Thereposeofdeathhadsoftenedthehardlinesoftheoldman’smouthandbrowintoaresemblanceshenowmorethaneverunderstood。Shehadstoodthusonlyafewyearsbefore，lookingatthesamefaceinagorgeouslyinlaidmahoganycasket，smotheredamidstcostlyflowers，andsurroundedbyfriendsattiredinalltheluxurioustrappingsofwoe；yetitwasthesamefacethatwasnowrigidlyupturnedtothebarethatchandraftersofthatcrumblingcottage，herselfitsonlycompanion。Sheliftedherdelicateveilwithbothhands，and，stoopingdown，kissedthehard，coldforehead，withoutatremor。Thenshedroppedherveilagainoverherdryeyes，readjusteditinthelittle，cheap，black-framedmirrorthathungagainstthewall，andopenedthedoorasthegranddaughterreturned。Thegentlemanwasjustcomingfromthestation。
　　"RemembertolookoutformeatYork，"saidMissDesborough，extendingherglovedhand。"Good-bytillthen。"TheyounggirlrespectfullytouchedtheendsofMissDesborough’sfingers，droppedacurtsy，andMissDesboroughrejoinedtheconsul。
　　"YouhavebarelytimetoreturntothePrioryandseetoyourluggage，"saidtheconsul，"ifyoumustgo。Butletmehopethatyouhavechangedyourmind。"
　　"Ihavenotchangedmymind，"saidMissDesboroughquietly，"andmybaggageisalreadypacked。"Afterapause，shesaidthoughtfully，"I’vebeenwondering"——
　　"What？"saidtheconsuleagerly。
　　"I’vebeenwonderingifpeoplebroughtuptospeakinacertaindialect，wherecertainwordshavetheirownsignificanceandcolor，andarepartoftheirownlivesandexperience——if，evenwhentheyunderstandanotherdialect，theyreallyfeelanysympathywithit，orthepersonwhospeaksit？"
　　"Aproposof"——askedtheconsul。
　　"ThesepeopleI’vejustleft！Idon’tthinkIquitefeltwiththem，andIguesstheydidn’tfeelwithme。"
　　"But，"saidtheconsullaughingly，"youknowthatweAmericansspeakwithadecideddialectofourown，andattachthesameoccultmeaningtoit。Yet，uponmyword，IthinkthatLordBeverdale——orshallIsayLordAlgernon？——wouldnotonlyunderstandthatAmericanword’guess’asyoumeanit，butwouldperfectlysympathizewithyou。"
　　MissDesborough’seyessparkledeventhroughherveilassheglancedathercompanionandsaid，"IGUESSNOT。"
　　Asthe"tea"partyhadnotyetreturned，itfelltotheconsultoaccompanyMissDesboroughandhermaidtothestation。Butherehewasstartledtofindacollectionofvillagersupontheplatform，gatheredroundtwoyoungwomeninmourning，andanominous-lookingbox。Hemingledforamomentwiththecrowd，andthenreturnedtoMissDesborough’sside。
　　"Really，"hesaid，withaconcernthatwasscarcelyassumed，"I
　　oughtnottoletyougo。Theomensaremostdisastrous！Youcameheretoadeath；youaregoingawaywithafuneral！"
　　"Thenit’shightimeItookmyselfoff！"saidtheladylightly。
　　"Unless，liketheghostlymonk，youcamehereonamission，andhavefulfilledit。"
　　"PerhapsIhave。Good-by！"……
　　InspiteofthebrightandcharacteristicletterwhichMissDesboroughleftforherhost，——aletterwhichmingledherpeculiarshrewdsensewithherhumorousextravaganceofexpression，——theconsulspentasomewhatuneasyeveningunderthefireofquestionsthatassailedhiminreferencetothefairdeserter。Buthekeptloyalfaithwithher，adheringeventotheletterofherinstructions，andonlyoncewasgoadedintomoreactivemendacity。
　　Theconversationhadturnedupon"Debs，"andtheconsulhadremarkedonthesingularityofthename。Aguestfromthenorthobserved，however，thatthenamewasundoubtedlyacontraction。
　　"Possiblyitmighthavebeen’Debborough，’oreventhesamenameasourfairfriend。"
　　"Butdidn’tMissDesboroughtellyoulastnightthatshehadbeenhuntingupherpeople，withafamilytree，orsomethinglikethat？"
　　saidLordAlgernoneagerly。"Ijustcaughtawordhereandthere，foryouwerebothlaughing。"
　　Theconsulsmiledblandly。"Youmaywellsayso，foritwasallthemostdelightfulpieceofpureinventionandutterextravagance。
　　Itwouldhaveamusedherstillmoreifshehadthoughtyouwerelisteningandtookitseriously！"
　　"Ofcourse；Isee！"saidtheyoungfellow，withalaughandaslightriseofcolor。"IknewshewastakingsomekindofariseoutofYOU，andthatremarkremindedmeofit。"
　　Nevertheless，withinayear，LordAlgernonwashappilymarriedtothedaughterofaSouthAfricanmillionaire，whosebridalofferingsalonetouchedthesumofhalfamillion。Itwasalsosaidthatthemotherwas"impossible"andthefather"unspeakable，"therelations"inextinguishable；"buttheweddingwasan"occasion，"andinthesucceedingyearoffestivityitispresumedthatthenamesof"Debs"and"Desborough"werealikeforgotten。
　　Buttheyexistedstillinalittlehamletneartheedgeofableaknorthernmoor，wheretheyweresingularlyexaltedonasoaringshaftofpuremarbleabovethesubmergedandmoss-growntombstonesofasimplecountrychurchyard。Sogreatwasthecontrastbetweenthemodernandpretentiousmonumentandthegravesofthehumblerforefathersofthevillage，thateventheAmericanswhochancedtovisititwereshockedatwhattheybelievedwastheostentatiousandvulgarprideofoneoftheirowncountrywomen。Foronitspedestalwasinscribed：——
　　SacredtotheMemoryofJOHNDEBSDESBOROUGH，Formerlyofthisparish，WhodepartedthislifeOctober20th，1892，AtScroobyPriory，Attheageofeighty-twoyears。
　　Thismonumentwaserectedasalovingtestimonybyhisgranddaughter，SadieDesborough，ofNewYork，U。S。A。
　　"Andeveningbringsushome。"
　　SALOMYJANE’SKISS
