"Thatdoesn'tmatter。I'mthinkingofhumanityoflawandorder。Ofwhatisright。"
　　"Wal，MissNell，I'llwaittillyougetrealmad——ortillBeasley——"
　　"But，myfriend，I'llnotgetmad，"interruptedHelen。"I'llkeepmytemper。"
　　"I'llbetyoudon't，"heretorted。"Mebbeyouthinkyou'venoneofBoinyou。ButI'llbetyoucouldgetsomad——onceyoustarted——thetyou'dbeturrible。What'veyougotthemeyesfor，MissNell，ifyouain'tanAuchincloss？"
　　Hewassmiling，yethemeanteveryword。Helenfeltthetruthassomethingshefeared。
　　"LasVegas，Iwon'tbet。Butyou——youwillalwayscometome——first——ifthere'strouble。"
　　"Ipromise，"hereplied，soberly，andthenwentout。
　　Helenfoundthatshewastrembling，andthattherewasacommotioninherbreast。Carmichaelhadfrightenedher。Nolongerdidsheholddoubtofthegravityofthesituation。
　　ShehadseenBeasleyoften，severaltimescloseathand，andonceshehadbeenforcedtomeethim。Thattimehadconvincedherthathehadevincedpersonalinterestinher。
　　Andonthisaccount，coupledwiththefactthatRiggsappearedtohavenothingelsetodobutshadowher，shehadbeenslowindevelopingherintentionoforganizingandteachingaschoolforthechildrenofPine。Riggshadbecomeratheradoubtfulcelebrityinthesettlements。Yethisbold，apparentbadnesshadmadeitsimpression。Fromallreportshespenthistimegambling，drinking，andbragging。
　　ItwasnolongernewsinPinewhathisintentionsweretowardHelenRayner。Twicehehadriddenuptotheranch-house，upononeoccasionsecuringaninterviewwithHelen。Inspiteofhercontemptandindifference，hewasactuallyinfluencingherlifethereinPine。Anditbegantoappearthattheotherman，Beasley，mightsoondirectstrongersignificanceuponthelibertyofheractions。
　　Theresponsibilityoftheranchhadturnedouttobeaheavyburden。Itcouldnotbemanaged，atleastbyher，inthewayAuchinclosswanteditdone。Hewasold，irritable，irrational，andhard。Almostalltheneighborsweresetagainsthim，andnaturallydidnottakekindlytoHelen。
　　Shehadnotfoundtheslightestevidenceofunfairdealingonthepartofheruncle，buthehadbeenaharddriver。
　　Thenhisshrewd，far-seeingjudgmenthadmadeallhisdealsfortunateforhim，whichfacthadnotbroughtaprofitoffriendship。
　　Oflate，sinceAuchinclosshadgrownweakerandlessdominating，Helenhadtakenmanydecisionsuponherself，withgratifyingandhopefulresults。ButthewonderfulhappinessthatshehadexpectedtofindintheWeststillheldaloof。ThememoryofParadiseParkseemedonlyadream，sweeterandmoreintangibleastimepassed，andfullerofvagueregrets。Bowasacomfort，butalsoaveryconsiderablesourceofanxiety。ShemighthavebeenahelptoHelenifshehadnotassimilatedWesternwayssoswiftly。
　　Helenwishedtodecidethingsinherownway，whichwasasyetquitefarfromWestern。SoHelenhadbeenthrownmoreandmoreuponherownresources，withthecowboyCarmichaeltheonlyonewhohadcomeforwardvoluntarilytoheraid。
　　ForanhourHelensataloneintheroom，lookingoutofthewindow，andfacingsternrealitywithacolder，graver，keenersenseofintimacythaneverbefore。Toholdherpropertyandtoliveherlifeinthiscommunityaccordingtoherideasofhonesty，justice，andlawmightwellbebeyondherpowers。To-dayshehadbeenconvincedthatshecouldnotdosowithoutfightingforthem，andtofightshemusthavefriends。ThatconvictionwarmedhertowardCarmichael，andathoughtfulconsiderationofallhehaddoneforherprovedthatshehadnotfullyappreciatedhim。Shewouldmakeupforheroversight。
　　TherewerenoMormonsinheremploy，forthegoodreasonthatAuchinclosswouldnothirethem。Butinoneofhiskindlierhours，growingrarenow，hehadadmittedthattheMormonswerethebestandthemostsober，faithfulworkersontheranges，andthathissoleobjectiontothemwasjustthisfactoftheirsuperiority。HelendecidedtohirethefourBeemansandanyoftheirrelativesorfriendswhowouldcome；andtodothis，ifpossible，withoutlettingheruncleknow。Histempernow，aswellashisjudgment，wasahindrancetoefficiency。ThisdecisionregardingtheBeemans；broughtHelenbacktoCarmichael'sferventwishforDale，andthentoherown。
　　Soonspringwouldbeathand，withitsmultiplicityofrangetasks。DalehadpromisedtocometoPinethen，andHelenknewthatpromisewouldbekept。Herheartbeatalittlefaster，inspiteofherbusiness-centeredthoughts。Dalewasthere，overtheblack-sloped，snowy-tippedmountain，shutawayfromtheworld。Helenalmostenviedhim。Nowonderhelovedloneliness，solitude，thesweet，wildsilenceandbeautyofParadisePark！Buthewasselfish，andHelenmeanttoshowhimthat。Sheneededhishelp。Whensherecalledhisphysicalprowesswithanimals，andimaginedwhatitmustbeinrelationtomen，sheactuallysmiledatthethoughtofBeasleyforcingheroffherproperty，ifDalewerethere。
　　Beasleywouldonlyforcedisasteruponhimself。ThenHelenexperiencedaquickshock。WouldDaleanswertothissituationasCarmichaelhadanswered？Itaffordedherrelieftoassureherselftothecontrary。Thecowboywasoneofablood-lettingbreed；thehunterwasamanofthought，gentleness，humanity。Thissituationwasoneofthekindthathadmadehimdespisethelittlenessofmen。Helenassuredherselfthathewasdifferentfromheruncleandfromthecowboy，inalltherelationsoflifewhichshehadobservedwhilewithhim。Butadoubtlingeredinhermind。
　　SherememberedhiscalmreferencetoSnakeAnson，andthatcausedarecurrenceofthelittleshiverCarmichaelhadgivenher。WhenthedoubtaugmentedtoapossibilitythatshemightnotbeabletocontrolDale，thenshetriednottothinkofitanymore。Itconfusedandperplexedherthatintohermindshouldflashathoughtthat，thoughitwouldbedreadfulforCarmichaeltokillBeasley，forDaletodoitwouldbeacalamity——aterriblething。Helendidnotanalyzethatstrangethought。ShewasasafraidofitasshewasofthestirinherbloodwhenshevisualizedDale。
　　HermeditationwasinterruptedbyBo，whoenteredtheroom，rebellious-eyedandverylofty。Hermannerchanged，whichapparentlyoweditscausetothe，factthatHelenwasalone。
　　"Isthat——cowboygone？"sheasked。
　　"Yes。Heleftquitesometimeago，"repliedHelen。
　　"Iwonderedifhemadeyoureyesshine——yourcolorburnso。Nell，you'rejustbeautiful。"
　　"Ismyfaceburning？"askedHelen，withalittlelaugh。"Soitis。Well，Bo，you'venocauseforjealousy。LasVegascan'tbeblamedformyblushes。"
　　"Jealous！Me？Ofthatwild-eyed，soft-voiced，two-facedcow-puncher？Iguessnot，NellRayner。What'dhesayaboutme？"
　　"Bo，hesaidalot，"repliedHelen，reflectively。"I'lltellyoupresently。FirstIwanttoaskyou——hasCarmichaelevertoldyouhowhe'shelpedme？"
　　"No！WhenIseehim——whichhasn'tbeenoftenlately——he——I——Well，wefight。Nell，hashehelpedyou？"
　　Helensmiledinfaintamusement。Shewasgoingtobesincere，butshemeanttokeepherwordtothecowboy。ThefactwasthatreflectionhadacquaintedherwithherindebtednesstoCarmichael。
　　"Bo，you'vebeensowildtoridehalf-brokenmustangs——andcarryonwithcowboys——andread——andsew——andkeepyoursecretsthatyou'vehadnotimeforyoursisterorhertroubles。"
　　"Nell！"burstoutBo，inamazeandpain。SheflewtoHelenandseizedherhands。"What'reyousaying？"
　　"It'salltrue，"repliedHelen，thrillingandsoftening。
　　Thissweetsister，oncearoused，wouldbehardtoresist。
　　Helenimaginedsheshouldholdtohertoneofreproachandseverity。
　　"Sureit'strue，"criedBo，fiercely。"Butwhat'smyfoolinggottodowiththe——therestyousaid？Nell，areyoukeepingthingsfromme？"
