Chapter One

"There goes !"# $e%a&ne'(s girl) S#i**in( o+er the gro!n, li#e a &il, -n,ian)" ".o! *ean /!e0" ".eah) 1on,er &h' he e+er ga+e her s!"h an o,, na*e0" "Ca!se he r!e, the ,a' he e+er *arrie, her loose *a*a2 *ost li#el')" "1o!l,n(t 3e s!rprise,) - ne+er "o!l, 4ig!re o!t ho& he "o*e to get tangle, !p &ith e"#') ' the ti*e she &as 4o!rteen she(, lai, &ith hal4 the *en aro!n, here) -t 5!st a3o!t 3ro#e his parents( hearts &hen he *arrie, that one)" "6e "!t an, r!n2 tho!gh2 &hen she ha, hersel4 a &oo,s "olt)" "7in(t no3o,' 3la*e, hi* tho!gh2 his &i4e &horin( ro!n, li#e she ,i,) -t(s a sha*e tho!gh2 he ,i,n(t ta#e his o&n 'o!ng!n( &ith hi*)" "That &o!l, ha+e 3een a *ite har, on !"#2 ,raggin( a three-'ear-ol, ro!n, &ith hi*) .o! got to re*e*3er he &as a&4!l 'o!ng2 5!st t!rne, t&ent') 7 *an ,on(t al&a's thin# straight at that age2 espe"iall' i4 he(s 3lin, *a,)" " (Spe"t 'o!(re right) 6o& long has he 3een gone no&2 ,o 'o! re"#on0" "73o!t sixteen 'ears2 - 4ig!re) /!e is nineteen no&2 an, she &as three &hen !"# !p an, le4t) 7in(t ne+er 3een seen nor hear, o4 sin"e)" "That poor "hil, ain(t ha, it eas' all these 'ears) e"#' &horin( an, all2 3ringin( t&o *ore 3astar,s into the &orl, 4or /!e to ta#e "are o4) 6er too ,r!n# all the ti*e to ten, to the* hersel4)" "7n, ,on(t 4orget the girl ha+in( to p!t !p &ith her shi4tless step,a,,')" ".eah2 Sl' !r4or,2 the laz' no-a""o!nt) So*e3o,' o!ght to ha+e shot that *an the 4irst ti*e he sho&e, hi*sel4 aro!n, here) That *an ain(t got no sha*e nor *orals at all)" The ol, "o!ple &at"he, /!e $e%a&ne'(s slen,er 4ig!re ,isappear into the treest!,,e, 4oothills2 then set their ro"#ing "hairs to "rea#ing) The' leane, their hea,s 3a"#2 their 4a"es li4te, to the noon s!n 3ea*ing ,o&n on the s*all por"h2 their 'o!ng

neigh3or an, her pro3le*s slipping 4ro* their *in,s) /!e(s long legs 4lashe, s*oothl' !p the steep in"line2 her 3are 4eet *a#ing no so!n, on the thi"# "arpet o4 4allen pine nee,les as she h!rrie, along) She pai, no attention to the statel' spr!"e an, pine that see*ingl' to&ere, to the +er' s#') The' &ere a 4a*iliar sight8 she ha, passe, 3eneath the* too *an' ti*es to 3e i*presse, 3' their green splen,or) She ha, tra+ele, this path2 ,ail'2 e+er sin"e she "o!l, re*e*3er) She pa!se, on"e2 long eno!gh to pat gentl' the "hi"#en-pox s"a3s on her 4a"e &ith a rag she "arrie, 4or that p!rpose) -t &as -n,ian s!**er an, the s!n &as still s"or"hing hot2 "a!sing perspiration to 3ea, on her 4orehea,2 then in"h ,o&n&ar, onto her sores) 6er thin 4a"e gri*a"e,2 the' it"he, so an, she &as har,-presse, not to s"rat"h the*) !t 9ran,*a $e%a&ne'(s &arning &as e+er &ith her) "-4 'o! s"rat"h the*2 hone'2 'o!(ll 3e ,rea,4!ll' s"arre,2" she ha, "a!tione,) "7n, 4or li4e) There(s nothing that &ill ta#e the* a&a')" She ha, then lo+ingl' 3r!she, the re,-gol, "!rls o44 /!e(s &i,e 4orehea, an, sai,2 "- ,on(t &ant an'thing to happen to that prett' 4a"e o4 'o!rs) .o! &on(t "at"h 'o!rsel4 a h!s3an, i4 'o!r 4a"e is all po"#*ar#e,)" /!e(s shapel' lips "!rle, s"orn4!ll'2 re*e*3ering her gran,*other(s last "a!tion) She ha,n(t tol, the s&eet ol, la,' that she &o!l, ne+er *arr'2 ne+er p!t hersel4 at the *er"' o4 so*e *an) That it ha, 3een her experien"e2 &ith the ex"eption o4 her gran,4ather2 that *en &ere 3r!tes an, sel4-ser+ing) She "o!l, li+e +er' happil' &itho!t a h!s3an,) :!tting the ,istaste4!l tho!ght o4 *en 4ro* her *in,2 /!e ,a!3e, at her 4a"e again2 thin#ing o4 her three hal4 3rothers) Sixteen-'ear-ol, ;i**' ha, ta#en to heart her a,+i"e not to s"rat"h his sores2 3!t the 4o!r- an, t&o-'ear-ol,s ,!g at their 4a"es "ontin!all') She hate, to thin# &hat their s#in &as going to loo# li#e later on 4or s!rel' the' &o!l, 3e s"arre, 4or li4e) For life2 she tho!ght sa,l') But how long a life for them0 She "o!l,n(t i*agine the' &o!l, 3e long ones) <ro* the ,a' their ,r!n#en *other 3ro!ght the* into the &orl,2 ha+ing no i,ea &ho their 4athers &ere2 the "hil,ren ha, 3een si"#l'2 !n,erno!rishe, 3e"a!se her step4ather &as too laz' to pro+i,e 4or the*) /!e sighe, ragge,l') -4 9ran,,a, $e%a&ne' ha,n(t ha, an' l!"# h!nting 'ester,a'2 she ,i,n(t #no& &hat she &o!l, gi+e the "hil,ren 4or s!pper) This *orning she ha, gi+en the* so*e "orn*eal *!sh &ith a 4e& s"raps o4 salt por# in it) She an, ;i**' ha, share, an apple he ha, 4il"he, 4ro* a neigh3or(s tree so that at least the e,ge o4 his h!nger &o!l, 3e ease, a 3it) /!e sighe, again) 1o!l, the' all star+e to ,eath2 "o*e &inter0 <or the ti*e 3eing there &as the s*all +egeta3le gar,en pat"h she an, ;i**' ha, plante,) -t ha,n(t ,one &ell tho!gh) /ain ha, 3een s"ar"e that s!**er an, *ost o4 the plants the' ha, &or#e, har, at so&ing2 the see,s "o*ing 4ro* 9ran,*a $e%a&ne'2 ha, shri+ele, !p an, ,ie,) 7ltho!gh &hat ha, s!r+i+e, ha, helpe, to&ar, their *eager ,iet2 the' ha, not pro,!"e, eno!gh to p!t so*e a&a' 4or the "ol, *onths ahea,) 7n, 9ran,,a,

&as getting too ol, to h!nt their *eat all the ti*e) "$a*n Sl' !r4or,(s so!l to hell2" she gritte, o!t) "-t &as a sorr' ,a' he "a*e into o!r li+es)" /!e "o!l, onl' +ag!el' re*e*3er her 4ather2 a 3ig la!ghing *an &ho ha, gone a&a' &hen she &as 5!st a tot an, ;i**' onl' an in4ant) 7s she gre& ol,er2 she pestere, her *other 4or the reason her 4ather ha, le4t the*) e"#' ha, al&a's ignore, the =!estion !ntil 4inall' one ,a'2 hate 4lashing in her e'es2 she ha, snarle,2 " e"a!se he(s a nogoo, 3astar,2 that(s &h') >o& ,on(t as# *e a3o!t hi* again)" !t shortl' 3e4ore her se+enth 3irth,a' 9ran,*a $e%a&ne' tol, her the real reason !"# $e%a&ne' ha, le4t his &i4e an, "hil, an, ha,n(t 3een hear, o4 sin"e) She ha, #no&n o4 "o!rse that her ho*e li4e &as ,i44erent 4ro* that o4 the "hil,ren she o""asionall' atten,e, s"hool &ith) $a' or night2 o4ten 3oth2 so*e *an or other &o!l, "li*3 the trail to the $e%a&ne' sha"# an, #no"# on the ,oor) 6er *other &o!l, s*ile at hi* an, ta#e hi* into the onl' 3e,roo*) 74ter a spell o4 springs "rea#ing an, the hea,3oar, 3anging against the &all2 the *an &o!l, lea+e2 a+oi,ing e'e "onta"t &ith /!e an, ;i**') Conse=!entl'2 &hen her s"hool*ates &o!l, "hant at her2 ".o!r *other is a ,irt' ol, &hore2" she #ne& &hat the' *eant) 7t 4irst2 she ha, she, *an' tears at the "r!el ta!nts2 3!t o+er the 'ears2 she ha, gro&n a s#in so to!gh2 ins!lts "o!l, no longer penetrate her heart) >ot e+en the sl' re*ar#s an, sala"io!s in+itations she(, ha, to en,!re as her ripening 3o,' an, prett' 4a"e ,re& the attention o4 the ga&#ish teenagers she(, r!n into) 6er trips to the +illage ha, 3een "!rtaile,2 ho&e+er) One ,a' on her &a' ho*e 4ro* the gro"er(s she ha, al*ost 3een rape, 3' t&o 'o!ths &ho la' in &ait 4or her in an ol, a3an,one, "a3in) 7s she #i"#e,2 s"rea*e,2 an, s"rat"he,2 ironi"all'2 a *an on his &a' to +isit her *other ha, hear, her) 6e ha, ,ragge, the 3o's o44 her2 "!44e, the* a 3it2 then sent the* r!nning o44 6e ha, helpe, her !p then2 sa'ing #in,l'2 " est 'o! ,on(t &al# alone an'*ore2 /!e)" To this ,a'2 /!e shi+ere, e+er' ti*e she re*e*3ere, that ,a'2 the 3o's( ro!gh han,s on her 3o,'2 their 4ingers ,igging into her 4lesh as the' trie, to ,rag o44 her 3loo*ers) She ha, ha, night*ares a3o!t the assa!lt 4or a long ti*e) She re*e*3ere, longing to tell e"#' a3o!t it2 3!t she ha, ne+er 3een "lose to her *other an, ha, #ept it all lo"#e, !p insi,e her) e"#' ha, ne+er 3een "lose to an' o4 her "hil,ren 4or that *atter2 /!e re"alle,) 7n, 4or a +er' si*ple reason) She &as a har, an, !n"aring &o*an &ho ,i,n(t loo# 4or2 nor &ant2 a ten,er relationship &ith her o44spring) She ha,n(t &ante, the* in the 4irst pla"e) -n the ele+en 'ears that e"#' ha, &hore, 4or a li+ing2 she ha, *anage, not to get in the 4a*il' &a') Then 4o!r 'ears ago that all "hange,) The ol, her3 &o*an &ho ha, #ept e"#' s!pplie, &ith a "on"o"tion g!arantee, to #ill an' *an(s see, too# si"# an, ,ie,2 ta#ing the se"ret o4 her *ixe, her3s &ith her) 7l*ost at the sa*e ti*e2 Sl' !r4or, appeare, at their sha"#)

)!e2 4i4teen then2 ha, ta#en a ,isli#e 4or the *an on sight) She &as repelle, 3' his gross sto*a"h hanging o+er his 3elt an, the &a' his 4at2 s=!inte, e'es roa*e, o+er her 3!,,ing "!r+es) 1ise 3e'on, her 'ears2 her har, 3l!e e'es ha, &arne, hi* a&a') 6e ha, t!rne, his attention on e"#' then an, ha, 4lattere, her so that she ha, ta#en hi* into the 3e,roo* &itho!t "harging hi*) /!e an, ;i**' ha, loo#e, at ea"h other &ith raise, 3ro&s) >e+er ha, that happene, 3e4ore) 7n, s!rprising the* e+en *ore2 the 4at *an ha, sta'e, &ith e"#' all night) >one o4 the other "!sto*ers ha, sta'e, *ore than an ho!r2 *ost o4 the ti*e onl' *in!tes) She an, ;i**' ha, &aite, 4or !r4or, to lea+e the next *orning2 3!t he &as still there at s!pperti*e) Sl' !r4or, &as still &ith the* a &ee# later2 &ith e"#' t!rning a&a' the *en &ho *a,e their &ee#l' trip to the ol, "anting sha"#) ?ean&hile2 the 4at *an "hoppe, the &oo,2 "arrie, the &ater 4ro* the spring a hal4 *ile a&a'2 *en,e, the lea#' roo42 an, *a,e hi*sel4 !se4!l in a ,ozen ,i44erent &a's) 6e spent a lot o4 ti*e &ith ;i**'2 ta#ing hi* h!nting an, 4ishing) 7n, ;i**'2 ne+er ha+ing ha, the attention o4 a *an 3e4ore2 tho!ght that !r4or, &as &on,er4!l2 the 3est thing that ha, e+er happene, in their *other(s li4e) !t ,espite his o+ert!res to /!e o4 3eing "are4!l to loo# onl' at her 4a"e2 an, spea#ing to her #in,l' as a 4ather &o!l, ,o2 /!e &as still &ar' o4 hi*) She ha, not 4orgotten ho& his e'es ha, !n,resse, her the 4irst ti*e she sa& hi*) 6e loo#e, to her li#e a laz' *an2 p!tting 4orth an e44ort that &o!l, 3ene4it hi* so*e &a') 1hen at the 3eginning o4 the 4ollo&ing &ee#2 Sl' *arrie, her *other2 /!e2 along &ith their neigh3ors2 as#e, the*sel+es &h' he &o!l, *arr' an aging2 &orn-o!t &hore) >ot that !r4or, &as all that goo, a "at"h hi*sel42 3eing 4at an, s*ell') The ans&er &as *a,e "lear to the t&o $e%a&ne' &o*en in a short ti*e) e"#' learne, 4irst2 an, /!e a 4e& ho!rs later) e"#'2 her ne& h!s3an,2 an, her "hil,ren ha, ret!rne, 4ro* the prea"her(s ho!se onl' a short ti*e &hen ;i**'2 stan,ing in the open ,oor&a'2 "alle, o+er his sho!l,er2 "?a2 there(s a "o!ple *en "o*in( !p the hill)" "%et the* "o*e2 4or all the goo, it &ill ,o the*2" e"#' sai, &ith relish2 her "hin pro!,l' in the air) "-(* a *arrie, &o*an no&)" She sli, her ar* thro!gh Sl'(s) "7in(t gonna 3e 3!t one *an in *' li4e 4ro* no& on)" "1ell no&2 e"#')" Sl' re*o+e, her han, an, steppe, a&a' 4ro* her) "$on(t 3e too hast') The *one' 'o!r 3!siness 3rings in &ill "o*e in han,'2 "ol, &eather "o*in( on an, all)" 1hen e"#' tol, hi* a3sol!tel' not2 that she &as tire, o4 l'ing &ith an' *an &ho ha, the pri"e2 Sl' loo#ing sa, an, ,istresse,2 too# her ar* an, sat her ,o&n at the ta3le) Then2 his han, on her sho!l,er2 he 3egan to spea# as /!e an, ;i**' &at"he,) $isill!sion*ent "lo!,e, the 3o'(s e'es2 3!t /!e(s shot spar#s o4 hate an, ,isg!st)

"- sho!l, ha+e tol, 'o!2 e"#'"@the 4at lips &hine, the &or,s@"3!t - got a 3a, 3a"#) - "an(t hol, ,o&n a 5o3 *ore than a &ee# or so 3e4ore it goes o!t)" 6e pa!se, to gi+e a long sigh) "Then -(* lai, !p 4or *onths)" e"#'(s o&n ,isill!sion*ent =!i"#l' "hange, to one o4 rage as she realize, she ha, 3een ,!pe,) She 5!*pe, to her 4eet2 sha#ing &ith 4or') She tore into her ne& h!s3an,2 "alling hi* e+er' +ile na*e she "o!l, thin# o42 en,ing &ith2 ".o!(re a rotten2 ,e"eit4!l s&ineA" The s!3ser+ien"e that ha, 4or o+er a &ee# la' li#e a "loa# aro!n, the 4at *an &as &ipe, a&a' as tho!gh it ha, ne+er existe,) 6is e'es narro&ing *ena"ingl'2 Sl' "la*pe, 3iting 4ingers onto e"#'(s sho!l,ers) ".o! 4at ol, &hore2" he sneere,2 "s!rel' 'o! ,on(t thin# that - *arrie, 'o! o!t o4 !n,'in( lo+e)" 6is e'es s#i**e, e"#'(s 3o,'2 ranging 4ro* the sagging 3reasts to the 3o,' that &as going to 4at) "- 4ig!re 'o!(ll 3e a goo, *eal ti"#et 4or a 4e& *ore 'ears)" 6e t!rne, her aro!n, to 4a"e the 3e,roo*2 then gi+ing her a har, sho+e2 gro&le,2 "-4 'o! ,on(t &ant to 4eel the &eight o4 *' han,2 'o!(, 3etter "arr' on as !s!al)" e"#' st!*3le,2 "a!ght her 3alan"e2 then t!rne, 3a"# as tho!gh to ,e4' the *an she ha, 4oolishl' *arrie,) !t &hile /!e silentl' !rge, her to 4l' at the *an2 to s"rat"h his e'es o!t2 a,,ing that she an, ;i**' &o!l, help her2 e"#' shr!gge, an, entere, the 3e,roo*) 1hen a *o*ent later there "a*e a #no"# on the ,oor4ra*e2 Sl' in+ite, the *en in2 his han, hel, o!t 4or their *one') /!e2 her sho!l,ers sl!*pe,2 &at"he, the pair 4ile into the s*all roo*2 seeing a 3ottle o4 &his#e' sho+e, into the 3a"# po"#et o4 the *an 3ringing !p the rear) -t &as 3!t a short ti*e later that e"#' &as la!ghing an, !rging the *en on) "See)" !r4or, leere, at the 3rother an, sister &ho stare, at the 4loor) "She en5o's it) She &as 5!st 3ein( st!33orn)" >either 3rother nor sister *a,e a response to the "r!,e re*ar#) /!e ran o!tsi,e) She ha, to get a&a' 4ro* that loathso*e *an2 the gr!nts an, groans2 the so!n, o4 the sh!,,ering 3e,springs that "arrie, thro!gh the s*all sha"#) 7ltho!gh the noise &asn(t ne& to her@she ha, hear, it e+er sin"e she "o!l, re*e*3er@Sl' !r4or, ha, *a,e it see* o3s"ene so*eho&) Tears pri"#ing her e'es2 /!e ran to the she, at the 3a"# o4 the ho!se) The' &o!l, 3e 4lo&ing ,o&n her "hee#s soon2 an, she &o!l, ,ie 3e4ore she let that a&4!l *an see an' &ea#ness in her) She entere, the ,i* interior o4 the s*all 3!il,ing an, starte, to "lose the ,oor 3ehin, her) The 4li*s' 3arrier *o+e, a 4e& in"hes then st!"#) /!e loo#e, !p an, ,rea, leapt in her p!lse) Sl'(s 3ig 3!l# 3lo"#e, the entran"e2 his pigli#e e'es re+ealing his l!st4!l intent) 6er heart 3eating pain4!ll' in her "hest2 /!e stro+e to hol, the ,oor 4ast2 her *in, ra"ing as she trie, not to gi+e in to pani") 1hen she s!,,enl' snat"he, open the ,oor

an, la!n"he, hersel4 at !4or,2 he staggere, 3a"# in astonish*ent) 6e let loose a 3ello& o4 rage &hen the nails o4 3oth her han,s ra#e, a"ross his 4a"e2 s"oring ,eepl' into his 4lesh) " it"hA" he snarle,2 an, gra33ing her 4ragile &rists he st!"# a 4oot 3ehin, her #nees2 t!*3ling her to the gro!n,) /!e la' 4lat on her 3a"#2 the 3reath #no"#e, o!t o4 her 3o,'2 an, Sl' still hol,ing her han,s) She opene, her *o!th to "r' o!t2 to alert the t&o *en &ith her *other) One o4 the* ha, "o*e to her res"!e 3e4ore an, &o!l, "o*e again she ha, no ,o!3t) !t !r4or, ha, rea, the tho!ght in her 3l!e e'es) 6is "ol, &or,s ,ro+e the i,ea 4ro* her *in,) ".o! get the* *en o!t here2 an, -(ll see to it that so*ething happens to ;i**' the next ti*e he goes h!ntin() 7 "areless 'o!ng!n( "o!l, easil' trip o+er so*ethin( an, shoot hi*sel4)" 6e tightene, his grip on her &rists !ntil she &as s!re the 3ones &o!l, snap) "$o 'o! ha+e that "lear in 'o!r *in,2 ?iss high-an,-*ight'0" 6is 4at2 s=!inte, e'es 3ore, into hers) "7re 'o! gonna 3eha+e 'o!rsel4 an, 3e ni"e to ole Sl'0 9i+e hi* &hat 'o!r *a*a is gi+in( the* t&o *en in the ho!se0" /!e stare, !p helplessl' at her tor*entor) Tears sli, ,o&n the "o*ers o4 3oth e'es as she no,,e,) "That(s *ore li#e it2" Sl' gr!nte,2 an, release, her han,s) ".o! 5!st la' there ni"eli#e &hile - get rea,')" She &at"he, in horror as her step4ather stoo, !p an, !n3!ttone, his tro!sers) 1hen the' 4ell ,o&n aro!n, his an#les2 he "lose, his thi"# 4ingers aro!n, his s&ollen *anhoo,2 an, *o+e, the* !p an, ,o&n its long length) "- "an(t ,e"i,e &hi"h &a' to ta#e 'o! 4irst)" 6e leere, ,o&n at her) "- g!ess it ,on(t reall' *atter2" he sai, a4ter a *o*ent2 still stro#ing hi*sel4 "-(ll ha+e 'o! a lot o4 ,i44erent &a's o+er the 'ears)" Please, God, don't let him do this to me2 /!e &as silentl' pra'ing &hen a *o+e*ent 3ehin, Sl' "a!ght her e'es) 7 4ast2 "are4!l glan"e =!i"#ene, her heart3eat) ;i**' &as slipping !p 3ehin, the*2 a goo,-size, "l!3 raise, o+er his hea,) 1hen Sl' ,roppe, to his #nees an, ro!ghl' 5er#e, her legs apart2 there "a*e a "ra"# o4 &oo, as the "!,gel 3ro#e o+er his 3al,ing hea,) 7 3!rst o4 3ir, song o+erhea, interr!pte, /!e(s reli+ing the past) I should be getting on to Granddad and Grandma's house2 she tho!ght2 3!t her *in, &as st!"# on the &a' her li4e ha, 3een 4or nineteen 'ears) Then har,l' a&are o4 it2 she sat ,o&n on a ro"# an, pi"#e, !p &here her ,ar# *!sings ha, 3ro#en o44) 6er step4ather ha, not 3een #no"#e, !n"ons"io!s2 3!t he &as st!nne, eno!gh to allo& her an, ;i**' to r!n to the ho!se) 6er heart &as a lo!, ,r!*3eat as she sat ,o&n at the ta3le2 r!33ing her 3r!ise, &rists2 her hatre, o4 *en strengthening) She

loo#e, !p at ;i**' &hen he pla"e, a glass o4 &ater in 4ront o4 her) 1o!l, he2 too2 gro& !p to 3e li#e Sl' an, li#e those t&o *en in the 3e,roo*2 "heating on their &i+es0 6er tre*3ling han, li4te, the glass o4 &ater to her lips2 an, ;i**' sat ,o&n 3esi,e her) "%oo#2 /!e2" he sai, earnestl'2 gazing into her tear-strea#e, 4a"e2 "he(s going to 3e pestering 'o! all the ti*e) .o!(+e got to learn ho& to prote"t 'o!rsel4 - *ight not 3e aro!n, the next ti*e2 so here is &hat 'o! ,o to the 3astar, i4 he "orners 'o! again)" ;i**' ha, spent se+eral *in!tes explaining the *etho, she "o!l, !se that &as g!arantee, to &or# e+er' ti*e) /!e s*ile, gri*l'2 re*e*3ering that she(, ha, o""asion to p!t ;i**'(s instr!"tions into a"tion later that sa*e e+ening) The t&o *en ha, le4t an, e"#'2 st!*3ling ,r!n#2 "a*e 4ro* her roo*2 lo!,l'2 in a =!arrelso*e +oi"e2 ,e*an,ing her s!pper) 1hen Sl' an, ;i**' 5oine, her at the ta3le2 /!e pla"e, a platter o4 pan-4rie, stea# an, *ashe, potatoes 3e4ore the*2 then &al#e, o!tsi,e) To eat &ith Sl' !r4or, &as 3e'on, thin#ing a3o!t) She *o+e, o!t into the gathering ,!s# an, sat ,o&n on a pat"h o4 grass 3eneath a tall "otton&oo,) 1hat i4 ;i**'(s a,+i"e ,i,n(t &or#0 she &orrie,2 leaning her hea, 3a"# an, gazing !p at the e+ening star) 7n, &hat a3o!t ;i**' hi*sel40 6e ha, re"ei+e, his share o4 threatening loo#s &hen Sl' 4ollo&e, the* into the ho!se a short ti*e later) "1o!l, it 3e sa4e 4or hi* to lea+e the area o4 the ho!se no&0 she &on,ere,2 re*e*3ering the 4at *an(s threat to the 'o!ng la,) The so4t "r!n"hing o4 4ootsteps t!rne, /!e(s hea, to&ar, the so!n,) "The'(+e gone to 3e,2 /!e)" ;i**'(s teeth 4lashe, in the ,ar#ness that ha, 4allen) "Co*e in an, eat 'o!r s!pper no&)" 6e rea"he, a han, ,o&n to her2 an, grasping it2 /!e p!lle, hersel4 to her 4eet) "1hat are &e going to ,o2 /!e0" ;i**' as#e, as the' &al#e, to&ar, the ho!se) "- ,on(t #no&2 ;i**'2" /!e sai, =!ietl' &ith a tire, shr!g o4 her sho!l,ers) "-(ll ha+e to thin# on it)" The' entere, the ho!se an, ;i**' so!ght his stra& pallet lai, o!t in the "orner o4 the roo*) -t &as =!iet in the 3e,roo* as /!e ate her "ol, s!pper2 then &ashe, the ,ishes2 an, p!t the* a&a') Sho!l, she tell 9ran,,a, an, 9ran,*a $e%a&ne' a3o!t the in"i,ent &ith Sl'0 she &on,ere, as she prepare, 4or 3e,) >o2 she ,e"i,e, a *o*ent later as she sli, 3eneath the ro!gh 3lan#et) The pair &ere too ol, to 3e &orrie, &ith that) 9ran,,a, &o!l, 3e o!trage, an, &o!l, tear into Sl'2 threatening hi* &ith 3o,il' har* an, the *!"h 'o!nger *an &o!l,n(t hesitate to !se his 4ists on the ,ear ol, *an) /!e stare, into the ,ar#ness2 her tire, 3o,' slo&l' relaxing) 7 gentle s*ile "!r+e,

her lips as she listene, to ;i**'(s e+en 3reathing) Onl' sixteen 'ears ol, an, alrea,' so &ise2 so ,e,i"ate, to &at"hing o+er his 3ig sister) She stret"he, an, 'a&ne, an, her li,s 3egan to ,roop) /!e &as hal4-asleep &hen a stealth' noise 3ro!ght her &i,e a&a#e) She opene, her e'es a slit2 s!re o4 &ho* she(, see) -n the *oonlight strea*ing thro!gh the &in,o&2 Sl'(s na#e, 3o,' loo*e, o+er her) 7 "oil o4 4ear tightene, aro!n, her heart) The snea#ing 3astar, ha, 3een l'ing in there2 &aiting 4or her an, ;i**' to go to 3e,) ;i**'(s instr!"tions "a*e to *in,2 an, she &on,ere, i4 she "o!l, 4ollo& the*) First you must keep calm2 she &arne, hersel42 and pretend that you are sleeping if you want to catch him off guard) >e+er ha, /!e(s heart 3eat so lo!,l'2 nor ha, her ner+es e+er s"rea*e, in s!"h protest as she &ille, hersel4 to Be per4e"tl' =!iet &hile &aiting 4or Sl' to re+eal that +!lnera3le spot 3et&een his hair' thighs) 7 *o*ent later it &as all she "o!l, ,o not to 4lin"h an, "r' o!t &hen he slo&l' li4te, one 4at leg o+er her hips2 then "are4!ll' positione, hi*sel4 o+er her) ">o&A" a +oi"e &hispere, to her as Sl' h!ng o+er her an, 4!*3le, at the he* o4 her nightgo&n) 9ritting her teeth ,eter*ine,l'2 /!e =!i"#l' 3ro!ght !p a #nee2 hel, it a split se"on, then lashe, o!t &ith her 4oot as har, as she "o!l,) She hear, a "r!n"hing so!n, as her ai* 4o!n, the 4at "rot"h2 =!i"#l' 4ollo&e, 3' a s"ree"hing 'o&l) Sl' 4ell to the 4loor2 &here he "!rle, !p in agon'2 s"rea*ing an, s&earing) ;i**' sat !p &ith a startle, 5er#2 an, &hile he gri*l' s*ile, his satis4a"tion2 /!e &at"he, the *an "ra&l into the 3e,roo*) !r4or, &as !na3le to lea+e the 3e, 4or three ,a's) -n the *eanti*e /!e an, ;i**' &ere 3arre, 4ro* the ho!se as e"#' entertaine, her "!sto*ers in /!e(s 3e,) B+er sin"e that night2 ho&e+er2 Sl' ne+er to!"he, her again) !t he still &at"he, her2 re+enge an, hate repla"ing the l!st that ha, stare, o!t o4 his gi*let e'es) 7n, strangel'2 that *a,e /!e *ore !neas' than his pa&ing han,s) The *an &as a ,anger to her2 he *eant her har*) <inall'2 in ,esperation2 she ha, gone to her *other2 telling her all that ha, happene,2 explaining her 4ear o4 Sl'(s retaliation2 that she 3elie+e, that gi+en the "han"e the *an *ight e+en #ill her) She ha, re"ei+e, a slap in the 4a"e 4or her tro!3le2 not to *ention the tong!e-lashing that ha, 4ollo&e,) "$o 'o! thin# 'o!(re too goo, to sprea, 'o!r lil'-&hite legs 4or a *an0" e"#' ha, raile, at her) ".o!(re 4i4teen 'ears ol, an, sho!l, ha+e 3een ,oin( it a "o!ple 'ears ago2 help 3ring so*e *one' into this ho!se) - ha, *' 4irst *an &hen &as thirteen)" /!e ha, stare, at e"#'2 "o*plete 3e&il,er*ent on her 4a"e2 not &anting to 3elie+e &hat she ha, hear,) S!rel'2 no *other2 no *atter ho& !n"aring she *ight 3e2 &o!l, &ant her ,a!ghter to sell her 3o,') !t as e"#' ra+e, on /!e ha, to a,*it that her *other *eant exa"tl' &hat she sai,) /!e also learne, that ,a' &h' she ha,n(t alrea,' 3een 4or"e, into a li4e o4 prostit!tion

as her *other ,r!n#eningl' "o*plaine,2 "The +illage *en ha+e no =!al*s a3o!t !sin( !"# $e%a&ne'(s &i4e2 3!t2 ,a*n the* all2 his ,a!ghter is so*ethin( else) B+er' last one o4 the* ha+e re4!se, to la' a han, on 'o!)" Si"# to her so!l2 /!e ha, le4t the ho!se an, tra*pe, the &oo,s 4or ho!rs2 3itter hot tears &ashing ,o&n her "hee#s as she "!rse, the 4ather &ho ha, gone o44 an, le4t her to 3e 3ro!ght !p in s!"h an en+iron*ent) -t ha, 3een late in the 4all &hen /!e noti"e, her *other &as gaining &eight) 1hen /!e *entione, this 4a"t to e"#'2 she ha, la!ghe, *irthlessl' an, gro!"he,2 "?' ne& &eight &ill ,isappear in the spring)" /!e ha, pai, no attention to the sl!rre, "on5e"t!re) 7s !s!al 3' *i,,a' e"#' &as &ell into her ,ail' 3ottle o4 &his#e'2 an, +er' little sense "a*e o!t o4 her *o!th a4ter s!"#ing at the ra& spirits) 6o&e+er2 near the en, o4 &inter the ,r!n#en senten"e "a*e 3a"# to /!e an, she realize, that her *other(s &or,s ha,n(t 3een senseless ra*3lings a4ter all) e"#' &as going to ha+e a 3a3') On a 3l!ster' ?ar"h *orning e"#' &as ,eli+ere, o4 an !n,ersize, 3a3' 3o' &ho &as too &ea# to "r') The ,o"tor &rappe, the *e&ling in4ant in the &hite s=!are /!e ha, "!t 4ro* an ol, 3lan#et2 an, han,ing the &izene, 3o,' to /!e2 sai, ,isg!ste,l'2 "-(ll sen, a nann' goat !p here to pro+i,e *il# 4or the poor little *ite) 7ll he(, get 4ro* his *other(s 3reast &o!l, 3e straight &his#e')" Three *ore 'ears 4ollo&e, in &hi"h another 3a3' "a*e along) This one2 also a 3o'2 ha, 4allen to /!e(s "are as &ell) Then one *orning2 t&o &ee#s ago2 Sl' "a*e 4ro* the 3e,roo* an, "allo!sl' anno!n"e,2 "Ol, e"#' ,ie, so*eti*e last night)" ;i**' ha, gone 4or the ,o"tor2 an, a4ter the &hite-haire, *an ha, exa*ine, the &aste, 3o,'2 he ha, snappe, his 3la"# 3ag sh!t an, sai, to no one in parti"!lar2 ":ro3a3l' all the &his#e' she "ons!*e, thro!gh the 'ears ate !p her li+er)" >ot one person 4ro* the +illage ha, atten,e, e"#' !r4or,(s 4!neral2 nor ha, her h!s3an,2 Sl') 7n, no tears &ere she, as her t&o el,est "hil,ren &at"he, their *other(s 3o,' lo&ere, into the gro!n,) The &o*an ha, lo+e, no one2 an, no one ha, lo+e, her2 ex"ept *a'3e !"# $e%a&ne' &hen he 4irst *arrie, her) e"#'(s passing2 ho&e+er2 ha, *a,e an i*pa"t on her "hil,ren(s ,ail' li+es) There &as no *ore *one' "o*ing into the ho!se2 an, &ith Sl' *a#ing no e44ort to 4in, &or#2 it soon 3e"a*e a ,esperate sit!ation) B+er'one(s 3ellies r!*3le, 4ro* h!nger) The si"#l' little ones h!ng on to /!e(s s#irts2 an, she 4elt g!ilt' that she "o!l,n(t lo+e the*) 7ll she "o!l, 4eel &as pit') She ha, expe"te,2 hope,2 that her *other(s h!s3an, &o!l, lea+e no&) There &as no reason he sho!l, sta') 1as there0 The *an still &at"he, her2 the hate in his e'es see*ing to gro& ,ail') 7 s!spi"ion ha, 3een gro&ing in /!e that he &as &aiting2 &aiting to ta#e re+enge on her 3e4ore lea+ing)

7 "o!ple o4 *onths ago2 3' a""i,ent2 she ha, o+erhear, her step4ather ranting to e"#' that he &o!l, get that &il,"at) The &il,"at &as not an ani*al2 she learne, as Sl' rage, on2 3!t hersel4) "1hen she #i"#e, *e that night 4o!r 'ears ago2 she r!ine, *e2 too# a&a' *' *anhoo,) - "an(t get it !p an'*ore)" /!e hear, his 4ist hit the &all) "7n, so help *e -(ll 4in, her alone so*e,a' an, that(ll 3e the last an'one sees o4 /!e $e%a&ne')" /!e pi"#e, !p a han,4!l o4 pine nee,les an, i,l' let the* slip thro!gh her 4ingers) "So*eho& -(+e got to get a&a' 4ro* here2" she &hispere,) "<ar a&a' &here that ,e+il "an(t 4in, *e)" -t ha, gotten to the point &here she &as a4rai, to go to 3e,2 4ear4!l that her step4ather &o!l, #ill her &hile she slept) 7n, s&eet little ;i**'2 he ne+er &ent 4ar 4ro* her si,e) 7 so4t in=!ir' 3ro#e into /!e(s ,ar# *!sing) "1h' are 'o! sittin( there2 gran,,a!ghter0 6a+e 'o! "hange, 'o!r *in, a3o!t +isitin( !s0" /!e 5!*pe, !p2 her e+en &hite teeth re+eale, in a gla, s*ile) "- &as 5!st resting a *in!te2 9ran,,a,2 thin#ing a3o!t all the in5!sti"e in this &orl,)" "There 3e a lot o4 that2 "hil,)" The ol, *an no,,e,) "- pon,er it *'sel4 so*eti*es) -t ,on(t see* 4air that so*e 4ol# get *ore than their share o4 3a, ti*es)" Sha#ing o44 her tro!3le, tho!ghts2 /!e "hange, the gloo*' s!35e"t) -t &as 3a, eno!gh that 9ran,,a, #ne& the' &ere pra"ti"all' star+ing2 he ,i,n(t ha+e to #no& that she 4eare, 4or her li4e) -t &as pro3a3l' all in her i*agination an'&a') Sl' &as s!rel' s*art eno!gh to #no& he "o!l,n(t get a&a' &ith *!r,er) %oo#ing at the glass 5ar in the gnarle, han,2 then li4ting her e'es to ;ohn $e%a&ne'(s &rin#le, +isage2 she as#e,2 "7re 'o! sap gathering2 9ran,,a,0" l!e e'es li#e her o&n2 onl' 4a,e, a 3it &ith age2 t&in#le, 3a"# at her) "That - a*2 "hil,) .o!r gran,*a has 3een 4!ssin( that she(s a3o!t o!t o4 sal+e) 9i+e *e a han, a 3it2 then &e(ll go on to the ho!se) ?a,,' pro*ise, to 3a#e *e a 3err' pie 4or l!n"h)" "6o& long ha+e 'o! 3een o!t0" /!e 4ell in step 3esi,e the ol, *an) "S!n &asn(t !p 'et &hen - rolle, o!t o4 the 3lan#ets)" 6e loo#e, ,o&n at the ri4le in his han,) " ro!ght along *' 6enr') Tho!ght *a'3e - *ight see a s=!irrel 3e4ore it &ar*e, !p) ?ost ani*als hi,e &hen it gets hot)" "Oh2 9ran,,a,A" /!e hal4 "rie,) "7re 'o! telling *e that 'o! ,i,n(t ha+e an' l!"# h!nting 'ester,a'0" ">o& ,on(t go gettin( !pset2 /!e2 hone')" ;ohn p!t an ar* aro!n, her narro& sho!l,ers an, s=!eeze, the* a44e"tionatel') "- 3agge, *e a 4ine 'o!ng ,oe2 4at as 3!tter) - got it 3!t"here, an, sto&e, a&a' in the "ellar2 next to that "ol, spring &ater that 4lo&s thro!gh it) The *eat sho!l, #eep a "o!ple o4 &ee#s)" "Than# 9o,)" /!e sighe, her relie4 "-(+e 3een &ra"#ing *' 3rains a3o!t &hat to gi+e

;i**' an, the little ones 4or s!pper in "ase 'o! ha,n(t shot an'thing)" "$a, 3la*e it2 /!e2 it gets *' ha"#les !p that 'o! ha+e to &orr' &hether or not the* 'o!ng!ns( get to eat) 1hat 'o! airnin( to ,o2 let the* ,rag on 'o! the rest o4 'o!r li4e0" "Oh2 9ran,,a,)" /!e sighe,) "- ,on(t #no& &hat to ,o) - ,on(t &orr' a3o!t ;i**') 6e(s a goo, la, an, ,oesn(t ha+e a laz' 3one in his 3o,') -(* s!re so*e3o,' &o!l, ta#e hi* in) !t the little ones2 si"#l' an, all2 &ho(, &ant the*)" "1ell2 the &a' - see it"@;ohn passe, o+er /!e(s "on"ern 4or the t&o little 3o's @"altho!gh !r4or, has goo, "a!se to ,o!3t that either "hil, is his2 he o&es it to the* to see that the' eat) 6e #ept their *other in the 3!siness that 3ro!ght the* a3o!t) %ine, his po"#ets too2 -(ll 3et) "7n, -(ll tell 'o! so*ething else2 -(* gettin( ,a,-3la*e, tire, o4 tra*pin( this *o!ntain loo#in( 4or ga*e &hile that one sits on his 4at r!*p ,oin( nothin()" "- #no&2 9ran,,a,2" /!e sai,2 her e'es 4!ll o4 apolog') " !t he ,oesn(t "are &hether the' eat or not) -t ,oesn(t 3other hi* at all to listen to their h!ngr' "ries)" "1hat ,oes that hog ,o 4or his o&n gr!30 - "an(t see that he(s lost an' &eight)" ;ohn ran his e'es o+er his gran,,a!ghter(s thin 3o,') "The &a' 'o! ha+e)" "6e ri,es ,o&n to the +illage e+er' ,a') 6e pro3a3l' eats there2 !sing the *one' ?o* *a,e to pa' 4or it)" "$a*n his rotten so!lA" ;ohn #i"#e, angril' at a ro"#) "- thin# it(s ti*e - "alle, a *eetin( o4 all the *en aro!n, here an, ,is"!ss this sit!ation) 1e ,on(t nee, *en o4 his sort a*ong !s)" And wouldn't it be a blessing to see the last of Sly Bur ord, I could sleep nights then2 /!e tho!ght as the s!35e"t &as ,roppe,2 an, she &al#e, along &ith her gran,4ather2 their attention on 4in,ing trees &here the 3ar# ha, "ra"#e, an, its s!3stan"e ooze, o!t) <ro* this g!rn ?a,,' $e%a&ne' *a,e a potent sal+e that helpe, +ario!s "!ts an, 3r!ises to heal) -t &as the sa*e oint*ent that "o+ere, the er!ptions on /!e(s 4a"e) 74ter a3o!t a hal4 ho!r2 ;ohn hel, the 5ar !p an, s=!inte, at it) "- thin# &e got eno!gh2" he sai, to /!e2 &ho leane, against a tree2 patting her s&eat' 4a"e &ith the s"rap o4 rag) "%et(s get on !p to the ho!se an, sa*ple so*e o4 ?a,,'(s pie)" "?'2 'o! ,o loo# a sight2 "hil,2" ?a,,' $e%a&ne' greete, her gran,,a!ghter as the girl pro"ee,e, ;ohn into the neat2 or,erl' "a3in) "%et *e see ho& those s"a3s are "orning along)" She le, /!e to a &in,o& an, "are4!ll' s"anne, her 4a"e in the s!nlight po!ring thro!gh shin' glass panes) She no,,e, her hea, 4inall') "The'(re "o*ing along 5!st 4ine) - see 'o! too# *' a,+i"e an, ha+en(t 3een s"rat"hing the*) 7 4e& &ee#s 4ro*

no& 'o!(ll ha+e 'o!r "rea*' "o*plexion 3a"# again) ".o! ha, the &orst "ase o4 pox - e+er sa&)" ?a,,' shoo# her hea,) "There &as a "o!ple ti*es ;ohn an, - tho!ght &e *ight lose 'o!2 'o!r 4e+er &as so high)" /!e #isse, the so4t2 &rin#le, 4a"e) "-t &as a l!"#' thing 4or *e that - &as +isiting 'o! the ,a' *' 4a"e 3ro#e o!t) -4 'o! ha,n(t p!t *e to 3e, an, ,o"tore, *e thro!gh the &orst o4 it2 -(* s!re - &o!l,n(t ha+e p!lle, thro!gh)" She loo#e, ten,erl' at the ol, &o*an) "-t &as #in, o4 'o! to sen, so*e o4 'o!r sal+e ,o&n to the others)" ?a,,' shr!gge, her sho!l,ers) ":oor little s"raps2 - #ne& e"#' &o!l,n(t ,o an'thing 4or the*) 7n'&a'2 ;ohn sai, the' ha, a light "ase o4 the ,isease) -t too# hol, o4 'o! har, 3e"a!se 'o!(, &orn 'o!rsel4 o!t ta#ing "are o4 the*)" She 3r!she, the hair a&a' 4ro* /!e(s 4a"e) ".o! sho!l, #eep 'o!r hair "leaner2 hone') -t(s so greas' 'o! *ight get 'o!r sores in4e"te,2 &ith it hanging against 'o!r "hee#s that &a')" /!e loo#e, !n"o*4orta3le2 e*3arrasse, 3' the tangle, "on,ition o4 her hair) "- #no&2 9ran,*a)" She p!she, the oil' stran,s 3ehin, her ears) "- trie, &ashing it 'ester,a'2 3!t &itho!t soap the &ater 5!st ran o44 it)" ?a,,' patte, /!e(s ar* in s'*path') "- *a,e so*e o4 *' rose soap this *orning) -t(s not =!ite set 'et2 3!t it(ll 3e rea,' &hen 'o! "o*e +isiting to*orro&)" "Oh2 9ran,*a2 &hat &o!l, - ,o &itho!t 'o! an, 9ran,,a,)" /!e thre& her ar*s aro!n, the slight 3o,' an, h!gge, it) "- &o!l, reall' ha+e a *isera3le existen"e i4 'o! t&o &eren(t here to 3ring a little nor*al"' to *' li4e)" :ain 4li"#ere, in ?a,,'(s e'es as she ret!rne, the h!g) "- ,on(t #no& &hat ;ohn an, &o!l, ,o &itho!t 'o!2 hone') .o! 3ring !s so *!"h pleas!re) .o!(re apie"e o4 o!r !"#)" She *otione, /!e to sit ,o&n at the &ell-s"r!33e, ta3le2 an, ;ohn too# a seat a"ross 4ro* her) 6is *o!th &atering as his &i4e "!t into the 5!i"' pie2 he sai,2 "- still "an(t 3elie+e that !"# ne+er sent !s a letter in all this ti*e)" "- &orr' a3o!t that too)" ?a,,' sighe,2 p!shing a plate o4 the pastr' in 4ront o4 her h!s3an, an, gran,,a!ghter) Then sitting ,o&n &ith her o&n helping2 she "ontin!e,2 " !"# &as al&a's a tho!ght4!l son2 an, he &as "raz' 4on, o4 'o!2 /!e)" She stare, o!t the &in,o& as /!e an, ;ohn h!ngril' atta"#e, the pie) "6e(s 3een on *' *in, a lot these past &ee#s) - #eep getting the 4eeling that he(s "o*ing ho*e)" ;ohn patte, his &i4e(s &or#-&orn han, l'ing 3esi,e her plate2 3!t ,i,n(t spea# the ,o!3t in his *in,) -4 the' ha,n(t hear, 4ro* their son in sixteen 'ears it &as ,o!3t4!l the'(, e+er hear or see hi* again) 7n, /!e *a,e no re*ar# either) -t *attere, less to her &hether her 4ather e+er

ret!rne, or &hether he &as six 4eet !n,er the gro!n,) 6a,n(t he gone o44 an, le4t her to a hellish li4e0 -n her opinion he &asn(t &orth &asting a tho!ght on) The s!n ,ippe, to&ar, the &est an, /!e rel!"tantl' sai, that it &as ti*e she &as getting 3a"# ,o&n the *o!ntain) "- tol, ;i**' to "o*e *eet *e aro!n, 4o!r i4 he "o!l, get a&a')" ;i**'(s a goo, la,2 no *atter &ho his 4ather is)" ;ohn stoo, !p2 an, &al#ing to the trap,oor in the "enter o4 the roo* li4te, it !p) "-t(s so*e relie4 #no&in( he is &ith 'o!2" he a,,e, as his hea, ,isappeare, ,o&n the "ellar steps) !ou'd be more relie"ed, Granddad2 /!e tho!ght2 if you knew the times he's protected me from that fat hog we li"e with) ' the ti*e /!e ha, 4inishe, her "o44ee an, ?a,,' ha, &rappe, a pie"e o4 pie 4or ;i**'2 ;ohn ret!rne, &ith a large "h!n# o4 +enison) /!e(s *o!th &atere, as she &at"he, her gran,*other &rap it in a &hite "loth) There(, 3een no *eat in the ho!se 4or three ,a's) "-t &ill *a#e a goo, strengthening ste&2 hone')" ?a,,' han,e, the *eat to /!e) " !t ,on(t 'o! let that 4at Sl' ha+e a 3ite o4 it2 e+en i4 'o! ha+e to 3eat hi* o44 &ith a "l!3)" /!e ass!re, her gran,parents that she &o!l, ,o 5!st that i4 ne"essar'2 then #issing ea"h o4 the* on the "hee#2 an, pro*ising that she &o!l, see the* to*orro&2 /!e starte, ,o&n the *o!ntain) ;i**' &as &aiting 4or her2 leaning against a tree a short ,istan"e 4ro* the $e%a&ne' "a3in) "6a+e 'o! 3een here long2 ;i**'0" /!e as#e,) "-t(s not sa4e to lea+e the "hil,ren alone too long) .o! #no& that Sl' &on(t &at"h the*)" "The 'o!ng!ns( are asleep2" ;i**' ans&ere,2 e'eing the s*aller pa"#age in his sister(s han,) "7n, Sl' too# o44 a3o!t a hal4 ho!r ago) - tho!ght - o!ght to get !p here 5!st in "ase)" /!e ,i,n(t ha+e to as# in "ase o4 &hat) She #ne&) -n "ase Sl' &as going to &ait an, &a'la' her along the *o!ntain path) ".o! ,i, right2 ;i**'2" /!e ass!re, her 3rother2 as she loo#e, 4ear4!ll' aro!n,) There &ere a lot o4 pla"es the 4at *an "o!l, hi,e &hile he &aite, 4or her) She loo#e, at the "l!3 in ;i**'(s han,2 then pi"#e, !p one o4 her o&n 4ro* the 4orest 4loor) >oti"ing her 3rother(s a3sorption &ith &hat he hope, &as a treat 4or hi*2 she grinne, an, hel, the pa"#age o!t to hi*) "7 pie"e o4 3err' pie2" she sai,) ;i**' al*ost snat"he, it 4ro* her han,2 an, as the' *o+e, on an, /!e s"anne, the 4orest 4or signs o4 Sl'2 the 3o' "ons!*e, the pie in three 3ites) /!e hear, the "hil,ren "r'ing 3e4ore the sha"# "a*e in sight) Sighing2 she hastene, her pa"e) She *!st get the ste& on as soon as possi3le)

Chapter Two
The Septe*3er ,a' &as hot an, listless !n,er the >e3ras#a s!n as 6a&#e ?asters stoo, 3esi,e an open gra+e) 6e 4lin"he, ea"h ti*e a "lo, o4 earth hit the li, o4 the star# pine "o44in) Barlier there ha, 3een an ex"a+ation 3esi,e the one he stare, into2 3!t that one &as 4ille, an, *o!n,e, no&) Sara ?asters2 his sister-in-la& ha, 3een lai, to rest 3e4ore her h!s3an,) >o& it &as his 3rother2 en(s2 t!rn) The tall2 3roa,-sho!l,ere, *an loo#e, ,o&n on the "!rl' hea, o4 his 4i+e-'ear-ol, nie"e2 &ho tightl' "l!t"he, his han,) :oor little S!sie2 she har,l' #ne& &hat &as going on) 6is e'es *o+e, to ten-'ear-ol, To**'2 &ho hel, his sister(s other han,) The la, #ne& &hat &as happening an, &as *an4!ll' tr'ing to hol, 3a"# his tears) 6a&#e(s gaze *o+e, to his 4ather(s &eather&orn 4a"e) Tears rolle, 4reel' ,o&n those 3ro&n2 &rin#le, "hee#s as the *an stoo, 3arehea,e,2 his ol, stra& hat grippe, in his han,s) ;e3 ?asters ha, li+e, long eno!gh to #no& there &as no sha*e in she,,ing tears &hen a *an &as 3eing torn apart insi,e) 7ltho!gh 6a&#e ?asters &as &ra"#e, &ith the sa*e tearing e*otion2 none o4 his pain &as +isi3le on his ston' 4a"e) -4 one loo#e, "losel'2 ho&e+er2 one &o!l, see his *!s"!lar throat &or#ing as he s&allo&e, 3a"# his grie4) >o t&o 3rothers ha, e+er 3een "loser2 three 'ears separating the pair2 6a&#e 3eing the el,est) 7s 'o!ngsters the' ha, share, ,rea*s an, se"rets2 then as a,!lts the' ha, ,ran# an, raise, hell together2 e+en o""asionall' sharing the sa*e &o*an) Then &hen &ar 3ro#e o!t the' ha, 5oine, the 7r*' an, 4o!ght si,e 3' si,e) !t pre+io!s to the &ar en ha, *et an, *arrie, gentle2 3ro&n-e'e, Sara) <ro* that ,a' he(, ne+er loo#e, at another &o*an &ith l!st in his heart) "1hile en sire, t&o "hil,ren an, &or#e, his 4ather(s 4ar*2 6a&#e ha, "ontin!e, on in *!"h the sa*e *anner as 3e4ore) 6is ,issol!te li4est'le "a!se, his 4ather to &orr'2 to &on,er &here the &il, strea# in his 4irst3orn ha, "o*e 4ro*2 an, &o!l, he e+er ta*e ,o&n) The &ar ha, 3een o+er a3o!t a 'ear &hen en starte, ,rea*ing o4 going 1est) The ol, 4a*il' 4ar* &as &orn o!t2 he "lai*e,2 an, ea"h 'ear he &or#e, har,er an, gre& less in the ,eplete, soil) 6e &ante, so*ething 3etter to lea+e his son so*e,a') 6e(, ha, little tro!3le "on+in"ing his 4ootloose 3rother to "o*e along2 onl' his 4ather ha, 3een rel!"tant to *a#e the *o+e) 7t ;e3 ?asters( a,+an"e, 'ears he ,i,n(t li#e "hange) 7lso he &as loath to lea+e their *other(s gra+e in the s*all lo"al "e*eter') 6o& :a ha, lo+e, his &i4e2 6a&#e tho!ght2 sh!tting o!t the s"raping so!n, o4 the sho+el as he re*e*3ere, the t&o o4 the* together) :a ha, age, terri3l' sin"e ?a(s ,eath a 4e& 'ears 3a"#) The pain o4 losing her still lingere, in his e'es) "1h' &as it2 6a&#e &on,ere,2 an, not 4or the 4irst ti*e2 that the other t&o ?asters