　　Onlyoneshothadbeenfired。Ithadgonewideofitsmark，——theringleaderoftheVigilantes，——andhadleftRedPete，whohadfiredit，coveredbytheirriflesandattheirmercy。Forhishandhadbeencrampedbyhardriding，andhiseyedistractedbytheirsuddenonset，andsotheinevitableendhadcome。Hesubmittedsullenlytohiscaptors；hiscompanionfugitiveandhorse-thiefgaveuptheprotractedstrugglewithafeelingnotunlikerelief。Eventhehotandrevengefulvictorswerecontent。Theyhadtakentheirmenalive。Atanytimeduringthelongchasetheycouldhavebroughtthemdownbyarifleshot，butitwouldhavebeenunsportsmanlike，andhaveendedinafreefight，insteadofanexample。And，forthematterofthat，theirdoomwasalreadysealed。Theirend，byaropeandatree，althoughnotsanctifiedbylaw，wouldhaveatleastthedeliberationofjustice。ItwasthetributepaidbytheVigilantestothatorderwhichtheyhadthemselvesdisregardedinthepursuitandcapture。Yetthisstrangelogicofthefrontiersufficedthem，andgaveacertaindignitytotheclimax。
　　"Efyou’vegotanythingtosaytoyourfolks，sayitNOW，andsayitquick，"saidtheringleader。
　　RedPeteglancedaroundhim。Hehadbeenruntoearthathisowncabinintheclearing，whenceafewrelationsandfriends，mostlywomenandchildren，non-combatants，hadoutflowed，gazingvacantlyatthetwentyVigilanteswhosurroundedthem。Allwereaccustomedtoscenesofviolence，blood-feud，chase，andhardship；itwasonlythesuddennessoftheonsetanditsquickresultthathadsurprisedthem。Theylookedonwithdazedcuriosityandsomedisappointment；
　　therehadbeennofighttospeakof——nospectacle！Aboy，nephewofRedPete，gotupontherain-barreltoviewtheproceedingsmorecomfortably；atall，handsome，lazyKentuckygirl，avisitingneighbor，leanedagainstthedoorpost，chewinggum。Onlyayellowhoundwasactivelyperplexed。Hecouldnotmakeoutifahuntwerejustoverorbeginning，andraneagerlybackwardsandforwards，leapingalternatelyuponthecaptivesandthecaptors。
　　Theringleaderrepeatedhischallenge。RedPetegavearecklesslaughandlookedathiswife。
　　AtwhichMrs。RedPetecameforward。Itseemedthatshehadmuchtosay，incoherently，furiously，vindictively，totheringleader。
　　Hissoulwouldroastinhellforthatday’swork！Hecalledhimselfaman，skunkin’intheopenandafraidtoshowhimselfexceptwithacrowdofother"Kiyi’s"aroundahouseofwomenandchildren。Heapinginsultuponinsult，inveighingagainsthislowblood，hisancestors，hisdubiousorigin，sheatlastflungoutawildtauntofhisinvalidwife，theinsultofawomantoawoman，untilhiswhitefacegrewrigid，andonlythatWestern-Americanfetichofthesanctityofsexkepthistwitchingfingersfromthelockofhisrifle。Evenherhusbandnoticedit，andwithahalf-
　　authoritative"Letuponthat，oldgal，"andapatofhisfreedlefthandonherback，tookhislastparting。Theringleader，stillwhiteunderthelashofthewoman’stongue，turnedabruptlytothesecondcaptive。"AndifYOU’VEgotanybodytosay’good-by’
　　to，now’syourchance。"
　　Themanlookedup。Nobodystirredorspoke。Hewasastrangerthere，beingachanceconfederatepickedupbyRedPete，andknowntonoone。Stillyoung，butanoutlawfromhisabandonedboyhood，ofwhichfatherandmotherwereonlyaforgottendream，helovedhorsesandstolethem，fullyacceptingthefrontierpenaltyoflifefortheinterferencewiththatanimalonwhichaman’slifesooftendepended。Butheunderstoodthegoodpointsofahorse，aswasshownbytheoneshebestrode——untilafewdaysbeforethepropertyofJudgeBoompointer。Thiswashissoledistinction。
　　Theunexpectedquestionstirredhimforamomentoutoftheattitudeofrecklessindifference，forattitudeitwas，andapartofhisprofession。Butitmayhavetouchedhimthatatthatmomenthewaslessthanhiscompanionandhisviragowife。However，heonlyshookhishead。Ashedidsohiseyecasuallyfellonthehandsomegirlbythedoorpost，whowaslookingathim。Theringleader，too，mayhavebeentouchedbyhiscompleteloneliness，forHEhesitated。Atthesamemomenthesawthatthegirlwaslookingathisfriendlesscaptive。
　　Agrotesqueideastruckhim。
　　"SalomyJane，yemightdoworsethancomeyereandsay’good-by’toadyingman，andhimastranger，"hesaid。
　　Thereseemedtobeasubtlestrokeofpoetryandironyinthisthatequallystrucktheapatheticcrowd。ItwaswellknownthatSalomyJaneClaythoughtnosmallpotatoesofherself，andalwaysheldoffthelocalswainwithalazynymph-likescorn。Nevertheless，sheslowlydisengagedherselffromthedoorpost，and，toeverybody’sastonishment，loungedwithlanguidgraceandoutstretchedhandtowardstheprisoner。Thecolorcameintothegrayrecklessmaskwhichthedoomedmanworeasherrighthandgraspedhisleft，justloosedbyhiscaptors。Thenshepaused；hershy，fawn-likeeyesgrewbold，andfixedthemselvesuponhim。Shetookthechewing-gumfromhermouth，wipedherredlipswiththebackofherhand，byasuddenlithespringplacedherfootonhisstirrup，and，boundingtothesaddle，threwherarmsabouthisneckandpressedakissuponhislips。
　　Theyremainedthusforahushedmoment——themanonthethresholdofdeath，theyoungwomaninthefullnessofyouthandbeauty——linkedtogether。Thenthecrowdlaughed；intheaudaciouseffronteryofthegirl’sacttheultimatefateofthetwomenwasforgotten。Sheslippedlanguidlytotheground；SHEwasthefocusofalleyes，——
　　sheonly！Theringleadersawitandhisopportunity。Heshouted：
　　"Time’sup——Forward！"urgedhishorsebesidehiscaptives，andthenextmomentthewholecavalcadewassweepingovertheclearingintothedarkeningwoods。