　　"Mydear，Inevergetanyencouragementtotellyoumytroubles。"
　　"ButI've——I'venurseduncle——satupwithhim——justthesameasyou，"saidBo，withquiveringlips。
　　"Yes，you'vebeengoodtohim。"
　　"We'venoothertroubles，havewe，Nell？"
　　"Youhaven't，butIhave，"respondedHelen，reproachfully。
　　"Why——whydidn'tyoutellme？"criedBo，passionately。
　　"Whatarethey？Tellmenow。Youmustthinkmea——aselfish，hatefulcat。"
　　"Bo，I'vehadmuchtoworryme——andtheworstisyettocome，"repliedHelen。ThenshetoldBohowcomplicatedandbewilderingwasthemanagementofabigranch——whentheownerwasill，testy，defectiveinmemory，andhardassteel——whenhehadhoardsofgoldandnotes，butcouldnotorwouldnotrememberhisobligations——whentheneighborranchershadjustclaims——whencowboysandsheep-herderswerediscontented，andwrangledamongthemselves——whengreatherdsofcattleandflocksofsheephadtobefedinwinter——whensupplieshadtobecontinuallyfreightedacrossamuddydesertandlastly，whenanenemyrancherwasslowlywinningawaythebesthandswiththeendinviewofdeliberatelytakingoverthepropertywhentheownerdied。
　　ThenHelentoldhowshehadonlythatdayrealizedtheextentofCarmichael'sadviceandhelpandlabor——how，indeed，hehadbeenabrothertoher——how——
　　ButatthisjunctureBoburiedherfaceinHelen'sbreastandbegantocrywildly。
　　"I——I——don'twant——tohear——anymore，"shesobbed。
　　"Well，you'vegottohearit，"repliedHelen，inexorably"I
　　wantyoutoknowhowhe'sstoodbyme。"
　　"ButIhatehim。"
　　"Bo，Isuspectthat'snottrue。"
　　"Ido——Ido。"
　　"Well，youactandtalkverystrangelythen。"
　　"NellRayner——are——you——youstickingupforthat——
　　thatdevil？"
　　"Iam，yes，sofarasitconcernsmyconscience，"rejoinedHelen，earnestly。"Ineverappreciatedhimashedeserved——
　　notuntilnow。He'saman，Bo，everyinchofhim。I'veseenhimgrowuptothatinthreemonths。I'dneverhavegottenalongwithouthim。Ithinkhe'sfine，manly，big。I——"
　　"I'llbet——he'smadelove——toyou，too，"repliedBo，woefully。
　　"Talksense，"saidHelen，sharply。"Hehasbeenabrothertome。But，BoRayner，ifheHADmadelovetomeI——Imighthaveappreciateditmorethanyou。"
　　Boraisedherface，flushedinpartandalsopale，withtear-wetcheeksandthetelltaleblazeintheblueeyes。
　　"I'vebeenwildaboutthatfellow。ButIhatehim，too，"shesaid，withflashingspirit。"AndIwanttogoonhatinghim。
　　Sodon'ttellmeanymore。"
　　WhereuponHelenbrieflyandgraphicallyrelatedhowCarmichaelhadofferedtokillBeasley，astheonlywaytosaveherproperty，andhow，whensherefused，thathethreatenedhewoulddoitanyhow。
　　BofelloverwithagaspandclungtoHelen。
　　"Oh——Nell！Oh，nowIlovehimmorethan——ever，"shecried，inmingledrageanddespair。
　　Helenclaspedhercloselyandtriedtocomfortherasintheolddays，notsoveryfarback，whentroubleswerenotsoseriousasnow。
　　"Ofcourseyoulovehim，"sheconcluded。"Iguessedthatlongago。AndI'mglad。Butyou'vebeenwilful——foolish。
　　Youwouldn'tsurrendertoit。Youwantedyourflingwiththeotherboys。You're——Oh，Bo，Ifearyouhavebeenasadlittleflirt。"
　　"I——Iwasn'tverybadtill——tillhegotbossy。Why，Nell，heacted——rightoff——justasifheOWNEDme。Buthedidn't……Andtoshowhim——I——IreallydidflirtwiththatTurnerfellow。Thenhe——heinsultedme……
　　Oh，Ihatehim！"
　　"Nonsense，Bo。Youcan'thateanyonewhileyoulovehim，"
　　protestedHelen。
　　"Muchyouknowaboutthat，"flashedBo。"Youjustcan！Lookhere。Didyoueverseeacowboyropeandthrowandtieupameanhorse？"
　　"Yes，Ihave。"
　　"Doyouhaveanyideahowstrongacowboyis——howhishandsandarmsarelikeiron？"
　　"Yes，I'msureIknowthat，too。"
　　"Andhowsavageheis？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andhowhegoesatanythinghewantstodo？"
　　"Imustadmitcowboysareabrupt，"respondedHelen，withasmile。
　　"Well，MissRayner，didyouever——whenyouwerestandingquietlikealady——didyoueverhaveacowboydiveatyouwithaterriblelunge——grabyouandholdyousoyoucouldn'tmoveorbreatheorscream——hugyoutillallyourbonescracked——andkissyousofierceandsohardthatyouwantedtokillhimanddie？
　　Helenhadgraduallydrawnbackfromthisblazing-eyed，eloquentsister，andwhentheendofthatremarkablequestioncameitwasimpossibletoreply。
　　"There！Iseeyouneverhadthatdonetoyou，"resumedBo，withsatisfaction。"Sodon'tevertalktome。"
　　"I'veheardhissideofthestory，"saidHelen，constrainedly。
　　WithastartBosatupstraighter，asifbettertodefendherself。
　　"Oh！Soyouhave？AndIsupposeyou'lltakehispart——evenaboutthat——thatbearishtrick。"
　　"No。Ithinkthatrudeandbold。But，Bo，Idon'tbelievehemeanttobeeitherrudeorbold。FromwhatheconfessedtomeIgatherthathebelievedhe'dloseyououtrightorwinyououtrightbythatviolence。Itseemsgirlscan'tplayatloveouthereinthiswildWest。Hesaidtherewouldbebloodshedoveryou。Ibegintorealizewhathemeant。He'snotsorryforwhathedid。Thinkhowstrangethatis。Forhehastheinstinctsofagentleman。He'skind，gentle，chivalrous。Evidentlyhehadtriedeverywaytowinyourfavorexceptanyfamiliaradvance。Hedidthatasalastresort。Inmyopinionhismotivesweretoforceyoutoacceptorrefusehim，andincaseyourefusedhimhe'dalwayshavethoseforbiddenstolenkissestoassuagehisself-respect——whenhethoughtofTurneroranyoneelsedaringtobefamiliarwithyou。Bo，IseethroughCarmichael，evenifIdon'tmakehimcleartoyou。You'vegottobehonestwithyourself。Didthatactofhiswinorloseyou？Inotherwords，doyoulovehimornot？"
　　Bohidherface。
　　"Oh，Nell！itmademeseehowIlovedhim——andthatmademeso——sosickIhatedhim……Butnow——thehateisallgone。"
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　Whenspringcameatlastandthewillowsdroopedgreenandfreshoverthebrookandtherangerangwithbrayofburroandwhistleofstallion，oldAlAuchinclosshadbeenamonthinhisgrave。
　　ToHelenitseemedlonger。Themonthhadbeencrowdedwithwork，events，andgrowing，morehopefulduties，sothatitcontainedaworldofliving。Theunclehadnotbeenforgotten，buttheinnumerablerestrictionstodevelopmentandprogresswerenolongermanifest。BeasleyhadnotpresentedhimselforanyclaimuponHelen；andshe，gatheringconfidencedaybyday，begantobelieveallthatpurportoftroublehadbeenexaggerated。
　　Inthistimeshehadcometoloveherworkandallthatpertainedtoit。Theestatewaslarge。Shehadnoaccurateknowledgeofhowmanyacressheowned，butitwasmorethantwothousand。Thefine，old，ramblingranch-house，setlikeafortonthelastofthefoot-hills，corralsandfieldsandbarnsandmeadows，andtherollinggreenrangebeyond，andinnumerablesheep，horses，cattle——allthesebelongedtoHelen，toherever-wonderingrealizationandever-growingjoy。Still，shewasafraidtoletherselfgoandbeperfectlyhappy。Alwaystherewasthefearthathadbeentoodeepandstrongtoforgetsosoon。
　　Thisbright，freshmorning，inMarch，Helencameoutupontheporchtorevelalittleinthewarmthofsunshineandthecrisp，pine-scentedwindthatsweptdownfromthemountains。Therewasneveramorningthatshedidnotgazemountainward，tryingtosee，withafollysherealized，ifthesnowhadmeltedmoreperceptiblyawayontheboldwhiteridge。Forallshecouldseeithadnotmeltedaninch，andshewouldnotconfesswhyshesighed。Thedeserthadbecomegreenandfresh，stretchingawaytherefarbelowherrange，growingdarkandpurpleinthedistancewithvaguebuttesrising。Theairwasfullofsound——notesofblackbirdsandthebaasofsheep，andblastsfromthecorrals，andtheclatteroflighthoofsonthecourtbelow。
