspite。"
　　Madeline，lookingatStewart，seeingahumilitysheatfirsttookforcowardice，suddenlydivinedthatitwasnotfearforhimselfwhichmadehimdreadfurtherdisclosuresofthatnight，butfearforher——fearofshameshemightsufferthroughhim。
　　PatHawecockedhisheadtooneside，likeavultureabouttostrikewithhisbeak，andcunninglyeyedMadeline。
　　"Consideredastestimony，whatyou'vesaidissureimportantan'
　　conclusive。ButI'mcalculatin'thetthecourtwillwanttohevexplainedwhyyoustayedfromeleven-thirtytillone-thirtyinthetwaitin'-roomalonewithStewart。"
　　HisdeliberatespeechmetwithwhatMadelineimaginedaremarkablereceptionfromStewart，whogaveatigerishstart；
　　fromStillwell，whosebighandstoreattheneckofhisshirt，asifhewaschoking；fromAlfred，whonowstrodehotlyforward，tobestoppedbythecoldandsilentNels；fromMontyPrice，whoutteredaviolent"Aw！"whichwasbothahissandaroar。
　　IntherushofherthoughtMadelinecouldnotinterpretthemeaningofthesethingswhichseemedsostrangeatthatmoment。
　　Buttheywereportentous。EvenasshewasformingareplytoHawe'sspeechshefeltachillcreepoverher。
　　"Stewartdetainedmeinthewaiting-room，"shesaid，clear-voicedasabell。"Butwewerenotalone——allthetime。"
　　ForamomenttheonlysoundfollowingherwordswasagaspfromStewart。Hawe'sfacebecametransformedwithahideousamazeandjoy。
　　"Detained？"hewhispered，craninghisleanandcordedneck。
　　"How'sthet？"
　　"Stewartwasdrunk。He——"
　　WithsuddenpassionategestureofdespairStewartappealedtoher：
　　''Oh，MissHammond，don't！don't！DON'T！……"
　　Thenheseemedtosinkdown，headlowereduponhisbreast，inuttershame。Stillwell'sgreathandswepttothebowedshoulder，andheturnedtoMadeline。
　　"MissMajesty，Ireckonyou'dbewisetotellall，"saidtheoldcattleman，gravely。"Thereain'toneofuswhocouldmisunderstandanymotiveoractofyours。Mebbeastrokeoflightnin'mightclearthismurkyair。WhateverGeneStewartdidthatonluckynight——youtellit。"
　　Madeline'sdignityandself-possessionhadbeendisturbedbyStewart'simportunity。Shebrokeintoswift，disconnectedspeech：
　　"Hecameintothestation——afewminutesafterIgotthere。I
　　asked-tobeshowntoahotel。Hesaidtherewasn'tanythatwouldaccommodatemarriedwomen。Hegraspedmyhand——lookedforawedding-ring。ThenIsawhewas——hewasintoxicated。Hetoldmehewouldgoforahotelporter。Buthecamebackwithapadre——PadreMarcos。Thepoorpriestwas——terriblyfrightened。
　　SowasI。Stewarthadturnedintoadevil。Hefiredhisgunatthepadre'sfeet。Hepushedmeintoabench。Againheshot——
　　rightbeforemyface。I——Inearlyfainted。ButIheardhimcursingthepadre——heardthepadreprayingorchanting——Ididn'tknowwhat。StewarttriedtomakemesaythingsinSpanish。Allatonceheaskedmyname。Itoldhim。Hejerkedatmyveil。I
　　tookitoff。Thenhethrewhisgundown——pushedthepadreoutofthedoor。ThatwasjustbeforethevaquerosapproachedwithBonita。PadreMarcosmusthaveseenthem——musthaveheardthem。
　　AfterthatStewartgrewquicklysober。Hewasmortified——
　　distressed——strickenwithshame。Hetoldmehehadbeendrinkingatawedding——Iremember，itwasEdLinton'swedding。Thenheexplained——theboyswerealwaysgambling——hewageredhewouldmarrythefirstgirlwhoarrivedatElCajon。Ihappenedtobethefirstone。Hetriedtoforcemetomarryhim。Therest——
　　relatingtotheassaultonthevaquero——Ihavealreadytoldyou。"
　　Madelineended，outofbreathandpanting，withherhandspresseduponherheavingbosom。Revelationofthatsecretliberatedemotion；thosehurriedoutspokenwordshadmadeherthrobandtrembleandburn。StrangelythenshethoughtofAlfredandhiswrath。Buthestoodmotionless，asifdazed。StillwellwastryingtoholsterupthecrushedStewart。