　　TheirdestinationwasSawyer’sCrossing，theheadquartersofthecommittee，wherethecouncilwasstillsitting，andwherebothculpritsweretoexpiatetheoffenseofwhichthatcouncilhadalreadyfoundthemguilty。Theyrodeingreatandbreathlesshaste，——ahasteinwhich，strangelyenough，eventhecaptivesseemedtojoin。Thathastepossiblypreventedthemfromnoticingthesingularchangewhichhadtakenplaceinthesecondcaptivesincetheepisodeofthekiss。Hishighcolorremained，asifithadburnedthroughhismaskofindifference；hiseyeswerequick，alert，andkeen，hismouthhalfopenasifthegirl’skissstilllingeredthere。Andthathastehadmadethemcareless，forthehorseofthemanwholedhimslippedinagopher-hole，rolledover，unseatedhisrider，andevendraggedtheboundandhelplesssecondcaptivefromJudgeBoompointer’sfavoritemare。Inaninstanttheywereallontheirfeetagain，butinthatsuprememomentthesecondcaptivefeltthecordswhichboundhisarmshadslippedtohiswrists。Bykeepinghiselbowstohissides，andobligingtheotherstohelphimmount，itescapedtheirnotice。Byridingclosetohiscaptors，andkeepinginthecrushofthethrong，hefurtherconcealedtheaccident，slowlyworkinghishandsdownwardsoutofhisbonds。
　　Theirwaylaythroughasylvanwilderness，mid-legdeepinferns，whosetallfrondsbrushedtheirhorses’sidesintheirfuriousgallopandconcealedtheflappingofthecaptive’sloosenedcords。
　　Thepeacefulvista，moresuggestiveoftheofferingsofnymphandshepherdthanofhumansacrifice，wasinastrangecontrasttothiswhirlwindrushofstern，armedmen。Thewesteringsunpiercedthesubduedlightandthetremorofleaveswithyellowlances；birdsstartedintosongonblueanddove-likewings，andoneithersideofthetrailofthisvengefulstormcouldbeheardthemurmurofhiddenandtranquilwaters。Inafewmomentstheywouldbeontheopenridge，whenceslopedthecommonturnpiketo"Sawyer’s，"amileaway。Itwasthecustomofreturningcavalcadestotakethishillatheadlongspeed，withshoutsandcriesthatheraldedtheircoming。Theywithheldthelatterthatday，asinconsistentwiththeirdignity；but，emergingfromthewood，sweptsilentlylikeanavalanchedowntheslope。Theywerewellunderway，lookingonlytotheirhorses，whenthesecondcaptiveslippedhisrightarmfromthebondsandsucceededingraspingthereinsthatlaytrailingonthehorse’sneck。Asuddenvaquerojerk，whichthewell-trainedanimalunderstood，threwhimonhishauncheswithhisforelegsfirmlyplantedontheslope。Therestofthecavalcadeswepton；
　　themanwhowasleadingthecaptive’shorsebytheriata，thinkingonlyofanotheraccident，droppedthelinetosavehimselffrombeingdraggedbackwardsfromhishorse。Thecaptivewheeled，andthenextmomentwasgallopingfuriouslyuptheslope。
　　Itwastheworkofamoment；atrainedhorseandanexperiencedhand。Thecavalcadehadcoverednearlyfiftyyardsbeforetheycouldpullup；thefreedcaptivehadcoveredhalfthatdistanceuphill。Theroadwassonarrowthatonlytwoshotscouldbefired，andthesebrokedusttwoyardsaheadofthefugitive。Theyhadnotdaredtofirelow；thehorsewasthemorevaluableanimal。Thefugitiveknewthisinhisextremityalso，andwouldhavegladlytakenashotinhisownlegtosparethatofhishorse。Fivemenweredetachedtorecaptureorkillhim。Thelatterseemedinevitable。Buthehadcalculatedhischances；beforetheycouldreloadhehadreachedthewoodsagain；windinginandoutbetweenthepillaredtreetrunks，heofferednomark。Theyknewhishorsewassuperiortotheirown；attheendoftwohourstheyreturned，forhehaddisappearedwithouttrackortrail。Theendwasbrieflytoldinthe"SierraRecord："——
　　"RedPete，thenotorioushorse-thief，whohadsolongeludedjustice，wascapturedandhungbytheSawyer’sCrossingVigilanteslastweek；hisconfederate，unfortunately，escapedonavaluablehorsebelongingtoJudgeBoompointer。Thejudgehadrefusedonethousanddollarsforthehorseonlyaweekbefore。Asthethief，whoisstillatlarge，wouldfinditdifficulttodisposeofsovaluableananimalwithoutdetection，thechancesareagainsteitherofthemturningupagain。"……
　　SalomyJanewatchedthecavalcadeuntilithaddisappeared。Thenshebecameawarethatherbriefpopularityhadpassed。Mrs。RedPete，instormyhysterics，hadincludedherinasweepingdenunciationofthewholeuniverse，possiblyforsimulatinganemotioninwhichsheherselfwasdeficient。Theotherwomenhatedherforhermomentaryexaltationabovethem；onlythechildrenstilladmiredherasonewhohadundoubtedly"canoodled"withaman"a-goingtobehung"——adaringflightbeyondtheirwildestambition。SalomyJaneacceptedthechangewithcharmingunconcern。
　　Sheputonheryellownankeensunbonnet，——ahideousaffairthatwouldhaveruinedanyotherwoman，butwhichonlyenhancedthepiquancyofherfreshbrunetteskin，——tiedthestrings，lettingtheblue-blackbraidsescapebelowitsfrilledcurtainbehind，jumpedonhermustangwithacasualdisplayofagileanklesinshapelywhitestockings，whistledtothehound，andwavingherhandwitha"Solong，sonny！"tothelatelybereftbutadmiringnephew，flappedandflutteredawayinhershortbrownhollandgown。
　　Herfather’shousewasfourmilesdistant。Contrastedwiththecabinshehadjustquitted，itwasasuperiordwelling，withalong"lean-to"attherear，whichbroughttheeavesalmosttothegroundandmadeitlooklikealowtriangle。Ithadalongbarnandcattlesheds，forMadisonClaywasa"great"stock-raiserandtheownerofa"quartersection。"Ithadasitting-roomandaparlororgan，whosetransportationthitherhadbeenamarvelof"packing。"
　　ThesethingsweresupposedtogiveSalomyJaneanundueimportance，butthegirl’sreserveandinaccessibilitytolocaladvanceswererathertheresultofacool，lazytemperamentandthepreoccupationofalarge，protectingadmirationforherfather，forsomeyearsawidower。ForMr。MadisonClay’slifehadbeenthreatenedinoneortwofeuds，——itwassaid，notwithoutcause，——anditispossiblethatthepatheticspectacleofherfatherdoinghisvisitingwithashotgunmayhavetouchedhercloselyandsomewhatprejudicedheragainsttheneighboringmasculinity。Thethoughtthatcattle，horses，and"quartersection"wouldonedaybehersdidnotdisturbhercalm。AsforMr。Clay，heacceptedherashousewifely，thoughsomewhat"interfering，"and，beingoneof"hisownwomankind，"