　　Bowasridinginfromthestables。Helenlovedtowatchherononeofthosefierylittlemustangs，butthesightwaslikewisegiventorousingapprehensions。ThismorningBoappearedparticularlybentonfrighteningHelen。DownthelaneCarmichaelappeared，wavinghisarms，andHelenatonceconnectedhimwithBo'smanifestdesiretoflyawayfromthatparticularplace。Sincethatday，amonthback，whenBohadconfessedherloveforCarmichael，sheandHelenhadnotspokenofitorofthecowboy。Theboyandgirlwerestillatodds。ButthisdidnotworryHelen。Bohadchangedmuchforthebetter，especiallyinthatshedevotedherselftoHelenandtoherwork。Helenknewthatallwouldturnoutwellintheend，andsoshehadbeencarefulofherratherprecariouspositionbetweenthesetwoyoungfirebrands。
　　Boreinedinthemustangattheporchsteps。Sheworeabuckskinriding-suitwhichshehadmadeherself，anditssoftgraywiththetouchesofredbeadswasmightilybecomingtoher。Thenshehadgrownconsiderablyduringthewinterandnowlookedtooflashingandprettytoresembleaboy，yetsingularlyhealthyandstrongandlithe。Redspotsshoneinhercheeksandhereyesheldthatever-dangerousblaze。
　　"Nell，didyougivemeawaytothatcowboy？"shedemanded。
　　"Giveyouaway！"exclaimedHelen，blankly。
　　"Yes。YouknowItoldyou——awhileback——thatIwaswildlyinlovewithhim。Didyougivemeaway——tellonme？
　　"
　　Shemighthavebeenfurious，butshecertainlywasnotconfused。
　　"Why，Bo！Howcouldyou？No。Ididnot，"repliedHelen。
　　"Nevergavehimahint？"
　　"Notevenahint。Youhavemywordforthat。Why？What'shappened？"
　　"Hemakesmesick。"
　　Bowouldnotsayanymore，owingtothenearapproachofthecowboy。
　　"Mawnin'，MissNell，"hedrawled。"Iwasjusttellin'thishereMissBo-PeepRayner——"
　　"Don'tcallmethat！"brokeinBo，withfireinhervoice。
　　"Wal，Iwasjusttellin'herthetshewasn'tgoin'offonanymoreofthemlongrides。Honestnow，MissNell，itain'tsafe，an'——"
　　"You'renotmyboss，"retortedBo。
　　"Indeed，sister，Iagreewithhim。Youwon'tobeyme。"
　　"Reckonsomeone'sgottobeyourboss，"drawledCarmichael。
　　"ShoreIain'thankerin'forthejob。YoucouldridetoKingdomComeoroffamongtheApaches——oroverhereaways"——atthishegrinnedknowingly——"oranywheres，forallIcared。ButI'mworkin'forMissNell，an'she'sboss。
　　An'ifshesaysyou'renottotakethemrides——youwon't。
　　Savvythat，miss？"
　　ItwasatreatforHelentoseeBolookatthecowboy。
　　"Mis-terCarmichael，mayIaskhowyouaregoingtopreventmefromridingwhereIlike？"
　　"Wal，ifyou'regoin'worselocoedthiswayI'llkeepyouoff'nahossifIhavetoropeyouan'tieyouup。Bygolly，Iwill！"
　　Hisdryhumorwasgoneandmanifestlyhemeantwhathesaid。
　　"Wal，"shedrawleditverysoftlyandsweetly，butvenomously，"if——you——ever——touch——meagain！"
　　Atthisheflushed，thenmadeaquick，passionategesturewithhishand，expressiveofheatandshame。
　　"Youan'mewillnevergetalong，"hesaid，withadignityfullofpathos。"Iseenthetamonthbackwhenyouchangedsudden-liketome。Butnothin'Isaytoyouhasanyreckonin'ofmine。I'mtalkin'foryoursister。It'sforhersake。An'yourown……Inevertoldheran'InevertoldyouthetI'veseenRiggssneakin'afteryoutwiceonthemdesertrides。Wal，Itellyounow。"
　　TheintelligenceapparentlyhadnottheslightesteffectonBo。ButHelenwasastonishedandalarmed。
　　"Riggs！Oh，Bo，I'veseenhimmyself——ridingaround。Hedoesnotmeanwell。Youmustbecareful。"
　　"IfIketchhimagain，"wentonCarmichael，withhismouthlininghard，"I'mgoin'afterhim。"
　　Hegaveheracool，intent，piercinglook，thenhedroppedhisheadandturnedaway，tostridebacktowardthecorrals。
　　Helencouldmakelittleofthemannerinwhichhersisterwatchedthecowboypassoutofsight。
　　"Amonthback——whenIchangedsudden-like，"musedBo。"I
　　wonderwhathemeantbythat……Nell，didIchange——
　　rightafterthetalkyouhadwithme——abouthim？"
　　"Indeedyoudid，Bo，"repliedHelen。"Butitwasforthebetter。Onlyhecan'tseeit。Howproudandsensitiveheis！
　　Youwouldn'tguessitatfirst。Bo，yourreservehaswoundedhimmorethanyourflirting。Hethinksit'sindifference。"
　　"Maybethat'llbegoodforhim，"declaredBo。"Doesheexpectmetofallonhisneck？He'sthatthick-headed！Why，he'sthelocoedone，notme。"
　　"I'dliketoaskyou，Bo，ifyou'veseenhowhehaschanged？"queriedHelen，earnestly。"He'solder。He'sworried。Eitherhisheartisbreakingforyouorelsehefearstroubleforus。Ifearit'sboth。Howhewatchesyou！
　　Bo，heknowsallyoudo——whereyougo。ThataboutRiggssickensme。"
　　"IfRiggsfollowsmeandtriesanyofhisfour-flushdesperadogameshe'llhavehishandsfull，"saidBo，grimly。
　　"Andthatwithoutmycowboyprotector！ButIjustwishRiggswoulddosomething。Thenwe'llseewhatLasVegasTomCarmichaelcares。Thenwe'llsee！"
　　Bobitoutthelastwordspassionatelyandjealously，thensheliftedherbridletothespiritedmustang，"Nell，don'tyoufearforme，"shesaid。"Icantakecareofmyself。"
　　Helenwatchedherrideaway，allbutwillingtoconfessthattheremightbetruthinwhatBosaid。ThenHelenwentaboutherwork，whichconsistedofroutinedutiesaswellasanearneststudytofamiliarizeherselfwithcontinuallynewandcomplexconditionsofranchlife。Everydaybroughtnewproblems。Shemadenotesofallthatsheobserved，andallthatwastoldher，whichhabitshehadfound，afterafewweeksoftrial，wasgoingtobeexceedinglyvaluabletoher。
　　Shedidnotintendalwaystobedependentupontheknowledgeofhiredmen，howeverfaithfulsomeofthemmightbe。
　　Thismorningonherroundsshehadexpecteddevelopments；ofsomekind，owingtothepresenceofRoyBeemanandtwoofhisbrothers，whohadarrivedyesterday。AndshewastodiscoverthatJeffMulvey，accompaniedbysixofhisco-workersandassociates，haddesertedherwithoutawordorevensendingfortheirpay。Carmichaelhadpredictedthis。Helenhadhalfdoubted。Itwasareliefnowtobeconfrontedwithfacts，howeverdisturbing。Shehadfortifiedherselftowithstandagreatdealmoretroublethanhadhappened。Atthegatewayofthemaincorral，ahugeinclosurefencedhighwithpeeledlogs，shemetRoyBeeman，lassoinhand，thesametall，lean，limpingfiguresherememberedsowell。Sightofhimgaveheraninexplicablethrill——aflashingmemoryofanunforgettablenightride。
　　Roywastohavechargeofthehorsesontheranch，ofwhichtherewereseveralhundred，notcountingmanylostonrangeandmountain，ortheunbrandedcolts。
　　Roytookoffhissombreroandgreetedher。ThisMormonhadacourtesyforwomenthatspokewellforhim。Helenwishedshehadmoreemployeeslikehim。
　　"It'sjestasLasVegastoldusit'dbe，"hesaid，regretfully。"Mulveyan'hispardslitoutthismornin'。I'msorry，MissHelen。Reckonthet'sallbecauseIcomeover。"
　　"Iheardthenews，"repliedHelen。"Youneedn'tbesorry，Roy，forI'mnot。I'mglad。IwanttoknowwhomIcantrust。"
　　"LasVegassayswe'reshoreinforitnow。"
　　"Roy，whatdoyouthink？"
　　"Ireckonso。Still，LasVegasispowerfulcrossthesedaysan'alwayslookin'onthedarkside。Withusboys，now，it'ssufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof。But，MissHelen，ifBeasleyforcesthedealtherewillbeserioustrouble。I'veseenthethappen。FourorfiveyearsagoBeasleyrodesomegreasersofftheirfarmsan'nooneeverknowedifhehadajustclaim。"