　　Hawerolledhisredeyesandthrewbackhishead。
　　"Ho，ho，ho！Ho，ho，ho！Say，Sneed，youdidn'tmissanyofit，didye？Haw，haw！BestIeverheerdinallmyborndays。Ho，ho！"
　　Thenheceasedlaughing，andwithglintinggazeuponMadeline，insolentandviciousandsavage，hebegantodrawl：
　　"Walnow，mylady，Ireckonyourstory，ifittallieswithBonita'san'PadreMarcos's，willclearGeneStewartintheeyesofthecourt。"Herehegrewslower，morebiting，sharperandharderofface。"Butyouneedn'texpectPatHaweorthecourttoswallerthetpartofyourstory——aboutbein'detainedunwillin'！"
　　Madelinehadnottimetograspthesenseofhislastwords。
　　Stewarthadconvulsivelysprungupward，whiteaschalk。AsheleapedatHaweStillwellinterposedhishugebulkandwrappedhisarmsaroundStewart。Therewasabrief，whirling，wrestlingstruggle。Stewartappearedtobebestingtheoldcattleman。
　　"Help，boys，help！"yelledStillwell。"Ican'tholdhim。Hurry，orthere'sgoin'tobebloodspilled！"
　　NickSteeleandseveralcowboysleapedtoStillwell'sassistance。
　　Stewart，gettingfree，tossedoneasideandthenanother。Theyclosedinonhim。Foraninstantafuriousstrainingwrestleofpowerfulbodiesmaderaspandshockandblow。OnceStewartheavedthemfromhim。Buttheyplungedbackuponhim——conqueredhim。
　　"Gene！Why，Gene！"pantedtheoldcattleman。"Sureyou'relocoed——toactthisway。Cooldown！Cooldown！Why，boy，it'sallright。Jeststandstill——giveusachancetotalktoyou。
　　It'sonlyoleBill，youknow——yourolepalwho'striedtobeadaddytoyou。He'sonlywantin'youtohevsense——tobecool——towait。"
　　"Letmego！Letmego！"criedStewart；andthepoignancyofthatcrypiercedMadeline'sheart。"Letmego，Bill，ifyou'remyfriend。Isavedyourlifeonce——overinthedesert。Yousworeyou'dneverforget。Boys，makehimletmego！Oh，Idon'tcarewhatHawe'ssaidordonetome！Itwasthatabouther！AreyouallalotofGreasers？Howcanyoustandit？Damnyouforalotofcowards！There'salimit，Itellyou。"Thenhisvoicebroke，felltoawhisper。"Bill，dearoldBill，letmego。I'llkillhim！YouknowI'llkillhim！"
　　"Gene，Iknowyou'dkillhimifyouhedanevenbreak，"repliedStillwell，soothingly。"But，Gene，why，youain'tevenpackin'agun！An'there'sPatlookin'nasty，withhishandnervous-like。
　　Heseenyouhednogun。He'djumpatthechancetoplugyounow，an'thenholleraboutoppositiontothelaw。Cooldown，son；
　　it'llallcomeright。"
　　SuddenlyMadelinewastransfixedbyaterriblesound。
　　HerstartledglanceshiftedfromtheanxiousgrouproundStewarttoseethatMontyPricehadleapedofftheporch。Hecroucheddownwithhisbandsbelowhiships，wherethebiggunsswung。
　　FromhisdistortedlipsissuedthatwhichwascombinedroarandbellowandIndianwar-whoop，and，morethanall，ahorriblewarningcry。Heresembledahunchbackabouttomaketheleapofademon。Hewasquivering，vibrating。Hiseyes，blackandhot，werefastenedwithmostpiercingintentnessuponHaweandSneed。
　　"Gitback，Bill，gitback！"heroared。"Git'emback！"WithonelungeStillwellshovedStewartandNickandtheothercowboysupontheporch。ThenhecrowdedMadelineandAlfredandFlorencetothewall，triedtoforcethemfarther。Hismotionswererapidandstern。Butfailingtogetthemthroughdoorandwindows，heplantedhiswidepersonbetweenthewomenanddanger。Madelinegraspedhisarm，heldon，andpeeredfearfullyfrombehindhisbroadshoulder。
　　"You，Hawe！You，Sneed！"calledMonty，inthatsamewildvoice。
　　"Don'tyoumoveafingeroraneyelash！"
　　Madeline'sfacultiesnervedtokeen，thrillingdivination。ShegraspedtherelationbetweenMonty'sterriblecryandthestrangehunchedposturehehadassumed。Stillwell'shasteandsilence，too，werepregnantofcatastrophe。
