ThenHelensawHarveRiggsenter，burdenedwithmuchluggage。Hewasamanofaboutmediumheight，ofdark，flashyappearance，cultivatinglongblackmustacheandhair。
　　Hisapparelwasstriking，asitconsistedofblackfrock-coat，blacktrousersstuffedinhigh，fancy-toppedboots，anembroideredvest，andflowingtie，andablacksombrero。Hisbeltandgunwereprominent。Itwassignificantthatheexcitedcommentamongtheotherpassengers。
　　Whenhehaddepositedhispiecesofbaggageheseemedtosquarehimself，and，turningabruptly，approachedtheseatoccupiedbythegirls。Whenhereachedithesatdownuponthearmoftheoneopposite，tookoffhissombrero，anddeliberatelylookedatHelen。Hiseyeswerelight，glinting，withhard，restlessquiver，andhismouthwascoarseandarrogant。Helenhadneverseenhimdetachedfromherhomesurroundings，andnowthedifferencestruckcolduponherheart。
　　"Hello，Nell！"hesaid。"Surprisedtoseeme？"
　　"No，"shereplied，coldly。
　　"I'llgambleyouare。"
　　"HarveRiggs，ItoldyouthedaybeforeIlefthomethatnothingyoucoulddoorsaymatteredtome。"
　　"Reckonthatain'tso，Nell。AnywomanIkeeptrackofhasreasontothink。An'youknowit。"
　　"Thenyoufollowedme——outhere？"demandedHelen，andhervoice，despitehercontrol，quiveredwithanger"Isuredid，"hereplied，andtherewasasmuchthoughtofhimselfintheactastherewasofher。
　　"Why？Why？It'suseless——hopeless。"
　　"IsworeI'dhaveyou，ornobodyelsewould，"hereplied，andhere，inthepassionofhisvoicetheresoundedegotismratherthanhungerforawoman'slove。"ButIreckonI'dhavestruckWestanyhow，soonerorlater。"
　　"You'renotgoingto——alltheway——toPine？"falteredHelen，momentarilyweakening。
　　"Nell，I'llcamponyourtrailfromnowon，"hedeclared。
　　ThenBosatbolt-upright，withpalefaceandflashingeyes。
　　"HarveRiggs，youleaveNellalone，"sheburstout，inringing，braveyoungvoice。"I'lltellyouwhat——I'llbet——ifyoufollowherandnagheranymore，myuncleAlorsomecowboywillrunyououtofthecountry。"
　　"Hello，Pepper！"repliedRiggs，coolly。"Iseeyourmannershaven'timprovedan'you'restillwildaboutcowboys。"
　　"Peopledon'thavegoodmannerswith——with——"
　　"Bo，hush！"admonishedHelen。ItwasdifficulttoreproveBojustthen，forthatyoungladyhadnottheslightestfearofRiggs。Indeed，shelookedasifshecouldslaphisface。AndHelenrealizedthathoweverherintelligencehadgraspedthepossibilitiesofleavinghomeforawildcountry，andwhateverherdeterminationtobebrave，theactualbeginningofself-reliancehadleftherspiritweak。Shewouldriseoutofthat。Butjustnowthisflashing-eyedlittlesisterseemedaprotector。BowouldreadilyadaptherselftotheWest，Helenthought，becauseshewassoyoung，primitive，elemental。
　　WhereuponBoturnedherbacktoRiggsandlookedoutofthewindow。Themanlaughed。ThenhestoodupandleanedoverHelen。
　　"Nell，I'mgoin'whereveryougo，"hesaid，steadily。"Youcantakethatfriendlyornot，justasitpleasesyou。Butifyou'vegotanysenseyou'llnotgivethesepeopleouthereahunchagainstme。Imighthurtsomebody……An'
　　wouldn'titbebetter——toactfriends？ForI'mgoin'tolookafteryou，whetheryoulikeitornot。"
　　Helenhadconsideredthismananannoyance，andlateramenace，andnowshemustdeclareopenenmitywithhim。
　　Howeverdisgustingtheideathatheconsideredhimselfafactorinhernewlife，itwasthetruth。Heexisted，hehadcontroloverhismovements。Shecouldnotchangethat。Shehatedtheneedofthinkingsomuchabouthim；andsuddenly，withahot，burstinganger，shehatedtheman。
　　"You'llnotlookafterme。I'lltakecareofmyself，"shesaid，andsheturnedherbackuponhim。Sheheardhimmutterunderhisbreathandslowlymoveawaydownthecar。ThenBoslippedahandinhers。
　　"Nevermind，Nell，"shewhispered。"YouknowwhatoldSheriffHainessaidaboutHarveRiggs。'Afour-flushwould-begun-fighter！IfheeverstrikesarealWesterntownhe'llgetrunoutofit。'Ijustwishmyred-facedcowboyhadgotonthistrain！"
　　HelenfeltarushofgladnessthatshehadyieldedtoBo'swildimportunitiestotakeherWest。ThespiritwhichhadmadeBoincorrigibleathomeprobablywouldmakeherreacthappilytolifeoutinthisfreecountry。YetHelen，withallherwarmthandgratefulness，hadtolaughathersister。
　　"Yourred-facedcowboy！Why，Bo，youwerescaredstiff。Andnowyouclaimhim！"
　　"Icertainlycouldlovethatfellow，"repliedBo，dreamily。
　　"Child，you'vebeensayingthataboutfellowsforalongtime。Andyou'veneverlookedtwiceatanyofthemyet。"
　　"Hewasdifferent……Nell，I'llbethecomestoPine。"
　　"Ihopehedoes。Iwishhewasonthistrain。Ilikedhislooks，Bo。"
　　"Well，Nelldear，helookedatMEfirstandlast——sodon'tgetyourhopesup……Oh，thetrain'sstarting！……
　　Good-by，Albu-ker——what'sthatawfulname？……Nell，let'seatdinner。I'mstarved。"
　　ThenHelenforgothertroublesandtheuncertainfuture，andwhatwithlisteningtoBo'schatter，andpartakingagainoftheendlessgoodthingstoeatinthehugebasket，andwatchingthenoblemountains，shedrewoncemoreintohappymood。
　　ThevalleyoftheRioGrandeopenedtoview，widenearathandinagreatgray-greengapbetweenthebareblackmountains，narrowinthedistance，wheretheyellowriverwoundaway，glisteningunderahotsun。BosquealedingleeatsightofnakedlittleMexicanchildrenthatdartedintoadobehutsasthetrainclatteredby，andsheexclaimedherpleasureintheIndians，andthemustangs，andparticularlyinagroupofcowboysridingintotownonspiritedhorses。
　　HelensawallBopointedout，butitwastothewonderfulrollingvalleythathergazeclunglongest，andtothedimpurpledistancethatseemedtoholdsomethingfromher。Shehadneverbeforeexperiencedanyfeelinglikethat；shehadneverseenatenthsofar。Andthesightawokesomethingstrangeinher。Thesunwasburninghot，asshecouldtellwhensheputahandoutsidethewindow，andastrongwindblewsheetsofdrydustatthetrain。ShegatheredatoncewhattremendousfactorsintheSouthwestwerethesunandthedustandthewind。Andherrealizationmadeherlovethem。Itwasthere；theopen，thewild，thebeautiful，thelonelyland；andshefeltthepoignantcallofbloodinher——toseek，tostrive，tofind，tolive。Onelookdownthatyellowvalley，endlessbetweenitsdarkironramparts，hadgivenherunderstandingofheruncle。Shemustbelikehiminspirit，asitwasclaimedsheresembledhimotherwise。
　　AtlengthBogrewtiredofwatchingscenerythatcontainednolife，and，withherbrightheadonthefadedcloak，shewenttosleep。ButHelenkeptsteady，farseeinggazeoutuponthatlandofrockandplain；andduringthelonghours，asshewatchedthroughcloudsofdustandveilsofheat，somestronganddoubtfulandrestlesssentimentseemedtochangeandthentofix。Itwasherphysicalacceptance——
　　hereyesandhersensestakingtheWestasshehadalreadytakenitinspirit。
　　Awomanshouldloveherhomewhereverfateplacedher，Helenbelieved，andnotsomuchfromdutyasfromdelightandromanceandliving。Howcouldlifeeverbetediousormonotonousouthereinthistremendousvastnessofbareearthandopensky，wheretheneedtoachievemadethinkingandponderingsuperficial？
　　ItwaswithregretthatshesawthelastofthevalleyoftheRioGrande，andthenofitsparalleledmountainranges。
　　Butthemilesbroughtcompensationinothervalleys，otherbold，blackupheavalsofrock，andthenagainbare，boundlessyellowplains，andsparselycedaredridges，andwhitedrywashes，ghastlyinthesunlight，anddazzlingbedsofalkali，andthenadesertspacewheregoldenandblueflowersbloomed。
　　Shenoted，too，thatthewhitesandyellowsofearthandrockhadbeguntoshadetored——andthissheknewmeantanapproachtoArizona。Arizona，thewild，thelonely，thereddesert，thegreenplateau——Arizonawithitsthunderingrivers，itsunknownspaces，itspasture-landsandtimber-lands，itswildhorses，cowboys，outlaws，wolvesandlionsandsavages！Astoaboy，thatnamestirredandthrilledandsangtoherofnameless，sweet，intangiblethings，mysteriousandallofadventure。Butshe，beingagirloftwenty，whohadacceptedresponsibilities，mustconcealthedepthsofherheartandthatwhichhermotherhadcomplainedwashermisfortuneinnotbeingbornaboy。