　　"Beasleyhasnoclaimonmyproperty。Myunclesolemnlysworethatonhisdeath-bed。AndIfindnothinginhisbooksorpapersofthoseyearswhenheemployedBeasley。Infact，Beasleywasneveruncle'spartner。ThetruthisthatmyuncletookBeasleyupwhenhewasapoor，homelessboy。"
　　"Somyolddadsays，"repliedRoy。"Butwhat'srightdon'talwaysprevailintheseparts。"
　　"Roy，you'rethekeenestmanI'vemetsinceIcameWest。
　　Tellmewhatyouthinkwillhappen。"
　　Beemanappearedflattered，butbehesitatedtoreply。Helenhadlongbeenawareofthereticenceoftheseoutdoormen。
　　"Ireckonyoumeancausean'effect，asMiltDalewouldsay，"respondedRoy，thoughtfully。
　　"Yes。IfBeasleyattemptstoforcemeoffmyranchwhatwillhappen？"
　　Roylookedupandmethergaze。Helenrememberedthatsingularstillness，intentnessofhisface。
　　"Wal，ifDalean'JohngethereintimeIreckonwecanbluffthetBeasleyoutfit。"
　　"Youmeanmyfriends——mymenwouldconfrontBeasley——
　　refusehisdemands——andifnecessaryfighthimoff？"
　　"Ishoredo，"repliedRoy。
　　"Butsupposeyou'renotallhere？Beasleywouldbesmartenoughtochooseanopportunetime。Supposehedidputmeoffandtakepossession？Whatthen？"
　　"Thenit'donlybeamatterofhowsoonDaleorCarmichael——orI——gottoBeasley。"
　　"Roy！Ifearedjustthat。Ithauntsme。CarmichaelaskedmetolethimgopickafightwithBeasley。Askedme，justashewouldaskmeabouthiswork！Iwasshocked。AndnowyousayDale——andyou——"
　　Helenchokedinheragitation。
　　"MissHelen，whatelsecouldyoulookfor？LasVegasisinlovewithMissBo。Shorehetoldmeso。An'Dale'sinlovewithyou！……Why，youcouldn'tstopthemanymore'nyoucouldstopthewindfromblowin'downapine，whenitgotready……Now，it'ssomedifferentwithme。I'maMormonan'I'mmarried。ButI'mDale'spard，thesemanyyears。An'
　　Icareapowerfulsightforyouan'MissBo。SoIreckonI'ddrawonBeasleythefirstchanceIgot。"
　　Helenstroveforutterance，butitwasdeniedher。Roy'ssimplestatementofDale'slovehadmagnifiedheremotionbycompletelychangingitsdirection。Sheforgotwhatshehadfeltwretchedabout。ShecouldnotlookatRoy。
　　"MissHelen，don'tfeelbad，"hesaid，kindly。"Shoreyou'renottoblame。Yourcomin'Westhasn'tmadeanydifferenceinBeasley'sfate，exceptmebbetohurryitalittle。Mydadisold，an'whenhetalksit'slikehistory。Helooksbackonhappenin's。Wal，it'sthenatureofhappenin'sthatBeasleypassesawaybeforehisprime。Themofhisbreeddon'tliveoldintheWest……SoIreckonyouneedn'tfeelbadorworry。you'vegotfriends。"
　　Helenincoherentlythankedhim，and，forgettingherusualroundofcorralsandstables，shehurriedbacktowardthehouse，deeplystirred，throbbinganddim-eyed，withafeelingshecouldnotcontrol。RoyBeemanhadmadeastatementthathadupsetherequilibrium。Itseemedsimpleandnatural，yetmomentousandstaggering。TohearthatDalelovedher——tohearitspokenfrankly，earnestly，byDale'sbestfriend，wasstrange，sweet，terrifying。Butwasittrue？Herownconsciousnesshadadmittedit。Yetthatwasvastlydifferentfromaman'sopenstatement。Nolongerwasitadeardream，asecretthatseemedhersalone。Howshehadlivedonthatsecrethiddendeepinherbreast！
　　Somethingburnedthedimnessfromhereyesasshelookedtowardthemountainsandhersightbecameclear，telescopicwithitsintensity。Magnificentlythemountainsloomed。
　　Blackinroadsandpatchesontheslopesshowedwhereafewdaysbackallbadbeenwhite。Thesnowwasmeltingfast。
　　DalewouldsoonbefreetoridedowntoPine。AndthatwasaneventHelenprayedfor，yetfearedasshehadneverfearedanything。
　　Thenoondaydinner-bellstartledHelenfromareveriethatwasapleasantaftermathofherunrestraint。Howthehourshadflown！Thismorningatleastmustbecreditedtoindolence。
　　Bowasnotinthedining-room，norinherownroom，norwassheinsightfromwindowordoor。Thisabsencehadoccurredbefore，butnotparticularlytodisturbHelen。Inthisinstance，however，shegrewworried。Hernervespresagedstrain。Therewasanoverchargeofsensibilityinherfeelingsorastrangepressureintheveryatmosphere。Sheatedinneralone，lookingherapprehension，whichwasnotmitigatedbytheexpressivefearsofoldMaria，theMexicanwomanwhoservedher。
　　AfterdinnershesentwordtoRoyandCarmichaelthattheyhadbetterrideouttolookforBo。ThenHelenappliedherselfresolutelytoherbooksuntilarapidclatterofhoofsoutinthecourtcausedhertojumpupandhurrytotheporch。Roywasridingin。
　　"Didyoufindher？"queriedHelen，hurriedly。
　　"Wasn'tnotrackorsignofherupthenorthrange，"repliedRoy，ashedismountedandthrewhisbridle。"An'Iwasridin'backtotakeuphertracksfromthecorralan'trailher。ButIseenLasVegascomin'an'hewavedhissombrero。
　　Hewascomin'upfromthesouth。Thereheisnow。"
　　Carmichaelappearedswingingintothelane。HewasmountedonHelen'sbigblackRanger，andhemadethedustfly。
　　"Wal，he'sseenher，thet'sshore，"vouchsafedRoy，withrelief，asCarmichaelrodeup。
　　"MissNeil，she'scomin'，"saidthecowboy，ashereinedinandsliddownwithhisgracefulsinglemotion。Theninaviolentaction，characteristicofhim，heslammedhissombrerodownontheporchandthrewupbotharms。"I'veahunchit'scomeoff！"
　　"Oh，what？"exclaimedHelen。
　　"Now，LasVegas，talksense，"expostulatedRoy。"MissHelenisshorenervousto-day。Hasanythin'happened？"
　　"Ireckon，butIdon'tknowwhat，"repliedCarmichael，drawinga，longbreath。"Folks，Imustbegettin'old。ForI
　　shorefeltorfulqueertillIseenBo。Shewasridin'downtheridgeacrossthevalley。Ridin'somefast，too，an'
　　she'llbehererightoff，ifshedoesn'tstopinthevillage。"
　　"Wal，Ihearhercomin'now，"saidRoy。"An'——ifyouaskedmeI'dsaysheWASridin'somefast。"
　　Helenheardthelight，swift，rhythmicbeatofhoofs，andthenoutonthecurveoftheroadthatleddowntoPineshesawBo'smustang，whitewithlather，comingonadeadrun。
　　"LasVegas，doyouseeanyApaches？"askedRoy，quizzingly。
　　Thecowboymadenoreply，buthestrodeoutfromtheporch，directlyinfrontofthemustang。Bowaspullinghardonthebridle，andhadhimslowingdown，butnotcontrolled。WhenhereachedthehouseitcouldeasilybeseenthatBohadpulledhimtothelimitofherstrength，whichwasnotenoughtohalthim。Carmichaellungedforthebridleand，seizingit，hauledhimtoastandstill。
　　AtclosesightofBoHelenutteredastartledcry。Bowaswhite；hersombrerowasgoneandherhairundone；therewerebloodanddirtonherface，andherriding-suitwastornandmuddy。Shehadevidentlysustainedafall。Roygazedatherinadmiringconsternation，butCarmichaelneverlookedatheratall。Apparentlyhewasexaminingthehorse。"Well，helpmeoff——somebody，"criedBo，peremptorily。Hervoicewasweak，butnotherspirit。
　　Roysprangtohelpheroff，andwhenshewasdownitdevelopedthatshewaslame。
　　"Oh，Bo！You'vehadatumble，"exclaimedHelen，anxiously，andsherantoassistRoy。Theyledheruptheporchandtothedoor。TheresheturnedtolookatCarmichael，whowasstillexaminingthespentmustang。
　　"Tellhim——tocomein，"shewhispered。
　　"Hey，there，LasVegas！"calledRoy。"Rustlehyar，willyou？"
　　WhenBohadbeenledintothesitting-roomandseatedinachairCarmichaelentered。Hisfacewasastudy，asslowlyhewalkeduptoBo。
　　"Girl，you——ain'thurt？"heasked，huskily。
　　"It'snofaultofyoursthatI'mnotcrippled——ordeadorworse，"retortedBo。"Yousaidthesouthrangewastheonlysaferideforme。Andthere——I——ithappened。"