*en ha, 4o!n, !n,'ing lo+e2 &hile he at thirt'-t&o ha, ne+er ha, his heart to!"he, 3' a &o*an0 7t least one appealing eno!gh to spen, the rest o4 his li4e &ith) On"e :a ha, sai, that 6a&#e ne+er ga+e a &o*an a "han"e2 si*pl' 3e"a!se he ,i,n(t &ant the responsi3ilit' o4 a &i4e an, 4a*il') 7lso that the t'pe o4 &o*an he see*e, ,ra&n to &asn(t goo, &i4e *aterial an'&a') :a ha, en,e, 3' pre,i"ting that i4 6a&#e *anage, to *a#e it to an ol, age he(, 3e sorr' he ha,n(t *arrie,) ".o!(ll 3e *ight' loneso*e2 son) -(* thin#in( it *!st 3e terri3le to ,ie alone2 &ith no one to grie+e 'o!r passin()" 6a&#e loo#e, at his 4ather again) The t&iste, pain on the thin 4a"e *a,e 6a&#e &on,er i4 it &o!l,n(t 3e 3etter to ,ie alone2 to lea+e no one to en,!re &hat this 4ine ol, *an ha, &hen he lost his 3elo+e, &i4e2 an, the agon' he &as en,!ring no&) 6is lips t&iste, st!33ornl') 6is &a' &as 3est) 6e ha, no ,esire 4or *arriage2 so &h' sho!l, he tie hi*sel4 ,o&n to a &o*an 5!st 3e"a!se it &as a""epte, as the nor*al thing to ,o0 esi,es2 ,i,n(t he ha+e %illie0 She 4ire, his 3loo,2 ga+e hi* a satis4a"tion that 4e& &o*en e+er ha,) 7n, 3eing his neigh3or(s &i4e p!t her o!t o4 3o!n,s 4or *atri*on' 4or &hi"h he &as than#4!l) %illie &asn(t goo, &i4e *aterial either) She &as goo, in 3e,2 he(, gi+e her that2 3!t a *an "o!l,n(t sta' in the 3lan#ets all the ti*e) !t a"t!all'2 %illie &as a little on the st!pi, si,e) She &as 4ox sl' a3o!t a lot o4 things2 3!t he "o!l,n(t re*e*3er the* e+er ha+ing a nor*al "on+ersation o4 an' i*portan"e) 6a&#e #ept his tho!ghts on %illie2 an'thing that &o!l, re*o+e hi* 4ro* the pain4!l present) 6e ,ri4te, 3a"# to the 4irst ti*e he(, seen %illie2 an, the t&o 'ears that ha, le, !p to their *eeting) 6e ha, le4t :a an, en on the >e3ras#a 3or,er &here the' ha, settle, ,o&n to 4ar* on"e again2 an, ha, hea,e, a"ross to Colora,o) Staring at a *!le(s r!*p ,a' a4ter ,a' &as still not 4or hi*) So2 4or o+er a 'ear he ,i, o,, 5o3s as he &an,ere,) 6e ,ro+e a stage"oa"h 4or a &hile2 then ,ealt po#er in a 4an"' saloon2 p!n"he, "o&s 4or a 4e& *onths2 in other &or,s2 5!st plain ,ri4te,) 6o&e+er2 as he 5o!rne'e, a"ross the 3ea!ti4!l "o!ntr' he(, seen tho!san,s an, tho!san,s o4 &il, "attle grazing2 3elonging to the *an strong eno!gh to "orral the*) There &as 3orn in hi* the ,esire to ha+e his o&n ran"h) 6e ,i, not &ant *arriage an, a 4a*il'2 3!t he &as tire, o4 his li4est'le an, &ante, to settle ,o&n to so*ething) :a ha, insiste, he ta#e a share o4 the *one' re"ei+e, 4ro* the sale o4 the ol, 4ar* in Ohio2 an, 6a&#e ha, ,e"i,e, he &o!l, in+est it in so*ething tangi3le2 a &orth he "o!l, see2 "o!l, to!"h) 6e ha, then spent a &ee# intensel' s"o!ring the terrain2 loo#ing 4or the right spot to start his2 &hat he la!ghingl' "alle,2 e*pire) One ,a' he ha, 4o!n, so*e a3an,one, 3!il,ings nestle, at the e,ge o4 the /o"#' ?o!ntain 4oothills) -n=!iring at the go+ern*ent agen"' in the s*all to&n o4 /a44in2 he learne, that the ,eserte, ran"h "onsiste, o4 4i+e tho!san, a"res) That it &as *ostl' all pri*e lan,2 t&o-thir,s grasslan, an, "ontaining a narro& ri+er that ne+er ,rie, !p)

6e ha, h!rrie, to 4ile a "lai*2 then al*ost &in,e, his stallion in a ra"e to ta#e o+er his propert') 6is 4irst a"tion &as to paint in 3ig letters on a &eathere, 3oar,2 "6a&#e(s :ri,e2" then to pla"e the sign a3o!t a *ile 4ro* the ran"h ho!se) The next ,a' he ha, gone o+er the roo4 o4 his ne& ho*e2 repla"ing rotten shingles2 ins!ring that he &o!l,n(t 3e lea#e, on the next ti*e it raine,) 6is next "hore ha, 3een 4in,ing *en to help hi* r!n his ran"h) -t ha, ta#en a "o!ple &ee#s) 6e &asn(t going to hire 5!st an' *an8 he &ante, tr!st&orth' *en2 ones not a4rai, o4 &or#2 ones &ho #ne& &hat the' &ere ,oing) <inall' he ha, hire, six "o&p!n"hers an, starte, ro!n,ing !p the &il, longhorns) 6e ha, &or#e, har,er than an' sla+e the 4ollo&ing 'ear2 3!t his ph'si"al e44ort ha, pai, o44 6e no& ha, a her, o4 o+er t&o tho!san,2 not "o!nting the tho!san, hea, he ha, ,ri+en to 73ilene this past spring) -t &as in 73ilene he *et %illie) -t &as ,!s# &hen he steppe, o!t o4 the saloon &here he an, his *en ha, stoppe, 4or a ,rin# o4 &his#e' to "!t the ,!st o4 t&o &ee#s 4ro* their throats) 6e ha, pa!se, a *o*ent o!tsi,e the s&inging ,oors2 &on,ering &hi"h 3or,ello to +isit) -t &as then he spotte, a 4e*ale 4ig!re strolling ,o&n the &oo,en si,e&al#2 her +ol!pt!o!s 4ig!re +er' in+iting as it s&!ng along) 6a&#e ha, tho!ght her a &hore &hen he &ent in p!rs!it o4 her) 6er *o,e o4 ,ress2 the &a' she &al#e,2 all sai, that "learl' to hi*) 7n, &hen he o+ertoo# her an, loo#e, into a painte, 4a"e o4 "oarse attra"ti+eness2 he &as s!rer than e+er) !t as he &al#e, alongsi,e her2 hinte, at &hat he &as loo#ing 4or2 the &o*an t!rne, ins!lte, e'es on hi*) <lashing a &e,,ing 3an, on her le4t han,2 she snappe,2 "-(* a *arrie, &o*an2 ?ister)" >e+ertheless2 there ha, 3een an in+itation in the e'es that ha, s&ept o+er hi*2 an, in less than ten *in!tes he ha, tal#e, the &o*an into a""o*pan'ing hir to his hotel roo*) 6a&#e s*ile, thinl') %illie ha, entertaine, hi* in s!"h a &a' that there &as no ,o!3t that2 tho!gh she no longer &or#e, her tra,e2 she ha, at one point in her li4e) e4ore %illie le4t hi* a "o!ple ho!rs later2 he learne, that her h!s3an, &as t&i"e her age an, &as no longer +er' a"ti+e in 3e,2 an, that his ran"h la' onl' thirt' *iles 4ro* 6a&#e(s :ri,e) Sin"e that 4irst en"o!nter2 he an, %illie *et on"e a &ee# in an ol, line sha"# hal4&a' 3et&een the t&o ran"hes) There the' spent a "o!ple ho!rs on a pallet o4 ha'2 &earing ea"h other o!t) 7 han, on 6a&#e(s sho!l,er 3ro!ght hi* 3a"# to the present an, a sha*e, 3l!sh to his 4a"e) 6e sho!l,n(t ha+e 3een thin#ing a3o!t %illie an, the line sha"#2 he s&ore silentl' in sel4-,isg!st as his 4ather sai,2 "Co*e on2 son2 it(s o+er) 9o than# o!r neigh3ors 4or atten,ing2 then let(s get these 'o!ng!ns( 3a"# to the ho!se) The'(re &orn o!t) esi,es2 To**' has to get o44 alone so that he "an "r')"

6a&#e shoo# han,s &ith the s"attering o4 people &ho ha, gathere, 4or the 3!rial2 than#ing the*2 then pi"#e, !p his 'o!ng nie"e) ;e3 le, the &a' 4ro* the "e*eter'2 an ar* aro!n, his gran,son(s sho!l,er as the' &al#e, ,o&n the hill to the neat set o4 3!il,ings nestle, in a stan, o4 "otton&oo,s) The' entere, the ho!se that &as strangel' e*pt'2 the a3sen"e o4 en an, Sara lea+ing a loneso*e +oi,) 7 sh!,,ering sigh es"ape, 4ro* ;e3(s *o!th 3e4ore he sai,2 "%et(s "hange into o!r &or# "lothes2 To**') -t &ill 3e ,ar# 3e4ore long)" 6a&#e shoo# his hea, as the el,erl' *an an, his gran,son hea,e, 4or their 3e,roo*s) %i4e *!st go on) There &ere h!ngr' ani*als to 3e 4e, an, &atere,2 "o&s to 3e *il#e, an, "hi"#ens to 3e ten,e,) Tas#s that "o!l,n(t &ait2 e+en 4or ,eath) "1hen his 4ather an, nephe& hea,e, 4or the 3a* a short ti*e later2 6a&#e 3!ilt a 4ire in the #it"hen range) Then &ith his nie"e(s 3ig e'es &at"hing hi*2 he starte, preparing s!pper) 7s 6a&#e sli"e, ha* into a s#illet an, peele, potatoes to 4r'2 he re*e*3ere, all the goo, ti*es he an, en ha, en5o'e, together2 an, ,eepl' regrette, that he ha,n(t 3een a3le to see his 3rother 3e4ore t'phoi, 4e+er too# hi* an, his &i4e) !t :a(s letter ha,n(t arri+e, in ti*e 4or hi* to ri,e a"ross Colora,o an, sa' all the things that &ere in his heart) 7n ho!r later 6a&#e 3reathe, a sigh o4 relie4 &hen his t&o *ale relati+es entere, the #it"hen2 a pail o4 *il# in To**'(s han,) %ittle S!sie ha, 3eg!n to "r' 4or her *a*a2 an, he &as at a loss ho& to "onsole her) 6e &at"he, his 4ather pi"# !p the little girl an,2 sitting ,o&n in a ro"#ing "hair2 "!,,le her "lose an, set the "hair in *otion) S*oothing the 3ro&n2 "!rl' hair &ith a &or#-"allo!se, han,2 he explaine, gentl' to the "hil, that her *a*a an, ,a,,' ha, gone a&a' 4or a &hile2 3!t that she &o!l, see the* again at a later ti*e) That in the *eanti*e she ha, 9ran,pa2 her 3rother2 an, Cn"le 6a&#e to lo+e her) 7ll three *en s*ile, their relie4 &hen re,-s&ollen li,s slippe, o+er &et e'es an, S!sie ,ro&se,) ;e3 "ontin!e, to ro"# the s*all 3o,' !ntil 6a&#e anno!n"e, that s!pper &as rea,') 7n ho!r later the *eal2 *ostl' pi"#e, at2 &as o+er) 1hile 6a&#e "leane, the #it"hen2 ;e3 helpe, the "hil,ren to get in 3e,) $ar#ness ha, set in 3' the ti*e the t&o *en sat o!tsi,e2 ha+ing a last s*o#e 3e4ore retiring too) "So2 :a2" 6a&#e 3ro#e the silen"e that ha, 4allen o+er the*2 "&hat happens no&0" "- ,on(t #no&2 son)" ;e3 r!33e, a han, &earil' o+er his 4a"e) "-(* gettin( too 4ar on in 'ears to raise a "o!ple 'o!ng!ns(2 espe"iall' a little girl) - pro3a3l' &on(t li+e long eno!gh to see the* 3e"o*e a,!lts)" 6a&#e #ne& a g!t-&ren"hing pain at the tho!ght o4 his 4ather also ,'ing so*e,a') 6e &as rea,' to ex"lai*2 "$on(t tal# that &a'2 :a2 'o!(+e got a lot o4 'ears ahea, o4

'o!2" &hen ;e3 spo#e 4irst2 st!nning 6a&#e &ith his &or,s) "- 3een thin#in( it &o!l, 3e a goo, i,ea 4or 'o! to li+e here &ith !s) Ta#e o+er the 4ar*2 3e a ,a,,' to 'o!r 3rother(s "hil,ren)" 1hile 6a&#e gape, at his 4ather2 there 4lashe, 3e4ore hi* his ran"h2 his 3ig her,s o4 "attle2 the long green +alle's2 the tall r!gge, *o!ntains) 6e lo+e, that &il, "o!ntr'2 "o!l, not +is!alize e+er lea+ing it 4or goo,) 6e loo#e, at his 4ather an, sai, gentl'2 "%oo#2 :a2 'o! #no& ho& - 4eel a3o!t 4ar*in() - still hate all aspe"ts o4 it) esi,es2 - ha+e a +er' prospero!s ran"h in the *a#in() ?' ,rea* is to 3e"o*e a lan, 3aron so*e,a')" "- "an !n,erstan, that)" ;e3 loo#e, !p at the stars that &ere 3eginning to appear) "7n, - &ant 'o! to #no& that -(* pro!, an, happ' that 'o!(+e 4inall' 4o!n, an interest in li4e) - &o!l,n(t 4or the &orl, 5eopar,ize 'o!r "han"e to realize a ,rea*) $rea*s are i*portant in this "o"#e'e, &orl,) So*eti*es the' are all that #eeps a *an goin()" 6a&#e "ontin!e, to s*o#e his han,-rolle, "igarette in the silen"e that ,e+elope,2 his green e'es narro&e, in tho!ght) Then2 as tho!gh "o*ing to a ,e"ision2 he 4lippe, the "igarette into the ,!st' 'ar,2 its lit en, *a#ing a glo&ing ar" in the ,ar#ness) ":a2" he sai,2 "- ha+e a 3etter i,ea) "1h' ,on(t 'o! an, the #i,s "o*e li+e &ith *e0" ;e3 &as st!nne, no&) 6e "o!l, onl' loo# 3lan#l' at his son) 6a&#e h!rrie, to ta#e a,+antage o4 his 4ather(s te*porar' loss o4 spee"h) <ire, 3' the i,ea o4 ha+ing his re*aining 4a*il' &ith hi*2 he r!she, to sa'2 "The ho!se nee,s so*e repairs2 3!t it(s 3ig2 plent' o4 roo* 4or !s all)" 6a&#e sat +er' still2 har,l' 3reathing as he trie, to rea, the expression on the 4a"e t!rne, in pro4ile to hi*) #aybe I should ha"e waited until morning to spring my idea on him2 6a&#e tho!ght &hen ;e3 *a,e no ans&er) A sleepless night of worrying would make my suggestion more conduci"e, to going west with the children) !es, I should ha"e2 6a&#e ,e"i,e, &hen a *o*ent later ;e3 shoo# his hea, an, ,e"lare, so4tl'2 "- "o!l,n(t go o44 an, lea+e *ore o4 *' 4a*il' in the gro!n,2 6a&#e) There(, 3e no one to +isit en(s an, Sara(s gra+es) 7t least there are relati+es 3a"# in Ohio to loo# a4ter 'o!r *a*a(s resting pla"e2 sa' a pra'er2 3ring 4lo&ers)" 6a&#e &as !n"ertain &hat to sa' next) 6e !n,erstoo, &hat the gra'-haire, *an *eant2 #ne& that 3esi,es his grie4 there &o!l, 3e g!ilt at lea+ing the t&o lonel' gra+es) !t2 ,a*n it2 :a "o!l,n(t sta' here alone &ith S!sie an, To**') %i#e he hi*sel4 ha, sai,2 he &as getting too ol, to raise the* 3' hi*sel4) "%oo#2 :a2" he sai, earnestl'2 "- #no& the tho!ght o4 *o+ing on again is a har, ,e"ision to *a#e2 3!t 3ear this in *in,) The &a' 'o!(+e al&a's "arrie, ?a*a in 'o!r heart no *atter &here 'o! &ere2 the sa*e &ill 3e tr!e o4 en an, Sara)" 6e lai, a han, on ;e3(s sho!l,er an, s=!eeze, gentl') ".o!r grie4 &ill 3e easier to

3ear in ne& s!rro!n,ings) 7n, it(s 3ea!ti4!l "o!ntr'2 :a) /o!gh an, &il,) The #i,s &ill lo+e it)" 6a&#e sa& the &a+ering in ;e3(s e'es an, presse, on) "To**' espe"iall' &ill 4all in lo+e &ith the lan,) 6e "an ha+e his o&n horse2 ri,e the range &ith *e) ' the ti*e he(s gro&n2 he(ll 3e a 4ine "o&*an) /ea,' to inherit the ran"h &hen - retire)" ;e3 loo#e, at his son a44e"tionatel'2 altho!gh 4ro&ning a little) "That(s right 4ine o4 'o!2 6a&#e2 thin#in( to *a#e To**' 'o!r heir) !t2 s!rel'2 'o! plan on *arr'in( so*e,a'2 ha+e sons o4 'o!r o&n)" 6a&#e shr!gge, ,is*issi+el') "St!"# &ith one &o*an is not 4or *e2 :a) -(* too ol,2 too set in *' &a's to let a &o*an ta#e *e o+er) -(ll 3e "ontent raisin( en(s "hil,ren)" ;e3 la!ghe, so4tl') "Thirt'-t&o is 4ar 4ro* 3ein( ol,) So*e,a' 'o! 5!st *ight r!n into a &o*an &ho &o!l, *a#e 'o! li#e it 5!st 4ine i4 she too# 'o! o+er)" "6aA" 6a&#e snorte,) "There(s not a &o*an ali+e &ho "o!l, *a#e *e gi+e !p *' in,epen,en"e)" "1e(ll see)" ;e3 grinne,) "- hope -(* aro!n, to see it i4 it happens) .o! *en &ho hol, o!t so st!33ornl' 4all li#e a ro"# ,roppe, in a &ell &hen lo+e hits 'o!) .o!(ll go st!*3lin( aro!n, li#e 'o!(+e 3een s*o#in( lo"o&ee,)" "-t(s a 3et2 :a)" 6a&#e grinne,) "Co*e 3a"# to the ran"h &ith *e2 an, i4 that happens2 'o! "an "ro& 'o!r heart o!t)" ;e3 *a,e no response to the hal4-5o#ingl' *a,e 3ri3e) -nstea,2 he gaze, o!t into the *oonlit night2 o""asionall' ,ra&ing on his "igarette) 6a&#e #ne& he &as *!lling o+er e+er'thing the'(, sai,2 &eighing ea"h arg!*ent p!t to hi*) 7gain 6a&#e hel, his 3reath2 &aiting 4or his 4ather(s ,e"ision) <inall' ;e3 3ro#e his silen"e) "1hat a3o!t S!sie0 1ho &o!l, ta#e "are o4 her &hile &e(re o!t "hasin( the* "o&s o4 'o!rs0 7 4i+e-'ear-ol, "an(t 3e le4t alone)" "That(ll 3e eas'2" 6a&#e ans&ere, eagerl') "-(ll hire a ho!se#eeper2" then a,,e, silentl' to hi*sel42 damned if I know where I'll find one though) ;e3 4ell silent again2 an, 4ro* the "on"entrate, loo# on his 4a"e2 6a&#e &as a&are that he &as still t!rning o+er in his *in, the pros an, "ons o4 ,isr!pting the "hil,ren(s li+es) <inall' 6a&#e "o!l,n(t 3ear the s!spense an' longer) "1ell2 :a2" he pro,,e,2 "&hat a3o!t it0 7re 'o! "ornin( 3a"# to the ran"h &ith *e0" 7 sigh o4 relie4 &histle, thro!gh 6a&#e(s teeth &hen ;e3 ans&ere,2 "- re"#on it(s the sensi3le thing to ,o2 6a&#e) -(* not goin( to 3e aro!n, 4ore+er) Sooner or later the 'o!ng!ns( &o!l, en, !p &ith 'o! an'&a')" The gra'-haire, *an gre& silent again 4or a *o*ent2 then2 his +oi"e h!s#'2 he a,,e,2

"- li#e the i,ea o4 spen,in( *' last 'ears &ith *' 4irst3orn) >e+er ,i, get to see *!"h o4 'o! sin"e 'o! &as sixteen) See*s li#e 'o! &as e+er'&here 3!t at ho*e)" Cnhappil' "ons"io!s o4 the negle"t o4 his parents o+er the 'ears2 6a&#e "o!l,n(t spea# o+er the l!*p that rose in his throat) 6e "o!l, onl' gnp the #no33' han, that la' on a 3on' #nee) Sensing his son(s "ho#e, e*otions2 ;e3 sai, *atter-o4-4a"tl'2 "-t(ll 3e t&o to three &ee#s 3e4ore &e "an "o*e2 tho!gh) There(s the 4ar* to sell2 the 4!rnit!re) The li+esto"# to get ri, o42 so*e o4 the "rops still to 3e har+este,)" 6a&#e(s 3loo, ra"e, 5o'4!ll') 6e(, ha+e a 4a*il' &ith hi* again2 4a*il' that he ha,n(t realize, ho& *!"h he ha, *isse,) There &o!l, 3e "o*pan' &hen the long &inter set in2 #eeping a *an *ostl' ho!se3o!n,) 6e &o!l,n(t 3e so ,a*n loneso*e li#e all the pre+io!s 'ears) " etter 3ring the 4!rnit!re2 :a)" 6e la!ghe,) "-(+e onl' got a 4e& sti"#s2 an, the' sho!l, ha+e 3een thro&n a&a' 'ears ago) Tr!th 3e tol,"@he s*ile, "roo#e,l'@"the ho!se is prett' *!"h a 3oar(s nest -(* a4rai,)" 7 4ro&n &rin#le, ;e3(s 4orehea,) "7re 'o! s!re 'o! "an get a &o*an to &or# in the #in, o4 pla"e 'o! 5!st ,es"ri3e,0" "$on(t &orr' a3o!t it2 :a2 -(ll get so*eone)" The "on4i,en"e in 6a&#e(s +oi"e &asn(t share, 3' his tho!ghts) $a*ne, i4 he #ne& &here he(, 4in, a &o*an &illing to ta#e o+er his ho!sehol,2 pl!s a "o!ple o4 'o!ngsters) I'll think of something2 he tol, hi*sel42 then 'a&ne, lo!,l') "-(* 3eat2 :a) - thin# -(ll go to 3e,) - *a,e the trip here in three ,a's &here or,inaril' it ta#es at least 4i+e) 7n'&a'2 -(* hea,in( 3a"# to*orro& an, - &ant to get an earl' start)" oth *en stoo, !p) "- ,on(t #no& &here 'o! "an sleep2 6a&#e)" 7 &orrie, 4ro&n "rease, ;e3(s 4orehea,) ".o! "an(t !se en an, Sara(s 3e,2 'o! *ight "at"h the 4e+er) -(ll 3e 3!*in( the *attress an, linens to*orro&)" "That(s all right2 :a)" 6a&#e shr!gge, in,i44erentl') "7 pile o4 ha' in the 3a* &ill 3e 4ine) ?ost o4 the ti*e - sleep on the gro!n, an'&a')" 6e hel, o!t a han, to his 4ather) "7"t!all' it(s 3etter - sleep in the 3arn) - &on(t &a#e !p the #i,s &hen - lea+e) So -(ll sa' goo,-3'e no&)" ;e3 too# his son(s sli* han, an, hel, it) "-(ll 4ill 'o! a 3ag o4 gr!3 an, p!t it 5!st insi,e the 3arn ,oor)" 6a&#e no,,e,2 s=!eezing his 4ather(s han, 3e4ore sa'ing2 "-(ll see 'o! in t&o or three &ee#s then)" "9o, &illin(2 &e(ll 3e there2" ;e3 ans&ere,2 an, release, his han,) ":a)" 6a&#e pa!se,2 his han, going to his hip po"#et) "- 3ro!ght along so*e *one' in "ase 'o!(, nee, it) <i+e h!n,re, ,ollars) - &ant 'o! to ta#e it)"

;e3 shoo# his hea,) "Than# 'o!2 son2 3!t - ,on(t nee, it) ?e an, 'o!r 3rother ha+e *a,e o!t real goo, &ith the 4ar*)" The s!n &as 3arel' a3o+e the tree line &hen 6a&#e le4t the 4ar* in >e3ras#a an, "!t a"ross the state line into Colora,o) 7s he #ept Captain2 his stallion2 at an eas' lope2 his lean 4a"e &ore a &orrie, 4ro&n) -t ha, str!"# hi* 4!ll' that raising his 3rother(s "hil,ren &as a gra+e responsi3ilit' an, the tho!ght h!ng hea+' on hi*) Cntil no& his onl' o3ligation ha, 3een to hi*sel4) 1as he "apa3le o4 p!tting hi*sel4 se"on,2 he as#e, hi*sel42 "ater to the nee,s o4 others 4or a "hange0 .es2 he ,e"i,e,) <or en(s "hil,ren he "o!l,2 an, &o!l,2 ,o it) >o&2 the next =!estion) 1here &o!l, he 4in, a &o*an &ho &o!l, 3e &illing to li+e &ith the loneliness o4 his ran"h0 :a an, the "hil,ren &o!l,n(t 3e *!"h "o*pan' 4or her2 an, the nearest &hite &o*an &as %illie ?e'ers) 7 &r' gri*a"e t&iste, his lips) That one &o!l,n(t 3other hersel4 &ith a 4e*ale) The ho!rs passe,2 the *iles stret"he, o!t 3ehin, the tireless stri,e o4 the 3ig 3la"# stallion) The ani*al o""asionall' snorte, his ,esire 4or &ater2 an, his *aster(s sto*a"h r!*3le, 4ro* h!nger) 6a&#e 4ro&ne, into the &est&ar, s!n) -t &o!l, set soon2 an, he ha,n(t "o*e a"ross an' signs o4 &ater) The &ater in his "anteen &as &ar* an, 3ra"#ish an, nee,e, to 3e replenishe, 4or to*orro&(s tra+el) There &as a3o!t an ho!r o4 ,a'light le4t &hen Captain l!nge, !p a ro"#' hill an, 6a&#e spotte, &hat he tho!ght &as a3an,one, 3!il,ings) "?a'3e there(s a &ell there2 Captain)" 6e patte, the *o!nt(s slee# ne"# as he sent hi* ,o&n the hill) 7 *o*ent later he &as reining in 3esi,e a ,angero!sl' slanting sha"#) 6e sli, sti44l' to the gro!n,2 e'eing the 3!il,ing2 &on,ering i4 it &as sa4e to spen, the night in) 6e starte, then2 as 4ro* insi,e "a*e the 4!ss' &ailing o4 a "hil,) -*possi3le as it see*e,2 people e+i,entl' li+e, here) "%az' nesters)" 6is lips "!rle, "onte*pt!o!sl' as he loope, the stallion(s reins o+er a 3!sh) "Cl!tterin( !p "o& "o!ntr' &ith their pi,,l' 4ar*s an, their 3ar3 &ire 4en"es that "!t an, rip the "attle to pie"es)" The "r'ing insi,e stoppe, &hen 6a&#e(s #no"# on the 4li*s' ,oor p!she, it open) 6e stoo, in the opening2 3lin#ing2 a,5!sting his e'es to the insi,e &here the onl' light "a*e 4ro* a +er' s*all &in,o&) 7 *o+e*ent to his right "a!ght his e'e) The thin 4ig!re o4 a 'o!ng &o*an stoo, 3esi,e a r!st' sto+e2 a longhan,le, spoon in her han,) 7s his gaze reste, on her sore-in4este, 4a"e2 he tho!ght to hi*sel4 he ha, ne+er seen a 4e*ale less "o*el') 6e loo#e, into her stor*' 3l!e e'es an, realize, he ha, ne+er 3een so 4ier"el' glare, at either) 6e shi4te, his e'es to the tangle, *ass o4 hair2 an, &on,ere, &hat "olor it &as 3eneath the ,irt an, gri*e2 &hen the girl spo#e o+er the res!*e, "r'ing o4 the s*all 'o!ngster hanging onto her s#irt) " e"#' is ,ea,2" she sai, "ol,l'2 i*patientl' 4reeing her ,ress 4ro* the s*all

"l!t"hing 4ingers) "So 'o! "an 5!st t!rn aro!n, an, ri,e 3a"# ,o&n the hill)" 6a&#e glare, 3a"# at the !nattra"ti+e girl2 anger at her sharpness tightening his lips) "%oo#2 *iss2" he gro&le,) "- ,on(t #no& an' e"#') -(* 5!st ri,in( thro!gh) 7ll - &ant is to &ater *' horse)" "There(s a ri+er a3o!t hal4 a *ile ,o&n the hill2" the !ngra"io!s 'o!ng 4e*ale sai, shortl'2 then t!rne, 3a"# to stirring &hate+er &as si**ering in the pot) 7n !nreasona3le ,esire to 3ait the !npleasant girl2 to "ra"# her aloo4ness2 to re*o+e the !n&arrante, "onte*pt 4ro* her e'es2 rose insi,e 6a&#e) "1hen another2 'o!nger tot to,,le, its &a' into the roo*2 also "r'ing2 he leane, 3a"# against the ,oor4ra*e an, sneere,2 ".o!(+e 3een a 3!s' little *iss2 ha+en(t 'o!) 6o& *an' *ore ,o 'o! ha+e r!nnin( aro!n,0" 6e re"ei+e, a 3ale4!l loo# an, a short2 "That(s none o4 'o!r 3!siness2 ?ister)" 6a&#e st!,ie, the thin 4a"es o4 the "hil,ren an, tho!ght2 $hey look like her with the same disgusting sores on their faces) "1here(s 'o!r *an0" 6e shot at her) The girl ga+e hi* a loo# o4 intense ,isli#e2 then sai, 3egr!,gingl'2 "- ,on(t ha+e a *an)" $hat doesn't surprise me2 6a&#e snorte,) esi,es her !gl' 4a"e2 &hat *an &o!l, tolerate her sharp tong!e0 "7re 'o! tellin( *e that 'o! li+e alone here &ith these 'o!ng!ns(0" ">o2 -(* not telling 'o! thatA" 7 li, &as sla**e, on the stea*ing pot an, the t&o "r'ing "hil,ren &ere 4ir*l' re*o+e, 4ro* the girl(s he*) "?' 3rother an, step4ather li+e here too)" %h&ho2 6a&#e tho!ght) It's that kind of household is it0 6is lips "!rle, in ,isg!st) 6e(, hear, o4 "ases li#e that) The *other ,ea,2 or gone a&a'2 then the step4ather ta#ing o+er the ,a!ghter) 6e st!,ie, the *arre, 4a"e2 the lan#2 oil' hair hanging alongsi,e her "hee#s2 the railthin 3o,') The *an "o!l,n(t ha+e *!"h pri,e in hi*sel4 to ta#e so*ething li#e that to 3e,) >or &as he *!"h o4 a pro+i,er either2 6a&#e tho!ght2 his lips tight) 6e ran his e'es ,o&n the sli* 3o,' "la, in ho*esp!n2 pat"he, *an' ti*es2 3!t s!rprisingl' "lean) She looks half&star"ed2 he tol, hi*sel42 shi4ting his e'es to the shel+es atta"he, to the &all a 4e& 4eet 4ro* the sto+e) 6e 4ro&ne, at the s*all 3ag an, 4i+e potatoes l'ing there) 6is e'es s&!ng 3a"# to the girl2 noting ho& pro!,l' she hel, her s*all hea,2 the straight line o4 her 3a"#) 6is e'es narro&e, in,ignantl') "1hat *a,e the !gl' 3it"h thin# she &as spe"ial0 6e rel!"tantl' a,*itte, that she ha, a ni"e &a' &ith the tots2 &ho &ere again &hining an, hanging on to her) The resigne, loo# on her 4a"e sai, that the little ones &ere h!ngr'2 an, that the' ha, a right to "r') The little ones s!,,enl' stoppe, their &hi*pering an, s"!rrie, 4ro* the roo*) 1hile

6a&#e(s startle, loo# 4ollo&e, the*2 he hear, a hea+' trea, on the por"h) 6e straightene, his slo!"he, position as an o3ese *an an, a 'o!ng teenager stoppe, 5!st o!tsi,e the ,oor) !es2 he tho!ght2 this one would take the girl to bed' he'd lie with a dog) 6e glan"e, at the 3o'2 his e'es &i,ening at the hate in the ,ar# e'es) For me, or the fat man2 he &on,ere,2 then loo#e, 3a"# at the *an &hen he spo#e) "6o&,'2 stranger)" <lesh' lips parte, o+er large 'ello& teeth) "- expe"t 'o!(re loo#in( 4or e"#'2 h!h0" 7 sha* sa,ness 4li"#ere, in the 4erret-li#e e'es) "-t grie+es *e to tell 'o! that she(s 3een ,ea, a "o!ple &ee#s no&)" 6e hel, o!t a ,irt-gri*e, han, to 6a&#e) "The na*e is Sl') Sl' !r4or,)" 6a&#e rel!"tantl' too# the o!tstret"he, han,2 noting there &ere no "all!ses on the pal* as he intro,!"e, hi*sel4) "Ta#e a seat2" !r4or, in+ite,2 stepping past 6a&#e an, lo&ering his 3ig 3!l# in the onl' "hair the roo* 3oaste, o4 "S*ells li#e /!e(s ste& is a3o!t rea,' to 3e et) -t &o!l, pleas!re *e i4 'o!(, eat s!pper &ith !s)" 6a&#e re*aine, in the ,oor) 6e ,i,n(t li#e the *an2 ,i,n(t li#e the sharp-tong!e, girl) 7n, altho!gh the ste& s*elle, *ight' appetizing2 the "oo# ,i,n(t an, he(, 5!st as soon pass on the in+itation) "-(, li#e to &ater *' horse 4irst2" he sai,2 #no&ing that he &o!l, ri,e on on"e the stallion ha, =!en"he, his thirst) "The girl tells *e there(s a ri+er near3')" ">o nee, to *a#e that trip)" Sl' rose an, pi"#e, !p a pail o4 &ater 4ro* the ta3le) "6e "an ha+e this)" 6a&#e glan"e, at the girl an, #ne& 4ro* the sti44ening o4 her 3o,' that she ha, 3een the one &ho ha, l!gge, the &ater 4ro* that long ,istan"e) ">o2 that(s all right2" 6a&#e &a+e, a ,issenting han,) "7 hal4 *ile is a long &a' to 4et"h 'o!r ,rin#in( &ater)" "$on(t &orr' a3o!t it2" his 4at host insiste,) "/!e &on(t *in, 3ringin( !p *ore2 &ill 'o!2 girl0" The =!estion &as as#e, &ith a sl' *ali"io!sness) (e's a mean bastard2 6a&#e tho!ght angril'2 an, &on,ere, i4 the girl &o!l, s!44er i4 he re4!se, the &ater) 1ith a *ental sigh2 he steppe, into the roo*) "?a'3e 5!st a "o!ple o4 ,ipper4!ls to hol, hi* 4or a &hile)" 7 4ast glan"e at the girl sho&e, her relaxing a 3it2 3!t the sha#ing o4 her han,s tol, 6a&#e that she &as raging insi,e) "1hen she *a,e no *o+e to pro,!"e a 3asin2 Sl'2 sen,ing her a loo# o4 pro*ise, re+enge2 5er#e, one o44 the &all2 an, pi"#ing !p the pail again2 e*ptie, hal4 its "ontents into the "hippe, pan) 6a&#e starte, to o35e"t then "lose, his *o!th) There &as 3a, 3loo, 3et&een these t&o an, he &ante, no part o4 it) 7s he too# the +essel an, &al#e, o!tsi,e2 he

expe"te, to hear a +iolent arg!*ent er!pt 3ehin, hi*) !t no so!n, "a*e 4ro* insi,e the s*all =!arters2 ex"ept 4or the "easeless &hining o4 the h!ngr' to,,lers) 6e h!n#ere, ,o&n 3esi,e the stallion an, as its nose &hi44le, the &ater2 the *o!th&atering aro*a o4 the si**ering ste& ,ri4te, 4ro* the ,oor) "1o!l, he 3e a3le to sa' he &asn(t +er' h!ngr' an, onl' ta#e a s*all portion o4 the +enison0 The girl an, the little ones2 not to *ention the 3o'2 &ere go,-a&4!l h!ngr'2 he #ne&) -t &o!l, 3e "ri*inal o4 hi*2 a gro&n *an2 to ta#e 4oo, a&a' 4ro* those &ho nee,e, it so 3a,l') 6a&#e stare, ,o&n at the gro!n,2 &ith hal4 a *in, to "li*3 on Captain(s 3a"# an, ri,e a&a'2 not e+en 3othering to sa' goo,-3'e to the o3noxio!s *an an, sharptong!e , girl) 6e ga+e a startle, 5er# &hen a +oi"e spo#e 3ehin, hi*2 a +oi"e that &as still "hanging2 shi4ting 4ro* the high tre3le o4 a 'o!th2 to the ,eep resonan"e o4 a *an) -t &as a *an(s tone that raspe,2 "?e an, *' sister ,on(t &ant 'o! here) So get on 'o!r *o!nt an, ri,e o!t)" 7s 6a&#e loo#e, !p at the 3o' &ith open*o!the, s!rprise2 the 'o!ng *an 4lo!rishe, a &i"#e,-loo#ing 3!t"her #ni4e) "-4 'o! sta' an, ta#e Sl' !p on his o44er to sleep &ith *' sister2 -(ll p!t this 3et&een 'o!r sho!l,er 3la,es)" Still too st!nne, to spea#2 to ,e"lare that he "o!l,n(t 3e pai, eno!gh to 3e, the !nattra"ti+e girl2 6a&#e gape, as the 3rother &al#e, a&a' an, ,isappeare, into the ho!se) So that's how the bastard makes his li"in'2 6a&#e tho!ght2 s"o&ling as he re*e*3ere, !r4or,(s s*ooth pal*s) 6e rose an, gathere, !p Captain(s hanging reins) "1e(re gettin( o!t o4 here2 3o'2" he *!ttere,2 li4ting a 4oot to the stirr!p) /ea,' to s&ing a leg a"ross the sa,,le2 he s&ore so4tl' !n,er his 3reath as !r4or, "alle, to hi* 4ro* the ,oor) "S!pper(s on the ta3le2 ?asters) Co*e an, get it 3e4ore it(s et !p)" 6a&#e opene, his *o!th to sa' that he ha, ,e"i,e, to ri,e on2 then the 3o' appeare, 3esi,e his step4ather2 his ,ar# e'es threatening2 or,ering hi* to 3e on his &a') )hy you little pissantA he s&ore to hi*sel42 hal4 in anger2 hal4 in a*!se*ent) I'll ust stay and let you sweat a bit, then really rile you when you disco"er I only hold contempt for that slo"enly sister of yours) B+er'one 3!t Sl' &as at the ta3le &hen 6a&#e entere, the sha"# an, h!ng his hat on a peg ,ri+en into &all 3esi,e the ,oor) The girl ignore, hi* as she 4ille, plates 4or the t&o little ones2 &ho &at"he, her a+i,l') 6e loo#e, at the single !no""!pie, pla"e at the ta3le an, 4ro&ne,) The !gl' one ,i,n(t &el"o*e hi*2 an, ,a*ne, i4 he(, eat &hat &asn(t gla,l' gi+en) 1hen 6a&#e &as a3o!t to t!rn a&a'2 Sl' p!she, hi* 4or&ar,2 sa'ing heartil'2 "Sit

,o&n2 ?asters) %oo#s li#e /!e "an(t "o!nt) -(ll get *'sel4 a plate)" 7ltho!gh his sto*a"h &as gro&ling &ith h!nger2 it &as &ith rel!"tan"e 6a&#e sli, onto the en, o4 the 3en"h) 6e ignore, the 3la"# loo# she sent hi*2 as his attention &as on /!e(s slen,er han,s) -4 the' loo#e, an'thing li#e her 4a"e2 he &o!l,n(t 3e a3le to "ho#e ,o&n a 3ite) /elie4 rolle, thro!gh hi*) The tapering 4ingers &ere 4ree o4 an' soil or gri*e2 in"l!,ing her nails) Strange2 he tho!ght2 considering the rest of her) 6e shi4te, his gaze to Sl' &hen the 4at *an "a*e l!*3ering o+er to the ta3le2 a tin plate in one han,2 a stool in the other) "The girl ain(t *!"h goo, at *ost things2 3!t she s!re "an "oo#)" 6e sli, a sl' inti*ate loo# at /!e as he slappe, the tin on the ta3le an, "are4!ll' lo&ere, his large 3!l# onto the three-legge, seat) 6a&#e glan"e, at the girl2 expe"ting to see 4ire shooting o!t o4 her e'es at Sl'(s thinl' +eile, insin!ation) !t the' sho&e, no e*otion2 as she spoone, 4oo, into the 'o!ngest "hil,(s *o!th) Then2 &hen Sl' rea"he, 4or the &oo,en la,le2 s*a"#ing his 4at lips in anti"ipation2 the girl er!pte, li#e a &il,"at) 6er han, s&ept ,o&n 3esi,e the 3en"h an, "a*e !p &ith a "l!32 t&o in"hes aro!n, an, t&o 4eet long) The 3lo& she ,eli+ere, to !r4or,(s &rist 3ro!ght a s"rea* o4 pain 4ro* the 4at *an) ".o! laz' 3astar,A" she pante,2 rea,' to let go again) "?' gran,4ather tra*pe, the *o!ntains hal4 a ,a' to shoot this +enison) -(ll "ra"# 'o!r hea, open i4 'o! to!"h it)" <or a long tense *in!te the pair glare, at ea"h other2 !r4or, n!rsing his &rist2 his hate 4or the girl a li+ing thing) 6a&#e ha, no ,o!3t &ho &o!l, loo# a&a' 4irst as he &on,ere, at the strange 3eha+ior 3et&een the pair2 thin#ing ho& 4ier"e their "o!pling *!st 3e) 7s 6a&#e ha, expe"te,2 !r4or, 3ro#e e'e "onta"t 4irst) Staring ,o&n at his &rist2 he &hine,2 ".o! ,i,n(t ha+e to 3rea# *' ar*2 'o! 3it"h) - &on(t 3e a3le to ,o a li"# o4 &or# 4or &ee#s no&)" rother an, sister snorte, ,isg!ste,l'2 i*pl'ing2 "7s i4 'o! e+er ,o)" 6is 4a"e p!rple &ith rage2 Sl' stoo, !p an, #i"#e, the stool a"ross the 4loor) Then2 his pig e'es glaring *!r,ero!sl' at /!e2 he gritte, 3et&een his teeth2 ".o!(ll pa' ,earl' 4or this2 *iss') See i4 'o! ,on(t)" 6a&#e sa& a 4li"#er o4 4ear in the 3l!e e'es as Sl' sto*pe, o!tsi,e) $he rag&tail girl is courageous2 he tho!ght2 ,igging into the plate o4 ste& she silentl' han,e, hi*2 but she knows she's licked, that sooner or later she'll pay dearly for her stand against that brute) 7s 6a&#e slo&l' "he&e, an, s&allo&e,2 gi+ing his sto*a"h ti*e to 4ill2 he let his gaze slip o+er the roo* an, its 4!rnit!re) 6e &as re*in,e, o4 his o&n 4e& pie"es

3a"# at the ran"h@a "hair that nee,e, *en,ing2 the long ta3le an, t&o 3en"hes on &hi"h the' sat2 a sagging 3e, in one "orner2 an, the r!st' ol, sto+e) S!rprisingl'2 ho&e+er2 the roo* &as spotlessl' "lean) 6e shi4te, his e'es to /!e2 an, as he &on,ere, at the "o*plexit' o4 the girl2 he 4o!n, her 3l!e e'es st!,'ing hi*) 1hen he li4te, an in=!iring e'e3ro& at her2 she loo#e, a&a'2 an, a4ter 5!*ping to her 4eet2 gathere, the ,irt' ,ishes) 1hen he sa& no e+i,en"e o4 "o44ee to 4inish o44 the tast' ste&2 6a&#e starte, to s&ing his 4eet 4ro* !n,er the ta3le) 6e &o!l, than# the girl an, 3e on his &a') "Sit a spell longer2 ?asters)" !r4or, ha, "o*e in 4ro* o!tsi,e2 a 3ottle o4 &his#e' in his goo, han,) 6e ploppe, the 3ottle on the ta3le an, or,ere, his stepson to 4et"h "!ps) Then t!rning to /!e he a,,e,2 ":!t the* 'o!ng!ns( to 3e,) -(* si"# an, tire, o4 their in4ernal &hinin()" 7s the "hil,ren &ere h!stle, o!t o4 the roo* 3' /!e2 Sl' splashe, the "lear li=!i, into the tin "!ps the 3o' ha, s!llenl' p!t 3e4ore the*) "-t ain(t the 3est in the &orl,2" he sai,2 p!shing a "!p to&ar, 6a&#e2 "3!t it(ll &ar* 'o!r innar,s)" 6!n"hing o+er the ta3le2 the 4li"#ering la*p to!"he, the 4at *an(s 4a"e &ith grotes=!e sha,o&s as he ,o&ne, his ,rin# in one s&allo&) %o&ering the e*pt' +essel2 he loo#e, a"ross the ta3le to 6a&#e) "?asters2" he 3egan2 "as 'o! "an see2 *e an, the girl ,on(t get along at all2 an, -(* thro!gh ta#in( her sass) -t(s 3een on *' *in, 4or a long ti*e to get ri, o4 her2 3in, her o+er to so*e 4a*il')" 6e pa!se, a *o*ent2 4ixing his e'es on 6a&#e(s) "1hat i4 - 3o!n, her o+er to 'o!2 sa' 4or a3o!t three 'ears0 Co!l, 'o! !se a 3o!n, girl0" 6a&#e hear, the s&i4t inta#e o4 an angr' 3reath2 *ingling &ith his s!rprise, one) -t "o!l, ha+e "o*e 4ro* the girl2 &ho ha, ret!rne, to the roo*2 or 4ro* her 3rother2 &ho "a*e s&i4tl' to his 4eet) 6a&#e shoo# his hea, as i4 to "lear it2 telling hi*sel4 that !r4or, &asn(t serio!s2 that it &as a "r!el 5o#e *eant to tor*ent the girl 4or the &ha"# on his &rist) The *an onl' &ante, to tor*ent her) )ell, you fat bastard2 he tho!ght2 I'll put an end to that real *uick) 6e e*ptie, his "!p o4 &his#e'2 then ,ra&le,2 ">o than#s2 !r4or,) - ,on(t &ant no ,isease, 4e*ale in *' ho!sehol,)" 6e &as a&are o4 the 3l!e 4la*e o4 o!trage in the glare the girl ga+e hi* as Sl' as#e, testil'2 "1hat ,o 'o! *ean2 ,isease,0 She ain(t got no ,isease0" "1hat a3o!t the* sores on her 4a"e0" Sl' h!n"he, aro!n, to loo# at /!e) "- ha,n(t noti"e, 3e4ore2" he sai, a4ter a *o*ent2 "3!t she(s pro3a3l' 3ro#e o!t 4ro* so*ethin( she(s et) The* "raz' ol, gran,parents o4 hers are al&a's ,iggin( !p so*ethin( 4ro* the &oo,s an, 4ee,in( it to her) -t(ll "lear !p in a 4e& ,a's) "-(ll let her go "heap2" Sl' presse, &hen 6a&#e *a,e no response) "She(s al&a's gi+in( *e tro!3le2 an, - &ant her o!t o4 this ho!se)"

"-(* not intereste,2 !r4or,)" 6a&#e shoo# his hea,2 still thin#ing that the *an onl' &ante, to tor*ent his step,a!ghter) "7n'&a'2 &hat &o!l, - ,o &ith her0" 6e preten,e, to go along &ith &hat he tho!ght &as a sha*) "1ell)" Sl' s*ir#e,2 " esi,es 3e,,in( her2 she "o!l, "oo# an, "lean 4or 'o!) %i#e sai,2 she "an s!re "oo# !p a goo, *eal)" 6a&#e #ne& s!,,enl' 4ro* the !rgen"' in the *an(s +oi"e2 that he &as serio!s) 6e ,i, &ant to get ri, o4 the girl) 1ell2 he &ante, no part o4 &hat !r4or, o44ere,) "Sorr'2 !r4or,2 - repeat -(* not intereste, in ) ) "6e let the rest o4 his ,enial ,ie on his lips) "Coo# an, "lean" ha, "l!ng to his 3rain) 6ere2 right !n,er his nose2 &as the sol!tion to his pro3le*) So*eone to ta#e "are o4 his nie"e an, nephe&) -n three 'ears S!sie &o!l, 3e ol, eno!gh to *ore or less ta#e "are o4 hersel4 an, then the girl "o!l, go) !t &hat a3o!t the girl(s 'o!ng!ns(0 he re*e*3ere, &ith a 4ro&n 1o!l, she 3e ta#ing the* along0 6e &o!l,n(t "are to ha+e the* aro!n,2 &hining li#e the' ,i,) Still2 he "o!l,n(t 3ring hi*sel4 to separate a *other 4ro* her "hil,ren) 6e loo#e, !p 4ro* st!,'ing his "laspe, han,s) "1hat a3o!t the 'o!ngsters0 7re the' part o4 the ,eal0" ">ot !nless 'o! &ant the*2" Sl' ans&ere,) "- ,on(t &ant the*2 3!t -(, hate to ta#e the girl a&a' 4ro* the*)" "6ell2 /!e &on(t "are) She ain(t all that "raz' a3o!t her hal4 3rothers)" 6a&#e ga+e a s!rprise, start) 6e(, ha+e s&orn the "hil,ren &ere hers) Then strangel'2 he &as relie+e, that this strange girl &asn(t a *other) 6e 4ol,e, his ar*s on the ta3le an, prepare, hi*sel4 4or a long haggle) The 4at *an &o!l, tr' 4or a goo, pie"e o4 "ash 4or his step,a!ghter) "She(s a &ee,'-loo#in( thing2" he 3egan "ooll'2 4li"#ing a r!nning glan"e o+er the girl &ho stoo, as still as a stat!e &ith a loo# o4 in"re,!lit' on her 4a"e) "7n, -(* still not "on+in"e, she(s not ,isease,)" "- tol, 'o! she ain(t ,isease,A" !r4or, sla**e, a 4ist on the ta3le) 6a&#e #ept a loo# o4 ,o!3t in his e'es) +et the no&good sweat for a while, rethink the price he'd planned to ask for the girl) 1hen !r4or, al*ost sho!te,2 "1ell2 ,a*nit2 &hat(s 'o!r ans&er0" 6a&#e still too# his ti*e to repl') <inall'2 &hen s&eat 3ro#e o!t on !r4or,(s 3!lging 4orehea,2 6a&#e sai,2 as tho!gh in ,o!3t2 "- g!ess she(ll ,oD i4 the pri"e is right)" "%i#e - sai, 3e4ore2 - ai* to 3e reasona3le)" Sl' sat 4or&ar,2 an a+ari"io!s glea* in his e'es) " !t 'o! got to #eep in *in, she(s onl' nineteen an, has a lot o4 goo, 'ears

ahea, o4 her to &or# 4or 'o!)" 6e sat 3a"# an, state, "ooll'2 "- &ant 4i+e h!n,re, "ol, "ash)" ".o!(re lo"o2 *anA" 6a&#e sti44ene,) "- "o!l, get 4i+e h!n,re, hea, o4 "attle 4or that *!"h *one') -(ll gi+e 'o! three h!n,re,)" Sl' helpe, hi*sel4 to *ore &his#e'2 then &iping a han, a"ross his lips2 sai, &ith 4inalit'2 "-(ll "o*e ,o&n another h!n,re,2 3!t not another "ent) <o!r h!n,re, green3a"#s an, she(s 'o!rs)" 6a&#e &as a3o!t to agree &hen a sli* 3!n,le o4 4!r' ,ashe, to the ta3le) l!e e'es loo#ing stor*ier than e+er2 an, 3lin#ing 3a"# tears o4 rage2 /!e "rie,2 ".o! &ill not sell *e2 Sl' !r4or,A -(* not so*e ani*al to 3e 3argaine, o+erA" "That(s rightA" The teenage 3o' r!she, to his sister(s si,e2 "44 an'3o,' is gonna lea+e here2 it(ll 3e 'o!) .o!(+e ,one nothin( 3!t lee"h o44 o!r *other 4or the past 4o!r 'ears)" 1ith an a*azing s&i4tness 4or a 4at *an2 !r4or, &as on his 4eet2 his 3ee4' han, lashing o!t2 "at"hing the 3o' a"ross the 4a"e2 sen,ing hi* reeling hal4&a' a"ross the roo*) Then 3e4ore an'one "o!l, *o+e2 he ha, /!e 3' her thin ar*2 t&isting it "r!ell' 3ehin, her 3a"#) 7s she "rie, o!t2 he 5er#e, her han, !p 3et&een her sho!l,er 3la,es2 hissing2 "-(+e ha, eno!gh o4 'o!2 'o! *o!ntain &it"h) 9oin( aro!n, &ith 'o!r sneerin( *o!th2 the hate in 'o!r e'es)" Sho+ing her ar* a little higher2 *a#ing her 4a"e &hiten &ith the pain o4 it2 he "ontin!e,2 ".o!(ll either go &ith ?asters2 or -(ll sell 'o! to so*e ?exi"an) 6e(ll soon ta#e the star"h o!t o4 'o!) The' ,on(t ta#e no g!44 4ro* their &i**en)" 6a&#e #ne&2 as &ell as /!e ,i,2 the a*oral *an &o!l, ,o exa"tl' &hat he threatene,2 that so*e,a' he &o!l, 4in, her alone2 an, no one &o!l, e+er see her again) 1hen /!e(s hea, sagge, in ,e4eat2 6a&#e s!44ere, the sa*e e*otion) 6e 4elt o3ligate, no& to ta#e the poor &ret"h &ith hi*2 &itho!t arg!ing o+er the *one' either) The li4e that &as planne, 4or her i4 he ,i,n(t ta#e her &o!l, 3e a short oneE toiling !n,er the s!n all ,a'2 an, &or#ing !n,er her harsh *aster e+er' night &o!l, soon ta#e its toll) -n 4i+e 'ears she(, 3e &orn o!t 4ro* har, &or# an, "hil,3earing) "1hen n!*3ness "rept thro!gh her 3o,'2 an, rea"he, e+en to her spirit2 /!e sai, no *ore) "1hen the gripping 4ingers release, her2 she &al#e, silentl' to 3e,roo* ,oor an, ,isappeare, thro!gh it) Shi+ering2 she la' ,o&n &ith the 'o!ngsters an, p!lle, the thin 3lan#et !p o+er her sho!l,ers)