　　"Nels，gitinthis！"yelledMonty；andallthetimehenevershiftedhisintentgazeasmuchasahair's-breadthfromHaweandhisdeputy。"Nels，chaseawaythemtwofellershangin'backthere。Chase'em，quick！"
　　Thesemen，thetwodeputieswhohadremainedinthebackgroundwiththepack-horses，didnotwaitforNels。Theyspurredtheirmounts，wheeled，andgallopedaway。
　　"Now，Nels，cutthegurlloose，"orderedMonty。
　　Nelsranforward，jerkedthehalteroutofSneed'shand，andpulledBonita'shorseinclosetotheporch。Asheslittheropewhichboundhershefellintohisarms。
　　"Hawe，gitdown！"wentonMonty。"Facefrontan'stiff！"
　　Thesheriffswunghisleg，and，nevermovinghishands，withhisfacenowadeathly，sickeningwhite，heslidtotheground。
　　"Lineuptherebesideyourguerrillapard。There！Youtwomakeadamnfinepictoor，adamnfineteamofpizenedcoyotean'acrossbetweenawildmulean'aGreaser。Nowlisten！"
　　Montymadealongpause，inwhichhisbreathingwasplainlyaudible。
　　Madeline'seyeswereriveteduponMonty。Hermind，swiftaslightning，hadgatheredthesubtletiesinactionandwordsucceedinghisdominationofthemen。Violence，terribleviolence，thethingshehadfelt，thethingshehadfeared，thethingshehadsoughttoeliminatefromamonghercowboys，was，aftermanymonths，abouttobeenactedbeforehereyes。Ithadcomeatlast。ShehadsoftenedStillwell，shehadinfluencedNels，shehadchangedStewart；butthislittleblack-faced，terribleMontyPricenowrose，asitwere，outofhispastwildyears，andnopoweronearthorinheavencouldstayhishand。Itwasthehardlifeofwildmeninawildcountrythatwasabouttostrikethisblowather。Shedidnotshudder；shedidnotwishtoblotoutfromsightthislittleman，terribleinhismoodofwildjustice。ShesufferedaflashofhorrorthatMonty，blindanddeadtoherauthority，coldassteeltowardherpresence，understoodthedeepsofawoman'ssoul。Forinthismomentofstrife，ofinsulttoher，oftorturetothemanshehadupliftedandthenbroken，thepassionofherreacheddeeptowardprimitivehate。Witheyesslowlyhazingred，shewatchedMontyPrice；shelistenedwiththrummingears；shewaited，slowlysaggingagainstStillwell。
　　"Hawe，ifyouan'yourdirtypardhevlovedthesoundofhumanvoice，thenlistenan'listenhard，"saidMonty。"FerI'vebeengoin'contrarytomyolestylejesttohevatalkwithyou。Youallbutgotawayonyournerve，didn'tyou？'Causewhy？Yourollinherelikeamadsteeran'flashyerbadgean'talkmean，thenalmostbluffawaywithit。YouheerdallaboutMissHammond'scowboyoutfitstoppin'drinkin'an'cussin'an'packin'guns。
　　They'vetookonreligionan'decentlivin'，an'surethey'llbeeasytohobblean'drivetojail。Hawe，listen。Therewasagoodan'nobleanbe-ootifulwomancomeoutoftheEastsomewheres，an'shebroughtalotofsunshinean'happinessan'newideesintothetoughlivesofcowboys。Ireckonit'sbeyondyoutoknowwhatshecometomeantothem。Wal，I'lltellyou。
　　They-allwentcleanoutoftheirheads。They-allgotsoftan'
　　easyan'sweet-tempered。Theygotsotheycouldn'tkillacoyote，acrippledcalfinamud-hole。Theytooktobooks，an'writin'
　　hometomotheran'sister，an'tosavin'money，an'togittin'
　　married。Oncttheywasonlyalotofpoorcowboys，an'thensudden-liketheywashumanbein's，livin'inabigworldthethedsomethin'sweetevenferthem。Evenferme——anole，worn-out，hobble-legged，burned-upcowmanlikeme！Doyougitthet？An'
　　you，MisterHawe，youcomealong，notsatisfiedwithropin'an'
　　beatin'，an'Gawknowswhatelse，ofthetfriendlesslittleBonita；youcomealongan'facetheladywefellershonoran'
　　lovean'reverence，an'you——you——Hell'sfire！"