　　Shepantedalittleandherbosomheaved。Oneofhergauntletswasgone，andthebareband，thatwasbruisedandbloody，trembledasshehelditout。
　　"Dear，tellus——areyoubadlyhurt？"queriedHelen，withhurriedgentleness。
　　"Notmuch。I'vehadaspill，"repliedBo。"Butoh！I'mmad——I'mboiling！"
　　Shelookedasifshemighthaveexaggeratedherdoubtofinjuries，butcertainlyshehadnotoverestimatedherstateofmind。AnyblazeHelenhadheretoforeseeninthosequickeyeswastamecomparedtothisone。Itactuallyleaped。Bowasmorethanprettythen。ManifestlyRoywasadmiringherlooks，butCarmichaelsawbeyondhercharm。Andslowlyhewasgrowingpale。
　　"Irodeoutthesouthrange——asIwastold，"beganBo，breathinghardandtryingtocontrolherfeelings。"That'stherideyouusuallytake，Nell，andyoubet——ifyou'dtakenitto-day——you'dnotbeherenow……AboutthreemilesoutIclimbedofftherangeupthatcedarslope。I
　　alwayskeeptohighground。WhenIgotupIsawtwohorsemenrideoutofsomebrokenrocksofftotheeast。Theyrodeasiftocomebetweenmeandhome。Ididn'tlikethat。I
　　circledsouth。AboutamilefartheronIspiedanotherhorsemanandheshowedupdirectlyinfrontofmeandcamealongslow。ThatIlikedstillless。Itmighthavebeenaccident，butitlookedtomeasifthoseridershadsomeintent。AllIcoulddowasheadofftothesoutheastandride。YoubetIdidride。ButIgotintoroughgroundwhereI'dneverbeenbefore。Itwasslowgoing。AtlastImadethecedarsandhereIcutloose，believingIcouldcircleaheadofthosestrangeridersandcomeroundthroughPine。Ihaditwrong。"
　　Hereshehesitated，perhapsforbreath，forshehadspokenrapidly，orperhapstogetbetterholdonhersubject。Notimprobablytheeffectshewascreatingonherlistenersbegantobesignificant。Roysatabsorbed，perfectlymotionless，eyeskeenassteel，hismouthopen。CarmichaelwasgazingoverBo'shead，outofthewindow，anditseemedthathemustknowtherestofhernarrative。Helenknewthatherownwide-eyedattentionalonewouldhavebeenall-compellinginspirationtoBoRayner。
　　"SureIhaditwrong，"resumedBo。"Prettysoonheardahorsebehind。Ilookedback。Isawabigbayridingdownonme。Oh，buthewasrunning！Hejusttorethroughthecedars……Iwasscaredhalfoutofmysenses。ButIspurredandbeatmymustang。Thenbeganarace！Roughgoing——thickcedars——washesandgulliesIhadtomakehimrun——tokeepmysaddle——topickmyway。Oh-h-h！butitwasglorious！Toraceforfun——that'sonething；toraceforyourlifeisanother！Myheartwasinmymouth——chokingme。Icouldn'thaveyelled。Iwasascoldasice——dizzysometimes——blindothers——thenmystomachturned——andI
　　couldn'tgetmybreath。YetthewildthrillsIhad！……
　　ButIstuckonandheldmyownforseveralmiles——totheedgeofthecedars。Therethebighorsegainedonme。Hecamepoundingcloser——perhapsascloseasahundredyards——Icouldhearhimplainenough。ThenIhadmyspill。Oh，mymustangtripped——threwme'wayoverhishead。Ihitlight，butslidfar——andthat'swhatscrapedmeso。Iknowmykneeisraw……WhenIgottomyfeetthebighorsedashedup，throwinggravelalloverme——andhisriderjumpedoff……Nowwhodoyouthinkhewas？"
　　Helenknew，butshedidnotvoiceherconviction。Carmichaelknewpositively，yethekeptsilent。Roywassmiling，asifthenarrativetolddidnotseemsoalarmingtohim。
　　"Wal，thefactofyoubein'here，safean'sound，sortamakesnodifferencewhothetson-of-a-gunwas，"hesaid。
　　"Riggs！HarveRiggs！"blazedBo。"TheinstantIrecognizedhimIgotovermyscare。AndsomadIburnedallthroughlikefire。Idon'tknowwhatIsaid，butitwaswild——anditwasawholelot，youbet。
　　"Yousurecanride，'hesaid。
　　"Idemandedwhyhehaddaredtochaseme，andhesaidhehadanimportantmessageforNell。Thiswasit：'TellyoursisterthatBeasleymeanstoputheroffan'taketheranch。
　　Ifshe'llmarrymeI'llblockhisdeal。Ifshewon'tmarryme，I'llgoinwithBeasley。'ThenhetoldmetohurryhomeandnottobreatheawordtoanyoneexceptNell。Well，hereIam——andIseemtohavebeenbreathingratherfast。"
　　ShelookedfromHelentoRoyandfromRoytoLasVegas。Hersmilewasforthelatter，andtoanyonenotoverexcitedbyherstorythatsmilewouldhavetoldvolumes。
　　"Wal，I'llbedoggoned！"ejaculatedRoy，feelingly。
　　Helenlaughed。
　　"Indeed，theworkingofthatman'smindisbeyondme……
　　Marryhimtosavemyranch？Iwouldn'tmarryhimtosavemylife！
　　Carmichaelsuddenlybrokehissilence。
　　"Bo，didyouseetheothermen？"
　　"Yes。Iwascomingtothat，"shereplied。"Icaughtaglimpseofthembackinthecedars。Thethreeweretogether，or，atleast，threehorsemenwerethere。Theyhadhaltedbehindsometrees。ThenonthewayhomeIbegantothink。
　　EveninmyfuryIhadreceivedimpressions。RiggswasSURPRISEDwhenIgotup。I'llbethehadnotexpectedmetobewhoIwas。HethoughtIwasNELL！……Ilookbiggerinthisbuckskinoutfit。MyhairwasuptillIlostmyhat，andthatwaswhenIhadthetumble。HetookmeforNell。Anotherthing，Iremember——hemadesomesign——somemotionwhileIwascallinghimnames，andIbelievethatwastokeepthoseothermenback……IbelieveRiggshadaplanwiththoseothermentowaylayNellandmakeoffwithher。I
　　absolutelyknowit。"
　　"Bo，you'reso——so——youjumpatwildideasso，"
　　protestedHelen，tryingtobelieveinherownassurance。Butinwardlyshewastrembling。
　　"MissHelen，thatain'tawildidee，"saidRoy，seriously。
　　"Ireckonyoursisterisprettycloseonthetrail。LasVegas，don'tyousavvyitthetway？"
　　Carmichael'sanswerwastostalkoutoftheroom。
　　"Callhimback！"criedHelen，apprehensively。
　　"Holdon，boy！"calledRoy，sharply。
　　HelenreachedthedoorsimultaneouslywithRoy。Thecowboypickeduphissombrero，jammeditonhishead，gavehisbeltavicioushitchthatmadethegun-sheathjump，andtheninonegiantstephewasastrideRanger。
　　"Carmichael！Stay！"criedHelen。
　　Thecowboyspurredtheblack，andthestonesrangunderiron-shodhoofs。
　　"Bo！Callhimback！Pleasecallhimback！"importunedHelen，indistress。
　　"Iwon't，"declaredBoRayner。Herfaceshonewhiternowandhereyeswerelikefieryflint。Thatwasheranswertoaloving，gentle-heartedsister；thatwasheranswertothecalloftheWest。
　　"Nouse，"saidRoy，quietly。"An'IreckonI'dbettertrailhimup。"
　　He，too，strodeoutand，mountinghishorse，gallopedswiftlyaway。
　　ItturnedoutthatBo，wasmorebruisedandscrapedandshakenthanshehadimagined。Onekneewasratherbadlycut，whichinjuryalonewouldhavekeptherfromridingagainverysoon。Helen，whowassomewhatskilledatbandagingwounds，worriedagreatdealoverthesesundryblotchesonBo'sfairskin，andittookconsiderabletimetowashanddressthem。Longafterthiswasdone，andduringtheearlysupper，andafterward，Bo'sexcitementremainedunabated。
　　Thewhitenessstayedonherfaceandtheblazeinhereyes。
　　Helenorderedandbeggedhertogotobed，forthefactwasBocouldnotstandupandherhandsshook。
　　"Gotobed？Notmuch，"shesaid。"IwanttoknowwhathedoestoRiggs。"
　　ItwasthatpossibilitywhichhadHelenindreadfulsuspense。IfCarmichaelkilledRiggs，itseemedtoHelenthatthebottomwoulddropoutofthisstructureofWesternlifeshehadbeguntobuildsoearnestlyandfearfully。Shedidnotbelievethathewoulddoso。Buttheuncertaintywastorturing。
　　"DearBo，"appealedHelen，"youdon'twant——Oh！youdowantCarmichaelto——tokillRiggs？"
　　"No，Idon't，butIwouldn'tcareifhedid，"repliedBo，bluntly。
　　"Doyouthink——hewill？"
　　"Nell，ifthatcowboyreallylovesmehereadmymindrightherebeforeheleft，"declaredBo。"AndheknewwhatI
　　thoughthe'ddo。"
　　"Andwhat's——that？"falteredHelen。