　　thereforenotwithoutsomedegreeofmerit。
　　"Wot’sthisyerI’mhearin’ofyourdoin’soveratRedPete’s？
　　Honeyfoglin’withahorse-thief，eh？"saidMr。Claytwodayslateratbreakfast。
　　"Ireckonyouheardaboutthestraightthing，then，"saidSalomyJaneunconcernedly，withoutlookinground。
　　"WhatdoyoukalkilateRubewillsaytoit？Whatareyougoin’totellHIM？"saidMr。Claysarcastically。
　　"Rube，"orReubenWaters，wasaswainsupposedtobefavoredparticularlybyMr。Clay。SalomyJanelookedup。
　　"I’lltellhimthatwhenHE’Sonhiswaytobehung，I’llkisshim，——nottillthen，"saidtheyoungladybrightly。
　　Thisdelightfulwitticismsuitedthepaternalhumor，andMr。Claysmiled；but，nevertheless，hefrownedamomentafterwards。
　　"Butthisyerhoss-thiefgotawayarterall，andthat’sahossofadifferentcolor，"hesaidgrimly。
　　SalomyJaneputdownherknifeandfork。Thiswascertainlyanewanddifferentphaseofthesituation。Shehadneverthoughtofitbefore，and，strangelyenough，forthefirsttimeshebecameinterestedintheman。"Gotaway？"sherepeated。"Didtheylethimoff？"
　　"Notmuch，"saidherfatherbriefly。"Slippedhiscords，andgoingdownthegradepulledupshort，justlikeavaqueroaginalassoedbull，almostdraggin’themanleadin’himoffhishoss，andthenskyutedupthegrade。Forthatmatter，onthathosso’JudgeBoompointer’shemouthavedraggedthewholeposseof’emdownontheirkneesefheliked！Sarved’emright，too。Insteadofstringin’himupaforethedoor，orshootin’himonsight，theymustallowtotakehimdownaforethehullcommittee’foranexample。’’Example’beblowed！Ther’’sexampleenoughwhensomestrangercomesunbeknownstslaponteramanhangedtoatreeandpluggedfullofholes。THAT’Sanexample，andHEknowswhatitmeans。Wotmoredoyewant？ButthenthoseVigilantesisallusclingin’andhangin’ontersomemerescrapo’thelawthey’repretendin’todespise。Itmakesmesick！Why，whenJakeMyersshotyouroleAuntViney’ssecondhusband，andIlaidinwaitforJakeafterwardsintheButternutHollow，didItiehimtohishossandfetchhimdowntoyourAuntViney’scabin’foranexample’
　　beforeIpluggedhim？No！"indeepdisgust。"No！Why，Ijustmeanderedthroughthewood，careless-like，tillhecomesout，andI
　　justrodeuptohim，andIsaid"——
　　ButSalomyJanehadheardherfather’sstorybefore。Evenone’sdearestrelativesareapttobecometiresomeinnarration。"I
　　know，dad，"sheinterrupted；"butthisyerman，——thishoss-thief，——
　　didHEgetcleanawaywithoutgettin’hurtatall？"
　　"Hedid，andunlesshe’sfoolenoughtosellthehosshekinkeepaway，too。Soyesee，yecan’tladleoutpurpstuffabouta’dyin’
　　stranger’toRube。Hewon’tswallerit。"
　　"Allthesame，dad，"returnedthegirlcheerfully，"Ireckontosayit，andsayMORE；I’lltellhimthatefHEmanagestogetawaytoo，I’llmarryhim——there！Butyedon’tketchRubetakin’anysuchrisksingettin’ketched，oringettin’awayarter！"
　　MadisonClaysmiledgrimly，pushedbackhischair，rose，droppedaperfunctorykissonhisdaughter’shair，and，takinghisshotgunfromthecorner，departedonapeacefulSamaritanmissiontoacowwhohaddroppedacalfinthefarpasture。InclinedashewastoReuben’swooingfromhiseligibilityastoproperty，hewasconsciousthathewassadlydeficientincertainqualitiesinherentintheClayfamily。Itcertainlywouldbeakindofmesalliance。
　　Lefttoherself，SalomyJanestaredalongwhileatthecoffee-pot，andthencalledthetwosquawswhoassistedherinherhouseholdduties，toclearawaythethingswhileshewentuptoherownroomtomakeherbed。Hereshewasconfrontedwithapossibleprospectofthatproverbialbedshemightbemakinginherwillfulness，andonwhichshemustlie，inthephotographofasomewhatseriousyoungmanofrefinedfeatures——ReubenWaters——stuckinherwindow-
　　frame。SalomyJanesmiledoverherlastwitticismregardinghimandenjoyed，it，likeyourtruehumorist，andthen，catchingsightofherownhandsomefaceinthelittlemirror，smiledagain。Butwasn’titfunnyaboutthathorse-thiefgettingoffafterall？GoodLordy！FancyReubenhearinghewasaliveandgoingroundwiththatkissofherssetonhislips！Shelaughedagain，alittlemoreabstractedly。Andhehadreturneditlikeaman，holdinghertightandalmostbreathless，andhegoingtobehungthenextminute！
　　SalomyJanehadbeenkissedatothertimes，byforce，chance，orstratagem。Inacertainingenuousforfeitgameofthelocalityknownas"I’ma-pinin’，"manyhad"pined"fora"sweetkiss"fromSalomyJane，whichshehadyieldedinasenseofhonorandfairplay。Shehadneverbeenkissedlikethisbefore——shewouldneveragain；andyetthemanwasalive！Andbehold，shecouldseeinthemirrorthatshewasblushing！
　　Sheshouldhardlyknowhimagain。Ayoungmanwithverybrighteyes，aflushedandsunburntcheek，akindoffixedlookintheface，andnobeard；no，nonethatshecouldfeel。YethewasnotatalllikeReuben，notabit。ShetookReuben’spicturefromthewindow，andlaiditonherworkbox。Andtothinkshedidnotevenknowthisyoungman’sname！Thatwasqueer。Tobekissedbyamanwhomshemightneverknow！Ofcourseheknewhers。Shewonderedifheremembereditandher。Butofcoursehewassogladtogetoffwithhislifethatheneverthoughtofanythingelse。Yetshedidnotgivemorethanfourorfiveminutestothesespeculations，and，likeasensiblegirl，thoughtofsomethingelse。Onceagain，however，inopeningthecloset，shefoundthebrownhollandgownshehadwornonthedaybefore；thoughtitveryunbecoming，andregrettedthatshehadnotwornherbestgownonhervisittoRedPete’scottage。Onsuchanoccasionshereallymighthavebeenmoreimpressive。
