"Oh，bosh，itisn’tcomingtothat;butIwishhewereinbettershape。Heisbrokenupbadlywithoutthisholeinhim。"
　　HewouldnotleavetillIhadpromisedtotakehimupthenextday，thoughIwasdoubtfulenoughofhisreception。ButnextdayTheDukecamedown，hisblackbronco，Jingo，wetwithhardriding。
　　"Bettercomeup，Connor，"hesaid，gravely，"andbringyourbromidesalong。HehashadabadnightandmorningandfellasleeponlybeforeIcameaway。Iexpecthe’llwakeindelirium。It’sthewhiskymorethanthebullet。Snakes，youknow。"
　　Intenminuteswethreewereonthetrail，forMoore，thoughnotinvited，quietlyannouncedhisintentiontogowithus。
　　"Oh，allright，"saidTheDuke，indifferently，"heprobablywon’trecognizeyouanyway。"
　　WerodehardforhalfanhourtillwecamewithinsightofBruce’sshack，whichwassetbackintoalittlepoplarbluff。
　　"Holdup！"saidTheDuke。"Wasthatashot？"Westoodlistening。
　　Arifle-shotrangout，andwerodehard。AgainTheDukehaltedus，andtherecamefromtheshackthesoundofsinging。ItwasanoldScotchtune。
　　"Thetwenty-thirdPsalm，"saidMoore，inalowvoice。
　　Werodeintothebluff，tiedupourhorsesandcrepttothebackoftheshack。Lookingthroughacrackbetweenthelogs，Isawagruesomething。BrucewassittingupinbedwithaWinchesterrifleacrosshiskneesandabeltofcartridgeshangingoverthepost。Hisbandagesweretornoff，thebloodfromhiswoundwassmearedoverhisbarearmsandhispale，ghastlyface;hiseyeswerewildwithmadterror，andhewasshoutingatthetopofhisvoicethewords：
　　"TheLord’smyshepherd，I’llnotwant，HemakesmedowntolieInpasturesgreen，HeleadethmeThequietwatersby。"
　　Nowandthenhewouldstoptosayinanawesomewhisper，"Comeouthere，youlittledevils！"andbangwouldgohisrifleatthestovepipe，whichwasriddledwithholes。ThenoncemoreinaloudvoicehewouldhurrytobeginthePsalm，"TheLord’smyShepherd。"
　　Nothingthatmymemorybringstomemakesmechilllikethatpicture——thelowlogshack，nowincheerlessdisorder;theghastlyobjectuponthebedinthecorner，withblood-smearedfaceandarmsandmadterrorintheeyes;theawfulcursingsandmoreawfulpsalm-singing，punctuatedbythequickreportofthedeadlyrifle。
　　Forsomemomentswestoodgazingatoneanother;thenTheDukesaid，inalow，fiercetone，moretohimselfthantous：
　　"Thisisthelast。There’llbenomoreofthiscursedfollyamongtheboys。"
　　AndIthoughtitawisethinginThePilotthatheanswerednotaword。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　THEPILOT’SGRIP
　　Thesituationwasoneofextremedanger——amadmanwithaWinchesterrifle。Somethingmustbedoneandquickly。Butwhat？Itwouldbedeathtoanyoneappearingatthedoor。
　　"I’llspeak;youkeepyoureyesonhim，"saidTheDuke。
　　"Hello，Bruce！What’stherow？"shoutedTheDuke。
　　Instantlythesingingstopped。Alookofcunningdelightcameoverhisfaceas，withoutaword，hegothisriflereadypointedatthedoor。
　　"Comein！"heyelled，afterwaitingforsomemoments。"Comein！
　　You’rethebiggestofallthedevils。Comeon，I’llsendyoudownwhereyoubelong。Come，what’skeepingyou？"
　　Overtherifle-barrelhiseyesgleamedwithfrenzieddelight。Weconsultedastoaplan。
　　"Idon’trelishabulletmuch，"Isaid。
　　"Therearepleasanterthings，"respondedTheDuke，"andheisafairlygoodshot。"
　　Meantimethesinginghadstartedagain，and，lookingthroughthechink，IsawthatBrucehadgothiseyeonthestovepipeagain。
　　WhileIwaslookingThePilotslippedawayfromustowardthedoor。
　　"Comeback！"saidtheDuke，"don’tbeafool！Comeback，he’llshootyoudead！"
　　Moorepaidnoheedtohim，butstoodwaitingatthedoor。InafewmomentsBruceblazedawayagainatthestovepipe。ImmediatelythePilotburstin，callingouteagerly：
　　"Didyougethim？"
　　"No！"saidBruce，disappointedly，"hedodgedlikethedevil，asofcourseheought，youknow。"
　　"I’llgethim，"saidMoore。"Smokehimout，"proceedingtoopenthestovedoor。
　　"Stop！"screamedBruce，"don’topenthatdoor！It’sfull，Itellyou。"Moorepaused。"Besides，"wentonBruce，"smokewon’ttouch’em。"
　　"Oh，that’sallright，"saidMoore，coollyandwithadmirablequickness，"woodsmoke，youknow——theycan’tstandthat。"
　　ThiswasapparentlyanewideaindemonologyforBruce，forhesankback，whileMoorelightedthefireandputonthetea-kettle。Helookedroundforthetea-caddy。
　　"Upthere，"saidBruce，forgettingforthemomenthisdevils，andpointingtoaquaint，old-fashionedtea-caddyupontheshelf。
　　Mooretookitdown，turneditinhishandsandlookedatBruce。
　　"Oldcountry，eh？"
　　"Mymother’s，"saidBruce，soberly。
　　"Icouldhaveswornitwasmyaunt’sinBalleymena，"saidMoore。
　　"Myauntlivedinalittlestonecottagewithrosesalloverthefrontofit。"Andonhewentintoanenthusiasticdescriptionofhisearlyhome。Hisvoicewasfullofmusic，softandsoothing，andpoorBrucesankbackandlistened，theglitterfadingfromhiseyes。
　　TheDukeandIlookedateachother。
　　"Nottoobad，eh？"saidTheDuke，afterafewmoments’silence。
　　"Let’sputupthehorses，"Isuggested。"Theywon’twantusforhalfanhour。"
　　Whenwecamein，theroomhadbeensetinorder，thetea-kettlewassinging，thebedclothesstraightenedout，andMoorehadjustfinishedwashingthebloodstainsfromBruce’sarmsandneck。
　　"Justintime，"hesaid。"Ididn’tliketotacklethese，"pointingtothebandages。
　　AllnightlongMooresoothedandtendedthesickman，nowsingingsoftlytohim，andagainbeguilinghimwithtalesthatmeantnothing，butthathadastrangepowertoquietthenervousrestlessness，duepartlytothepainofthewoundedarmandpartlytothenerve-wreckingfromhismonthsofdissipation。TheDukeseemeduncomfortableenough。HespoketoBruceonceortwice，buttheonlyanswerwasagroanorcursewithanincreaseofrestlessness。
　　"He’llhaveaclosesqueak，"saidTheDuke。Thecarelessnessofthetonewasalittleoverdone，butThePilotwasstirredupbyit。
　　"Hehasnotbeenfortunateinhisfriends，"hesaid，lookingstraightintohiseyes。
　　"Amanoughttoknowhimselfwhenthepaceistooswift，"saidTheDuke，alittlemorequicklythanwashiswont。
　　"Youmighthavedoneanythingwithhim。Whydidn’tyouhelphim？"
　　Moore’stonesweresternandverysteady，andhenevermovedhiseyesfromtheotherman’sface，buttheonlyreplyhegotwasashrugoftheshoulders。
　　WhenthegrayofthemorningwascominginatthewindowTheDukeroseup，gavehimself，alittleshake，andsaid：
　　"Iamnotofanyservicehere。Ishallcomebackintheevening。"
　　Hewentandstoodforafewmomentslookingdownuponthehot，feveredface;then，turningtome，heasked：
　　"Whatdoyouthink？"
　　"Can’tsay！Thebromideisholdinghimdownjustnow。Hisbloodisbadforthatwound。"
　　"CanIgetanything？"Iknewhimwellenoughtorecognizetheanxietyunderhisindifferentmanner。
　　"TheFortdoctoroughttobegot。"
　　Henoddedandwentout。
　　"Havebreakfast？"calledoutMoorefromthedoor。
　　"IshallgetsomeattheFort，thanks。Theywon’ttakeanyhurtfrommethere，"hesaid，smilinghiscynicalsmile。