　　"IwanthimtoroundRiggsupdowninthevillage——
　　somewhereinacrowd。IwantRiggsshownupasthecoward，braggart，four-flushthatheis。Andinsulted，slapped，kicked——drivenoutofPine！"
　　Herpassionatespeechstillrangthroughouttheroomwhentherecamefootstepsontheporch。Helenhurriedtoraisethebarfromthedoorandopenitjustasatapsoundedonthedoor-post。Roy'sfacestoodwhiteoutofthedarkness。
　　Hiseyeswerebright。AndhissmilemadeHelen'sfearfulqueryneedless。
　　"Howareyou-allthisevenin'？"hedrawled，ashecamein。
　　Afireblazedonthehearthandalampburnedonthetable。
　　BytheirlightBolookedwhiteandeager-eyedasshereclinedinthebigarm-chair。
　　"What'dhedo？"sheasked，withallheramazingforce。
　　"Wal，now，ain'tyougoin'totellmehowyouare？"
　　"Roy，I'mallbungedup。Ioughttobeinbed，butIjustcouldn'tsleeptillIhearwhatLasVegasdid。I'dforgiveanythingexcepthimgettingdrunk。"
　　"Wal，Ishorecaneaseyourmindonthet，"repliedRoy。"Heneverdrankadrop。"
　　Roywasdistractinglyslowaboutbeginningthetaleanychildcouldhaveguessedhewaseagertotell。Foroncethehard，intentquietness，thesouloflabor，pain，andendurancesoplaininhisfacewassoftenedbypleasurableemotion。Hepokedattheburninglogswiththetoeofhisboot。Helenobservedthathehadchangedhisbootsandnowworenospurs。ThenhehadgonetohisquartersafterwhateverhadhappeneddowninPine。
　　"WhereIShe？"askedBo。
　　"Who？Riggs？Wal，Idon'tknow。ButIreckonhe'ssomewhereoutinthewoodsnursin'himself。"
　　"NotRiggs。FirsttellmewhereHEis。"
　　"Shore，then，youmustmeanLasVegas。Ijustlefthimdownatthecabin。Hewasgettin'readyforbed，earlyasitis。
　　Alltiredouthewasan'thetwhiteyouwouldn'thaveknowedhim。Buthelookedhappyatthet，an'thelastwordshesaid，moretohimselfthantome，Ireckon，was，'I'msomelocoedgent，butifshedoesn'tcallmeTomnowshe'snogood！"'
　　Boactuallyclappedherhands，notwithstandingthatoneofthemwasbandaged。
　　"CallhimTom？IshouldsmileIwill，"shedeclared，indelight。"Hurrynow——what'd——"
　　"It'sshorepowerfulstrangehowhehatesthethandleLasVegas，"wentonRoy，imperturbably。
　　"Roy，tellmewhathedid——whatTOMdid——orI'llscream，"criedBo。
　　"MissHelen，didyoueverseethelikesofthetgirl？"askedRoy，appealingtoHelen。
　　"No，Roy，Ineverdid，"agreedHelen。"Butplease——pleasetelluswhathashappened。"
　　Roygrinnedandrubbedhishandstogetherinadarkdelight，almostfiendishinitssuddenrevelationofagulfofstrangeemotiondeepwithinhim。WhateverhadhappenedtoRiggshadnotbeentoomuchforRoyBeeman。HelenrememberedhearingherunclesaythatarealWesternerhatednothingsohardastheswaggeringdesperado，themake-believegunmanwhopretendedtosailunderthetrue，wild，andreckoningcolorsoftheWest。
　　Royleanedhislithe，tallformagainstthestonemantelpieceandfacedthegirls。
　　"WhenIrodeoutafterLasVegasIseenhim'waydowntheroad，"beganRoy，rapidly。"An'Iseenanothermanridin'
　　downintoPinefromtheotherside。ThetwasRiggs，onlyI
　　didn'tknowitthen。LasVegasrodeuptothestore，wheresomefellarswashangin'round，an'hespoketothem。WhenI
　　comeuptheywasallheadin'forTurner'ssaloon。Iseenadozenhosseshitchedtotherails。LasVegasrodeon。ButI
　　gotoffatTurner'san'wentinwiththebunch。WhateveritwasLasVegassaidtothemfellars，shoretheydidn'tgivehimaway。PrettysoonmoremenstrolledintoTurner'san'
　　theregottobe'mosttwentyaltogether，Ireckon。JeffMulveywastherewithhispards。Theyhadbeendrinkin'
　　sortafree。An'Ididn'tlikethewayMulveywatchedme。SoIwentoutan'intothestore，butkepta-lookin'forLasVegas。Hewasn'tinsight。ButIseenRiggsridin'up。Now，Turner'siswhereRiggshangsoutan'doeshisbraggin'。Helookedpowerfuldeepan'thoughtful，dismountedslowwithoutseein'theunusualnumberofhossesthere，an'thenheslouchesintoTurner's。Nomore'naminuteafterLasVegasrodedowntherelikeastreak。An'justasquickhewasoffan'throughthetdoor。"
　　Roypausedasiftogainforceortochoosehiswords。HistalenowappearedalldirectedtoBo，whogazedathim，spellbound，afascinatedlistener。
　　"BeforeIgottoTurner'sdoor——an'thetwasonlyalittleways——IheardLasVegasyell。Didyoueverhearhim？Wal，he'sgotthewildestyellofanycow-puncherIeverbeard。
　　QuicklikeIopenedthedooran'slippedin。TherewasRiggsan'LasVegasaloneinthecenterofthebigsaloon，withthecrowdedgin'tothewallsan'slidin'backofthebar。
　　Riggswaswhiter'nadeadman。Ididn'thearan'Idon'tknowwhatLasVegasyelledathim。ButRiggsknewan'sodidthegang。AllofasuddeneverymanthereshoreseeninLasVegaswhatRiggshadalwaysbraggedHEwas。ThettimecomestoeverymanlikeRiggs。
　　"'What'dyoucallme？'heasked，hisjawshakin'。
　　"'I'ain'tcalledyouyet，'answeredLasVegas。'Ijustwhooped。'
　　"'Whatd'yewant？'
　　"'Youscaredmygirl。'
　　"'Thehellyesay！Who'sshe？'blusteredRiggs，an'hebegantotakequicklooks'round。Buthenevermovedahand。Therewassomethin'tightaboutthewayhestood。LasVegashadbotharmshalfout，stretchedasifhemeanttoleap。Buthewasn't。IneverseenLasVegasdothet，butwhenIseenhimthenIunderstoodit。
　　"'Youknow。An'youthreatenedheran'hersister。Goforyourgun，'calledLasVegas，lowan'sharp。
　　"Thetputthecrowdrightan'nobodymoved。Riggsturnedgreenthen。Ialmostfeltsorryforhim。Hebegantoshakesohe'ddroppedagunifhehadpulledone。
　　"'Hyar，you'reoff——somemistake——I'ain'tseennogurls——I——'
　　"'Shutupan'draw！'yelledLasVegas。Hisvoicejustpiercedholesintheroof，an'itmighthavebeenabulletfromthewayRiggscollapsed。EverymanseeninasecondmorethetRiggswouldn'tan'couldn'tdraw。Hewasafraidforhislife。Hewasnotwhathehadclaimedtobe。Idon'tknowifhehadanyfriendsthere。ButintheWestgoodmenan'badmen，allalike，havenouseforRiggs'skind。An'
　　thetstonyquietbrokewithhaw——haw。ItshorewasaspitifultoseeRiggsasitwasfinetoseeLasVegas。
　　"WhenhedroppedhisarmsthenIknowedtherewouldbenogun-play。An'thenLasVegasgotredintheface。HeslappedRiggswithonehand，thenwiththeother。An'hebegantocusshim。Ishoreneverknowedthetnice-spokenLasVegasCarmichaelcouldusesuchlanguage。Itwasastreamofthebaddestnamesknownouthere，an'lotsIneverheardof。Nowan'thenIcaughtsomethin'likelow-downan'sneakan'
　　four-flushan'long-hairedskunk，butforthemostparttheywasjustthecussedestkindofnames。An'LasVegasspoutedthemtillhewasblackintheface，an'foamin'atthemouth，an'hoarser'nabawlin'cow。
　　"Whenhegotoutofbreathfromcussin'hepunchedRiggsallaboutthesaloon，threwhimoutdoors，knockedhimdownan'
　　kickedhimtillhegotkickin'himdowntheroadwiththewholehaw-hawedgangbehind。An'hedrovehimoutoftown！"
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　FortwodaysBowasconfinedtoherbed，sufferingconsiderablepain，andsubjecttofever，duringwhichshetalkedirrationally。SomeofthistalkaffordedHelenasvastanamusementasshewascertainitwouldhaveliftedTomCarmichaeltoaseventhheaven。
　　Thethirdday，however，Bowasbetter，and，refusingtoremaininbed，shehobbledtothesitting-room，whereshedividedhertimebetweenstaringoutofthewindowtowardthecorralsandpesteringHelenwithquestionsshetriedtomakeappearcasual。ButHelensawthroughhercaseandwasinastateofglee。WhatshehopedmostforwasthatCarmichaelwouldsuddenlydevelopalittlelessinclinationforBo。Itwasthatkindoftreatmenttheyoungladyneeded。