　　Timepassed，whileHelenwatchedandlearnedanddreamed。
　　Thetrainstopped，atlongintervals，atwaysidestationswherethereseemednothingbutadobeshedsandlazyMexicans，anddustandheat。Boawokeandbegantochatter，andtodigintothebasket。ShelearnedfromtheconductorthatMagdalenawasonlytwostationson。Andshewasfullofconjecturesastowhowouldmeetthem，whatwouldhappen。SoHelenwasdrawnbacktosoberrealities，inwhichtherewasconsiderablezest。Assuredlyshedidnotknowwhatwasgoingtohappen。TwiceRiggspassedupanddowntheaisle，hisdarkfaceandlighteyesandsardonicsmiledeliberatelyforceduponhersight。ButagainHelenfoughtagrowingdreadwithcontemptuousscorn。Thisfellowwasnothalfaman。Itwasnotconceivablewhathecoulddo，exceptannoyher，untilshearrivedatPine。HerunclewastomeetherorsendforheratSnowdrop，whichplace，Helenknew，wasdistantagoodlongridebystagefromMagdalena。Thisstage-ridewastheclimaxandthedreadofallthelongjourney，inHelen'sconsiderations。
　　"Oh，Nell！"criedBo，withdelight。"We'renearlythere！
　　Nextstation，theconductorsaid。"
　　"Iwonderifthestagetravelsatnight，"saidHelen，thoughtfully。
　　"Sureitdoes！"repliedtheirrepressibleBo。
　　Thetrain，thoughitclatteredalongasusual，seemedtoHelentofly。TherethesunwassettingoverbleakNewMexicanbluffs，Magdalenawasathand，andnight，andadventure。Helen'sheartbeatfast。Shewatchedtheyellowplainswherethecattlegrazed；theirpresence，andirrigationditchesandcottonwood-treestoldherthattherailroadpartofthejourneywasnearlyended。Then，atBo'slittlescream，shelookedacrossthecarandoutofthewindowtoseealineoflow，flat，red-adobehouses。Thetrainbegantoslowdown。Helensawchildrenrun，whitechildrenandMexicantogether；thenmorehouses，andhighuponahillanimmenseadobechurch，crudeandglaring，yetsomehowbeautiful。
　　HelentoldBotoputonherbonnet，and，performingalikeofficeforherself，shewasashamedofthetremblingofherfingers。Therewerebustleandtalkinthecar。
　　Thetrainstopped。HelenpeeredouttoseeastragglingcrowdofMexicansandIndians，allmotionlessandstolid，asiftrainsornothingelsemattered。NextHelensawawhiteman，andthatwasarelief。Hestoodoutinfrontoftheothers。Tallandbroad，somehowstriking，hedrewasecondglancethatshowedhimtobeahuntercladingray-fringedbuckskin，andcarryingarifle。
　　CHAPTERV
　　Here，therewasnokindlybrakemantohelpthesisterswiththeirluggage。HelenbadeBotakehershare；thusburdened，theymadeanawkwardandlaboriousshifttogetoffthetrain。
　　UpontheplatformofthecarastronghandseizedHelen'sheavybag，withwhichshewasstraining，andaloudvoicecalledout：
　　"Girls，we'rehere——sureoutinthewildan'woollyWest！"
　　ThespeakerwasRiggs，andhehadpossessedhimselfofpartofherbaggagewithactionandspeechmeantmoretoimpressthecuriouscrowdthantobereallykind。IntheexcitementofarrivingHelenhadforgottenhim。Themannerofsuddenreminder——theinsincerityofit——madehertemperflash。
　　Shealmostfell，encumberedasshewas，inherhurrytodescendthesteps。ShesawthetallhunteringraystepforwardclosetoherasshereachedforthebagRiggsheld。
　　"Mr。Riggs，I'llcarrymybag，"shesaid。
　　"Letmelugthis。YouhelpBowithhers，"hereplied，familiarly。
　　"ButIwantit，"sherejoined，quietly，withsharpdetermination。NolittleforcewasneededtopullthebagawayfromRiggs。
　　"Seehere，Helen，youain'tgoin'anyfartherwiththatjoke，areyou？"hequeried，deprecatingly，andhestillspokequiteloud。
　　"It'snojoketome，"repliedHelen。"ItoldyouIdidn'twantyourattention。"
　　"Sure。Butthatwastemper。I'myourfriend——fromyourhometown。An'Iain'tgoin'toletaquarrelkeepmefromlookin'afteryoutillyou'resafeatyouruncle's。"
　　Helenturnedherbackuponhim。ThetallhunterhadjusthelpedBooffthecar。ThenHelenlookedupintoasmoothbronzedfaceandpiercinggrayeyes。
　　"AreyouHelenRayner？"heasked。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Myname'sDale。I'vecometomeetyou。"
　　"Ah！Myunclesentyou？"addedHelen，inquickrelief。
　　"No；Ican'tsayAlsentme，"begantheman，"butIreckon——"
　　HewasinterruptedbyRiggs，who，graspingHelenbythearm，pulledherbackastep。
　　"Say，mister，didAuchinclosssendyoutomeetmyyoungfriendshere？"hedemanded，arrogantly。
　　Dale'sglanceturnedfromHelentoRiggs。Shecouldnotreadthisquietgraygaze，butitthrilledher。
　　"No。Icomeonmyownhook，"heanswered。
　　"You'llunderstand，then——they'reinmycharge，"addedRiggs。
　　Thistimethesteadylight-grayeyesmetHelen's，andiftherewasnotasmileinthemorbehindthemshewasstillfurtherbaffled。
　　"Helen，Ireckonyousaidyoudidn'twantthisfellow'sattention。"
　　"Icertainlysaidthat，"repliedHelen，quickly。JustthenBoslippedclosetoherandgaveherarmalittlesqueeze。
　　ProbablyBo'sthoughtwaslikehers——herewasarealWesternman。Thatwasherfirstimpression，andfollowingswiftlyuponitwasasensationofeasednerves。
　　RiggsswaggeredclosertoDale。
　　"Say，Buckskin，IhailfromTexas——"
　　"You'rewastin'ourtimean'we'veneedtohurry，"
　　interruptedDale。Histoneseemedfriendly。"An'ifyoueverlivedlonginTexasyouwouldn'tpesteraladyan'yousurewouldn'ttalklikeyoudo。"
　　"What！"shoutedRiggs，hotly。Hedroppedhisrighthandsignificantlytohiship。
　　"Don'tthrowyourgun。Itmightgooff，"saidDale。
　　WhateverRiggs'sintentionhadbeen——anditwasprobablyjustwhatDaleevidentlyhadreadit——henowflushedanangryredandjerkedathisgun。
　　Dale'shandflashedtooswiftlyforHelen'seyetofollowit。Butsheheardthethudasitstruck。ThegunwentflyingtotheplatformandscatteredagroupofIndiansandMexicans。
　　"You'llhurtyourselfsomeday，"saidDale。
　　Helenhadneverheardaslow，coolvoicelikethishunter's。
　　Withoutexcitementoremotionorhurry，ityetseemedfullandsignificantofthingsthewordsdidnotmean。Boutteredastrangelittleexultantcry。
　　Riggs'sarmhaddroppedlimp。Nodoubtitwasnumb。Hestared，andhispredominatingexpressionwassurprise。Astheshufflingcrowdbegantosnickerandwhisper，RiggsgaveDaleamalignantglance，shiftedittoHelen，andthenlurchedawayinthedirectionofhisgun。
　　Daledidnotpayanymoreattentiontohim。GatheringupHelen'sbaggage，hesaid，"Comeon，"andshoulderedalanethroughthegapingcrowd。Thegirlsfollowedcloseathisheels。
　　"Nell！what'dItellyou？"whisperedBo。"Oh，you'reallatremble！"
　　Helenwasawareofherunsteadiness；angerandfearandreliefinquicksuccessionhadleftherratherweak。Oncethroughthemotleycrowdofloungers，shesawanoldgraystage-coachandfourleanhorses。Agrizzled，sunburnedmansatonthedriver'sseat，whipandreinsinhand。Besidehimwasayoungermanwithrifleacrosshisknees。Anotherman，young，tall，lean，dark，stoodholdingthecoachdooropen。
　　Hetouchedhissombrerotothegirls。HiseyesweresharpasheaddressedDale。
　　"Milt，wasn'tyouheldup？"
　　"No。Butsomelong-hairedgalootwastryin'toholdupthegirls。Wantedtothrowhisgunonme。Iwassurescared，"
　　repliedDale，ashedepositedtheluggage。
　　Bolaughed。Hereyes，restinguponDale，werewarmandbright。Theyoungmanatthecoachdoortookasecondlookather，andthenasmilechangedthedarkhardnessofhisface。
　　Dalehelpedthegirlsupthehighstepintothestage，andthen，placingthelighterluggage，inwiththem，hethrewtheheavierpiecesontop"Joe，climbup，"hesaid。
　　"Wal，Milt，"drawledthedriver，"let'soozealong。"
　　Dalehesitated，withhishandonthedoor。Heglancedatthecrowd，nowedgingcloseagain，andthenatHelen。