　　Mooreopenedhiseyesinsurprise。
　　"What’sthatfor？"heaskedme。
　　"Well，heisrathercutup，andyouratherrubbeditintohim，youknow，"Isaid，forIthoughtMoorealittlehard。
　　"DidIsayanythinguntrue？"
　　"Well，notuntrue，perhaps;buttruthislikemedicine——notalwaysgoodtotake。"AtwhichMoorewassilenttillhispatientneededhimagain。
　　Itwasawearyday。Theintensepainfromthewound，andthehighfeverfromthepoisoninhisbloodkeptthepoorfellowindeliriumtillevening，whenTheDukerodeupwiththeFortdoctor。Jingoappearedasnearlyplayedoutasahorseofhisspiriteverallowedhimselftobecome。
　　"Seventymiles，"saidTheDuke，swinginghimselfoffthesaddle。
　　"Thedoctorwastenmilesout。Howishe？"
　　Ishookmyhead，andheledawayhishorsetogivehimarubandafeed。
　　Meantimethedoctor，whowasofthearmyandhadseenservice，wasexamininghispatient。Hegrewmoreandmorepuzzledashenotedthevarioussymptoms。Finallyhebrokeout：
　　"Whathaveyoubeendoingtohim？Whyisheinthiscondition？
　　Thisfleabitedoesn’taccountforall，"pointingtothewound。
　　Westoodlikechildrenreproved。ThenTheDukesaid，hesitatingly：
　　"Ifear，doctor，thelifehasbeenalittletoohardforhim。Hehadaseverenervousattack——seeingthings，youknow。"
　　"Yes，Iknow，"stormedtheolddoctor。"Iknowyouwellenough，withyourheadofcast-ironandnonervestospeakof。Iknowthecrowdandhowyouleadthem。Infernalfools！You’llgetyourturnsomeday。I’vewarnedyoubefore。"
　　TheDukewasstandingupbeforethedoctorduringthisstorm，smilingslightly。Allatoncethesmilefadedoutandhepointedtothebed。Brucewassittingupquietandsteady。HestretchedouthishandtoTheDuke。
　　"Don’tmindtheoldfool，"hesaid，holdingTheDuke’shandandlookingupathimasfondlyasifhewereagirl。"It’smyownfuneral——funeral？"hepaused——"Perhapsitmaybe——whoknows？——feelqueerenough——butremember，Duke——it’smyownfault——don’tlistentothoseballyfools，"lookingtowardsMooreandthedoctor。"Myownfault"——hisvoicedieddown——"myownfault。"
　　TheDukebentoverhimandlaidhimbackonthepillow，saying，"Thanks，oldchap，you’regoodstuff。I’llnotforget。Justkeepquietandyou’llbeallright。"Hepassedhiscool，firmhandoverthehotbrowofthemanlookingupathimwithloveinhiseyes，andinafewmomentsBrucefellasleep。ThenTheDukeliftedhimselfup，andfacingthedoctor，saidinhiscoolesttone：
　　"Yourwordsaremoretruethanopportune，doctor。Yourpatientwillneedallyourattention。Asformymorals，Mr。Moorekindlyentrustshimselfwiththecareofthem。"ThiswithabowtowardThePilot。
　　"Iwishhimjoyofhischarge，"snortedthedoctor，turningagaintothebed，whereBrucehadalreadypassedintodelirium。
　　Thememoryofthatvigilwaslikeahorriblenightmareformonths。
　　Moorelayonthefloorandslept。TheDukerodeoffsomewhither。
　　TheolddoctorandIkeptwatch。AllnightpoorBruceravedinthewildestdelirium，singing，nowpsalms，nowsongs，swearingatthecattleorhispokerpartners，andnowandthen，inquietermoments，hewasbackinhisoldhome，aboy，withaboy’sfriendsandsports。Nothingcouldcheckthefever。Itbaffledthedoctor，whooften，duringthenight，declaredthattherewas"nosenseinawoundlikethatworkingupsuchafever，"addingcursesuponthefollyofTheDukeandhisCompany。
　　"Youdon’tthinkhewillnotgetbetter，doctor？"Iasked，inanswertooneofhisoutbreaks。
　　"Heoughttogetoverthis，"heanswered，impatiently，"butI
　　believe，"headded，deliberately，"he’llhavetogo。"
　　Everythingstoodstillforamoment。Itseemedimpossible。Twodaysagofulloflife，nowonthewayout。Therecrowdedinuponmethoughtsofhishome;hismother，whoselettersheusedtoshowmefullofanxiouslove;hiswildlifehere，withallitsgenerousimpulses，itsmistakes，itsfolly。
　　"Howlongwillhelast？"Iasked，andmylipsweredryandnumb。
　　"Perhapstwenty-fourhours，perhapslonger。Hecan’tthrowoffthepoison。"
　　Theolddoctorprovedatrueprophet。Afteranotherdayofagonizeddeliriumhesankintoastuporwhichlastedthroughthenight。
　　Thenthechangecame。Asthelightbegantogrowattheeasternrimoftheprairieandupthefarmountainsinthewest，Bruceopenedhiseyesandlookedaboutuponus。Thedoctorhadgone;TheDukehadnotcomeback;MooreandIwerealone。Hegazedatussteadilyforsomemoments;readourfaces;alookofwondercameintohiseyes。
　　"Isitcoming？"heaskedinafaint，awedvoice。"DoyoureallythinkImustgo？"
　　Theeagerappealinhisvoiceandthewistfullonginginthewide-
　　open，startledeyesweretoomuchforMoore。HebackedbehindmeandIcouldhearhimweepinglikeababy。Bruceheardhim，too。
　　"IsthatThePilot？"heasked。InstantlyMoorepulledhimselfup，wipedhiseyesandcameroundtotheothersideofthebedandlookeddown，smiling。
　　"DoYOUsayIamdying？"Thevoicewasstrainedinitsearnestness。
　　IfeltathrillofadmirationgothroughmeasthePilotansweredinasweet，clearvoice："Theysayso，Bruce。Butyouarenotafraid？"
　　Brucekepthiseyesonhisfaceandansweredwithgravehesitation：
　　"No——not——afraid——butI’dliketolivealittlelonger。I’vemadesuchamessofit，I’dliketotryagain。"Thenhepaused，andhislipsquiveredalittle。"There’smymother，youknow，"headded，apologetically，"andJim。"Jimwashisyoungerbrotherandswornchum。
　　"Yes，Iknow，Bruce，butitwon’tbeverylongforthem，too，andit’sagoodplace。"
　　"Yes，Ibelieveitall——alwaysdid——talkedrot——you’llforgivemethat？"
　　"Don’t;don’t，"saidMoorequickly，withsharppaininhisvoice，andBrucesmiledalittleandclosedhiseyes，saying："I’mtired。"
　　Butheimmediatelyopenedthemagainandlookedup。
　　"Whatisit？"askedMoore，smilingdownintohiseyes。
　　"TheDuke，"thepoorlipswhispered。
　　"Heiscoming，"saidMoore，confidently，thoughhowheknewIcouldnottell。Butevenashespoke，lookingoutofthewindow，IsawJingocomeswingingroundthebluff。Bruceheardthebeatofhishoofs，smiled，openedhiseyesandwaited。TheleapofjoyinhiseyesasTheDukecamein，clean，coolandfreshasthemorning，wenttomyheart。
　　Neithermansaidaword，butBrucetookholdofTheDuke’shandinbothofhis。Hewasfastgrowingweaker。Igavehimbrandy，andherecoveredalittlestrength。
　　"Iamdying，Duke，"hesaid，quietly。"Promiseyouwon’tblameyourself。"
　　"Ican’t，oldman，"saidTheDuke，withashudder。"WouldtoheavenIcould。"
　　"Youweretoostrongforme，andyoudidn’tthink，didyou？"andtheweakvoicehadacaressinit。
　　"No，no！Godknows，"saidTheDuke，hurriedly。
　　Therewasalongsilence，andagainBruceopenedhiseyesandwhispered：
　　"ThePilot。"
　　Moorecametohim。
　　"Read’TheProdigal，’"hesaidfaintly，andinMoore’sclear，sweetvoicethemusicofthatmatchlessstoryfelluponourears。
　　AgainBruce’seyessummonedme。Ibentoverhim。
　　"Myletter，"hesaid，faintly，"inmycoat——"
　　Ibroughttohimthelastletterfromhismother。Heheldtheenvelopebeforehiseyes，thenhandedittome，whispering：
　　"Read。"