　　Withwhistlingbreath，foamingatthemouth，MontyPricecrouchedlower，handsathiships，andheedgedinchbyinchfartheroutfromtheporch，closertoHaweandSneed。Madelinesawthemonlyintheblurredfringeofhersight。Theyresembledspecters。SheheardtheshrillwhistleofahorseandrecognizedMajestycallingherfromthecorral。
　　"Thet'sall！"roaredMonty，inavoicenowstrangling。Lowerandlowerhebent，aterriblefigureofferocity。"Now，bothyouarmedocifersofthelaw，comeon！Flashyourguns！Throw'em，an'bequick！MontyPriceisdone！There'llbedaylightthroughyoubothbeforeyoufanahammer！ButI'mgivin'youachansttostingme。Youhollerlaw，an'mywayistheolelaw。"
　　Hisbreathcamequicker，hisvoicegrewhoarser，andhecrouchedlower。Allhisbodyexcepthisrigidarmsquiveredwithawonderfulmuscularconvulsion。
　　"Dogs！Skunks！Buzzards！Flashthemguns，erI'llflashmine！
　　Aha！"
　　ToMadelineitseemedthethreestiff，crouchingmenleapedintoinstantandunitedaction。Shesawstreaksoffire——streaksofsmoke。Thenacrashingvolleydeafenedher。Itceasedasquickly。Smokeveiledthescene。Slowlyitdriftedawaytodisclosethreefallenmen，oneofwhom，Monty，leanedonhislefthand，asmokingguninhisright。Hewatchedforamovementfromtheothertwo。Itdidnotcome。Then，withaterriblesmile，heslidbackandstretchedout。
　　XXIUnbridledInwakingandsleepinghoursMadelineHammondcouldnotreleaseherselffromthethrallingmemoryofthattragedy。ShewashauntedbyMontyPrice'sterriblesmile。Onlyinactionofsomekindcouldsheescape；andtothatendsheworked，shewalkedandrode。Sheevenovercameastrongfeeling，whichshefearedwasunreasonabledisgust，fortheMexicangirlBonita，wholayillattheranch，bruisedandfeverish，inneedofskilfulnursing。
　　Madelinefelttherewassomethinginscrutablechanginghersoul。
　　Thatstrife——thestruggletodecideherdestinyforEastorWest——
　　heldstillfurtheraloof。Shewasneverspirituallyalone。
　　Therewasasteponhertrail。Indoorsshewasoppressed。Sherequiredtheopen——thelightandwind，thesightofendlessslope，thesoundsofcorralandpondandfield，physicalthings，naturalthings。
　　Oneafternoonsherodedowntothealfalfa-fields，roundthem，andbackuptothespillwayofthelowerlake，whereagroupofmesquite-trees，owingtothewaterthatseepedthroughthesandtotheirroots，hadtakenonbloomandbeautyofrenewedlife。
　　Underthesetreestherewasshadeenoughtomakeapleasantplacetolinger。Madelinedismounted，desiringtorestalittle。Shelikedthisquiet，lonelyspot。Itwasreallytheonlysecludednooknearthehouse。Ifsherodedownintothevalleyorouttothemesaoruponthefoothillsshecouldnotgoalone。ProbablynowStillwellorNelsknewherwhereabouts。Butasshewascomparativelyhiddenhere，sheimaginedasolitudethatwasnotactuallyhers。
　　Herhorse，Majesty，tossedhisheadandflunghismaneandswitchedhistailattheflies。Hewouldratherhavebeencuttingthewinddownthevalleyslope。Madelinesatwithherbackagainstatree，andtookoffhersombrero。Thesoftbreeze，fanningherhotface，blowingstrandsofherhair，wasrefreshinglycool。Sheheardtheslowtrampofcattlegoingintodrink。Thatsoundceased，andthegroveofmesquitesappearedtobelifeless，exceptforherandherhorse。Itwas，however，onlyaftermomentsofattentionthatshefoundtheplacewasfarfrombeingdead。Keeneyesandearsbroughtreward。Desertquail，asgrayasthebareearth，weredustingthemselvesinashadyspot。Abee，swiftaslight，hummedby。Shesawahornedtoad，thecolorofstone，squattinglow，hidingfearfullyinthesandwithinreachofherwhip。Sheextendedthepointofthewhip，andthetoadquiveredandswelledandhissed。Itwasinstinctwithfight。Thewindfaintlystirredthethinfoliageofthemesquites，makingamournfulsigh。Fromfarupinthefoothills，barelydistinguishable，camethescreamofaneagle。