　　"IreckonIoughttotellyou，"hesaid，andindecisionappearedtoconcernhim。
　　"What？"exclaimedHelen。
　　"Badnews。Buttalkin'takestime。An'wemustn'tloseany。"
　　"There'sneedofhurry？"queriedHelen，sittingupsharply。
　　"Ireckon。"
　　"IsthisthestagetoSnowdrop？
　　"No。Thatleavesinthemornin'。Werustledthisoldtraptogetastartto-night。"
　　"Thesoonerthebetter。ButI——Idon'tunderstand，"saidHelen，bewildered。
　　"It'llnotbesafeforyoutorideonthemornin'stage，"
　　returnedDale。
　　"Safe！Oh，whatdoyoumean？"exclaimedHelen。
　　ApprehensivelyshegazedathimandthenbackatBo。
　　"Explainin'willtaketime。An'factsmaychangeyourmind。
　　Butifyoucan'ttrustme——"
　　"Trustyou！"interposedHelen，blankly。"YoumeantotakeustoSnowdrop？"
　　"Ireckonwe'dbettergoroundaboutan'nothitSnowdrop，"
　　hereplied，shortly。
　　"ThentoPine——tomyuncle——AlAuchincloss？
　　"Yes，I'mgoin'totryhard。"
　　Helencaughtherbreath。Shedivinedthatsomeperilmenacedher。Shelookedsteadily，withallawoman'skeenness，intothisman'sface。ThemomentwasoneofthefatefuldecisionssheknewtheWesthadinstoreforher。HerfutureandthatofBo'swerenowtobedependentuponherjudgments。Itwasahardmomentand，thoughsheshiveredinwardly，shewelcomedtheinitialandinevitablestep。ThismanDale，byhisdressofbuckskin，mustbeeitherscoutorhunter。Hissize，hisaction，thetoneofhisvoicehadbeenreassuring。
　　ButHelenmustdecidefromwhatshesawinhisfacewhetherornottotrusthim。Andthatfacewasclearbronze，unlined，unshadowed，likeatranquilmask，clean-cut，strong-jawed，witheyesofwonderfultransparentgray。
　　"Yes，I'lltrustyou，"shesaid。"Getin，andletushurry。
　　Thenyoucanexplain。"
　　"Allready，Bill。Send'emalong，"calledDale。
　　Hehadtostooptoenterthestage，and，oncein，heappearedtofillthatsideuponwhichhesat。Thenthedrivercrackedhiswhip；thestagelurchedandbegantoroll；themotleycrowdwasleftbehind。Helenawakenedtothereality，asshesawBostaringwithbigeyesatthehunter，thatastrangeradventurethanshehadeverdreamedofhadbeganwiththerattlingrollofthatoldstage-coach。
　　Dalelaidoffhissombreroandleanedforward，holdinghisriflebetweenhisknees。Thelightshonebetteruponhisfeaturesnowthathewasbareheaded。Helenhadneverseenafacelikethat，whichatfirstglanceappeareddarklybronzedandhard，andthenbecameclear，cold，aloof，still，intense。Shewishedshemightseeasmileuponit。Andnowthatthediewascastshecouldnottellwhyshehadtrustedit。Therewassingularforceinit，butshedidnotrecognizewhatkindofforce。Oneinstantshethoughtitwasstern，andthenextthatitwassweet，andagainthatitwasneither。
　　"I'mgladyou'vegotyoursister，"hesaid，presently。
　　"Howdidyouknowshe'smysister？"
　　"Ireckonshelookslikeyou。"
　　"Nooneelseeverthoughtso，"repliedHelen，tryingtosmile。
　　Bohadnodifficultyinsmiling，asshesaid，"WishIwashalfasprettyasNell。"
　　"Nell。Isn'tyournameHelen？"queriedDale。
　　"Yes。Butmy——somefewcallmeNell。"
　　"IlikeNellbetterthanHelen。An'what'syours？"wentonDale，lookingatBo。
　　"Mine'sBo。justplainB-o。Isn'titsilly？ButIwasn'taskedwhentheygaveittome，"shereplied。
　　"Bo。It'snicean'short。Neverhearditbefore。ButI
　　haven'tmetmanypeopleforyears。"
　　"Oh！we'veleftthetown！"criedBo。"Look，Nell！Howbare！
　　It'sjustlikedesert。"
　　"Itisdesert。We'vefortymilesofthatbeforewecometoahilloratree。"
　　Helenglancedout。Aflat，dull-greenexpansewavedawayfromtheroadonandontoabright，darkhorizon-line，wherethesunwassettingraylessinaclearsky。Open，desolate，andlonely，thescenegaveheracoldthrill。
　　"DidyouruncleAleverwriteanythin'aboutamannamedBeasley？"askedDale。
　　"Indeedhedid，"repliedHelen，withastartofsurprise。
　　"Beasley！Thatnameisfamiliartous——anddetestable。Myunclecomplainedofthismanforyears。Thenhegrewbitter——accusedBeasley。Butthelastyearorsonotaword！"
　　"Well，now，"beganthehunter，earnestly，"let'sgetthebadnewsover。I'msorryyoumustbeworried。ButyoumustlearntotaketheWestasitis。There'sgoodan'bad，maybemorebad。That'sbecausethecountry'syoung……Sotocomerightoutwithit——thisBeasleyhiredagangofoutlawstomeetthestageyouwasgoin'intoSnowdrop——to-morrow——
　　an'tomakeoffwithyou。"
　　"Makeoffwithme？"ejaculatedHelen，bewildered。
　　"Kidnapyou！Which，inthatgang，wouldbeworsethankillingyou！"declaredDale，grimly，andheclosedahugefistonhisknee。
　　Helenwasutterlyastounded。
　　"Howhor-rible！"shegaspedout。"Makeoffwithme！……
　　WhatinHeaven'snamefor？"
　　Bogaveventtoafiercelittleutterance。
　　"Forreasonsyououghttoguess，"repliedDale，andheleanedforwardagain。Neitherhisvoicenorfacechangedintheleast，butyettherewasasomethingabouthimthatfascinatedHelen。"I'mahunter。Iliveinthewoods。AfewnightsagoIhappenedtobecaughtoutinastorman'Itooktoanoldlogcabin。SoonasIgotthereIheardhorses。I
　　hidupintheloft。Somemenrodeupan'comein。Itwasdark。Theycouldn'tseeme。An'theytalked。ItturnedouttheywereSnakeAnsonan'hisgangofsheep-thieves。TheyexpectedtomeetBeasleythere。Prettysoonhecame。HetoldAnsonhowoldAl，youruncle，wasonhislastlegs——howhehadsentforyoutohavehispropertywhenhedied。BeasleysworehehadclaimsonAl。An'hemadeadealwithAnsontogetyououtoftheway。HenamedthedayyouweretoreachMagdalena。WithAldeadan'younotthere，Beasleycouldgettheproperty。An'thenhewouldn'tcareifyoudidcometoclaimit。It'dbetoolate……Well，theyrodeawaythatnight。An'nextdayIrustleddowntoPine。They'reallmyfriendsatPine，exceptoldAl。ButtheythinkI'mqueer。I
　　didn'twanttoconfide。inmanypeople。BeasleyisstronginPine，an'forthatmatterIsuspectSnakeAnsonhasotherfriendstherebesidesBeasley。SoIwenttoseeyouruncle。
　　HeneverhadanyuseformebecausehethoughtIwaslazylikeanIndian。OldAlhateslazymen。Thenwefellout——
　　orhefellout——becausehebelievedatamelionofminehadkilledsomeofhissheep。An'nowIreckonthatTommighthavedoneit。ItriedtoleaduptothisdealofBeasley'saboutyou，butoldAlwouldn'tlisten。He'scross——verycross。An'whenItriedtotellhim，why，hewentrightoutofhishead。Sentmeofftheranch。NowIreckonyoubegintoseewhatapickleIwasin。FinallyIwenttofourfriendsIcouldtrust。They'reMormonboys——brothers。
　　That'sJoeoutontop，withthedriver。ItoldthemallaboutBeasley'sdealan'askedthemtohelpme。SoweplannedtobeatAnsonan'hisgangtoMagdalena。IthappensthatBeasleyisasstronginMagdalenaasheisinPine。An'
　　wehadtogocareful。Buttheboyshadacoupleoffriendshere——Mormons，too，whoagreedtohelpus。Theyhadthisoldstage……An'hereyouare。"DalespreadouthisbighandsandlookedgravelyatHelenandthenatBo。
　　"You'reperfectlysplendid！"criedBo，ringingly。Shewaswhite；herfingerswereclenched；hereyesblazed。
　　Daleappearedstartledoutofhisgravity，andsurprised，thenpleased。Asmilemadehisfacelikeaboy's。Helenfeltherbodyallrigid，yetslightlytrembling。Herhandswerecold。Thehorrorofthisrevelationheldherspeechless。ButinherheartsheechoedBo'sexclamationofadmirationandgratitude。
　　"Sofar，then，"resumedDale，withaheavybreathofrelief。
　　"Nowonderyou'reupset。I'veabluntwayoftalkin'……
　　Nowwe'vethirtymilestorideonthisSnowdroproadbeforewecanturnoff。To-daysometimetherestoftheboys——
　　Roy，John，an'Hal——weretoleaveShowDown，which'satownfartheronfromSnowdrop。Theyhavemyhorsesan'packsbesidestheirown。Somewhereontheroadwe'llmeetthem——
　　to-night，maybe——ortomorrow。Ihopenotto-night，becausethat'dmeanAnson'sgangwasridin'intoMagdalena。"
　　Helenwrungherhandshelplessly。
　　"Oh，haveInocourage？"shewhispered。