　　Iopenedtheletterandlookedatthewords，"MydarlingDavie。"
　　MytonguestuckandnotasoundcouldImake。Mooreputouthishandandtookitfromme。TheDukerosetogoout，callingmewithhiseyes，butBrucemotionedhimtostay，andhesatdownandbowedhishead，whileMoorereadtheletter。
　　Histoneswereclearandsteadytillhecametothelastwords，whenhisvoicebrokeandendedinasob：
　　"Andoh，Davie，laddie，ifeveryourheartturnshomeagain，rememberthedoorisayeopen，andit’sjoyyou’llbringwithyoutousall。"
　　Brucelayquitestill，and，fromhisclosedeyes，bigtearsrandownhischeeks。Itwashislastfarewelltoherwhoselovehadbeentohimtheanchortoallthingspurehereandtoheavenbeyond。
　　HetooktheletterfromMoore’shand，putitwithdifficultytohislips，andthen，touchingtheopenBible，hesaid，betweenhisbreaths：
　　"It’s——verylike——there’sreally——nofear，isthere？"
　　"No，no！"saidMoore，withcheerful，confidentvoice，thoughhis，tearswereflowing。"Nofearofyourwelcome。"
　　Hiseyesmetmine。Ibentoverhim。"Tellher——"andhisvoicefadedaway。
　　"WhatshallItellher？"Iasked，tryingtorecallhim。Butthemessagewasnevergiven。HemovedonehandslowlytowardTheDuketillittouchedhishead。TheDukeliftedhisfaceandlookeddownathim，andthenhedidabeautifulthingforwhichIforgavehimmuch。Hestoopedoverandkissedthelipsgrownsowhite，andthenthebrow。Thelightcamebackintotheeyesofthedyingman，hesmiledoncemore，andsmilinglyfacedtowardtheGreatBeyond。Andthemorningair，freshfromthesun-tippedmountainsandsweetwiththescentoftheJuneroses，cameblowingsoftandcoolthroughtheopenwindowuponthedead，smilingface。Anditseemedfittingso。
　　ItcamefromthelandoftheMorning。
　　AgainTheDukedidabeautifulthing;for，reachingacrosshisdeadfriend，heofferedhishandtoThePilot。"Mr。Moore，"hesaid，withfinecourtesy，"youareabravemanandagoodman;Iaskyourforgivenessformuchrudeness。"
　　ButMooreonlyshookhisheadwhilehetooktheoutstretchedhand，andsaid，brokenly：
　　"Don’t！Ican’tstandit。"
　　"TheCompanyoftheNobleSevenwillmeetnomore，"saidTheDuke，withafaintsmile。
　　Theydidmeet，however;butwhentheydid，ThePilotwasinthechair，anditwasnotforpoker。
　　ThePilothad"gothisgrip，"asBillsaid。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　GWEN
　　ItwasnotmanydaysaftermyarrivalintheFoothillcountrythatIbegantohearofGwen。Theyallhadstoriesofher。Thedetailswerenotmany，buttheimpressionwasvivid。ShelivedremotefromthatcentreofcivilizationknownasSwanCreekinthepostalguide，butlocallyasOldLatour’s，farupamongthehillsneartheDevil’sLake，andfromherfather’sranchsheneverventured。Butsomeofthemenhadhadglimpsesofherandhadcometodefiniteopinionsregardingher。
　　"Whatisshelike？"IaskedBilloneday，tryingtopinhimdowntosomethinglikeadescriptiveaccountofher。
　　"Like！She’saterrer，"hesaid，withslowemphasis，"aholyterrer。"
　　"Butwhatisshelike？Whatdoesshelooklike？"Iaskedimpatiently。
　　"Looklike？"Heconsideredamoment，lookedslowlyroundasifsearchingforasimile，thenanswered："Idunno。"
　　"Don’tknow？Whatdoyoumean？Haven’tyouseenher？"
　　"Yeh！Butsheain’tlikenothin’。"
　　Billwasquitedecideduponthispoint。
　　Itriedagain。
　　"Well，whatsortofhairhasshegot？She’sgothair，Isuppose？"
　　"Hayer！Well，afew！"saidBill，withsomechoicecombinationsofprofanityinrepudiationofmysuggestion。"Yardsofit！Red！"
　　"Gitout！"contradictedHi。"Red！Tain’tnomoreredthanmine！"
　　BillregardedHi’shaircritically。
　　"Whatcolordoyouputontoyouroldbrush？"heaskedcautiously。
　　"’Tain’tnodifference。’Tain’tred，anyhow。"
　　"Red！Well，notquiteexactly，"andBillwentoffintoalow，long，chokingchuckle，ejaculatingnowandthen，"Red！Jee-mi-nyAnn！Red！"
　　"No，Hi，"hewenton，recoveringhimselfwiththesameabruptnessasheusedwithhisbronco，andlookingathisfriendwithafaceevenmorethanusuallysolemn，"yourhayerain’tred，Hi;don’tletanyofyourrelativespersuadeyoutothat。’Tain’tred！"andhethreatenedtogooffagain，butpulledhimselfupwithdangeroussuddenness。"Itmaybeblue，cerulyumblueorevenpurple，butred——！"Hepausedviolently，lookingathisfriendasifhefoundhimanewandinterestingobjectofstudyuponwhichhecouldnottrusthimselftospeak。Norcouldhebeinducedtoproceedwiththedescriptionhehadbegun。
　　ButHi，payingnoattentiontoBill’soration，tookupthesubjectwithenthusiasm。
　　"Shekinride——she’sareg’larbustertoride，ain’tshe，Bill？"
　　Billnodded。"Shekinbunchcattlean’cutoutan’yankasteeruptoanycowboyontherange。"
　　"Why，howbigisshe？"
　　"Big？Why，she’sjustakid！’Tain’tthebignessofher，it’sthenerve。She’sgotthecoldestkindofnerveyoueverseen。Hain’tshe，Bill？"AndagainBillnodded。
　　"’Memberthedayshedroppedthatsteer，Bill？"wentonHi。
　　"Whatwasthat？"Iasked，eagerforayarn。
　　"Oh，nuthin’，"saidBill。
　　"Nuthin’！"retortedHi。"Prettybignuthin’！"
　　"Whatwasit？"Iurged。
　　"Oh，BillheredidsomefunnyworkatoldMeredith’sround-up，buthedon’tspeakofit。He’sshy，yousee，"andHigrinned。
　　"Well，thereain’tnooccasionforyourproceedin’ontothattact，"
　　saidBilldisgustedly，andHiloyallyrefrained，soIhaveneveryetgottherightsofthestory。ButfromwhatIdidhearI
　　gatheredthatBill，attheriskofhislife，hadpulledTheDukefromunderthehoofsofamadsteer，andthatlittleGwenhad，inthecoolestpossiblemanner，"sailedinonherbronco"and，byputtingtwobulletsintothesteer’shead，hadsavedthembothfromgreatdanger，perhapsfromdeath，fortherestofthecattlewerecrowdingnear。OfcourseBillcouldneverbepersuadedtospeakoftheincident。Atruewesternmanwillneverhesitatetotellyouwhathecando，butofwhathehasdonehedoesnotreadilyspeak。
　　TheonlyotheritemthatHicontributedtothesketchofGwenwasthathertempercouldblazeiftheoccasiondemanded。
　　"’MemberyoungHill，Bill？"
　　Bill"’membered。"
　　"Didn’tshecutintohimsudden？Sarvedhimright，too。"
　　"Whatdidshedo？"
　　"Cuthimacrossthefacewithherquirtingoodstyle。"
　　"Whatfor？"
　　"Knockin’aboutherIndianJoe。"
　　Joewas，asIcametolearn，Ponka’ssonandGwen’smostdevotedslave。
　　"Oh，sheain’tnorefrigerator。"
　　"Yes，"assentedBill。"She’saleetleswift。"Then，asiffearinghehadbeenapologizingforher，headded，withtheairofonesettlingthequestion："Butshe’sgoodstock！Shesuitsme！"
　　TheDukehelpedmetoanothersideofhercharacter。
　　"Sheisaremarkablechild，"hesaid，oneday。"Wildandshyasacoyote，butfearless，quite;andwithaheartfullofpassions。
　　Meredith，theOldTimer，youknow，haskeptherupthereamongthehills。SheseesnoonebuthimselfandPonka’sBlackfeetrelations，whotreatherlikeagoddessandhelptospoilherutterly。Sheknowstheirlingoandtheirways——goesoffwiththemforaweekatatime。"
　　"What！WiththeBlackfeet？"