　　Thebrayofaburrobroughtabrief，discordantbreak。Thenabrownbirddarteddownfromanunseenperchandmadeaswift，irregularflightafteraflutteringwingedinsect。Madelineheardthesharpsnappingofamercilessbeak。Indeed，therewasmorethanlifeintheshadeofthemesquites。
　　SuddenlyMajestypickeduphislongearsandsnorted。ThenMadelineheardaslowpadofhoofs。Ahorsewasapproachingfromthedirectionofthelake。Madelinehadlearnedtobewary，and，mountingMajesty，sheturnedhimtowardtheopen。Amomentlatershefeltgladofhercaution，for，lookingbackbetweenthetrees，shesawStewartleadingahorseintothegrove。Shewouldasliefhavemetaguerrillaasthiscowboy。
　　Majestyhadbrokenintoatrotwhenashrillwhistlerenttheair。Thehorseleapedand，wheelingsoswiftlythathenearlyunseatedMadeline，hechargedbackstraightforthemesquites。
　　Madelinespoketohim，criedangrilyathim，pulledwithallherstrengthuponthebridle，butwashelplesslyunabletostophim。
　　Hewhistledapiercingblast。MadelinerealizedthenthatStewart，hisoldmaster，hadcalledhimandthatnothingcouldturnhim。Shegaveuptrying，andattendedtotheurgentneedofinterceptingmesquiteboughsthatMajestythrashedintomotion。
　　Thehorsethumpedintoanaislebetweenthetreesand，stoppingbeforeStewart，whinniedeagerly。
　　Madeline，notknowingwhattoexpect，hadnottimeforanyfeelingbutamaze。AquickglanceshowedherStewartinroughgarb，dressedforthetrail，andleadingawiryhorse，saddledandpacked。WhenStewart，withoutlookingather，puthisarmaroundMajesty'sneckandlaidhisfaceagainsttheflowingmaneMadeline'sheartsuddenlybegantobeatwithunwontedquickness。
　　Stewartseemedoblivioustoherpresence。Hiseyeswereclosed。
　　Hisdarkfacesoftened，lostitshardnessandfiercenessandsadness，andforaninstantbecamebeautiful。
　　Madelineinstantlydivinedwhathisactionmeant。Hewasleavingtheranch；thiswashisgood-bytohishorse。Howstrange，sad，finewasthislovebetweenmanandbeast！AdimnessconfusedMadeline'seyes；shehurriedlybrusheditaway，anditcamehackwetandblurring。Sheavertedherface，ashamedofthetearsStewartmightsee。Shewassorryforhim。Hewasgoingaway，andthistime，judgingfromthenatureofhisfarewelltohishorse，itwastobeforever。LikeastabfromacoldbladeapainshotthroughMadeline'sheart。Thewonderofit，theincomprehensibilityofit，theutternewnessandstrangenessofthissharppainthatnowleftbehindadullpang，madeherforgetStewart，hersurroundings，everythingexcepttosearchherheart。
　　Maybeherewasthesecretthathadeludedher。Shetrembledonthebrinkofsomethingunknown。Insomestrangewaytheemotionbroughtbackhergirlhood。Hermindrevolvedswiftqueriesandreplies；shewasliving，feeling，learning；happinessmockedatherfrombehindabarreddoor，andthebarofthatdoorseemedtobeaninexplicablepain。Thenlikelightningstrokesshotthequestions：Whyshouldpainhideherhappiness？Whatwasherhappiness？Whatrelationhadittothisman？Whyshouldshefeelstrangelyabouthisdeparture？Andthevoiceswithinherweresilenced，stunned，unanswered。
　　"Iwanttotalktoyou，"saidStewart。
　　Madelinestarted，turnedtohim，andnowshesawtheearlierStewart，themanwhoremindedheroftheirfirstmeetingatElCajon，ofthatmemorablemeetingatChiricahua。
　　"Iwanttoaskyousomething，"hewenton。"I'vebeenwantingtoknowsomething。That'swhyI'vehungonhere。Youneverspoketome，nevernoticedme，nevergavemeachancetoaskyou。ButnowI'mgoingover——overtheborder。AndIwanttoknow。Whydidyourefusetolistentome？"