　　"Nell，I'masscaredasyouare，"saidBo，consolingly，embracinghersister。
　　"Ireckonthat'snatural，"saidDale，asifexcusingthem。
　　"But，scaredornot，youbothbraceup。It'sabadjob。ButI'vedonemybest。An'you'llbesaferwithmean'theBeemanboysthanyou'dbeinMagdalena，oranywhereelse，exceptyouruncle's。"
　　"Mr——Mr。Dale，"falteredHelen，withhertearsfalling，"don'tthinkmeacoward——or——orungrateful。I'mneither。It'sonlyI'mso——soshocked。Afterallwehopedandexpected——this——this——issucha——aterriblesurprise。"
　　"Nevermind，Nelldear。Let'stakewhatcomes，"murmuredBo。
　　"That'sthetalk，"saidDale。"Yousee，I'vecomerightoutwiththeworst。Maybewe'llgetthrougheasy。Whenwemeettheboyswe'lltaketothehorsesan'thetrails。Canyouride？"
　　"BohasbeenusedtohorsesallherlifeandIridefairlywell，"respondedHelen。Theideaofridingquickenedherspirit。
　　"Good！Wemayhavesomehardridin'beforeIgetyouuptoPine。Hello！What'sthat？"
　　Abovethecreaking，rattling，rollingroarofthestageHelenheardarapidbeatofhoofs。Ahorseflashedby，gallopinghard。
　　Daleopenedthedoorandpeeredout。Thestagerolledtoahalt。Hesteppeddownandgazedahead。
　　"Joe，whowasthat？"hequeried。
　　"Naryme。An'Billdidn'tknowhim，either，"repliedJoe。"I
　　seenhim'wayback。Hewasridin'some。An'heslowedupgoin'pastus。Nowhe'srunnin'again。"
　　Daleshookhisheadasifhedidnotlikethecircumstances。
　　"Milt，he'llnevergetbyRoyonthisroad，"saidJoe。
　　Maybehe'llgetbybeforeRoystrikesinontheroad。"
　　"Itain'tlikely。"
　　Helencouldnotrestrainherfears。"Mr。Dale，youthinkhewasamessenger——goingaheadtopostthat——thatAnsongang？"
　　"Hemightbe，"repliedDale，simply。
　　ThentheyoungmancalledJoeleanedoutfromtheseataboveandcalled："MissHelen，don'tyouworry。Thetfellarismoreliabletostopleadthananythin'else。"
　　Hiswords，meanttobekindandreassuring，werealmostassinistertoHelenasthemenacetoherownlife。LonghadsheknownhowcheaplifewasheldintheWest，butshehadonlyknownitabstractly，andshehadneverletthefactremainbeforeherconsciousness。Thischeerfulyoungmanspokecalmlyofspillingbloodinherbehalf。Thethoughtitrousedwastragic——forbloodshedwasinsupportabletoher——andthenthethrillswhichfollowedweresonew，strange，bold，andtinglingthattheywererevolting。Helengrewconsciousofunplumbeddepths，ofinstinctsatwhichshewasamazedandashamed。
　　"Joe，handdownthatbasketofgrub——thesmallonewiththecanteen，"saidDale，reachingoutalongarm。Presentlyheplacedacloth-coveredbasketinsidethestage。"Girls，eatallyouwantan'thensome。"
　　"Wehaveabaskethalffullyet，"repliedHelen。
　　"You'llneeditallbeforewegettoPine……Now，I'llrideupontopwiththeboysan'eatmysupper。It'llbedark，presently，an'we'llstopoftentolisten。Butdon'tbescared。"
　　Withthathetookhisrifleand，closingthedoor，clambereduptothedriver'sseat。Thenthestagelurchedagainandbegantorollalong。
　　NottheleastthingtowonderatofthiseventfuleveningwasthewayBoreachedforthebasketoffood。Helensimplystaredather。
　　"Bo，youCAN'TEAT！"sheexclaimed。
　　"IshouldsmileIcan，"repliedthatpracticalyounglady。
　　"Andyou'regoingtoifIhavetostuffthingsinyourmouth。Where'syourwits，Nell？Hesaidwemusteat。Thatmeansourstrengthisgoingtohavesomeprettyseveretrials……Gee！it'sallgreat——justlikeastory！Theunexpected——why，helookslikeaprinceturnedhunter！——
　　long，dark，stagejourney——heldup——fight——escape——
　　wildrideonhorses——woodsandcampsandwildplaces——
　　pursued——hiddenintheforest——morehardrides——thensafeattheranch。Andofcoursehefallsmadlyinlovewithme——no，you，forI'llbetruetomyLasVegaslover——"
　　"Hush，silly！Bo，tellme，aren'tyouSCARED？"
　　"Scared！I'mscaredstiff。ButifWesterngirlsstandsuchthings，wecan。NoWesterngirlisgoingtobeatME！"
　　ThatbroughtHelentoarealizationofthebraveplaceshehadgivenherselfindreams，andshewasatonceashamedofherselfandwildlyproudofthislittlesister。
　　"Bo，thankHeavenIbroughtyouwithme！"exclaimedHelen，fervently。"I'lleatifitchokesme。"
　　Whereuponshefoundherselfactuallyhungry，andwhilesheatesheglancedoutofthestage，firstfromonesideandthenfromtheother。Thesewindowshadnoglassandtheyletthecoolnightairblowin。Thesunhadlongsincesunk。Outtothewest，whereabold，blackhorizon-linesweptawayendlessly，theskywascleargold，shadingtoyellowandblueabove。Starswereout，paleandwan，butgrowingbrighter。Theearthappearedbareandheaving，likeacalmsea。ThewindboreafragrancenewtoHelen，acridlysweetandclean，anditwassocolditmadeherfingersnumb。
　　"Iheardsomeanimalyelp，"saidBo，suddenly，andshelistenedwithheadpoised。
　　ButHelenheardnothingsavethesteadyclip-clopofhoofs，theclinkofchains，thecreakandrattleoftheoldstage，andoccasionallythelowvoicesofthemenabove。
　　Whenthegirlshadsatisfiedhungerandthirst，nighthadsettleddownblack。Theypulledthecloaksupoverthem，andclosetogetherleanedbackinacorneroftheseatandtalkedinwhispers。Helendidnothavemuchtosay，butBowastalkative。
　　"Thisbeatsme！"shesaidonce，afteraninterval。"Wherearewe，Nell？ThosemenupthereareMormons。Maybetheyareabductingus！"
　　"Mr。Daleisn'taMormon，"repliedHelen。
　　"Howdoyouknow？"
　　"Icouldtellbythewayhespokeofhisfriends。"
　　"Well，Iwishitwasn'tsodark。I'mnotafraidofmenindaylight……Nell，didyoueverseesuchawonderfullookingfellow？What'dtheycallhim？Milt——MiltDale。Hesaidhelivedinthewoods。IfIhadn'tfalleninlovewiththatcowboywhocalledme——well，I'dbeagonernow。"
　　AfteranintervalofsilenceBowhispered，startlingly，"WonderifHarveRiggsisfollowingusnow？"
　　"Ofcourseheis，"repliedHelen，hopelessly。
　　"He'dbetterlookout。Why，Nell，heneversaw——henever——whatdidUncleAlusedtocallit？——sav——savvied——
　　that'sit。Riggsneversavviedthathunter。ButIdid，youbet。"
　　"Savvied！Whatdoyoumean，Bo？"
　　"Imeanthatlong-hairedgalootneversawhisrealdanger。
　　ButIfeltit。Somethingwentlightinsideme。Dalenevertookhimseriouslyatall。"
　　"RiggswillturnupatUncleAl's，sureasI'mborn，"saidHelen。
　　"Lethimturn，"repliedBo，contemptuously。"Nell，don'tyoueverbotheryourheadagainabouthim。I'llbetthey'reallmenouthere。AndIwouldn'tbeinHarveRiggs'sbootsforalot。"
　　AfterthatBotalkedofheruncleandhisfatalillness，andfromthatshedriftedbacktothelovedonesathome，nowseeminglyattheothersideoftheworld，andthenshebrokedownandcried，afterwhichshefellasleeponHelen'sshoulder。
　　ButHelencouldnothavefallenasleepifshehadwantedto。
　　Shehadalways，sinceshecouldremember，longedforamoving，activelife；and'orwantofabetterideashehadchosentodreamofgipsies。Andnowitstruckhergrimlythat，ifthesefirstfewhoursofheradventintheWestwereforecastsofthefuture，shewasdestinedtohaveherlongingsmorethanfulfilled。
　　Presentlythestagerolledslowerandslower，untilitcametoahalt。Thenthehorsesheaved，theharnessesclinked，themenwhispered。Otherwisetherewasanintensequiet。Shelookedout，expectingtofinditpitch-dark。Itwasblack，yetatransparentblackness。Tohersurpriseshecouldseealongway。Ashooting-starelectrifiedher。Themenwerelistening。Shelistened，too，butbeyondtheslightsoundsaboutthestagesheheardnothing。Presentlythedrivercluckedtohishorses，andtravelwasresumed。
　　Forawhilethestagerolledonrapidly，evidentlydownhill，swayingfromsidetoside，andrattlingasifabouttofalltopieces。Thenitslowedonalevel，andagainithaltedforafewmoments，andoncemoreinmotionitbeganalaborsomeclimb。Helenimaginedmileshadbeencovered。Thedesertappearedtoheaveintobillows，growingrougher，anddark，roundbushesdimlystoodout。Theroadgrewunevenandrocky，andwhenthestagebegananotherdescentitsviolentrockingjoltedBooutofhersleepandinfactalmostoutofHelen'sarms。