Chapter Three
/!e la' on her si,e2 4a"ing the &in,o&) $r'e'e,2 she &at"he, the sha,o&s in the

pines2 onl' +ag!el' a&are o4 the pattering o4 *'sterio!s 4eet2 the &hispering an, sighing o4 the 3reeze in the 4orest 3ehin, the sha"#) 7 sha*e, si"#ness "rept o+er her) o!n, girl2 sol, li#e an ani*al) $ear 9o,2 &hat &as she going to ,o0 7t last2 tears gathere, an, ran 4reel' ,o&n her "hee#s2 spilling onto the pillo&) That "ol,-e'e, stranger &ho ha, haggle, o+er the pri"e 4or her &o!l, expe"t her to ri,e o44 &ith hi* in the *orning2 ta#ing her to onl' 9o, #ne& &here) At least he won't take you out of the country2 her inner +oi"e &hispere,) )ouldn't it be better to go off with him than to end up with a man who would probably take you to #e,ico, a place alien to you, where you don't e"en know the language/!e no,,e, as i4 in ans&er to the hi,,en +oi"e) -4 she &as ,oo*e, to go &ith one or the other2 6a&#e ?asters &o!l, 3e the 3etter "hoi"e she g!esse,) 7t least &ith hi* she *ight 3e a3le to es"ape so*e,a') But it's unfair and inhuman that I ha"e to be sold to any man2 /!e tho!ght 4ier"el'2 and there must be some other way I can get out of Sly Burford's reach, to pre"ent his plans for me) She tosse, an, t!rne,2 see#ing a sol!tion to her o+er&hel*ing pro3le*) 6er *in, a t!r*oil2 alternating 3et&een hope an, ,e5e"tion2 her tho!ghts *o+ing 4ro* one possi3ilit' to another2 an, ,is"ar,ing the* all2 she 3e"a*e s!re o4 one thing) She ha, to see her gran,parents2 tell the* goo,-3'e) She hate, to thin# &hat Sl' *ight tell the* i4 she 5!st ,isappeare,) !t &hat "o!l, she tell the ol, "o!ple that &o!l,n(t !pset the*2 "a!se 9ran,,a, to "o*e a4ter her step4ather0 She ,e"i,e, 4inall' that the onl' explanation that *ight &or# &as to "on+in"e the* that she &as lea+ing &ith the stranger 3e"a!se o4 lo+e) !t ,i, she ,are *a#e that trip !p the *o!ntain at this ho!r0 She ha, ne+er +isite, her gran,parents a4ter ,ar#) The 4orest &as 4!ll o4 &ol+es at night2 h!ngr'2 rea,' to atta"# *an or 3east) 7s i4 in ans&er to her =!estion2 a &ol4 ho&le, *o!rn4!ll' a"ross the *o!ntain2 an, 4ar o44 in the ,ar#ness "a*e the 4aint ans&er o4 his *ate) 74ter se+eral *in!tes o4 in,e"ision2 /!e #ne& she ha, to *a#e the trip) She ha, to see those t&o ,ear people2 pro3a3l' 4or the last ti*e in her li4e) She p!she, the 4ear o4 the &ol+es 4ro* her *in, an, &aite, 4or the sha"# to 3e"o*e silent) The rise an, 4all o4 *ale +oi"es "ease, a4ter a3o!t 4i4teen *in!tes) Then the so!n, o4 the o!tsi,e ,oor "losing tol, /!e that the stranger ha, le4t) 7 ,is=!ieting tho!ght grippe, her) ?a'3e he an, Sl' ha,n(t rea"he, an agree*ent2 a4ter all) ?a'3e he ha, le4t 4or goo,) 1o!l, Sl' sell her to a 4oreigner to*orro&0 /!e slippe, o!t o4 3e, an, h!rrie, to peer o!t the &in,o&2 to&ar, the 3a*) Shortl'

she sa& a tall *ale 4ig!re pass thro!gh the sagging ,oor) She hel, her 3reath) 1o!l, he ri,e o!t on his 3ig stallion0 Se+eral tense *in!tes passe, 3e4ore she "o!l, relax) The gaping 3la"# hole o4 the ,oor&a' re*aine, e*pt') -4 the stranger &as going to lea+e2 he(, ha+e gone 3' no&) She ret!rne, to the 3e,2 an, sitting on its e,ge2 "are4!l not to a&a#en the sleeping 'o!ngsters2 &aite, 4or Sl'(s snores to 4ill the "a3in) The' "a*e 4inall'2 lo!, snorting2 rasping so!n,s) She stoo, !p an, slippe, =!ietl' to the &in,o& again2 &ishing that she ,are go into the other roo* an, a&a#en ;i**' to go &ith her) !t that &o!l, 3e ta#ing a 3ig "han"e she #ne& as she slo&l' ease, !p the sash) -4 Sl' sho!l, learn &hat she &as !p to2 she(, ne+er get o!t o4 the ho!se) <or a *o*ent or t&o /!e stra,,le, the &in,o&sill2 her "o!rage ,eserting her) There &ere at least t&o &ol+es o!t there so*e&here2 3!t the =!estion &as &here0 The' ha, so!n,e, 4ar a&a' &hen she 4irst hear, the*2 3!t the ani*als "o!l, tra+el 4ast) <or all she #ne&2 the' "o!l, 3e at the 3a"# o4 the ho!se no&) 7s she sat2 &ra"#e, &ith ,rea, an, !n"ertaint'2 one 4oot on the 4loor2 the other ,angling in the air2 her inner +oi"e spo#e again2 Get going, girl- !ou're not going to sol"e anything straddling a window) The night &as "ool an, still &ith a 4e& stars in the s#' &hen /!e(s 3are 4eet lan,e, on the ,e&-&et grass) The trail to her gran,parents( ho*e la' ,i* an, sha,o&e, as she 4ear4!ll' *o+e, ,o&n it) /!e spe, along2 her heart near to 3!rsting as she ,!"#e, her hea, to a+oi, lo&hanging 3ran"hes2 s!re she "o!l, hear the ,r!**ing 4eet o4 &ol+es "lose 3ehin, her) She ,ashe, a"ross a narro& gla,e2 also s!re that an -n,ian l!r#e, 3ehin, ea"h tall 3o!l,er loo*ing !p in the gra' night) 74ter &hat see*e, an eternit' to her2 /!e 4inall' e*erge, 4ro* the sha,o&s o4 the 4orest2 an, her gran,parents( s*all ho!se stoo, 3e4ore her) 7 light gli**ere, in a &in,o&2 an, &ith a s*all than#4!l "r' she ,ashe, a"ross the 'ar,2 hoppe, on the por"h2 an, 3!rst thro!gh the ,oor) ?a,,' sat 3e4ore the 4ire in her nightgo&n2 &hile ;ohn 4ille, his pipe 4or a last s*o#e 3e4ore retiring) oth &hite hea,s 5er#e, aro!n, &hen the ,oor 4le& open2 3anging against the &all) <a,e, e'es stare, at their 4ranti"-loo#ing gran,,a!ghter) ?a,,' &as the 4irst on her 4eet) 6!rr'ing a"ross the 4loor2 she too# the shi+ering girl(s ar*) "/!e2 hone'2 &hat(s &rong0 .o!(re as &hite as a sheet)" The "on"ern an, "aring in the ol, &o*an(s to!"h an, +oi"e &as /!e(s !n,oing) <orgotten &ere the &or,s o4 ass!ran"e she(, planne, to tell the*) Onl' the 4rightening o!trage that &as 3eing perpetrate, on her re*aine, in her *in,) "6e sol, *e2 9ran,*a2" she &aile,) "Sl' has 3o!n, *e o+er to a stranger 4or three 'ears)" ;ohn 5!*pe, 4ro* his seat2 his *o!th open2 !na3le to spea#) -t &as his &i4e &ho

4inall' *anage, to sa'2 ".o! *!st 3e *ista#en2 "hil,) 1e(re not li+ing in the So!th &here h!*an 3eings !se, to 3e sol,)" "Oh2 'es2 he(, ,o it2" ;ohn ,e"lare, angril'2 4in,ing his +oi"e) 6e sat 3a"# ,o&n &hen ?a,,' le, /!e to the 4ire an, p!she, her into a "hair) "That one &o!l, sell his o&n *other i4 he "o!l, get a&a' &ith it) 6e nee,s *one' no&2 &hat &ith e"#'(s in"o*e gone)" ?a,,' sat ,o&n in the "hair next to /!e) "Cat"h 'o!r 3reath2 hone'2" she sai, soothingl'2 "then tell !s e+er'thing that happene,) 1ho is the *an2 an, &here ,oes he "o*e 4ro*0" -t ,i,n(t ta#e long 4or /!e to tell her stor'2 4or it ha,n(t ta#en Sl' long to sell her to the stranger) 1hile ?a,,' "alle, ,o&n e+er' e+il she "o!l, thin# o4 on !r4or,(s hea,2 ;ohn lit his pipe an, ,re& on it in ,eep "on"entration2 see*ingl' !na&are o4 his &i4e(s angr' tira,e) The ol, *antle "lo"# 3egan to 3ong o!t the ti*e2 an, /!e !n"ons"io!sl' "o!nte, the nine stri#es as ;ohn stoo, !p an, #no"#e, his pipe o!t in the 4irepla"e) 6er e'es 4ollo&e, hi* as he &al#e, to the ,oor an, too# ,o&n the lantern that h!ng there) 6e spr!ng the "hi*ne'2 then s"rape, a *at"h against the &all2 an, hel, its 4la*e to the lantern(s &i"#) 6e snappe, the glass glo3e 3a"# in pla"e2 then pi"#e, !p the ri4le that &as al&a's proppe, 3esi,e the ,oor) "Co*e on2 hone')" 6e s*ile, at /!e) "-(ll &al# 'o! 3a"# no&)" 1hile /!e loo#e, at her gran,4ather in 3e&il,er*ent2 her gran,*other ,e*an,e, sharpl'2 "1hat ,o 'o! *ean2 'o!(ll &al# her 3a"#0 - ,on(t !n,erstan, 'o!2 ol, *an) 7re 'o! going to let that e+il *an sell o!r /!e &itho!t a 4ight0" "Cal* 'o!rsel42 ?a,,'2" ;ohn ans&ere, as /!e stoo, !p) "-(* not a3o!t to let the 3astar, sell her) .o! &ait !p 4or *e) "1e(+e got a lot o4 tal#in( an, plannin( to ,o 3e4ore &e sleep tonight)" "1ell2 - sho!l, hope so)" The so*e&hat *olli4ie, &i4e 4ollo&e, the* to the ,oor) "That *an sho!l, 3e tarre, an, 4eathere,)" ;ohn an, /!e &ere hal4&a' 3a"# to the sha"# &hen ;ohn 3egan to spea#) "- expe"t that *an@6a&#e *asters 'o! "alle, hi*0@&ill &ant to get an earl' start to*orro& *o*in( so 'o! loo# 4or *e to get to the ho!se aro!n, ,a&n) -n the *eanti*e2 'o! a"t as tho!gh 'o!(re goin( along &ith e+er'thing)" "1hat are 'o! going to ,o2 9ran,,a,0" /!e &hispere, as the' "a*e to the 4ringe o4 trees that gre& !p to the e,ge o4 the &ee,4ille, 'ar,) "- ain(t got it all "lear in *' *in, 'et2 /!e2 3!t 'o! "an rest eas' in 'o!r *in, that 'o! ain(t gonna 3e sol, to no3o,')" /!e stret"he, !p to #iss the s!n#en2 3e &his#ere, "hee#2 then h!rrie, a"ross the short ,istan"e to her 3e,roo* &in,o&2 an, "li*3e, insi,e) 7ltogether she(, 3een gone 5!st

a little o+er an ho!r) The ho!rs passe, slo&l' as /!e sat on the e,ge o4 the 3e,2 &aiting 4or the eastern s#' to t!rn pin#) -t &as the longest night she(, e+er #no&n as she stare, into the ,ar#ness2 &on,ering &hat to*orro& &o!l, 3ring) "1hat &as 9ran,,a,(s plan to sa+e her 4ro* 3e"o*ing so*e *an(s "hattel0 <inall' the stars gre& paler an, /!e #ne& that ,a&n &as not 4ar o44 1as 9ran,,a, alrea,' on his &a' to sa+e her0 ?a'3e he &as o!tsi,e right no&2 &at"hing the ho!se) $a'light "a*e s&i4tl') One *o*ent there &ere onl' ,ar# sha,o&s in the roo*2 the next it see*e, the' &ere ass!*ing 4or* an, ,e4inition) /!e hear, the 3e, in the other roo* s=!ea#2 then Sl'(s l!*3ering trea, "rossing the 4loor as he &al#e, o!tsi,e to relie+e hi*sel4) /!e glan"e, o+er her sho!l,er at the sleeping "hil,ren2 then sighing ragge,l'2 she stoo, !p "are4!ll'2 sti44 4ro* sitting so long) 7s she s*oothe, her ,ress an, "o*3e, her 4ingers thro!gh her !nti,' hair2 she pa!se,2 her ner+es ta!t) Sl' ha, ret!rne, insi,e &ith the stranger) She ga+e a ner+o!s 5er# &hen her step4ather "alle, lo!,l'2 "/!e2 get o!t here) ?asters &ants to 3e on his &a')" 7 &il,2 trappe, loo# 5!*pe, into /!e(s e'es) 1here &as 9ran,,a,0 1as she to 3e ta#en a&a' 3e4ore he arri+e,0 I must kill some time2 she tho!ght 4ranti"all') Gi"e him a chance to get here) She opene, the ,oor a "ra"# an, sai, "al*l'2 "-(ll 3e o!t in a *in!te)" She ha, lingere, in her roo* perhaps three *in!tes &hen Sl' roare, that she ha, 3etter "o*e o!t or he &o!l, "o*e in a4ter her) She "lose, her e'es as a tre*or o4 ,rea, &ent thro!gh her) 7ll &as lost) 9ran,,a, &asn(t going to get there in ti*e) She sti44ene, her spine2 an, &ith her stor*' 3l!e e'es 4lashing s"orn4!ll'2 she opene, the ,oor an, steppe, into the *ain roo*) /!e &as *et 3' a 3atter' o4 e'es) 7 *ali"io!s satis4a"tion hel, Sl'(s 4eat!res2 &hile a gri*a"e o4 ,istaste "!rle, the stranger(s lips) !t it &as ;i**'(s &hite 4a"e her o&n gaze "l!ng to) -n his e'es la' hopeless ,espair) 6e #ne& he &as helpless to ,e4en, the onl' person he ha, e+er lo+e,) /!e too# a step to&ar, hi*2 then Sl' gro&le,2 "$on(t 5!st stan, there2 the *an is in a h!rr') 9et 'o!r ass o!tsi,e an, "li*3 on the *!le)" /!e sent !r4or, a startle, loo#) "O!r *!le0" 6er +oi"e &as sharp) "6o& ,o 'o! plan *a#ing a gar,en next spring0 6it"h ;i**' to the plo&0" 6is 4a"e re,2 Sl' too# a step to&ar, /!e2 his large han, raise,) /!e 4lin"he,2 3!t the 3lo& &asn(t ,eli+ere,) The irate *an(s &rist &as "a!ght an, hel,)

".o! 4orget 'o!rsel42 4at *an2" 6a&#e sai,2 &ith steel in his +oi"e) "She(s *' propert' no& an, -(ll han, o!t an' p!nish*ent - thin# she ,eser+es)" The harsh &arning ha, 3arel' 3een !ttere,2 an, /!e &as a3o!t to ,e"lare that she &as no *an(s propert'2 &hen the o!tsi,e ,oor s!,,enl' sla**e, open) B+er'one s&!ng aro!n, to see ;ohn $e%a&ne' stan,ing in the ,oor&a'2 a 6enr' ri4le l'ing in the "roo# o4 his ar*) /!e gape, at her gran,4ather2 4or ne+er ha, she seen hi* loo# so 4or*i,a3le) The genial t&in#le that !s!all' loo#e, o!t at the &orl, &as gone2 repla"e, 3' "ol, 4ire) <ixing that "ol,ness on a shrin#ing !r4or,2 ;ohn sai, in a +oi"e that "o!l, 4reeze a *an2 ".o! "o&ar,l' 3l!stererA .o! ain(t sellin( *' gran,,a!ghter li#e she &as so*e #in, o4 ani*alA" 6is 4a"e a past' gra'2 Sl' e,ge, along the ta3le !ntil it stoo, 3et&een hi* an, the *an &ith the ri4le) ".o! gonna stop *e2 ol, *an0" he as#e, &ith a 3ra+a,o that "a*e o!t in a sha#' s=!ea#) ".o! "an 3et 'o!r rotten so!l - "an stop 'o!2" ;ohn grate,2 an, /!e(s !neasiness in"rease, at the so!n, o4 the trigger 3eing "o"#e,) 1o!l, 9ran,,a, reall' shoot her step4ather0 1hile she stoo, roote, to the 4loor2 6a&#e(s 3o,' &ent rigi, an, Sl' shi+ere,) $eath 4or 3oth *en &as in the ol, *an(s e'es2 the set o4 his lips) !t the pro*ise o4 ,eath "a*e *ostl' 4ro* the ri4le 3arrel pointe, at the*) Then2 &itho!t ta#ing his e'es o44 the pair2 ;ohn "alle, o!t2 "Co*e on in2 /e+eren,2" an, steppe, asi,e so that a tall2 ga!nt *an &ith a grizzle, 3ear, "o!l, enter) /!e 3lin#e, rapi,l') "1h' in the &orl, ha, 9ran,,a, 3ro!ght :rea"her 6a&#ins &ith hi*0 S!rel' he ,i,n(t thin# that Sl' !r4or, "o!l, 3e s&a'e, 3' pra'er) 1hen it &as *a,e "lear &h' the prea"her ha, a""o*panie, ;ohn2 /!e "o!l, onl' stare at her gran,4ather in"re,!o!sl' as 6a&#e(s explosi+e2 "1hatA" e"hoe, her o&n 3e&il,er*ent) ".o! hear, *e2 stranger2" ;ohn sai,2 then repeate, his &or,s) "-4 'o! &ant *' gran,,a!ghter2 'o!(re gonna ha+e to *arr' her)" The "olor ,raine, 4ro* /!e(s 4a"e) 6a, 9ran,,a, ta#en lea+e o4 his senses0 There &as no &a' in the &orl, that arrogant *an &o!l, *arr' the li#es o4 her) 6e ha, nothing 3!t "onte*pt 4or her) -n the hea+' silen"e that 4ollo&e, ;ohn(s ,e"ree2 6a&#e too# a step 4or&ar,2 the +eins in his ne"# "or,e,) 6e stoppe, a3r!ptl' ho&e+er &hen he 4o!n, the ri4le ai*e, at his 3elt 3!"#le) 6e ,i,n(t ha+e to 3e tol, that another step &o!l, p!t a 3!llet in his 3ell') 7s 6a&#e #ept his e'es on the ol, *an(s trigger 4inger2 he &as "ons"io!s o4 the

inspe"tion 4ro* !n,er the 3!sh' &hite t!4ts o4 e'e3ro&s2 an, instin"ti+el' s=!are, his sho!l,ers) The ol, *an re*in,e, hi* o4 his 4ather2 !pright an, honora3le) 6e &o!l,n(t hesitate to 3lo& a hole thro!gh hi*2 or Sl'2 to sa+e his gran,,a!ghter 4ro* 3eing ,ishonore,) 6e hel, 3a"# a sneer2 thin#ing2 As if she hasn't already been dishonored many times by Burford) !t &hile /!e hel, her 3reath2 her 4eat!res straine,2 4ear4!l o4 the o!t"o*e2 6a&#e as#e, hi*sel4 i4 it &o!l, 3e all that terri3le2 *arrie, to the !nattra"ti+e girl) Sin"e he &as positi+e there &asn(t a &o*an ali+e he(, e+er 4all in lo+e &ith2 or &ant to *arr' o4 his o&n 4ree &ill2 &h' not &e, this one0 The i,ea appeale, to hi* *ore an, *ore) There &ere goo,2 so!n, reasons 4or this *arriage to ta#e pla"e) 7s his &i4e2 the girl "o!l,n(t !p an, lea+e i4 the loneliness o4 the ran"h 3e"a*e too *!"h 4or her) 7n,2 &o!l,n(t he 3e ta#ing her a&a' 4ro* a &orse sit!ation2 3o!n, o+er to so*e other *an &ho in all li#elihoo, &o!l, !se her 4or his ph'si"al nee,s2 an, &or# her li#e a sla+e0 6a&#e "hose to ignore that *a'3e his ,e"ision ha, a lot to ,o &ith the g!ilt' 4eelings the gran,4ather ha, ro!se, in hi*) 6e spo#e an, 3ro#e the "harge, silen"e) "7ll right2 ol, *an2 -(ll *arr' her i4 that(s &hat 'o! &ant)" ;ohn(s tightl' hel, lips loosene, in s!rprise) 6e ha,n(t expe"te, s!"h an eas' "apit!lation 4ro* the ston'-4a"e, stranger) <ro* the *o*ent he(, 3!rst thro!gh the ,oor an, sa& the 3roa, sho!l,ers an, the strong "hisele, 4eat!res o4 the *an2 ;ohn(s hopes o4 "arr'ing o!t his plan ha, lessene, a 3it) 6e ha, tho!ght he(, 3e 4a"ing a *an li#e the "o&ar,l' !r4or,2 not one &ho loo#e, "apa3le o4 4ighting his &a' o!t o4 an' sit!ation he *ight 4in, hi*sel4 in) ;ohn "ontin!e, to st!,' the *an a *o*ent longer2 then as#e, a3r!ptl'2 "7n, 'o!(ll 3e goo, to her0" 6is e'es ,are, 6a&#e to lie) 6a&#e hel, the 4ier"e 3l!e-e'e, gaze2 &on,ering &hat this ol, *o!ntain *an &ante, hi* to sa'2 that he &o!l, "herish his gran,,a!ghter0 1ell2 the ol, ,e+il "o!l, shoot an, 3e ,a*ne,) 6e(, ne+er sa' that) <inall' he sai,2 "-(ll not 3eat her2 i4 that(s &hat 'o! *ean)" ;ohn(s e'es "hallenge, 6a&#e(s 4or a tense *o*ent2 then he no,,e, his hea,) "g!ess that(s &hat - *ean)" 6e t!rne, an, 3e"#one, a st!nne, /!e 4or&ar,) "Co*e an, stan, 3esi,e hi*2 hone')" 7n, then to the prea"her2 "%et(s get on &ith it2 /e+eren,)" >e+er 3e4ore ha, /!e hear, the "lo"# ti"# so lo!,l' as she too# her pla"e 3esi,e the *an &ho2 +er' *!"h against his &ill2 &as to 3e"o*e her h!s3an,) She 4elt int!iti+el' that2 as he ha, pro*ise, 9ran,,a,2 he &o!l, ne+er ph'si"all' a3!se her2 3!t2 as 4ar as *ental pain2 she &as s!re she &o!l, get plent' o4 that) B+en no& she "o!l, 4eel the resent*ent that grippe, hi*) /!e &as 5arre, 3a"# to the a&areness o4 the present &hen the prea"her as#e,2 "7n, 'o!2 /!e $e%a&ne'2 ,o 'o! ta#e this *an to 3e 'o!r &e,,e, h!s3an,0"

6er e'es so!ght her gran,4ather(s2 as#ing i4 he &as s!re she sho!l, sa' the &or,s that &o!l, 3in, her to this "ol,2 !n"aring *an2 *a'3e 4or the rest o4 her li4e) 1hen ;ohn ga+e a slight no,2 she loo#e, !p at the *an &ho ha, alrea,' sai, his ",os" an, 4o!n, hi* regar,ing her &ith !n"on"eale, i*patien"e) 1ith a 5er# o4 her hea,2 she "rispl' sai, the &or,s that *a,e her his &i4e) The &or,s2 4atal in /!e(s *in,2 ha, har,l' 3een spo#en &hen 6a&#e s&!ng aro!n,2 ,e*an,ing2 "-(ll ta#e *' *one' 3a"#2 !r4or,)" Onl' ;i**' stoo, 3ehin, the*) !r4or, ha, slippe, a&a') "That *ang' pole"at2" 6a&#e gro!n, o!t2 an, 3olte, 4or the ,oor) "6e "an #iss his *one' goo,-3'e2" ;ohn sai, &ith so*e satis4a"tion) "7s 4ar as -(* "on"erne,2 he ,eser+es to lose it) 1illin( to 3!' another h!*an 3ein()" 6e loo#e, at his gran,,a!ghter2 too# in the tre*3ling lips2 the ,rea, o4 the !n#no&n in her e'es) 6e "rosse, s&i4tl' to her si,e an, 4ol,e, her in his ar*s) "Tr' not to &orr'2 "hil,) -(* a prett' goo, 5!,ge o4 "hara"ter) 7ltho!gh ?asters appears to 3e a ro!gh one2 'o!(ll 3e 3etter o44 &ith hi* than sta'in( on here) There(s no 4!t!re 4or 'o! on this *o!ntain)" /!e silentl' agree,2 then t!rne, to ;i**' &hen he t!gge, at her ar*) 6er heart &ent o!t to the sixteen-'ear-ol,2 &ho &as 3lin#ing rapi,l'2 hol,ing 3a"# the tears that glistene, in his e'es) The' rea"he, 4or ea"h other si*!ltaneo!sl') "-(* going to *iss 'o! ,rea,4!ll'2 ;i**')" /!e hel, the thin 3o,' 4ier"el') "-4 e+er "an2 -(ll sen, 4or 'o!)" "-(, s!re li#e that2 /!e)" ;i**' steppe, a&a' 4ro* her2 #n!"#ling his e'es) "$o 'o! #no& &here 'o!(re goin(0" /!e shoo# her hea, an, ;ohn sai, 4or"i3l'2 "-(ll 4in, o!t 3e4ore 'o! lea+e) -(* not a3o!t to let 'o! 5!st &ala# o!t o4 o!r li+es an, ne+er hear 4ro* 'o! again) ?a,,' &ill &ant to &rite 'o!)" The o!tsi,e ,oor sla**e, an, e+er'one t!rne, to loo# at the 4!rio!s 6a&#e) 6is green e'es snappe,2 he gro&le, to no one in parti"!lar2 "- "an(t 4in, the snea#in( 3astar,)" "6e(s hi,in( !p in the *o!ntain so*e&here2 &aitin( 4or 'o! to lea+e2" ;ohn sai,) "- sho!l, ha+e #ept *' e'es on the s#!n#)" 6a&#e too# his ri4le 4ro* the ta3le &here he ha, pla"e, it earlier) 6e glan"e, at /!e) "Co*e on2 let(s get the hell o!t o4 here)" It's all happening too fast2 /!e tho!ght in near pani"2 r!nning her e'es aro!n, the 4a*iliar roo*2 loo#ing 4or the last ti*e at the sagging 3e, in the "orner2 the lo&er legs proppe, !p 3' t&o logs o4 !ne+en height2 the in"h-&i,e "ra"#s in the 4loor 3oar,s2 letting in the "ol, at &inter2 3!gs in the s!**er2 so*eti*es a sna#e) She ran a han, o+er a splintere, s!r4a"e o4 the ta3le2 re*e*3ering her en,less an, !seless e44orts at tr'ing to #eep it 4ree o4 stains) S!rel' &here+er this ne& h!s3an, o4 hers

&as ta#ing her "o!l,n(t 3e &orse than &hat she &as lea+ing) She sti44ene, her spine an, starte, 4or the ,oor2 then pa!se, &hen 4ro* the 3e,roo* "a*e the so!n, o4 so4t &hi*pering &hi"h &o!l, soon rea"h a &ailing le+el i4 e*pt' little 3ellies &eren(t 4ille, &ith so*ething) "9o on2 /!e)" ;i**' n!,ge, her 3a"#) "-(ll 4in, so*ething 4or the* to eat) Sl'(s got *one' no&2 he(ll 3ring !s so*ethin( &hen he(s s!re the stranger has le4t)" /!e #ne& 3etter as ,i, ;i**') Sl' !r4or, &o!l,n(t "are i4 the' all star+e, to ,eath) e4ore she "o!l, !tter her tho!ghts2 ;ohn ha, her 4ir*l' 3' the el3o& an, &as lea,ing her o!tsi,e &here 6a&#e &aite,2 a 3la"# s"o&l on his 4a"e) The ol, *!le stoo, hipshot a short ,istan"e 4ro* the 3ig 3la"# stallion2 s&it"hing at 4lies &ith his 3!sh' tail) "Feep 4aith2 /!e girl2" ;ohn &hispere, as he helpe, her onto the 3roa, 3a"#2 a 4ol,e, 3lan#et her onl' sa,,le) "B+er'thing &ill &or# o!t 4ine 4or 'o!) 7s &ell as the others2" he a,,e,) 6er e'es s*arting 4ro* &ithhel, tears2 /!e no,,e,2 an, as she t!gge, at her s#irt2 4inall' getting it ,o&n to her #nees2 6a&#e loo#e, !p 4ro* tightening the stallion(s 3ell' "in"h) "1here are 'o!r "lothes0" 6e 4ro&ne,2 seeing no 3!n,le tie, 3ehin, her) /!e 3l!she, an, preten,e, she ha,n(t hear, hi*) She o&ne, onl' one other ,ress an, it &as in &orse "on,ition than the one she ha, on) The 4a"t that 9ran,*a &as *a#ing her a ne& one &asn(t o4 *!"h signi4i"an"e at the *o*ent) 6a&#e opene, his *o!th to repeat his =!estion an, ;ohn &as s!,,enl' 3esi,e hi*2 gi+ing hi* a &arning 5a3 in the ri3s &ith a sharp el3o&) "- ain(t p!t her "lothes on the *!le 'et2" he sai,) " e4ore - ,o2 - &ant a &or, &ith 'o!)" /!e "o!l,n(t hear &hat &as 3eing sai, 3et&een the t&o *en2 3!t it &as o4 short ,!ration 3e4ore her gran,4ather &as 3a"# 3' her si,e2 han,ing her a "loth-3o!n, 3!n,le) ".o!r gran,*a 4inishe, 'o!r ,ress last night2" he sai, so4tl') "She p!t a 4e& other things in it too)" 6a&#e2 &at"hing the pair i*patientl'2 ,roppe, his e'es to /!e(s narro& 3are 4eet) The' &ere ,!st'2 3!t "lean) .o shoes either2 he tho!ght in ,isg!st as he 4lippe, open his sa,,le3ag an, too# o!t a pair o4 s*all *o""asins he(, 4orgotten to gi+e to To**') 6e &al#e, a"ross to /!e an, hel, the pa"s !p to her) "6ere2 p!t these on)" 6is gaze &as ,ra&n to her shapel' "al4 an, ,aint' an#le) -4 the' &eren(t so *arre, &ith sores2 he(, sa' the' &ere the prettiest he(, e+er seen) 6e &as al&a's ,isappointe, &hen he sa& %illie(s legs) The' &ere =!ite hea+' &ith thi"# an#les) !t ole %illie ha, other attri3!tes that please, hi* 5!st 4ine2 he s*ile, in&ar,l') 7n, he *eant to en5o' the* 3e4ore this trip &as o+er) 6e s&!ng into the sa,,le an, p!t Captain in *otion e+en &hile /!e &as still p!lling on her ne& 4oot gear)

"9o, 3e &ith 'o!2 "hil,2" ;ohn sai, so4tl' &hen she straightene, an, pi"#e, !p the reins) /!e(s throat &as so "ho#e, she "o!l,n(t spea# as she loo#e, into her gran,4ather(s 4a"e &ith a sense o4 4inalit') She &o!l, ne+er see his or 9ran,*a(s ,ear 4a"es again) 1hat &o!l, she ,o &itho!t their lo+e2 their "aring #in,ness0 She(, 3e on her o&n no&2 &ith no one to gi+e her a #in, tho!ght or &or,) She li4te, the gnarle, han, that reste, on her 3are #nee an, 3ro!ght it to her lips) She #isse, it lo+ingl'2 then ,ropping it2 n!,ge, the *!le2 signaling hi* to *o+e o!t) ;!st 3e4ore /!e entere, the 4ringe o4 trees that &o!l, hi,e the "a3in 4ro* her2 she loo#e, 3a"#2 her throat "onstri"ting) She "o!l, not see her gran,4ather or the prea"her2 3!t ;i**' stoo, on the 3ro#en por"h2 staring a4ter her2 his narro& sho!l,ers ,rooping) 6e &as "r'ing she #ne&2 "r'ing 4or *an' reasons2 losing a sister he lo+e, ,earl'2 his h!ngr' little hal4 3rothers2 the ,esolate 4!t!re stret"hing o!t 3e4ore hi*) "-(ll help 'o!2 ;i**'2" she &hispere,) "So*e,a' -(ll help 'o! get a&a' 4ro* here)" She 5a33e, the *!le &ith a heel an, "a!ght !p &ith 6a&#e 5!st as one o4 the "hil,ren let o!t a pier"ing ho&l 4or her) 1itho!t loo#ing at /!e2 6a&#e gr!nte,2 "- hope the 4at *an hasn(t plante, his see, in 'o!)" /!e "ho#e, 3a"# the 3listering &or,s that ho+ere, on her lips) She g!esse, it &as onl' nat!ral he &o!l, thin# that &a'2 "onsi,ering ho& Sl' ha, hinte, at sharing her 3e, &ith hi*) >e+ertheless his &or,s ha, &o!n,e, her ,eepl'2 an, reasona3le or not2 pri,e *a,e her stri#e 3a"#) Spea#ing &ith preten,e, "arelessness2 she retorte,2 ".o!(ll 5!st ha+e to &ait an, see2 &on(t 'o!0" 6a&#e ga+e her a gri* loo#) "$on(t thin# that -(ll gi+e *' na*e to 'o!r 3astar,)" /!e 4lin"he, at the harsh &or,s2 3!t her h!rt &asn(t hear, in her +oi"e &hen she snappe, 3a"#2 "- &o!l,n(t ,o that to an inno"ent 3a3e) -t(s 3a, eno!gh that - ha+e to "arr' the ?asters(s na*e)" 6a&#e(s 3roa, 3a"# sti44ene,) /amn, there's that sharp tongue of hers- I swear I'll cut it out of her mouth someday) -t ha, 3een s#in-shrin#ing "ool &hen /!e an, 6a&#e starte, o!t in the earl' *orning2 3!t no&2 three ho!rs later2 the 3right s!n 3ore ,o&n on /!e(s 3are hea, relentlessl') She !se, the pie"e o4 &hite rag in her han, o4ten to pat at the perspiration that gathere, on her 4orehea, an, !pper lip2 the saline 3!rning li#e 4ire &hen it seepe, into her pox sores) Than#4!ll'2 *ost o4 the s"a3s &ere =!ite ,r' no&2 an, &o!l, soon 3egin to 4all o44 /!e loo#e, 4or&ar, to the ,a' &hen she "o!l, on"e again &ash her 4a"e in a nor*al &a' an, lea+e o44 the ,ar#2 oil' sal+e) She 4orgot a3o!t her ,is"o*4ort an, 4astene, her gaze on the *an2 her h!s3an,2

ri,ing !p ahea, o4 her) There ha, 3een no "o**!ni"ation 3et&een the*8 in 4a"t2 he see*e, !na&are o4 her presen"e) And that's the way (ike it2 she tol, hersel4 as the stallion an, *!le "lippe, along at a stea,' gait) The &rong that ha, 3een ,one her &as too ,ar# a passion in her heart to "arr' on a "on+ersation &ith the *an2 pro+i,ing he &as in"line, to tal#) The sa*eness o4 the trail 6a&#e #ept to &as 3ro#en o""asionall' 3' s*all "learings ,otte, &ith st!*ps2 an, a log ho!se in ea"h "leare, spa"e) 7n, tho!gh /!e s"anne, the little pla"es &ith interest2 the 4lo&ers 3loo*ing aro!n, the ,oors2 e+i,en"e that the &i4e too# pri,e in her ho*e2 her "o*panion loo#e, on the r!,el' "onstr!"te, 3!il,ings &ith ,i44erent e'es) Ba"h ti*e one "a*e into +ie&2 he &o!l, *!tter ,isparagingl'2 "$a*n laz' nesters)" /!e #ne& that she &as l!*pe, in there &ith his senti*ents) 7s the s!n s&!ng e+er &est&ar,2 it 3e"a*e apparent to /!e that there &o!l, 3e no stopping 4or a noon *eal) 6er sto*a"h &as gro&ling lo!,l' an, night &as al*ost !pon the* &hen 6a&#e 4inall' halte, the stallion in a stan, o4 pines an, s&!ng to the gro!n,) 1ith a long sigh o4 relie42 /!e sli, "are4!ll' o44 the ol, *!le(s 3a"#) She &ore onl' the pat"he, ho*esp!n2 an, her inner thighs &ere r!33e, ra& 4ro* the s"rat"h' horse 3lan#et she ha, stra,,le, all ,a') 1hat she &o!l,n(t gi+e to sit in a t!3 o4 &ater 4or a &hile) )ishful thinking2 she sai, to hersel4 as she re*o+e, the 3lan#et 4ro* the *!le2 slippe, the 3it 4ro* its *o!th2 then ho33le, hi* in a pat"h o4 grass) She sta'e, 3esi,e the ol, ani*al a *in!te2 r!33ing his 3a"#) 6e &as part o4 her past2 a part that *a,e her &on,er ho& ;i**' an, the "hil,ren &ere 4aring) 6a, 'o!ng ;i**' 3een a3le to s"ro!nge !p so*e 4oo, 4or the*0 1ere their little sto*a"hs as e*pt' as hers &as at the *o*ent0 She 4or"e, her hal4 3rothers 4ro* her *in, an, t!rne, her attention to the *an &ho ha, ta#en her a&a' 4ro* the*) 6e2 too2 ha, atten,e, to his *o!nt an, &as no& gathering !p s*all pie"es o4 ,r' tree li*3s s"attere, a3o!t) 6e &as s#ille, at *a#ing "a*p2 she note, as he =!i"#l' starte, a 4ire in the &i,e area he ha, "leare, o4 3r!sh an, ,r' grass) (e understands the dangers of starting a forest fire2 she tho!ght2 &at"hing hi* re*o+e a gr!3 sa"# 4ro* 3esi,e his sa,,le an, spill its "ontents onto a pie"e o4 "an+as he(, sprea, on the gro!n,) 1hen he h!n#ere, ,o&n an, r!**age, thro!gh the paraphernalia2 /!e &on,ere, i4 she sho!l, o44er to help) !t loo#ing at his ston' "o!ntenan"e she ,e"i,e, to &ait !ntil she &as as#e,@or or,ere,) /!e "ontin!e, to stan, 3esi,e the *!le as 6a&#e set asi,e a 3la"#ene, 4r'ing pan2 a sla3 o4 3a"on2 an, t&o s*all "loth 3ags) Then s&eeping !p a 3attere, "o44eepot he rose an, stro,e a&a') <or the 4irst ti*e she 3e"a*e a&are o4 the *!r*!ring so!n, o4 r!nning &ater) "Than# 9o,2" she &hispere,) "-(ll 3e a3le to 3athe *' "happe, thighs an, p!t so*e

sal+e on the*)" She !ntie, the 3!n,le her gran,4ather ha, han,e, her that *orning an, tears s*arte, her e'es &hen the' 4ell on the 4a*iliar pie"e o4 3l!e2 s*all-4lo&ere, "ali"o her gran,*other ha, t!rne, into a ,ress) She s*ile, thro!gh her tears then) %'ing on top o4 the ,ress &ere t&o 3ars o4 rose soap2 pl!s a glass 5ar o4 9ran,*a(s healing sal+e) The arti"les &ere rolle, !p in t&o pie"es o4 so4t &hite "loth) 7 s*all one 4or &ashing2 the larger one to 3e !se, as a to&el) S*oothing her han,s o+er the pie"es2 /!e(s tears 4ell so 4ast her throat h!rt) She ha,n(t 3een a3le to sa' goo,-3'e to the s&eet ol, &o*an &hose "o!nsel ha, #ept her going &hen all aro!n, her &as ,ar# an, 3lea#2 &ith no sign o4 e+er "hanging) /!e s"r!33e, a&a' her tears &ith the 3a"# o4 her han,) 9ran,*a2 li#e the 3o's2 *!st 3e p!t 4ro* her *in, i4 she &as to *a#e an' #in, o4 4!t!re 4or hersel4 She &o!l, nee, all her strength o4 *in, to rise a3o+e &hat li4e &ith this ro!gh *an she ha, *arrie, *ight han, o!t) :!tting all her attention to &hat she &as ,oing2 /!e la' e+er'thing ex"ept her ,ress asi,e) She 4ol,e, it neatl' an, pla"e, it on a ro"#) She &o!l, not &ear it !ntil the' arri+e, &here+er the' &ere hea,e,) -t &o!l, onl' 3e r!ine, in the heat an, 4ro* perspiration) 1hen 6a&#e ret!rne, &ith a &ater-4ille, pot an, p!t it on the 4ire2 she pi"#e, !p a 3ar o4 soap2 an, the t&o pie"es o4 "loth an, 4ollo&e, the ,ire"tion her "o*panion ha, ta#en) 7 thi"# la'er o4 4og la' o+er the narro& ri+er &hen /!e #nelt 3esi,e it) Sha,o&' &ith an !nnat!ral silen"e2 she re*e*3ere, the ri+er 3a"# ho*e &as the sa*e &a'2 an, &on,ere, &h' ri+ers too# on that eeriness a4ter ,ar# as she ,ippe, her han,s into the &ater an, "!ppe, it to her 4a"e) She "a!ght her 3reath at its i"iness2 an, &or#e, h!rrie,l' at s&ishing the &ash"loth into the &ater2 then lathere, it &ith the pre"io!s2 s"ente, soap) -n all2 it too# /!e a3o!t ten *in!tes to &ash her 4a"e an, ten,er thighs2 then s*ooth on the sal+e) 1hen she ret!rne, to the "a*p4ire2 4eeling al*ost h!*an again2 her *o!th &atere, at the aro*a o4 4rie, 3a"on an, 3re&e, "o44ee) 6a&#e &as alrea,' 3ent o+er a plate o4 *eat an, 3eans an, she stoo, !n"ertain2 &on,ering i4 she &as to share &hat he ha, prepare,2 or i4 she &as to *a#e her o&n s!pper) 6a&#e sol+e, her ,ill**a 3' *otioning to a tin plate an, "!p) ".o!(, 3etter eat 3e4ore it gets "ol,2" he sai, gr!44l') /!e *!ttere,2 "Than# 'o!2" an, a4ter 4illing her plate an, po!ring a "!p o4 "o44ee2 sat ,o&n on the gro!n,2 a"ross the 4ire 4ro* hi*) She pi"#e, !p the tin 4or# an, sho+e, it into the *o!n, o4 3eans) -t &as har, not to &ol4 the 4oo, ,o&n) She ha,n(t eaten all ,a'2 an, pre"io!s little all &ee#) !t she sense, that sar,oni" green e'es &ere &at"hing her &ith a*!se*ent2 so she 4or"e, hersel4 to ta#e s*all 3ites an, to "he& the* slo&l') Bn"o!rage, 3' the 4e&

&or,s 6a&#e ha, spo#en to her2 /!e as#e, as she sippe, at the strong "o44ee2 "7re there -n,ians &here 'o! li+e0" "So*e2 3!t nothin( to &orr' a3o!t2" he 4inall' sai,2 a4ter &aiting so long r!e ,i,n(t thin#2 he &as going to 3other ans&ering her) "?ost -n,ians2 'o! treat the* right2 the'(ll treat 'o! right2 e+en tho!gh the' ha+e goo, reason to hate all &hite 4a"es)" ".es2" /!e agree,2 eager to "ontin!e the "on+ersation) "1e ha+e treate, the* sha*e4!ll'2" she 3egan2 then in the *i,,le o4 her senten"e 6a&#e rose an, stal#e, o44 into the ,ar#ness) /!e(s s!rprise, e'es 4ollo&e, hi*) "So *!"h 4or "on+ersing &ith that one2" she *!ttere,) 7s she sat 3e4ore the ,'ing 4ire2 a tho!ght that ha, niggle, at the 3a"# o4 her *in, all ,a'2 "a*e 4!ll 4or"e to the 4ront as retiring ti*e approa"he,) 1o!l, her ne& h!s3an, ,e*an, his "on5!gal rights tonight0 She "ringe, at the possi3ilit') 1ith the ex"eption o4 her gran,4ather an, ;i**'2 she hate, all *en an, ha, s&orn to hersel4 that ne+er &o!l, one to!"h her in an inti*ate &a') B+er sin"e she "o!l, re*e*3er she ha, so*eti*es seen2 an, al&a's hear,2 the ,isg!sting things that ha, gone on 3et&een her *other an, the *en &ho ha, "o*e to the sha"#) /!e re*e*3ere, her gran,*other tal#ing to her on"e a3o!t &hat &ent on 3et&een a *an an, &o*an2 trie, to explain that l!st &as &hat e"#' share, &ith the *en &ho pai, to !se her) " !t2 hone'2 &hen lo+e is in+ol+e,2 it(s a nat!ral an, 3ea!ti4!l a"t that "o*pletes a "o!ple(s lo+e 4or ea"h other)" She ha, patte, /!e(s han,) ".o!(ll *eet the right *an so*e,a'2 then 'o!(ll !n,erstan, &hat -(* tal#ing a3o!t)" /!e ha,n(t tol, the ol, &o*an that she &as *ista#en2 that no *an !n,er the s!n &o!l, e+er *a#e her gran,,a!ghter "are that *!"h 4or hi*) !t &hether she "are, or not2 she as#e, hersel4 3itterl'2 &hat "o!l, she ,o i4 6a&#e ?asters ,e*an,e, that she 3e his &i4e in all &a's0 There &o!l, 3e no "ontest 3et&een their strengths) 6e "o!l, 4or"e her to ,o an'thing he &ante,) She sh!,,ere,2 re*e*3ering things she ,i,n(t &ant to) /!e ga+e a startle, 5er# &hen 6a&#e &as s!,,enl' 3a"#2 ,!*ping the re*ains o4 the "o44ee on the 4ire an, !nrolling his 3e,roll) She &at"he, hi* stan, !p2 re*o+e his holster2 then 5er# his shirttail 4ree o4 his t&ill tro!sers) 1hen he shr!gge, o!t o4 the 4lannel gar*ent2 her e'es shone in a,*iration) This *an she &as *arrie, to &as "ertainl' p!t together right) Silk and steel2 she tho!ght2 gazing at the &e,geli#e 4ra*e2 the 3roa, "hest a*pl' "o+ere, &ith "risp 3la"# hair2 the 4lat sto*a"h) She ha,n(t realize, a *an(s 3o,' "o!l, 3e 3ea!ti4!l) 7s /!e "o*pare, 6a&#e(s *!s"!lar 3!il, to that o4 Sl' !r4or,(s2 all 4at an, 4la32 she i,l' li4te, her e'es to the *an she &as a,*iring an, 3l!she, 4!rio!sl') 6e &as &at"hing her &at"hing hi*) 6is lips "!rle, "onte*pt!o!sl') "$on(t ha+e an' hope that - inten, to 3e, 'o!)"

/!e(s e'es &i,ene, a tri4le2 then she loo#e, a&a' &ith "o*plete in,i44eren"e) Stupid man2 she tho!ght2 you should know how much that pleases me) !t 6a&#e ,i, #no&) 6e ha, seen ho& her 3o,' ha, relaxe, in relie4 at his stinging &or,s2 an, s!,,enl' it &as he &ho 4elt re5e"te,) 7nger 4lare, insi,e hi*) This !gl' s"rap in pat"he, ho*esp!n &as relie+e, that she ,i,n(t ha+e to share his 3lan#etsA 6e &ho "o!l, ha+e *ost an' &o*an he &ante,) 6e spent another *o*ent loo#ing at the s*ol,ering ,isli#e on his &i4e(s 4a"e2 then &itho!t 4!rther &or,s to her2 &rappe, hi*sel4 in his 3lan#ets) /!e sat2 her 3o,' !n&in,ing 4ro* the ner+o!s tension that ha, grippe, her e+er sin"e the' ha, *a,e "a*p) She ha, 3een so s!re that the har,2 arrogant *an &o!l, ta#e a,+antage o4 his *arital rights on"e the' retire,) She grinne, r!e4!ll' in the ,ar#ness) 7ltho!gh she &as relie+e, at the s!rprising o!t"o*e2 her h!s3an,(s re3!44 ha, ni"#e, her ego) B+en tho!gh she &o!l, ha+e 4o!ght hi* o44 ha, he "o*e near her 3lan#et2 still she ,i,n(t li#e thin#ing that she &as rep!lsi+e to the hate4!l *an) The 'o!ng *en 3a"#2 ho*e ha,n(t see*e, to thin# she &as !nsightl') Their e'es al&a's 4ollo&e, her &hen she &ent to the +illage) She ha,n(t 3een to the +illage2 tho!gh2 sin"e t&o o4 those 'o!ng2 a,*iring *en ha, trie, to rape her2 she re*e*3ere, ,is=!ietl') /!e leane, 3a"# on her el3o&s2 listening to the hooting o4 an o&l2 the 4!ssing o4 the 3ir,s roosting in the trees2 the 4lo&ing *!r*!r o4 the ri+er a 4e& 'ar,s a&a') It's so peaceful here2 she tho!ght2 then s!,,enl' sat !p an, peere, o!t into the ,ar#ness) The night ha, gone +er' =!iet2 ex"ept 4or the so!n, o4 the *o+ing &ater) 1hat ha, stille, the 3ir,s an, the o&l0 she as#e, hersel4 7 &ol42 an -n,ian0 She straine, her e'es an, ears to "at"h an alien so!n,2 to see &hate+er &as l!r#ing o!t there) The hair on the 3a"# o4 /!e(s ne"# rose &hen in the silen"e there "a*e the ,e4inite so!n, o4 a t&ig 3rea#ing2 as i4 so*ething hea+' ha, steppe, on it) She sat 4rozen in pla"e2 &anting to a&a#en 6a&#e2 3!t ,rea,ing the +er3al a3!se she(, re"ei+e i4 she ro!se, hi* 4or nothing) -t &o!l, 3e li#e hi* to thin# that she &as tr'ing to l!re hi* into her 3lan#ets) $!ring the ti*e she trie, to ,e"i,e &hat to ,o2 the o&l too# !p its hooting again an, the 3ir,s res!*e, their 4l!ttering) /!e relaxe,2 'a&ne,2 an, stret"he,) -t ha, pro3a3l' 3een a ,eer &ho ha, "o*e to 3ro&se in the tall grass) She !n4ol,e, the 3lan#et that ha, 3een her sa,,le all ,a' an, rolle, !p in it) -t &as i*possi3le to sleep) /!e gri*a"e,2 a "hill 3reeze *a#ing her t&ist an, t!rn2 +ainl' sear"hing 4or "o*4ort) <inall' she ga+e !p2 an, t!rning on her 3a"#2 loo#e, !p at the stars2 &on,ering &hat the 4!t!re hel, 4or her) The next thing she #ne& the s!n &as shining in her 4a"e2 an, she &as 3eing pro,,e, on the hip2 none too gentl') She opene, her e'es2 3lin#e,2 then seeing 6a&#e stan,ing o+er her2 she s"o&le, !p at hi* &ith stor*' 3l!e e'es) "$on(t e+er #i"# *e again2" she hisse,)

6a&#e *at"he, her glare 4or glare) "<irst2 - ,i,n(t #i"# 'o!2" he grate,) "- onl' po#e, 'o! &ith *' 4oot) 7n, se"on,2 'o! &il,"at2 - ,i,n(t ,are get "lose eno!gh to la' a han, on 'o! 4or 4ear -(, ,ra& 3a"# a st!3)" "1hen /!e "ontin!e, to glare her ,isli#e at hi*2 he or,ere, "ol,l'2 "/oll o!t an, eat 'o!r 3rea#4ast) - &ant to get on the trail) B'o!(re not rea,' in ten *in!tes2 -(ll ri,e o44 &itho!t 'o!)" /oes he mean it0 6ope 4lare, in /!e(s e'es as she tho!ght ho& eas' it &o!l, 3e to t!rn the ol, *!le aro!n, an, ta#e the ,ire"tion the'(, "o*e 4ro*) But to where0 the =!estion =!i"#l' 4ollo&e, her ex"ite, i*p!lse) She "o!l,n(t go 3a"# to the sha"#) Sl' &o!l, h!stle her o44 to the +illage saloon 3e4ore she "o!l, "at"h her 3reath) e4ore another ,a' ,a&ne,2 she(, 3elong to so*e other *an) She sighe, resigne,l') <or the ti*e 3eing2 her 4!t!re &as "ast &ith 6a&#e ?asters) She &o!l, ha+e to 3i,e her ti*e2 3e patient2 la' her plans) The ,e"ision *a,e2 /!e ran a "are4!l pal* along the insi,es o4 her thighs an, sighe, &ith relie4 9ran,*a(s sal+e ha, &or#e, &on,ers) The 4lesh there &as onl' a little ten,er) She thre& 3a"# the 3lan#et2 stoo, !p2 an, then h!rrie,l' 4ol,e, it) Feeping in *in, that her !n"aring "o*panion &o!l,n(t hesitate to ri,e o44 &itho!t her2 she steppe, =!i"#l' to the 4ire) She stare, ,o&n at &et2 gra' ashes) 7nger tightene, her lips) The re+enge4!l ,e+ilA 6e &as going to *a#e her go &itho!t 3rea#4ast) 7s she prepare, to &al# to the ri+er to &ash !p2 ho&e+er2 she spotte, a plate o4 3eans an, 3a"on2 pl!s a "!p o4 stea*ing "o44ee 3esi,e his gr!3 sa"#) "6e "o!l, ha+e a&a#ene, *e sooner2" she gripe, alo!,2 h!rr'ing on to the ri+er at a hal4 r!n) 7 4ast s"oop o4 &ater on her 4a"e2 a h!rrie, appli"ation o4 sal+e on her 4a"e2 an, /!e &as 3a"# to the ,ea, 4ire) Csing the "risp 3a"on as a spoon2 she sho+ele, the 3eans into her *o!th) The "o44ee &as s"al,ing hot2 3ringing tears to her e'es as it 3!rne, its &a' ,o&n her throat) She thre& 6a&#e a *!r,ero!s loo#) $a*n hi* 4or not gi+ing her ti*e to eat li#e a h!*an 3eingA /!e ha, 5!st 4lippe, the 4ol,e, 3lan#et o+er the *!le(s 3a"# an, &as t'ing her s*all 3!n,le to it &hen2 &itho!t a loo# or &or, to her2 6a&#e "li*3e, onto the stallion2 "li"#e, his teeth2 an, *o+e, o!t) "$a*n the *isera3le 3east2" /!e &hispere,2 s"ra*3ling the 3est &a' she "o!l, onto her *!le(s 3a"# an, 5a33ing hi* gentl' &ith the heel o4 her 4oot)