　　Athislastwordsthathotshame，tenfoldmorestiflingthanwhenithadbeforehumiliatedMadeline，rushedoverher，sendingthescarletinawavetohertemples。Itseemedthathiswordsmadeherrealizeshewasactuallyfacetofacewithhim，thatsomehowashameshewouldratherhavediedthanrevealedwasbeingliberated。Bitingherlipstoholdbackspeech，shejerkedonMajesty'sbridle，struckhimwithherwhip，spurredhim。
　　Stewart'sironarmheldthehorse。ThenMadeline，inaflashofpassion，struckatStewart'sface，missedit，struckagain，andhit。Withonepull，almostdrawingherfromthesaddle，hetorethewhipfromherhands。Itwasnotthatactiononhispart，orthesuddenstrongmasterfulnessofhislook，somuchasthelividmarkonhisfacewherethewhiphadlashedthatquieted，ifitdidnotcheck，herfury。
　　That'snothing，"hesaid，withsomethingofhisoldaudacity。
　　"That'snothingtohowyou'vehurtme。"
　　Madelinebattledwithherselfforcontrol。Thismanwouldnotbedenied。Neverbeforehadthehardnessofhisface，theflintyhardnessofthesedesert-bredmen，sostruckherwithitsrevelationoftheunbridledspirit。Helookedstern，haggard，bitter。Thedarkshadewaschangingtogray——thegraytoash-colorofpassion。Abouthimnowtherewasonlytheghostofthatfiner，gentlermanshehadhelpedtobringintobeing。Thepiercingdarkeyeshebentuponherburnedher，wentthroughherasifhewerelookingintohersoul。ThenMadeline'squicksightcaughtafleetingdoubt，awistfulness，asurprisedandsaddenedcertaintyinhiseyes，sawitshadeandpassaway。Herwoman'sintuition，askeenashersight，toldherStewartinthatmomenthadsustainedashockofbitter，finaltruth。
　　Forthethirdtimeherepeatedhisquestiontoher。Madelinedidnotanswer；shecouldnotspeak。
　　"Youdon'tknowIloveyou，doyou？"hecontinued，passionately。
　　"ThateversinceyoustoodbeforemeinthatholeatChiricahuaI'velovedyou？Youcan'tseeI'vebeenanotherman，lovingyou，workingforyou，livingforyou？Youwon'tbelieveI'veturnedmybackontheoldwildlife，thatI'vebeendecentandhonorableandhappyanduseful——yourkindofacowboy？Youcouldn'ttell，thoughIlovedyou，thatIneverwantedyoutoknowit，thatI
　　neverdaredtothinkofyouexceptasmyangel，myholyVirgin？
　　Whatdoyouknowofaman'sheartandsoul？Howcouldyoutellofthelove，thesalvationofamanwho'slivedhislifeinthesilenceandloneliness？Whocouldteachyoutheactualtruth——
　　thatawildcowboy，faithlesstomotherandsister，exceptinmemory，ridingahard，drunkentrailstraighttohell；hadlookedintotheface，theeyesofabeautifulwomaninfinitelybeyondhim，abovehim，andhadsolovedherthathewassaved——thathebecamefaithfulagain——thathesawherfaceineveryflowerandhereyesintheblueheaven？Whocouldtellyou，whenatnightI
　　stoodaloneundertheseWesternstars，howdeepinmysoulIwasgladjusttobealive，tobeabletodosomethingforyou，tobenearyou，tostandbetweenyouandworry，trouble，danger，tofeelsomehowthatIwasapart，justalittlepartoftheWestyouhadcometolove？"
　　Madelinewasmute。Sheheardherheartthunderinginherears。
　　Stewartleapedather。Hispowerfulhandclosedonherarm。Shetrembled。Hisactionpresagedtheoldinstinctiveviolence。
　　"No；butyouthinkIkeptBonitaupinthemountains，thatIwentsecretlytomeether，thatallthewhileIservedyouIwas——Oh，Iknowwhatyouthink！Iknownow。IneverknewtillImadeyoulookatme。Now，sayit！Speak！"
　　White-hot，blinded，utterlyinthefierygraspofpassion，powerlesstostemtherushofawordbothshamefulandrevealingandfatal，Madelinecried：
　　"YES！"
　　Hehadwrenchedthatwordfromher，buthewasnotsubtleenough，notversedinthemysteryofwoman'smotiveenough，todivinethedeepsignificanceofherreply。