　　"WhereamI？"askedBo，dazedly。
　　"Bo，you'rehavingyourheart'sdesire，butIcan'ttellyouwhereyouare，"repliedHelen。
　　Boawakenedthoroughly，whichfactwasnownowonder，consideringthejostlingoftheoldstage。
　　"Holdontome，Nell！……Isitarunaway？"
　　"We'vecomeaboutathousandmileslikethis，Ithink，"
　　repliedHelen。"I'venotawholeboneinmybody。"
　　Bopeeredoutofthewindow。
　　"Oh，howdarkandlonesome！Butit'dbeniceifitwasn'tsocold。I'mfreezing。"
　　"Ithoughtyoulovedcoldair，"tauntedHelen。
　　"Say，Nell，youbegintotalklikeyourself，"respondedBo。
　　Itwasdifficulttoholdontothestageandeachotherandthecloakallatonce，buttheysucceeded，exceptintheroughestplaces，whenfromtimetotimetheywerebouncedaround。Bosustainedasharpraponthehead。
　　"Oooooo！"shemoaned。"NellRayner，I'llneverforgiveyouforfetchingmeonthisawfultrip。"
　　"JustthinkofyourhandsomeLasVegascowboy，"repliedHelen。
　　EitherthisremarksubduedBoorthesuggestionsufficedtoreconcilehertothehardshipsoftheride。
　　Meanwhile，astheytalkedandmaintainedsilenceandtriedtosleep，thedriverofthestagekeptathistaskafterthemannerofWesternmenwhoknewhowtogetthebestoutofhorsesandbadroadsanddistance。
　　Byandbythestagehaltedagainandremainedatastandstillforsolong，withthemenwhisperingontop，thatHelenandBowererousedtoapprehension。
　　Suddenlyasharpwhistlecamefromthedarknessahead。
　　"Thet'sRoy，"saidJoeBeeman，inalowvoice。
　　"Ireckon。An'meetin'ussoquicklooksbad，"repliedDale。
　　"Driveon，Bill。"
　　"Mebbeitseemsquicktoyou，"mutteredthedriver，butifwehain'tcomethirtymile，an'ifthetridgetharhain'tyourturnin'-offplace，why，Idon'tknownothin'。"
　　Thestagerolledonalittlefarther，whileHelenandBosatclaspingeachothertight，wonderingwithbatedbreathwhatwastobethenextthingtohappen。
　　Thenoncemoretheywereatastandstill。Helenheardthethudofbootsstrikingtheground，andthesnortsofhorses。
　　"Nell，Iseehorses，"whisperedBo，excitedly。"There，tothesideoftheroad……andherecomesaman……Oh，ifheshouldn'tbetheonethey'reexpecting！"
　　Helenpeeredouttoseeatall，darkform，movingsilently，andbeyonditavagueoutlineofhorses，andthenpalegleamsofwhatmusthavebeenpack-loads。
　　Daleloomedup，andmetthestrangerintheroad。
　　"Howdy，Milt？Yougotthegirlsure，oryouwouldn'tbehere，"saidalowvoice。
　　"Roy，I'vegottwogirls——sisters，"repliedDale。
　　ThemanRoywhistledsoftlyunderhisbreath。Thenanotherlean，rangyformstrodeoutofthedarkness，andwasmetbyDale。
　　"Now，boys——howaboutAnson'sgang？"queriedDale。
　　"AtSnowdrop，drinkin'an'quarrelin'。Reckonthey'llleavethereaboutdaybreak，"repliedRoy。
　　"Howlonghaveyoubeenhere？"
　　"Mebbeacoupleofhours。"
　　"Anyhorsegoby？"
　　"No。"
　　"Roy，astrangeriderpassedusbeforedark。Hewashittin'
　　theroad。An'he'sgotbyherebeforeyoucame。"
　　"Idon'tlikethetnews，"repliedRoy，tersely。"Let'srustle。Withgirlsonhossbackyou'llneedallthestartyoucanget。Hey，John？"
　　"SnakeAnsonshorecanfollerhosstracks，"repliedthethirdman。
　　"Milt，saytheword，"wentonRoy，ashelookedupatthestars。"Daylightnotfaraway。Here'stheforksoftheroad，an'yourhosses，an'ouroutfit。Youcanbeinthepinesbysunup。"
　　InthesilencethatensuedHelenheardthethrobofherheartandthepantinglittlebreathsofhersister。Theybothpeeredout，handsclenchedtogether，watchingandlisteninginstrainedattention。
　　"It'spossiblethatriderlastnightwasn'tamessengertoAnson，"saidDale。"InthatcaseAnsonwon'tmakeanythin'
　　ofourwheeltracksorhorsetracks。He'llgorightontomeettheregularstage。Bill，canyougobackan'meetthestagecomin'beforeAnsondoes？"
　　"Wal，Ireckonso——an'takeiteasyatthet，"repliedBill。
　　"Allright，"continuedDale，instantly。"John，youan'Joean'Halridebacktomeettheregularstage。An'whenyoumeetitgetonan'beonitwhenAnsonholdsitup。"
　　"Thet'sshoreagreeabletome，"drawledJohn。
　　"I'dliketobeonit，too，"saidRoy，grimly。
　　"No。I'llneedyoutillI'msafeinthewoods。Bill，handdownthebags。An'you，Roy，helpmepackthem。DidyougetallthesuppliesIwanted？"
　　"Shoredid。Iftheyoungladiesain'tpowerfulparticularyoucanfeedthemwellforacoupleofmonths。"
　　Dalewheeledand，stridingtothestage，heopenedthedoor。
　　"Girls，you'renotasleep？Come，"hecalled。
　　Bosteppeddownfirst。
　　"Iwasasleeptillthis——thisvehiclefellofftheroadbackaways，"shereplied。
　　RoyBeeman'slowlaughwassignificant。Hetookoffhissombreroandstoodsilent。Theolddriversmotheredaloudguffaw。
　　"Veehicle！Wal，I'llbedoggoned！Joe，didyouhearthet？
　　Allthespunkygurlsain'tbornoutWest。"
　　AsHelenfollowedwithcloakandbagRoyassistedher，andsheencounteredkeeneyesuponherface。Heseemedbothgentleandrespectful，andshefelthissolicitude。Hisheavygun，swinginglow，struckherasshesteppeddown。
　　Dalereachedintothestageandhauledoutbasketsandbags。
　　Thesehesetdownontheground。
　　"Turnaround，Bill，an'goalongwithyou。Johnan'Halwillfollowpresently，"orderedDale。
　　"Wal，gurls，"said，lookingdownuponthem，"Iwasshorepowerfulgladtomeetyou-all。An'I'mashamedofmycountry——offerin'twosichpurtygurlsinsultsan'low-downtricks。Butshoreyou'llgothroughsafenow。Youcouldn'tbeinbettercompanyferridin'orhuntin'ormarryin'orgittin'religion——"
　　"Shutup，youoldgrizzly！"brokeinDale，sharply。
　　"Haw！Haw！Good-by，gurls，an'goodluck！"endedBill，ashebegantowhipthereins。
　　Bosaidgood-byquitedistinctly，butHelencouldonlymurmurhers。Theolddriverseemedafriend。
　　Thenthehorseswheeledandstamped，thestagecareenedandcreaked，presentlytorolloutofsightinthegloom。
　　"You'reshiverin'，"saidDale，suddenly，lookingdownuponHelen。Shefelthisbig，hardhandclasphers。"Coldasice！"
　　"Iamc-cold，"repliedHelen。"Iguesswe'renotwarmlydressed。"
　　"Nell，weroastedallday，andnowwe'refreezing，"declaredBo。"Ididn'tknowitwaswinteratnightouthere。"
　　"Miss，haven'tyousomewarmglovesan'acoat？"askedRoy，anxiously。"It'ain'tbeguntogetcoldyet。"
　　"Nell，we'veheavygloves，riding-suitsandboots——allfineandnew——inthisblackbag，"saidBo，enthusiasticallykickingabagatherfeet。
　　"Yes，sowehave。Butalotofgoodthey'lldous，to-night，"returnedHelen。
　　"Miss，you'ddowelltochangerighthere，"saidRoy，earnestly。"It'llsavetimeinthelongrunan'alotofsufferin'beforesunup。"
　　Helenstaredattheyoungman，absolutelyamazedwithhissimplicity。Shewasadvisedtochangehertraveling-dressforariding-suit——outsomewhereinacold，windydesert——inthemiddleofthenight——amongstrangeyoungman！
　　"Bo，whichbagisit？"askedDale，asifshewerehissister。Andwhensheindicatedtheone，hepickeditup。
　　"Comeofftheroad。"
　　Bofollowedhim，andHelenfoundherselfmechanicallyattheirheels。Daleledthemafewpacesofftheroadbehindsomelowbushes。
　　"Hurryan'changehere，"hesaid。"We'llmakeapackofyouroutfitan'leaveroomforthisbag。"
　　Thenhestalkedawayandinafewstridesdisappeared。
　　Bosatdowntobeginunlacinghershoes。Helencouldjustseeherpale，prettyfaceandbig，gleamingeyesbythelightofthestars。ItstruckherthenthatBowasgoingtomakeeminentlymoreofasuccessofWesternlifethanshewas。
　　"Nell，thosefellowsaren-nice，"saidBo，reflectively。
　　"Aren'tyouc-cold？Say，hesaidhurry！"
　　ItwasbeyondHelen'scomprehensionhowsheeverbegantodisrobeoutthereinthatopen，windydesert，butaftershehadgottenlaunchedonthetaskshefoundthatitrequiredmorefortitudethancourage。Thecoldwindpiercedrightthroughher。AlmostshecouldhavelaughedatthewayBomadethingsfly。