　　"PonkaandJoe，ofcourse，goalong;butevenwithoutthemsheisassafeasifsurroundedbytheColdstreamGuards，butshehasgiventhemupforsometimenow。"
　　"Andathome？"Iasked。"Hassheanyeducation？Canshereadorwrite？"
　　"Notshe。Shecanmakeherowndresses，moccasinsandleggings。
　　Shecancookandwash——thatis，whenshefeelsinthemood。Andsheknowsallaboutthebirdsandbeastsandflowersandthatsortofthing，but——education！Why，sheishardlycivilized！"
　　"Whatashame！"Isaid。"Howoldisshe？"
　　"Oh，amerechild;fourteenorfifteen，Iimagine;butawomaninmanythings。"
　　"Andwhatdoesherfathersaytoallthis？Canhecontrolher？"
　　"Control！"saidTheDuke，inutterastonishment。"Why，blessyoursoul，nothinginheavenorearthcouldcontrolHER。Waittillyouseeherstandwithherproudlittleheadthrownback，givingorderstoJoe，andyouwillneveragainconnecttheideaofcontrolwithGwen。Shemightbeaprincessfortheprideofher。I’veseensome，too，inmyday，butnonetotouchherforsheer，imperialpride，littleLuciferthatsheis。"
　　"Andhowdoesherfatherstandhernonsense？"Iasked，forI
　　confessIwasnotmuchtakenwiththepictureTheDukehaddrawn。
　　"Herfathersimplyfollowsbehindherandadores，asdoallthingsthatcomenearher，down，orup，perhaps，tohertwodogs——WolfandLoo——foreitherofwhichshewouldreadilydieifneedbe。Still，"
　　headded，afterapause，"itISashame，asyousay。Sheoughttoknowsomethingoftherefinementsofcivilization，towhich，afterall，shebelongs，andfromwhichnoneofuscanhopetoescape。"
　　TheDukewassilentforafewmoments，andthenadded，withsomehesitation："Then，too，sheisquiteapagan;neversawaprayer-
　　book，youknow。"
　　Andsoitcameabout，chieflythroughTheDuke’sinfluence，I
　　imagine，thatIwasengagedbytheOldTimertogouptohisrancheveryweekandteachhisdaughtersomethingoftheelementariesofalady’seducation。
　　MyintroductionwasominousofthemanythingsIwastosufferofthatsameyoungmaidenbeforeIhadfinishedmycoursewithher。
　　TheOldTimerhadgivencarefuldirectionsastothetrailthatwouldleadmetothecanyonwherehewastomeetme。UptheSwanwentthetrail，windingeverdownwardintodeeperandnarrowercouleesanduptohigheropensunlitslopes，tillsuddenlyitsettledintoavalleywhichbeganwithgreatwidthandnarrowedtoacanyonwhoserockysidesweredressedoutwithshrubsandtrailingvinesandwetwithtricklingrivuletsfromthenumerousspringsthatoozedandgushedfromtheblack，glisteningrocks。
　　ThiscanyonwasaneerieplaceofwhichghostlytalesweretoldfromtheoldBlackfeettimes。AndtothisdaynoBlackfootwilldaretopassthroughthisblack-walled，oozy，glisteningcanyonafterthemoonhaspassedthewesternlip。Butinthewarmlightofbroaddaythecanyonwasagoodenoughplace;coolandsweet，andIlingeredthrough，waitingfortheOldTimer，whofailedtoappeartilltheshadowsbegantodarkenitswesternblacksides。
　　OutofthemouthofthecanyonthetrailclimbedtoawidestretchofprairiethatsweptupoversofthillstotheleftanddowntothebrightgleamingwatersoftheDevil’sLakeontheright。Inthesunlightthelakelaylikeagemradiantwithmanycolors，thefarsideblackintheshadowofthecrowdingpines，theninthemiddledeep，blueandpurple，andnearer，manyshadesofemeraldthatranquitetothewhite，sandybeach。Rightinfrontstoodtheranchbuildings，uponaslightrisinggroundandsurroundedbyasturdypalisadeofuprightpointedpoles。Thiswasthecastleoftheprincess。Irodeuptotheopengate，thenturnedandstoodtolookdownuponthemarvellouslakeshiningandshimmeringwithitsmanyradiantcolors。Suddenlytherewasanawfulroar，myponyshotrounduponhishindlegsafterhisbeastlycayusemanner，depositedmesittinguponthegroundandfleddownthetrail，pursuedbytwohugedogsthatbrushedpastmeasIfell。Iwasarousedfrommyamazementbyapealoflaughter，shrillbutfullofmusic。Turning，Isawmypupil，asIguessed，standingattheheadofamostbeautifulpinto（spotted）ponywithaheavycattlequirtinherhand。Iscrambledtomyfeetandsaid，somewhatangrily，I
　　fear：
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat？Whydon’tyoucallbackyourdogs？
　　Theywillchasemyponybeyondallreach。"
　　Sheliftedherlittlehead，shookbackhermassesofbrown-redhair，lookedatmeasifIwerequitebeneathcontemptandsaid：
　　"No，theywillkillhim。"
　　"Then，"saidI，forIwasveryangry，"Iwillkillthem，"pullingattherevolverinmybelt。
　　"Then，"shesaid，andforthefirsttimeInoticedhereyesblue-
　　black，withgrayrims，"Iwillkillyou，"andshewhippedoutanugly-lookingrevolver。FromherfaceIhadnodoubtthatshewouldnothesitatetodoasshehadsaid。Ichangedmytactics，forI
　　wasanxiousaboutmypony，andsaid，withmybestsmile：
　　"Can’tyoucallthemback？Won’ttheyobeyyou？"
　　Herfacechangedinamoment。
　　"Isityourpony？Doyoulovehimverymuch？"
　　"Dearly！"Isaid，persuadingmyselfofasuddenaffectionforthecrankylittlebrute。
　　Shespranguponherpintoandsetoffdownthetrail。Theponywasnowcoursingupanddowntheslopes，doublinglikeahare，instinctivelyavoidingthecanyonwherehewouldbecornered。Hewasmadwithterroratthehugebrutesthatweresilentlybutwithawfulandsureswiftnessrunninghimdown。
　　Thegirlonthepintowhistledshrilly，andcalledtoherdogs：
　　"Down，Wolf！Back，Loo！"but，runninglow，withlong，stretchedbodies，theyheedednot，butspedon，evergainingupontheponythatnowcircledtowardthepinto。Astheydrewnearintheircircling，thegirlurgedherpintotomeetthem，looseningherlariatasshewent。Astheponynearedthepintoheslackenedhisspeed;immediatelythenearerdoggatheredherselfintwoshortjumpsandsprangforthepony’sthroat。But，evenasshesprang，thelariatwhirledroundthegirl’sheadandfellswiftandsureaboutthedog’sneck，andnextmomentshelaychokingupontheprairie。Hermatepaused，lookedback，andgaveupthechase。Butdirevengeanceovertookthem，for，likeonepossessed，thegirlfelluponthemwithherquirtandbeatthemoneaftertheothertill，inpityforthebrutes，Iinterposed。
　　"TheyshalldoasIsayorIshallkillthem！Ishallkillthem！"
　　shecried，ragingandstamping。
　　"Bettershootthem，"Isuggested，pullingoutmypistol。
　　Immediatelysheflungherselfupontheonethatmoanedandwhinedatherfeet，crying：
　　"Ifyoudare！Ifyoudare！"Thensheburstintopassionatesobbing。"YoubadLoo！Youbad，dearoldLoo！ButyouWEREbad——
　　youKNOWyouwerebad！"andsoshewentonwithherarmsaboutLoo’snecktillLoo，whiningandquiveringwithloveanddelight，threatenedtogoquitemad，andWolf，standingmajesticallynear，brokeintoshorthowlsofimpatienceforhisturnofcaressing。
　　Theymadeastrangegroup，thosethreewildthings，equallyfierceandpassionateinhateandinlove。
　　Suddenlythegirlrememberedme，andstandingupshesaid，halfashamed：
　　"TheyalwaysobeyME。TheyareMINE，buttheykillanystrangethingthatcomesinthroughthegate。Theyareallowedto。"
　　"Itisapleasantwhim。"
　　"What？"
　　"Imean，isn’tthatdangeroustostrangers？"