　　Forhimthewordhadonlyliteralmeaningconfirmingthedishonorinwhichsheheldhim。Droppingherarm，heshrankback，astrangeactionforthesavageandcrudemanshejudgedhimtobe。
　　"ButthatdayatChiricahuayouspokeoffaith，"heburstout。
　　"Yousaidthegreatestthingintheworldwasfaithinhumannature。Yousaidthefinestmenhadbeenthosewhohadfallenlowandhadrisen。Yousaidyouhadfaithinme！Youmademehavefaithinmyself！"
　　Hisreproach，withoutbitternessorscorn，wasalashtoheroldegoisticbeliefinherfairness。Shehadpreachedabeautifulprinciplethatshehadfailedtoliveupto。Sheunderstoodhisrebuke，shewonderedandwavered，buttheaffronttoherpridehadbeentoogreat，thetumultwithinherbreasthadbeentoostartlinglyfierce；shecouldnotspeak，themomentpassed，andwithithisbrief，ruggedsplendorofsimplicity。
　　"YouthinkIamvile，"hesaid。"YouthinkthataboutBonita！
　　AndallthetimeI'vebeen……Icouldmakeyouashamed——I
　　couldtellyou——"
　　Hispassionateutteranceceasedwithasnapofhisteeth。Hislipssetinathin，bitterline。Theagitationofhisfaceprecededaconvulsivewrestlingofhisshoulders。Allthisswiftactiondenotedaninnercombat，anditnearlyoverwhelmedhim。
　　"No，no！"hepanted。Wasithisanswertosomemightytemptation？Then，likeabentsaplingreleased，hesprangerect。
　　"ButI'llbetheman——thedog——youthinkme！"
　　Helaidholdofherarmwithrude，powerfulclutch。Onepulldrewherslidinghalfoutofthesaddleintohisarms。Shefellwithherbreastagainsthis，notwhollyfreeofstirrupsorhorse，andthereshehung，utterlypowerless。Maddened，writhing，shetoretoreleaseherself。Allshecouldaccomplishwastotwistherself，raiseherselfhighenoughtoseehisface。Thatalmostparalyzedher。Didhemeantokillher？Thenhewrappedhisarmsaroundherandcrushedhertighter，closertohim。Shefeltthepoundofhisheart；herownseemedtohavefrozen。Thenhepressedhisburninglipstohers。Itwasalong，terriblekiss。
　　Shefelthimshake。
　　"Oh，Stewart！I——implore——you——let——me——go！"shewhispered。
　　Hiswhitefaceloomedoverhers。Sheclosedhereyes。Herainedkissesuponherface，butnomoreuponhermouth。Onherclosedeyes，herhair，hercheeks，herneckhepressedswiftlips——lipsthatlosttheirfireandgrewcold。Thenhereleasedher，and，liftingandrightingherinthesaddle，hestillheldherarmtokeepherfromfalling。
　　ForamomentMadelinesatonherhorsewithshuteyes。Shedreadedthelight。
　　"Nowyoucan'tsayyou'veneverbeenkissed，"Stewartsaid。Hisvoiceseemedalongwayoff。"Butthatwascomingtoyou，sobegame。Here！"
　　Shefeltsomethinghardandcoldandmetallicthrustintoherhand。Hemadeherfingerscloseoverit，holdit。Thefeelofthethingrevivedher。Sheopenedhereyes。Stewarthadgivenherhisgun。Hestoodwithhisbroadbreastagainstherknee，andshelookeduptoseethatoldmockingsmileonhisface。
　　"Goahead！Throwmygunonme！Beathoroughbred！"
　　Madelinedidnotyetgrasphismeaning。
　　"Youcanputmedowninthatquietplaceonthehill——besideMontyPrice。"
　　Madelinedroppedthegunwithashudderingcryofhorror。Thesenseofhiswords，thememoryofMonty，thecertaintythatshewouldkillStewartifsheheldthegunaninstantlonger，torturedtheself-accusingcryfromher。
　　Stewartstoopedtopickuptheweapon。
　　"Youmighthavesavedmeahellofalotoftrouble，"hesaid，withanotherflashofthemockingsmile。"You'rebeautifulandsweetandproud，butyou'renothoroughbred！MajestyHammond，adios！"
　　Stewartleapedforthesaddleofhishorse，andwiththeflyingmountcrashedthroughthemesquitestodisappear。