　　"G-g-g-gee！"chatteredBo。"In-neverw-wassoc-c-coldinallmylife。NellRayner，m-maytheg-goodLordforgivey-you！"
　　Helenwastoointentonherowntroublestotakebreathtotalk。Shewasastrong，healthygirl，swiftandefficientwithherhands，yetthis，thehardestphysicalordealshehadeverexperienced，almostovercameher。Booutdistancedherbymoments，helpedherwithbuttons，andlacedonewholebootforher。Then，withhandsthatstung，Helenpackedthetraveling-suitsinthebag。
　　"There！Butwhatanawfulmess！"exclaimedHelen。"Oh，Bo，ourprettytraveling-dresses！"
　　"We'llpressthemt-to-morrow——onal-log，"repliedBo，andshegiggled。
　　Theystartedfortheroad。Bo，strangetonote，didnotcarryhershareoftheburden，andsheseemedunsteadyonherfeet。
　　Themenwerewaitingbesideagroupofhorses，oneofwhichcarriedapack。
　　"Nothin'slowaboutyou，"saidDale，relievingHelenofthegrip。"Roy，putthemupwhileIslingonthisbag。"
　　Royledouttwoofthehorses。
　　"Getup，"hesaid，indicatingBo。"Thestirrupsareshortonthissaddle。"
　　Bowasanadeptatmounting，butshemadesuchawkwardandslowworkofitinthisinstancethatHelencouldnotbelievehereyes。
　　"Haw'rethestirrups？"askedRoy。"Standinthem。Guessthey'reaboutright……Carefulnow！Thethossisskittish。Holdhimin。"
　　BowasnotlivinguptothereputationwithwhichHelenhadcreditedher。
　　"Now，miss，yougetup，"saidRoytoHelen。Andinanotherinstantshefoundherselfastrideablack，spiritedhorse。
　　Numbwithcoldasshewas，sheyetfeltthecoursingthrillsalongherveins。
　　Roywasatthestirrupswithswifthands。
　　"You'retaller'nIguessed，"hesaid。"Stayup，butliftyourfoot……Shorenow，I'mgladyouhavethemthick，softboots。Mebbewe'llrideallovertheWhiteMountains。"
　　"Bo，doyouhearthat？"calledHelen。
　　ButBodidnotanswer。Shewasleaningratherunnaturallyinhersaddle。Helenbecameanxious。JustthenDalestrodebacktothem。
　　"Allcinchedup，Roy？"
　　"Jestready，"repliedRoy。
　　ThenDalestoodbesideHelen。Howtallhewas！Hiswideshouldersseemedonalevelwiththepommelofhersaddle。
　　Heputanaffectionatehandonthehorse。
　　"Hisname'sRangeran'he'sthefastestan'finesthorseinthiscountry。"
　　"Ireckonheshoreis——alongwithmybay，"corroboratedRoy。
　　"Roy，ifyourodeRangerhe'dbeatyourpet，"saidDale。"Wecanstartnow。Roy，youdrivethepack-horses。"
　　HetookanotherlookatHelen'ssaddleandthenmovedtodolikewisewithBo's。
　　"Areyou——allright？"heasked，quickly。
　　Boreeledinherseat。
　　"I'mn-nearfroze，"shereplied，inafaintvoice。Herfaceshonewhiteinthestarlight。HelenrecognizedthatBowasmorethancold。
　　"Oh，Bo！"shecalled，indistress。
　　"Nell，don'tyouworry，now。"
　　"Letmecarryyou，"suggestedDale。
　　"No。I'lls-s-stickonthishorseord-die，"fiercelyretortedBo。
　　Thetwomenlookedupatherwhitefaceandthenateachother。ThenRoywalkedawaytowardthedarkbunchofhorsesofftheroadandDaleswungastridetheonehorseleft。
　　"Keepclosetome，"hesaid。
　　BofellinlineandHelenbroughtuptherear。
　　Helenimaginedshewasneartheendofadream。Presentlyshewouldawakenwithastartandseethepalewallsofherlittleroomathome，andhearthecherrybranchesbrushingherwindow，andtheoldclarion-voicedcockproclaimthehourofdawn。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Thehorsestrotted。AndtheexercisesoonwarmedHelen，untilshewasfairlycomfortableexceptinherfingers。Inmind，however，shegrewmoremiserableasshemorefullyrealizedhersituation。Thenightnowbecamesodarkthat，althoughtheheadofherhorsewasalongsidetheflankofBo's，shecouldscarcelyseeBo。FromtimetotimeHelen'sanxiousquerybroughtfromhersistertheanswerthatshewasallright。
　　Helenhadnotriddenahorseformorethanayear，andforseveralyearsshehadnotriddenwithanyregularity。
　　Despiteherthrillsuponmounting，shehadentertainedmisgivings。Butshewasagreeablysurprised，forthehorse，Ranger，hadaneasygait，andshefoundshehadnotforgottenhowtoride。Bo，havingbeenusedtoridingonafarmnearhome，mightbeexpectedtoacquitherselfadmirably。ItoccurredtoHelenwhataplighttheywouldhavebeeninbutforthethick，comfortableridingoutfits。
　　Darkasthenightwas，Helencoulddimlymakeouttheroadunderneath。Itwasrocky，andapparentlylittleused。WhenDaleturnedofftheroadintothelowbrushorsageofwhatseemedalevelplain，thetravelingwasharder，rougher，andyetnoslower。Thehorseskepttothegaitoftheleaders。
　　Helen，discoveringitunnecessary，ceasedattemptingtoguideRanger。Thereweredimshapesinthegloomahead，andalwaystheygaveHelenuneasiness，untilcloserapproachprovedthemtoberocksorlow，scrubbytrees。Theseincreasedinbothsizeandnumberasthehorsesprogressed。
　　OftenHelenlookedbackintothegloombehind。Thisactwasinvoluntaryandoccasionedhersensationsofdread。Daleexpectedtobepursued。AndHelenexperienced，alongwiththedread，flashesofunfamiliarresentment。Notonlywasthereanattemptafoottorobherofherheritage，butevenherpersonalliberty。ThensheshudderedatthesignificanceofDale'swordsregardingherpossibleabductionbythishiredgang。Itseemedmonstrous，impossible。Yet，manifestlyitwastrueenoughtoDaleandhisallies。TheWest，then，inrealitywasraw，hard，inevitable。
　　Suddenlyherhorsestopped。HehadcomeupalongsideBo'shorse。Dalehadhaltedahead，andapparentlywaslistening。
　　Royandthepack-trainwereoutofsightinthegloom。
　　"Whatisit？"whisperedHelen。
　　"ReckonIheardawolf，"repliedDale。
　　"Wasthatcryawolf's？"askedBo。"Iheard。Itwaswild。"
　　"We'regettin'upclosetothefoot-hills，"saidDale。"Feelhowmuchcoldertheairis。"
　　"I'mwarmnow，"repliedBo。"Iguessbeingnearfrozewaswhatailedme……Nell，how'reyou？"
　　"I'mwarm，too，but——"Helenanswered。
　　"Ifyouhadyourchoiceofbeinghereorbackhome，snuginbed——whichwouldyoutake？"askedBo。
　　"Bo！"exclaimedHelen，aghast。
　　"Well，I'dchoosetoberighthereonthishorse，"rejoinedBo。
　　Daleheardher，forheturnedaninstant，thenslappedhishorseandstartedon。
　　HelennowrodebesideBo，andforalongtimetheyclimbedsteadilyinsilence。Helenknewwhenthatdarkhourbeforedawnhadpassed，andshewelcomedanalmostimperceptiblelighteningintheeast。Thenthestarspaled。Graduallyagraynessabsorbedallbutthelargerstars。Thegreatwhitemorningstar，wonderfulasHelenhadneverseenit，lostitsbrillianceandlifeandseemedtoretreatintothedimmingblue。
　　Daylightcamegradually，sothatthegraydesertbecamedistinguishablebydegrees。Rollingbarehills，halfobscuredbythegrayliftingmantleofnight，roseintheforeground，andbehindwasgrayspace，slowlytakingformandsubstance。Intheeasttherewasakindlingofpaleroseandsilverthatlengthenedandbrightenedalongahorizongrowingvisiblyrugged。
　　"Reckonwe'dbettercatchupwithRoy，"saidDale，andhespurredhishorse。
　　RangerandBo'smountneedednootherurging，andtheyswungintoacanter。Faraheadthepack-animalsshowedwithRoydrivingthem。ThecoldwindwassokeeninHelen'sfacethattearsblurredhereyesandfrozehercheeks。AndridingRangeratthatpacewaslikeridinginarocking-chair。Thatride，invigoratingandexciting，seemedalltooshort。
　　"Oh，Nell，Idon'tcare——whatbecomesof——me！"exclaimedBo，breathlessly。
　　Herfacewaswhiteandred，freshasarose，hereyesglanceddarklyblue，herhairblewoutinbright，unrulystrands。HelenknewshefeltsomeofthephysicalstimulationthathadsorousedBo，andseemedsoirresistible，butsomberthoughtwasnotdeflectedthereby。
　　ItwascleardaylightwhenRoyledoffroundaknollfromwhichpatchesofscrubbytrees——cedars，Dalecalledthem——straggleduponthesideofthefoot-hills。
　　"Theygrowonthenorthslopes，wherethesnowstayslongest，"saidDale。