　　"Oh，nooneevercomesalone，exceptTheDuke。Andtheykeepoffthewolves。"
　　"TheDukecomes，doeshe？"
　　"Yes！"andhereyeslitup。"Heismyfriend。Hecallsmehis’princess，’andheteachesmetotalkandtellsmestories——oh，wonderfulstories！"
　　Ilookedinwonderatherface，sogentle，sogirlish，andtriedtothinkbacktothepictureofthegirlwhoafewmomentsbeforehadsocoollythreatenedtoshootmeandhadsofuriouslybeatenherdogs。
　　IkepthertalkingofTheDukeaswewalkedbacktothegate，watchingherfacethewhile。Itwasnotbeautiful;itwastoothin，andthemouthwastoolarge。Buttheteethweregood，andtheeyes，blue-blackwithgrayrims，lookedstraightatyou;trueeyesandbrave，whetherinloveorinwar。Herhairwasherglory。
　　Reditwas，inspiteofHi’sdenial，butofsuchmarvellous，indescribableshadethatincertainlights，assherodeovertheprairie，itstreamedbehindherlikeapurplebanner。Amostconfusingandbewilderingcolor，butquiteinkeepingwiththenatureoftheowner。
　　ShegaveherpintotoJoeand，standingatthedoor，welcomedmewithadignityandgraciousnessthatmademethinkthatTheDukewasnotfarwrongwhenhenamedher"Princess。"
　　Thedooropeneduponthemainorlivingroom。Itwasalong，apartment，withlowceilingandwallsofhewnlogschinkedandplasteredandallbeautifullywhitewashedandclean。Thetables，chairsandbencheswereallhome-made。Onthefloorweremagnificentskinsofwolf，bear，muskoxandmountaingoat。Thewallsweredecoratedwithheadsandhornsofdeerandmountainsheep，eagles’wingsandabeautifulbreastofaloon，whichGwenhadshotandofwhichshewasveryproud。Atoneendoftheroomahugestonefireplacestoodradiantinitssummerdecorationsoffernsandgrassesandwild-flowers。Attheotherendadooropenedintoanotherroom，smallerandrichlyfurnishedwithrelicsofformergrandeur。
　　Everythingwascleanandwellkept。Everynook，shelfandcornerwasdeckedwithflowersandfernsfromthecanyon。
　　Astrangehouseitwas，fullofcuriouscontrasts，butitfittedthisquaintchildthatwelcomedmewithsuchgraciouscourtesy。
　　CHAPTERX
　　GWEN’SFIRSTPRAYERS
　　Itwaswithhesitation，almostwithfear，thatIbeganwithGwen;
　　butevenhadIbeenabletoforeseetheendlessseriesofexasperationsthroughwhichshewasdestinedtoconductme，stillwouldIhaveundertakenmytask。Forthechild，withallherwilfulness，hertempersandherpride，mademe，asshedidallothers，herwillingslave。
　　Herlessonswenton，brilliantlyornotatall，accordingtohersweetwill。Shelearnedtoreadwithextraordinaryrapidity，forshewaseagertoknowmoreofthatgreatworldofwhichTheDukehadtoldhersuchthrillingtales。Writingsheabhorred。Shehadnoonetowriteto。Whyshouldshecrampherfingersoverthesecrookedlittlemarks？Butshemasteredwithhardlyastrugglethemysteriesoffigures，forshewouldhavetosellhercattle，and"daddoesn’tknowwhentheyarecheating。"Herideasofeducationwerepurelyutilitarian，andwhatdidnotappearimmediatelyusefulsherefusedtotriflewith。Andsoallthroughthefollowinglongwintershevexedmyrighteoussoulwithherwilfulnessandpride。
　　Anappealtoherfatherwasidle。Shewouldwindherlong，thinarmsabouthisneckandletherwavingredhairfloatoverhimuntiltheoldmanwasquitehelplesstoexertauthority。TheDukecoulddomostwithher。Topleasehimshewouldstrugglewithhercrookedlettersforanhouratatime，butevenhisinfluenceandauthorityhaditslimits。
　　"MustI？"shesaidoneday，inanswertoademandofhisformorefaithfulstudy;"mustI？"Andthrowingupherproudlittlehead，andshakingbackwithatrickshehadherstreamingredhair，shelookedstraightathimfromherblue-grayeyesandaskedthemonosyllabicquestion，"Why？"AndTheDukelookedbackatherwithhisslightsmileforafewmomentsandthensaidincold，eventones：
　　"Ireallydon’tknowwhy，"andturnedhisbackonher。Immediatelyshesprangathim，shookhimbythearm，and，quiveringwithpassion，cried：
　　"Youarenottospeaktomelikethat，andyouarenottoturnyourbackthatway！"
　　"Whatalittleprincessitis，"hesaidadmiringly，"andwhatatimeshewillgiveherselfsomeday！"Thenheadded，smilingsadly："WasIrude，Gwen？ThenIamsorry。"Herragewasgone，andshelookedasifshecouldhaveheldhimbythefeet。Asitwas，tooproudtoshowherfeelings，shejustlookedathimwithsofteningeyes，andthensatdowntotheworkshehadrefused。
　　ThiswasaftertheadventofThePilotatSwanCreek，and，asTheDukerodehomewithmethatnight，afterlongmusinghesaidwithhesitation："Sheoughttohavesomereligion，poorchild;shewillgrowupaperfectlittledevil。ThePilotmightbeofserviceifyoucouldbringhimup。Womenneedthatsortofthing;itrefines，youknow。"
　　"Wouldshehavehim？"Iasked。
　　"Question，"hereplied，doubtfully。"Youmightsuggestit。"
　　WhichIdid，introducingsomewhatclumsily，Ifear，TheDuke’sname。
　　"TheDukesaysheistomakemegood！"shecried。"Iwon’thavehim，Ihatehimandyoutoo！"Andforthatdayshedisdainedalllessons，andwhenTheDukenextappearedshegreetedhimwiththeexclamation，"Iwon’thaveyouroldPilot，andIdon’twanttobegood，and——and——youthinkhe’snogoodyourself，"atwhichtheDukeopenedhiseyes。
　　"Howdoyouknow？Ineversaidso！"
　　"Youlaughedathimtodadoneday。"
　　"DidI？"saidTheDuke，gravely。"ThenIhastentoassure，youthatIhavechangedmymind。Heisagood，braveman。"
　　"Hefallsoffhishorse，"shesaid，withcontempt。
　　"Iratherthinkhesticksonnow，"repliedTheDuke，repressingasmile。
　　"Besides，"shewenton，"he’sjustakid;Billsaidso。"
　　"Well，hemightbemoreancient，"acknowledgedTheDuke，"butinthatheissteadilyimproving。"
　　"Anyway，"withanairoffinality，"heisnottocomehere。"
　　Buthedidcome，andunderherownescort，onethreateningAugustevening。
　　"Ifoundhiminthecreek，"sheannounced，withdefiantshamefacedness，marchinginThePilothalfdrowned。
　　"IthinkIcouldhavecrossed，"hesaid，apologetically，"forLouiswasgettingonhisfeetagain。"
　　"No，youwouldn’t，"sheprotested。"Youwouldhavebeendownintothecanyonbynow，andyououghttobethankful。"
　　"SoIam，"hehastenedtosay，"very！But，"headded，unwillingtogiveuphiscontention，"IhavecrossedtheSwanbefore。"
　　"Notwhenitwasinflood。"
　　"Yes，whenitwasinflood，higherthannow。"
　　"Notwherethebanksarerocky。"
　　"No-o！"hehesitated。
　　"There，then，youWOULDhavebeendrownedbutformylariat！"shecried，triumphantly。
　　Tothishedoubtfullyassented。
　　Theyweremuchalike，inhightemper，inenthusiasm，invividimagination，andinsensitivefeeling。WhentheOldTimercameinGwentriumphantlyintroducedThePilotashavingbeenrescuedfromawaterygravebyherlariat，andagaintheyfoughtoutthepossibilitiesofdrowningandofescapetillGwenalmostlosthertemper，andwasappeasedonlybythemostprofuseexpressionsofgratitudeonthepartofThePilotforhertimelyassistance。TheOldTimerwasperplexed。HewasafraidtooffendGwenandyetunwillingtobecordialtoherguest。ThePilotwasquicktofeelthis，and，soonaftertea，rosetogo。Gwen’sdisappointmentshowedinherface。