　　Whenherfathercamehomethatnightsheaskedhimthenews。No，theyhadNOTcapturedthesecondhorse-thief，whowasstillatlarge。JudgeBoompointertalkedofinvokingtheaidofthedespisedlaw。Itremained，then，toseewhetherthehorse-thiefwasfoolenoughtotrytogetridoftheanimal。RedPete’sbodyhadbeendeliveredtohiswidow。PerhapsitwouldonlybeneighborlyforSalomyJanetorideovertothefuneral。ButSalomyJanedidnottaketothesuggestionkindly，noryetdidsheexplaintoherfatherthat，astheothermanwasstillliving，shedidnotcaretoundergoaseconddiscipliningatthewidow’shands。
　　Nevertheless，shecontrastedhersituationwiththatofthewidowwithanewandsingularsatisfaction。ItmighthavebeenRedPetewhohadescaped。Buthehadnotthegritofthenamelessone。Shehadalreadysettledhisheroicquality。
　　"Yeain’tharkenin’tome，Salomy。"
　　SalomyJanestarted。
　　"HereI’maskin’yeifye’veseethathoundPhilLarrabeesneakingbyyertoday？"
　　SalomyJanehadnot。Butshebecameinterestedandself-reproachful，forsheknewthatPhilLarrabeewasoneofherfather’senemies。
　　"Hewouldn’tdaretogobyhereunlessheknewyouwereout，"shesaidquickly。
　　"That’swhatgetsme，"hesaid，scratchinghisgrizzledhead。
　　"I’vebeenkindo’thinkin’o’himallday，andoneofthemChinamensaidhesawhimatSawyer’sCrossing。Hewasakindoffriendo’Pete’swife。That’swhyIthoughtyermightfindoutefhe’dbeenthere。"SalomyJanegrewmoreself-reproachfulatherfather’sself-interestinher"neighborliness。""Butthatain’tall，"continuedMr。Clay。"Tharwastracksoverthefarpasturethatwarn’tmine。Ifollowedthem，andtheywentroundandroundthehousetwoorthreetimes，ezeftheymouthevbinprowlin’，andthenIlost’eminthewoodsagain。It’sjustlikethatsneakin’
　　houndLarrabeetohevbinlyin’inwaitformeandafraidtomeetamanfairandsquareintheopen。"
　　"Youjustlielow，dad，foradayortwomore，andletmedoalittleprowlin’，"saidthegirl，withsympatheticindignationinherdarkeyes。"Efit’sthatskunk，I’llspothimsoonenoughandletyouknowwharhe’shiding。"
　　"You’lljuststaywhereyeare，Salomy，"saidherfatherdecisively。
　　"Thisain’tnowoman’swork——thoughIain’tsayin’youhaven’tgotmoreheadforitthansomemenIknow。"
　　Nevertheless，thatnight，afterherfatherhadgonetobed，SalomyJanesatbytheopenwindowofthesitting-roominanapparentattitudeoflanguidcontemplation，butalertandintentofeyeandear。Itwasafinemoonlitnight。Twopinesnearthedoor，solitarypicketsoftheserriedranksofdistantforest，castlongshadowslikepathstothecottage，andsighedtheirspicedbreathinthewindows。FortherewasnofrivolityofvineorflowerroundSalomyJane’sbower。Theclearingwastoorecent，thelifetoopracticalforvanitieslikethese。Butthemoonaddedavagueelusivenesstoeverything，softenedtherigidoutlinesofthesheds，gaveshadowstothelidlesswindows，andtouchedwithmercifulindirectnessthehideousdebrisofrefusegravelandthegauntscarsofburntvegetationbeforethedoor。EvenSalomyJanewasaffectedbyit，andexhaledsomethingbetweenasighandayawnwiththebreathofthepines。Thenshesuddenlysatupright。
　　Herquickearhadcaughtafaint"click，click，"inthedirectionofthewood；herquickerinstinctandrustictrainingenabledhertodeterminethatitwastheringofahorse’sshoeonflintyground；herknowledgeofthelocalitytoldheritcamefromthespotwherethetrailpassedoveranoutcropofflintscarcelyaquarterofamilefromwhereshesat，andwithintheclearing。Itwasnoerrant"stock，"forthefootwasshodwithiron；itwasamountedtrespasserbynight，andbodednogoodtoamanlikeClay。
　　Sherose，threwhershawloverherhead，morefordisguisethanshelter，andpassedoutofthedoor。Asuddenimpulsemadeherseizeherfather’sshotgunfromthecornerwhereitstood，——notthatshefearedanydangertoherself，butthatitwasanexcuse。
　　Shemadedirectlyforthewood，keepingintheshadowofthepinesaslongasshecould。Atthefringeshehalted；whoeverwastheremustpassherbeforereachingthehouse。
　　Thenthereseemedtobeasuspenseofallnature。Everythingwasdeadlystill——eventhemoonbeamsappearednolongertremulous；soontherewasarustleasofsomestealthyanimalamongtheferns，andthenadismountedmansteppedintothemoonlight。Itwasthehorse-thief——themanshehadkissed！
　　Forawildmomentastrangefancyseizedherusuallysaneintellectandstirredhertemperateblood。ThenewstheyhadtoldherwasNOTtrue；hehadbeenhung，andthiswashisghost！Helookedaswhiteandspirit-likeinthemoonlight，dressedinthesameclothes，aswhenshesawhimlast。Hehadevidentlyseenherapproaching，andmovedquicklytomeether。Butinhishastehestumbledslightly；shereflectedsuddenlythatghostsdidnotstumble，andafeelingofreliefcameoverher。Anditwasnoassassinofherfatherthathadbeenprowlingaround——onlythisunhappyfugitive。Amomentarycolorcameintohercheek；hercoolnessandhardihoodreturned；itwaswithatingeofsaucinessinhervoicethatshesaid：——
　　"Ireckonedyouwereaghost。"
　　"Imouthavebeen，"hesaid，lookingatherfixedly；"butIreckonI’dhavecomebackhereallthesame。"
　　"It’salittleriskiercomin’backalive，"shesaid，withalevitythatdiedonherlips，forasingularnervousness，halffearandhalfexpectation，wasbeginningtotaketheplaceofherreliefofamomentago。"ThenitwasYOUwhowasprowlin’roundandmakin’
　　tracksinthefarpasture？"