　　Andnowwasthegreatopportunity。Helenalmostfelttemptedtogivethecowboyahint。
　　Neitherthisday，northenext，however，didheputinanappearanceatthehouse，thoughHelensawhimtwiceonherrounds。Hewasbusy，asusual，andgreetedherasifnothingparticularhadhappened。
　　Roycalledtwice，onceintheafternoon，andagainduringtheevening。Hegrewmorelikableuponlongeracquaintance。
　　ThislastvisitherenderedBospeechlessbyteasingheraboutanothergirlCarmichaelwasgoingtotaketoadance。
　　Bo'sfaceshowedthathervanitycouldnotbelievethisstatement，butthatherintelligenceofyoungmencrediteditwithbeingpossible。Royevidentlywasaspenetratingashewaskind。Hemadeadry，casuallittleremarkaboutthesnownevermeltingonthemountainsduringthelatterpartofMarch；andthelookwithwhichbeaccompaniedthisremarkbroughtablushtoHelen'scheek。
　　AfterRoyhaddepartedBosaidtoHelen："Confoundthatfellow！Heseesrightthroughme。"
　　"Mydear，you'rerathertransparentthesedays，"murmuredHelen。
　　"Youneedn'ttalk。Hegaveyouadig，"retortedBo。"Hejustknowsyou'redyingtoseethesnowmelt。"
　　"Gracious！IhopeI'mnotsobadasthat。OfcourseIwantthesnowmeltedandspringtocome，andflowers——"
　　"HalHa！Ha！"tauntedBo。"NellRayner，doyouseeanygreeninmyeyes？Springtocome！Yes，thepoetsaidinthespringayoungman'sfancylightlyturnstothoughtsoflove。Butthatpoetmeantayoungwoman。"
　　Helengazedoutofthewindowatthewhitestars。
　　"Nell，haveyouseenhim——sinceIwashurt？"continuedBo，withaneffort。
　　"Him？Who？"
　　"Oh，whomdoyousuppose？ImeanTom！"sheresponded，andthelastwordcamewithaburst。
　　"Tom？Who'she？Ah，youmeanLasVegas。Yes，I'veseenhim。"
　　"Well，didheaska-aboutme？"
　　"Ibelievehedidaskhowyouwere——somethinglikethat。"
　　"Humph！Nell，Idon'talwaystrustyou。"Afterthatsherelapsedintosilence，readawhile，anddreamedawhile，lookingintothefire，andthenshelimpedovertokissHelengoodnightandlefttheroom。
　　Nextdayshewasratherquiet，seeminguponthevergeofoneofthedispiritedspellsshegotinfrequently。Earlyintheevening，justafterthelightshadbeenlitandshehadjoinedHeleninthesitting-room，afamiliarstepsoundedonthelooseboardsoftheporch。
　　HelenwenttothedoortoadmitCarmichael。Hewasclean-shaven，dressedinhisdarksuit，whichpresentedsuchmarkedcontrastfromhisriding-garb，andheworeaflowerinhisbuttonhole。Nevertheless，despiteallthisstyle，heseemedmorethanusuallythecool，easy，carelesscowboy。
　　"Evenin'，MissHelen，"hesaid，ashestalkedin。"Evenin'，MissBo。Howareyou-all？"
　　Helenreturnedhisgreetingwithawelcomingsmile。
　　"Goodevening——TOM，"saidBo，demurely。
　　ThatassuredlywasthefirsttimeshehadevercalledhimTom。Asshespokeshelookeddistractinglyprettyandtantalizing。ButifshehadcalculatedtofloorCarmichaelwiththeinitial，half-promising，whollymockinguseofhisnameshehadreckonedwithoutcause。Thecowboyreceivedthatgreetingasifhehadheardheruseitathousandtimesorhadnothearditatall。Helendecidedifhewasactingaparthewascertainlyacleveractor。Hepuzzledhersomewhat，butshelikedhislook，andhiseasymanner，andthesomethingabouthimthatmusthavebeenhisunconscioussenseofpride。Hehadgonefarenough，perhapstoofar，inhisoverturestoBo。
　　"Howareyoufeelin'？"beasked。
　　"I'mbetterto-day，"shereplied，withdowncasteyes。"ButI'mlameyet。"
　　"Reckonthatbroncpiledyouup。MissHelensaidthereshorewasn'tanyjokeaboutthecutonyourknee。Now，afellar'skneeisabadplacetohurt，ifhehastokeeponridin'。"
　　"Oh，I'llbewellsoon。How'sSam？Ihopehewasn'tcrippled。"
　　"ThetSam——why，he'ssotoughheneverknowedhehadafall。"
　　"Tom——I——IwanttothankyouforgivingRiggswhathedeserved。"
　　Shespokeitearnestly，eloquently，andforonceshehadnoslylittleintonationorpertallurement，suchaswasherwonttouseonthisinfatuatedyoungman。
　　"Aw，youheardaboutthat，"repliedCarmichael，withawaveofhishandtomakelightofit。"Nothin'much。Ithadtobedone。An'shoreIwasafraidofRoy。He'dbeenbad。An'sowouldanyoftheotherboys。I'msortalookin'outforallofthem，youknow，actin'asMissHelen'sforemannow。"
　　Helenwasunutterablytickled。TheeffectofhisspeechuponBowasstupendous。Hehaddisarmedher。Hehad，withthefinesseandtactandsuavityofadiplomat，removedhimselffromobligation，andthedetachmentofself，thecasualthingbeapparentlymadeoutofhismagnificentchampionship，wasbewilderingandhumiliatingtoBo。ShesatsilentforamomentortwowhileHelentriedtofiteasilyintotheconversation。ItwasnotlikelythatBowouldlongbeatalossforwords，andalsoitwasimmenselyprobablethatwithaflashofherwonderfulspiritshewouldturnthetablesonherperverseloverinatwinkling。Anyway，plainitwasthatalessonhadsunkdeep。Shelookedstartled，hurt，wistful，andfinallysweetlydefiant。
　　"But——youtoldRiggsIwasyourgirl！"ThusBounmaskedherbattery。AndHelencouldnotimaginehowCarmichaelwouldeverresistthatandthesoft，archglancewhichaccompaniedit。
　　Helendidnotyetknowthecowboy，anymorethandidBo。
　　"Shore。Ihadtosaythet。Ihadtomakeitstrongbeforethetgang。Ireckonitwaspresumin'ofme，an'Ishoreapologize。"
　　Bostaredathim，andthen，givingalittlegasp，shedrooped。
　　"Wal，Ijustrunintosayhowdyan'toinquireafteryou-all，"saidCarmichael。"I'mgoin'tothedance，an'asFlolivesoutoftownawaysI'dshorebetterrustle……
　　Goodnight，MissBo；Ihopeyou'llberidin'Samsoon。An'
　　goodnight，MissHelen。"
　　Borousedtoaveryfriendlyandlaconiclittlespeech，muchoverdone。Carmichaelstrodeout，andHelen，biddinghimgood-by，closedthedoorafterhim。
　　TheinstanthehaddepartedBo'stransformationwastragic。
　　"Flo！HemeantFloStubbs——thatugly，cross-eyed，bold，littlefrump！"
　　"Bo！"expostulatedHelen。"Theyoungladyisnotbeautiful，Igrant，butshe'sveryniceandpleasant。Ilikedher。"
　　"NellRayner，menarenogood！Andcowboysaretheworst！"
　　declaredBo，terribly。
　　"Whydidn'tyouappreciateTomwhenyouhadhim？"askedHelen。
　　Bohadbeengrowingfurious，butnowtheallusion，inpasttense，totheconquestshehadsuddenlyandamazinglyfounddearquitebrokeherspirit。Itwasaverypale，unsteady，andmiserablegirlwhoavoidedHelen'sgazeandlefttheroom。
　　NextdayBowasnotapproachablefromanydirection。Helenfoundheravictimtoamultiplicityofmoods，rangingfromwoetodire，darkbroodings，fromthemto'wistfulness，andatlasttoapridethatsustainedher。
　　Lateintheafternoon，atHelen'sleisurehour，whensheandBowereinthesitting-room，horsestrampedintothecourtandfootstepsmountedtheporch。Openingtoaloudknock，HelenwassurprisedtoseeBeasley。Andoutinthecourtwereseveralmountedhorsemen。Helen'sheartsank。Thisvisit，indeed，hadbeenforeshadowed。
　　"Afternoon，MissRayner，"saidBeasley，doffinghissombrero。"I'vecalledonalittlebusinessdeal。Willyouseeme？"
　　Helenacknowledgedhisgreetingwhileshethoughtrapidly。
　　Shemightjustaswellseehimandhavethatinevitableinterviewdonewith。
　　"Comein，"shesaid，andwhenhehadenteredsheclosedthedoor。"Mysister，Mr。Beasley。"
　　"Howd'youdo，Miss？"saidtherancher，inbluff，loudvoice。
　　Boacknowledgedtheintroductionwithafrigidlittlebow。