Chapter Four
Ba"h *orning 4o!n, /!e an, 6a&#e *o!nte, an, p!shing 4arther &est&ar,) One ,a' 4ollo&e, another2 the night "a*ps essentiall' ali#e2 an, o!tsi,e o4 &hat &as

ne"essar'2 there &as no "o**!ni"ation 3et&een the pair) Ba"h tal#e, silentl' to hi*sel42 ho&e+er) Staring 3et&een the *!le(s pointe, ears2 /!e tol, hersel4 that she ,i,n(t "are i4 the *an !p ahea, e+er spo#e to her2 that she li#e, his silen"e 5!st 4ine) She ,i,n(t &ant the* to 3e"o*e a"=!ainte,2 *a'3e ,e+elop a li#ing 4or ea"h other) The next step 4ro* there &o!l, s!rel' lea, to 3e,2 an, she &ante, no part o4 that) 7n, 6a&#e stare, stonil' ahea,2 his 3o,' loosel' s&a'ing &ith the *otion o4 the stallion2 as he *ostl' "!rse, hi*sel4 4or a 4ool) 6a, he reall' trie, he "o!l, ha+e ,isar*e, that ol, *an) 6e "o!l, ha+e then hire, so*e 'o!ng -n,ian girl to #eep ho!se 4or hi* an, his 4a*il') 7n, e+en i4 the "hil,ren ,i,n(t ta#e to an -n,ian an, her ,i44erent &a's2 the'(, ha+e still 3een "are, 4or) 7n, &ho "o!l, sa' the "hil,ren &o!l, ta#e to that s"ra&n'2 illte*pere, girl plo,,ing along 3ehin, hi*0 She &as an !npleasant &it"h i4 e+er he sa& one) The 4ro&n on his 4orehea, ,eepene,) 6e ha, a strong pre*onition that so*eho& his !n&ante, &i4e &as going to !pset the "o!rse he ha, planne, 4or his li4e) 6e ha,n(t 4ig!re, o!t ho& 'et2 3!t the 4eeling persiste,) On the se"on, ,a' on the trail /!e an, 6a&#e ha, to ta#e "o+er on"e) The' ha, al*ost ri,,en into a part' o4 -n,ians) Onl' the pri"#ing o4 the stallion(s ears ha, &arne, 6a&#e in ti*e) %!"#il' there ha, 3een a ,eep g!ll' near3'2 an, "ro!"hing in its 3otto*2 han,s on the 4laring nostrils o4 their *o!nts2 the' &aite,2 3arel' 3reathing) The th!, o4 hoo+es an, "rea#ing ha"#a*oors see*e, to go on 4ore+er as the gro!p passe, &ithin 4eet o4 the*) "1o!l, the' ha+e ta#en !s prisoner0" /!e as#e, &hen the last 3ronze, 3o,' ro,e o!t o4 sight an, she an, 6a&#e &ere lea,ing their *o!nts o!t o4 the earth(s ,eep ,epression) "- ,on(t #no&2" 6a&#e ans&ere, in a tone that sai, he(, rather she #ept her =!estions to hersel4 "The' *ight ha+e 3een 4rien,l'2 then again the' *ight ha+e 3een a 3!n"h o4 renega,es)" /!e &ante, to as# &hat renega,es &ere2 3!t ha, the s!re "on+i"tion that 6a&#e &o!l,n(t 3other to ans&er her) T&i"e sin"e hitting the trail2 6a&#e ha, p!lle, in the stallion an, peere, into the 4orest) The last ti*e /!e +ent!re,2 "1hat is it0" "-(+e got the 4eelin( &e(re 3ein( 4ollo&e,) <elt it 'ester,a' too)" "- ha, that 4eeling the 4irst night &e "a*pe, o!t2" /!e sai,2 3ringing the *!le !p "loser to 6a&#e as she loo#e, &orrie,l' o+er her sho!l,er) "7n -n,ian2 ,o 'o! thin#0" "?a'3e2" 6a&#e ans&ere,2 then or,ere,2 "#eep the *!le a&a' 4ro* Captain i4 'o! ,on(t &ant a "h!n# ta#en o!t o4 his r!*p)"

/!e sa&e, on the reins2 p!lling her *o!nt a&a' 4ro* the stallion) The orner' 3east &as 5!st li#e his *aster) "7re 'o! going a4ter &hoe+er it is0" 6a&#e shoo# his hea,) "<it(s an -n,ian2 there(s no !se tr'in( to 4ollo& hi* i4 he #no&s 'o!(re a4ter hi*2" he ans&ere, 3r!s=!el'2 an, li4te, the reins2 !rging the stallion on) There ha, 3een no sign o4 ha3itation all ,a'2 then near s!nset /!e an, 6a&#e ro!n,e, a 3en, on the ro"#' trail an, spotte, a spiral o4 s*o#e thro!gh the trees) 6a&#e reine, in an, *otione, /!e to ,o the sa*e) "7 "a*p4ire2 ,o 'o! thin#0" /!e &hispere,) "?a'3e2" 6a&#e ans&ere,2 &on,ering to hi*sel4 i4 it &as2 an, i4 so &ho sat 3esi,e it0 1hite *an0 /e, *an0 1ho*e+er2 &hat &o!l, 3e their attit!,e0 7ll #in,s o4 *en roa*e, the 1est to,a'2 o!tla&s2 r!stlers2 the s"!*' re*ains o4 the &ar2 still set on 4ighting it) 6a&#e(s lips t&iste, &r'l') Sitting here &on,ering a3o!t it &asn(t going to ans&er the =!estions) 6e li4te, the reins2 sen,ing the stallion 4or&ar,2 ,ire"ting /!e so4tl'2 "<ollo& =!ietl' 3ehin, *e) 1e(ll ri,e on a little 4arther2 see i4 &e "an spot an'one)" 7 "o!ple o4 h!n,re, 'ar,s ha, 3een "o+ere, &hen the' "a*e !pon a narro& path 3ran"hing o44 4ro* the *ain trail) 6a&#e reine, in again2 then at the so!n, o4 an axe 3iting into &oo,2 he !rge, the stallion on2 "o**enting so!rl'2 ":ro3a3l' another nester)" /!e parte, her lips to as# angril' 5!st &hat it &as he ha, against nesters2 3!t instea, she let o!t a s*all "r' an, p!lle, her #nees !p as a large2 *ean-e'e, ,og ,ashe, o!t 4ro* !n,er a gro&th o4 3!shes an, "a*e to&ar, the*) 6a&#e pai, no attention to the ani*al as he #ept the stallion *o+ing ,o&n the path) /!e 4ollo&e, *ore slo&l'2 3!t the *!le still 3!*pe, into the stallion(s rear en, &hen it &as stoppe, short 3' the ,og 5!*ping in 4ront o4 hi*) The pla"i, ol, *!le stoo, =!ietl'2 3!t the horse snorte, his !nease an, ,an"e, aro!n, ner+o!sl') 6a&#e "al*e, hi* &ith a 4e& so4tl' spo#en &or,s2 then in a harsher +oi"e or,ere, the ,og a&a') !t the large2 hal4-&ol4 "anine pai, hi* no hee,) 6e "ontin!e, to stan, on 3ra"e, 4eet2 the hair on his ne"# 3ristling2 &arning gro&ls iss!ing 4ro* his throat) /!e glan"e, at 6a&#e an, note, that his right han, reste, on his thigh2 onl' in"hes a&a' 4ro* the hea+' Colt in its holster) 7 p!"#er o4 anxiet' ,re& her 3ro&s together) S!rel' he &asn(t going to shoot the ani*al) -t 3e"a*e e+i,ent that so*eone else &on,ere, the sa*e thing as a ,r'2 "ra"#e, +oi"e &arne,2 ".o! p!ll that g!n2 ?ister2 an, 'o!(re a ,ea, *an)" The &or,s &ere 4ollo&e, 3' the "li"# o4 a trigger) 6a&#e peere, thro!gh the trees an, 3o!l,ers2 tr'ing to lo"ate the 3o,' o4 the +oi"e) "- ha+e no intention o4 #illin( 'o!r 3east2 ?ister) - &as *erel' goin( to shoot into the air2 s"are hi* a&a')" 7 short silen"e 4ollo&e,2 then2 "1hat are 'o! ,oin( ro!n, here0 - ain(t got nothin(

&orth stealin()" "-(* not loo#in( to steal an'thing2" 6a&#e ans&ere, i*patientl') "1e(+e 3een sleepin( on the trail 4or the past three nights) - tho!ght *a'3e &e(, 3e o44ere, a spot !n,er a roo4 4or a "hange)" This ti*e a longer silen"e 4ollo&e, ,!ring &hi"h the ,og *aintaine, his threatening stan"e) 6a&#e &as a3o!t to t!rn the stallion an, ri,e o44 &hen so*e 3r!sh "ra"#le, an, an ol, *an steppe, 4ro* 3ehin, a large 3o!l,er) 6e &al#e, to&ar, the*2 toe in2 li#e an -n,ian2 his 4ringe, 3!"#s#ins r!stling so4tl') 7 ri4le l'ing in the "roo# o4 his ar*2 he peere, !p at 6a&#e2 his "lear2 3right e'es going o+er e+er' 4eat!re) 6a&#e hel, his gaze e+enl'2 ,oing his o&n st!,' o4 a 4a"e "orr!gate, &ith &rin#les an, a 3al,ing hea, shin' &ith perspiration) <inall' the thin lips *o+e,) "/o!n, here 'o! tr!st no one 'o! ,on(t #no& real goo,)" "- "an !n,erstan, that)" 6a&#e no,,e,) "-solate, li#e 'o! are)" >arro& sho!l,ers shr!gge, in,i44erentl') "-t(s a 3it a&a' 4ro* "i+ilization2 3!t -(* a trapper an, that(s the &a' - li#e it) - ,on(t "are *!"h 4or people)" The ol,-ti*er t!rne, his gaze on /!e2 his pier"ing e'es so4tening as his gaze *o+e, o+er her 4a"e) 1hen she s*ile, at hi* sh'l'2 his e'es &i,ene, a 3it2 an, he st!,ie, her *ore intentl') 1hen /!e 3l!she, !n"o*4orta3l' an, loo#e, a&a'2 he t!rne, his attention 3a"# to 6a&#e) "-s she 'o!r &o*an0" The sa,,le "rea#e, as 6a&#e stirre, i*patientl'2 rel!"tant to a,*it the !n"o*el' girl &as his &i4e) 1hen the ol, *an "o"#e, an e'e3ro& at hi*2 he *!ttere,2 "- g!ess 'o! "o!l, sa' that)" The &rin#les on the trapper(s 4orehea, ,eepene, in a 4ro&n as he note, the e*3arrasse, re, o4 /!e(s 4a"e) 6e s&!ng narro&e, e'es on 6a&#e) "That(s a hell o4 an ans&er2 ?ister) -s she 'o!r &i4e2 or 5!st a 3e, partner0" 6a&#e glare, 3a"# at his in=!isitor2 then loo#ing a&a'2 sai, gr!44l'2 "She(s *' &i4e)" ".o!(re a l!"#' *an to get one &ho is 3oth 'o!ng an, prett')" The thin lips s*ile, at /!e) "Cs!all' a 4eller ,on(t get it 3oth &a's)" Onl' /!e hear, 6a&#e(s so4t ,erisi+e snort) She 4lin"he,2 3!t sai, nothing) "The na*e(s 7,a*s2" /!e an, 6a&#e &ere in4or*e,) 74ter 6a&#e ga+e his an, /!e(s na*e2 7,a*s "alle, o44 the ,og) "?' pla"e is 5!st a little pie"e ahea,2" he sai,) ".o! "an &ater 'o!r *o!nts at the spring 3a"# o4 the "a3in2 then sta3le the* in the she, 'o!(ll 4in, there) The'(ll 3e sa4e 4ro* the &ol+es that "o*e aro!n, at night)" The ol, trapper le, the &a' aro!n, a lightning-3laste, pine tree an, his one-roo* "a3in stoo, 3e4ore the*) -ts r!sti" appearan"e 3len,e, so per4e"tl' &ith the s!rro!n,ing ti*3er2 onl' a traine, e'e &o!l, ha+e noti"e, the ti*e-&eathere,

3!il,ing a*ong the s"attering o4 3o!l,ers2 so*e taller than the "a3in) ".o! 4ol#s "o*e on in &hen 'o!(re rea,'2" 7,a*s sai,2 hea,ing 4or the hea+' ,oor "onstr!"te, o4 slen,er split logs) "-(+e got a +enison ste& si**erin( o+er the 4ire)" -n their !s!al silent 4ashion2 /!e an, 6a&#e &atere, their *o!nts2 then le, the* to the she, atta"he, to the "a3in) -t ,i,n(t ta#e /!e long to strip ,o&n the ol, *!le) 1hile he "ho*pe, at the 4or#4!l o4 ha' 6a&#e ha, tosse, hi*2 she &ipe, ,o&n his ,!st'2 s&eate, hi,e &ith a s"rap o4 3!rlap she 4o!n, in a "orner) She &or#e, s&i4tl'2 hoping to 4inish the groo*ing 3e4ore 6a&#e &as ,one &ith "!rr'ing the stallion) She 4elt that i4 she ,i,n(t get a&a' 4ro* hi* 4or a &hile she(, ha+e a s"rea*ing 4it) Three ,a's an, nights o4 his 3latantl' "onte*pt!o!s regar, &as &earing her ner+es thin) !t as /!e &al#e, thro!gh the she, ,oor2 6a&#e &as at her heels) /amn him0 (e does it on purpose2 she s&ore so4tl' to hersel42 &ishing she ha, the ner+e to sla* the hea+' ,oor in his 4a"e) !t sin"e she &asn(t all that 3ra+e2 she 4ollo&e, the path that ran alongsi,e the s*all 3!il,ing an, steppe, on the narro& por"h an, p!she, open the ,oor) /!e stoo, a *o*ent2 3lin#ing her e'es) There &as one &in,o& in the roo*2 3!t &hen the ,oor &as "lose,2 *ost o4 the light "a*e 4ro* a large2 3!rning 4irepla"e) She 4elt the ol, *an(s expe"tant e'es on her an, sense, that he &aite, 4or &or,s o4 praise 4ro* her) She h!rrie, to sa'2 ".o! ha+e a 4ine pla"e2 ?r) 7,a*s) -t(s so!n, an, sn!g) -(ll 3et the &inter &in,s ,on(t get thro!gh to 'o!)" 7 please, grin &i,ene, 7,a*s(s lips) "- 3!ilt it ten 'ears ago) The 4irst &inter - &as here *' ho*e &as nothin( 3!t a hole in the gro!n, &ith 3oar,s lai, o+er it) - "oo#e, all *' *eals o!tsi,e) 7 "o!ple ti*es - tho!ght -(, 4reeze to ,eath)" 6e s*ile, as tho!gh re*e*3ering) "The 4irst thing - ,one &hen spring "a*e &as to start 3!il,in( this pla"e) Soon as - got a roo4 o+er it2 - hi#e, o+er to a spot along the ri+er &here a s*all tri3e o4 -n,ians ha, *a,e &inter "a*p) - tra,e, six o4 *' 4inest 3ea+er pelts 4or the prettiest little s=!a& 'o!(, e+er &ant to see)" 7 so4t2 4ara&a' loo# "a*e in 7,a*s(s e'es) "She &as as prett' insi,e as she &as o!tsi,e) She(, 3een &ith *e t&o *onths &hen - loo#e, !p a prea"her an, *a,e her *' tr!e &i4e)" /!e let o!t a 3reath she ha,n(t realize, she(, 3een hol,ing as 7,a*s stoppe, tal#ing) She ha, 3een hel, "apti+e 3' the lo+e that threa,e, the ol, *an(s &or,s2 his 5o'2 his "ontent*ent2 o4 his 'o!ng &i4e) She ha, 4o!n, another goo, *an) 1as she to r!n into others0 she &on,ere,) 1o!l, she ha+e to rearrange her opinion o4 the *ale spe"ies2 a,*it that there &ere so*e goo, ones a*ong the 3a,0 But not yet2 she tho!ght) ?r) 7,a*s an, her gran,,a, &ere onl' t&o goo, *en

sta"#e, against the *an' 3a, ones she(, #no&n) She &o!l, ha+e li#e, to as# &hat ha, happene, to the 'o!ng &i4e2 3!t a sh!ttere, loo# ha, "o*e into 7,a*s(s e'es2 &arning that he &o!l, sa' no *ore a3o!t his *ate) /!e &on,ere, i4 6a&#e ha, 3een a44e"te, 3' 7,a*s(s lo+e 4or his &i4e2 3!t a =!i"# loo# at his ston' 4a"e re+eale, nothing) )hat does that one know about lo"e0 she snorte, to hersel42 an, t!rne, her attention 3a"# to their host as he re*o+e, the 3la"# pot that ha, h!ng o+er a3e, o4 glo&ing "oals an, "arrie, it to the ta3le) 1hen genero!s a*o!nts o4 ste& ha, 3een la,le, into the plates2 7,a*s sai,2 "Co*e2 sit ,o&n)" Then he sli"e, into a loa4 o4 so!r,o!gh 3rea,) 1hen /!e an, 6a&#e sli, onto opposite 3en"hes2 he sai,2 "- expe"t 'o! 4ol#s are h!ngr')" "- s!re a*)" /!e(s &hite teeth glea*e, in a &i,e s*ile2 4ailing to note that 7,a*s ha, pa!se,2 #ni4e s!spen,e, as he loo#e, at her "losel') "1ell2 ,ig in2" he sai, 4inall'2 an, res!*e, sli"ing !p the rest o4 the 3rea,) The ste& &as s!rprisingl' goo,2 4la+or4!ll' seasone, &ith &il, her3s) 7n, the 3rea, &as as light as an' /!e(s gran,*other ha, e+er 3a#e,) /!e s&allo&e, her 4irst 3ite an, "o**ente, on its taste an, text!re) "?' &o*an ta!ght *e ho& to *a#e it)" The trapper s*ile, his than#s2 a 3rie4 sa,ness 4li"#ering in his e'es) /!e &on,ere, i4 she *ight =!estion hi* a3o!t his &i4e no&2 sin"e he ha, 3ro!ght her !p again) !t 6a&#e spo#e &hile she &as ,eli3erating2 an, a3o!t a ,i44erent s!35e"t) "- expe"t it &on(t 3e too long 3e4ore 'o!(ll 3e settin( o!t 'o!r traps)" 6a&#e glan"e, at the ,ozens o4 traps hanging 4ro* the &alls) ".eah2 4all is a3o!t !pon !s)" 7,a*s stoo, !p to 3ring the "o44eepot 4ro* the hearth &here it ha, 3een #eeping hot) "The 4irst har, 4reeze an, -(ll 3e settin( o!t *' line)" 6e 4ille, the tin "!ps &ith the stea*ing 3ro&n li=!i,2 then a4ter ret!rning the pot to the 4ire2 he too# a pipe an, 3ag o4 to3a""o o44 the *antle) Seating hi*sel4 again at the ta3le2 he 3egan to ta*p the ho*e-"!re, long green into the &ell-seasone,2 s*o#estaine, 3o&l as 6a&#e 4ashione, hi*sel4 a "igarette) /!e &as !na&are that she &as 3eing st!,ie, as she sippe, her "o44ee2 sa+oring its 4la+or) She ga+e a slight start &hen 7,a*s as#e,2 ".o!(re 5!st gettin( o+er the "hi"#en pox2 ain(t 'o!2 girl0" "1h'2 'es2 - a*)" She loo#e, s!rprise,2 !na&are that 6a&#e(s 4a"e hel, the sa*e expression) "6o& "an 'o! tell0" "- lost *' &o*an to the pox) 6er 4a"e ha, the sa*e sores)" 7n, &hile 6a&#e stole a loo# at /!e(s 4a"e2 7,a*s "ontin!e,2 "- see 'o!(+e 3een "are4!l not to s"rat"h the*) That(s goo,2 'o! &on(t ha+e an' s"ars)" 6e t!rne, to 6a&#e) "-n a &ee# or so she(ll 3e as prett' as e+er)"

6a&#e *a,e no response2 3!t the hal4+eile, sar,oni" loo# in his e'es sai, that the ol, *an &as 3lin,) This ti*e2 instea, o4 the !s!al anger 6a&#e al&a's aro!se, in her2 /!e #ne& a ,eep h!rt) ?!st he al&a's sho& ho& !nattra"ti+e he tho!ght she &as) She "ho#e, 3a"# the l!*p that rose in her throat an, stare, ,o&n into her "o44ee) 7,a*s leane, his el3o&s on the ta3le an, p!44e, "ontente,l' on his pipe) "7s 'o!(+e pro3a3l' noti"e,2 ?asters"@his lips t&iste, h!*oro!sl' aro!n, the pipe ste* @"*ost &i**en "an tal# all ,a' &itho!t sa'in( a thing &orth hearin() "1hat a3o!t 'o!r &i4e2 is she a tal#er0" 6a&#e stoo, !p 4ro* the ta3le2 an,2 as he too# a seat in 4ront o4 the 4ire2 shr!gge, his sho!l,ers in,i44erentl') ">ot *!"h) >ot to *e at an' rate)" "1ell2 that(s #in,a a sha*e)" 7,a*s 4ollo&e, 6a&#e to the 4ire an, sat ,o&n 3esi,e hi*) "- 3et an'thing that &hat she(, ha+e to sa' &o!l, 3e right interestin()" 6a&#e(s onl' ans&er &as a ,r' gr!nt) -t &as ta#en 4or grante, that /!e &o!l, &ash the ,ishes) 7s she &ent =!ietl' a3o!t it2 she listene, to the t&o *en tal#2 an, learne, a lot a3o!t her h!s3an,) ?ost i*portantl' that he o&ne, a "attle ran"h sit!ate, at the 4oot o4 the /o"#ies) Cntil no& she(, ha, no i,ea &here she &as going) I will like that2 she tho!ght2 s"o!ring o!t the "ast-iron pot &ith &oo, ashes) (o"e horses))) also my faithful old mule2 she a,,e, g!iltil' to hersel4 7ltho!gh he ha, 3een the *eans 3' &hi"h she an, ;i**' ha, *anage, to raise a s*all gar,en2 he ha, also 3een the nearest thing to a pet the'(, e+er o&ne,) 1hen it see*e, she *ight slip into *elan"holia2 /!e 4or"e, her tho!ghts to ret!rn to the ran"h 6a&#e spo#e so elo=!entl' a3o!t) She ha, o4ten &on,ere, ho& it &o!l, 4eel to sit in a sa,,le2 ri,e a high-stepping *o!nt2 not to ,e*ean her plo,,ing ol, *!le2 o4 "o!rse) 6er h!s@?asters ro,e a 3la"# 3ea!t'2 pro!, an, arrogant2 5!st li#e his *aster2 &ith the sa*e2 ,on(t-*ess-&ith-*e *essage in his *ean-loo#ing e'es) 7t last2 ha+ing s"o!re, e+er' pot an, pan the ol, *an o&ne,2 &hi"h &asn(t *an'2 /!e loo#e, longingl' at the +a"ant ro"#ing "hair 3e4ore the 4ire) -t ha, 3een a long ,a' an, the ol, *!le(s 5olting2 "lippe, &al# &as tinng to the 3o,') She hesitate, to 5oin the t&o *en onl' 3e"a!se she(, ha, *ore than eno!gh o4 6a&#e ?aster(s "o*pan'2 his s"o&ling 4a"e2 his ,isregar, o4 her as tho!gh she &asn(t e+en &ith hi*) She &as near her 3rea#ing point2 an, she &o!l,n(t 3e responsi3le 4or &hat she *ight ,o i4 he *a,e so*e sneering re*ar# to her) Ol, 7,a*s *a,e the ,e"ision 4or her) "$on(t s"r!3 the* !tensils too goo,2 *iss'2" he "alle,) "The' ain(t !se, to it)" 6e set the "hair next to hi* ro"#ing) "Co*e an, 5oin !s) -t(s 3een a long ti*e sin"e -(+e listene, to 4e*ale tal#)" "- tho!ght 'o! ,i,n(t li#e 4e*ale "o*pan')" 6a&#e &at"he, the "igarette s*o#e ,ri4t to&ar, the 4irepla"e2 his lips "!r+e, in a*!se*ent) ".eah2 &ell2 li#e - also sai,2 - 3et this one "o!l, 3e real interestin( i4 a *an got her

starte,) ?' &i4e &as li#e that) - ne+er got tire, o4 her "o*pan') 1e(, sit in 4ront o4 the 4ire o4 an e+ening2 goin( o+er the e+ents o4 the ,a'2 plannin( &hat &e(, ,o to*orro&)" 6e sighe, hea+il') "O!r one 3ig ,isappoint*ent &as that &e ne+er ha, an' 'o!ng!ns()" "$i, it 3other 'o! all that *!"h0" 6a&#e as#e,) "This i,ea that *an *!st repro,!"e hi*sel40" ">ot a &hole lot) -t &o!l, ha+e 3een ni"e to ha+e a son2 tho!gh2" 7,a*s sai, a4ter a tho!ght4!l pa!se) "-t(s the &i**en &ho han#er the strongest 4or 3a3ies) -t &as a sorro&4!l thing 4or Star Shine that she "o!l,n(t gi+e *e a son) "1hat a3o!t 'o! an, 'o!r &o*an0" 6e loo#e, at 6a&#e) ".o! got a 4a*il' starte, 'et0 .o!(ll nee, 3ig strong sons to help 'o! on that ran"h &hen 'o! get too ol, to r!n things)" 6a&#e stret"he, his long legs o!t in 4ront o4 hi*2 "rossing his an#les) "7 ran"her o&ner "an al&a's hire a goo, *an to r!n things i4 he gets too ol, to ,o the 5o3 hi*sel42" he he,ge, lazil') " esi,es2 - ha+e a nephe& &ho(ll inherit *' ran"h so*e,a')" )ell2 /!e tho!ght ,r'l'2 that pretty muck tells me how he feels about my welfare) Sin"e ?asters &as thirteen 'ears ol,er than hersel42 the "han"es &ere goo, that she *ight 3e a &i,o& 4or a long ti*e in the 'ears to "o*e) 6o& &as she to s!pport hersel40 O4 "o!rse2 there &as the real possi3ilit' that he ,i,n(t inten, that she 3e &ith hi* 4or an' great length o4 ti*e) ?a'3e he planne, that &hen he ha, no *ore !se 4or her he(, sen, her on her &a') 6a, 6a&#e or /!e loo#e, at ol, 7,a*s the'(, ha+e seen 3' the loo# on his 4a"e that the sa*e tho!ghts as /!e(s &ere r!nning thro!gh his *in, also) 6e ,i,n(t *ention the* tho!gh &hen he spo#e) "6o& ,o 'o! 4eel a3o!t ha+in( a 4a*il'2 girl0" 6e loo#e, at /!e) "$on(t 'o! &ant "hil,ren2 a 3on, 3et&een 'o! an, 'o!r h!s3an,0" /!e shoo# her hea, so +ehe*entl' she &as stare, at in s!rprise) 6er *in, ra"e, &ith legiti*ate reasons she "o!l, gi+e 4or not &anting "hil,ren) She "o!l,n(t sa' that she ,espise, the *an &ho &as her h!s3an,2 that she 4elt that &a' a3o!t *ost *en) !t she ,i,n(t &ant to sa' that her h!s3an, 4elt the sa*e &a' a3o!t her2 an, that sin"e the' &o!l, ne+er 3e sleeping together nat!rall' there &o!l, 3e no "hil,ren) <inall'2 "ons"io!s o4 6a&#e(s 5eering e'es on her2 she sai,2 ":erhapsD so*e,a'2 a long ti*e 4ro* no&2 - shall &ant "hil,ren) 7t the *o*ent2 ho&e+er2 - a* "hil,&ear') Cntil - got *arrie,2 - &as responsi3le 4or raising *' hal4 3rothers) <ran#l'2 -(, li#e a rest 4ro* &hining2 "r'ing "hil,ren)" She glan"e, at 6a&#e an, &on,ere, at the a*!se, s*ir# on his 4a"e) -t &as as tho!gh he #ne& so*ething that she ,i, not) /!e gre& silent2 an, a4ter a "lose st!,' o4 her 4a"e2 7,a*s "hange, the s!35e"t to trapping) 7s he tal#e, on an, on2 ,i+erging into re*inis"en"es2 /!e stare, 3roo,ingl' into the leaping 4la*es) She ,i, &ant "hil,ren2 strong2 health' ones2 3!t "onsi,ering the *anner in &hi"h the' &ere o3taine,2 she &o!l, ne+er 3e a *other) >o *an &as

e+er going to get that "lose to her) The ,rone o4 the ol, *an(s +oi"e l!lle, /!e into a state o4 ,ro&siness) "1hen !n"ons"io!sl' her lips parte, in a long 'a&n2 he 3ro#e o44 his long-&in,e, stor' an, grinne, at her) "- re"#on -(+e a3o!t tal#e, 'o! 4ol#s( ears o44) (Spe"t it(s ti*e &e t!rne, in) .o! t&o "an ta#e the 3e, next to the &in,o&)" /!e glan"e, at the t&o 3!n# 3e,s atta"he, to the &all2 "onstr!"te, o4 spr!"e poles str!ng &ith strips o4 ra&hi,e) Ba"h 3ore a stra& ti"#2 "o+ere, &ith gra'2 &oolen 3lan#ets) T&o people "o!l, 4it "o*4orta3l' eno!gh2 pro+i,ing the' &ere in lo+e) Then the' &o!l, 3e !na&are o4 the narro&ness as the' la' "laspe, in ea"h other(s ar*s) !t that &as not the "ase here2 /!e re*in,e, hersel4 &ith 4ir*e, lips) She &o!l, sleep on the 4loor 4irst) She t!rne, her hea, an, 4o!n, 6a&#e(s green e'es *o"#ing her) 6e spo#e 3e4ore she "o!l,) "The 3e, loo#s a little narro&2 7,a*s) -(ll 5!st sprea, *' 3lan#ets here in 4ront o4 the 4ire)" ".o! &ill0" The ol, *an peere, at 6a&#e "!rio!sl') "Close =!arters ne+er 3othere, *e an, *' &o*an) The "loser &e "o!l, get together2 the 3etter &e li#e, it) -t(s *ight' "oz'-li#e in the &inter)" ".eah2 &ell)" 6a&#e stret"he, his ar*s o+er his hea,2 then a,,e, at the en, o4 a lo!, 'a&n2 "-t(s har,l' &inter2 is it0" 7,a*s shot /!e a sear"hing glan"e an, she lo&ere, her e'es against the s'*path' she sa& in his) 1hat &as he thin#ing0 she &on,ere,) That pro3a3l' she &asn(t e+en *arrie, to the hate4!l *an sitting 3esi,e hi*2 that he onl' ha, her along to !se o""asionall') "1ell2 'o! 4ol#s t!rn in &hene+er 'o!(+e a *in, to)" 7,a*s #no"#e, o!t his pipe in the 4irepla"e) "-(* gonna hit the 3lan#ets no&)" "- thin# - &ill too)" /!e stoo, !p2 not a3o!t to 3e le4t alone &ith her h!s3an,) She *o+e, a"ross the 4loor to the 3e, in,i"ate, 3' 7,a*s2 #i"#e, o44 her *o""asins2 an, sli, !n,er the it"h' 3lan#et) She la' on her 3a"#2 staring !p at the ra4ters2 listening to the r!stling o4 the 3e, 3ehin, her as the ol, *an *a,e hi*sel4 "o*4orta3le) -n a short ti*e he &as snoring2 #eeping her a&a#e) She t!rne, on her si,e2 an, &ith her han,s 4ol,e, !n,er her "hee#2 she &as a3le to st!,' 6a&#e ?asters 4reel' 4or the 4irst ti*e) 7ltho!gh he &as han,so*e eno!gh2 she tho!ght2 &ith his 4ir* 5a&2 &i,e 4orehea,2 an, 3la"# hair "!rling loosel' to his "ollar2 there &as a s!ggestion o4 r!thlessness in the "hisle, lips an, green e'es) (e's a hard man2 she tol, hersel42 one who always hits harder than his opponent) She "ontin!e, to st!,' hi* as2 his 4a"e ,ar# an, *oo,'2 he stare, into the 4ire) 1as he

thin#ing a3o!t her0 she &on,ere,) C!rsing the 4a"t that he &as sa,,le, &ith a &i4e he ,i,n(t &ant0 /!e preten,e, to 3e asleep &hen 6a&#e 4lippe, his spent "igarette into the 4irepla"e2 then stoo, !p) 74ter a *o*ent there "a*e the so4t s"rape o4 the s*all sho+el as he 3an#e, the 4ire 4or the night2 then the &hisper o4 his 3oots 3eing t!gge, o44 7 4e& *in!tes later his ,eep2 e+en 3reathing tol, her he &as asleep) Ol, 7,a*s(s snores "ontin!e, to e"ho thro!gh the roo*2 see*ingl' lo!,er in the total ,ar#ness) /!e &as s!re she &o!l, ne+er 4all asleep against the 3a"#gro!n, o4 that ra"#et) 1hen /!e(s sho!l,er &as 4ir*l' sha#en2 it too# a *o*ent 4or her "on4!se, 3rain to realize that she ha, 4allen asleep2 a4ter all) She 3lin#e, her e'es rapi,l' as 6a&#e2 in his !s!al i*patient &a'2 or,ere,2 "9et !p) - &ant to get goin() 1e(re r!nnin( a ,a' late as it is)" /esent*ent 4lare, in /!e(s e'es) She #ne& &itho!t hi* sa'ing it2 he &as 3la*ing her *!le) The ol, 4ello& ha, 3een !na3le to #eep the galloping gait set 3' the 3ig stallion) "6ate4!l ,e+il2" she *!ttere, !n,er her 3reath as 6a&#e sta*pe, a&a') She note, as she sli, o!t o4 3e, an, 4!*3le, her 4eet into the pa"s that he ha, alrea,' rolle, !p his 3lan#ets an, pla"e, the* 3esi,e the ,oor) 7 *is"hie+o!s ,esire to test his patien"e "a*e o+er her an, she too# her ti*e s*oothing the "o+ers o+er the 3e,2 t!"#ing the* in neatl'2 an, 4l!44ing !p the pillo&) She &as a&are that 6a&#e(s narro&e, e'es &at"he, her2 #ne& that he &as "ognizant o4 &hat she &as !p to) <inall'2 she "o!l, no longer ,ra& o!t the 3e,-*a#ing) To ,o so &o!l, 3e a,*itting that she &as 3eing pettish) -gnoring 6a&#e(s ,ar# loo#2 she t!rne, 4ro* the 3e, an, s*ile, a greeting to 7,a*s) The ol, *an s*ile, 3a"# an, *otione, to a 3asin o4 &ater on a s*all ta3le) "&ar*e, 'o! so*e &ater to &ash 'o!r 4a"e in) 7in(t got no soap2 tho!gh) /an o!t a 4e& &ee#s 3a"#)" "-(+e got so*e2" /!e sai,2 an, *o+ing a"ross the roo* to &here she ha, pla"e, her s*all 3!n,le2 again ta#ing her ti*e2 she !n4ol,e, it an, re*o+e, the rose soap2 &ash"loth an, 5ar o4 sal+e) Feeping her hea, a+erte, 4ro* 6a&#e(s s"o&ling 4eat!res2 she !nh!rrie,l' &ashe, her 4a"e in the so4t spring &ater2 sighing alo!, at the pleasant 4eel o4 the &ar* s!,s "aressing her s#in) /!e &as a,,itionall' please, that &hen she rinse, the "loth in the 3asin2 se+eral 3la"# s"a3s 4loate, in the &ater) 9oo,2 she tho!ght2 the' &ere 4inall' 3eginning to 4all o44) She s*eare, the ,ar# sal+e o+er her "lean 4a"e2 rolle, the 5ar in the &ash"loth2 then ta#ing a seat at the ta3le2 lai, it 3esi,e her plate) 7s the 3rea, ha, 3een light an, tast' last night2 so &ere the 4lap5a"#s this *orning) 1hen 7,a*s !rge, a se"on, helping on her2 she ,i,n(t re4!se) -t &o!l, 3e ,ar# 3e4ore she ate again) 6a&#e ha,n(t 3ro#en his ha3it o4 4oregoing a noon *eal)

".o! got *!"h 4!rther to go2 ?asters0" 7,a*s as#e, a4ter a long s&allo& o4 "o44ee) ">a&) -4 that laz' *!le "an step along a little 4aster2 -(ll 3e at rn' ran"h 3' ,ar#)" 7,a*s narro&e, tho!ght4!l e'es on the *an &ho ha, spo#en so "arelessl') ".o! sa' that you'll 3e 3a"# at 'o!r ran"h) $oes that *ean that 'o!r &i4e ain(t goin( &ith 'o!0" 6a&#e loo#e, !p startle,2 then loo#ing slightl' ,is"o*4ite,2 a*en,e,2 "- *eant to sa' &e)" 7,a*s(s e'es pier"e, hi* another *o*ent2 then t!rning to loo# at /!e2 sai, so4tl'2 "ne+er ,i, get 'o!r na*e2 girl)" -t(s /!e)" 6er lips t&iste, &r'l') The ol, *an(s e'es &i,ene, a tri4le an, she a,,e,2 "- ,o!3t i4 there are an' *ore 4e*ales h!ng &ith s!"h a han,le) ?' 4ather na*e, *e)" She pa!se, &ith a short la!gh) "<or a reason - &on(t *ention)" ".o! sai, last night that 'o! ha+e hal4 3rothers) -s 'o!r ,a, ,ea,0" /!e shr!gge, her thin sho!l,ers) "- ,on(t #no&2 nor ,o - "are) 6e &ent o44 an, le4t *e &hen - &as three 'ears ol,) >o one has hear, o4 hi* sin"e)" "There *ight 3e a reason2" 7,a*s 3egan2 3!t 6a&#e ha, nsen 4ro* the ta3le2 or,ering /!e to get a *o+e on) ".o!(+e ,ill',all'e, long eno!gh)" The ol, *an 4ollo&e, the* o!tsi,e to &here 6a&#e ha, the *o!nts sa,,le, an, &aiting) 6e a""epte, 6a&#e(s than#s an, ret!rne, the han,sha#e) 6e t!rne, then an, helpe, /!e to s"ra*3le onto the *!le(s 3on' 3a"#) "Than#s 4or e+er'thing2 ?r) 7,a*s)" She s*ile, ,o&n at hi* &ar*l') 6e gaze, !p at her an, sai, earnestl'2 "-4 'o! e+er nee, help2 "hil,2 'o! #no& &here to "o*e)" "Than# 'o!2" she sai, so4tl') "- *a' ha+e to ta#e 'o! !p on 'o!r o44er so*e,a')" She leane, ,o&n an, grippe, his sho!l,er2 then 5a33e, the *!le lightl' &ith her heel) 6a&#e &as al*ost o!t o4 sight) 7,a*s stare, a4ter her2 sha#ing his hea, sa,l') The girl &asn(t going to ha+e it eas' &ith that insensiti+e "!ss she &as *arrie, to) 6e 5!st *ight loo# her !p one o4 these ,a's2 re*in, her that she ha, a 4rien,) The *!le ,i,n(t "at"h !p to the stallion all *orning) /!e ,i,n(t !rge hi* to ,o so) She li#e, it 4ine2 lazing along 3ehin, 6a&#e2 a ,istan"e 4ar eno!gh a&a' that she "o!l,n(t see his 4a"e2 or hear an' "!tting re*ar# he *ight *a#e) The s!n rose higher2 gre& hotter2 3!rning thro!gh /!e(s "lothes) :erspiration &et the 3a"# o4 her ,ress an, *a,e her s#irt "ling to her legs) She gre& thirst' 3!t re4!se, to "at"h !p to her "o*panion to as# 4or a ,rin# 4ro* his "anteen) -t &as earl' a4ternoon &hen the *o!nts *o+e, o!t o4 the &oo,s an, into a grass'

s&ale) -n a gro+e o4 "otton&oo,s2 5!st 3eginning to lose their lea+es2 la' a s"attering o4 3!il,ings) Is this my new home0 /!e &on,ere,2 her spirits li4ting as she too# in the &ell-"are,4or ho!se an, 3arn an, se+eral she,s) 7s 6a&#e pro,,e, the stallion into a gallop2 she !rge, the ol, *!le to #eep !p)

Chapter Five
The tall2 ,ar# &o*an sitting on the long por"h ga+e 6a&#e an, /!e a startle, loo# as the' "lattere, into the 'ar, in 4ront o4 the "lap3oar, ho!se) /!e(s e'es 4astene, on the +ol!pt!o!s2 attra"ti+e 4e*ale an, #ne& i**e,iatel' that this &as not 6a&#e(s ran"h) This &o*an in the 3l!e poplin2 lo&-"!t ,ress2 &ith tin' p!44e, slee+es2 &as the *istress here) (ow appalling I must look0 /!e tho!ght2 "ringing insi,e2 "ons"io!s o4 her pat"he,2 s&eat-staine, ,ress2 her ,irt' string' hair2 an, s"a33e, 4a"e) 6o&e+er2 &hen she 4o!n, the &o*an(s "!rio!s e'es on her2 she loo#e, 3a"# pro!,l') 6er gran,parents ha, ta!ght her to 3o& to no one) <ro&ning2 the &o*an shi4te, her gaze to 6a&#e) 6e slante, her a laz' s*ile as he leane, 4or&ar,2 his ar*s "rosse, on the po**el o4 the sa,,le) "1here(s Sa*2 %illie0" he as#e, so4tl'2 a #no&ing loo# in his e'es as the &o*an ran a tong!e aro!n, her lips 3e4ore ans&ering 3reathlessl') "6e(s ri,in( 3o!n,ar' to,a') 6e &on(t 3e ho*e 4or t&o or three ho!rs)" %illie ?e'ers &al#e, a"ross the por"h2 her a*ple 3reasts 5!ggling so that /!e hel, her 3reath2 expe"ting the* to es"ape the s"ant' "on4ines o4 the 3o,i"e) 1hen she stoo, at the e,ge o4 the por"h2 she loo#e, ar"hl' at 6a&#e an, as#e,2 "7re 'o! gonna sit that horse all ,a'2 or are 'o! "o*in( in 4or a +isit0" 6a&#e ga+e her a sala"io!s grin) "- tho!ght - *ight "o*e in 4or a &hileD 6a+e a "!p o4 "o44ee2 or so*ethin()" 1hen he ,is*o!nte, an, steppe, on the por"h2 %illie sli, her ar* thro!gh his an, shi4ting her e'es to /!e sneere, thro!gh thin2 painte, lips2 "1ho2 or &hat2 is that on that sorr'-loo#in( *!le0" 6a&#e tosse, /!e a "areless glan"e) "6er0 1h' that(s *' &i4e)" %illie 5er#e, her ar* o!t o4 his) ".o!r &i4e0 - ,on(t 3elie+e 'o!)" 6er slitte, e'es tra+ele, "onte*pt!o!sl' o+er /!e2 *issing nothing) ".o! &o!l,n(t *arr' a rag-tail li#e that)" 6a&#e "h!"#le, an, p!lle, %illie(s ar* 3a"# thro!gh his) "Co*e on insi,e an, -(ll tell 'o! all a3o!t it)"

/!e stare, a4ter the* as the' ,isappeare, thro!gh the ,oor) She "o!l,n(t re*e*3er e+er 3eing so angr'2 so "o*pletel' ins!lte,) She ha, 3een ,is"!sse, as tho!gh she &ere an inani*ate o35e"t2 &itho!t sense or 4eeling) She 4elt si"# &ith the hatre, she 4elt 4or her h!s3an, an, his para*o!r) 1hen the so!n, o4 his 5ingling sp!rs an, the &o*an(s hightapping heels ,isappeare, into the 3a"# regions o4 the ho!se2 /!e sli, to the gro!n,) She stret"he, her sore *!s"les2 then r!33e, her rear2 thin#ing she 5!st *ight &al# the rest o4 the &a' to &here+er the' &ere going) The ol, *!le 3ra'e, an, n!,ge, her sho!l,er) ".o!(re thirst' too2 h!h2 ol, 4ello&)" She loo#e, aro!n, the 'ar,) "Co*e on2" she sai,2 t!rning the ani*al to&ar, a long tro!gh 3eneath a "otton&oo, tree) The stallion snorte, an, sta*pe, his great hoo4s2 an, onl' 4or a se"on, she ignore, hi*) She tie, the *!le at one en, o4 the tro!gh2 then &ent 3a"# 4or Captain) ".o! "an(t help ho& 'o!r *aster is2" she sai, as she le, the ani*al to the other en, o4 the tro!gh an, tie, hi* to a li*3) /!e li"#e, her ,r' lips as the *!le an, horse ,ran# their 4ill2 3!t "o!l,n(t 3ring hersel4 to ,rin# a4ter the*) The &ater &as 4!ll o4 ,arting ta,poles) 1hile the *!le lippe, at a t!4t o4 grass2 an, the stallion snorte, an, "ha*pe, his 3it2 /!e &al#e, 3a"# to the por"h an, sat ,o&n on the top step) 6er e'es s*ol,ere, &ith resent*ent as the s!n po!re, ,o&n on her 3are hea,) She ha,n(t e+en 3een o44ere, a "!p o4 &ater2 ne+er *in, "o44ee) <ro* insi,e "a*e the 4aint +oi"es o4 6a&#e an, the &o*an he "alle, %illie) /!e(s lips straightene, in a tight line e+er' ti*e lo& la!ghter p!n"t!ate, their "on+ersation) >o ,o!3t the' &ere tal#ing a3o!t the "rag-tail &i4e" 3a#ing in the s!n &hile the' "arrie, on in the "oolness o4 the ho!se) (e's a fool2 she tho!ght) 1areless and danger&lo"ing, messing around with another man's wife) 7 hal4 ho!r passe, in &hi"h /!e(s thirst gre&2 tightening her throat2 ro!ghening her tong!e) /e3ellion rose insi,e her) -n+ite, or not2 she &as going to *ar"h insi,e that ho!se an, get hersel4 a ,rin# o4 &ater) She starte, to rise2 then slo&l' san# 3a"# ,o&n) 7 &hite stallion ha, 3ro#e 4ro* a 4ringe o4 trees at a 4!ll gallop) The ri,er p!lle, hi* to a rearing halt in 4ront o4 the por"h2 his sli,ing hoo4s thro&ing ,irt an, gra+el o+er /!e) She "ho#e, an, "o!ghe,2 then peere, thro!gh the settling ,!st at the *an astri,e the 3ig horse) The "ol,est e'es she(, e+er loo#e, into2 stare, o!t o4 a thin2 s"arre, 4a"e) (e's well in his si,ties2 she tho!ght) Then apprehension "o!rse, thro!gh her as2 ,!st'-3oote, an, long-sp!rre,2 the *an le4t the sa,,le an, "lan#e, noisel' onto the por"h) 6is e'es s&ept o+er /!e &ith no hint o4 4rien,liness) B+en 3e4ore he as#e,2 "1ho are 'o!0" she #ne& %illie(s h!s3an, ho+ere, o+er her)

7n, &hat &o!l, he sa' a3o!t his &i4e 3eing in the ho!se alone &ith the han,so*e ran"her0 /!e &on,ere,) A young, handsome rancher2 she ta"#e, on) /et!rning the intent stare2 /!e sai, "ool'2 "?' na*e is /!e ?asters) 6a&#e ?asters is *' h!s3an,)" She &ante, to giggle as the steel-gra' e'es &i,ene, an, a 4li"#er o4 s!rprise stirre, the stoi" 4eat!res) 6er ans&er ha, 3een the last thing he ha, expe"te, to hear2 she &as s!re) >o telling &ho or &hat he tho!ght she &as) /egaining his "o*pos!re2 Sa* ?e'ers as#e, &ith a hint o4 "onte*pt2 "1h' are 'o! sittin( o!t here alone0 1here is ?asters0" <or a 4leeting &il, *o*ent /!e &as te*pte, to ans&er2 "6e(s l'ing &ith 'o!r &i4e2 in 'o!r 3e,)" She a3orte, the tho!ght al*ost at its "on"eption) This *an &o!l,n(t hesitate to p!t a 3!llet in 6a&#e2 an, &o!l, en5o' ,oing it) 7n, as *!"h as she ,espise, the *an she &as *arrie, to2 she &o!l,n(t &ant to 3e the "a!se o4 his ,eath) She s&allo&e, har,2 an, in a &a+e o4 "on4!sion 3l!rte, o!t2 "6e(s insi,e ha+ing a "!p o4 "o44ee)" Sa* stare, ,o&n at her2 his gaze *eas!ring) "1h' aren(t 'o! ha+in( "o44ee too0" /!e ga+e a s*all &a+e o4 her han, an, re*ar#e, in,i44erentl'2 "- ,on(t li#e the st!44)" There &as an !n,er"!rrent o4 *o"#er' in ?e'ers(s +oi"e &hen he *!ttere,2 as tho!gh to hi*sel42 "Bspe"iall' i4 'o! &eren(t in+ite, insi,e to ha+e so*e)" "Oh2 3!t that(s not tr!e2" /!e 3egan2 then stoppe, as %illie &al#e, o!t o4 the ho!se2 4ollo&e, 3' 6a&#e) 7 4risson o4 4ear ran ,o&n /!e(s spine as2 ignoring %illie(s "heer4!l2 "Sa*2 ,ear2 'o!(+e 4inishe, earl'2 ho& ni"e2" the ol,er *an loo#e, at 6a&#e &ith s*ol,ering ,isli#e) /!e loo#e, at her h!s3an,2 tr'ing to rea, &hat &as in his e'es2 3!t strangel'2 he see*e, to 3e a+oi,ing loo#ing at her) She t!rne, her hea, 3a"# to ?e'ers &hen she sa& hi* ta#e a step to&ar, 6a&#e) "7 *an(s a 4ool &ho st!*3les o+er the sa*e stone t&i"e2 ?asters2" the ran"her sai, harshl') /!e hel, her 3reath2 &aiting 4or 6a&#e(s repl'2 4or there &as no *ista#ing the &arning in the "ol, +oi"e) 6a&#e straightene, o!t o4 his lo!nging stan"e against the por"h post2 an, &ith a "ool s*ile &reathing his lips2 sai,2 "- agree &ith 'o!2 ?e'ers) -(ll let 'o! #no& the 4irst ti*e - st!*3le)" "$on(t 3other 'o!rsel4" ?e'ers(s 4ists "len"he, at his si,es) "-(+e a 4eelin( 'o!(+e alrea,' st!*3le, *ore than on"e)" 6e loo#e, at /!e) ".o!(+e got 'o!r o&n &i4e no&) - ,on(t &ant to see 'o! hangin( aro!n, *ine)"

"Sa*A 1hat are 'o! thin#in(0" %illie t!"#e, her han, aro!n, her h!s3an,(s ar* an, r!33e, her large 3reasts against it) "6a&#e is o!r neigh3or) 6e onl' stoppe, 3' 4or a 4rien,l' +isit2 an, to intro,!"e his ne& &i4e)" 7 sneer li4te, ?e'ers(s thin lips) "-s that right0 Tell *e2 %illie2 &hat is his &i4e(s na*e0" Cneasiness s&ept o+er %illie(s har,2 attra"ti+e 4a"e2 an, she loo#e, at 6a&#e2 plainl' as#ing 4or help) 1hen she starte, to sta**er2 4!*3le 4or &or,s2 6a&#e sai, o44han,e,l'2 "Co*e on2 /!e2 it(s ti*e &e get goin( i4 &e(re gonna *a#e the ran"h 3e4ore ,ar#)" The tho!ght o4 &aiting a *in!te longer 4or a ,rin# o4 &ater 3ro!ght all o4 /!e(s pent!p 4!r' 3!rsting loose) "6a&#e ?asters2 -(* not lea+ing this por"h !ntil - get a ,rin# o4 &ater2" she ,e"lare, tightl') The three stare, at /!e2 3lin#ing at the 4ire shooting 4ro* her e'es) 6a&#e stirre, !neasil' as re, "rept o+er his 4a"e) 6e sho!l, ha+e seen to it that she got so*e &ater) 6is g!ilt intensi4ie, &hen ?e'ers *o"#e,2 ".o! s!re loo# a4ter 'o!r ne& &i4e(s "o*4ort2 ,on(t 'o!2 ?asters0" e4ore 6a&#e "o!l, ans&er2 4or &hat "o!l, he sa'2 the ran"her t!rne, to his highl' agitate, &i4e still "linging to his ar*) "-t &o!l, appear2 %illie2 that 'o!r gra"io!sness ,oesn(t exten, to o!r neigh3or(s &i4e) 9o 4et"h her a glass o4 &ater2 a "ol, one2 4ro* the spring)" /!e ha, a s!spi"ion that %illie ?e'ers ha, ne+er *o+e, so 4ast in her li4e) !t ,!ring the 4e& *in!tes it too# her to ret!rn2 the air &as highl' tense an, /!e &on,ere, i4 she sho!l,n(t ha+e #ept her *o!th sh!t an, *anage, so*eho& to tolerate her thirst !ntil she rea"he, her ne& ho*e) 6o&e+er2 &hen %illie hel, o!t a glass o4 &ater to her2 /!e pra"ti"all' snat"he, it 4ro* her han,2 spilling so*e on her &a' to her *o!th) >e+er ha, an'thing 4elt so goo, as that "ol, li=!i, r!nning ,o&n her throat) 7s she thr!st the e*pt' glass 3a"# to %illie2 an, s*ile, her than#s to Sa*2 3oth ?e'erses too# a "loser loo# at the s*all2 ,eli"ate 4a"e) 7 satis4ie, s*ile li4te, the *an(s lips2 &hile the &o*an(s po!ting ones "!r+e, ,o&n&ar,) 6er narro&e, li,s sai, that it &as possi3le that later on she *ight ha+e "o*petition 4ro* 6a&#e(s +er' 'o!ng &i4e) 6a&#e &as *o!nte, an, &aiting i*patientl' as /!e s"ra*3le, onto the ol, *!le(s 3a"# as 3est she "o!l, &hile tr'ing to #eep her s#irt p!lle, ,o&n aro!n, her #nees) 7 si,elong loo# sho&e, her %illie(s s*ir#ing 4a"e) It pleases the bitch that my husband treats his stallion better than his wife2 she tho!ght ,ar#l'2 an, #i"#e, the *!le so har, it 5olte, hi* into a hal4 trot) She ro,e alongsi,e 6a&#e in silen"e 4or a *in!te2 then !na3le to hol, her tong!e an' longer2 as#e, 4latl'2 "7re 'o! "arr'ing on &ith 'o!r neigh3or(s &i4e0" 6a&#e loo#e, at her as tho!gh she &ere an anno'ing 4l' 3!zzing aro!n, his hea,)