　　"Askhimtostay，dad，"shesaid，inawhisper。Butthehalf-
　　heartedinvitationactedlikeaspur，andThePilotwasdeterminedtosetoff。
　　"There’sabadstormcoming，"shesaid;"andbesides，"sheadded，triumphantly"youcan’tcrosstheSwan。"
　　Thissettledit，andthemostearnestprayersoftheOldTimercouldnothaveheldhimback。
　　Weallwentdowntoseehimcross，Gwenleadingherpinto。TheSwanwasfaroveritsbanks，andinthemiddlerunningswiftandstrong。Louissnorted，refusedandfinallyplunged。Bravelyheswam，tilltheswift-runningwaterstruckhim，andoverhewentonhisside，throwinghisriderintothewater。ButThePilotkepthishead，and，holdingbythestirrups，paddledalongbyLouis’
　　side。Whentheywerehalf-wayacrossLouissawthathehadnochanceofmakingthelanding;so，likeasensiblehorse，heturnedandmadefortheshore。Here，too，thebankswerehigh，andtheponybegantogrowdiscouraged。
　　"Lethimfloatdownfurther！"shriekedGwen，inanxiousexcitement;
　　and，urgingherpintodownthebank，shecoaxedthestrugglingponydownthestreamtilloppositeashelfofrocklevelwiththehighwater。Thenshethrewherlariat，and，catchingLouisabouttheneckandthehornofhissaddle，sheheldtaut，till，halfdrowned，hescrambledupthebank，draggingThePilotwithhim。
　　"Oh，I’msoglad！"shesaid，almosttearfully。"Yousee，youcouldn’tgetacross。"
　　ThePilotstaggeredtohisfeet，tookasteptowardher，gaspedout：
　　"Ican！"andpitchedheadlong。Withalittlecrysheflewtohim，andturnedhimoveronhisback。Inafewmomentsherevived，satup，andlookedaboutstupidly。
　　"Where’sLouis？"hesaid，withhisfacetowardtheswollenstream。
　　"Safeenough，"sheanswered;"butyoumustcomein，therainisjustgoingtopour。"
　　ButThePilotseemedpossessed。
　　"No，I’mgoingacross，"hesaid，rising。
　　Gwenwasgreatlydistressed。
　　"Butyourpoorhorse，"shesaid，cleverlychangingherground;"heisquitetiredout。"
　　TheOldTimernowjoinedearnestlyinurginghimtostaytillthestormwaspast。So，withafinallookatthestream，ThePilotturnedtowardthehouse。
　　OfcourseIknewwhatwouldhappen。Beforetheeveningwasoverhehadcapturedthehousehold。Themomentheappearedwithdrythingsonherantotheorgan，thathadstoodfortenyearsclosedandsilent，openeditandbegantoplay。Asheplayedandsangsongaftersong，theOldTimer’seyesbegantoglistenunderhisshaggybrows。ButwhenhedroppedintotheexquisiteIrishmelody，"OftintheStillyNight，"theoldmandrewahardbreathandgroanedouttome：
　　"Itwashermother’ssong，"andfromthattimeThePilothadhimfast。Itwaseasytopasstotheoldhymn，"Nearer，MyGod，toThee，"andthenThePilotsaidsimply，"Maywehaveprayers？"HelookedatGwen，butshegazedblanklyathimandthenatherfather。
　　"Whatdoeshesay，dad？"
　　Itwaspitifultoseetheoldman’sfacegrowslowlyredunderthedeeptan，ashesaid：
　　"Youmay，sir。There’sbeennonehereformanyyears，andtheworseforus。"Heroseslowly，wentintotheinnerroomandreturnedwithaBible。
　　"It’shermother’s，"hesaid，inavoicedeepwithemotion。"IputitinhertrunkthedayIlaidheroutyonderunderthepines。"
　　ThePilot，withoutlookingathim，roseandreverentlytookthebookinbothhishandsandsaidgently：
　　"Itwasasaddayforyou，butforher——"Hepaused。"Youdidnotgrudgeittoher？"
　　"Notnow，butthen，yes！Iwantedher，weneededher。"TheOldTimer’stearswereflowing。
　　ThePilotputhishandcaressinglyupontheoldman’sshoulderasifhehadbeenhisfather，andsaidinhisclear，sweetvoice，"Somedayyouwillgotoher。"
　　UponthisscenepoorGwengazedwitheyeswideopenwithamazementandakindoffear。Shehadneverseenherfatherweepsincetheawfuldaythatshecouldneverforget，whenhehadkneltindumbagonybesidethebedonwhichhermotherlaywhiteandstill;norwouldheheedhertill，climbingup，shetriedtomakehermotherwakenandhearhercries。Thenhehadcaughtherupinhisarms，pressingherwithtearsandgreatsobstohisheart。To-nightsheseemedtofeelthatsomethingwaswrong。Shewentandstoodbyherfather，and，strokinghisgrayhairkindly，shesaid：
　　"Whatishesaying，daddy？Ishemakingyoucry？"ShelookedatThePilotdefiantly。
　　"No，no，child，"saidtheoldman，hastily，"sithereandlisten。"
　　Andwhilethestormravedoutsidewethreesatlisteningtothatancientstoryofloveineffable。And，asthewordsfelllikesweetmusicuponourears，theoldmansatwitheyesthatlookedfaraway，whilethechildlistenedwithdevouringeagerness。
　　"Isitafairytale，daddy？"sheasked，asThePilotpaused。"Itisn’ttrue，isit？"andhervoicehadapleadingnotehardfortheoldmantobear。
　　"Yes，yes，mychild，"saidhe，brokenly。"Godforgiveme！"
　　"Ofcourseit’strue，"saidThePilot，quickly。"I’llreaditalltoyouto-morrow。It’sabeautifulstory！"
　　"No，"shesaid，imperiously，"to-night。Readitnow！Goon！"shesaid，stampingherfoot，"don’tyouhearme？"
　　ThePilotgazedinsurpriseather，andthenturningtotheoldman，said：
　　"ShallI？"
　　TheOldTimersimplynoddedandthereadingwenton。Thosewerenotmybestdays，andthefaithofmychildhoodwasnotasithadbeen;but，asThePilotcarriedusthroughthosematchlessscenesofself-forgettingloveandservicetheraptwonderinthechild’sfaceasshelistened，theappealinhervoiceas，nowtoherfather，andnowtome，shecried："IsTHATtrue，too？IsitALL
　　true？"madeitimpossibleformetohesitateinmyanswer。AndI
　　wasgladtofinditeasytogivemyfirmadherencetothetruthofallthattaleofwonder。And，asmoreandmoreitgrewuponThePilotthatthestoryhewasreading，sooldtohimandtoallhehadevermet，wasnewtooneinthatlisteninggroup，hisfacebegantoglowandhiseyestoblaze，andhesawandshowedmethingsthatnightIhadneverseenbefore，norhaveIseenthemsince。ThegreatfigureoftheGospelslived，movedbeforeoureyes。WesawHimbendtotouchtheblind，weheardHimspeakHismarvellousteaching，wefeltthethrobbingexcitementofthecrowdsthatpressedagainstHim。
　　SuddenlyThePilotstopped，turnedovertheleavesandbeganagain：
　　"AndHeledthemoutasfarastoBethany。AndHeliftedupHishandsandblessedthem。AnditcametopassasHeblessedthemHewaspartedfromthemandacloudreceivedHimoutoftheirsight。"
　　Therewassilenceforsomeminutes，thenGwensaid：
　　"WheredidHego？"
　　"UpintoHeaven，"answeredThePilot，simply。
　　"That’swheremotheris，"shesaidtoherfather，whonoddedinreply。
　　"DoesHeknow？"sheasked。Theoldmanlookeddistressed。
　　"OfcourseHedoes，"saidThePilot，"andsheseesHimallthetime。"
　　"Oh，daddy！"shecried，"isn’tthatgood？"
　　Buttheoldmanonlyhidhisfaceinhishandsandgroaned。
　　"Yes，"wentonThePilot，"andHeseesus，too，andhearsusspeak，andknowsourthoughts。"