　　AtcloserangeBeasleyseemedaforcefulpersonalityaswellasaratherhandsomemanofperhapsthirty-five，heavyofbuild，swarthyofskin，andsloe-blackofeye，likethatoftheMexicanswhosebloodwasreportedtobeinhim。Helookedcrafty，confident，andself-centered。IfHelenhadneverheardofhimbeforethatvisitshewouldhavedistrustedhim。
　　"I'dcalledsooner，butIwaswaitin'foroldJose，theMexicanwhoherdedformewhenIwaspardnertoyouruncle，"
　　saidBeasley，andhesatdowntoputhishugeglovedhandsonhisknees。
　　"Yes？"queriedHelen，interrogatively。
　　"JoserustledoverfromMagdalena，an'nowIcanbackupmyclaim……MissRayner，thishyarranchoughttobeminean'ismine。Itwasn'tsobigorsowellstockedwhenAlAuchinclossbeatmeoutofit。IreckonI'llallowforthet。
　　I'vepapers，an'oldJoseforwitness。An'Icalculateyou'llpaymeeightythousanddollars，orelseI'lltakeovertheranch。"
　　Beasleyspokeinanordinary，matter-of-facttonethatcertainlyseemedsincere，andhismannerwasblunt，butperfectlynatural。
　　"Mr。Beasley，yourclaimisnonewstome，"respondedHelen，quietly。"I'veheardaboutit。AndIquestionedmyuncle。Hesworeonhisdeath-bedthathedidnotoweyouadollar。
　　Indeed，heclaimedtheindebtednesswasyourstohim。I
　　couldfindnothinginhispapers，soImustrepudiateyourclaim。Iwillnottakeitseriously。"
　　"MissRayner，Ican'tblameyoufortakin'Al'swordagainstmine，"saidBeasley。"An'yourstandisnatural。Butyou'reastrangerherean'youknownothin'ofstockdealsintheseranges。Itain'tfairtospeakbadofthedead，butthetruthisthetAlAuchinclossgothisstartbystealin'sheepan'unbrandedcattle。ThetwasthestartofeveryrancherI
　　know。Itwasmine。An'wenoneofuseverthoughtofitasrustlin'。"
　　Helencouldonlystarehersurpriseanddoubtatthisstatement。
　　"Talk'scheapanywhere，an'intheWesttalkain'tmuchatall，"continuedBeasley。"I'mnotalker。Ijestwanttotellmycasean'makeadealifyou'llhaveit。Icanprovemoreinblackan'white，an'withwitness，thanyoucan。Thet'smycase。ThedealI'dmakeisthis……Let'smarryan'
　　settleabaddealthetway。"
　　Theman'sdirectassumption，absolutelywithoutaqualifyingconsiderationforherwoman'sattitude，wasamazing，ignorant，andbase；butHelenwassowellpreparedforitthatshehidherdisgust。
　　"Thankyou，Mr。Beasley，butIcan'tacceptyouroffer，"shereplied。
　　"Wouldyoutaketimean'consider？"heasked，spreadingwidehishugeglovedhands。
　　"Absolutelyno。"
　　Beasleyrosetohisfeet。Heshowednodisappointmentorchagrin，buttheboldpleasantnesslefthisface，and，slightasthatchangewas，itstrippedhimoftheonlyredeemingqualityheshowed。
　　"ThetmeansI'llforceyoutopaymetheeightythousandorputyouoff，"hesaid。
　　"Mr。Beasley，evenifIowedyouthat，howcouldIraisesoenormousasum？Idon'toweit。AndIcertainlywon'tbeputoffmyproperty。Youcan'tputmeoff。"
　　"An'whycan'tI'hedemanded，withlowering，darkgaze。
　　"Becauseyourclaimisdishonest。AndIcanproveit，"
　　declaredHelen，forcibly。
　　"Who'reyougoin'toproveitto——thetI'mdishonest？"
　　"Tomymen——toyourmen——tothepeopleofPine——toeverybody。There'snotapersonwhowon'tbelieveme。"
　　Heseemedcurious，discomfited，surlilyannoyed，andyetfascinatedbyherstatementorelsebythequalityandappearanceofherasshespiritedlydefendedhercause。
　　"An'how'reyougoin'toproveallthet？"hegrowled。
　　"Mr。Beasley，doyourememberlastfallwhenyoumetSnakeAnsonwithhisgangupinthewoods——andhiredhimtomakeoffwithme？"askedHelen，inswift，ringingwords。
　　ThedarkoliveofBeasley'sboldfaceshadedtoadirtywhite。
　　"Wha-at？"hejerkedout，hoarsely。
　　"Iseeyouremember。Well，MiltDalewashiddenintheloftofthatcabinwhereyoumetAnson。Heheardeverywordofyourdealwiththeoutlaw。"
　　Beasleyswunghisarminsuddenviolence，sohardthatheflunghisglovetothefloor。Ashestoopedtosnatchitupheutteredasibilanthiss。Then，stalkingtothedoor，hejerkeditopen，andslammeditbehindhim。Hisloudvoice，hoarsewithpassion，precededthescrapeandcrackofhoofs。
　　Shortlyaftersupperthatday，whenHelenwasjustrecoveringhercomposure，Carmichaelpresentedhimselfattheopendoor。Bowasnotthere。InthedimmingtwilightHelensawthatthecowboywaspale，somber，grim。
　　"Oh，what'shappened？"criedHelen。
　　"Roy'sbeenshot。ItcomeoffinTurner'ssaloonButheain'tdead。WepackedhimovertoWidowCass's。An'hesaidformetotellyouhe'dpullthrough。"
　　"Shot！Pullthrough！"repeatedHelen，inslow，unrealizingexclamation。Shewasconsciousofadeepinternaltumultandacoldcheckingofbloodinallherexternalbody。
　　"Yes，shot，"repliedCarmichael，fiercely。
　　"An'，whateverhesays，Ireckonhewon'tpullthrough。"
　　"0Heaven，howterrible！"burstoutHelen。"Hewassogood——suchaman！Whatapity！Oh，hemusthavemetthatinmybehalf。Tellme，whathappened？Whoshothim？"
　　"Wal，Idon'tknow。An'thet'swhat'smademehoppin'mad。I
　　wasn'ttherewhenitcomeoff。An'hewon'ttellme。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Idon'tknowthet，either。Ireckonedfirstitwasbecausehewantedtogeteven。But，afterthinkin'itover，Iguesshedoesn'twantmelookin'upanyonerightnowforfearI
　　mightgethurt。An'you'regoin'toneedyourfriends。
　　Thet'sallIcanmakeofRoy。"
　　ThenHelenhurriedlyrelatedtheeventofBeasley'scallonherthatafternoonandallthathadoccurred。
　　"Wal，thehalf-breedson-of-a-greaser！"ejaculatedCarmichael，inutterconfoundment。"Hewantedyoutomarryhim！"
　　"Hecertainlydid。Imustsayitwasa——aratherabruptproposal。"
　　Carmichaelappearedtobelaboringwithspeechthathadtobesmotheredbehindhisteeth。Atlastheletoutanexplosivebreath。
　　"MissNell，I'veshorefeltinmybonesthetI'mtheboyslatedtobrandthetbigbull。"
　　"Oh，hemusthaveshotRoy。Helefthereinarage。"
　　"IreckonyoucancoaxitoutofRoy。Factis，allIcouldlearnwasthetRoycomeinthesaloonalone。Beasleywasthere，an'Riggs——"
　　"Riggs！"interruptedHelen。
　　"Shore，Riggs。Hecomebackagain。Buthe'dbetterkeepoutofmyway……An'JeffMulveywithhisoutfit。Turnertoldmeheheardanargumentan'thenashot。Thegangclearedout，leavin'Royonthefloor。Icomeinalittlelater。Roywasstilllayin'there。Nobodywasdoin'anythin'
　　forhim。An'nobodyhad。IholdthatagainstTurner。Wal，I
　　gothelpan'packedRoyovertoWidowCass's。Royseemedallright。Buthewastoobrightan'talkytosuitme。Thebullethithislung，thet'sshore。An'helostasightofbloodbeforewestoppedit。ThetskunkTurnermighthavelentahand。An'ifRoycroaksIreckonI'll——"
　　"Tom，whymustyoualwaysbereckoningtokillsomebody？"
　　demandedHelen，angrily。
　　"'Causesomebody'sgottobekilled'roundhere。Thet'swhy！"hesnappedback。
　　"Evenso——shouldyouriskleavingBoandmewithoutafriend？"askedHelen，reproachfully。
　　AtthatCarmichaelwaveredandlostsomethingofhissullendeadliness。
　　"Aw，MissNell，I'monlymad。Ifyou'lljustbepatientwithme——an'mebbecoaxme……ButIcan'tseenootherwayout。"
　　"Let'shopeandpray，"saidHelen，earnestly。"YouspokeofmycoaxingRoytotellwhoshothim。WhencanIseehim？"
　　"To-morrow，Ireckon。I'llcomeforyou。FetchBoalongwithyou。We'vegottoplaysafefromnowon。An'whatdoyousaytomean'Halsleepin'hereattheranch-house？"
　　"IndeedI'dfeelsafer，"shereplied。"Therearerooms。
　　Pleasecome。"
　　"Allright。An'nowI'llbegoin'tofetchHal。ShorewishI
　　hadn'tmadeyoupalean'scaredlikethis。"
　　Aboutteno'clocknextmorningCarmichaeldroveHelenandBointoPine，andtieduptheteambeforeWidowCass'scottage。