　　XXIITheSecretToldIntheshadedseclusionofherroom，buriedfacedowndeepamongthesoftcushionsonhercouch，MadelineHammondlayprostrateandquiveringundertheoutrageshehadsuffered。
　　Theafternoonworeaway；twilightfell；nightcame；andthenMadelinerosetositbythewindowtoletthecoolwindblowuponherhotface。Shepassedthroughhoursofunintelligibleshameandimpotentrageandfutilestrivingtoreasonawayherdefilement。
　　Thetrainofbrighteningstarsseemedtomockherwiththeirunattainablepassionlessserenity。Shehadlovedthem，andnowsheimaginedshehatedthemandeverythingconnectedwiththiswild，fateful，andabruptWest。
　　Shewouldgohome。
　　EdithWaynehadbeenright；theWestwasnoplaceforMadelineHammond。Thedecisiontogohomecameeasily，naturally，shethought，astheresultofevents。Itcausedhernomentalstrife。Indeed，shefanciedshefeltrelief。Thegreatstars，blinkingwhiteandcoldoverthedarkcrags，lookeddownuponher，and，asalways，aftershehadwatchedthemforawhiletheyenthralledher。"UnderWesternstars，"shemused，thinkingalittlescornfullyoftheromanticdestinytheyhadblazedforheridlesentiment。Buttheywerebeautiful；theywerespeaking；
　　theyweremocking；theydrewher。"Ah！"shesighed。"Itwillnotbesoveryeasytoleavethem，afterall。"
　　Madelineclosedanddarkenedthewindow。Shestruckalight。Itwasnecessarytotelltheanxiousservantswhoknockedthatshewaswellandrequirednothing。Asoftsteponthewalkoutsidearrestedher。Whowasthere——NelsorNickSteeleorStillwell？
　　Whosharedtheguardianshipoverher，nowthatMontyPricewasdeadandthatother——thatsavage——？Itwasmonstrousandunfathomablethatsheregrettedhim。
　　Thelightannoyedher。Completedarknessfittedherstrangemood。Sheretiredandtriedtocomposeherselftosleep。Sleepforherwasnotamatterofwill。Hercheeksburnedsohotlythatsherosetobathethem。Coldwaterwouldnotalleviatethisburn，andthen，despairingofforgetfulness，shelaydownagainwithashamefulgratitudeforthecloakofnight。Stewart'skisseswerethere，scorchingherlips，herclosedeyes，herswellingneck。Theypenetrateddeeperanddeeperintoherblood，intoherheart，intohersoul——theterriblefarewellkissesofapassionate，hardenedman。Despitehisbaseness，hehadlovedher。
　　LateinthenightMadelinefellasleep。Inthemorningshewaspaleandlanguid，butinamentalconditionthatpromisedcomposure。
　　ItwasconsiderablyafterherregularhourthatMadelinerepairedtoheroffice。Thedoorwasopen，andjustoutside，tippedbackinachair，satStillwell。
　　"Mawnin'，MissMajesty，"hesaid，asherosetogreetherwithhisusualcourtesy。Thereweresignsoftroubleinhislinedface。Madelineshrankinwardly，fearinghisoldlamentationsaboutStewart。Thenshesawadusty，raggedponyintheyardandalittleburrodroopingunderaheavypack。Bothanimalsboreevidenceoflong，arduoustravel。
　　"Towhomdotheybelong？"askedMadeline。
　　"Themcritters？Why，DannyMains，"repliedStillwell，withacoughthatbetrayedembarrassment。
　　"DannyMains？"echoedMadeline，wonderingly。
　　"Wal，Isaidso。"
　　Stillwellwasindeednothimself。
　　IsDannyMainshere？"sheasked，insuddencuriosity。
　　Theoldcattlemannoddedgloomily。
　　"Yep，he'shyar，allright。Slopedinfromthehills，an'heholleredtoseeBonita。He'slocoed，too，aboutthatlittleblack-eyedhussy。Why，hehardlysaid，'Howdy，Bill，'beforehebeguntoaskwildan'eagerquestions。ItookhimintoseeBonita。He'sbeentheremore'nahalf-hournow。"
　　EvidentlyStillwell'ssensitivefeelingshadbeenruffled，Madeline'scuriositychangedtoblankastonishment，whichleftherwithathrillingpremonition。Shecaughtherbreath。A
　　thousandthoughtsseemedthrongingforclearconceptioninhermind。