　　"Yes；IcamestraightherewhenIgotaway。"
　　Shefelthiseyeswereburningher，butdidnotdaretoraiseherown。"Why，"shebegan，hesitated，andendedvaguely。"HOWdidyougethere？"
　　"Youhelpedme！"
　　"I？"
　　"Yes。Thatkissyougavemeputlifeintome——gavemestrengthtogetaway。IsworetomyselfI’dcomebackandthankyou，aliveordead。"
　　Everywordhesaidshecouldhaveanticipated，soplainthesituationseemedtohernow。Andeverywordhesaidsheknewwasthetruth。Yethercoolcommonsensestruggledagainstit。
　　"What’stheuseofyourescaping，efyou’recomin’backheretobeketchedagain？"shesaidpertly。
　　Hedrewalittlenearertoher，butseemedtoherthemoreawkwardassheresumedherself-possession。Hisvoice，too，wasbroken，asifbyexhaustion，ashesaid，catchinghisbreathatintervals：——
　　"I’lltellyou。Youdidmoreformethanyouthink。Youmadeanothermano’me。Ineverhadaman，woman，orchilddotomewhatyoudid。Ineverhadafriend——onlyapallikeRedPete，whopickedmeup’onshares。’Iwanttoquitthisyer——whatI’mdoin’。
　　Iwanttobeginbydoin’thesquarethingtoyou"——Hestopped，breathedhard，andthensaidbrokenly，"Myhossisoverthar，stakedout。Iwanttogivehimtoyou。JudgeBoompointerwillgiveyouathousanddollarsforhim。Iain’tlyin’；it’sGod’struth！Isawitonthehandbillaginatree。Takehim，andI’llgetawayafoot。Takehim。It’stheonlythingIcandoforyou，andIknowitdon’thalfpayforwhatyoudid。Takeit；yourfathercangetarewardforyou，ifyoucan’t。"
　　Suchweretheethicsofthisstrangelocalitythatneitherthemanwhomadetheoffernorthegirltowhomitwasmadewasstruckbyanythingthatseemedillogicalorindelicate，oratallinconsistentwithjusticeorthehorse-thief’srealconversion。SalomyJaneneverthelessdissented，fromanotherandweakerreason。
　　"Idon’twantyourhoss，thoughIreckondadmight；butyou’rejuststarvin’。I’llgetsuthin’。"Sheturnedtowardsthehouse。
　　"Sayyou’lltakethehossfirst，"hesaid，graspingherhand。Atthetouchshefeltherselfcoloringandstruggled，expectingperhapsanotherkiss。Buthedroppedherhand。Sheturnedagainwithasaucygesture，said，"Hol’on；I’llcomerightback，"andslippedaway，themereshadowofacoyandflyingnymphinthemoonlight，untilshereachedthehouse。
　　Hereshenotonlyprocuredfoodandwhiskey，butaddedalongdust-
　　coatandhatofherfather’stoherburden。Theywouldserveasadisguiseforhimandhidethatheroicfigure，whichshethoughteverybodymustnowknowasshedid。Thensherejoinedhimbreathlessly。Butheputthefoodandwhiskeyaside。
　　"Listen，"hesaid；"I’veturnedthehossintoyourcorral。You’llfindhimthereinthemorning，andnoonewillknowbutthathegotlostandjoinedtheotherhosses。"
　　Thensheburstout。"Butyou——YOU——whatwillbecomeofyou？
　　You’llbeketched！"
　　"I’llmanagetogetaway，"hesaidinalowvoice，"ef——ef"——
　　"Efwhat？"shesaidtremblingly。"Efyou’llputtheheartinmeagain，——asyoudid！"hegasped。
　　Shetriedtolaugh——tomoveaway。Shecoulddoneither。Suddenlyhecaughtherinhisarms，withalongkiss，whichshereturnedagainandagain。Thentheystoodembracedastheyhadembracedtwodaysbefore，butnolongerthesame。Forthecool，lazySalomyJanehadbeentransformedintoanotherwoman——apassionate，clingingsavage。Perhapssomethingofherfather’sbloodhadsurgedwithinheratthatsuprememoment。Themanstooderectanddetermined。
　　"Wot’syourname？"shewhisperedquickly。Itwasawoman’squickestwayofdefiningherfeelings。
　　"Dart。"
　　"Yerfirstname？"
　　"Jack。"
　　"Letmegonow，Jack。Lielowinthewoodstillto-morrowsunup。
　　I’llcomeagain。"
　　Hereleasedher。Yetshelingeredamoment。"Putonthosethings，"shesaid，withasuddenhappyflashofeyesandteeth，"andlieclosetillIcome。"Andthenshespedawayhome。
　　Butmidwayupthedistanceshefeltherfeetgoingslower，andsomethingatherheartstringsseemedtobepullingherback。Shestopped，turned，andglancedtowherehehadbeenstanding。Hadsheseenhimthen，shemighthavereturned。Buthehaddisappeared。Shegaveherfirstsigh，andthenranquicklyagain。
　　Itmustbenearlyteno’clock！Itwasnotverylongtomorning！
　　Shewaswithinafewstepsofherowndoor，whenthesleepingwoodsandsilentairappearedtosuddenlyawakewithasharp"crack！"
　　Shestopped，paralyzed。Another"crack！’followed，thatechoedovertothefarcorral。Sherecalledherselfinstantlyanddashedoffwildlytothewoodsagain。
　　Assheranshethoughtofonethingonly。Hehadbeen"dogged"byoneofhisoldpursuersandattacked。Butthereweretwoshots，andhewasunarmed。Suddenlysherememberedthatshehadleftherfather’sgunstandingagainstthetreewheretheyweretalking。
　　ThankGod！shemayagainhavesavedhim。Sherantothetree；thegunwasgone。Sheranhitherandthither，dreadingateverysteptofalluponhislifelessbody。Anewthoughtstruckher；sherantothecorral。Thehorsewasnotthere！Hemusthavebeenabletoregainit，andescaped，AFTERtheshotshadbeenfired。Shedrewalongbreathofrelief，butitwascaughtupinanapprehensionofalarm。Herfather，awakenedfromhissleepbytheshots，washurriedlyapproachingher。
　　"What’supnow，SalomyJane？"hedemandedexcitedly。
　　"Nothin’，"saidthegirlwithaneffort。"Nothin’，atleast，thatIcanfind。"Shewasusuallytruthfulbecausefearless，andaliestuckinherthroat；butshewasnolongerfearless，thinkingofHIM。"Iwasn’tabed；soIranoutassoonasIheardtheshotsfired，"sheansweredinreturntohiscuriousgaze。
　　"Andyou’vehidmygunsomewherewhereitcan’tbefound，"hesaidreproachfully。"EfitwasthatsneakLarrabee，andhefiredthemshotstoluremeout，hemighthavepottedme，withoutashow，adozentimesinthelastfiveminutes。"