　　Theydescendedintoavalleythatlookedshallow，butprovedtobedeepandwide，andthenbegantoclimbanotherfoot-hill。UponsurmountingitHelensawtherisingsun，andsogloriousaviewconfrontedherthatshewasunabletoanswerBo'swildexclamations。
　　Bare，yellow，cedar-dottedslopes，apparentlylevel，sogradualwastheascent，stretchedawaytoadenseraggedlineofforestthatroseblackoverrangeafterrange，atlasttofailnearthebaresummitofamagnificentmountain，sunrise-flushedagainstthebluesky。
　　"Oh，beautiful！"criedBo。"ButtheyoughttobecalledBlackMountains。"
　　"OldBaldy，there，iswhitehalftheyear，"repliedDale。
　　"Lookbackan'seewhatyousay，"suggestedRoy。
　　Thegirlsturnedtogazesilently。Helenimaginedshelookeddownuponthewholewideworld。Howvastlydifferentwasthedesert！Verilyityawnedawayfromher，redandgoldnearathand，growingsoftlyflushedwithpurplefaraway，abarrenvoid，borderlessandimmense，wheredark-greenpatchesandblacklinesandupheavedridgesonlyservedtoemphasizedistanceandspace。
　　"Seethetlittlegreenspot，"saidRoy，pointing。"Thet'sSnowdrop。An'theotherone——'waytotheright——thet'sShowDown。"
　　"WhereisPine？"queriedHelen，eagerly。
　　"Fartherstill，upoverthefoot-hillsattheedgeofthewoods。"
　　"Thenwe'reridingawayfromit。"
　　"Yes。Ifwe'dgonestraightforPinethetgangcouldovertakeus。Pineisfourdays'ride。An'bytakin'tothemountainsMiltcanhidehistracks。An'whenhe'sthrownAnsonoffthescent，thenhe'llcircledowntoPine。"
　　"Mr。Dale，doyouthinkyou'llgetustheresafely——andsoon？"askedHelen，wistfully。
　　"Iwon'tpromisesoon，butIpromisesafe。An'Idon'tlikebein'calledMister，"hereplied。
　　"Areweevergoingtoeat？"inquiredBo，demurely。
　　AtthisqueryRoyBeemanturnedwithalaughtolookatBo。
　　Helensawhisfacefullyinthelight，anditwasthinandhard，darklybronzed，witheyeslikethoseofahawk，andwithsquarechinandleanjawsshowingscant，lightbeard。
　　"Weshoreare，"hereplied。"Soonaswereachthetimber。
　　Thetwon'tbelong。"
　　"Reckonwecanrustlesomean'thentakeagoodrest，"saidDale，andheurgedhishorseintoajog-trot。
　　Duringasteadytrotforalonghour，Helen'srovingeyeswereeverywhere，takingnoteofthethingsfromneartofar——thescantsagethatsoongaveplacetoasscantyagrass，andthedarkblotsthatprovedtobedwarfcedars，andtheravinesopeningoutasifbymagicfromwhathadappearedlevelground，towindawaywideningbetweengraystonewalls，andfartheron，patchesoflonelypine-trees，twoandthreetogether，andthenastragglingclumpofyellowaspens，andupbeyondthefringedborderofforest，growingnearerallthewhile，theblacksweepingbenchesrisingtothenobledomeofthedominantmountainoftherange。
　　Nobirdsoranimalswereseeninthatlongrideuptowardthetimber，whichfactseemedstrangetoHelen。Theairlostsomethingofitscold，cuttingedgeasthesunrosehigher，anditgainedsweetertangofforest-land。ThefirstfaintsuggestionofthatfragrancewasutterlynewtoHelen，yetitbroughtavaguesensationoffamiliarityandwithitanemotionasstrange。Itwasasifshehadsmelledthatkeen，pungenttanglongago，andherphysicalsensecaughtitbeforehermemory。
　　Theyellowplainhadonlyappearedtobelevel。Royleddownintoashallowravine，whereatinystreammeandered，andhefollowedthisaroundtotheleft，comingatlengthtoapointwherecedarsanddwarfpinesformedalittlegrove。
　　Here，astheothersrodeup，hesatcross-leggedinhissaddle，andwaited。
　　"We'llhangupawhile，"hesaid。"Reckonyou'retired？"
　　"I'mhungry，butnottiredyet，"repliedBo。
　　Helendismounted，tofindthatwalkingwassomethingshehadapparentlylostthepowertodo。Bolaughedather，butshe，too，wasawkwardwhenoncemoreupontheground。
　　ThenRoygotdown。Helenwassurprisedtofindhimlame。Hecaughtherquickglance。
　　"Ahossthrewmeoncean'rolledonme。Onlybrokemycollar-bone，fiveribs，onearm，an'mybow-legsintwoplaces！"
　　Notwithstandingthisevidencethathewasacripple，ashestoodtheretallandlitheinhishomespun，raggedgarments，helookedsingularlypowerfulandcapable。
　　"Reckonwalkin'aroundwouldbegoodforyougirls，"advisedDale。"Ifyouain'tstiffyet，you'llbesoon。An'walkin'
　　willhelp。Don'tgofar。I'llcallwhenbreakfast'sready。"
　　Alittlewhilelaterthegirlswerewhistledinfromtheirwalkandfoundcamp-fireandmealawaitingthem。Roywassittingcross-legged，likeanIndian，infrontofatarpaulin，uponwhichwasspreadahomelybutsubstantialfare。Helen'squickeyedetectedacleanlinessandthoroughnessshehadscarcelyexpectedtofindinthecampcookingofmenofthewilds。Moreover，thefarewasgood。
　　Sheateheartily，andasforBo'sappetite，shewasinclinedtobeasmuchashamedofthatasamusedatit。Theyoungmenwerealleyes，assiduousintheirservicetothegirls，butspeakingseldom。ItwasnotlostuponHelenhowDale'sgraygazewentoftendownacrosstheopencountry。Shedivinedapprehensionfromitratherthansawmuchexpressioninit。
　　"I——declare，"burstoutBo，whenshecouldnoteatanymore，"thisisn'tbelievable。I'mdreaming……Nell，theblackhorseyourodeistheprettiestIeversaw。"
　　Ranger，withtheotheranimals，wasgrazingalongthelittlebrook。Packsandsaddleshadbeenremoved。Themenateleisurely。Therewaslittleevidenceofhurriedflight。YetHelencouldnotcastoffuneasiness。Roymighthavebeendeep，andcareless，withamotivetosparethegirls'
　　anxiety，butDaleseemedincapableofanythinghedidnotabsolutelymean。
　　"Restorwalk，"headvisedthegirls。"We'vegotfortymilestoridebeforedark。"
　　Helenpreferredtorest，butBowalkedabout，pettingthehorsesandpryingintothepacks。Shewascuriousandeager。
　　DaleandRoytalkedinlowtoneswhiletheycleaneduptheutensilsandpackedthemawayinaheavycanvasbag。
　　"YoureallyexpectAnson'llstrikemytrailthismornin'？"
　　Dalewasasking。
　　"Ishoredo，"repliedRoy。
　　"An'howdoyoufigurethatsosoon？"
　　"How'dyoufigureit——ifyouwasSnakeAnson？"queriedRoy，inreply。
　　"DependsonthatriderfromMagdalena，"SaidDale，soberly。
　　"Althoughit'slikelyI'dseenthemwheeltracksan'hosstracksmadewhereweturnedoff。Butsupposin'hedoes。"
　　"Milt，listen。ItoldyouSnakemetusboysfacetofacedaybeforeyesterdayinShowDown。An'hewasplumbcurious。"
　　"Buthemissedseein'orhearin'aboutme，"repliedDale。
　　"Mebbehedidan'mebbehedidn't。Anyway，what'sthedifferencewhetherhefindsoutthismornin'orthisevenin'？"
　　"Thenyouain'texpectin'afightifAnsonholdsupthestage？"
　　"Wal，he'dhavetoshootfirst，whichain'tlikely。Johnan'
　　Hal，sincethetshootin'-scrapeayearago，havebeensortofgun-shy。Joemightgetriled。ButIreckonthebestwecanbeshoreofisadelay。An'it'dbesensenottocountonthet。"
　　"Thenyouhangupherean'keepwatchforAnson'sgang——
　　saylongenoughso'stobesurethey'dbeinsightiftheyfindourtracksthismornin'。Makin'sureonewayoranother，youride'cross-countrytoBigSpring，whereI'llcampto-night。"
　　Roynoddedapprovalofthatsuggestion。Thenwithoutmorewordsbothmenpickedupropesandwentafterthehorses。
　　HelenwaswatchingDale，sothatwhenBocriedoutingreatexcitementHelenturnedtoseeasavageyellowlittlemustangstandingstraightuponhishindlegsandpawingtheair。Royhadropedhimandwasnowdragginghimintocamp。
　　"Nell，lookatthatforawildpony！"exclaimedBo。
　　Helenbusiedherselfgettingwelloutofthewayoftheinfuriatedmustang。Roydraggedhimtoacedarnearby。
　　"Comenow，Buckskin，"saidRoy，soothingly，andheslowlyapproachedthequiveringanimal。Hewentcloser，handoverhand，onthelasso。Buckskinshowedthewhitesofhiseyesandalsohiswhiteteeth。ButhestoodwhileRoyloosenedtheloopand，slippingitdownoverhishead，fasteneditinacomplicatedknotroundhisnose。
　　"Thet'sahackamore，"hesaid，indicatingtheknot。He'sneverhadabridle，an'neverwillhaveone，Ireckon。"