!t as she ret!rne, his gaze stea,il'2 he loo#e, a&a'2 *!ttering ina!,i3l') "-(* sorr'2 3!t - ,i,n(t hear &hat 'o! sai,2" /!e pro,,e,2 ,eter*ine, that he ans&er her) "- sai,"@a *!s"le t&it"he, in 6a&#e(s "hee#@"&hat(s it to 'o! i4 - a*0 $i, 'o! ha+e the "raz' i,ea that - &as goin( to 3e tr!e to *' little &i4e0" C!t to the =!i"# 3' his sneering &or,s2 /!e 3!rst o!t 4!rio!sl'2 "- ne+er tho!ght that 4or a *in!te) ?en o4 'o!r "ali3er are al&a's to*"atting2 *arrie, or not) !t it(s plain Sa* ?e'ers is "raz' a3o!t his &horing &i4e an, - ,on(t see &h' 'o! "an(t lea+e her alone)" 6a&#e 4elt a sting o4 g!ilt) Ol, Sa* ,i, lo+e %illie2 pro3a3l' in the sa*e &a' :a ha, lo+e, ?a2 an, en ha, lo+e, Sara) -t str!"# hi* 4or the 4irst ti*e ho& his 4ather an, 3rother &o!l, ha+e 4elt ha, their &i+es gone to 3e, &ith another *an) >e+ertheless it ir#e, hi* that the thin2 *o!ntain girl ri,ing 3esi,e hi* ha, *a,e hi* see the &rong he &as ,oing his neigh3or) 6e sent her a loo# 4ro* 3eneath hoo,e, e'es an, sneere,2 "- expe"t 'o!(re an expert on &hores) %i#e al&a's re"ognizes li#e)" -t &as all /!e "o!l, ,o not to 4ling hersel4 at the hate4!l *an an, s"rat"h his 4a"e to ri33ons) !t #no&ing that he &o!l, ne+er let her get starte,2 she !se, her tong!e as a &eapon) ".o! lo&-li4e &o*anizer2" she gro!n, o!t) "- hope Sa* ?e'ers #ills 'o! so*e,a'2 then -(ll 3e ri, o4 'o!)" 6a&#e la!ghe, easil') "That &on(t happen2 little girl2 so get it in 'o!r hea,8 'o!(re st!"# &ith *e !ntil - no longer nee, 'o!) - lost a lot o4 *one' on 'o!2 an,2 3' 9o,2 'o!(re gonna earn it 3a"# 4or *e)" /!e *a,e no response an, silen"e pre+aile, 3et&een the* !ntil 6a&#e s!rprise, her 3' sa'ing2 "- ,i,n(t ta#e %illie to 3e, to,a'2 i4 that(s &hat 'o!(re thin#in()" "-(* not thin#ing an'thing2" /!e retorte,) "-t(s nothing to *e ho& *an' &o*en 'o! la' &ith) - 5!st thin# it(s a sha*e that 'o! go a4ter another *an(s &i4e)" 6a&#e sent her a sear"hing glan"e) Co!l, his !nattra"ti+e &i4e 3e 5ealo!s0 !t there &as onl' "hill' !n"on"ern in /!e(s e'es2 an, 4or so*e reason her o3+io!s la"# o4 interest ran#le, hi*) 7s ,i, her arrogant aloo4ness) 6e s&ore !n,er his 3reath) 6e(, ta#e so*e o4 that o!t o4 her 3e4ore he &as thro!gh) 6e(, see to it that she &or#e, her rear en, o44 aro!n, the ran"h) ' the ti*e she "oo#e, an, "leane, an, loo#e, a4ter S!sie an, To**ie2 she(, 3e so tire, she &o!l,n(t ha+e the strength to raise that st!33orn "hin so high) 6e lightl' n!,ge, Captain into an eas' lope) %et the s*art-ass 3it"h ri,e alone) 6a&#e(s tho!ghts &ent 3a"#&ar, to the ?e'ers) "1h'2 he &on,ere,2 ha,n(t he ta#en the &illing %illie to 3e,0 6e(, ha, e+er' intention to2 ha, tho!ght a3o!t it all the ti*e on the trail) !t &hen %illie &o!l, ha+e le, hi* to her 3e,roo* so*ething ha, hel, hi* 3a"#) 6e &as at a loss 4or the reason2 3!t s!,,enl' he(, ha, no ,esire 4or the

&o*an he(, l!ste, a4ter 4or t&o 'ears) 1hen a s*all +oi"e s!ggeste,2 #aybe you didn't want to cheat on your wife2 he s"o44e, at the i,ea) That one &o!l, ne+er #eep hi* 4ro* going to 3e, &ith another &o*an) -t pro3a3l' ha, to ,o &ith the strain he(, 3een !n,er2 losing his 3rother an, all) Captain l!nge, !p a s*all rise an, the ri"h2 green +alle' la' 3e4ore 6a&#e) %ong sha,o&s o4 approa"hing t&ilight "o+ere, hal4 its length) 6e p!lle, in the stallion an, &aite, 4or /!e to "at"h !p) "There it is2" he sai,2 pri,e in his +oi"e2 "*' ran"h)" /!e loo#e, ,o&n on the ,ar#ening length o4 lan, that la' on 3oth si,es o4 a ri+er2 s"attere, &ith gro&ths o4 pine an, spr!"e) It's a wild land this man has brought me to2 she tho!ght) $here's nothing but trees, sky, and mountains- And no doubt wol"es howling in the night) But, oh so beautiful2 she a,,e, as 6a&#e li4te, the reins an, ro,e to&ar, the 3!il,ings nestle, in the 4oothills o4 the *o!ntain less than a *ile a&a') 7 lone ri,er2 #eeping in the "o+er o4 a &i,e pine2 &at"he, 6a&#e an, /!e !ntil the' 4a,e, into the ,istan"e) B'es 4!ll o4 hate loo#e, o!t o4 the *an(s 4at2 hea+il' &his#ere, 4a"e) 6is han, stro#e, the 3!tt o4 the ri4le sho+e, in its sheath) ">o2" he raspe,2 "shooting is too goo, 4or the 3it"h) She *!st s!44er)" Sl' !r4or, stro#e, his *ai*e, *anhoo,2 his e'es glittering as he tho!ght o4 &a's he(, get his re+enge on ?rs) /!e ?asters) 6e li4te, the reins o4 his stolen *o!nt an, t!rne, it in the ,ire"tion o4 Sa* ?e'ers(s ran"h) 7 4an"' 3ig sprea, li#e that one &o!l, al&a's nee, extra help) 6e(, hire on there an, 3i,e his ti*e) /!e s*ile, thinl' as she an, 6a&#e arri+e, at the large nati+e stone an, pine log ho!se) This h!s3an, o4 hers ,i, ha+e 4iner 4eelings a4ter all2 she *!se, as she &at"he, the so4tening o4 his 4eat!res as he gaze, at his ho*e) She gaze, at &hat *a,e satis4a"tion glo& in his green e'es) The roo4 o4 the &i,e por"h r!nning the length o4 the ho!se sagge, in the *i,,le) The por"h ha, se+eral 4loor3oar,s *issing2 an, the &arpe, sh!tters h!ng as#e& at the &in,o&s) The 'ar, &as r!33le an, &ee,-4ille,2 &ith a narro& path "!tting thro!gh it to the ho!se) /!e stare, at the pla"e 4or a long ti*e) 7ltho!gh it &as sha33' an, r!n-,o&n2 it 4ire, her i*agination) Strangel' it ,i,n(t ha+e that a!ra o4 po+ert'2 o4 hopelessness2 li#e the one she ha, gro&n !p in) There &as a sta3ilit' a3o!t it2 a pro*ise o4 3etter ti*es) She ,eter*ine, that 4or &hate+er ti*e she *ight 3e here she &o!l, *a#e a ho*e in this !nta*e, 1est) 6a&#e interr!pte, her silent +o&) "9o on in the ho!se an, start s!pper)" 6e sli, to the gro!n, an, rea"he, 4or the *!le(s reins) ".o!(ll 4in, e+er'thing 'o! nee, in the "!p3oar,s)"

/!e sli, to the gro!n,2 gra33e, her s*all 3!n,le2 an, &at"he, hi* lea, her ol, pet a&a') She 4elt a sense o4 loss as its 3on' r!*p s&!ng a&#&ar,l' a&a') 6e &as the last lin# to her ol, li4e) 1o!l, her 4!t!re one 3e an' 3etter0 She &on,ere, as she "are4!ll' steppe, on the rotting por"h an, p!she, open the hea+' ,oor) She steppe, into a large roo* an, stoo, a *o*ent2 a,5!sting her e'es to the gloo*) Onl' the &ea# ra's o4 the setting s!n thro!gh a ,irt' &in,o& ga+e an' light) 6er +ision "leare, an, the 4irst thing to "at"h her e'es &as the h!ge 4irepla"e sit!ate, in the "enter o4 the right-han, o!tsi,e &all) -t &as "onstr!"te, o4 4iel,stone an, open at 3oth en,s) -t ha, a raise, hearth2 high eno!gh so that large 3a"#logs "o!l, 3e sli, in 4ro* either si,e) 6eat 4ro* it &o!l, 4lo& in three ,ire"tions) She ha, no ,o!3t that this roo* &o!l, 3e "oz' an, &ar* "o*e &inter &hen the 4ier"e &in,s 3le&) She t!rne, slo&l'2 ta#ing in the rest o4 the roo*) There &ere onl' t&o pie"es o4 4!rnit!re2 t&o ro"#ers 3a,l' in nee, o4 repair) She ,o!3te, either one "o!l, ta#e 6a&#e(s &eight &itho!t 4alling apart) 1ith a ,eep sigh2 she &al#e, a"ross the ,irt-littere, 4loor an, steppe, thro!gh a ,oor that le, her into a #it"hen) 6er lips p!rse, as her e'es &ent at on"e to the r!st' range in a "orner) -t ,i,n(t loo# in *!"h 3etter "on,ition than the one she ha, s&eate, o+er *a#ing the s#i*p' *eals 4or her hal4 3rothers) 6er gaze &as ,ra&n next to the ro!gh2 ,irt-gri*e, ta3le) B+er' in"h &as "o+ere, &ith ,irt' ,ishes2 pots2 an, pans) She a,+an"e, into the roo*2 pi"#ing !p a 3en"h an, aligning it &ith the ta3le) She 3!*pe, her #nee on its *ate as she s#irte, the ta3le an, &ent thro!gh another ,oor lea,ing into a long hall) <o!r ,oors le, o44 it) Three roo*s &ere e*pt'2 the 4o!rth hol,ing a sagging 3e, an, a ri"#et' ta3le 3esi,e it) 7 #erosine la*p2 &ith a s*o#e, "hi*ne'2 sat on its s!r4a"e2 a 3ox o4 *at"hes 3esi,e it) The 3e, &as !n*a,e2 its "o+ers tosse, in a r!*ple, pile) 7t least a *onth(s s!ppl' o4 soile,2 *ale "lothing ha, 3een tosse, in a "orner) /!e 4ro&ne,) 1hat ,i, he ,o2 3!' ne& ones e+er' ti*e he nee,e, a "hange o4 "lothing0 "There(s a *ain o4 &or# ahea, o4 *e2" she *!ttere,2 ret!rning to the #it"hen) !t that &as all she(, e+er #no&n2 so she ,is*isse, it 4ro* her *in, as she ta"#le, the ol, sto+e2 3!il,ing a 4ire insi,e it 4ro* the plenti4!l s!ppl' o4 &oo, sta"#e, a sa4e ,istan"e a&a' 4ro* the 3la"# *onster) She set the r!st' ,a*per2 then t!rne, to the ta3le &ith a sigh) She glan"e, at the &ater pail a*ong the *ess) 1as it possi3le it hel, an' &ater0 -t &as e*pt') "$a*n2" /!e *!ttere,) 6o& 4ar &o!l, she ha+e to &al# to the &ater s!ppl'0 7n, &here &as it0 she &on,ere,2 pi"#ing !p the pail an, going thro!gh a si,e ,oor that too# her o!tsi,e) 7nother path la' in 4ront o4 her2 lea,ing o44 thro!gh &aist-high &ee,s) Spe"!lating that it le, to a so!r"e o4 &ater2 it 3eing so &ell-tro,,en2 she 4ollo&e, it aro!n, to the

3a"# o4 the ho!se an, on to a high 4or*ation o4 ro"#s an, 3o!l,ers rising in a thi"# stan, o4 "otton&oo,) She hear, it 3e4ore she sa& it) 7 r!shing torrent o4 &ater) -t g!she, 4ro* !n,er a large 3o!l,er2 lashe, against the ro"#s in its path2 4ille, a s"oope,-o!t hole line, &ith s*ooth stones2 then ,isappeare, into a ,ense thi"#et) /!e ,roppe, to her #nees 3esi,e the s*all pool an, ,ippe, her 4ingers in its i"' "oolness) There &o!l, 3e no *ore hal4-*ile &al#s to 4et"h &ater 4ro* a ri+er) She ha, a "onstant 4lo& o4 health'2 gra+el-straine, &ater onl' a 4e& 'ar,s a&a' 4ro* the ho!se) She 4ille, the pail then h!rrie, 3a"# to the #it"hen &here she po!re, hal4 its "ontents into a 3ig 3la"# #ettle on the range) 1hile it heate,2 she atta"#e, the ta3le) 1hile she s"rape, ,rie, 4oo, o44 plates an, o!t o4 3o&ls2 she *!ttere,2 "- ,o!3t i4 there(s one "lean pie"e o4 "ro"#er'2 or an'thing else 4or that *atter2 in this entire ho!se)" The #ettle stea*e, an, /!e po!re, the hot &ater o+er a 3ar o4 'ello&2 l'e soap she(, !nearthe, in a 3otto* "!p3oar,) She s&ishe, the pie"e o4 rag that ha, 3een &rappe, aro!n, the soap in the &ater !ntil she ha, a goo, a*o!nt o4 s!,s2 then pi"#ing !p the sta"# o4 plates2 she pl!n#e, the* into the pan2 a,,ing the 3o&ls2 "!ps2 an, eating !tensils) 1hile the' soa#e,2 she inspe"te, the plenti4!l s!pplies sta"#e, neatl' in an !pper "!p3oar,) 1ith a sharp pang2 she re*e*3ere, ho& 3are the shel+es &ere 3a"# at the $e%a&ne' sha"# an, &on,ere, i4 her hal4 3rothers ha, eaten that ,a') The s!n ha, slippe, 3ehin, the *o!ntain &hen 6a&#e entere, the #it"hen an, sni44e, h!ngril' at the *o!th-&atering aro*a o4 4r'ing *eat) 6is e'es &i,ene, as the' lit on the s"r!33e, ta3le2 the t&o shin' plates &ith #ni4e2 4or#2 an, spoon pla"e, 3esi,e the*2 t&o 3o&ls 4ille, &ith stea*ing 4rie, potatoes an, string 3eans2 an, a platter o4 lightl' 3ro&ne, sli"es o4 ha*) ' the 3right light o4 the la*p in the "enter o4 the ta3le2 its "hi*ne' spar#ling "lean2 its &i"# tri**e,2 he &at"he, /!e ta#e a pan o4 3is"!its 4ro* the o+en) At least she's not la2y2 he tho!ght2 re*o+ing his hat an, hanging it on a nail 3esi,e the ,oor) 1or,lessl'2 he sat at the ta3le) 7t /!e(s raise, e'e3ro&s2 he gro&le,2 "- &ashe, !p at the horse tro!gh2" an, 3egan heaping 4oo, onto his plate) /!e 4ille, the t&o "!ps &ith "o44ee2 then pla"ing the pot &ithin his rea"h2 too# a seat a"ross 4ro* hi*) The *eal &as eaten in silen"e2 onl' the s"raping so!n, o4 4or#s an, #ni+es hea+' in the air) 6a&#e glan"e, at the silent girl a"ross 4ro* hi* a "o!ple o4 ti*es2 thin#ing that he sho!l, "o*pli*ent her on the ,eli"io!s s!pper) 6e "o!l,n(t re*e*3er e+er tasting an'thing 3etter) !t she &ore that sa*e aloo4ness on her ,irt' 4a"e an, he hel, his tong!e) 6e &o!l, onl' re"ei+e a sharp retort 4or his tro!3le) "1hen he ha, "leane, his plate an, po!re, a se"on, "!p o4 "o44ee2 /!e stoo, !p an,

"leare, the ta3le2 pla"ing the ,irt' ,ishes into a pan o4 4resh2 s!,s' &ater) 6a&#e s"o&le, at her 3a"# as she &al#e, to the #it"hen ,oor an, leane, in the opening2 her stan"e sa'ing plainl' that she &as &aiting 4or hi* to 4inish his "o44ee an, lea+e) 6er o3+io!s ,isli#e o4 hi* &as strangel' ,ist!r3ing to 6a&#e) 1h' ,i, she ha+e s!"h lo& regar, 4or hi*0 he as#e, hi*sel4 She sho!l, 3e ,a*ne, grate4!l that he ha, ta#en her a&a' 4ro* that sha"#D e+en *arrie, herD Sl' !r4or,(s "asto44 7n, he still ,i,n(t #no& &hether or not she &as "arr'ing the 4at *an(s see,) )hat if she is0 6a&#e pon,ere,) 1hat "o!l, he ,o a3o!t it0 esi,es nee,ing her to "are 4or S!sie an, To**' later on2 he &as legall' *arrie, to her) ' la& he "o!l,n(t 5!st tell her to lea+e) 6e stoo, !p2 ,e"i,ing he(, &orr' a3o!t that pro3le* i4 an, &hen it "a*e !p) Ta#ing ,o&n his hat 4ro* &here it h!ng 5!st a 4e& in"hes a3o+e /!e(s hea,2 he sai, 3r!s=!el'2 ".o! "an !se the 3e,) -(ll 3e 3!n#ing in &ith the "o&p!n"hers)" /!e hear, the 4ront ,oor "lose 3ehin, hi* an, *!ttere,2 ".o!r &a' o4 letting 'o!r *en #no& that 'o!r ,o&,' &i4e ,oesn(t appeal to 'o!) 1ell2 that(s 4ine &ith rne)" She atta"#e, the pan o4 ,irt' ,ishes &ith a 4!r' that *a,e her pa!se a4ter a *o*ent2 &on,ering at her anger) 1h' &as she so angr'0 she as#e, hersel4 1eren(t things &or#ing o!t the &a' she &ante, the* to0 6a,n(t she tol, hersel4 o+er an, o+er that she &ante, as little as possi3le to ,o &ith that *an0 " !t it h!rts2" she &hispere,2 tears stinging her e'eli,s2 "To #no& that the *an 'o!(re *arrie, to has nothing 3!t "onte*pt 4or 'o!2 that 'o! *ight ha+e to spen, the rest o4 'o!r li4e !n&ante, an, !nlo+e,) /!e &ipe, an ar* a"ross her tearing e'es an, tol, hersel4 to stop thin#ing 4oolishl') Ger' 4e& *en e+er lo+e, ,eepl' an, 4or an' length o4 ti*e) $i,n(t she ha+e plent' proo4 o4 that0 %oo# ho& Sl' ha, !se, her *other2 *a#ing her "ontin!e to sell her 3o,') 7n, &hat a3o!t those *en &ho "a*e to the sha"# e+er' night0 ?ore than hal4 o4 the* ha, &i+es) ">o2" she sai, 4ir*l') "- "an li+e &itho!t a *an(s so-"alle, lo+e)" -n a short ti*e the #it"hen &as "leane,2 an, t&o large pans o4 &ater &ere heating on the sto+e) e4ore she &ent to 3e, tonight2 she &as going to ha+e a &ar*2 soa#ing 3ath2 an, s"r!3 a&a' the ,irt an, gri*e o4 the trail) /!e pi"#e, her 3!n,le o44 the 4loor &here she ha, lai, it in a "orner !pon arri+ing) Opening it !p2 she !n4ol,e, the ne& ,ress2 shoo# o!t so*e o4 the &rin#les2 then sprea, it o!t on one o4 the 3en"hes) >ext2 she pla"e, one o4 the rose-s"ente, 3ars o4 soap2 &ash"loth2 an, to&el on the ta3le2 then 3!sie, hersel4 &ith ,ropping the long 3ars a"ross 3oth o!tsi,e ,oors) 9oing to &here a large &oo,en t!3 h!ng 4ro* the &all2 she str!ggle, it to the 4loor an, ,ragge, it to a spot &ell a&a' 4ro* the &in,o&) One o4 the han,s *ight 3e l!r#ing aro!n, o!tsi,e2 hoping to get a gli*pse o4 the &i4e

their 3oss ,i,n(t &ant to sleep &ith) /!e soa#e, in the hot &ater !ntil it gre& "ol,) 1hen she stoo, !p2 a goo, a*o!nt o4 ,ar# s"a3s 4loate, on top o4 the &ater) 7s she ,rie, hersel4 o442 *ost o4 the re*aining ones "a*e o44 in her to&el) "7t last)" She la!ghe, so4tl'2 an, h!rrie, to po!r &ar* &ater into a 3asin to &ash her 4a"e) "1hen she 4inishe, lathering an, rinsing2 she peere, into a 3ro#en o44 pie"e o4 *irror proppe, on the &in,o&sill) 6er &hite teeth glea*e, in a &i,e2 please, s*ile) B+er' last s"a3 &as gone) There &ere onl' spots o4 pin#ish ,ots &hi"h &o!l, 4a,e 3' *orning) /!e hel, her greas' hair a&a' 4ro* her 4a"e an, 4or the 4irst ti*e in her li4e st!,ie, her 4eat!res) She sa& a "rea*'2 hone'-tanne, "o*plexion2 a straight2 o4 *o,erate length nose2 4!ll2 re, lips a3o+e a st!33orn2 little "hin) The high "hee#3ones 3eneath stor*' 3l!e e'es she ha, inherite, 4ro* her 4ather an, gran,4ather) She 3lin#e, her hea+il' lashe, e'es against tears as she re*e*3ere, her gran,4ather) 6o& &orrie, he an, gran,*a *!st 3e a3o!t her) ?a'3e so*e,a' she "o!l, get a letter o44 to the*) /!e let her hair 4all 3a"# to her sho!l,ers2 !n,e"i,e, &hether to &ash it no& or to*orro&) She "a*e to the ,e"ision that she 3etter &ait as she ran her 4ingers thro!gh the long2 hea+' tresses) She nee,e, the s!n to ,r' it 4!ll'2 or to sit 3e4ore a 4ire 4or an ho!r or so) "7n, -(* too tire, to sta' !p that long2" she *!ttere,2 'a&ning) 7n, still na#e,2 she 3le& o!t the la*p2 an, in the so4t glo& o4 *oonlight "o*ing thro!gh the &in,o&2 she &al#e, to 6a&#e(s 3e,roo* an, "ra&le, into his 3e,) So*eho&2 6a&#e(s s"ent &asn(t rep!lsi+e to her as she i**e,iatel' ,roppe, o44 into a ,rea*less sleep) /!e 'a&ne, an, stret"he,2 an, &aite, 4or the little ones to start their h!ngr' &hining) Then she "a!ght 6a&#e(s s"ent an, her e'es 4le& open) She &o!l,n(t 3e hearing those &hi*pering "ries an'*ore) She &as *arrie, an, h!n,re,s o4 *iles a&a' 4ro* the*) She p!she, a&a' the pi"t!res o4 their thin2 little 4a"es an, leane, !p on 3oth el3o&s to peer at the &in,o& at the 4oot o4 the 3e,) 7 ros' glo& in the east *anage, to penetrate the ,irt' &in,o&panes) The s!n &o!l, 3e !p soon) She sat !p an, s&!ng her 4eet to the 4loor) "-(, 3etter h!stle i4 -(* to ha+e his lor,ship(s 3rea#4ast on the ta3le 3' the ti*e he "o*es sto*ping in2" she *!ttere,2 &al#ing a"ross the 4loor2 4lin"hing as her 3are 4eet tro, on a 4ine 4il* o4 gritt' san, an, s*all "lo,s o4 ,irt) She i*agine, the l!*ps o4 ,irt "a*e 4ro* 6a&#e(s sp!rs an, 3oot heels) She pro*ise, hersel4 that to,a' the entire ho!se &o!l, get a thoro!gh s&eeping) -n the #it"hen /!e pi"#e, !p her ne& ,ress an, p!lle, it o+er her hea,) -ts ne& "rispness &as ro!gh on her ten,er s#in2 a3rasi+e against her 4ir*2 5!tting 3reasts) She

3!ttone, !p the 3o,i"e an, ran her han,s ,o&n her ri3 "age &here the *aterial "l!ng sn!gl' 3e4ore easing to shape o+er her 3reasts) There &as a 3elt to nip in her narro& &aist &here the gathere, s#irt 4ell gra"e4!ll' to her an#les) She s*ile,) 9ran,*a ha, 4itte, her per4e"tl') The ,ress r!stle, so4tl' as /!e h!rrie, a3o!t2 3!il,ing a 4ire in the r!st' range2 3re&ing the "o44ee2 then sli"ing salt por# into a 4r'ing pan 3e4ore *ixing a 3o&l o4 4lap5a"# 3atter) et&een her trips 4ro* ta3le to sto+e2 she glan"e, o4ten o!t the &in,o&2 anxio!s to ha+e e+er'thing rea,' the *o*ent she sa& 6a&#e lea+e the 3!n#ho!se) She ,i,n(t &ant to gi+e hi* an' "a!se to &ag his "a!sti"2 a3!si+e tong!e at her) I'd better unbar the door2 she s!,,enl' re*e*3ere,) 7n, &hile she &as o""!pie, &ith the 4ront ,oor2 she *isse, seeing 6a&#e lea+e the 3!n#ho!se an, &al# to&ar, the ho!se) She &as slapping a plate an, sil+er&are on the ta3le &hen he steppe, =!ietl' into the #it"hen2 then pa!se, in the ,oor&a') Ca!ght in pro4ile2 her slen,er 3o,' gra"e4!ll' poise, o+er the ta3le2 6a&#e "o!l,n(t ta#e his e'es o44 her) Cse, to %illie(s +ol!pt!o!s 3o,'2 hea+' 3reasts that ha, lost their 4ir*ness2 hips that &ere &i,er than his o&n2 the gentl' ro!n,e, 3o,' o4 his &i4e &as li#e a 3reath o4 springti*e) 6is e'es lingere, on the in"re,i3l' s*all &aist2 then tra+ele, !p to the pro!,l' 5!tting 3reasts that "o!l, 4ill his han,s to per4e"tion) 6e s!,,enl' ha, the !rge to 4eel their hea+iness in his pal*s) 6is e'es then li4te, to the oil'2 string' hair2 an, the spell &as 3ro#en as he re*e*3ere, &here he ha, 4o!n, her2 pl!s the 4a"t that she *ight2 right no&2 3e "arr'ing !r4or,(s 3astar,) 6e gr!44l' "leare, his throat to anno!n"e his presen"e2 an, &or,lessl' too# a seat at the ta3le) /!e &as *o*entaril' startle, 3' 6a&#e(s !nexpe"te, arri+al2 3!t =!i"#l' "o*pose, hersel4 -n her !s!al aloo4 &a' &ith hi*2 she pla"e, gol,en 4rie, salt por# in 4ront o4 hi*2 4ollo&e, 3' a sta"# o4 stea*ing 4lap5a"#s) 7s she po!re, his "o44ee2 again pla"ing the pot &ithin his rea"h2 6a&#e note, 4or the 4irst ti*e that she ha, set no plate 4or hersel4) 7nger stirre, insi,e hi*) She ha, share, his s!pper2 so &h' not 3rea#4ast0 6e li4te, his hea, to ,e*an, an explanation an, "a!ght the 4lash o4 her s#irt an, the &oo,en pail ,isappear o!t the ,oor) S&earing !n,er his 3reath2 he sa+agel' 5a33e, his 4or# into the sta"# o4 4lap5a"#s) 6igh-nose, 3it"h2 &ho in the hell ,i, she thin# she &as0 -gnoring a *an as i4 he &asn(t e+en there) 6e see*e, to ha+e 4orgotten that he ha, treate, her the sa*e &a' all a"ross the state o4 Colora,o) 6a&#e sho+ele, the 4oo, into his *o!th so 4ast he &as gone 3' the ti*e /!e ret!rne, 4ro* the spring2 a 4!ll pail o4 &ater s&inging 4ro* her han,) 7 sigh o4 relie4 ,ri4te, thro!gh her lips &hen she 4o!n, the #it"hen e*pt') She hoiste, the pail to &aist le+el an, po!re, its "ontents into t&o large pans) 1hile it heate,2 she *a,e another trip to the spring2 listing in her *in, the things she &o!l, ,o to,a')

The 4irst thing &as to get her ol, ,ress &ashe, an, ,rie,) She ha, *!"h to ,o an, it all in+ol+e, ,irt'2 s&eat' &or#) She ,i,n(t &ant to *ar her ne& ,ress &ith perspiration stains) 7n, a4ter she "leane, the ho!se2 she "ontin!e, her *ental list2 she &o!l, &ash her hair) T&ent' *in!tes later the *!"h-pat"he, ho*esp!n &as &ashe, an, sprea, on a 3!sh to ,r') /!e then &ashe, the ,ishes 6a&#e ha, !se,2 an, the pans an, s#illets in &hi"h she ha, prepare, the *eal) 1itho!t pa!sing2 she &ent to the 3e,roo* to *a#e !p the 3e,) 7s she s*oothe, the sheet an, pl!*pe, !p the pillo&s2 she "a!ght 6a&#e(s s"ent an, &as s!rprise, again that she &asn(t repelle, 3' it) -t "arrie, a 4resh2 "lean s"ent o4 o!t,oors an, his o&n parti"!lar o,or) >e+ertheless to*orro& the 3e, linens &o!l, get a goo, s"r!33ing2 as &ell as the pile o4 "lothes tosse, in the "orner) /et!rning to the #it"hen2 /!e set a 3o&l o4 so!r,o!gh to rise2 then &ent o!tsi,e to "he"# on her ,ress) The thin *aterial ha, ,rie, rapi,l') There &as onl' a) ,a*pness along the slee+es &hen she pl!"#e, it 4ro* the 3!sh) $hat doesn't matter2 she tol, hersel42 ,rapping the 4a,e, arti"le o+er her ar*) -t &o!l, 3e "o*pletel' &et &ith perspiration 3e4ore the ho!r &as o!t) Change, into the so4t2 loose ,ress that ha, on"e 3een her *other(s2 /!e gra33e, the 3roo* an, starte, in) She pa!se, on"e in her s&eeping to *a#e a san,&i"h 4ro* the "ol, *eat le4t o+er 4ro* 3rea#4ast) She 4inishe, eating it &ith a "!p o4 "o44ee2 then res!*e, her 4ight against the ,irt an, gri*e) -t &as aro!n, t&o o("lo"#2 a""or,ing to the pla"e*ent o4 the s!n2 &hen /!e 4inishe, ,oing all that she "o!l, to the ol, ho!se to *a#e it "lean) B+er' roo*2 e+er' "orner2 ha, 3een s&ept2 &in,o&s 4ree, o4 se+eral 'ears o4 gri*e2 the #it"hen 4loor s"r!33e,) She stret"he, sore *!s"les) "Ti*e to &ash *' hair2" she sai,) Then as she 4ille, a pan &ith &ater 4ro* the #ettle on the sto+e an, ,roppe, the 3ar o4 soap into it2 she "hi,e , hersel4 4or tal#ing to an e*pt' roo*) 6er h!s3an, &o!l, thin# her loon'2 3esi,es all the other ,isparaging things he tho!ght a3o!t her2 sho!l, he o+erhear her) This ha3it o4 tal#ing to hersel4 &as one o4 long stan,ing) <ro* earl' "hil,hoo, spea#ing alo!, her grie+an"es ha, 3een her onl' so!r"e o4 ri,,ing the anger2 the 3itterness2 an, ,espair2 4ro* her *in,) 7s 4ar as she &as "on"erne,2 nothing ha, "hange,) -t too# se+eral &ashings an, rinsings 3e4ore /!e(s hea+' hair "leanl' s=!ea#e, 3et&een her 4ingers) To&eling it 3ris#l'2 she &al#e, o!t onto the 3a"# por"h to let the s!n 4inish ,r'ing the long tresses) 7s a hot 3reeze 3le& the ol, ,ress against her sli**ess2 ,r'ing the perspiration on her 3o,'2 /!e leane, against the railing2 gazing o!t at the ,!st' 'ar,) 6er e'es lit on a straggl' rose that loo#e, par"he,) "-(ll gi+e 'o! a ,rin# as soon as *' hair ,ries2" she sai,2 an, s*ile,)

She ha, 4o!n, a pie"e o4 3ro#en "o*3 in 6a&#e(s roo*2 an, she no& p!lle, it thro!gh the &et2 tangle, hair2 4anning it o!t2 letting the s!n an, 3reeze *o+e thro!gh it) Soon its re,-gol, sheen glinte, in ,eep2 &ar* &a+es past her sho!l,ers) 7n, 6a&#e ?asters2 ri,ing aro!n, the "orner o4 the ho!se2 tho!ght he ha, ne+er seen a *ore 3ea!ti4!l sight than that gol,en 4lo& o4 hair) -t &as all he "o!l, ,o not to ,is*o!nt2 5!*p on the por"h2 an, r!n his 4ingers thro!gh it) 7n, ,ra& 3a"# a st!32 he re*in,e, hi*sel4)

Chapter Six
/!e ha, 3een *arrie, 4or t&o &ee#s the *orning she stoo, at the #it"hen &in,o&2 &at"hing the ran"h han,s ri,e o!t) The' &ere r!gge,2 !nsha+en "o&3o's2 an, ?exi"ans &ith pea#e, so*3reros an, tight tro!sers) ?ost2 she note,2 possesse, a lean2 &ir' har,ness o4 *!s"le an, 4ra*e2 a ha&#li#e loo# in their e'es) The' &o!l, 3e 4ier"e ene*ies2 she tho!ght2 !n'iel,ing to one &ho &as 4oolish eno!gh to ,o!3le-,eal the*2 or pla' the* 4alse) 7ltho!gh2 on the other han,2 the sa*e *en &o!l, sti"# 3' a 4rien,2 ris# their o&n li+es i4 ne"essar') The hoo43eats ,ea,ene,2 then ,ie, a&a'2 lea+ing "lo!,s o4 ,!st to ,ri4t 4ro* the trail) /!e t!rne, 4ro* the &in,o&) -t &o!l, 3e =!iet aro!n, the 3!n#ho!se to,a') %ast night she ha, o+erhear, 6a&#e tell the ran"h 4ore*an *an that the' &o!l, start 3ran,ing to*orro& *orning2 an, that all han,s &o!l, 3e nee,e,) /!e ,e"i,e, that it &o!l, 3e a goo, ,a' to go 4or that ri,e she ha, 3een pro*ising hersel4 She 3!sie, hersel4 &ith p!tting the #it"hen to rights2 then h!rrie" to *a#e her 3e,) <i4teen *in!tes later she le4t the ho!se2 her ,ress gathere, !p a3o+e the ,a*p grass2 her hair tossing in the air' 3reeze) "- hope there(s so*eone aro!n, to sho& *e ho& to sa,,le a horse2" she sai,2 an, 4ro&ne,) She ha, ne+er sat a sa,,le2 an, ha,n(t the slightest i,ea ho&(t p!t one on a *o!nt) "1hen she entere, the she,li#e 3a* an, &al#e, ,o&n its ,i* aisle2 she 4o!n, that e+er' stall &as e*pt') 7 4ro&n o4 anno'an"e "rease, her 4orehea,) 7ll the horses ha, 3een t!rne, into the "orral) She *ight as &ell 4orget a3o!t ri,ing2 4or she &o!l, ne+er 3e a3le to "at"h one) <ighting 3a"# her ,isappoint*ent2 /!e le4t the sta3les an, &al#e, the se+eral 'ar,s to the &oo,en "orral) <i+e 3ea!ti4!l horses "a*e galloping !p to her as she leane, on the top rail)

"Oh2 'o! are s!"h 3ea!ties2" she ex"lai*e, as the' p!she, their slee# hea,s at her2 plainl' &anting to 3e pette,) ".o! *!st 3e 6a&#e(s prize, *o!nts he 3rags a3o!t so)" She s"rat"he, the ears o4 ea"h in t!rn) "- &o!l,n(t ,are ri,e one o4 'o! e+en i4 - #ne& ho& to get a sa,,le on 'o!) 6e(, s#in *e ali+e i4 he e+en sa& *e tal#ing to 'o!)" 7 long &el"o*ing 3ra' too# /!e(s attention 4ro* the horses) 7 gla, "r' es"ape, her as she spotte, her ol, *!le galloping to&ar, her) She ha, &orrie, a3o!t &hat ha, happene, to the ol, 4ello&2 3!t ha,n(t as#e, 6a&#e2 a4rai, o4 his ans&er) 1hat i4 he(, tol, her that he(, ha, the ol, "ro& 3ait shot0 The &a' he ha, "o*plaine, a3o!t the *!le(s slo&ness on their trip it &o!l,n(t ha+e s!rprise, her i4 he(, ha, hi* #ille,) !t her ol, 4rien, &as +er' *!"h ali+e as his ro!gh gra' hea, po#e, o+er the "orral2 n!,ging at her sho!l,er) She steppe, !p on the 3otto* pole so that she "o!l, thro& her ar*s aro!n, his short2 thi"# ne"#) "-(+e *isse, 'o!2 ol, 4ello&2 &orrie, a3o!t 'o!)" She ,ragge, an ar* a"ross the &etness o4 her e'es) " !t loo# at 'o!2 getting 4at an, laz') -(ll ha+e to hit"h 'o! to a plo& again an, get 'o! tri**e, ,o&n)" 6er +oi"e &as so4t an, teasing) 7s she stoo, &ith her ar*s aro!n, the *!le(s ne"#2 her 4orehea, presse, against his2 &on,ering ho& ;i**' an, the little ones &ere 4aring2 a lo!, "learing o4 a throat 3ro!ght her hea, !p an, s&i4tl' ,o&n 4ro* the pole to the gro!n,) "$i, 'o! &ant so*ething ?issD ?rs) ?asters0" 7 tall *an &ith eas'2 sin!o!s gra"e &as "o*ing to&ar, her) /!e re"ognize, hi* as 6a&#e(s han,so*e2 lean 4ore*an2 ;osh ?alone2 a *an in his late thirties) She ha, "a!ght hi* &at"hing her as she &ent to the spring 4or &ater2 or h!ng !p her &ash) She ha, ta#en no o44ense2 tho!gh) <or so*e reason all the ran"h han,s ogle, her) She ha, reasone, that the' &ere "!rio!s a3o!t the &o*an 6a&#e ?asters re4!se, to sleep &ith) -t &o!l, ne+er enter her *in, that she &as 3reathta#ingl' lo+el'2 that an' *an &o!l, stare at her2 or that e+en her h!s3an, ,i, &hen she &as !na&are) "- &ante, to go ri,ing2" she explaine, to ;osh &hen he stoo, in 4ront o4 her) "Cn4ort!natel' - ha+e no i,ea ho& to go a3o!t "at"hing a horse an, sa,,ling hi*)" 9ra' e'es s*ile, ,o&n at her2 then shi4te, to the horses that still leane, against the "orral2 +'ing 4or /!e(s attention) "That 3a' *are is gentle2" ?alone sai,) "1hat i4 sa,,le her !p 4or 'o!)" 6e *o+e, to stan, 3esi,e /!e2 propping an el3o& on top o4 the pole 4en"e2 !n"o*4orta3l' "lose to her hea,) ".o! &on(t get lost &ith her either) She #no&s her &a' ho*e i4 'o! gi+e her the reins)" "Oh2 - ,on(t thin# - sho!l, ri,e one o4 6a&#e(s pri+ate sto"#)" /!e loo#e, ,o!3t4!l) "-(* not all that goo, a ri,er)" ?alone 4ro&ne, at her "!rio!sl') "1h' sho!l,n(t 'o! ri,e one o4 his pets0 -t(s tr!e that none o4 !s hire, han,s &o!l, 3e so 3ra+e as to sa,,le one o4 these 3ea!ties 4or hi*sel42 3!t 'o!(re his &i4e)" 6e peere, intentl' into /!e(s e'es) ".o! are his &i4e2 aren(t 'o!0"

/!e ,i,n(t *ean to let her 3itterness sho&2 3!t it "rept o!t in her +oi"e &hen she ans&ere,2 "Oh2 'es2 -(* his &i4e all right)" ?alone(s teasing s*ile 4a,e, an, his e'es 3e"a*e serio!s) " !t in na*e onl'2 h!h0" he =!estione, so4tl') /!e(s 4a"e 4l!she, an, she lo&ere, her e'es against &hat she &as s!re she(, see in the *an(s 4a"e@pit'2 an,2 *a'3e e+en s"orn) 6e &o!l,n(t ha+e *!"h respe"t 4or a &o*an &hose h!s3an, ,i,n(t &ant to share her 3e,) 6er e'es snappe, open &hen gentle 4ingers stro#e, her "hee#) 7s her startle, gaze *et ?alone(s2 he sai,2 as i4 to hi*sel42 "?asters is 3lin, to t!rn his 3a"# onD" /!e *o+e, 3a"# 3e4ore he "o!l, 4inish his senten"e2 an, the pal* that ha, "!ppe, her "hee# &as re*o+e,2 an, the "on+ersation 3ro!ght 3a"# to the original one) "Sho!l, - sa,,le the *are then0" the ran"h 4ore*an as#e,2 a slight h!s#iness in his +oi"e) 1hen /!e loo#e, !n,e"i,e,2 he sai,2 al*ost i*patientl'2 "<or hea+en(s sa#e2 &o*an2 he(s not gonna 3eat his o&n &i4e 4or ri,in( one o4 his horses2 is he0" ">o2 o4 "o!rse not)" /!e s=!are, her sho!l,ers) "9o ahea, an, get the *are rea,')" She s*ile, at ?alone an, a,,e,2 ":lease)" "9oo, girl)" 6er s*ile &as ret!rne,2 an, 4i4teen *in!tes later she &as 3eing s&!ng astri,e the little *o!nt2 4ighting her s#irt ,o&n o+er her #nees) "$on(t ri,e too 4ar2 an, al&a's #eep the ho!se in sight2" ?alone "a!tione,2 han,ing her the reins) "7n, 4or %or,(s sa#e2 ta#e that &orrie, loo# o44 'o!r 4a"e) ?asters *a' ne+er #no& 'o! ro,e the *are)" $hat's true2 /!e tho!ght2 an, relaxe, at that possi3ilit') She li4te, a han, in 4are&ell an, t!rne, the *are(s hea, in the ,ire"tion o4 the *o!ntain2 !na&are that tho!ght4!l gra' e'es stare, a4ter her) /!e re+ele, in the *o!nt(s s*ooth2 ro"#ing lope) 6o& ,i44erent it &as 4ro* her ol, *!le(s spine-5olting trot2 she *!se,2 ,e"i,ing that she &o!l, ri,e ,o&n the +alle' instea, o4 !p the *o!ntain) She &o!l, ta"#le the ro!gher region &hen she &as a *ore a""o*plishe, ri,er) 74ter a3o!t an ho!r2 the little *are respon,e, at on"e at the tightening o4 the reins2 an, stoo, =!ietl' in the sha,e o4 a "otton&oo, as /!e stare, 3a"# in the ,ire"tion 4ro* &here she(, ri,,en) She "o!l, still see the ho!se2 so she t!rne, aro!n, to loo# ahea,) She "o!l, see the ,istant ri+er2 "!tting a threa,li#e gash thro!gh the +alle'2 an, "o!l, see on either si,e o4 it a sea o4 "attle) 7n in"essant 3a&ling rent the air2 an, /!e hel, her 3reath as a ,ozen ri,ers ro,e a*ong the "attle2 separating "al+es 4ro* *others) She &at"he, the 'o!ngsters 3eing ,ri+en o44 to one si,e &here a 4ire 3!rne,2 heating 3ran,ing irons she &as s!re) She &on,ere, ho& 3a,l' the re,-hot irons h!rt the 'o!ng ani*als as one &as thro&n on its si,e an, 6a&#e(s 3ran, presse, into its ha!n"h) "1hen the "al4 &as release, an, ran 3ello&ing to its *other2 /!e s&!ng her gaze

aro!n, the +alle') 1as there a *ore 3ea!ti4!l spot in the &orl,0 she &on,ere,) -n less than the t&o &ee#s she(, 3een here2 she ha, 4o!n, a near "ontent*ent) She "o!l,n(t "all it happiness2 #no&ing that she &asn(t tr!l' &ante,2 that her presen"e &as a"t!all' an aggra+ation) 7 s*all 4ro&n &orrie, her 4orehea,) She still ha,n(t 4ig!re, o!t &h' 6a&#e ha, *arrie, her) She ,i,n(t ,o a great ,eal 4or hi*) Onl' "oo#e, his *eals an, &ashe, his "lothes) Coo#ie2 &ho *a,e the ran"h han,s *eals "o!l, ha+e 4e, hi* too2 ha, in all li#elihoo, ,one it 3e4ore) %illie ?e'ers(s l!sh "!r+es appeare, in /!e(s *in, an, her e'es &i,ene,) O4 "o!rse) 1h' ha,n(t she tho!ght o4 that 3e4ore0 6a&#e ha, *arrie, her as a s*o#e s"reen to alter Sa* ?e'ers(s s!spi"ions that his &i4e &as sleeping &ith his han,so*e neigh3or) /!e(s 3otto* lip ,roope,) 6er h!s3an, &as "raz' i4 he tho!ght so*eone li#e hersel4 "o!l, thro& the "attle*an o44 the trail) The *an &as sharp an, &o!l,n(t 3e 4oole, 4or a *in!te2 espe"iall' a4ter 4in,ing her sitting alone on the por"h &hile his &i4e entertaine, 6a&#e in the ho!se) She shoo# her hea,) She &as a4rai, her h!s3an, &as "o!rting a 3!llet in his heart) The tho!ght 3e"a*e *ore 4or"e4!l a 4e& *in!tes later &hen t!rning north2 she sa& a ri,er galloping to&ar, the her,) 6er lips tightene,) She(, #no& those 3roa, sho!l,ers an'&here) 1here ha, he 3een0 7t the ?e'ers ran"h to +isit %illie0 1hen she sa& 6a&#e +eer Captain in her ,ire"tion2 she t!rne, the *are(s hea, to&ar, the ri+er into a loping r!n) She &as going to "at"h hell 4ro* hi* 4or ri,ing one o4 his horses2 an, she ,i,n(t &ant the han,s to hear it) /!e ,i,n(t #no& it2 3!t 6a&#e ha, 3een &at"hing her 4or ten *in!tes 3e4ore galloping ,o&n the +alle') She also ,i,n(t #no& that this &as his ha3it to &at"h her &hen she &as !na&are o4 it) 6a, so*eone tol, her that she 4as"inate, 6a&#e2 she &o!l, ha+e as#e, i4 that person ha, 3een s*o#ing lo"o&ee,) >e+ertheless it &as tr!e) -t ha, starte, the ,a' 6a&#e too# the ti*e to ta#e a goo, loo# at his &i4e2 to see &hat it &as a3o!t her that *a,e his *en(s e'es 4ollo& her e+er' ti*e she &as o!tsi,e) 6e ha, 3een st!nne, 3' her ,eli"ate 3ea!t') -n the past he ha, 3een *es*erize, 3' the glorio!s "olor o4 her hair2 3!t he(, ha, no i,ea that she ha, a 4a"e e=!al in lo+eliness) 7n, i4 that &asn(t eno!gh2 her "ool aloo4ness2 her o3+io!s ,isli#e o4 hi*2 ,re& 6a&#e li#e the 1est ,re& the s!n) Ba"h ,a' he ha, to 4ight har,er the ,esire to gra3 her2 "arr' her into the 3e,roo* an, *a#e lo+e to her !ntil the' &ere 3oth exha!ste,) 7s /!e ha, tho!ght2 6a&#e ha, "o*e 4ro* +isiting %illie at the line sha"#) !t not to in,!lge in a "o!ple o4 ho!rs o4 l!st) 6e ha, gone this *orning to 3rea# o44 their relationship) esi,es no longer ha+ing a ,esire 4or her2 his 'o!ng &i4e ha, *a,e hi* asha*e, o4 his a44air) That &as a ne& e*otion 4or hi* an, he ,i,n(t li#e it at all)

1hen 6a&#e tol, %illie that he &o!l, no longer 3e *eeting her at the sha"#2 3la"# anger shot o!t o4 her e'es) 6e prepare, hi*sel4 4or a s"ree"hing onsla!ght o4 re"ri*ination 4ro* the t&iste,2 painte, lips2 then 3lin#e, at the "hange that "a*e o+er the "oarse 4eat!res) "- !n,erstan,2" she sai,2 her +oi"e an, e'es so4t) "The ne& &i4e2 an, all) 7"t!all'2 it(s 3een on *' *in, that &e sho!l, stop seeing ea"h other) Sa* is 3e"o*ing s!spi"io!s an, - ,on(t &ant to "han"e losing *' "o*4orta3le li4e)" She hel, o!t her han,) "<ro* no& on &e(ll onl' *eet as neigh3ors2 all right0" 6a&#e ha, heartil' sha#en her han,2 relie+e, that she ha, ta#en his ,e"ision so &ell) 7s he ro,e a&a'2 ho&e+er2 he ,i,n(t #no& that %illie &at"he, hi* &ith gri* ,eter*ination) >or ,i, he #no& that as she stoo, there Sl' !r4or, ro,e !p an, s&!ng to the gro!n, 3esi,e her) The ri+er &as at a lo& le+el2 /!e note, as she ro,e alongsi,e it) She(, hear, 6a&#e "o*plain that there ha,n(t 3een an' rain 4or a *onth2 an, that the grass &as ,r'ing !p) "1e(ll 3e ,ri+in( a 3!n"h o4 3ones to *ar#et2" he(, a,,e, so!rl') /!e loo#e, o+er her sho!l,er again to see i4 the ho!se &as still in +ie&) She s*ile,) There it &as2 ,ro&sing in the s!nshine2 ol, an, *ello& &ith *e*ories) ?ostl' goo, ones2 she i*agine,) She "o!l, +is!alize a 'o!ng "o!ple setting !p ho!se#eeping2 in lo+e2 raising a 4a*il' ,eri+e, 4ro* that lo+e) 3nlike my mockery of a marriage2 /!e tho!ght2 t!rning her hea, 4ro* the ol, ho!se) She sighe, resigne,l' an, =!elle, the !nhapp' tho!ghts that nagge, her) She ha, 5!st ,e"i,e, to ret!rn to the ho!se &hen she hear, 3a&ling a 4e& 'ar,s ,o&n the ri+er) -t so!n,e, li#e one o4 the her, &as in tro!3le an, shi4ting the *are 4ro* a leis!rel' &al# into a long2 r!nning lope2 she ro,e to&ar, the ,istress4!l so!n,) ?o*ents later she &as *!r*!ring2 "7h2 poor thing2" as she reine, in an, sli, 4ro* the sa,,le) 7t the e,ge o4 the ri+er2 a 'earling &as st!"# in the *!,2 al*ost to his 3ell') The *ore he str!ggle, to 4ree hi*sel42 the ,eeper he san#) Oh ,ear2 ho& "o!l, she help hi*0 /!e stare, ,o&n at the *!,-roile, &ater) The 3an# slope, sharpl' to the strea*2 its s!**it a3o!t ten 4eet high) She st!,ie, the threshing ani*al tho!ght4!ll' a *o*ent2 then s"ra*3le, ,o&n the slipper' 3an# an, sli, into the &ater) She 3rie4l' &orrie, a3o!t her ,ress2 hoping it &o!l,n(t 3e staine, 3e'on, re,e*ption) !t the ,ress &as soon 4orgotten as the ri+er 3ro!ght her ,angero!sl' "lose to the steer(s hea,2 its e'es rolling in terror2 the lethal long horns s&inging 4ro* si,e to si,e) She "are4!ll' ,o,ge, the* &hile *a#ing her &a' to the ani*al(s rear en,) There2 she hope, to p!sh it 4ree o4 the s!"#ing *!,) :!tting a han, on ea"h 3roa, hip2 /!e p!she, &ith all her strength) She re"ei+e, a *!,-hea+' tail a"ross her 4a"e 4or her tro!3le) The ani*al ha,n(t 3!,ge, an in"h)

7n, &orse2 she "o!l, no longer see the 3eginning o4 the ani*al(s 3ell') She &as stan,ing *i,-thigh in the 3ro&n2 s&irling &ater2 tr'ing to get !p the ner+e to approa"h one o4 the "o&3o's 4or help2 &hen 6a&#e 3ro!ght Captain to a sli,ing halt on the ri+er3an#) 6e too# in the 'o!ng steer(s ,ile**a2 an, in se"on,s he &as o44 his horse an, gra33ing the loope, rope o44 the po**el) 7s /!e silentl' &at"he,2 he tie, one en, to the sa,,le horn an, 4ashione, a loop on the other en,) "Stan, 3a"#2" he or,ere, as he t&irle, a r!nning noose o+er his hea,) /!e starte, to s"ra*3le o!t o4 the &a' 5!st as he let the rope s&ing o!t to&ar, the 'earling(s hea,) -nstea,2 it str!"# /!e(s sho!l,er2 an, 4ell li*pl' into the &ater) "$a*n it to hellA" 6a&#e 'elle, 4!rio!sl' as he glare, at /!e) "- tol, 'o! to stan, 3a"#A" "$on(t 'ell at *e2 'o! orner' rattlesna#eA" /!e 'elle, 3a"#) ".o! ,i,n(t gi+e *e ti*e to get o!t o4 the &a') -t(s not eas'2 *o+ing aro!n, &ith soa#e, s#irts ha*pering *' *o+e*ents)" "1ell2 ,on(t 5!st stan, there2" 6a&#e shot 3a"# as he 3egan to &i,en the rope 4or another toss at the steer) "- ,on(t #no& &hat in the hell 'o!(re ,oin( ,o&n there in the 4irst pla"e)" "- ,on(t either2" /!e *!ttere, angril'2 slo!ghing her &a' to&ar, the 3an#) She sho!l, ha+e #no&n the +ar*int &o!l,n(t appre"iate an'thing she trie, to ,o) The loop s&!ng o!t again2 this ti*e en"ir"ling the six-4oot sprea, o4 horns2 then settling neatl' o+er the narro& hea,) 1ith a &or, to Captain2 the horse *o+e, 3a"#&ar, !ntil the rope &as ta!t) 6a&#e p!lle, o44 his 3oots an, so"#s2 then &a,ing into the &ater2 he *o+e, 3ehin, the 4rightene, 3!ll) :!tting his sho!l,er to the 3on' r!*p2 he ga+e a short2 sharp &histle) /!e gape, as the horse respon,e, to the &histle, or,er 3' *o+ing 3a"#&ar, &hile 6a&#e p!she, the ani*al 4ro* 3ehin,) Slo&l' the ani*al &as in"he, 4ro* the ,ra&ing *ire) 6a&#e h!rrie,l' slippe, the rope o44 its hea,2 an, 4ree,2 it l!nge, !p the 3an#2 hea,ing 4or the her,2 its tail straight !p in the air) "1in,ing the rope 4ro* han, to 3ent el3o&2 6a&#e s"o&le, at /!e an, "riti"ize, her sharpl') "1h' ,i,n(t 'o! go 4or help0 "1hile 'o! &ere ,ill',all'ing2 the ani*al "o!l, ha+e 3ro#en a leg)" /amn himA /!e 4!*e,2 her throat tight &ith anger as she "li*3e, the 3an# 3ehin, hi*) 6e al&a's ha, to 4in, 4a!lt &ith her) She opene, her *o!th to retort that she &as going 4or help &hen he arri+e,2 3!t the &or,s ,i,n(t lea+e her *o!th) 6a&#e2 in his h!rr' to s"ale the gra+ell' ri+er3an#2 &as slipping an, sli,ing2 str!ggling not to 4all on his 4a"e) 6e t&iste, his 3o,' +iolentl' to regain his 4ooting2 an, &o!l, ha+e s!""ee,e, ha, she not 3een 4ollo&ing so "losel' 3ehin, hi*) She rea"he, o!t a han, to stea,' hi* 3!t onl' got in his &a') 6e tottere, an instant2 then 4ell 3a"# into the &ater2 t!*3ling her along &ith hi*)