　　Shehadnotthoughtsinceofherfather’senemy！ItmightindeedhavebeenhewhohadattackedJack。Butshemadeaquickpointofthesuggestion。"Runin，dad，runinandfindthegun；you’vegotnoshowoutherewithoutit。"Sheseizedhimbytheshouldersfrombehind，shieldinghimfromthewoods，andhurriedhim，halfexpostulating，halfstruggling，tothehouse。
　　Buttherenogunwastobefound。Itwasstrange；itmusthavebeenmislaidinsomecorner！Washesurehehadnotleftitinthebarn？Butnomatternow。Thedangerwasover；theLarrabeetrickhadfailed；hemustgotobednow，andinthemorningtheywouldmakeasearchtogether。Atthesametimeshehadinwardlyresolvedtorisebeforehimandmakeanothersearchofthewood，andperhaps——fearfuljoyassherecalledherpromise！——findJackaliveandwell，awaitingher！
　　SalomyJanesleptlittlethatnight，nordidherfather。Buttowardsmorninghefellintoatiredman’sslumberuntilthesunwaswellupthehorizon。Fardifferentwasitwithhisdaughter：
　　shelaywithherfacetothewindow，herheadhalfliftedtocatcheverysound，fromthecreakingofthesun-warpedshinglesaboveherheadtothefar-offmoanoftherisingwindinthepinetrees。
　　Sometimesshefellintoabreathless，half-ecstatictrance，livingovereverymomentofthestoleninterview；feelingthefugitive’sarmstillaroundher，hiskissesonherlips；hearinghiswhisperedvoiceinherears——thebirthofhernewlife！Thiswasfollowedagainbyaperiodofagonizingdread——thathemighteventhenbelying，hislifeebbingaway，inthewoods，withhernameonhislips，andsherestinghereinactive，untilshehalfstartedfromherbedtogotohissuccor。Andthiswentonuntilapaleopalglowcameintothesky，followedbyastillpalerpinkonthesummitofthewhiteSierras，whensheroseandhurriedlybegantodress。Stillsosanguinewasherhopeofmeetinghim，thatshelingeredyetamomenttoselectthebrownhollandskirtandyellowsunbonnetshehadwornwhenshefirstsawhim。Andshehadonlyseenhimtwice！OnlyTWICE！Itwouldbecruel，toocruel，nottoseehimagain！
　　Shecreptsoftlydownthestairs，listeningtothelong-drawnbreathingofherfatherinhisbedroom，andthen，bythelightofagutteringcandle，scrawledanotetohim，begginghimnottotrusthimselfoutofthehouseuntilshereturnedfromhersearch，andleavingthenoteopenonthetable，swiftlyranoutintothegrowingday。
　　ThreehoursafterwardsMr。MadisonClayawoketothesoundofloudknocking。Atfirstthisforceditselfuponhisconsciousnessashisdaughter’sregularmorningsummons，andwasrespondedtobyagruntofrecognitionandanestlingcloserintheblankets。Thenheawokewithastartandamutteredoath，rememberingtheeventsoflastnight，andhisintentiontogetupearly，androlledoutofbed。Becomingawarebythistimethattheknockingwasattheouterdoor，andhearingtheshoutofafamiliarvoice，hehastilypulledonhisboots，hisjeantrousers，andfasteningasinglesuspenderoverhisshoulderasheclattereddownstairs，stoodinthelowerroom。Thedoorwasopen，andwaitinguponthethresholdwashiskinsman，anoldallyinmanyablood-feud——BreckenridgeClay！
　　"YouAREacoolone，Mad！"saidthelatterinhalf-admiringindignation。
　　"What’sup？"saidthebewilderedMadison。
　　"YOUoughttobe，andscootin’outo’this，"saidBreckenridgegrimly。"It’sallverywellto’knownothin’；’butherePhilLarrabee’sfriendshevjustpickedhimup，drilledthroughwithslugsanddeadernoracrow，andnowthey’relettin’looseLarrabee’stwohalf-brothersonyou。Andyoumustgolikeadernedfoolandleavetheseyerthingsbehindyouinthebresh，"hewentonquerulously，liftingMadisonClay’sdust-coat，hat，andshotgunfromhishorse，whichstoodsaddledatthedoor。"LuckilyIpickedthemupinthewoodscomin’here。Yeain’tgotmorethantimetogetoverthestatelineandamongyourfolkstharaforethey’llbedownonyou。Hustle，oldman！Whatareyougawkin’andstarin’
　　at？"
　　MadisonClayhadstaredamazedandbewildered——horror-stricken。
　　Theincidentsofthepastnightforthefirsttimeflasheduponhimclearly——hopelessly！Theshot；hisfindingSalomyJanealoneinthewoods；herconfusionandanxietytoridherselfofhim；thedisappearanceoftheshotgun；andnowthisnewdiscoveryofthetakingofhishatandcoatforadisguise！SHEhadkilledPhilLarrabeeinthatdisguise，afterprovokinghisfirstharmlessshot！
　　She，hisownchild，SalomyJane，haddisgracedherselfbyaman’scrime；haddisgracedhimbyusurpinghisright，andtakingameanadvantage，bydeceit，ofafoe！
　　"Gimmethatgun，"hesaidhoarsely。
　　Breckenridgehandedhimtheguninwonderandslowlygatheringsuspicion。Madisonexaminednippleandmuzzle；onebarrelhadbeendischarged。Itwastrue！Thegundroppedfromhishand。
　　"Lookhere，oldman，"saidBreckenridge，withadarkeningface，"there’sbinnofoulplayhere。Thar’sbinnohiringofmen，nodeputytodothisjob。YOUdiditfairandsquare——yourself？"
　　"Yes，byGod！"burstoutMadisonClayinahoarsevoice。"WhosaysIdidn’t？"
　　Reassured，yetbelievingthatMadisonClayhadnervedhimselffortheactbyanover-draughtofwhiskey，whichhadaffectedhismemory，Breckenridgesaidcurtly，"Thenwakeupand’lite’out，efyewantmetostandbyyou。"
　　"Gotothecorralandpickmeoutahoss，"saidMadisonslowly，yetnotwithoutacertaindignityofmanner。"I’vesuthin’tosaytoSalomyJaneaforeIgo。"Hewasholdingherscribblednote，whichhehadjustdiscovered，inhisshakinghand。
　　Struckbyhiskinsman’smanner，andknowingthedependentrelationsoffatheranddaughter，Breckenridgenoddedandhurriedaway。Lefttohimself，MadisonClayranhisfingersthroughhishair，andstraightenedoutthepaperonwhichSalomyJanehadscrawledhernote，turneditover，andwroteontheback：——