　　Againthelookofwonderandfearcameintohereyes，butshesaidnoword。Theexperiencesoftheeveninghadmadetheworldnewtoher。Itcouldneverbethesametoheragain。Itgavemeaqueerfeelingtoseeher，whenwethreekneeledtopray，standhelplesslylookingon，notknowingwhattodo，thensinkbesideherfather，and，windingherarmsabouthisneck，clingtohimasthewordsofprayerwerespokenintotheearofHimwhomnomancansee，butwhowebelieveisneartoallthatcalluponHim。
　　ThosewereGwen’sfirst"prayers，"andinthemGwen’spartwassmall，forfearandwonderfilledherheart;butthedaywastocome，andalltoosoon，whensheshouldhavetopourouthersoulwithstrongcryingandtears。Thatdaycameandpassed，butthestoryofitisnottobetoldhere。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　GWEN’SCHALLENGE
　　Gwenwasundoubtedlywildand，asTheSkyPilotsaid，wilfulandwicked。EvenBroncoBillandHiKendalwouldsayso，without，ofcourse，abatingonejotoftheiradmirationforher。Forfourteenyearsshehadlivedchieflywithwildthings。Thecattleontherange，wildasdeer，thecoyotes，thejack-rabbitsandthetimberwolveswerehermatesandherinstructors。Fromtheseshelearnedherwildways。TherollingprairieoftheFoothillcountrywasherhome。Sheloveditandallthingsthatmoveduponitwithpassionatelove，theonlykindshewascapableof。Andallsummerlongshespentherdaysridingupanddowntherangealone，orwithherfather，orwithJoe，or，bestofall，withTheDuke，herheroandherfriend。Soshegrewupstrong，wholesomeandself-reliant，fearingnothingaliveandasuntamedasayearlingrangecolt。
　　Shewasnotbeautiful。Thewindsandsunhadlefthernocomplexiontospeakof，butthegloryofherredhair，gold-red，withpurplesheen，nothingcouldtarnish。Hereyes，too，deepbluewithrimsofgray，thatflashedwiththeglintofsteelorshonewithmeltinglightasofthestars，accordingtohermood——thoseIrish，warm，deepeyesofherswereworthaman’slookingat。
　　Ofcourse，allspoiledher。PonkaandhersonJoegrovelledinabjectestadoration，whileherfatherandallwhocamewithintouchofhersimplydidherwill。EvenTheDuke，wholovedherbetterthananythingelse，yieldedlazy，admiringhomagetohisLittlePrincess，andcertainly，whenshestoodstraightupwithherproudlittlegold-crownedheadthrownback，flashingforthwrathorissuingimperiouscommands，shelookedaprincess，allofher。
　　ItwasagreatdayandagooddayforherwhenshefishedTheSkyPilotoutoftheSwanandbroughthimhome，andthenightofGwen’sfirst"prayers，"whensheheardforthefirsttimethestoryoftheManofNazareth，wasthebestofallhernightsuptothattime。
　　Allthroughthewinter，underThePilot’sguidance，she，withherfather，theOldTimer，listeningnear，wentoverandoverthatstorysooldnowtomany，buteverbecomingnew，tillawholenewworldofmysteriousPowersandPresenceslayopentoherimaginationandbecamethehomeofgreatrealities。Shewasrichinimaginationand，whenThePilotreadBunyan’simmortalpoem，hermother’sold"Pilgrim’sProgress，"shemovedandlivedbesidetheheroofthattale，backinghimupinhisfightsandconsumedwithanxietyoverhismanyimpendingperils，tillshehadhimsafelyacrosstheriveranddeliveredintothechargeoftheshiningones。
　　ThePilothimself，too，wasanewandwholesomeexperience。Hewasthefirstthingshehadyetencounteredthatrefusedsubmission，andthefirsthumanbeingthathadfailedtofalldownandworship。
　　TherewassomethinginhimthatwouldnotALWAYSyield，and，indeed，herprideandherimperioustempershemetwithsurpriseandsometimeswithapitythatvergedtowardcontempt。Withthisshewasnotwellpleasedandnotinfrequentlyshebrokeforthuponhim。Oneoftheseoutburstsisstampeduponmymind，notonlybecauseofitsunusualviolence，butchieflybecauseoftheeventswhichfollowed。TheoriginalcauseofherragewassometriflingmisdeedoftheunfortunateJoe;butwhenIcameuponthesceneitwasThePilotwhowasoccupyingherattention。Theexpressionofsurpriseandpityonhisfaceappearedtostirherup。
　　"Howdareyoulookatmelikethat？"shecried。
　　"Howveryextraordinarythatyoucan’tkeepholdofyourselfbetter！"heanswered。
　　"Ican！"shestamped，"andIshalldoasIlike！"
　　"Itisagreatpity，"hesaid，withprovokingcalm，"andbesides，itisweakandsilly。"Hiswordswereunfortunate。
　　"Weak！"shegasped，whenherbreathcamebacktoher。"Weak！"
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"veryweakandchildish。"
　　Thenshecouldhavecheerfullyputhimtoaslowandcrueldeath。
　　Whenshehadrecoveredalittleshecriedvehemently：
　　"I’mnotweak！I’mstrong！I’mstrongerthanyouare！I’mstrongas——as——aman！"
　　Idonotsupposeshemeanttheinsinuation;atanyrateThePilotignoreditandwenton。
　　"You’renotstrongenoughtokeepyourtemperdown。"Andthen，asshehadnoreplyready，hewenton，"Andreally，Gwen，itisnotright。Youmustnotgooninthisway。"
　　Againhiswordswereunfortunate。
　　"MUSTNOT！"shecried，addinganinchtoherheight。"Whosaysso？"
　　"God！"wasthesimple，shortanswer。
　　Shewasgreatlytakenback，andgaveaquickglanceoverhershoulderasiftoseeHim，whowoulddaretosayMUSTNOTtoher;
　　but，recovering，sheansweredsullenly：
　　"Idon’tcare！"
　　"Don’tcareforGod？"ThePilot’svoicewasquietandsolemn，butsomethinginhismannerangeredher，andsheblazedforthagain。
　　"Idon’tcareforanyone，andISHALLdoasIlike。"
　　ThePilotlookedathersadlyforamoment，andthensaidslowly：
　　"Someday，Gwen，youwillnotbeabletodoasyoulike。"
　　Irememberwellthesettleddefianceinhertoneandmannerasshetookastepnearerhimandansweredinavoicetremblingwithpassion：
　　"Listen！IhavealwaysdoneasIlike，andIshalldoasIliketillIdie！"Andsherushedforthfromthehouseanddowntowardthecanyon，herrefugefromalldisturbingthings，andchieflyfromherself。
　　Icouldnotshakeofftheimpressionherwordsmadeuponme。
　　"Prettydirect，that，"IsaidtoThePilot，aswerodeaway。"Thedeclarationmaybephilosophicallycorrect，butitringsuncommonlylikeachallengetotheAlmighty。Throwsdownthegauntlet，sotospeak。"
　　ButThePilotonlysaid，"Don’t！Howcanyou？"
　　Withinaweekherchallengewasaccepted，andhowfiercelyandhowgallantlydidshestruggletomakeitgood！
　　ItwasTheDukethatbroughtmethenews，andashetoldmethestoryhisgay，carelessself-commandforoncewasgone。ForinthegloomofthecanyonwhereheovertookmeIcouldseehisfacegleamingoutghastlywhite，andevenhisironnervecouldnotkeepthetremorfromhisvoice。
　　"I’vejustsentupthedoctor，"washisanswertomygreeting。"I
　　lookedforyoulastnight，couldn’tfindyou，andsorodeofftotheFort。"
　　"What’sup？"Isaid，withfearinmyheart，fornolightthingmovedTheDuke。
　　"Haven’tyouheard？It’sGwen，"hesaid，andthenextminuteortwohegavetoJingo，whowasindulginginaseriesofunexpectedplunges。WhenJingowasbroughtdown，TheDukewasmasterofhimselfandtoldhistalewithcarefulself-control。
　　Gwen，onherfather’sbuckskinbronco，hadgonewithTheDuketothebigplainabovethecut-bankwhereJoewasherdingthecattle。