The &ater splashe, in a 4ine *ist an, /!e 3lin,l' "l!t"he, at 6a&#e2 gra33ing his sho!l,ers) She 3reathlessl' "l!ng to his har,2 &ar* 3o,'2 staring ,o&n at the 3l!e &ater s&irling aro!n, the*) -t too# her a *o*ent to realize that strong2 possessi+e ar*s ha, &rappe, the*sel+es aro!n, her &aist) 1hen 6a&#e p!lle, her tightl' against his 3o,'2 his 3reathing 4ast an, harsh2 she gre& alar*e,) She gaze, into his e'es an, sa& the light o4 ,esire ill!*inating the*) "%et *e goA" she pante,2 p!shing against his sho!l,ers) "- ,on(t &ant@" 6a&#e(s *o!th s&oope, ,o&n to ta#e hers2 silen"ing her) I don't want this2 she "rie, in&ar,l' as she t&iste, an, t!rne, her hea,2 tr'ing to 4ree hersel4 4ro* the ,eepening #iss2 the tong!e that ,arte, aro!n, in her *o!th2 "oaxing an, teasing) S!,,enl'2 &itho!t &arning /!e(s 3o,' =!i+ere, in response) She sagge, against 6a&#e2 e+er' ner+e a&a#e in her 3o,') 6e ga+e a sigh o4 satis4a"tion an, his han, sli, to her 3reasts as he *o+e, against her2 p!rposel' *a#ing her a&are o4 his aro!sal) She *oane, so4tl'2 lost in a passion she(, ne+er #no&n existe,) She &as !na&are o4 the sli* 4ingers that loosene, her 3!ttons2 4reeing her 3reasts) "7h2" she &hispere, &hen a &ar* *o!th opene, o+er one 3reast an, !rgent lips s!"#le, an, t!gge, at the nipple) I wish it could go on fore"er2 she tho!ght as 6a&#e *o+e, his hea, to ta#e the other 3reast into his *o!th2 his lips ,ra&ing on it as his 4ingers stro#e, the &et2 a3an,one, one) The spell &as a3r!ptl' 3ro#en &hen 6a&#e raise, his hea, an, loo#e, into her 4a"e) 1ith an al*ost ,aze, loo# in his e'es2 he sai, harshl'2 al*ost as i4 against his &ill2 "9o,2 ho& - &ant 'o!)" 7ll too "learl' e"#'(s 4a"e appeare, 3e4ore her2 along &ith all the *en &ho ha, l!ste, a4ter her *other) The' ha, &ante, e"#' also2 3!t none ha, lo+e, her) 7n, neither ,i, 6a&#e ?asters lo+e his &i4e) 6e onl' &ante, to !se /!e2 to 3ring release to that appen,age that 5a33e, at her) 1ell2 3' 9o,2 the ,a!ghter &asn(t li#e the *other) 7ltho!gh it &as tr!e she ha, learne, she &as "apa3le o4 passion2 that her 3loo, "o!l, ra"e in ,esire2 she &o!l, not pla' the &hore 4or an' *an) >ot e+en a h!s3an,) 6a&#e &as !na&are o4 /!e(s inner t!r*oil an, she ha, no tro!3le 4reeing hersel4 4ro* his loosene, hol, on her) 6e stare, at her in 3e&il,er*ent &hen &ith stor*' e'es she gritte, o!t2 "1ant an, 3e ,a*ne,A" She str!"# o!t 4or the 3an# again2 her 4ingers "l!*s' as she re3!ttone, her 3o,i"e) "1here in the hell are 'o! goin(0" 6a&#e rage, 3ehin, her) ".o! little &hore2 'o! "an(t 5!st &al# a&a' 4ro* a *an a4ter ,ri+in( hi* "raz' &ith &antin( 'o!)" "The hell - "an(tA" /!e 'elle, 3a"#2 st!ng to her so!l 3' &hat he(, "alle, her) "-t(s *' 3o,' an, - "an ,o &hate+er - &ant &ith it) 7n, - ,on(t "hoose to let 'o! !se it)" She s&!ng onto the *are(s 3a"#2 her &et ,ress "linging to her thighs) She glare,

,o&n at 6a&#e still stan,ing in the &ater an, 3it o!t2 "- a* no &hore2 6a&#e ?asters2 an, ,on(t e+er 4orget thatA >o *an &ill e+er sla#e his l!st on /!e $e%a&ne'(s 3o,')" "%i#e hell2" 6a&#e gro&le, as /!e sent the *o!nt galloping to&ar, the ho!se) ".o!(re a little pepper pot i4 e+er - sa& one) .o! "an(t go *!"h longer &itho!t ha+in( a *an 3et&een 'o!r legs again)" !t as 6a&#e &a,e, o!t o4 the ri+er2 "li*3e, onto the stallion2 an, 4ollo&e, along 3ehin, her2 he &ishe, &ith all his 3eing that it &asn(t so) 6e &o!l, gi+e all he o&ne, to 3e the 4irst *an &ith /!e) The 4irst an, the last) 7s /!e reine, in the *are next to the sta3les2 she &as angril' a&are o4 the ,!ll a"he that still "oile, in her loins2 an, the ten,erness o4 her nipples) 7s she s&!ng to the gro!n,2 her sel4-,isg!st &as so intense she 4elt si"# 4ro* it) 1hat ha, she 3een thin#ing o4 to allo& hi* s!"h inti*a"'0 "- hate an, ,espise that *an2" she *!ttere,2 then &on,ere, &hat to ,o &ith the *are) She 4elt "on4i,ent that she "o!l, !nsa,,le the little *o!nt2 3!t &here &o!l, she p!t e+er'thing on"e she ha, strippe, the ani*al) She ha,n(t seen &here the attra"ti+e ran"h 4ore*an ha, ta#en e+er'thing 4ro*2 an, he ,i,n(t see* to 3e aro!n, to help her no&) /!e s!,,enl' 4elt the presen"e o4 so*eone2 or so*ething2 3ehin, her) She s&!ng aro!n, an, !ttere, a s*all "r' o4 alar*) 7n ol, -n,ian &ith sno&'-&hite hair straggling to his sho!l,ers2 an, a ,eepl' &rin#le, 4a"e2 stoo, staring stoi"all' at her) 6is han, reste, on the hea, o4 a 'o!ng 3o' a3o!t eight 'ears ol,) /on't be afraid2 she tol, hersel4 6o& "o!l, these t&o har* her2 one so ol, the other so 'o!ng0 She 4or"e, a =!i+ering s*ile to her lips) "?' na*e is /!e $eD ?asters)" She steppe, a&a' 4ro* the *are) "-s there so*ething - "an ,o 4or 'o!0" oth pair o4 3la"# e'es &ere 4astene, on her hair2 the s!n *a#ing it loo# li#e sil+erstrea#e, gol,) 7n, tho!gh the 'o!nster "ontin!e, to stare at her2 the ol, 3ra+e 3ro!ght his gaze to her 4a"e) 6e &ith,re& an en+elope 4ro* the 3reast po"#et o4 his 3!"#s#in 5a"#et) "1hite *an gi+e *e this)" 6e hel, the *!"h-han,le, en+elope to her) "6e sa' 4in, ?asters(s ran"h an, gi+e it to the *istress there)" "Oh2 than# 'o!A" 7 s*ile lit !p /!e(s 4a"e) "-t *!st 3e 4ro* *' gran,parents)" The ston'-4a"e, -n,ian shr!gge, his sho!l,ers2 then spea#ing a &or, to the 3o'2 t!rne, to lea+e) "$on(t go 'et)" /!e too# a step to&ar, the pair) "1on(t 'o! ha+e a "!p o4 "o44ee 4irst0" She s*ile, at the 'o!ngster an, a,,e,2 "- 3a#e, so*e "oo#ies this *orning) - thin# 'o!(, li#e the*)"

">oD than# 'o!) 1e *!st 3e on o!r &a'2" the ol, *an re4!se, pro!,l') /!e sa& the ,isappoint*ent in the 3o'(s e'es an, s!ggeste, so4tl'2 "Co!l,n(t - please gi+e so*e to 'o!r gran,son to eat along the &a'0" The re, *an(s stern 4eat!res so4tene, a 3it &hen he rea, the silent plea in his gran,son(s e'es) Then he no,,e, an, sai,2 "The s*all 3ra+e has ,e+elope, a li#ing 4or the &hite *an(s s&eets)" /!e ignore, the slight ,isappro+al in the ol, *an(s g!tt!ral tone an, ra"e, to the ho!se &here she tie, a goo, a*o!nt o4 s!gar "oo#ies in a pie"e o4 "lean rag) 6!rr'ing 3a"# to the sta3les2 she han,e, the* o+er to the 3o') "1hat(s 'o!r na*e0" she as#e, &hen he grinne, his than#s) "6e is "alle, %ittle Star2" the gran,4ather ans&ere,) She &aite, 4or the ol, *an to gi+e his o&n na*e2 3!t &hen it &as not 4orth"o*ing2 she sai,2 "1ell2 - a* happ' to #no& 'o!2 %ittle Star2 an, - than# 'o! an, 'o!r gran,4ather 4or 3ringing *e this letter) -t is +er' i*portant to *e)" 1ith a "!rt no, 4ro* the ol, *an2 the' ,isappeare, into the pine &oo,s 3ehin, the sta3les) /!e shoo# her hea,2 then t!rne, 3a"# to "are 4or the *are2 anxio!s to h!rr' to the ho!se an, rea, her letter) She stare,2 3e&il,ere,) The *are &as gone) "Oh2 9o,A" she gaspe,2 4eeling ,izz') 6a, the ol, -n,ian ta#en the horse an, hi,,en her &hile she &as in the ho!se getting the "oo#ies 4or his gran,"hil,0 She hope, not) She &o!l, 3e greatl' ,isappointe, i4 that &ere the "ase2 4or he ha, see*e, li#e a ni"e *an e+en i4 he ha,n(t 3een +er' 4rien,l') (awke will absolutely beat me if I'"e lost his pri2e horse2 /!e tho!ght2 rea,' to &eep) She leane, ,ispirite,l' on the "orral2 onl' hal4 noti"ing the pall o4 ,!st an, san, in the 4ar "orner o4 the pen) 1hen 4ro* the 'ello& "lo!, a horse appeare, an, shoo# itsel42 it too# her a "o!ple o4 se"on,s to re"ognize the little *are) "1ell2 -(ll 3e)" She s*ile,2 &ea# &ith relie4 "The ol, -n,ian too# "are o4 her &hile &as gone)" Then she h!rrie, to the ho!se2 anti"ipating the ne&s 4ro* ho*e) 6a&#e2 "on"eale, 3eneath a large2 lo&-sprea,ing pine2 ha, &at"he, /!e an, the -n,ians thro!gh narro&e,2 3roo,ing e'es) 6e &as ,is"o+ering that there &as *ore to this girl than 5!st a 3ea!ti4!l 4a"e) She ha, 3een so har,2 so "ol,2 3a"# in the sha"# 4ro* &hi"h he ha, res"!e, her) She ha, sho&n so*e so4tness 4or her ol,er 3rother2 it &as tr!e2 3!t he ha,n(t seen an' a44e"tion 4or the s*aller "hil,ren) .et2 &ith the -n,ian 3o' she ha, 3een #in,ness itsel4 7n, she ha, 4elt pit' 4or the ,!*3 stra' that ha, got hi*sel4 *ire, in the *!,) S!rprisingl' also2 she &as a 4ine "oo#2 he(, ne+er seen 3etter) 7n, she #ept the al*ost-3are ho!se spotlessl' "lean) 6a, he rea, her &rong0 1as she a ,e"ent 'o!ng &o*an0 6e re*e*3ere, then ho& Sl' ha, tal#e, a3o!t her2 right in 4ront o4 her2 an, ,ire"te, a s"orn4!l gr!nt at hi*sel4

"She(s no +irgin2" he *!ttere,2 an, &heeling Captain2 lope, 3a"# to&ar, his *en)

Chapter Seven
/!e tho!ght 6a&#e &o!l, ne+er 4inish eating 3rea#4ast an, lea+e the ho!se) She &ante, to rea, her gran,*other(s letter again) She #ne& that she &as 3eing sill'2 4or she ha, alrea,' rea, it three ti*es an, #ne& al*ost e+er' &or, 3' heart) !t it "o*4orte, her to han,le so*ething the ,ear ol, &o*an ha, hel,2 to see the &or,s she ha, pen"ile,) She sli, 6a&#e a si,e&a's loo#2 &on,ering &h' he &as ,a&,ling this *orning) Cs!all' he g!lpe, his 3rea#4ast ,o&n an, &as gone 4ro* the ho!se &ithin 4i4teen *in!tes) 7n, last night he ha,n(t e+en p!t in an appearan"e 4or s!pper) %eaning against the ,r' sin#2 sipping her "o44ee2 /!e re*e*3ere, that she ha,n(t 3een s!rprise, &hen 6a&#e ha,n(t eaten the *eal she ha, prepare,) 6e an, his 4ore*an ha, 4o!ght 3e"a!se o4 her in the late a4ternoon2 an, 6a&#e "o*ing o!t on the short en, o4 the arg!*ent ha, ta#en his spleen o!t on her 3' sta'ing a&a' at *ealti*e) The arg!*ent ha, 3een in progress &hen she ha, steppe, o!tsi,e to "ool o44 4ro* the heat o4 the #it"hen range) ";!st !n,erstan, that the girl is not to ri,e o44 !nless - gi+e the &or,2" 6a&#e ha, sai, angril') Then ;osh ?alone ha, "o*e 3a"# 5!st as heate,l'2 "1h' ,o 'o! #eep "allin( her (girl(0 She has a na*e) -4 'o! "an(t 3ring 'o!rsel4 to sa' (&i4e(2 at least re4er to her as /!e)" "-t(s none o4 'o!r ,a*n 3!siness &hat - "all her) 7n, li#e 'o! sai,2 she(s *' &i4e an, 'o! "an ,a*n &ell sta' a&a' 4ro* her)" "1h'0 .o! ,on(t gi+e a ,a*n a3o!t her) .o! thin# *ore o4 ?e'ers(s &hore)" There &as a silen"e2 then 6a&#e 3l!stere,2 "- ,on(t #no& &hat in the hell 'o!(re tal#in( a3o!t)" "%i#e hell 'o! ,on(t) 7ll the han,s #no& that 'o! snea# o44 on"e a &ee# to *eet ole %il2 &aller aro!n, &ith her 4or a "o!ple o4 ho!rs) .o!(+e 3een seen o!t there &ith her)" There &as another silen"e2 then ;osh a,,e, in a "al*er +oi"e2 "-4 &e #no& a3o!t it2 6a&#e2 so ,o ?e'ers(s *en) -t(s 5!st a *atter o4 ti*e 3e4ore one o4 the* gets !p the ner+e to tell the ol, *an a3o!t it) 6e(ll "o*e a4ter 'o! &ith his g!ns 3lazin()" /!e ha,n(t &aite, 4or 6a&#e(s repl'2 3!t ha, h!rrie, 3a"# into the ho!se2 strangel' &anting to "r') She tol, hersel4 no&2 as she &aite, 4or the silent *an to lea+e the ta3le2 that it ha, 3een h!rt pri,e that *a,e tears s*art her e'es) 7n' &o*an(s pri,e &o!l, 4eel tra*ple, on2 #no&ing that her h!s3an, pre4erre, a &hore to his &i4e)

6a&#e(s tho!ghts &ere also on the arg!*ent he(, ha, &ith his 4ore*an as he lingere, o+er his "o44ee) 6e(, 3een too st!33orn an, pro!, to tell ;osh that he(, *a,e his last trip to the line sha"#2 an, that his 'o!ng &i4e ha, all his attention no&) 7n, 'ester,a'2 &hen he sai, all those h!rt4!l things to her2 "alling her a &hore2 he &as sorr' 4or the* as soon as the' le4t his *o!th) 6e o&e, her an apolog') 6e sighe, silentl') 6e &as tr'ing to get !p the ner+e to ,o it this *orning) That &as &h' he #ept sitting here li#e a 3!ll4rog on a lil' pa,) 7n, he o&e, it to her to explain that his 4ather2 nie"e2 an, nephe& &o!l, 3e sho&ing !p an' ,a' no&2 that she &o!l, ha+e the extra 3!r,en o4 ta#ing "are o4 the "hil,ren2 pl!s *ore &or# all ro!n,) 6a&#e &as s!,,enl' str!"# &ith a ,ist!r3ing tho!ght) 1hat i4 /!e le4t &hen she learne, o4 the !n,erhan,e, tri"# he(, pla'e, on her0 ;osh ?alone &as "raz' a3o!t her an, &o!l,n(t hesitate to ta#e her a&a') >or &o!l, an' o4 the others re4!se her2 he tho!ght gl!*l') -t ha,n(t es"ape, hi* ho& their h!ngr' e'es 4ollo&e, her e+er' ti*e she steppe, o!tsi,e) )ell, then, you'd better spit it out, #asters2 he tol, hi*sel4) !ou can't sit here all dayGi"e her the apology she deser"es) 6a&#e "leare, his +oi"e an, loo#e, !p to gi+e his prepare, spee"h an, loo#e, aro!n,2 ,!*34o!n,e,) The roo* &as e*pt') -n her !s!al 4ashion2 his girlie &i4e ha, slippe, a&a') "$a*nA" 6e p!she, his "o44ee "!p a&a' in irritation) 6e &asn(t going to "hase a4ter her li#e so*e lo+esi"# "al4 -4 :a an, the #i,s s!rprise, her 3' arri+ing to,a'2 it &o!l, 3e her 4a!lt) 7ll too a&are that his reasoning &as that o4 a spoile, "hil,2 6a&#e 5er#e, to his 4eet an, sta*pe, thro!gh the ,oor2 sla**ing it 3ehin, hi*) -n her roo*2 /!e(s lips "!rle, in satis4a"tion) She hope, he &as so angr' he &o!l, "ho#e on his 3ile) "-t &ill ,o 'o! goo, to get 'o!r tail o!t o4 5oint on"e in a &hile2 ?r) ?asters2" she *!ttere,2 then s*oothe, o!t her gran,*other(s letter) Septe*3er 112 1868 $earest gran,a!ghter2 .o!r gran,,a, *et this *an &ho is tra+eling to ;a"#son2 Colora,o2 an, he agree, to ta#e a letter to 'o! i4 he "an 4in, 'o!r h!s3an,(s ran"h) - hope it e+ent!all' 4alls into 'o!r han,s) ?an' things ha+e happene, sin"e 'o! le4t) <irst2 Sl' !r4or, ne+er "a*e 3a"#) g!ess he too# 'o!r h!s3an,(s *one' an, le4t the state) e"#'(s little ones &ere ta#en in 3' ,i44erent 4a*ilies here in the area) 7t least no& the' &ill ha+e a "han"e in li4e2 an, eno!gh to eat) 7n, this &ill s!rprise 'o!2 - g!ess2 3!t ;i**' is li+ing &ith !s) ne+er realize, &hat a ni"e 'o!ngster he is) 6e(s s!"h a help2 an, #eeps !s 4ro* *issing 'o! a little)

/!e2 ,ear2 9ran,,a, an, - pra' e+er' ,a' that 'o!r *arriage &or#s o!t altho!gh it ha, s!"h a ro!gh start) ;ohn is s!re that 'o!r rel!"tant h!s3an, is an honora3le *an ,espite his ro!gh &a's an, &ill ne+er 3e *ean to 'o!) 7n, that is +er' i*portant in a *arriage2 hone') So*eti*es *ore i*portant than lo+e) - ha+e seen those &ho pro4ess lo+e 4or their &i+es2 then t!rn aro!n, an, 3eat the* !n*er"i4!ll') To *e2 that is a poor #in, o4 lo+e) So2 /!e2 i4 'o! ha+e to settle 4or respe"t onl' 4ro* ?ister ?asters2 'o! &ill 3e 3etter o44 than *ost &o*en) - *!st "lose no&2 ,ear gran,,a!ghter2 the *an is anxio!s to lea+e) 9ran,,a, an, ;i**' sen, their lo+e) O!r tho!ghts an, pra'ers are al&a's &ith 'o!) %o+e2 9ran,*a) /!e let the letter ,rop into her lap an, stare, sightlessl' o!t the &in,o&) "7h2 9ran,*a2" she &hispere,2 "- ,on(t e+en get respe"t 4ro* *' h!s3an,) .ester,a'2 i4 &o!l, ha+e allo&e, hi*2 he(, ha+e !se, *e li#e a &hore)" She 4ol,e, the letter an, sli, it 3a"# into the en+elope) 7ltho!gh she ha, no i,ea ho& she(, e+er get a letter to her gran,parents2 later on she &o!l, &rite to the*) 1rite so*e lies that &o!l, *a#e the* rest easier a3o!t her) Sho+ing the &hite s=!are !n,er her pillo&2 /!e &al#e, into the 3ig 4ront roo* an, stoo, a *o*ent 3e4ore "ontin!ing on to the #it"hen) 6er glan"e range, aro!n, the "lean-s&ept 4loor an, &on,ere, i4 the t&o "hairs in 4ront o4 the h!ge 4irepla"e &ere the onl' pie"es o4 4!rnit!re she(, e+er ha+e in the parlor) She i*agine, the' &o!l, 3e) B+en i4 it sho!l, enter 6a&#e ?aster(s *in, that she *ight li#e a 4e& *ore ite*s2 li#e "!rtains at the &in,o&s 4or pri+a"'2 he &o!l,n(t 3other to p!r"hase the*) 6e pro3a3l' 4elt that as long as he pro+i,e, her &ith a 3e, an, 4oo, to eat that &as s!44i"ient 4or the li#es o4 her) 6e ha, seen the "on,itions in &hi"h she li+e, &hen he *arrie, her an, he &o!l, ne+er ,rea* that she 'earne, 4or *ore2 that her heart "rie, o!t 4or so*e 3ea!t' in her li4e) ">at!rall' he ,oesn(t "are i4 the ho!se is "o*4orta3le2" she *!ttere,2 "6e onl' enters it t&i"e a ,a' to 4ill his g!t)" She "onsole, hersel4 &ith the tho!ght that at least she ,i,n(t ha+e to &orr' an'*ore a3o!t Sl' tr'ing to har* her2 as she &al#e, into the #it"hen) $hat in itself is something to be thankful for2 she tho!ght as she 3egan s"r!33ing her goo, ,ress that ha, 3een soa#ing o+er night) She pra'e, the *!,,' stains &o!l, "o*e o!t) There &as no telling ho& long the ,ress &o!l, ha+e to last her2 an, she &o!l, ne+er as# her h!s3an, 4or a ne& one) She &o!l, &ear his "asto44s 4irst) 6er lips t&iste, &r'l'2 as she exa*ine, the ,ress 4or stains) 7"t!all' ha+ing to &ear his "lothes *ight not 3e too 4ar o44 The ,ress &as 3e"o*ing a 3it sn!g as she "ontin!e, to gain &eight) The ,arts in the 3o,i"e straine, o+er her 3reasts so2 that she &as a4rai, that an' ,a' the sea*s *ight split apart) She ,i,n(t #no& &hat she &o!l, ,o then) She ha, no nee,le an, threa,)

/!e "are4!ll' &r!ng the &ater 4ro* the gar*ent an, "arrie, it o!tsi,e &here she sprea, it o+er a 3!sh to ,r') She stoo, a *o*ent2 exa*ining the rose 3!sh that ha, respon,e, to its ,ail' &atering an, &as "o+ere, no& &ith a pro4!sion o4 3loo*s) She pi"#e, a 4e& 4at pin# 3!,s2 an, in the #it"hen she 4o!n, a 5ell' 5ar an, 4ille, it &ith &ater) She sni44e, the 4lo&ers( s&eet2 hea,' 4ragran"e2 then pla"e, the ste*s in the 5ar) She ha, 5!st 4inishe, &ashing the 3rea#4ast ,ishes an, s&eeping the 4loor &hen the s!nlight in the open ,oor &as 3la"#ene, o!t) She sp!n aro!n, an, al*ost ,roppe, the 3roo* &hen she sa& 6a&#e stan,ing there) 7s she &at"he, hi*2 he entere, an, lai, a "h!n# o4 4reshl' 3!t"here, 3ee4 on the ta3le) "- tho!ght &e(, ha+e a roast 4or s!pper2" he sai, gr!44l' as /!e stare, at the pie"e o4 ra& *eat) She loo#e, !p at hi*2 then 3a"# at the 3loo, oozing onto her "lean ta3le) 9oo, %or,2 it *!st &eigh at least 4i+e po!n,s2 she tho!ght in 3e*!se*ent) 1a' too *!"h 4or the t&o o4 the*) She p!she, a stran, o4 hair 3ehin, her ear) >ot to *ention ho& the #it"hen &o!l, heat !p) She(, ha+e to #eep the ol, range 4ire, !p 4or at least t&o ho!rs) She loo#e, 3a"# !p at 6a&#e an, 4o!n, hi* regar,ing her intentl') (e looks as though he wants to say something2 she tho!ght2 an, &aite, 4or hi* to spea#) !t a4ter shi4ting his 4eet2 he t!rne, an, le4t) 7n, &hile /!e &as pla"ing the 3ee4 into a 3ig roasting pan2 6a&#e s&!ng angril' into the sa,,le) "1h' in the hell ,i, - lose *' ner+e0" he *!ttere,) "1h' ,i,n(t - 5!st !p an, tell her that :a an, the #i,s &ill 3e here in an ho!r or so0" One o4 his han,s ha, reporte, to hi* that he ha, tal#e, to 6a&#e(s 4ather earlier2 an, that :a &as a3o!t ten *iles a&a') 6a&#e ro,e o442 "!rsing hi*sel4 4or 3eing a "o&ar,2 as he hea,e, to&ar, the 3ran,ing site) 6e &as slin#ing o44 li#e a "o'ote2 la"#ing the "o!rage to 3e at the ran"h &hen his 4a*il' arri+e,) /!e &at"he, 6a&#e ri,e a&a'2 grippe, 3' a restless 4ore3o,ing) -n the next ho!r she *a,e n!*ero!s trips to the &in,o&2 loo#ing 4or &hat she ,i, not #no&) She ha, 5!st p!t the roast in the o+en &hen she hear, the "rea#ing o4 &heels an, the "lin#ing o4 harnesses an, tra"es) She h!rrie, thro!gh the ho!se to the 4ront ,oor) She stoo, i**o3ilize,2 her lips parte, in s!rprise) 7 large prairie s"hooner &as p!lle, !p alongsi,e the por"h2 a pair o4 tire, *!les hit"he, to it) 1hen she li4te, her gaze to the *an on the high spring3oar, seat2 then shi4te, it to the t&o 'o!ngsters sitting 3esi,e hi*2 *an' things 3e"a*e "lear to her) There &as no *ista#ing &ho the s*iling ol,er *an &as) 6is rese*3lan"e to 6a&#e &as startling) 7n, the "hil,ren2 altho!gh not green-e'e,2 share, so*e o4 his 4eat!res) She &as grippe, &ith anger an, 3itterness) 6er ,e"eit4!l h!s3an, ha, *arrie, her to

raise his "hil,ren) 7n, he tho!ght so little o4 her2 &as so "areless o4 her 4eelings2 that he ha,n(t e+en tho!ght it ne"essar' to tell her) She tho!ght o4 the 3ig pie"e o4 *eat in the o+en an, #ne& &h' it &as so large) The "onni+ing ,e+il ha, #no&n there &o!l, 3e extra people at the ta3le tonight) /!e ,re& in a 3reath that &as hal4 sigh2 hal4 so3) There &as nothing she "o!l, ,o a3o!t it) 9o, #ne& she ha, no sa'-so in this ho!sehol,) She &as no 3etter than a ho!se#eeper) >ot e+en as i*portant) 7 ho!se#eeper &o!l, ha+e 3een as#e, i4 she &as &illing to "are 4or t&o "hil,ren) ?a#ing s!re that her 4a"e ,i, not sho& her tho!ghts2 she steppe, onto the por"h &hen 6a&#e(s 4ather 5!*pe, to the gro!n,) 6e &as a tall2 thin *an &ith a &eather&rin#le, 4a"e an, thi"# gra' hair that retaine, a sha,ing o4 3la"# in it) She respon,e, to his 4rien,l' s*ile an, grippe, the &or#-ro!ghene, han, he exten,e, to her) -4 onl' his son &as so ni"e2 she "o!l,n(t help thin#ing) The #in,l' green e'es &rin#le, &ith spe"!lation as he gaze, into /!e(s still st!nne, 4a"e) "-(ll 3et that son o4 *ine ,i,n(t tell 'o! that &e(, 3e arri+ing to,a')" 7n al*ost h'steri"al 4it o4 la!ghter rose in /!e(s throat) 6er h!s3an, ne+er 4o!n, it ne"essar' to tell her an'thing) She *anage, a "areless shr!g) "6e(s al&a's so 3!s'2 he pro3a3l' 4orgot2" she sai, =!ietl') ;e3 ?asters ran a glan"e o+er the +ast an, lonel' lan, that stret"he, as 4ar as his e'e "o!l, see) "6a&#e sai, he(, ha+e a ho!se#eeper 3' the ti*e &e arri+e, 3!t - ha, *' ,o!3ts he(, 4in, a &o*an &ho(, 3e "ontent to li+e in s!"h loneliness)" 6e t!rne, 3a"# to /!e an, s*ile,) "%et alone one so 'o!ng an, prett')" 1o!l, 6a&#e tr' to pass her o44 as his ho!se#eeper0 /!e &on,ere,) She &o!l,n(t p!t it past hi* to tr') S!,,enl' she &as tire, o4 3eing treate, li#e so*ething sha*e4!l2 so*ething to 3e #ept se"ret i4 possi3le2 pro+i,ing gossip 4or the "o&han,s) She li4te, her "hin pro!,l' an, sai, "learl'2 "-(* not the ho!se#eeper2 ?r) ?asters) -(* 'o!r son(s &i4e)" She loo#e, ,o&n at her ol, ragge,' ,ress2 her goo, one ha,n(t ,rie, 'et2 at the s"!44e, *o""asins 6a&#e ha, gi+en her2 then 3a"# at the 4ather she &as s!re &o!l, re5e"t her "lai*) 6er a*aze*ent &as total as the el,er ?asters opene, his ar*s &ith a &i,e s*ile) "- "an(t 3elie+e itA" he ex"lai*e,2 his long ar*s &rapping aro!n, her sho!l,ers2 gi+ing her a &ar* h!g) "- ha, a3o!t gi+en !p on *' 4irst3orn e+er gi+ing *e a ,a!ghter-in-la&)" Tears s"al,e, /!e(s e'es) She &as &ante,2 &as appre"iate,@at least 3' 6a&#e(s 4ather) She 3lin#e, a&a' the tears as ;e3 release, her an, t!rne, to li4t his ar*s to the s*all girl &ho ha, sat next to hi*) "This is S!sie)" 6e set the "hil, on her 4eet) The little one &as 4i+e or so2 /!e 5!,ge,2 3lon,-haire, &ith a "rop o4 4re"#les a"ross her nose) She stoo, "lose to her gran,4ather(s leg2 a 4inger in her *o!th2 sh' an,

,o!3t4!l2 as she &at"he, /!e) !t &hen /!e s*ile, &ar*l' at the little girl an, spo#e her na*e gentl'2 she s*ile, sh'l'2 sho&ing that she &as *issing a tooth in 4ront) "7n, this is To**'2" ;e3 sai, pro!,l'2 a han, on the sho!l,er o4 the ten-'earol, &ho ha, 5!*pe, 4ro* the &agon) /!e no,,e, sole*nl' at the sh' 'o!ngster2 an, to *a#e hi* 4eel li#e an a,!lt2 she o44ere, her han, to hi* an, sai, gra+el'2 "-(* happ' to *eet 'o!2 To**')" The la,(s s!rprise2 4ollo&e, =!i"#l' 3' a please,2 3l!shing s*ile2 tol, /!e that she ha, *a,e a 4ast 4rien,) >or ,i, she *iss his gran,4ather(s appre"iati+e loo#) "There(s a platter o4 "oo#ies on the ta3le in the #it"hen2" she sai,) "-4 'o!(re h!ngr'2 go help 'o!rsel4)" <orgetting his pro*otion to a,!lthoo,2 To**' gra33e, his sister(s han, an, ra"e, thro!gh the ho!se) /!e grinne, a4ter the* as their "hil,ish +oi"es 3ro#e the !s!al 3roo,ing silen"e o4 the ol, ho!se) She t!rne, 3a"# to ;e3 ?asters) "- ta#e it their *other is ,ea,)" "7s &ell as their 4ather)" ;e3 no,,e, sa,l'2 not noti"ing /!e(s s!rprise) 7s he tol, o4 the ,eath o4 his 'o!nger son an, ,a!ghter-in-la&2 /!e angril' as#e, hersel4 &h' she sho!l, 3e gla, that 6a&#e &asn(t the "hil,ren(s 4ather) She ,i,n(t "are in the least i4 he(, 3een *arrie, 3e4ore) She 3lin#e,2 "o*ing 3a"# to the present &hen ;e3 as#e,2 "7re 'o! !se, to "hil,ren0 $o 'o! li#e the*0" /!e too# a *o*ent to *!ll o+er his =!estion) .es2 she &as !se, to "hil,ren2 3!t not ones li#e these t&o &ho &ere s*iling an, health') 7s 4or li#ing "hil,ren2 she tr!l' ,i,n(t #no&) She ha,n(t li#e, her poor little hal4 3rothers) Their "onstant2 h!ngr' &hining ha, *a,e her li4e a *iser') !t as 4or these t&o 3right "hil,ren2 she &as s!re she &o!l, li#e the*) "The ans&er is 'es to 3oth =!estions2 ?r) ?asters)" She s*ile,) "6e'2 no&)" ;e3 la!ghe,) "-4 'o! ,on(t 4eel li#e "allin( *e :a2 at least "all *e ;e3)" /!e ret!rne, the 4rien,l' grin) "7ll rightD ;e3) 7n, 'o! *!st "all *e /!e)" "-(ll ,o thatD /!e)" ;e3 *o"#e, her hesitation at his na*e) The' 3oth la!ghe, then ;e3 sai,2 "- &on,er i4 there(s an'one aro!n, &ho "o!l, gi+e *e a han, &ith !nloa,in( the &agon)" "1ell2 - ,on(t #no&2" /!e sai, ,o!3t4!ll') "- thin# e+er'one is helping &ith the 3ran,ing)" The last part o4 her senten"e &as ,ro&ne, o!t as a horse th!n,ere, into the 'ar,2 s"attering a "lo!, o4 ,!st an, gra+el) 6a&#e &as o!t o4 the sa,,le 3e4ore his *o!nt ha, "o*pletel' "o*e to a halt) :!*ping his 4ather(s han, an, th!*ping hi* on the 3a"#2 he ex"lai*e,2 "- see 'o! *a,e it2 an, in goo, ti*e) 1here are the "hil,ren0" 6e loo#e, aro!n,2 a+oi,ing /!e(s e'es)

"6ere &e are2 Cn"le 6a&#e2" 'o!ng To**' 'elle,2 an, thre& hi*sel4 o44 the por"h to &rap his ar*s aro!n, the s*iling *an(s lean &aist) /!e 4elt an !nexplaine, 5a3 to her heart as she &at"he, her h!s3an, a44e"tionatel' #n!"#le To**'(s hea,2 his 4a"e so4tening &ith the lo+e he 4elt 4or his nephe&) She &on,ere, i4 there ha, e+er 3een a &o*an &ho ha, 3ro!ght that sa*e loo# in his e'es) "1hen he *a,e lo+e to %illie2 ,i, his 4a"e sho& the sa*e ten,erness0 6er r!*inating &as "!t short as S!sie2 "alling her !n"le(s na*e2 3!rst thro!gh the ,oor2 trippe, on a loose 3oar, an, 4ell 4lat on her sto*a"h) Si*!ltaneo!sl' /!e an, 6a&#e r!she, to pi"# !p the "r'ing "hil,) 6a&#e rea"he, her 4irst2 an, loo#e, a little p!t o!t &hen the little one p!lle, a&a' 4ro* hi* an, stret"he, her ar*s o!t to /!e) 7n, that &as the *o*ent lo+e 4or the little orphan girl 3losso*e, insi,e /!e) She hel, the pl!*p2 &ar* 3o,' "lose to her 3reast2 "rooning s'*pathi" &or,s o4 "o*4ort) This little one &o!l, 3e the ,a!ghter she &o!l, ne+er ha+e hersel4 She ,i,n(t see the !n"ertain loo# in 6a&#e(s green e'es as he h!n#ere, 3esi,e her) She ,i, 4eel the &ar* strength o4 his han,s as the' grippe, her ar*s an, li4te, her to her 4eet2 S!sie still "linging to her li#e a little *on#e') /!e trie, to ignore the ex"ite*ent 6a&#e(s to!"h ha, "a!se, to shi+er thro!gh her 3o,' &hen he +ent!re, in a "on"iliator' tone2 "- sho!l, ha+e tol, 'o! that :a an, the #i,s &o!l, 3e *a#in( their ho*e &ith !s) -t &as 5!st that -@" 6e 3ro#e o44 his 4altering apolog'2 an !neasiness gro&ing insi,e hi*) 1hile he ha, tal#e, to her2 she ha,n(t on"e loo#e, at hi*2 onl' stare, straight ahea,2 her 4a"e "lose, an, ston') -t &as "lear his &i4e &asn(t intereste, in his ex"!ses) 6e ,roppe, his han,s 4ro* her ar*s2 an, "ontin!ing to ignore hi*2 /!e &al#e, into the ho!se2 spea#ing so4tl' to S!sie2 as#ing her i4 she &o!l, li#e to help her *a#e a raisin pie) 7s /!e(s *!si"al lo& +oi"e an, S!sie(s high tre3le 4a,e, into the region o4 the #it"hen2 6a&#e "ontin!e, to stan, on the por"h2 "on4!sion r!nning thro!gh his *in,) "1h' sho!l, - "are a3o!t her goo, opinion0" he *!ttere, 4inall'2 5!*ping o44 the por"h an, stri,ing o+er to the &agon to help !nloa, the *an' arti"les his 4ather ha, pa"#e,) Still2 as he li4te, o!t 3oxes an, "rates2 his *in, &as on his &i4e) /!e ne+er got aro!n, to 3a#ing the pie) She ha, 5!st li4te, a 3ag o4 4lo!r onto the ta3le &hen her 4ather-in-la& appeare, at the #it"hen ,oor) "Co*e sho& !s &here 'o! &ant e+er'thing p!t2 /!e2" he sai, "heer4!ll') /!e stare, at hi*2 her han,s still gripping the 3ag) This +er' ni"e *an ,i,n(t #no& the sit!ation in this ho!sehol,) 6e ,i,n(t #no& that her opinion &as "onsi,ere, lo&er than an'one on the ran"h) "1hile she sear"he, 4or &or,s that ;e3 ?asters &o!l, !n,erstan, an, a""ept2 6a&#e appeare, 3ehin, his 4ather) "1h' ,on(t 'o! lea+e the pie 4or to*orro& night(s s!pper0" he sai,2 a s*ile t!gging at his lips2 3!t not =!ite "on4ir*e,)

/!e e'e, hi* s!spi"io!sl'2 tr'ing to rea, &hat &as in his e'es) There &as so*e reason he &as 3eha+ing in a hal4-,e"ent *anner to her) 6e ha, ne+er 3e4ore in+ol+e, her in an'thing that &ent on aro!n, here) She #ne& s!,,enl' that it ha, to ,o &ith his 4ather) 6e &ante, that honora3le *an to thin# that theirs &as a nor*al *arriage2 one *a,e 4ro* lo+e) 1ell2 she &o!l,n(t 3e a part o4 his ,e"eption) !t &hen she loo#e, at ;e32 rea,' to tell hi* the &hole &ret"he, stor'2 the happ' expe"tation on his 4a"e stoppe, her) Sli,ing 6a&#e a loo# that sai, he &asn(t 4ooling her &ith his s!,,en "ongenial *anner2 she ret!rne, the 4lo!r to the "!p3oar, an, 4ollo&e, the* o!tsi,e &ith S!sie at her heels) The 4irst ite*s to "o*e o!t o4 the &agon &ere rolls o4 han,-loo*e, "arpets) Bno!gh 4or ea"h roo* in the ho!se2 /!e tho!ght happil'2 3arring the #it"hen2 o4 "o!rse) 1hen the largest one ha, 3een s*oothe, o!t on the parlor 4loor2 ;e3 loo#e, at it &ith pn,e an, sa,ness) "6a&#e2 it too# 'o!r *other three 'ears to 4ashion this 4loor "o+ering on her loo*) She &o+e it into six-4oot &i,ths2 then 5oine, the strips together) "-ts goo, an, st!r,'2 /!e)" 6e 3ent o+er an, ran a pal* o+er the &o+en *aterial) "-t(ll last 'o! a li4eti*e2 an, the "olors &on(t 4a,e either) 6a&#e(s *other ,'e, the strips o4 "loth &ith sassa4ras root 3e4ore she str!ng the* tho!gh the loo*)" /!e ,roppe, to her #nees 3esi,e ;e32 an, r!nning her o&n pal* o+er the so4t re, "arpet2 sai, so4tl'2 "-t(s 3ea!ti4!l2 ;e32 an, -(ll ,o all in *' po&er to #eep it this &a')" "- #no& 'o! &ill2 ,a!ghter)" ;e3 rose an, helpe, her to her 4eet) 6a&#e an, his 4ather ha, 5!st 4inishe, la'ing o!t the "arpets in ea"h roo* &hen the "o&han,s ro,e in) "Co*e on2 *en2" 6a&#e "alle,2 "gi+e *e an, :a a han, &ith the 4!rnit!re)" 1ith *!"h la!ghing an, 5o#ing2 an, getting into ea"h other(s &a'2 3e,s &ere earne, in an, set !p in the roo*s /!e tho!ght &ere appropriate 4or ea"h *e*3er o4 the 4a*il') Then ,ressers2 "hi44oro3es2 ta3les2 "hairs2 an, a settee &ere "arrie, in) 6er 4a"e aglo& &ith pleas!re2 /!e r!she, aro!n, in an ex"ite, ,aze as she ,ire"te, the 4!rnit!re(s pla"e*ent) She 4elt li#e a "hil, at Christ*as or at least the &a' she i*agine, "hil,ren 4elt on that spe"ial ,a') She ha, no &a' o4 #no&ing) Christ*as at the hilltop sha"# ha, 3een li#e an' other ,a'@3o,ies shi+ering &ith the "ol, an, 3ell's a"hing 4ro* h!nger) <inall' e+er'thing &as o!t o4 the &agon an, p!t in its proper pla"e2 lea+ing onl' so*e 4oo, staples an, a hal4-,ozen 3arrels sitting on the ri"#et' por"h to 3e store, a&a' at a later ,ate) ;e3 explaine, that the 3arrels "ontaine, 3e, linens2 "!rtains2 "lothes2 an, so*e little geega&s his ,a!ghter-in-la& ha, to 3righten !p the roo*s on

their 4ar*) "- ,i,n(t lea+e a ,a*n thing 4or that ,a*n 9er*an &ho 3o!ght the pla"e2" he sai, in +exe, tones) "6e arg!e, *e pri"e on e+er' ani*al an, e+er' pie"e o4 4ar* *a"hiner') - ,i,n(t lea+e hi* so *!"h as a stra& 4ro* *' ol, 3roo*)" 7lso on the por"h &as a 3ig 3la"# "oo#sto+e) B+er' ti*e /!e &al#e, past it2 she e'e, it &ith pleas!re) Cntil the r!st' ol, thing in the #it"hen "oole, o442 the ne& sto+e "o!l,n(t 3e *o+e, in) She s*ile, in anti"ipation) She "o!l,n(t &ait to test her "!linar' s#ills on s!"h a gran, pie"e) -n 3et&een ,ire"ting &here the 4!rnit!re sho!l, 3e pla"e,2 /!e ha, snat"he, !p a s=!ash 4ro* the por"h2 one o4 *an' ;e3 ha, 3ro!ght 4ro* his gar,en2 an, p!t it in a pan alongsi,e the 3ee4 roast to 3a#e) She ha, also 4o!n, the ti*e to peel potatoes an, to 3oil the* in a "oo# pot) 7n, no& that the "o&han,s ha, le4t an, the ho!se ha, settle, ,o&n2 she "arrie, a sta"# o4 plates to the s*oothl' 4inishe, ta3le that ha, repla"e, the ol, "r!,e an, s"arre, one) 7s /!e li4te, the roast 4ro* the o+en2 she s*ile, at the little girl2 &ho ha,n(t let her o!t o4 sight) "$o 'o! &ant to p!t the sil+er&are an, glasses 3esi,e ea"h plate0" S!sie no,,e, eagerl'2 an, as the 3ee4 sat in its o&n 5!i"es2 /!e *ashe, the potatoes2 then &hippe, "anne, *il# into their 4l!44' &hiteness) 1hen e+er'thing &as rea,'2 she sent the little girl to tell the ?asters *en4ol# that it &as s!pperti*e) B+er'one ,!g in &ith heart' appetites2 ;e3 ,e"laring that he ha, ne+er eaten *ore ten,er2 tastier 3ee4 7s !s!al2 6a&#e ,i,n(t sa' an'thing a3o!t the 4oo, he sho+ele, into his *o!th2 3!t &hen /!e sent hi* a resent4!l loo# she &as s!rprise, to see pri,e in his 4a"e) 1as it possi3le he &as pro!, o4 her "oo#ing0 she as#e, hersel42 then *entall' shoo# her hea,) 6e &as pro3a3l' thin#ing a3o!t his horses an, "attle8 the' *a,e hi* pro!,) $ar#ness ha, set in 3' the ti*e the e+ening *eal &as 4inishe,) 7s /!e lit the la*ps2 she note, that S!sie &as no,,ing o+er her plate2 her e'es hal4-"lose,) She s*ile, ten,erl' at the "hil,) -t ha, 3een a long tiring ,a' 4or the little one) ;e32 too2 ha, seen his gran,,a!ghter ,ro&sing) "6a&#e2" he sai,2 "4et"h in that 3arrel o4 3e, linens so /!e "an get S!sie settle, in)" /!e lingere, in the #it"hen !ntil she tho!ght 6a&#e ha, 4inishe, his tas#) She &al#e, to&ar, the hall2 then "a*e to an a3r!pt halt) 6a&#e lo!nge, in the ,oor&a') She #ne& that he &o!l,n(t 3!,ge2 that he *eant 4or her to s=!eeze past hi*) Oh2 ho& she(, li#e to slap the ,e+ilish a*!se*ent o44 his han,so*e 4a"e) !t that &o!l, please hi*2 she #ne&) -t &o!l, gi+e hi* the ex"!se to retaliate2 in 9o, #ne& &hat &a') ?a'3e to #iss her) 7n, 3' no *eans *!st that happen) There &as 3!t one &a' to get 3' hi*) She li4te, her "hin an, plo&e, past hi*2 #no"#ing hi* o44 3alan"e) This ti*e she &as

a*!se, as his ,isgr!ntle, s&earing 4ollo&e, her) "/an,' 3astar,2" she *!ttere,2 entering the 3e,roo* next to hers) /!e h!rrie,l' *a,e !p the 3e,2 then &ent 3a"# to the #it"hen to &ash S!sie(s 4a"e an, han,s) ' the ti*e a nightgo&n &as p!lle, o+er the "hil,(s hea,2 she &as 4alling asleep) /!e t!"#e, her 3et&een the 3lan#ets an, s*oothe, a 3lon, tress o44 S!sie(s ros' "hee#2 then straightening !p2 h!rrie, to p!t linens on To**'(s 3e, a"ross the hall 4ro* his sister(s) 6e ha, loo#e, rea,' 4or 3e, also) She &o!l, ,o the other 3e,s &hen she got aro!n, to the*2 she ,e"i,e,) -t &as at least an ho!r 3e4ore /!e 4inishe, &ashing the ,ishes2 pots2 an, pans an, got 3a"# to *a#ing 3e,s) She entere, ;e3(s roo* 4irst2 next to his gran,son(s) 7s she s*oothe, on sheets an, a light 3lan#et2 she "o!l, hear 4ather an, son tal#ing on the por"h2 "o!l, see the glo&ing en,s o4 their "igarettes as the' ,re& on the*) The ?asters &ere a "lose-#nit 4a*il'2 she tho!ght2 an, s!,,enl' &ishe, that she &as a part o4 it) "1ipe s!"h tho!ghts o!t o4 'o!r *in,2 girl2" she &hispere,) ".o!(re no *ore than a hire, han, aro!n, here2 an, that(s all 'o!(ll e+er 3e)" /!e(s 3o,' sagge, 4ro* 4atig!e &hen 4inall' there re*aine, onl' her o&n 3e, to prepare) She ha, the sheets on an, &as rea,' to s*ooth on a 3lan#et &hen 6a&#e &al#e, into the roo*) 74ter one s&i4t glan"e at hi*2 she "arrie, on as tho!gh she &asn(t a&are o4 his intense st!,' o4 her 4a"e) She looks about fifteen2 6a&#e tho!ght2 with her hair pulled back and tied with a strip of rawhide) 6e s*ile, &r'l') -t ha, 3een no teenager he(, hel, an, #isse, that ,a' in the ri+er2 he re*e*3ere,) 7n !n&onte, aro!sal s!,,enl' p!she, against the 4ront o4 his tro!sers 5!st thin#ing a3o!t it) She ha, 4orgotten hersel4 an, respon,e, to hi*2 aro!sing hi* as no other &o*an e+er ha,) 1o!l, she rea"t to hi* in the sa*e &a' again0 he &on,ere,) 6e &al#e, slo&l' to the 4oot o4 the 3e,) ">i"e large 3e,2" he sai, o44han,e,l') ":lent' o4 roo* 4or t&o)" /!e ga+e hi* a startle, loo# an, 4ro&ne, at the serene "on4i,en"e glo&ing in his green e'es) 1as he hinting that he &o!l, share this 3e, &ith her tonight0 6a, he ,e"i,e, to "lai* his n!ptial rights0 6er lips 4ir*e, in a tight line) She hope, not2 4or he &o!l, 3e in 4or a 3ig s!rprise i4 he tho!ght that) She glan"e, ,o&n at the s!spi"io!s 3!lge in his tro!sers an, #ne& that she &as right) $hat settles it2 she tho!ght2 and I'm not going to pretend that I don't know what he's talking about) There &o!l, 3e no 3eating aro!n, the 3!sh2 no !n*eaning4!l s&eet tal#) She ga+e the 3lan#et a last s*oothing pat an, straightene, !p) "%oo#2" she gro!n, o!t the &or,2 her 3l!e e'es stor*ier than !s!al2 "i4 'o! thin# 'o!(re going to share this 3e, &ith *e2 'o!(+e 3een o!t in the s!n too long)"

6a&#e(s "on4i,ent s*ile ,i,n(t 4alter) 6e(, expe"te, her to re5e"t his i,ea at 4irst2 3!t he &o!l, tal# her into it) -4 he "o!l, 5!st get his ar*s aro!n, her2 4asten his *o!th on her ripe2 re, lips2 she(, soon *elt an, eagerl' a""ept hi* into her 3e,) The arg!*ent he ga+e /!e &as tr!e2 as &ell as the 4a"t that he &ante, her ,rea,4!ll') "%oo#2 /!e2" he 3egan "oaxingl'2 ":a &ill thin# it strange i4 &e ,on(t sleep together) 6e(s ol,-4ashione, that &a')" 6e &aite, a *o*ent to pla' &hat he 4elt &as his tr!*p "ar,2 the one he &as s!re she &as &aiting to see) "-(+e 3een thin#in( a lot latel' a3o!t o!r *arriage2 ho& it got o44 to a 3a, start) -(+e ,e"i,e, to *a#e it a real one)" /!e stare, at 6a&#e in 3lan# astonish*ent) (e ha, ,e"i,e, to *a#e this *arriage &or#2 ne+er *in, ho& she 4elt a3o!t it) "1as she s!ppose, to 4eel honore,2 3o& ,o&n an, #iss his han,s0 )ell, you're not fooling me for a minute, you randy tomcat2 she tho!ght) Oh2 she realize, it &o!l, pro3a3l' e*3arrass hi* 4or his 4ather to #no& that he slept in the 3!n#ho!se &ith the "o&3o's2 3!t he &as the one &ho ha, *a,e that ,e"ision 4ro* the 3eginning an,2 as 4ar as she &as "on"erne,2 that &as the &a' it &o!l, "ontin!e) !t the real iss!e niggle, in her *in,) 1inter &as not too 4ar o44 an, he &o!l, 3e !na3le to +isit %illie on"e sno& "o+ere, the +alle' se+eral 4eet ,eep) So the "onni+ing ,e+il &as tr'ing to pa+e the &a' no&2 ins!ring that his nee,s &o!l, 3e ta#en "are o4 !ntil spring &hen he "o!l, ret!rn to %illie(s ar*s) 6er s*all hea, hel, pro!,l' an, &ith her han,s on her hips2 she 4l!ng at hi*2 ".o!(re &asting 'o!r 3reath2 6a&#e ?asters) <or 'o!r in4or*ation2 - &ill 3e the one &ho &ill ,e"i,e &hen o!r *arriage &ill 3e a nor*al one2 i4 e+er) <or right no& - li#e it 5!st 4ine the &a' 'o! set things !p &hen 'o! 4irst 3ro!ght *e here) 7s 4ar as -(* "on"erne,2 - see no reason to "hange it)" 6a&#e stare, at /!e2 thin#ing o4 a ,ozen reasons the present set !p sho!l, 3e "hange,) The anger rolle, insi,e hi*) 6e &as ,a*ne, i4 he &o!l, 3eg her) She ha, a hell o4 a ner+e2 re4!sing hi* entr' to her 3e,2 a &o*an &ho ha, slept &ith the li#es o4 Sl' !r4or,) 6is e'es ra#e, o+er /!e s"athingl' as he grate, o!t his lie) "- ,i,n(t ha+e in *in, to *a#e lo+e to 'o!) ?' onl' intention &as to p!t !p a 4ront 4or :a(s 3ene4it)" 7n, 3e4ore /!e "o!l, ans&er that she ,i,n(t 3elie+e hi* 4or a *in!te2 he &heele, an, stal#e, 4ro* the roo*) %e4t &ea# an, tre*3ling 4ro* her "on4rontation &ith 6a&#e2 /!e le4t her roo* an, &al#e, o!t onto the 4ront por"h) She sighe, an, leane, against a s!pporting post) There &as s!"h a hea+iness in her heart that she &ante, to ho&l li#e one o4 the &ol+es that roa*e, the *o!ntain) !t "r'ing ne+er sol+e, a pro3le*2 9ran,*a al&a's sai,2 an, ha,n(t she alrea,' 4o!n, that o!t0 7 strea# o4 lightning lit !p the s#' an, 4or the 4irst ti*e /!e 3e"a*e a&are o4 ho& h!*i, the air &as2 its stillness) The' &ere in 4or a stor*) She t!rne, an, &al#e, 3a"# into the ho!se an, on into her 3e,roo*) She &as 3one-tire, as she "hange, into her

ol, pat"he, ,ress) She "o!l,n(t sleep 3are an'*ore2 &ith her 4ather-in-la& an, the "hil,ren sharing the ho!se) 7s /!e stret"he, o!t 3et&een the sheets2 ,elighting in the "o*4ort o4 her ne& 3e,2 the stor* 3ro#e) %o!, "laps o4 th!n,er re+er3erate, thro!gh the *o!ntains2 an, the rain 3eat against the &in,o&2 as tho!gh ,eter*ine, to get insi,e) 6er lips "!rle, so!rl' as she ,ri4te, o44 to sleep) 6er high-an,-*ight' h!s3an, &o!l, at least 3e happ' a3o!t the rain) The grass &o!l, 3e"o*e l!sh 4or his "attle an, prize horses)