　　Youmighthavetoldmeyoudidit，andnotleaveyourolefathertofinditouthowyoudisgracedyourselfandhim，too，byalow-down，underhanded，woman’strick！I’vesaidIdoneit，andtooktheblamemyself，andallthesneakinessofitthatfolkssuspect。IfIgetawayalive——andIdon’tcaremuchwhich——youneedn’tfoller。
　　Thehouseandstockareyours；butyouain’tanylongerthedaughterofyourdisgracedfather，MADISONCLAY。
　　Hehadscarcelyfinishedthenotewhen，withaclatterofhoofsandaledhorse，Breckenridgereappearedatthedoorelateandtriumphant。"You’reinniggerluck，Mad！IfoundthatstolehossofJudgeBoompointer’shadgotawayandstrayedamongyourstockinthecorral。Takehimandyou’resafe；hecan’tbeoutrunthissideofthestateline。"
　　"Iain’tnohoss-thief，"saidMadisongrimly。
　　"Nobodysezyeare，butyou’dbewuss——afool——efyoudidn’ttakehim。I’mtestimonythatyoufoundhimamongyourhosses；I’lltellJudgeBoompointeryou’vegothim，andyekinsendhimbackwhenyou’resafe。Thejudgewillbemightygladtogethimback，andcallitquits。Soefyou’vewrittoSalomyJane，come。"
　　MadisonClaynolongerhesitated。SalomyJanemightreturnatanymoment，——itwouldbepartofher"foolwomanishness，"——andhewasinnomoodtoseeherbeforeathirdparty。Helaidthenoteonthetable，gaveahurriedglancearoundthehouse，whichhegrimlybelievedhewasleavingforever，and，stridingtothedoor，leapedonthestolenhorse，andsweptawaywithhiskinsman。
　　Butthatnotelayforaweekundisturbedonthetableinfullviewoftheopendoor。Thehousewasinvadedbyleaves，pinecones，birds，andsquirrelsduringthehot，silent，emptydays，andatnightbyshy，stealthycreatures，butneveragain，dayornight，byanyoftheClayfamily。ItwasknowninthedistrictthatClayhadflownacrossthestateline，hisdaughterwasbelievedtohavejoinedhimthenextday，andthehousewassupposedtobelockedup。Itlayoffthemainroad，andfewpassedthatway。Thestarvingcattleinthecorralatlastbrokeboundsandspreadoverthewoods。Andonenightastrongerblastthanusualsweptthroughthehouse，carriedthenotefromthetabletothefloor，where，whirledintoacrackintheflooring，itslowlyrotted。
　　Butthoughthestingofherfather’sreproachwassparedher，SalomyJanehadnoneedofthelettertoknowwhathadhappened。
　　ForassheenteredthewoodsinthedimlightofthatmorningshesawthefigureofDartglidingfromtheshadowofapinetowardsher。Theunaffectedcryofjoythatrosefromherlipsdiedthereasshecaughtsightofhisfaceintheopenlight。
　　"Youarehurt，"shesaid，clutchinghisarmpassionately。
　　"No，"hesaid。"ButIwouldn’tmindthatif"——
　　"You’rethinkin’IwasafeardtocomebacklastnightwhenIheardtheshootin’，butIDIDcome，"shewentonfeverishly。"IranbackherewhenIheardthetwoshots，butyouweregone。Iwenttothecorral，butyourhosswasn’tthere，andIthoughtyou’dgotaway。"
　　"IDIDgetaway，"saidDartgloomily。"Ikilledtheman，thinkin’
　　hewashuntin’ME，andforgettin’Iwasdisguised。HethoughtI
　　wasyourfather。"
　　"Yes，"saidthegirljoyfully，"hewasafterdad，andYOU——youkilledhim。"Sheagaincaughthishandadmiringly。
　　Buthedidnotrespond。Possiblytherewerepointsofhonorwhichthishorse-thieffeltvaguelywithherfather。"Listen，"hesaidgrimly。"Othersthinkitwasyourfatherkilledhim。WhenIdidit——forhefiredatmefirst——Irantothecorralagainandtookmyhoss，thinkin’Imightbefollered。Imadeaclearcircuitofthehouse，andwhenIfoundhewastheonlyone，andnoonewasfollerin’，Icomebackhereandtookoffmydisguise。ThenIheardhisfriendsfindhiminthewood，andIknowtheysuspectedyourfather。AndthenanothermancomethroughthewoodswhileIwashidin’andfoundtheclothesandtookthemaway。"Hestoppedandstaredathergloomily。
　　Butallthiswasunintelligibletothegirl。"Dadwouldhavegotthebetterofhimefyouhadn’t，"shesaideagerly，"sowhat’sthedifference？"
　　"Allthesame，"hesaidgloomily，"Imusttakehisplace。"
　　Shedidnotunderstand，butturnedherheadtohermaster。"Thenyou’llgobackwithmeandtellhimALL？"shesaidobediently。
　　"Yes，"hesaid。
　　Sheputherhandinhis，andtheycreptoutofthewoodtogether。
　　Sheforesawathousanddifficulties，but，chiefestofall，thathedidnotloveasshedid。SHEwouldnothavetakentheserisksagainsttheirhappiness。
　　Butalasforethicsandheroism。Astheywereissuingfromthewoodtheyheardthesoundofgallopinghoofs，andhadbarelytimetohidethemselvesbeforeMadisonClay，onthestolenhorseofJudgeBoompointer，sweptpastthemwithhiskinsman。
　　SalomyJaneturnedtoherlover……
　　AndhereImight，asamoralromancer，pause，leavingtheguilty，passionategirlelopedwithherdisreputablelover，destinedtolifelongshameandmisery，misunderstoodtothelastbyacriminal，fastidiousparent。ButIamconfrontedbycertainfacts，onwhichthisromanceisbased。Amonthlaterahandbillwaspostedononeofthesentinelpines，announcingthatthepropertywouldbesoldbyauctiontothehighestbidderbyMrs。JohnDart，daughterofMadisonClay，Esq。，anditwassoldaccordingly。Stilllater——bytenyears——thechroniclerofthesepagesvisitedacertain"stock"
　　or"breedingfarm，"inthe"BlueGrassCountry，"famousforthepopularracersithasproduced。Hewastoldthattheownerwasthe"bestjudgeofhorse-fleshinthecountry。""Smallwonder，"addedhisinformant，"fortheysayasayoungmanoutinCaliforniahewasahorse-thief，andonlysavedhimselfbyelopingwithsomerichfarmer’sdaughter。Buthe’sastraight-outandrespectablemannow，whosewordabouthorsescan’tbebought；andasforhiswife，she’sabeauty！Toseeheratthe’Springs，’riggedoutinthelatestfashion，you’dneverthinkshehadeverlivedoutofNewYorkorwasn’tthewifeofoneofitsmillionaires。"