　　Thedaywashotandastormwasintheair。TheyfoundJoeridingupanddown，singingtokeepthecattlequiet，buthavingahardtimetoholdthebunchfrombreaking。WhileTheDukewasridingaroundthefarsideofthebunch，acryfromGwenarrestedhisattention。Joewasintrouble。Hishorse，ahalf-brokencayuse，hadstumbledintoabadger-holeandhadbolted，leavingJoetothemercyofthecattle。Atoncetheybegantosniffsuspiciouslyatthisphenomenon，amanonfoot，andtofollowcautiouslyonhistrack。Joekepthisheadandwalkedslowlyout，tillallatonceayoungcowbegantobawlandtopawtheground。Inanotherminuteone，andthenanotherofthecattlebegantotosstheirheadsandbunchandbellowtillthewholeherdoftwohundredwereafterJoe。
　　ThenJoelosthisheadandran。Immediatelythewholeherdbrokeintoathunderinggallopwithheadsandtailsaloftandhornsrattlingliketheloadingofaregimentofrifles。
　　"Twomoreminutes，"saidTheDuke，"wouldhavedoneforJoe，forI
　　couldneverhavereachedhim;but，inspiteofmymostfranticwarningsandsignalings，rightintothefaceofthatmad，bellowing，thunderingmassofsteersrodethatlittlegirl。Nerve！
　　Ihavesomemyself，butIcouldn’thavedoneit。SheswungherhorseroundJoeandsailedoutwithhim，withtheherdbellowingatthetailofherbronco。I’veseensomecavalrythingsinmyday，butforsheercoolbraverynothingtouchesthat。"
　　"Howdiditend？Didtheyrunthemdown？"Iasked，withterroratsucharesult。
　　"No，theycrowdedhertowardthecut-bank，andshewasedgingthemoffandwasalmostpast，whentheycametoaplacewherethebankbitin，andheriron-mouthedbrutewouldn’tswerve，butwentpoundingon，brokethrough，plunged;shecouldn’tspringfreebecauseofJoe，andpitchedheadlongoverthebank，whilethecattlewentthunderingpast。IflungmyselfoffJingoandsliddownsomehowintothesand，thirtyfeetbelow。HerewasJoesafeenough，butthebroncolaywithabrokenleg，andhalfunderhimwasGwen。Shehardlyknewshewashurt，butwavedherhandtomeandcriedout，’Wasn’tthatarace？Icouldn’tswingthishard-
　　headedbrute。Getmeout。’Butevenasshespokethelightfadedfromhereyes，shestretchedoutherhandstome，sayingfaintly，’Oh，Duke，’andlaybackwhiteandstill。Weputabulletintothebuckskin’shead，andcarriedherhomeinourjackets，andthereshelieswithoutasoundfromherpoor，whitelips。"
　　TheDukewasbadlycutup。Ihadneverseenhimshowanysignofgriefbefore，butashefinishedthestoryhestoodghastlyandshaking。Hereadmysurpriseinmyfaceandsaid：
　　"Lookhere，oldchap，don’tthinkmequiteafool。Youcan’tknowwhatthatlittlegirlhasdoneformetheseyears。Hertrustinme——itisextraordinaryhowutterlyshetrustsme——somehowheldmeuptomybestandbackfromperdition。Itistheonebrightspotinmylifeinthisblessedcountry。Everyoneelsethinksmeapleasantorunpleasantkindoffiend。"
　　Iprotestedratherfaintly。
　　"Oh，don’tworryyourconscience，"heanswered，withaslightreturnofhisoldsmile，"afullerknowledgewouldonlyjustifytheopinion。"Then，afterapause，headded："ButifGwengoes，Imustpullout，Icouldnotstandit。"
　　Aswerodeup，thedoctorcameout。
　　"Well，whatdoyouthink？"askedTheDuke。
　　"Can’tsayyet，"repliedtheolddoctor，gruffwithlongarmypractice，"badenough。Goodnight。"
　　ButTheDuke’shandfelluponhisshoulderwithagripthatmusthavegottothebone，andinahuskyvoiceheasked：
　　"Willshelive？"
　　Thedoctorsquirmed，butcouldnotshakeoffthatcrushinggrip。
　　"Here，youyoungtiger，letgo！WhatdoyouthinkIammadeof？"
　　hecried，angrily。"Ididn’tsupposeIwascomingtoabear’sden，orIshouldhavebroughtagun。"
　　ItwasonlybythemostcompleteapologythatTheDukecouldmollifytheolddoctorsufficientlytogethisopinion。
　　"No，shewillnotdie！Greatbitofstuff！Bettersheshoulddie，perhaps！Butcan’tsayyetfortwoweeks。Nowremember，"headdedsharply，lookingintoTheDuke’swoe-strickenface，"herspiritsmustbekeptup。Ihaveliedmostfullyandcheerfullytotheminside;youmustdothesame，"andthedoctorstrodeaway，callingout：
　　"Joe！Here，Joe！Whereishegone？Joe，Isay！ExtraordinaryselectionProvidencemakesattimes;wecouldhavesparedthatlazyhalf-breedwithpleasure！Joe！Oh，hereyouare！Whereinthunder——"Butherethedoctorstoppedabruptly。Theagonyinthedarkfacebeforehimwastoomuchevenforthebluffdoctor。
　　StraightandstiffJoestoodbythehorse’sheadtillthedoctorhadmounted，thenwithagreatefforthesaid：
　　"Littlemiss，shegodead？"
　　"Dead！"calledoutthedoctor，glancingattheopenwindow。"Why，blessyouroldcoppercarcass，no！Gwenwillshowyouyethowtoropeasteer。"
　　Joetookastepnearer，andloweringhistonesaid：
　　"Youspeakmetrue？Meman，Menopapoose。"Thepiercingblackeyessearchedthedoctor’sface。Thedoctorhesitatedamoment，andthen，withanairofgreatcandor，saidcheerily：
　　"That’sallright，Joe。MissGwenwillcutcirclesroundyouroldcayuseyet。Butremember，"andthedoctorwasveryimpressive，"youmustmakeherlaugheveryday。"
　　Joefoldedhisarmsacrosshisbreastandstoodlikeastatuetillthedoctorrodeaway;thenturningtoushegruntedout：
　　"Himgoodman，eh？"
　　"Goodman，"answeredTheDuke，adding，"butremember，Joe，whathetoldyoutodo。Mustmakeherlaugheveryday。"
　　PoorJoe！Humorwasnothisforte，andhisattemptinthisdirectionintheweeksthatfollowedwouldhavebeenhumorousweretheynotsopathetic。HowIdidmypartIcannottell。Thoseweeksaretomenowlikethememoryofanuglynightmare。Theghostlyoldmanmovingoutandinofhislittledaughter’sroominuseless，dumbagony;Ponka’swoe-strickenIndianface;Joe’sextraordinaryandunusualbutloyalattemptsatfun-makinggrotesquelysad，andTheDuke’sunvaryingandinvinciblecheeriness;thesefurnishlightandshadeforthepicturemymemorybringsmeofGweninthosedays。
　　Forthefirsttwoweeksshewassimplyheroic。Sheboreherpainwithoutagroan，submittedtotheimprisonmentwhichwasharderthanpainwithangelicpatience。Joe，TheDukeandIcarriedoutourinstructionswithcarefulexactnesstotheletter。Sheneverdoubted，andweneverletherdoubtbutthatinafewweeksshewouldbeonthepinto’sbackagainandafterthecattle。Shemadeuspassourwordforthistillitseemedasifshemusthavereadthefalsehoodsonourbrows。
　　"Toliecheerfullywithhereyesuponone’sfacecallsformorethanIpossess，"saidTheDukeoneday。"Thedoctorshouldsupplyustonics。Itisanarduoustask。"
　　Andshebelievedusabsolutely，andmadeplansforthefall"round-
　　up，"andforhuntsandridestillone’sheartgrewsick。Astotheethicalprobleminvolved，Ideclinetoexpressanopinion，butwehadnoneedtowaitforourpunishment。Hertrustinus，hereagerandconfidentexpectationofthereturnofherhappy，free，outdoorlife;thesebroughttous，whoknewhowvaintheywere，theirownadequatepunishmentforeveryfalseassurancewegave。Andhowbrightandbraveshewasthosefirstdays！Howresolutetogetbacktotheworldofairandlightoutside！
　　Butshehadneedofallherbrightnessandcourageandresolutionbeforeshewasdonewithherlongfight。