Chapter Eight
6a&#e le4t the ran"h ho!se2 3ristling &ith anger) >e+er ha, a &o*an so +ehe*entl' re4!se, his attention 3e4ore) She's damned painfully frank2 he s&ore silentl'2 4lin"hing at her re*e*3ere, &or,s) "Tears into a *an) That sharp tong!e o4 hers sli"in( at hi* li#e a s#innin( #ni4e2" he *!ttere, to hi*sel4 as he entere, the ,ar# 3!n#ho!se an, 4!*3le, his &a' to his 3!n#) "7n, -(* ,a*ne, tire, o4 sleepin( in this 3oar(s nest2" he a,,e, !n,er his 3reath) The ran"i, o,or o4 ,irt' so"#s an, so!r 3o,' s&eat see*e, to hang o+er hi* li#e a "lo!,) 6e &as rel!"tant to ta#e a ,eep 3reath 4or 4ear he(, "ho#e) 6e trie, to sh!t o!t the ,i44erent snores an, snorts that 3eat at his ears as he t!gge, o44 his 3oots) Sh!"#ing o44 his ,eni*s2 6a&#e re"alle, the o,or o4 the 4resh "lean sheets his st!33orn &i4e ha, sprea, o+er the 3ig "o*4orta3le-loo#ing 3e, an, her 4aint rose s"ent) 6e 4l!ng his shirt on the 4loor an, stret"he, o!t on the thin *attress) /esting his hea, on his 4ol,e, ar*s2 he stare, into the ,ar#ness) Things "o!l, not go on as the' &ere2 he tho!ght2 3lin#ing as a strea# o4 lightning zigzagge, a"ross the s#') 6is &i4e(s "ol,ness2 the !napp ease, h!nger he ha, 4or her2 &as inter4ering &ith e+er'thing he atte*pte, to ,o &hether it &as ro!n,ing !p "attle or settling arg!*ents 3et&een his "o&han,s) 6er "onstant re5e"tion &as ,ri+ing hi* "raz') 6ell2 he ,i,n(t e+en &ant %illie an'*ore) 7 t&inge o4 !neasiness stirre, insi,e 6a&#e at that tho!ght) >o& thin#ing it o+er2 he &asn(t so s!re %illie ha, ta#en his 3rea#!p &ith her as "al*l' as she ha, preten,e,) 6e #ne& she &as a +in,i"ti+e 3it"h2 an, he &o!l,n(t 3e at all s!rprise, i4 she sho&e, !p at the ran"h so*e,a') There &o!l, 3e hell to pa' i4 she sai, the &rong thing in 4ront o4 :a) 6e(, nail his el,est son(s hi,e on the 3a* ,oor) 7s 4or /!e2 he sighe, r!e4!ll'2 she &o!l,n(t gi+e a ,a*n &hat %illie *ight sa') 7nother strea# o4 lightning lit !p the night2 4ollo&e, 3' a lo!, roll o4 th!n,er an, the har, pelting o4 rain on the roo4 -ts 4ier"eness ,istra"te, 6a&#e(s *!sings a3o!t his &i4e) 7t last the in4ernal heat &o!l, 3rea# an, the grass &o!l, 3e"o*e green again) 6is her, &o!l, 3e 4it 3' the ti*e the "attle ,ri+e 3egan2 a ,ri+e o4 t&o h!n,re, *iles

to the nearest rail'ar,) 6a&#e(s tho!ghts ha, ,ri4te, 3a"# to /!e &hen the 4irst ,rop o4 &ater splatte, on his 4orehea,) ""1hat the hellA" he *!ttere, as the single ,rop gre& into a stea,' peppering on his 4a"e) "The ,a*n roo4 is lea#in()" .ow what0 he &on,ere, as his s&earing &as 5oine, &ith that o4 the others &ho ha, 3een 5er#e, a&a#e 3' the "hill o4 &ater hitting their 3are 4lesh) The line o4 3!n# 3e,s &ere naile, to the &all so the' "o!l,n(t 3e *o+e, to ,r' spots) 7s 6a&#e 5!*pe, o!t o4 3e, an, grope, 4or his ,is"ar,e, "lothing2 the tho!ght hit hi* that *a'3e the roo4 o4 the ho!se *ight 3e lea#ing also) 7ltho!gh he 3elie+e, that he ha, repla"e, all the rotten shingles2 he *ight ha+e *isse, so*e) So*eone lit a la*p2 an, 3' its ,i* light he p!lle, on his tro!sers2 tr'ing not to la!gh at the "o&p!n"hers2 &ho gaze, sleep'-e'e,2 &aiting to 3e tol, &hat to ,o) $hey'll figure out something2 6a&#e tho!ght2 hea,ing 4or the ,oor2 shirtless an, 3are4oot) 6e pa!se, a *o*ent2 his han, on the ,oor#no3) 6is 4ore*an2 ?alone2 &as *issing) 7 3rie4 s*ile t&it"he, his lips) /o*eo &as pro3a3l' to*"atting in ;a"#son2 sn!g an, ,r' &ith his 4a+orite &hore) 6a&#e ,ashe, thro!gh the rain an, *!, an, hoppe, onto the 3ro#en por"h &here &ater ran li#e a sie+e thro!gh the rotting 3oar,s o4 the roo4 "9otta get that 4ixe,2" he *!ttere, as he p!she, open the ,oor) 6e 3reathe, a sigh o4 relie4 The ho!se &as in ,ar#ness an, all &as =!iet) B+i,entl' the roo4 &as so!n,) !t he(, 3etter *a#e s!re2 he ,e"i,e,2 an, "rosse, the parlor h!rrie,l'2 hoping not to *!,,' his *other(s "arpet too 3a,l') /!e(s 3e,roo* ,oor2 the 4irst o44 the hall2 stoo, slightl' a5ar) 6a&#e slo&l' p!she, it open2 3reathing in her s"ent &ith ,eep pleas!re) 6e tiptoe, =!ietl' to the 3e, an, stare, ,o&n at the pillo& &here her hea, sho!l, 3e) 6e "a!ght his 3reath) -n the ,i*ness o4 the roo* he *a,e o!t that2 tho!gh the "o+ers &ere r!*ple,2 the 3e, &as e*pt') She ha, gone to 3e, an, then got !p) 1h'0 6a&#e(s e'es narro&e, to glittering green slits) ?alone(s 3e, &as e*pt' also) 6is han,s "len"he, into 4ists) The "heating 3it"h ha, slippe, o!t to *eet his 4ore*an) 6e t&it"he, his sho!l,ers angril' at the !nexpe"te, sha4t o4 pain that 5a33e, his 3reast &hen he tho!ght o4 the* together) 7s the lightning 4lashe, an, the th!n,er rolle,2 he "on+in"e, hi*sel4 that he ,i,n(t gi+e a ,a*n i4 she slept &ith e+er' han, on the pla"e) !t2 3' 9o,2 he a,,e,2 he &asn(t a3o!t to let her 3ring sha*e to the ?asters(s na*e) 6e &o!l, 5!st "ra&l into the little 3it"h(s 3e, an, &ait 4or her) 9i+e her the s!rprise o4 her li4e &hen she "a*e "reeping in) /!e 4o!ght thro!gh the haze o4 ,eep sleep) 1hi"h o4 her little hal4 3rothers &as "r'ing no&0 1hat "o!l, she gi+e hi* to eat0 She sat !p in 3e,2 her *in, 3a"# at the ,esolate sha"# she(, "alle, ho*e)

$i*l' then2 /!e realize, the "ries &ere o4 4right an, not h!nger) 7lso that the "hil, &as "r'ing2 "?a*a" an, not "/!e)" She 3olte, !p in 3e, &ith total re"all) -t &as S!sie "r'ing) She ha, pro3a3l' 3een a&a#ene, 3' the stor* that rage, o!tsi,e) 7s /!e h!rrie, to the roo* next to hers2 la*plight spille, into the hall2 an, she "o!l, hear ;e3 tr'ing to soothe the little girl) She stoo, in the open ,oor&a' a *o*ent2 &at"hing &ith s'*path' the harrie, *an &ho &as ,oing his 3est2 3!t &as =!ite !ns!""ess4!l) "-s she 4rightene, o4 the stor*0" /!e &hispere,2 entering the roo* an, approa"hing the 3e,) S!"h a loo# o4 relie4 &ashe, o+er her 4ather-in-la&(s 4a"e that /!e 4elt sorr' 4or hi*) She patte, his sho!l,er a44e"tionatel' as she sat ,o&n on the e,ge o4 the 3e, an, gentl' stro#e, S!sie(s &et2 4l!she, "hee#) ig 3l!e e'es 4le& open2 an, then a s*all 3o,' thre& itsel4 against /!e) "1hen little ar*s &ent aro!n, her ne"# in a strangle hol,2 /!e ro"#e, the so33ing "hil, slo&l'2 "rooning a l!lla3' that an al*ost-4orgotten *an ha, on"e s!ng to her) "1hen the so3s "ease, an, S!sie gre& =!iet2 /!e *otione, her hea, to&ar, the ,oor2 silentl' telling ;e3 that he "o!l, go 3a"# to 3e,) 6e ga+e her an appre"iati+e s*ile an, slippe, 4ro* the roo*) "S!sie)" /!e li4te, the "hil,(s "hin so that she "o!l, loo# into the tear-staine, 4a"e) "1o!l, 'o! li#e 4or *e to sleep &ith 'o! tonight0" "Oh2 'es2 7!ntie /!e2" the ans&er "a*e instantaneo!sl') "-(* a4rai, o4 stor*s)" She hi""!pe,) "The' *a#e *e *iss *' *o**ie)" "- #no&2 hone')" /!e loosene, the "linging ar*s an, helpe, her get 3a"# !n,er the "o+ers) " !t 7!ntie /!e &ill 3e here 4or 'o! 4ro* no& on2" she sai, so4tl'2 3lo&ing o!t the la*p an, sli,ing in 3esi,e the no& "al* "hil,) She gathere, the s*all 3o,' "lose2 settling the 3lon, hea, on her sho!l,er) "%et(s get 3a"# to sleep no&2 all right0" S!sie s"oote, "loser2 an, &hispere,2 "7ll right)" 1ithin *in!tes her 3o,' relaxe, into sleep an, the stor* rage, on) 6a&#e "a*e a&a#e to sha4ts o4 s!nlight in his 4a"e2 an, a stri,ent +oi"e ,e*an,ing2 "1hat in the hell are 'o! ,oing in *' 3e,0" 6a&#e shoo# his hea,2 as tho!gh to "lear it2 then pinning the 4!rio!s &o*an &ith a s"al,ing loo# he sneere,2 "So2 4inall' 'o!(re "ra&lin( ho*e)" 6e sat !p in 3e,2 the sheet an, 3lan#et 4alling so lo& to his &aist that a 4ringe o4 p!3i" hair "!rle, against their e,ges) /!e s&i4tl' loo#e, a&a'2 her 4a"e 3l!shing a ,eep re,) ?ista#ing the reason 4or her e*3arrasse*ent he sai, "onte*pt!o!sl'2 "So 'o! ,o ha+e so*e sha*e in 'o!)"

There &as a short silen"e as /!e 5er#e, her hea, aro!n, an, stare, at hi* in,ignantl') "$on(t loo# at *e li#e a tree, "at2" 6a&#e snappe,) "-4 'o! nee,e, a *an so 3a,l'2 - &as &illin( an, a3le to ta#e "are o4 'o!r it"h) .o! ,i,n(t ha+e to snea# o!t an, *eet ?alone in the 3arn)" 7t 4irst2 as 6a&#e(s harsh &or,s lashe, o!t at her2 /!e "o!l,n(t spea# she &as so 4!rio!s) Slo&l' then2 it "a*e to her that his tone ha, a 5ealo!s ring to it) Co!l, that 3e possi3le0 she as#e, hersel4 >o2 that "o!l,n(t 3e2 she ,e"i,e,) 6a&#e ?asters ,i,n(t "are 4or her in the least) -t &as onl' a "ase o4 her 3elonging to hi*2 an, he &asn(t a *an to share &hat &as his) The !rge to tor*ent hi* &as too strong to ignore) 1ith a ,e4iant tilt o4 her hea,2 she ta!nte,2 ";osh ?alone isn(t the onl' *an on this ran"h) There(s others &ho &o!l, gla,l' *eet *e in the 3arn)" There &as a tight silen"e as 6a&#e glare, at /!e2 his e'es threatening p!nish*ent) Then2 a *!s"le t&it"hing in his 5a&2 he grate,2 " !t ?alone &as the onl' *an *issing 4ro* the 3!n#ho!se last night)" /!e shr!gge,) "- &o!l,n(t #no& an'thing a3o!t that)" She &as ,eli3eratel' e+asi+e2 ,eri+ing great satis4a"tion &at"hing his anger gro&) 6a&#e starte, to s&ing his 4eet to the 4loor2 then re*e*3ere, he &as na#e, an, that pre,i"a*ent *a,e hi* e+en angrier) 6e "o!l, onl' lie there an, sho!t at her) S!sie *ight &al# in an' *in!te) "1hen he 4inall' spo#e2 his &or,s &ere lo&2 3!t sa+age) "$on(t lie to *e2 &o*anA .o! #no& ,a*n &ell the t&o o4 'o! *a,e arrange*ents to *eet last night)" /!e "o"#e, her hea, as tho!gh in ,eep tho!ght) "- ,on(t thin# - *a,e an assignation &ith ;oshD 4or last night2 that is)" Then ,eli3eratel' +ag!e2 she a,,e,2 "- "ertainl' hope not) - ,on(t li#e to 3rea# *' &or,)" ".o! 3it"hA" 6a&#e raspe,) "- &as right a3o!t 'o! all along) .o!(re nothin( 3!t a &hore)" 6e s&!ng his 4eet to the 4loor2 "l!t"hing the "o+ers to his *i,,le) "%et *e tell 'o! so*ethin( right no&E there &ill 3e no &horin( &ith *' *en) .o! &ill not 3ring sha*e to the ?asters na*e)" 6e gra33e, her &rist an, s=!eeze, it) "7n, to *a#e s!re o4 that2 4ro* no& on -(* sharin( this 3e, &ith 'o! e+er' night) -(ll ri,e 'o! so har,2 so o4ten2 'o! &on(t ha+e the energ'2 nor the ,esire to go snea#in( o44 to *eet an'one)" /!e glare, 3a"# at her h!s3an,2 h!rt to the heart an, tre*3ling &ith 3lin, 4!r') She so!ght 4or so*e "!tting &or,s that &o!l, express her "onte*pt 4or hi* then ha, to 3ite the* 3a"# &hen S!sie "a*e ,an"ing into the roo*) Cna&are o4 the "ra"#ling tension 3et&een her a!nt an, !n"le2 the little girl ran to /!e an, thre& her ar*s aro!n, her &aist) "Than# 'o!2 7!ntie /!e2 4or sleeping &ith *e

last night)" 6er s*all *o!th ,re& into a po!t) "9ran,pa sai, - "an(t sleep &ith 'o! e+er' night2 tho!gh) 6e sai, that Cn"le 6a&#e &o!l, *iss 'o!2 that he loo#e, real loneso*e &hen he loo#e, in on hi* this *orning) S!sie loo#e, o+er her sho!l,er at 6a&#e) "1ere 'o! loneso*e2 Cn"le 6a&#e0 $i, 'o! *iss 7!ntie /!e0" 6a&#e ran long agitate, 4ingers thro!gh his hair2 a &a+e o4 sel4-reproa"h s&eeping o+er hi*) God2 he tho!ght2 I wish I could take back those hateful cruel words) "- *isse, her +er' *!"h2 little one2" he sai, so4tl'2 then hel, o!t a pla"ating han, to /!e) "%oo#2 /!e2" he 3egan a&#&ar,l'2 "- "an(t tell 'o! ho& sorr' an, asha*e, - a* 4or *' &or,s an, a""!sations) - &as 5!st so s!re &hen - 4o!n, 'o!r 3e, e*pt' that 'o! @" ".es2 - #no& &hat 'o! &ere s!re o42" /!e interr!pte, hi* "ol,l') She too# S!sie(s han, an, le, her to the ,oor) "1ait 4or *e in the #it"hen2 hone')" She ga+e the "hil, a gentle p!sh) "- ha+e so*ething to sa' to Cn"le 6a&#e in pri+ate)" S!sie s*ilingl' agree,2 an, /!e "lose, the ,oor 3ehin, her) ">o&2 ?r) 6a&#e ?asters)" She sta*pe, 3a"# to the 3e, an, stare, ,o&n at hi*2 her 4ists on her hips) "- #no& all a3o!t 'o!r opinion o4 *e2 ha+e #no&n all along) !t &hether or not *' *orals are goo, or 3a,2 'o! &ill ne+er #no&) <or as 4ar as o!t&ar, appearan"es are "on"erne,2 - &ill 3e the *o,el &i4e) - ha+e not2 nor &ill - e+er sneak o44 to lie &ith a *an@in"l!,ing 'o!)" /!e(s +oi"e ha, risen ,!ring her angr' retaliation2 an, she &as pra"ti"all' sho!ting as she 4l!ng her last 5i3e at 6a&#e) "So i4 an' sha*e is 3ro!ght to the ?asters na*e2 it &ill 3e 'o!r ,oing2 *essing aro!n, &ith %illie ?e'ers)" ">o& loo#2 /!e2 -(+e tol, 'o! ho& sorr' - a*)" 6a&#e stoo, !p2 4orgetting his na#e, state) "Can(t &e 4orget all the h!rt4!l &or,s 3et&een !s an, start all o+er0 7s 4or %illie2 - ha+en(t@" /!e gaspe, so4tl' at the sight o4 6a&#e(s 3o,') She ha, ne+er seen a *an 3are 3elo& the &aist 3e4ore) She t!rne, her 3a"# to hi* an, snappe,2 "1ill 'o! p!t on so*e "lothes0 1hat i4 S!sie sho!l, "o*e 3a"# in here0" /!e(s e*3arrasse*ent 3ro!ght a ,e+ilish grin to 6a&#e(s lean 4a"e) 6e sat 3a"# ,o&n on the e,ge o4 the 3e, an, p!lle, the "orner o4 the sheet a"ross his hips) "- onl' ha+e *' pants2" he sai, plainti+el'2 "an, the'(re still &et 4ro* *' ,ash o+er here in the rain to see i4 the roo4 &as lea#ing) - &orrie, a3o!t 'o! gettin( &et)" "-(* s!re 'o! &ere &orrie, a3o!t *e2" /!e retorte, sharpl'2 then a,,e,2 "there are "lean "lothes in the ,resser)" 6a&#e(s s*ile &as &i"#e, as he sai,2 ":ro3a3l' 'o! sho!l, 3ring the* to *e) 7s 'o! #no&2 -(* still na#e, an, S!sie *ight@"

"Oh2 all right2" /!e interr!pte, hi*2 *ar"hing o+er to the 3ig pie"e o4 4!rnit!re an, 5er#ing open a ,ra&er) She "o!l, ha+e le4t the roo*2 an, let hi* ta#e "are o4 hi*sel4 !t she still ha, things on her *in, that nee,e, sa'ing) She snat"he, !p !n,er&ear2 so"#s2 a shirt2 an, a pair o4 ,eni*s2 an, 3ro!ght the* to the 3e,) "6ere2" she sai,2 an, starte, to han, the* to 6a&#e) The "lothing 4ell to the 4loor as her &rist &as "a!ght2 gi+en a t&ist2 an, she &as 4lippe, into 6a&#e(s ar*s) She 4elt her ol,2 &orn ,ress splitting at the sea*s2 an, &hen the "ool air hit her 3are 3reasts2 she 3egan to str!ggle2 to p!sh against the 3roa, sho!l,ers that 3ore into her) "%et *e !pA" she gaspe,2 her "!r+e, 4ingers rea"hing 4or his 4a"e) "Oh2 no2 *iss')" 6a&#e grinne, ,o&n at her as he "a!ght her t&o &rists in one han, an, hel, the* o+er her hea,) ".o! tease, an, tor*ente, *e a3o!t ;osh8 no& it(s 'o!r t!rn to get a little o4 it 3a"#)" 6e gaze, ,o&n at her 3reasts as he 4l!ng a leg a"ross her hips2 #eeping her pinne, !n,er hi*) 6is e'es glea*ing in appre"iation2 he *!r*!re, so4tl'2 " ea!ti4!l)" 7 *ixt!re o4 ex"ite*ent2 4ear2 an, anti"ipation s&ept o+er /!e as his hea, lo&ere, slo&l') -n 4as"ination she &at"he, his *o!th open as it neare, a p!"#ere, nipple) ":lease2 ,on(t2" she &hispere,2 3!t his lips &ere alrea,' s!"#ing her2 p!lling as tho!gh he &as ,ra&ing ne"tar into his *o!th) She 4elt a &a+e o4 &ea#ness s&eep thro!gh her at the insistent t!gging o4 his lips2 an, she ga+e a ,eep *oan o4 pleas!re) 6er 3o,' &ent li*p an, she &as lost in the pleas!re o4 6a&#e tasting one 3reast an, then the other) 1hen he inserte, a han, 3eneath her s#irt an, lai, it against the *oist "!rls 3et&een her thighs2 she opene, eagerl' 4or the 4inger he starte, to sli,e insi,e her) 1hen 6a&#e(s *o!th an, han, s!,,enl' le4t her2 it too# /!e a *o*ent to realize so*eone &as #no"#ing on the 3e,roo* ,oor) She h!rrie,l' p!she, her s#irt ,o&n an, trie, to p!ll the rippe, 3o,i"e together as ;e3 "alle, in a*!se*ent2 "- ,on(t &ant to 3rea# !p an'thing in there2 3!t there(s a "o!ple o4 h!ngr' 'o!ngsters in the #it"hen &ho re4!se to eat an'thing that /!e hasn(t prepare,)" 6e la!ghe, ,r'l') "- ha,n(t #no&n - &as that 3a, a "oo# all these past &ee#s)" "1e(ll 3e right there2 :a2" 6a&#e "alle,2 his +oi"e hoarse 4ro* !nrelease, passion) /!e 4elt 6a&#e(s e'es on her 3a"# as he ,resse, hi*sel42 3!t she &as too *orti4ie, to loo# at hi*) She #ne& he &as thin#ing that she &as eas'2 that he "o!l, ha+e ha, her i4 his 4ather ha,n(t interr!pte, the*) 7nger an, sha*e *ingle, together an, sprea, thro!gh her) 6e &as right) She ha, 3een &illing to gi+e hersel4 to hi*) She stare, sightlessl' thro!gh the &in,o&) 1as she li#e her *other a4ter all2 rea,' to go to 3e, &ith a *an onl' a4ter a 4e& lasses an, the stro#ing o4 her 3o,'0

I must be2 she tho!ght ,e5e"te,l' 4or she loathe, 6a&#e ?asters an, 'et he &as a3le to set her 3o,' a4ire) "7re 'o! all right0" 6a&#e as#e, gentl' 4ro* 3ehin, her2 la'ing a han, on her sho!l,er) "O4 "o!rse -(* all right)" She 5er#e, a&a' 4ro* hi*) "1h' sho!l,n(t - 3e0 -(+e 3een #isse, 3e4ore2" she lie,) "$on(t 3e angr'2" he "oaxe,) "1e &on(t 3e interr!pte, tonight) -(ll *a#e it goo, 4or 'o!2 'o!(ll see) -t &ill 3e all the 3etter 4or &aiting)" "There &ill 3e no tonightA" /!e &heele, on hi*2 her e'es 4lashing 3l!e 4ire) ">ot tonight2 or an' other night)" 6a&#e gra33e, her 3' the sho!l,ers an, 5er#e, her !p against his lean 3o,') 6is partial aro!sal presse, against her sto*a"h as he glare, ,o&n at her an, gro&le,2 "There &ill 3e a tonight) ;osh ?alone has his e'e on 'o!2 an, -(* not "o*pletel' "on+in"e, that 'o!(re not ret!rning his interest) "1hat - sai, 3e4ore still goes) -(* gonna see to it that 'o!(re 4!ll' satis4ie, e+er' night)" ;!st as /!e ,e3ate, slapping his han,so*e 4a"e2 he release, her an, sta*pe, o!t o4 the roo*2 sla**ing the ,oor 3ehin, hi*) "1e(ll see a3o!t that2 ?ister2" she *!ttere,2 loo#ing at the torn ,ress that &as tr!l' a rag no&) 7s she 'an#e, it o+er her hea,2 she &on,ere, &hat she(, ,o 4or a "hange o4 ,ress no&) /esort to *en(s tro!sers2 she i*agine, as she ,i, !p the 3!ttons o+er her 3reasts2 the nipples still tingling 4ro* the re"ent t!gging on the*) /!e 4ille, the &hite "hina 3asin &ith &ater 4ro* the *at"hing pit"her an, ,roppe, the rose-s"ente, soap an, so4t 4lannel into it) She stro#e, a 4inger o+er the re, roses painte, on the pit"her(s si,e) She ha, ne+er hope, to ha+e an'thing so 3ea!ti4!l) S!sie ha, sai, that it ha, 3elonge, to her *other) 1hat ha, the ,ea, &o*an 3een li#e0 /!e *!se,) Certainl' she ha, 3een a la,' to ha+e ha, so *an' prett' things) >o one 4ro* &here /!e "a*e 4ro* ha, o&ne, s!"h ni"e 4!rnit!re an, prett' personal ite*s) /!e re*e*3ere, s!,,enl' that the ?asters 4a*il' &as &aiting 4or their 3rea#4ast) She h!rrie,l' splashe, &ater on her 4a"e2 ,ragge, the 3ro#en "o*3 thro!gh her hair2 then h!rrie, to the ,oor) 6er han, on the #no32 she pa!se,2 ner+o!sl' 3iting her lo&er lip2 gathering the "o!rage to 4a"e the t&o ?asters *en) 6er 4ather-in-la& ha, to #no& that so*ething ha, 3een going on 3et&een her an, his son2 an, 6a&#e &o!l, loo# at her &ith sar,oni" a*!se*ent) She sighe,) She "o!l,n(t sta' in her roo* 4or the rest o4 her li4e) The sooner she 4a"e, the*2 the sooner it &o!l, 3e o+er) S!rprisingl'2 it &asn(t too 3a,) ;e3 greete, her in his !s!al gentle 4ashion2 &ith a =!iet 4on,ness in his e'es) -n the "la*or o4 "hil,ish +oi"es ,e"laring that the' &ere

star+ing2 /!e snea#e, a loo# at 6a&#e) 1ith hi*2 ho&e+er2 it &as a ,i44erent stor') 6e ran insolent e'es o+er her 3o,'2 lingering a *o*ent on her 3reasts) Then li4ting his gaze to her 4a"e2 he ga+e her a loo# that spo#e +ol!*es) 6er 4a"e 3eet-re,2 /!e *ar"he, o+er to the &or#3en"h that ;e3 ha, 3ro!ght2 an, 3!sil' *ixe, pan"a#e 3atter) She &as 4lipping o+er the 4irst 3at"h in the "ast-iron s#illet &hen her 4ather-in-la& spo#e) "/!e2 -(+e 3een noti"in( that 'o!(re 3!ilt li#e the #i,(s *a*a &as) - 3ro!ght all her "lothes along) ?e an, the 'o!ng!ns( ha+e tal#e, it o+er2 an, &e(, 3e pro!, i4 'o! "o!l, p!t the* to !se)" e4ore /!e "o!l, ans&er that she &o!l, 3e happ' to &ear Sara(s "lothing2 6a&#e spo#e !p2 angr' resent*ent in his tone) "- "an pro+i,e 4or *' &i4e2 :a) She ,oesn(t ha+e to &ear han,-*e-,o&ns)" ;e3 st!,ie, his son(s 4l!she, 4a"e an, tho!ght &ith satis4a"tion that it see*e, that 6a&#e "are, 4or his &i4e a4ter all) ;e3 ha, 3een a little "on4!se, &hen he arri+e, 'ester,a') 6e ha, not *isse, the "oolness 3et&een /!e an, 6a&#e an, ha, ,e"i,e, that it ha, onl' 3een a lo+er(s spat o+er so*ething o4 s*all i*portan"e) "Then it(s past ti*e 'o! ,i,2 son2" ;e3 ,ra&le,) "- ha, to loo# in /!e(s "hi44oro3e 'ester,a' 4or a tin 3ox that "ontains all *' i*portant papers2 an, all - sa& hangin( in it &as that ,ress she has on no&)" 6a&#e(s startle, e'es 5!*pe, to /!e(s sti44 3a"#2 an, it &as har, 4or his 4ather not to la!gh at the total s!rprise on his son(s 4a"e) 6e *entall' shoo# his hea,) This el,est son o4 his ha, a lot to learn a3o!t a ,e"ent &o*an) 7n, /!e &as "ertainl' that2 ;e3 tho!ght) One onl' ha, to loo# at her &i,e2 "lear e'es2 the inno"en"e on her 4a"e) Cn3elie+a3l' she still ha, the loo# o4 a +irgin) 6is lips tilte, a 4ra"tion) <at "han"e o4 that2 *arrie, to his ran,' son) ;e3 &as 5arre, 4ro* his tho!ghts a3o!t the pair 3' the 3ristling arg!*ent going on 3et&een the*) "6o& in the hell &as - s!ppose to #no& 'o! onl' ha, t&o ,resses0" 6a&#e gro&le,2 5a33ing a 4or# into the sta"# o4 pan"a#es) ".o!(+e got a *o!th) .o! "o!l, ha+e tol, *e)" "7n, 'o!(+e got e'esA" /!e "a*e 3a"#2 po!ring the se"on, 3at"h o4 3atter into the s#illet) "Onl' a 3lin, *an &o!l,n(t ha+e noti"e, so*ething li#e that)" She 4lippe, the 3ro&ne, "a#es o+er) "7n'&a'2 - &o!l,n(t as# 'o! 4or a glass o4 &ater i4 *' throat &as par"he,)" "Then ,on(tA" 6a&#e s"rape, his "hair a&a' 4ro* the ta3le an, stoo, !p) "9o ahea, an, &ear !se, "lothes) -t(s ,a*ne, s!re - &on(t 3!' an' 4or 'o!)" 6e sla**e, the #it"hen ,oor so har, 3ehin, hi*2 the &in,o& rattle,) 7s /!e "arrie, the se"on, platter o4 "a#es to the ta3le the sight o4 To**'(s &i,e2

!neas' e'es &ipe, the anger o!t o4 her) She s&ept S!sie a glan"e an, &as ,eepl' asha*e,) The little girl &as on the +erge o4 tears) -t &as "lear these "hil,ren &eren(t !se, to s=!a33ling parents) ringing a 3right s*ile to her lips2 she sat ,o&n next to the little girl an, 5o#e,2 "g!ess - tol, Cn"le 6a&#e2 h!h0 6e(ll go ,o&n to the 3arn an, po!t a &hile2 an, then &e(ll *a#e !p)" She stro#e, the so4t 3lon, hair) "O!r little spat ,i,n(t !pset 'o!2 ,i, it2 hone'0 -t ,i,n(t *ean an'thing) 1e &ere 5!st "learing o!r +oi"es at ea"h other)" " !t Cn"le 6a&#e loo#e, so angr'2 7!ntie /!e2" To**' sai,2 still ,o!3t4!l) "6e loo#e, li#e he &ante, to p!n"h so*eone)" 7 4or"e, ga' la!gh trille, thro!gh /!e(s lips) "Oh -(* s!re he(s p!n"he, a "o!ple o4 &alls 3' no&2 To**')" She lai, a han, on the 3o'(s "len"he, 4ist l'ing 3esi,e his plate2 an, loo#ing a"ross at ;e3(s !pset 4a"e2 she sai, &ith 4ir* "on+i"tion2 "- &ant 'o! all to #no& that regar,less o4 ho& angr' *' h!s3an, *ight get at *e2 he &o!l, ne+er stri#e *e)" She grinne, an, a,,e,2 "- *ight hit hi*2 tho!gh)" 76 three la!ghe,2 an, the ho+ering ner+o!s tension e+aporate,) !t /!e #ne& as she 3egan eating her o&n 3rea#4ast2 s!"h o!t3!rsts 3et&een her an, 6a&#e *!st ne+er happen in 4ront o4 the "hil,ren an, ;e3 again) -t !pset the 'o!ng ones2 an, ;e3 &o!l, soon learn that his son(s *arriage &asn(t all it sho!l, 3e) 7n, she ,i,n(t &ant hi* to #no& ho& this strange allian"e 3et&een her an, 6a&#e ha, "o*e a3o!t) rea#4ast &as eaten a*i, the "hatter o4 the "hil,ren2 To**' expressing his &ish to get to the horses in the "orral2 an, S!sie "arr'ing on a "on+ersation &ith the rag ,oll that &as sel,o* o!t o4 her sight) The *eal &as o+er then2 an, &hen ;e3 an, To**' &ent o44 to the sta3les2 /!e h!rrie, &ith her "hores in the #it"hen) She &as anxio!s to go thro!gh the 3arrels o4 "lothing o!t on the por"h) So &hat i4 the' ha, 3een &orn 3e4ore0 "1asn(t she !se, to that0 The ,ress she ha, on no& &as the onl' one that she alone ha, e+er &orn) The ,ishes &ere 4inall' &ashe, an, p!t a&a'2 an, /!e 4airl' ran to +ie& &hat she *ight 4in,) "1hile S!sie sat on the e,ge o4 the por"h2 still tal#ing to her ,oll2 /!e prie, open the 3arrel that ;e3 ha, sai, "ontaine, the 4a*il'(s "lothing) The top la'er 3elonge, to S!sie2 little ,resses2 six 4or pla' an, t&o *ore 4an"ier) S!n,a' 3est2 /!e i*agine, as she too# o!t s*all petti"oats2 r!44le, 3loo*ers2 an, &hite sto"#ings) To**'(s "a*e next) The' &ere *!"h the sa*e as his sister(s) B+er',a' shirts an, tro!sers2 an, a "o!ple o4 S!n,a' 3est) Then there &ere ;e3(s) 1ith the ex"eption o4 a 3la"# s!it2 e+er'thing else &as &or# "lothes) She s*oothe, o!t the lapel o4 the s!it "oat2 thin#ing o4 the sa, e+ent he ha, &orn it to last) Then there &as a *ixt!re o4 *en(s shirts an, tro!sers2 s*aller than 6a&#e(s) 6is

3rother(s2 no ,o!3t) <inall'2 there la' 3e4ore her &hat she ha, 3een anxio!sl' loo#ing 4or) The 4irst la'er &as !n,er "lothing *a,e o4 4ine *aterial2 la"e2 an, ri33on-tri**e,) There &ere also glo+es an, hose) /!e hel, these ite*s in her han,s a *o*ent2 gazing at the* in &on,er) 6er legs ha, ne+er 4elt sil# on the*2 nor ha, her ro!gh2 re, han,s #no&n glo+es) >ot e+en in the 3itter "ol, &inter) 7t last she "a*e to &hat intereste, her *ost) Slo&l' she li4te, six lo+el' ,resses2 4ashione, 4ro* 3right "ali"os2 "ha*3ra'2 an, *!slin) 7ll &ere tri**e, &ith either r!44les or la"e) /!e gaspe, her pleas!re &hen she p!lle, o!t the se+enth ,ress) >e+er ha, she seen an'thing so lo+el') She shoo# it o!t2 an, hol,ing it !p2 her h!ngr' e'es ran o+er the gar*ent) The 3o,i"e &as &hite la"e2 "!t lo&2 &ith short2 "appe, slee+es) 7tta"he, to it &as a 4!ll gathere, s#irt o4 the sheerest +oile &hi"h "l!ng to a ,ar# green satin shi**ering !n,ers#irt) 74ter a &hile she sighe, ,eepl' an, pla"e, the 3ea!ti4!l ,ress on top o4 the others) 1hen in the &orl, &o!l, she e+er &ear it0 Certainl' she "o!l, ne+er "oo# or s"r!3 in it2 an, that see*e, to 3e her lot in li4e) /!e pi"#e, !p an ar*4!l o4 "lothes2 then pa!se, on her &a' to her 3e,roo* at the so!n, o4 5ingling sp!rs) She glan"e, o+er her sho!l,er an, sa& t&o 'o!ng "o&3o's "o*ing 4ro* the ,ire"tion o4 the 3!n#ho!se) 7s she &at"he, the*2 the' stoppe, at the 4oot o4 the steps2 a&#&ar,l' shi4ting their 4eet2 loo#ing +er' !n"o*4orta3le) /!e hi, her s*ile2 an, a4ter greeting the*2 sai, *atter-o4-4a"tl'2 "- g!ess 'o!(re here to install the other sto+e)" 7t their =!i"# no,2 she sai,2 "The ol, one has to "o*e o!t 4irst) - thin# it has "oole, o44 3' no&)" One o4 the sh' 'o!ng *en *anage, to sa'2 ".es2 *a(a*2" then the pair troope, into the ho!se) /!e 4lin"he, &hen a *in!te later she hear, the 3anging o4 the r!st' ol, sto+e 3eing ,is*antle,) -n her *in,(s e'e she "o!l, see ashes an, soot 4l'ing all o't her "lean #it"hen) "- "an(t &at"h2" she *!ttere,2 an, spent the ti*e "arr'ing in all the "lothes an, p!tting the* a&a' in the proper 3e,roo*s) S!sie &as her "onstant "o*panion2 "hattering a&a' to the rag ,oll) To /!e(s s!rprise2 &hile she ha, 3een in+ol+e, &ith p!tting a&a' the "lothes2 the ol, sto+e ha, 3een "arrie, into the 3a"#'ar, an, the ne& one set in its pla"e) 7lso2 one o4 the *en ha, ,one a 4air 5o3 o4 s&eeping !p a4ter the*sel+es) "1hen she s*ilingl' expresse, her than#s2 the 'o!nger "o&3o' sta**ere,2 "6a&#e sai,D sai, that *a'3eD *a'3e 'o!(, nee, !s to help hang so*e "!rtains)" "1h'2 'es2 - &o!l,2" /!e ex"lai*e,2 s!rprise, that 6a&#e &o!l, 3e so tho!ght4!l &here she &as "on"erne,) "Co*e 3a"# in an ho!r or so) 9i+e *e ti*e to 4in, an, press the*)" "9la, to2 *a(a*2" the spo#es*an 4or the t&o sai,2 then t!rning =!i"#l'2 3!*pe, into his "o*panion2 #no"#ing hi* to the gro!n,)

/!e 4le& to the #it"hen to "ontrol her la!ghter2 to let the 4allen *an s&ear in pea"e) The sto+e ,re& &ell2 /!e note, as she 3!ilt a 4ire2 then p!t the irons on its shin' top) 1hile the' heate,2 she &ent again to the por"h an, prie, open the 3arrel that &as *ar#e, linens) She ha, 5!st 4inishe, pressing ,ozens o4 "!rtain panels &hen the t&o 'o!ng *en again presente, the*sel+es at the ,oor) /!e(s e'es &ere ali+e &ith pleas!re as in the next t&o ho!rs "!rtains &ere h!ng thro!gho!t the ho!se) There &ere hea+' ones 4or the 3e,roo*s2 ins!ring pri+a"'2 an, sheer ,i*ities 4or the #it"hen an, parlor) Sara also ha, li#e, the s!nlight2 /!e tho!ght) 1hen the *en ha, le4t2 /!e &ent 4ro* roo* to roo*2 4easting her e'es on the &in,o& "o+erings2 re*e*3ering the 3are2 ,irt' panes she ha, stare, thro!gh at the sha"#2 the 3ro#en ones st!44e, &ith rags to #eep o!t the &inter &in,s) She "o!l,n(t help thin#ing ho& pro!, 9ran,*a &o!l, 3e i4 she "o!l, see her gran,,a!ghter(s ne& ho*e) It would mean nothing to her though if she knew how miserable and unhappy I am2 /!e tho!ght) It would grie"e her and that is why any letters I write to her must be full of cheer and contentment) 7n, &hat a lie that &o!l, 3e2 /!e snorte, as she le4t the 3ig roo* an, "rosse, into the #it"hen) 7ll ,a'2 in the 3a"# o4 her *in, ha, lain the ,rea, o4 3e,ti*e2 6a&#e(s threat o4 *a#ing lo+e to her ret!rning again an, again) ">e+er2" she gritte,2 as she starte, preparing a light l!n"h) "-4 he so *!"h as la's a han, on *e2 -(ll hit hi* so har, his hea, &ill ro"# 4or a &ee#)" 1hen it 3e"a*e e+i,ent that the ?asters *en &eren(t "o*ing in 4or the noon *eal2 /!e "alle, S!sie in 4ro* the 'ar, an, the' 3oth 3it h!ngril' into the 3ee4 san,&i"hes she ha, *a,e) The' &ere topping o44 the *eal &ith s!gar "oo#ies &hen 4ro* o!tsi,e "a*e the "latter o4 hoo+es) /!e(s *o!th tightene,) Tr!st 6a&#e to sho& !p 4or a *eal &hene+er he please,) She rose 4ro* the ta3le an, &al#e, to the &in,o&) 6er heart l!r"he, an, her sto*a"h t!rne,) -t &asn(t her h!s3an, as she ha, ,rea,e,2 3!t so*eone 5!st as !n&el"o*e,) "1hat is she ,oing here0" she &hispere,2 her heart pi"#ing !p an angr'2 !neas' rh'th* as she stare, at %illie ?e'ers) 1ith narro&e, e'es an, "len"he, 4ists2 she &at"he, the &o*an s&ing to the gro!n,2 then s*ooth ,o&n the s#irt o4 her 3l!e ta44eta ,ress) $hat's hardly an outfit to wear while riding2 /!e tho!ght "riti"all'2 then re*e*3ere, her o&n gri*' appearan"e) 6er ,ress &as staine, 4ro* r!**aging thro!gh the ,!st' 3arrels2 an, her hair ha, straggle, 4ro* the #not she ha, a44ixe, atop her hea, 3e4ore ta"#ling her ho!se&or# this *orning) 1o!l, she ha+e ti*e to "hange her ,ress an, "o*3 her hair0 she &on,ere,) She shoo# her hea,) >o2 she &o!l,n(t) She "o!l, see 6a&#e an, his 4ather ri,ing in) 6a&#e &o!l, 3e a*!se, i4 he sa& that she ha, 4reshene, !p 4or his *istress)

1hen 6a&#e s&!ng to the gro!n,2 /!e sear"he, his 4a"e2 expe"ting to see pleas!re on it as he &al#e, to&ar, %illie) To her s!rprise2 he loo#e, an'thing 3!t please,) Strange2 she tho!ght2 st!,'ing his lean2 3ro&n 4a"e) (e's impatient with her, I wonder why) Because of his father2 the ans&er "a*e to /!e) (e doesn't want 4eb to know about his relationship with his neighbor's wife) 6er e'es narro&e, on her h!s3an,) 7ltho!gh he "ontin!e, to loo# anno'e,2 there &as a &ariness a3o!t 6a&#e as he approa"he, %illie) (e's ner"ous2 she tho!ght2 an, grinne,) 7n, &h' &o!l,n(t he 3e0 6e ,i,n(t &ant his 4ather to #no& that he "are, *ore 4or this &o*an than he ,i, 4or his o&n &i4e) /!e "o!l,n(t *a#e o!t the &or,s spo#en a*ong the three2 3!t she #ne& that 6a&#e ha, intro,!"e, %illie to his 4ather &hen the &o*an s*ile, 3rightl' an, hel, o!t her han, to ;e3) -t please, her tre*en,o!sl' &hen her 4ather-in-la& !ns*ilingl' ga+e the ring3e,e"#e, han, a =!i"# sha#e2 then steppe, 3a"#) "6o& ,o 'o! li#e that2 'o! ol, &hore0" /!e &hispere, !n,er her 3reath) ";e3 #no&s &hat 'o! are)" 7n angr' 4l!sh s&ept o+er %illie(s 4a"e at ;e3(s near r!,eness) Then2 &ith an in,i44erent shr!g2 she sli, her ar* thro!gh 6a&#e(s an, h!gge, it against her 4!ll 3reasts) /!e gritte, her teeth &hen the three "li*3e, the steps to the por"h) 1o!l, she 3e expe"te, to entertain the &o*an0 She ,o!3te, that she "o!l,) She &o!l, rather entertain a rattlesna#e) 7 =!i"# loo# at ;e3(s 4ro&ning ,is4a+or o4 ho& %illie &as hanging onto 6a&#e(s ar* *a,e /!e 4eel a little 3etter) 7t least her 4ather-in-la& &o!l, 3e on her si,e) -t &as ;e3 &ho a *o*ent later stoo, in the #it"hen ,oor an, re*ar#e, in ,isgr!ntle, tones2 ".o! got "o*pan'2 hone') So*e person &ho "lai*s she(s a neigh3or)" ".es)" /!e sighe,) "- sa& her ri,e !p)" ;e3 loo#e, ,is"on"erte, an, she #ne& that he &as &on,ering i4 she ha, seen %illie ta#e 6a&#e(s ar* so possessi+el') She loo#e, at hi* an, s*ile,) "1e(ll 5oin 'o! 5!st as soon as - &ipe S!sie(s 4a"e)" "$on(t ta#e too long2" ;e3 a,+ise,) "That &o*an ,oesn(t "are a &hit that 6a&#e is *arrie,)" 7s ;e3(s 4ootsteps 4a,e, ,o&n the hall to&ar, the parlor2 /!e tho!ght ho& right he &as) 1e,,ing +o&s *eant nothing to the %illie ?e'ers o4 this &orl,) 6a,n(t she gro&n !p &ith that #no&le,ge0 6er *other ha, ta#en *arrie, *en to 3e,) !t2 she tho!ght2 as she 4ille, a 3asin &ith &ater2 there &ere also &o*en li#e her gran,*other) 1o*en &ho &ere tr!e to one *an all their li+es) She sighe,2 &ishing that she2 too2 "o!l, ha+e a happ' *arriage li#e 9ran,pa an, 9ran,*a $e%a&ne'(s) S!sie 5!*pe, aro!n,2 ex"ite, that the' ha, "o*pan'2 so it too# a&hile to "lean the s*all *o!th o4 "oo#ie "r!*3s 3e4ore sen,ing her into the parlor) 1here &as

To**'0 /!e &on,ere, as she too# the ti*e to s*ooth ,o&n her s#irt an, t!"# the loose en,s o4 her hair 3a"# into its #not) Bating &ith the ran"h han,s2 she i*agine,2 then gathere, her shrin#ing "o!rage to go *eet the &o*an she ,espise, &ith all her heart) 1hen /!e entere, the roo*2 6a&#e rose hastil'2 o44ering her his seat 3esi,e %illie) ".o! re*e*3er ?rs) ?e'ers2 ,on(t 'o!2 /!e0" 6e s*ile,2 a tenseness to his lips) S*arting !n,er the ol,er &o*an(s a*!se, e'es2 &hether at her or 6a&#e(s ,is"o*4ort2 /!e no,,e, as she sat ,o&n an, 4ol,e, her han,s in her lap) "6o& are 'o!2 ?rs) ?e'ers0" she 4or"e, hersel4 to as# politel') "1ell2 *' ,ear"@%illie ignore, her greeting@"- see that soap an, &ater has i*pro+e, 'o!r 4a"e so*e&hat2 3!tD" 1ith a gri*a"e she ra#e, her e'es o+er /!e(s ,ishe+ele, hair an, ,irtstaine, ,ress) "There(s plent' o4 roo* 4or i*pro+e*ent else&here)" 1hile ;e3 ,re& in a sharp 3reath an, /!e &as too st!nne, to spea#2 %illie patte, the spa"e 3et&een the*) Then2 a4ter sen,ing /!e a *alignant glan"e2 she s*ile, "o'l' at 6a&#e2 an, sai,2 "Co*e sit 3esi,e *e2 6a&#e) 1e ha+en(t tal#e, 4or a "o!ple &ee#s)" ;e3 shot his son a loo# that ,are, hi* to o3e' the &o*an) 7 +isi3le s&eat poppe, o!t on 6a&#e(s 4orehea,) 6e &as trappe,) Bither &a' he 5!*pe,2 he(, pa' the "onse=!en"es) 6e &o!l, get a ,ressing ,o&n 4ro* :a2 lose *ore o4 /!e(s respe"t2 an, 9o, #ne& she ha, little eno!gh as it &as2 an, %illie2 that one &as o!t to "a!se tro!3le) -4 angere,2 there &as no telling &hat she *ight sa') 6e ,arte, a loo# at /!e(s ,o&n"ast 4a"e2 then letting o!t a slo& 3reath2 he sat ,o&n 3esi,e his 4or*er lo+er2 &on,ering &hat he ha, e+er seen in the 3it"h) 6e &as going to ha+e a long tal# &ith /!e tonight2 *a#e her !n,erstan, that it &as all o+er 3et&een hi* an, the &o*an &ho ha, 5!st pla"e, a han, on his thigh2 !n"o*4orta3l' "lose to his "rot"h) 7n, he &as ,a*n &ell going to *a#e this heate, 3it"h !n,erstan, it too) 6e "o!l,n(t &ait to get her alone an, "!ss her o!t) "- *!st sa' the appearan"e o4 this roo* has i*pro+e, sin"e - last sa& it)" %illie gaze, aro!n, as she s"oote, "loser to 6a&#e) "1hat a3o!t the rest o4 the ho!se0 7re there "hanges in the other roo*sD 'o!r 3e,roo*0" She loo#e, at 6a&#e signi4i"antl'2 her *eaning "lear to e+er'one) "-t &as +er' a!stere the last ti*e - sa& it)" 6a&#e 4elt his 4a"e gro&ing re, as his 4ather loo#e, at hi* &ith startle, e'es) /amn the whoreA he tho!ght2 not ,aring to loo# at /!e2 a4rai, he &o!l, see total ren!n"iation on her 4a"e) 7n, tho!gh he longe, to s*ash %illie(s *o!th2 he *anage, to "ontrol his anger as he ans&ere,2 "- expe"t all the roo*s loo# ,i44erent) :a 3ro!ght a lot o4 4!rnit!re &ith hi*)" "That(s ni"e)" %illie s*ile,2 then sneere,2 "1ill 'o!r little &i4e #no& ho& to ta#e "are

o4 it0 - ,on(t i*agine she(s too experien"e, in seeing to 4ine 4!rnit!re) /!*or has it that 3e4ore 'o! *arrie, her she li+e, her entire li4e in a r!n-,o&n sha"# &ith onl' a 4e& pie"es o4 ho*e*a,e 4!rnit!re in it) :oor "hil,2" she ta"#e, on in 4alse s'*path') ;e3 5er#e, 4or&ar, in his seat2 an angr' 4l!sh staining his "hee#s) 1hen he starte, to rise2 6a&#e sent hi* a loo# that sai,2 "1ait)" Then t!rning to %illie2 he loo#e, at her s!spi"io!sl') "7 r!*or2 %illie0" he as#e, "ol,l') "1ho "o!l, ha+e starte, s!"h a r!*or0 1ho "o!l, 'o! ha+e 3een tal#ing to that &o!l, #no& an'thing a3o!t /!e(s 4or*er li4e0" %illie 4ro&ne, at 6a&#e(s tone an, shi4te, !neasil') "Oh2 6a&#e)" She po!te,) ",on(t #no& &here - hear, it) So*eone 5!st *a,e it !p2 - s!ppose) .o! #no& ho& people li#e to gossip)" ;e3 ga+e a ,r' snort an, S!sie2 leaning against his #nee2 as#e,2 "1hat ,oes gossip *ean2 9ran,pa0" "-t *eans2 hone'2 a person &ho 3a, *o!ths another 3e"a!se he 4ears or en+ies that person)" 6e loo#e, at %illie) "1hi"h ,o 'o! thin# it is2 ?rs) ?e'ers0 <ear or en+'2 or *a'3e 3oth0" "-(* s!re - ,on(t #no&2 ?r) ?asters)" %illie tosse, her hea,2 her thin lips 3e"o*ing thinner) "-(* sorr' - 3ro!ght it !p)" ;e3 *a,e no response2 3!t the loo# he ga+e the agitate, &o*an spo#e his !n4lattering tho!ghts "learl') /!e ha,n(t !ttere, a so!n, at %illie(s atta"# on her2 nor at the ex"hange 3et&een the &o*an an, 6a&#e2 an, then ;e3) 6er *in, &as ra"ing &ith =!estions) This ene*' o4 hers *!st ha+e tal#e, to so*eone &ho #ne& all a3o!t /!e $e%a&ne') She "o!l,n(t ha+e *a,e it all !p an, "o*e so "lose to the tr!th) !t &ho0 She ,i,n(t #no& o4 an'one 3a"# ho*e &ho &o!l, 3a, *o!th her !nlessD Sl' !r4or,) Co!l, he possi3l' 3e in the area0 S!rel' not) 6e(, 3e too a4rai, o4 r!nning into 6a&#e) 6e o&e, her h!s3an, a large s!* o4 *one') /!e &as a3r!ptl' 3ro!ght 3a"# to the present &hen %illie s!,,enl' stoo, !p an, exten,e, a han, to 6a&#e) "Co*e sho& *e the rest o4 the pla"e2" she "oaxe,) "9i+e *e the gran, to!r)" 6a&#e st!,io!sl' st!,ie, the sp!r on his 3oot heel2 preten,ing not to see %illie(s han,) "/!e &ill sho& 'o!) She #no&s *ore a3o!t e+er'thing)" %illie(s lips tightene, an,2 &ith &hat 3or,ere, on a threatening or,er2 sai, shortl'2 "&ant 'o! to ,o it)" She gra33e, his han, an, p!lle, hi* to his 4eet) 1ith a resigne, sigh2 an, #eeping his e'es a+erte, 4ro* his 4ather an, &i4e2 6a&#e 4ollo&e, the &o*an2 &ho &as ,eter*ine, to ha+e hi*) -n the hea+' silen"e a4ter the pair(s ,epart!re2 ;e3 sli, a s'*patheti" loo# at /!e(s 3ent hea, then spo#e so4tl' to S!sie leaning against his leg) "1h' ,on(t 'o! go &ith Cn"le 6a&#e an, ?rs) ?e'ers0"