　　"Youdon'tridehim？"queriedHelen。
　　"SometimesIdo，"repliedRoy，withasmile。"Wouldyougirlsliketotryhim？"
　　"Excuseme，"answeredHelen。
　　"Gee！"ejaculatedBo。"Helookslikeadevil。ButI'dtacklehim——ifyouthinkIcould。"
　　ThewildleavenoftheWesthadfoundquickrootinBoRayner。
　　"Wal，I'msorry，butIreckonI'llnotletyou——foraspell，"repliedRoy，dryly。
　　"Hepitchessomethin'powerfulbad。"
　　"Pitches。Youmeanbucks？"
　　"Ireckon。"
　　Inthenexthalf-hourHelensawmoreandlearnedmoreabouthowhorsesoftheopenrangewerehandledthanshehadeverheardof。ExceptingRanger，andRoy'sbay，andthewhiteponyBorode，therestofthehorseshadactuallytoberopedandhauledintocamptobesaddledandpacked。Itwasajobforfearless，strongmen，andonethatcalledforpatienceaswellasarmsofiron。SothatforHelenRaynerthethingsucceedingtheconfidenceshehadplacedinthesemenwasrespect。Toanobservingwomanthathalf-hourtoldmuch。
　　WhenallwasinreadinessforastartDalemounted，andsaid，significantly："Roy，I'lllookforyouaboutsundown。
　　Ihopenosooner。"
　　"Wal，it'dbebadifIhadtorustlealongsoonwithbadnews。Let'shopeforthebest。We'vebeenshoreluckysofar。Nowyoutaketothepine-matsinthewoodsan'hideyourtrail。"
　　Daleturnedaway。ThenthegirlsbadeRoygood-by，andfollowed。SoonRoyandhisbuckskin-coloredmustangwerelosttosightroundaclumpoftrees。
　　Theunhamperedhorsesledtheway；thepack-animalstrottedafterthem；theriderswereclosebehind。Alltraveledatajog-trot。Andthisgaitmadethepacksbobupanddownandfromsidetoside。ThesunfeltwarmatHelen'sbackandthewindlostitsfrostycoldness，thatalmostappeareddamp，foradry，sweetfragrance。Daledroveuptheshallowvalleythatshowedtimberonthelevelsaboveandablackborderoftimbersomefewmilesahead。Itdidnottakelongtoreachtheedgeoftheforest。
　　Helenwonderedwhythebigpinesgrewsofaronthatplainandnofarther。Probablythegrowthhadtodowithsnow，but，asthegroundwaslevel，shecouldnotseewhytheedgeofthewoodsshouldcomejustthere。
　　Theyrodeintotheforest。
　　ToHelenitseemedastrange，criticalentranceintoanotherworld，whichshewasdestinedtoknowandtolove。Thepineswerebig，brown-barked，seamed，andknotted，withnotypicalconformationexceptamajestyandbeauty。Theygrewfarapart。Fewsmallpinesandlittleunderbrushflourishedbeneaththem。Thefloorofthisforestappearedremarkableinthatitconsistedofpatchesofhighsilverygrassandwidebrownareasofpine-needles。ThesemanifestlywerewhatRoyhadmeantbypine-mats。Hereandthereafallenmonarchlayrivenorrotting。Helenwaspresentlystruckwiththesilenceoftheforestandthestrangefactthatthehorsesseldommadeanysoundatall，andwhentheydiditwasacrackingofdeadtwigorthudofhoofonlog。Likewiseshebecameawareofaspringynatureoftheground。Andthenshesawthatthepine-matsgavelikerubbercushionsunderthehoofsofthehorses，andaftertheyhadpassedsprangbacktoplaceagain，leavingnotrack。Helencouldnotseeasignofatrailtheyleftbehind。Indeed，itwouldtakeasharpeyetofollowDalethroughthatforest。ThisknowledgewasinfinitelycomfortingtoHelen，andforthefirsttimesincetheflighthadbegunshefeltalesseningoftheweightuponmindandheart。Itleftherfreeforsomeoftheappreciationshemighthavehadinthiswonderfulrideunderhappiercircumstances。
　　Bo，however，seemedtooyoung，toowild，toointensetomindwhatthecircumstanceswere。Sherespondedtoreality。Helenbegantosuspectthatthegirlwouldwelcomeanyadventure，andHelenknewsurelynowthatBowasatrueAuchincloss。
　　ForthreelongdaysHelenhadfeltaconstraintwithwhichheretoforeshehadbeenunfamiliar；forthelasthoursithadbeensubmergedunderdread。Butitmustbe，sheconcluded，bloodlikehersister's，poundingatherveinstobesetfreetoraceandtoburn。
　　Bolovedaction。Shehadaneyeforbeauty，butshewasnotcontemplative。ShewasnowhelpingDaledrivethehorsesandholdtheminrathercloseformation。Sherodewell，andasyetshowednosymptomsoffatigueorpain。Helenbegantobeawareofboth，butnotenoughyettolimitherinterest。
　　Awonderfulforestwithoutbirdsdidnotseemrealtoher。
　　OfalllivingcreaturesinnatureHelenlikedbirdsbest，andsheknewmanyandcouldimitatethesongsofafew。Buthereunderthestatelypinestherewerenobirds。Squirrels，however，begantobeseenhereandthere，andinthecourseofanhour'stravelbecameabundant。Theonlyonewithwhichshewasfamiliarwasthechipmunk。Alltheothers，fromtheslimbrightblackstothestripedrussetsandthewhite-tailedgrays，weretotallynewtoher。Theyappearedtameandcurious。Theredsbarkedandscoldedatthepassingcavalcade；theblacksglidedtosomesafebranch，theretowatch；thegrayspaidnoespecialheedtothisinvasionoftheirdomain。
　　OnceDale，haltinghishorse，pointedwithlongarm，andHelen，followingthedirection，descriedseveralgraydeerstandinginaglade，motionless，withlongearsup。Theymadeawildandbeautifulpicture。Suddenlytheyboundedawaywithremarkablespringystrides。
　　Theforestonthewholeheldtothelevel，opencharacter，buttherewereswalesandstream-bedsbreakingupitsregularconformity。Towardnoon，however，itgraduallychanged，afactthatHelenbelievedshemighthaveobservedsoonerhadshebeenmorekeen。Thegenerallayofthelandbegantoascend，andthetreestogrowdenser。
　　Shemadeanotherdiscovery。Eversinceshehadenteredtheforestshehadbecomeawareofafullnessinherheadandasomethingaffectinghernostrils。Sheimagined，withregret，thatshehadtakencold。Butpresentlyherheadclearedsomewhatandsherealizedthatthethickpineodoroftheforesthadcloggedhernostrilsasifwithasweetpitch。
　　Thesmellwasoverpoweringanddisagreeablebecauseofitsstrength。Alsoherthroatandlungsseemedtoburn。
　　Whenshebegantoloseinterestintheforestandhersurroundingsitwasbecauseofachesandpainswhichwouldnolongerbedeniedrecognition。Thereaftershewasnotpermittedtoforgetthemandtheygrewworse。One，especially，wasapainbeyondallherexperience。Itlayinthemusclesofherside，aboveherhip，anditgrewtobeatreacherousthing，foritwasnotpersistent。Itcameandwent。Afteritdidcome，withaterribleflash，itcouldbebornebyshiftingoreasingthebody。Butitgavenowarning。Whensheexpecteditshewasmistaken；whenshedaredtobreatheagain，then，withpiercingswiftness，itreturnedlikeabladeinherside。This，then，wasoneoftheriding-painsthatmadeavictimofatenderfootonalongride。Itwasalmosttoomuchtobeborne。Thebeautyoftheforest，thelivingcreaturestobeseenscurryingaway，thetime，distance——everythingfadedbeforethatstablikepain。Toherinfinitereliefshefoundthatitwasthetrotthatcausedthistorture。WhenRangerwalkedshedidnothavetosufferit。ThereforesheheldhimtoawalkaslongasshedaredoruntilDaleandBowerealmostoutofsight；
　　thenshelopedhimaheaduntilhehadcaughtup。
　　Sothehourspassed，thesungotaroundlow，sendinggoldenshaftsunderthetrees，andtheforestgraduallychangedtoabrighter，butathicker，color。Thisslowlydarkened。
　　Sunsetwasnotfaraway。
　　Sheheardthehorsessplashinginwater，andsoonsherodeuptoseethetinystreamsofcrystalwaterrunningswiftlyoverbedsofgreenmoss。Shecrossedanumberoftheseandfollowedalongthelastoneintoamoreopenplaceintheforestwherethepineswerehuge，towering，andfarapart。A
　　low，graybluffofstonerosetotheright，perhapsone-thirdashighasthetrees。Fromsomewherecametherushingsoundofrunningwater。
　　"BigSpring，"announcedDale。"Wecamphere。Yougirlshavedonewell。"
　　AnotherglanceprovedtoHelenthatallthoselittlestreamspouredfromunderthisgraybluff。
　　"I'mdyingforadrink，"criedBo。withhercustomaryhyperbole。
　　"Ireckonyou'llneverforgetyourfirstdrinkhere，"
　　remarkedDale。