1ith a &illing no, o4 her hea,2 the little girl s#ippe, o!t o4 the roo*2 "alling her !n"le(s na*e) 6er "hil,ish tre3le rang thro!gh the ho!se as she 4ollo&e, %illie an, her !n"le2 "hattering a&a'2 explaining in ,etail &hi"h 3e,roo* 3elonge, to &ho* an, that the 3iggest an, prettiest 3elonge, to Cn"le 6a&#e an, 7!ntie /!e) /!e onl' +ag!el' hear, the light prattle) She &as &ra"#e, &ith an !n4a*iliar e*otion) ;ealo!s') %i#e it or not2 she &as 5ealo!s o4 %illie ?e'ers) She &ante, to 5!*p to her 4eet2 to ,ash a4ter the &o*an an, ,ra& her nails a"ross the "oarse 4eat!res2 an, p!ll the ,'e, hair o!t o4 her hea,) ?!"h sooner than /!e ha, expe"te,2 6a&#e &as !shering %illie 3a"# into the parlor) S!sie still 5a33ere, a&a'2 4eeling +er' i*portant2 3!t %illie(s 4a"e loo#e, li#e a stor* "lo!,) She sli, /!e a loo# that sai, she s!spe"te, /!e o4 sen,ing her nie"e a4ter %illie an, 6a&#e) :lopping hersel4 ,o&n on the so4a2 *a#ing the springs s=!ea# 4ro* her "onsi,era3le &eight2 she loo#e, at /!e an, gi3e, i*patientl'2 "- *!st sa'2 #istress ?asters2 'o!(re not a +er' goo, hostess) -(+e 3een here hal4 an ho!r an, 'o! ha+en(t o44ere, *e an' re4resh*ents)" -n the thi"# silen"e that 4ollo&e, %illie(s sneering ,eli+er'2 /!e "o!l, onl' ret!rn the hostile glare le+ele, at her) She "o!l,n(t 3elie+e this &o*an ha, the insolen"e to point o!t her short"o*ings &hen it "a*e to entertaining a neigh3or) -t &asn(t too long ago &hen she ha,n(t e+en in+ite, /!e to "o*e in o!t o4 the heat) /!e trie, to "he"# her rising anger2 3!t lost the 3attle &hen %illie *otione, 4or 6a&#e to sit ,o&n 3esi,e her an, he *ee#l' ,i, so) -n a 3lin,ing rage2 that these t&o &o!l, ins!lt her so 3latantl'2 she got to her 4eet) 1ith her 4ists on her hips2 /!e glare, ,o&n at the s!rprise, *an an, &o*an) "- ,on(t &ait on sl!ts2" she gro!n, o!t) "-4 'o! &ant so*ething to ,rin#2 sen, 'o!r sni44ing ho!n, a4ter it)" 1ith a *eaning4!l loo# at 6a&#e(s st!nne, 4a"e2 she stal#e, 4ro* the roo*2 %illie(s enrage, +oi"e 4ollo&ing her) "7re 'o! gonna let her tal# to *e li#e that2 6a&#e0" the enrage, &o*an 4airl' spl!ttere,) ;e32 &hose &ise e'es ha, *isse, nothing sin"e %illie ?e'ers arri+e,2 loo#e, at his son) 6e ha, #no&n &ithin *in!tes that an inti*a"' ha, at one ti*e existe, 3et&een the*2 3!t pra' 9o,2 no longer) S!rel' 6a&#e realize, the "han"e he &as ta#ing o4 losing a &i4e &ho &as too goo, to 3e in the sa*e roo* &ith that 4leshpot sitting next to hi*) ;e3 &aite, 4or 6a&#e to or,er the &o*an 4ro* his ho*e) 1hen 6a&#e2 e+a,ing ;e3(s e'es2 onl' ran ner+o!s 4ingers thro!gh his hair2 ;e3 rose2 an, ta#ing S!sie 3' the han,2 le4t the pair2 his "on,e*nation a li+ing presen"e in the roo*) "- ,on(t li#e that &o*an2 she(s an ol, &it"h)" S!sie po!te,2 going straight to /!e an, h!gging her &aist) "She #ept telling *e to go a&a'2 that she &ante, to 3e alone &ith

Cn"le 6a&#e)" ;e3 loo#e, at /!e an, sa& her nee, to #no& 6a&#e(s rea"tion to %illie(s "allo!s treat*ent o4 his nie"e2 3!t &as too pro!, to as#) 1ell2 3' hell2 pri,e ,i,n(t stan, in his &a') 7s /!e gentl' stro#e, the s*all hea, p!she, into her si,e2 he as#e,2 "7n, &hat ,i, Cn"le 6a&#e ha+e to sa'0" S!sie(s lips "!r+e, in a satis4ie, s*ile) "6e sai, that - *ight as &ell sta'2 that the' ,i,n(t ha+e an'thing to tal# a3o!t that - "o!l,n(t hear)" ;e3 s*ile, his relie4 6is son &asn(t 3esotte, &ith the &o*an a4ter all) She &as *a#ing it har, 4or hi* to 3rea# o44 &ith her2 tho!gh) 6e &on,ere, no& i4 6a&#e(s see*ingl' rea,' s!3*ission to ?rs) ?e'ers(s arrogant ,e*an,s &as 3e"a!se he &as pa"i4'ing her 4or ;e3(s 3ene4it) 6e glan"e, at /!e) 6a, his son 3een as "are4!l o4 his &i4e(s 4in,ing o!t a3o!t his 4e*ale neigh3or0 The pin"he, loo# on her 4a"e sai, that he ha, not) ;e3(s lips 4ir*e, gri*l') 6is son ha, a lot to ans&er 4or an, he hope, that /!e &o!l, see to it that he pai, ,earl'2 i4 that &as the "ase) /!e #ne& that she sho!l, 3e happ' at S!sie(s ans&er2 an, her heart ha, leapt 5o'o!sl' 4or a split se"on,) Then she re*e*3ere, ho& ,e"eit4!l 6a&#e "o!l, 3e2 li#e 4oisting a rea,'-*a,e 4a*il' on her &itho!t an' &arning) 7n, she &as =!ite a&are that he ,i,n(t &ant his 4ather to s!spe"t that he &as ha+ing an a44air &ith a *arrie, &o*an) Conse=!entl'2 she ,i,n(t p!t *!"h 4aith in the &or,s he(, sai, 4or ;e3(s sa#e) She "a*e o!t o4 her *!sing &hen ;e3 &arne,2 ".o! 3e "are4!l o4 her2 /!e) She(, 3rea# !p 'o!r *arriage in a *in!te i4 she "o!l,)" /!e s*ile, *irthlessl' to hersel4 %h, 4eb2 she &ante, to "r' o!t2 there's no marriage to break up- %nly a few words spoken by an old preacher under the threat of a rifle(awke will ha"e those words set aside as soon as he no longer needs me) ;e3 &aite, 4or her response2 an, &hen none "a*e2 he too# his gran,,a!ghter 3' the han,2 an, &al#ing to&ar, the ,oor2 sai,2 "%et(s go s"are !p 'o!r 3rother) See &hat he(s !p to)" %e4t alone2 /!e &al#e, to the &in,o& an, stare, o!tsi,e2 a gna&ing e*ptiness insi,e her) So*e people &eren(t ,estine, 4or happiness on this earth2 she tho!ght2 &ith sl!*ping sho!l,ers) Certainl' in her nineteen 'ears she ha,n(t ha, *!"h o4 it) 7"t!all'2 she "o!l,n(t re*e*3er one ti*e 3eing "o*pletel' happ') The 4e& ti*es ha, 3een *o*entar'2 4a,ing al*ost 3e4ore she "o!l, grasp the*) /aise, +oi"es in the parlor 3ro!ght /!e 4ro* the &in,o&) She &al#e, =!ietl' to the ,oor separating the t&o roo*s an, listene, intentl') 9ran,*a $e%a&ne' ha, al&a's sai, not to ea+es,rop2 3!t /!e 4elt she ha, the right to #no& &hat &ent on 3et&een her h!s3an, an, their neigh3or)

6a&#e(s +oi"e &as "ol, as he sai,2 "-t(s her ho*e2 %illie) .o! ha, no right or,erin( her aro!n,2 treatin( her li#e hire, help)" "1h' are 'o! ta#in( her si,e0" %illie ,e*an,e,2 her +oi"e rising) ".o! ,on(t lo+e her) .o!r *en tol, *' "o&han,s that 'o! ,on(t e+en sleep &ith her)" There &as a short2 tense silen"e as /!e &aite, 3reathlessl' 4or 6a&#e(s response) She ha, to strain her ears &hen he sai, =!ietl'2 3!t 4ir*l'2 "- ,on(t lo+e 'o! either) 7n, sin"e she(s *' &i4e2 *' ,!t' is to her)" "$!t'2 3ahA" %illie snappe,) "1e(ll see ho& ,!ti4!l 'o! are &hen that 3ig *e*3er 3et&een 'o!r legs gets h!ngr') .o!(ll "o*e r!nnin( 3a"# to *e then) That ,eli"ate little *iss 'o!(re *arrie, to &ill ne+er 4ee, it) She(, 4aint i4 'o! st!"# it in her)" /!e "o!l, hear the 5angle o4 his sp!rs as 6a&#e stoo, !p) "- thin# it(s ti*e 'o! le4t2 %il2" he sai, "ol,l') "- thin# 'o!(+e sai, eno!gh) 7n, - ,on(t &ant to see 'o! aro!n, here again !nless 'o! "o*e &ith 'o!r h!s3an,)" /!e &aite, to hear no *ore an, h!rrie, a"ross the 4loor to go o!tsi,e) She(, 3e *orti4ie, i4 she &as "a!ght listening to that heate, arg!*ent) She stoo, 3eneath a "otton&oo, tree2 so*e ,istan"e 4ro* the ho!se2 &hen %illie ra"e, a&a'2 angril' &hipping her *o!nt) Then /!e hear, "r!n"hing 4ootsteps "o*ing to&ar, her) She #ne& &itho!t loo#ing that it &as 6a&#e) 6is la!gh &as ner+o!s as he stoo, 3esi,e /!e an, sai,2 "- hope 'o! ,i,n(t pa' an' attention to ho& %illie a"te,) She li#es to stir !p tro!3le 5!st 4or the 4!n o4 it)" /!e &heele, aro!n, to 4a"e her h!s3an,2 snorting her ,is3elie4) 6er e'es 3lazing2 she sai, thro!gh gritte, teeth2 "1ho ,o 'o! thin# 'o!(re tal#ing to0 S!sie0" ">o2 3' 9o,2 - ,on(t thin# -(* tal#in( to *' nie"e2" 6a&#e "a*e 3a"# 5!st as 4ier"el') "- tho!ght - &as tal#in( to an intelligent &o*an2 one &ho "o!l, see &hat that &o*an &as !p to)" /!e(s e'es 4lashe, "ool ,is,ain) ".o! are tal#ing to an intelligent &o*an2 6a&#e ?asters2 an, her intelligen"e tells her that there &as no le+it' in that &o*an(s &or,s or a"tions) She *ista#enl' thin#s -(* a threat to her) >o&2 &h' ,on(t 'o! go a4ter her an, gi+e her &hat she &ants an, sa+e 'o!r 4a*il' a lot o4 !nne"essar' grie4 an, aggra+ation0" She stoppe, to "at"h her 3reath a4ter the long spate o4 &or,s2 then "ontin!e,2 ".o! *ight as &ell #no& that none o4 !s &ant to see her aro!n, here again) >either ;e3 nor - &ill tolerate 'o! 3ringing 'o!r &hore into o!r ho*e2 i*posing her on inno"ent "hil,ren)" "She is not *' &horeA She(s nothin( to *eA" 6a&#e sho!te,2 his 4a"e angr') "- tol, her@" !t /!e &heele, a&a'2 r!nning s&i4tl' to the ho!se &ith tears r!nning ,o&n her "hee#s) "$a*n the &o*anA" 6a&#e s&ore2 the sti"# he grippe, in his han, "ra"#ing in t&o) -n a &hite-hot 4!r'2 %illie "ontin!e, to &hip her *o!nt2 lashing the poor 3r!te the

&a' she(, li#e to lash /!e ?asters) She ha, ,is"o+ere, so*ething that 6a&#e still ,i,n(t #no&) 6e &as in lo+e &ith his &i4e) She 3are, her teeth2 an, li#e a &il, ani*al2 a gro&l er!pte, 4ro* her throat) The enrage, &o*an &as 3!t a 4e& *iles 4ro* ho*e &hen a &i,e 4ig!re appeare, 4ro* 3ehin, a 3o!l,er an, gra33e, the *o!nt(s 3ri,le) ".o!(re gonna #ill that horse2 %illie2 ri,in( hi* li#e that2" Sl' !r4or, &arne,) 6e st!,ie, the angr'2 pet!lant 4eat!res) "1hat(s got 'o! so rile, !p0 6a&#e ?asters0" %illie(s s*all e'es glare, ,o&n at the 4at *an2 &ho "ontrolle, the lathere,2 ner+o!s stallion) ".es2 6a&#e ?astersA 1ho else "an ,ri+e *e *a,0" Sl' peere, !p at her2 then ta!nte, &ith a titter2 "Can(t he ta#e "are o4 'o! an'*ore0" "- ,on(t #no& i4 he "an or not)" %illie sli, to the gro!n, an, leane, against the hea+ing horse) "6e(s all &rappe, !p in his &i4e no&)" She loo#e, !p at the +eno* in Sl'(s +oi"e &hen he *!ttere,2 "That little 3it"h)" She ha, hear, his &oe4!l stor' *an' ti*es2 ho& his step,a!ghter ha, ro33e, hi* o4 his *anhoo,2 that he ha, 4ollo&e, her here to extra"t re+enge) The 3eginning o4 an i,ea s!,,enl' spar#e, in her s*all e'es) -4 she "o!l, "on+in"e Sl' to ta#e his re+enge 3e4ore 6a&#e realize, his 4eelings 4or his &i4e2 he &o!l, 3e hers again) 1ith 4!rti+el' "al"!lating e'es2 an, "hoosing her &or,s "are4!ll'2 %illie as#e,2 "1hen ,o 'o! plan on gettin( e+en &ith 'o!r step,a!ghter0" "Soon)" Sl' e+a,e,2 releasing the horse an, *o+ing 3a"#) "-(+e 3een &at"hin( her2 3!t she(s al&a's got that little girl &ith her)" 6is 4ists #notte, an, his e'es glittere,) " !t -(ll 4in, her alone so*e,a'2 an, then -(ll get her goo,)" %illie &aite, a *in!te2 then sai, 3l!ntl'2 "- &o!l, *a#e it &orth 'o!r &hile i4 that girl ,isappeare, in the next 4e& ,a's)" Sl' gape, at the &o*an as her &or,s too# *eaning in his 3rain) <inall'2 he shoo# his hea, ,o!3t4!ll') "- ,on(t #no& i4 - "o!l, #ill a &o*an in "ol, 3loo,2 %illie) - onl' ha, in *in, to s"ar !p her p!rt' 4a"e) $is4ig!re it so no *an &o!l, e+er loo# at her &itho!t shi+erin()" %illie *a,e an i*patient *o+e &ith her han,s) "-(* not s!ggestin( 'o! #ill her) ;!st gra3 her an, ta#e her to that renega,e -n,ian +illage !p in the 4oothills) Ol, Chie4 1ise O&l &o!l, pa' 'o! han,so*el' 4or her) et&een the t&o o4 !s2 'o! stan, to *a#e a goo, a*o!nt o4 *one')" 9ree, glittere, in Sl'(s e'es) %illie &as right) That re,-gol, hair o4 /!e(s &o!l, "ertainl' &het the "hie4s interest) 6e &on,ere, &h' he ha,n(t tho!ght o4 selling her hi*sel4) 7nother tho!ght hit the 4at *an an, his a+ari"e gre&) 6e glan"e, at the &o*an stan,ing 3esi,e hi* an, as#e, sl'l'2 "1hat goo, &o!l, it ,o 'o! to get ri, o4 /!e0

.o!(, still 3e hoo#e, !p &ith Sa* an, 6a&#e *ight ta#e !p &ith another &o*an to ta#e "are o4 his relati+es)" %illie starte,2 ,is=!iet settling o+er her "oarse 4eat!res) She ha,n(t tho!ght a3o!t that) 6a&#e "o!l, +er' &ell repla"e /!e &ith another &o*an) 6e &o!l, nee, so*eone to #eep ho!se an, to "are 4or that pes#' little nie"e o4 his) She ga+e the &aiting Sl' a shre&, loo#) "$o 'o! ha+e an' i,eas a3o!t that2 Sl'0 %i#e *a'3e an a""i,entD a ri,in( a""i,ent0" Sl' s*ile, thinl') "- *ight) -4 the pri"e &as right) -(ll ha+e to lea+e these parts a4ter e+er'thing is ta#en "are o42 an, -(ll nee, plent' o4 *one' to li+e on !ntil - "an 4in, so*e #in, o4 5o3)" "Oh2 'es2 -(* s!re 'o!(ll 3rea# 'o!r 3a"# loo#in( 4or &or#2" %illie sneere,) ".o!(re 5!st a &or#in( 4ool) - noti"e ho& 'o! h!stle aro!n, the ran"h)" "1hen a 3la"# loo# "a*e o+er Sl'(s 4a"e2 ho&e+er2 she h!rrie,l' a,,e,2 ".o!(ll 3e &ell pai,)" "7ll right then) 9et 3a"# on 'o!r horse an, &e(ll *a#e so*e plans &hile &e ri,e along2" Sl' gro&le,2 r!44le, at %illie(s slighting &or,s)

Chapter Nine
/!e !n&o!n, her long legs an, stoo, !p2 3r!shing ,o&n her s#irt) The s!n &as ,ropping lo& o+er the Colora,o range an, it &as ti*e she &as getting 3a"# to the ho!se an, start s!pper) She ha, 3een here the 3etter part o4 an ho!r2 "ooling her anger2 tr'ing to thin# logi"all') She &as hal4 sorr' she ha, listene, to 6a&#e an, %illie(s "on+ersation) Their angr' &or,s an, the a4ter*ath ha, !pset her ,eepl') <or she no& #ne& &ith a "ertaint' that on"e S!sie &as ol, eno!gh to ta#e "are o4 hersel42 6a&#e ?asters &o!l, sen, his &i4e pa"#ing) That he ,i,n(t lo+e %illie either onl' pro+e, that he &as a !ser) 6er 4!ll lips 4or*e, into a straight line) %!"#il' she &as 4ore&arne,2 &ise no& to his treat*ent o4 &o*en) ?ore than e+er she &o!l, #eep !p her ,e4enses against hi*) 7n, that &o!l, ta#e a lot o4 ,oing2 she sighe,2 4or the *ere to!"h o4 his han, sent her heart 4l!ttering) She stoo, a *o*ent longer2 gazing ,o&n at the p!rple haze thi"#ening in the ti*3ere, not"hes2 the gra' 4oothills rolling ,o&n 4ro* the high "o!ntr'2 the s&eeping isolate, pat"hes o4 aspen2 3lazing li#e gol, in the a!t!*n s!n) 6er e'es li4te, to the *o!ntain &hi"h sheltere, it all 4ro* the north) It is so beautiful here2 she tho!ght2 her e'es &ist4!l) -4 onl' she "o!l, li+e o!t her li4e here in all this gran,e!r) !t that &o!l, ne+er 3e2 an, an e*pt' +oi, settle, in her 3reast)

She ga+e a start2 "o*ing o!t o4 her poignant *!sings &hen2 to her le4t2 long-horne, "attle &ere s!,,enl' r!shing hea,long ,o&n a near3' slope2 tearing thro!gh the 3r!sh2 rolling ro"#s 3eneath their hoo+es an, 3a&ling hoarsel') 1hile she &at"he,2 st!pe4ie,2 /!e(s *are2 &hi"h she ha, 4on,l' na*e, ea!t'2 tense,2 5er#e, her hea, a&a' 4ro* the grass she ni33le,2 then s"rea*e, an, gallope, a&a') " ea!t'2 "o*e 3a"#A" /!e ran s"rea*ing a4ter the little *are) !t the horse &as too grippe, &ith 4ear2 an, i4 she hear, the "o**an,2 she pai, no attention) /!e #i"#e, ,isg!ste,l' at a stone) She ha, a long hi#e ahea, o4 her) She(, 3e l!"#' i4 she got 3a"# to the ran"h 3' ,ar#) She loo#e, ,o&n at the "o!rse she &o!l, ha+e to tra+el) -t see*e, *iles an, *iles a"ross that &il,erness o4 stone) 1ith a resigne, sigh2 she starte, a zigzag path o+er the ro!gh2 ro"#-stre&n gro!n,) She ha, &al#e, 3!t a short ,istan"e &hen the sha,o&s o4 t&ilight settle,2 ,ar# an, hea+' a*ong the pine an, spr!"e) The 3roo,ing2 ins"r!ta3le silen"e &as interr!pte, onl' &hen a &ol4 'o&le, on a ,istant ri,ge) >e+er ha, the &il,erness2 the loneliness2 str!"# her so +i+i,l') She &al#e, on2 i*agining -n,ians an, &ol+es *o+ing ghostli#e thro!gh the ,i*ness o4 the 4orest) The *oon h!ng o+er the *o!ntain2 4!ll an, resplen,ent2 4loo,ing e+er'thing &ith its sil+er light &hen /!e s!,,enl' stoo, still2 4rozen in terror) >ot a 'ar, a&a'2 in her path2 stoo, a &ol42 his gra' 3o,' ta!t2 his e'es re,) 1i,e-e'e,2 she &at"he, his *!s"les tighten as he "ro!"he,) She 3ra"e, hersel4 against a tree &hen she sa& hi* sti44en2 rea,' to spring) She ,i,n(t 3reathe as she &aite, 4or the sharp 4angs to "lose aro!n, her throat) ;osh ?alone2 sitting his horse on a ,istant hill2 ha, seen /!e lea+e the ho!se an, r!n to the "orral &here 6a&#e(s spe"ial horses &ere #ept) She lo&ere, the 3ars2 an, the *are she al&a's ro,e2 ea!t'2 "a*e trotting !p to her &hen she &histle,) The little horse steppe, o+er the re*aining t&o 3ars an, /!e repla"e, the ones she ha, *o+e,) 6is e'es &i,ene, &hen she graspe, the 4lo&ing *ane an, s&!ng hersel4 onto the *are(s 3a"#) 6e &at"he, her ra"e to&ar, the *o!ntain2 her rigi,l' hel, 3o,' telling hi* that she &as !pset) 1hat ha, her st!pi, h!s3an, ,one to her no&0 he &on,ere,) Sho!l, he 4ollo& her0 ;osh as#e, hi*sel4 There &ere *an' ,angers in the *o!ntains @rattlesna#es2 &ol+es2 &il,"ats2 not to *ention renega,e -n,ians) !t she no ,o!3t &ante, to 3e alone he ,e"i,e,2 so he taile, her2 #eeping o!t o4 sight2 an, gi+ing her the solit!,e she &ante,) -4 she nee,e, his help2 he &o!l, 3e "lose 3' to hear her) 1hen ;osh sa& /!e stop the *are2 sli,e to the gro!n,2 then "li*3 !pon a tall 3o!l,er2 he p!lle, his *o!nt 3ehin, a spr!"e an, &aite,) 7n ho!r passe,2 an, &hen the s!n ,isappeare, an, /!e sho&e, no sign o4 "o*ing 3a"# ,o&n the *o!ntain2 he 3e"a*e !neas') 6a, so*ething happene, to her &itho!t his #no&ing it0 Thin#ing that he(, 3etter ta#e a loo#2 he #nee, his *o!nt onto the trail an, 3arel' a+oi,e, 3eing r!n o+er 3' a ri,erless horse tearing ,o&n the *o!ntain2 its nostrils 4laring2 its e'es terrorize,) ;osh re"ognize, ea!t' i**e,iatel' an, l!nge, his o&n

*o!nt !p the ro"#' slope) 6e ro!n,e, a &i,e 3o!l,er an, 5er#e, the horse to a pl!nging halt) "9o,2" he &hispere,2 5er#ing his Colt 4ro* its holster) 6e too# a h!rrie, ai*2 an, the 3!llet "a!ght the &ol4 in the hea, 5!st as it sprang at /!e) ;osh &as o!t o4 the sa,,le an, "at"hing her in his ar*s 5!st as she 3egan to 4all) The *in!tes ti"#e, 3' as ;osh hel, /!e(s shi+ering 3o,' "lose to his o&n2 stro#ing her hair2 an, *!r*!ring so4tl' to her2 telling her that she &as sa4e no&) "- &as so 4rightene,2 ;osh)" 6er &or,s &ere s*othere, in his shirt 4ront) "- #ne& - &as a3o!t to ,ie)" And you would ha"e if I hadn't been here) The tho!ght *a,e ;osh(s insi,es t&ist) 6e lo+e, the slen,er girl he hel, in his ar*s2 an, &ante, to 3eat 6a&#e ?asters into the gro!n, 4or his "allo!s treat*ent o4 her) $i,n(t the *an realize &hat a treas!re he ha,0 ;osh(s ,esire to ta#e /!e a&a' 4ro* her h!s3an, 4la*e, insi,e hi*) 6e &ante, to gi+e her the lo+e an, attention she ,eser+e,) !t no& &asn(t the ti*e to ,is"!ss it &ith her) She &as too !pset) 6e *o+e, a&a' 4ro* her an, s*ile, ,o&n at her pale 4a"e) "7re 'o! all right no&0" he as#e, &hen she ret!rne, a &ea# s*ile) "- thin# so2" her +oi"e &a+ere, a 3it) 6is ar*s still hol,ing her loosel' aro!n, the &aist2 ;osh sai,2 "1e(, 3etter get 'o! ho*e) The 4a*il' is pro3a3l' going "raz') 6a&#e(s pro3a3l' tearing aro!n,2 "!ssin( his hea, o44 -t(s &a' past s!pperti*e2 'o! #no&)" /!e giggle,2 pi"t!ring the s"o&l on 6a&#e(s 4a"e &hen he "a*e in to eat an, onl' 4o!n, a "ol, sto+e) 6er a*!se*ent &as "!t short &hen a 4!rio!s +oi"e ,e*an,e,2 "1hat in the hell is goin( on here0" The ,a' &as ,ra&ing to an en, as 6a&#e leane, on the "orral2 his el3o&s hoo#e, on the top rail2 one 3oote, 4oot proppe, on the 3otto* one) 6is e'es &ere narro&e, in tho!ght as he gaze, !nseeing at his prize horses *illing aro!n, in the peeling paint2 post-"onstr!"te, pen) "1hat &as he going to ,o a3o!t /!e0 6e a3sentl' #nea,e, the tightness in the 3a"# o4 his ne"#) She &as on his *in, all the ti*e2 an, he a"he, 4or her e+er' ti*e she "a*e &ithin sight o4 hi*) 6e ga+e a ,erisi+e snort) 6ell2 he e+en 4o!n, hi*sel4 listening 4or the &a' her la!ghter &o!l, so*eti*es ring o!t) $a*n that %ilA The &a' she ha, a"te, so possessi+e o4 hi* to,a' &o!l, *a#e it all the har,er to get "lose to /!e no&) 7n, i4 that &asn(t 3a, eno!gh2 in tr'ing to #eep the ,a*n &o*an pa"i4ie,2 to #eep her 4ro* sa'ing so*ething that &o!l, *a#e :a s!spi"io!s2 he ha, onl' *a,e the sit!ation &orse) The 3it"h ha, arri+e, 3ent on "a!sing tro!3le2 an, she ha, s!""ee,e,) :a(s 4a"e ha, "learl' sho&n his ,isappro+al &hen he sta*pe, a4ter /!e) The 3ig ran"her hea+e, a ragge, sigh) The t&o people he lo+e, *ost in the &orl,

no& tho!ght hi* the +ilest "reat!re that e+er li+e,) 6a&#e shoo# his hea, in st!nne, s!rprise) "1hat ha, his *in, 5!st sai,0 That he lo+e, /!e0 7n, as he stoo, there in the gathering t&ilight2 he realize, that he ,i, lo+e his &i4e) "1hat he ha, tho!ght &as l!st2 his !s!al 4eeling 4or a &o*an2 &as not the "ase) 6e 4elt 4or /!e &hat his 4ather ha, 4elt 4or the *other o4 his "hil,ren an, &hat his 3rother ha, 4elt 4or Sara) One o4 his horses n!,ge, his ar* 4or attention2 3!t 6a&#e ,i,n(t 4eel it) 6e &as re*e*3ering all the ins!lting things he(, e+er sai, or ,one to /!e2 the &a' he ha, sha*e, her in 4ront o4 his han,s 3' not sleeping &ith her) 6e "ringe, as he +i+i,l' re*e*3ere, the ,a' she ha, 3een le4t sitting in the s!n &hile he +isite, &ith %il in the "oolness o4 her ho!se) 9o,2 ho& in the &orl, &as he e+er going to *a#e her 4orget an, 4orgi+e all his "r!elties to her0 6a&#e *assage, his nape again) .es2 he ha, his &or# "!t o!t 4or hi*2 "on+in"ing /!e that he &as sorr' an, asha*e, 4or treating her so sha33il') !t i4 it too# the rest o4 his li4e he &o!l, ,o it) 6e &o!l, "o!rt her as no other &o*an ha, e+er 3een "o!rte,) 6e &o!l, *a#e her 3elie+e that he lo+e, her &ith e+er' 4i3er o4 his 3eing) :ossesse, &ith an eagerness to start *en,ing his 4en"es &ith /!e2 6a&#e t!rne, 4ro* the "orral an, starte, to&ar, the ho!se) 6e s*ile, &hen S!sie "a*e r!nning to hi*2 her s*all 4a"e pin"he,2 an, near tears) "- "an(t 4in, 7!ntie /!e2 Cn"le 6a&#e2" she "rie,) 6a&#e s&!ng his nie"e into his ar*s) "Cal* ,o&n2 hone') -sn(t she in the #it"hen *a#in( s!pper0" ">o)" S!sie hal4 so33e,) "- loo#e, there) -(+e loo#e, all o+er) She(s gone)" This last "a*e o!t on a &ail) "6a+e 'o! seen /!e2 6a&#e0" ;e3 ha, 4ollo&e, his gran,,a!ghter2 a &orrie, 4ro&n on his 4a"e) "She(s no&here aro!n,) -(+e sear"he, the ho!se2 the sta3les2 e+er'&here)" 6a&#e p!t S!sie ,o&n an, pla"e, a "al*ing han, on his nephe&(s hea, &hen the 3o' "a*e r!nning !p to the*2 loo#ing rea,' to "r') The "hil,ren ha, 3e"o*e +er' atta"he, to /!e in the short ti*e the' ha, #no&n her2 an, he s!spe"te, that the' &ere pro3a3l' a4rai, that the' &o!l, lose her as the' ha, their *other) ">o& let(s not go o44 hal4-"o"#e,2" he sai,2 4or"ing his o&n 4a"e not to sho& his gro&ing "on"ern) "She(s got to 3e aro!n, here so*e&here) She &o!l,n(t 5!st !p an, ,isappear &itho!t sa'in( so*ethin( to so*eone)" "She ,a*n &ell *ight ha+e2" ;e3 sai, gr!44l') "She ha, goo, "a!se to ta#e o44)" 6a&#e loo#e, a&a' 4ro* his 4ather(s a""!sing 4a"e) >o one #ne& that 3etter than he) !t &here &o!l, she go0 She ha, no *one') She ,i,n(t #no& an'one to as# 4or help8 he ha,n(t 3othere, to intro,!"e her to an' o4 the neigh3ors) That he &o!l, re"ti4' as

soon as possi3le) Sha*e,2 he sai,2 "%oo#2 :a2 - #no& &hat 'o!(re thin#in(2 3!t - ha+en(t +isite,D"@he glan"e, *eaning4!l at the "hil,ren@"sin"e - *arrie, /!e)" "1ell2 -(* "ertainl' gla, to hear that)" ;e3(s tone &as "!tting2 i*pl'ing that he &asn(t please, that his son ha, ,allie, &ith a *arrie, &o*an at an' ti*e) Still a+oi,ing his 4ather(s e'es2 6a&#e sai,2 "-(* gonna sa,,le !p an, go loo# 4or her) 1h' ,on(t 'o! ta#e the #i,s 3a"# to the ho!se an, 4ix the* a 3ite to eat0" ".o! 4in, her2 Cn"le 6a&#e2" S!sie or,ere,2 her +oi"e tre*3ling as ;e3 too# her s*all han, an, le, her a&a'2 To**' 4ollo&ing the*) "-(ll 4in, her2 little one2" 6a&#e pro*ise,2 then tol, hi*sel4 that he(, 3etter ,o it soon) 7nother 4i4teen *in!tes an, ,ar#ness &o!l, ha+e arri+e,) 7s he &al#e, along the "orral2 hea,ing 4or the sta3les to sa,,le Captain2 so*ething *a,e hi* pa!se to ta#e a "lose loo# at his high-3re, horses) 6is heart 3egan to po!n,) The little *are he ha, gi+en /!e per*ission to ri,e &as gone) /!e ha, le4t hi* a4ter all) She ha, 3een h!rt an, angr' eno!gh to stri#e o!t a"ross the &il,erness2 "han"ing all #in,s o4 perils 5!st to get a&a' 4ro* hi*) 6a&#e pi"#e, !p the *are(s hoo4prints al*ost i**e,iatel') The' le, to&ar, the *o!ntain) 7t 4irst he &as al*ost o+er&hel*e, &ith relie4 /!e ha,n(t le4t hi*) Then2 on the heels o4 his relie42 he tho!ght o4 the ,angers that l!r#e, !p there) /!e #ne& nothing a3o!t the*) 6e ha, ne+er &arne, her not to ri,e there) 6ell2 he 3erate, hi*sel42 he ha, ne+er ta#en ti*e &ith her 4or an'thing) The *o!ntain loo*e, in 4ront o4 hi* as the stallion entere, the 4oothills) 6a&#e ha, ri,,en a3o!t hal4 a *ile2 going o+er in his *in, &hat he &o!l, sa' to /!e2 ho& he &o!l, apologize 4or &hat ha, gone 3e4ore2 to p!t things straight 3et&een the*2 &hen he hear, the po!n,ing o4 hoo43eats) 6is hea, shot !p an, he re"ognize, the little *are that shot past hi*) "Oh 9o,2 &hat(s happene, to her0" he groane,2 la'ing the &hip on the stallion &hen a g!nshot rang o!t) 6a, 7rapaho renega,es "o*e !pon her2 then shot her &hen the' ha, 4inishe, &ith her0 The stallion s&!ng aro!n, a large 3o!l,er2 an, &ith a "!rse2 6a&#e 5er#e, Captain to a rearing halt) -n the ,i* sha,o& o4 a spr!"e stoo, his &i4e in the ar*s o4 his ran"h 4ore*an) la"# 5ealo!s rage 3oile, insi,e hi*) <orgotten &ere the &or,s he(, *eant to sa' to her2 4orgotten &as his 4ear that she ha, le4t hi*) 7ll he re*e*3ere, &as that he ha, nearl' ha, heart 4ail!re &hen he hear, that g!n go o44) 7n, it ha, all 3een 4or nothing) 6is &i4e &as =!ite sa4e) She ha, onl' snea#e, o44 to 3e &ith her lo+er) -n his 3lin, 4!r'2 he ne+er =!estione, &h' a g!n sho!l, ha+e 3een 4ire,2 &h' the *are ha, 3olte,) 6is *in, onl' tol, hi* that the &o*an he lo+e, &as pla'ing hi*

4alse) arel' in "ontrol o4 his e*otions2 he 3ar#e,2 "1hat in the hell is goin( on here0" ;osh s&i4tl' steppe, a&a' 4ro* /!e2 g!ilt o4 his lo+e 4or her "lear on his 4a"e) /!e2 on the other han,2 onl' stare, at 6a&#e2 inno"entl') !t as 6a&#e "ontin!e, to glo&er at her2 anger gre& insi,e her) 1h' &as he preten,ing to 3e the in5!re, h!s3an,0 she as#e, hersel4 6e #ne&2 an, she #ne&2 that he "o!l,n(t ha+e "are, less ha, he "o*e !pon her an, ;osh *a#ing lo+e) !t she &o!l, pla' his ga*e2 she ,e"i,e,2 an, ans&ere, "ooll'2 "Ger' little is going on no&) 6o&e+er2 i4 it &asn(t 4or ;osh2 - &o!l, ha+e ,ie, a 4e& *in!tes ago)" 6a&#e stare, ,o&n at the pale2 lo+el' 4a"e2 re4!sing to see the lingering 4ear in her 3l!e e'es) "$rea* !p another lie2 'o! &horin( little 3it"h2" he retorte, sni,el') "That one is too 4ar4et"he,)" 6is e'es ra#e, o+er a ston'-4a"e, /!e2 an, a s"o&ling ;osh) "6o& long has this 3een goin( on0" he shot at the*) "6o& *an' ti*es ha+e 'o! *et !p here0 T&i"e a &ee#0 B+er' ,a'0" /!e starte, to hotl' ,en' 6a&#e(s "harges2 then tho!ght2 &h' sho!l, she0 6e &o!l,n(t 3elie+e her 3e"a!se he &o!l,n(t &ant to) -t &o!l, sal+e his "ons"ien"e2 i4 he ha, one2 a3o!t seeing %illie ?e'ers all the ti*e) 1ith a "areless shr!g2 she tilte, her "hin2 an, re*ar#e,2 "73o!t as o4ten as 'o! snea# o44 to +isit %illie2 - expe"t)" 6a&#e al*ost gaspe, at the pain her &or,s ga+e hi*) -4 onl' it &as tr!e she sa& ;osh as o4ten as he sa& %illie2 that &o!l, *ean she ha,n(t *et ;osh on"e) ;osh ga+e /!e a s!rprise, loo#2 then spo#e 4or the 4irst ti*e) ".o!(+e got it all &rong2 6a&#e) - sa& /!e hea,e, !p the *o!ntain2 an, #no&ing the ,angers !p here2 4ollo&e, her)" 6e *otione, at the ,ea, &ol4 a 4e& 4eet a&a') "%!"#' thing - ,i,) arri+e, 5!st as that 3east &as rea,' to spring at her throat)" 6a&#e #ne& 3e4ore he loo#e, that he ha, ,ri+en /!e 4arther a&a' 4ro* hi*) -n a "al*er *o*ent he &o!l, ha+e #no&n that l!st ha,n(t ,ri+en her into ;osh(s ar*s) 6a, he "ontrolle, his 5ealo!s rage2 tho!ght a little 3it2 he &o!l,n(t ha+e 5!*pe, to the &rong "on"l!sions) 1h' &as it2 he &on,ere,2 he "o!l,n(t thin# straight &here /!e &as "on"erne,0 6e gaze, ,o&n at the ,ea, &ol4 an, sh!,,ere, at the tho!ght o4 those 'ello& teeth tearing at /!e(s lo+el' throat) 6is pri,e2 ho&e+er2 &o!l,n(t let hi* a,*it he &as &rong2 &o!l,n(t let hi* sa' that he &as sorr' 4or &hat he(, tho!ght an, sai,2 an, to than# ;osh 4or sa+ing /!e(s li4e) 6e onl' *!ttere,2 "- see2" then gr!44l' tol, ;osh to ri,e to the ho!se an, let the 4a*il' #no& /!e &as all right) "-(ll ri,e &ith ;osh)" /!e starte, to 4ollo& hi* to his horse)

".o!(ll ri,e &ith *e2" 6a&#e gro&le,2 an, 3e4ore she "o!l, get o!t o4 his rea"h2 he gra33e, her !n,er the ar*s an, li4te, her to sit in 4ront o4 hi*) "There(s so*ething &e ha+e to ,is"!ss2" he a,,e,2 &rapping his 4ree ar* aro!n, her &aist) "- "an(t thin# o4 an'thing &e ha+e to sa' to ea"h other2" /!e gritte,2 tr'ing to pr' his ar* loose2 the a"tion 3ringing her in "loser "onta"t &ith 6a&#e(s 3o,') "- thin# 'o!(+e sai, eno!gh alrea,')" 6a&#e 4elt a stirring in his loins as /!e(s s*all rear presse, against hi*) $a*n2 he &ishe, she(, sit still) -4 she ,i,n(t2 she &as going to 4in, one hell o4 an aro!sal pro,,ing her 3a"#si,e) There &as a h!s#iness in his +oi"e &hen he sai,2 "- ,on(t &ant to tal# a3o!t &hat happene, 3a"# there)" 6is ar* tightene, a3o!t her2 5er#ing her 3a"# against his 3roa, "hest2 p!tting a 4e& in"hes 3et&een her ,errier an, his h!ngr' *anhoo,) "- "an(t i*agine &hat else &e "o!l, tal# a3o!t)" /!e &at"he, ;osh(s *o!nt ,isappear 4ro* sight) "Cnless 'o! &ant to ,is"!ss 'o!r a44air &ith %illie) 7n, i4 that(s the "ase2 ,on(t "are ho& o4ten 'o! see her2 so &e "an lea+e that s!35e"t alone)" 6a&#e loo#e, !p at the s#'2 a 3lea#ness in his e'es) 6e(, gi+e hal4 his ran"h i4 his &i4e ,i, "are that he slept &ith another &o*an) -4 onl' 5ealo!sl' rage, insi,e her as it ,i, in hi* at the tho!ght o4 her ha+ing a lo+er) 6e tho!ght o4 all the &o*en he(, *a,e lo+e to2 then le4t the* &hen he tire, o4 their 3e,2 an, realize, that he &as 3eing ser+e, a 3ig helping o4 5!sti"e) "$a*n it2 /!eA" he grate,) "6o& *an' ti*es ,o - ha+e to tell 'o! that there(s nothing goin( on 3et&een *e an, that &o*an0" /!e *a,e no response2 onl' stare, at Captain(s ears) !t insi,e her a grain o4 3elie4 too# root) ?a'3e he ha, 3ro#en all ties &ith %illie) The i*age o4 the &o*an(s "oarse 4eat!res2 the ,eter*ination in the pig-li#e e'es an, on her thi"# lips2 appeare, in /!e(s *in,) 6a&#e *ight thin# he &as 4inishe, &ith her2 3!t %illie ha, no intention o4 letting hi* go) 1o!l, her h!s3an, 3e strong eno!gh to "ontin!e re4!sing her in+itations2 or &o!l, the ti*e "o*e &hen he ,i,n(t "are &hat his 4ather tho!ght an, res!*e, his a44air &ith %illie0 Onl' ti*e &o!l, tell2 /!e g!esse,) "- &ante, to ,is"!ss o!r sleepin( arrange*ents)" 6a&#e ,isr!pte, /!e(s *!sings) "1hat(s &rong &ith o!r sleeping arrange*ents0" she ,e*an,e, sharpl'2 her heart slightl' 4l!ttering) 1as he planning to "lai* a h!s3an,(s rights0 $i, he plan on repla"ing %illie &ith her0 6er ro!n, "hin "a*e !p st!33ornl') "- li#e things 5!st 4ine the &a' the' are)" "1ell2 - ,on(t2" 6a&#e spo#e 5!st as sharpl') ":a is gonna &on,er &h' -(* not sharin( 'o!r roo*) 6e thin#s &e ha+e a nor*al *arriage)"

".o! sho!l, ha+e tho!ght a3o!t that 3e4ore 'o! starte, sleeping in the 3!n#ho!se) 7n'&a'2 - ,on(t thin# ;e3 &ill 3e s!rprise, that &e ,on(t ha+e an' #in, o4 *arriage a4ter the sho& %illie p!t on to,a')" " !t ,on(t 'o! see2 that(s all the *ore reason not to raise his s!spi"ions an' higher)" "- ,on(t gi+e a ,a*n &hat he thin#s)" /!e 3egan to str!ggle again2 p!lling at the &hip"or, strength o4 the ar* that hel, her so tightl'2 her rear again r!33ing against that sensti+e spot 3et&een his sprea, legs) "-(* not a3o!t to share a 3e, &ith 'o!2" she pante,) "1ill 'o! sit still0" 6a&#e hal4 groane,2 4eeling hi*sel4 gro&ing har,er an, har,er) The 3!ttons &ere going to pop o44 his 4l' i4 she #ept t&isting in his lap) "-(* not as#in( to share 'o!r 3e,2 'o! little &il,"at2" he *anage,to sa') "- onl' &ant to share the roo*2 5!st a s*all spa"e &here - "an sprea, *' 3e,roll)" To 6a&#e(s relie42 /!e "ease, her str!ggling an, sat still) 7n, &hile he &ille, his ere"tion to go a&a'2 she "he&e, the "orner o4 her lo&er lip) Co!l, she tr!st hi* to sta' on the 4loor0 She &on,ere,) She re*e*3ere, the ti*e he ha, #isse, her2 ho& h!ngril' his lips ha, *o+e, o+er hers) -4 he sho!l, ,o it again2 "o!l, she resist hi*0 She &o!l,n(t &ant to "han"e it) B+en no&2 in the "ir"le o4 his ar*2 her heart &as 3eating li#e a ha**er) 6o& "o!l, she lie next to hi* in a 3e,0 1ith one to!"h o4 his han,2 she &o!l, 3e lost) Ta#ing her long silen"e as a "ontin!e, re5e"tion2 6a&#e sai, sti44l'2 ".o! ,on(t ha+e to &orr' a3o!t *e 4or"ing *'sel4 on 'o!2 i4 that(s &hat 'o!(re thin#ing) -(ll not "o*e near 'o! !nless -(* in+ite,)" "6ahA That(s an in+itation 'o!(ll ne+er hear2" /!e retorte,2 an, sighe, her relie4 &hen the ho!se "a*e in sight) ;e3 an, the "hil,ren &aite, on the 3a"# por"h2 silho!ette, against the la*plight shining thro!gh the #it"hen &in,o&) 6a&#e reine, in Captain an, s&!ng to the gro!n,) 7 &i"#e, glea* o4 a*!se*ent "roo#e, his lips) 6e li4te, the resisting /!e 4ro* the sa,,le an, let her 3o,' slo&l' sli,e ,o&n his) 1hen she 4elt his *anhoo, stir an, 5!*p against her sto*a"h2 she gritte, her teeth2 p!shing a&a' the heat o4 ,esire that s"or"he, thro!gh her +eins) 6er 4eet to!"he, the gro!n,2 an, a4ter one little 3!"# o4 his hips2 6a&#e release, her) She &as grate4!l 4or the ,ar#ness that hi, her 4l!she, 4a"e as ;e3 an, the "hil,ren r!she, to greet her) S!sie an, To**' thre& their ar*s aro!n, her &aist2 an, &ith an ar* aro!n, their sho!l,ers2 she ans&ere, their =!estions a3o!t the &ol4 as the' &al#e, to&ar, the por"h) "-sn(t ;osh 3ra+e2 7!ntie /!e0" S!sie as#e, sole*nl') e4ore /!e "o!l, ans&er2 To**' &as a,,ing in a&e, tones2 ";osh sai, he #ille, that &ol4 &ith one shot) 6e *!st 3e the 3est shooter aro!n,)"

/!e hear, 6a&#e(s ,erisi+e gr!nt2 4ollo&e, 3' ;e3(s ,r' "h!"#le) She grinne,) 6er 4ather-in-la& also #ne& that his son ,i,n(t li#e hearing ;osh ?alone 3eing praise,) ".o! got an'thing to eat2 :a0" 6a&#e 3ro#e in2 stepping onto the por"h2 p!tting an en, to the la!,ing o4 his 4ore*an) "?e an, the #i,s heate, !p the ste& that &as sittin( on the sto+e) There(s plent' le4t)" "9oo,) -(* star+e,)" 6a&#e ga+e /!e a "ool2 a""!sing loo#) "Chasin( a4ter a "ontrar' 4e*ale ,on(t 4ee, a *an(s appetite)" ;e3 ga+e /!e a 3roa, &in#2 an, she t!rne, =!i"#l' to hi,e the a*!se, t&ist o4 her lips)

Chapter Ten
The *orning s!nshine 4loo,e, thro!gh the #it"hen &in,o& as /!e &al#e, onto the s*all 3a"# por"h) She leane, against the railing2 gazing at the *ist-4ille, ,a'2 an, sni44e, the sharp pine s"ent) She shi+ere, as a "ool 3reeze 3le& against her) -t &as nearing the en, o4 >o+e*3er an, a har, 4rost ha, persiste, 4or the past &ee#) 1inter &o!l, arri+e 3e4ore long2 she *!se,) !t 4or the 4irst ti*e in her li4e she ,i,n(t ,rea, it) There &o!l, 3e no "ol, &in, &histling thro!gh this st!r,il' 3!ilt ho!se an, the sno& &o!l,n(t si4t thro!gh "ra"#s an, 3ro#en &in,o&s) There &o!l, 3e no &hite ,ri4ts on her 3e, &hen she a&a#ene, in the *orning) 7n, the h!ge 4irepla"e &o!l, #eep her &ar* all ,a') 1hen she ha, to go o!tsi,e2 she &o!l, &ear a hea+' 5a"#et an, there &o!l, 3e no holes in the soles o4 her 3oots) 7 sharp g!st o4 &in, t!gge, at /!e(s hair an, she t!rne, 3a"# into the #it"hen2 her re, &oolen ,ress s&a'ing gentl' as she "leare, the ta3le o4 the 3rea#4ast ,ishes) -t &as her 4a+orite ,ress2 she tho!ght2 sta"#ing the ,irt' plates an, "arr'ing the* to the ,r' sin#) 6a&#e ha, 3o!ght it an, t&o others 4or her) 6er han,s stille, in the &ar*2 s!,s' ,ish&ater as she re"alle, the ,a' he ha, &al#e, into their 3e,roo* an, tosse, a 3ro&n paper-&rappe, pa"#age on the 3e,) 9i+ing her a laz' s*ile2 he ha, ,ra&le,2 "7 gi4t 4ro* 'o!r lo+ing h!s3an,)" /!e ga+e hi* a s"orn4!l loo# at his ,es"ription o4 hi*sel4 an, 3ent o+er the pa"#age to !ntie it) 1hen she p!she, asi,e the &rapping2 she ex"lai*e, &ith pleas!re as her e'es 4ell on a neatl' 4ol,e,2 3l!e poplin ,ress) "6o& 3ea!ti4!l2" she &hispere,2 hol,ing the gar*ent !p2 &on,ering i4 she(, e+er ha+e the ner+e to &ear it2 the ne"#line &as "!t so lo&) S!rel' it &o!l, sho& hal4 her 3oso*) The next ,ress she li4te, !p &as o4 3la"# +el+et2 long-slee+e, an, 5!st as ,aringl' "!t) -t &as the t'pe o4 go&n a "it' &o*an &o!l, &ear to a 3all) 1hat ha, 6a&#e 3een

thin#ing o4 &hen he 3o!ght it0 The last ,ress &as the re, &oolen) -t &as 4!ll-s#irte,2 3!ttone, to the "hin2 a &hite la"e "ollar setting it o44 She s*oothe, her pal* o+er the so4t *aterial) This one she &o!l,n(t 3e e*3arrasse, to &ear) She li4te, her e'es to the &at"hing 6a&#e) "The' are +er' 3ea!ti4!l)" "<or a 3ea!ti4!l &o*an)" 6a&#e 3r!she, his #n!"#les a"ross her "rea*' "hee#) "7ren(t 'o! gonna than# *e 4or the*0" he as#e,2 a teasing t&in#le in his e'es) "Oh2 - ,o than# 'o!)" /!e s*ile, 3a"#) "- than# 'o! +er' *!"h) -(+e ne+er ha, an'thing so lo+el')" 1itho!t &arning2 his ar* sna#e, aro!n, her &aist an, p!lle, her against hi*) "-(, li#e so*ething 3etter than &or,s2" he *!r*!re, h!s#il'2 an, 3e4ore she "o!l, t!rn her 4a"e a&a'2 his hea, s&ept ,o&n an, his *o!th "lai*e, hers) Ca!ght !na&are2 &ith no ti*e to get her ,e4enses !p2 /!e(s 3o,' *elte, into his) 6is #iss ,eepene, as her ar*s &ent aro!n, his ne"#2 his tong!e ,arting into her *o!th) She 4elt his po&er4!l ere"tion press against her sto*a"h an, ex"ite*ent shi+ere, thro!gh her) >e+er ha, her heart 3eat &ith s!"h th!,,ing intensit') !t &hen 6a&#e 4ree, a 3reast 4ro* the 3o,i"e she ha,n(t #no&n he ha, !n3!ttone,2 she sti44ene,) 1hen he lo&ere, his hea, an, stro#e, his tong!e a"ross her nipple2 she ret!rne, to realit') This *an ,i,n(t lo+e her an, she re4!se, to 3e !se,) Tho!gh her 3reasts a"he, to ha+e his lips on the*2 an, her 3o,' tre*3le, 4ro* the ,esire gripping her2 she presse, her pal*s against his 3roa, "hest an, 3ro#e his e*3ra"e) "/!e2 please2" 6a&#e &hispere, hoarsel' as she &or,lessl' le4t the roo*2 her 4ingers ,oing !p the 3!ttons he ha, 4ree,) -t ha, 3een ,i44erent 3et&een the* a4ter that2 /!e no& re*e*3ere,2 3ringing her i,le han,s 3a"# to li4e2 s"r!33ing a&a' at a plate) 6a&#e &as openingl' "o!rting her these ,a's) 6e &as 4!ll o4 "o*pli*ents2 the t&o o4 the* ta#ing long ri,es together2 sitting 3e4ore the 4ire2 &here 3it 3' 3it he tol, her a3o!t hi*sel42 lea+ing o!t2 she &as s!re2 all the &o*en he ha, slept &ith) 7n, 3e"a!se o4 all that attention she &as ,rea,4!ll' a4rai, her ,e4enses &ere &ea#ening against hi*) O4 "o!rse *atters &eren(t helpe, an'2 as she la' e+er' night listening to his e+en 3reathing as he slept in his 3e,roll onl' 4eet a&a') She ha, gi+en in to his ,e*an, to share the 3e,roo* &ith hi*2 si*pl' 3e"a!se she ,i,n(t &ant to "a!se "on"ern 4or #in, ;e3 ?asters) -t ha, &or#e, o!t 3etter than she ha, tho!ght it &o!l,@at 4irst) 6a&#e al&a's "a*e into the 3e,roo* long a4ter she ha, retire,) !t sin"e the ,r!gging #iss the ,a' he ha, gi+en her the ,resses2 he see*e, to "o*e earlier an, earlier to their roo*) 7 "o!ple o4 ti*es she ha, 3arel' "li*3e, into 3e, &hen he =!ietl' opene, the ,oor) /!e loo#e, ,o&n at the gentle t!g on her s#irt) "7re 'o! a3o!t 4inishe,2 7!ntie

/!e0" S!sie as#e, i*patientl') ".o! pro*ise, &e(, go ,o&n to the "ree# to,a' an, ha+e a pi"ni")" "1e &ill2 hone')" /!e pla"e, the last ,ish on the ,rainer) ";!st as soon as - get the 3e,s *a,e)" "Can - &a,e in the "ree# li#e - ,i, the last ti*e &e &ere there0" the little girl as#e, hope4!ll') /!e la!ghe, an, r!44le, the 3lon, hair) ".o! sill' goose2 'o!(, 4reeze 'o!r 4eet) $i,n(t 'o! hear To**' sa' that the e,ges o4 the &ater ha+e 3een 4rozen this past &ee#0" " !t &hat "an - ,o then0" S!sie ploppe, ,o&n at the ta3le2 her s*all *o!th ,ra&n into a po!t) "1ell2 'o! "an sail the little 3oat To**' *a,e 4or 'o!) That &ill 3e lots o4 4!n)" ".es2 it &illA" S*all han,s "lappe, together as S!sie s"oote, 4ro* the "hair an, 4ollo&e, /!e ,o&n the hall to the 3e,roo*s) <inall' e+er'thing &as in or,er an, /!e &ent 3a"# to the #it"hen to *a#e san,&i"hes 4or their o!ting) 7 4e& *in!tes later she ha, pa"#e, t&o san,&i"hes2 t&o pie"es o4 "a#e2 an, a5ar o4 &ater in a 3as#et) "S!sie2" she sai,2 "go 4et"h a 3lan#et 4ro* the linen "hest an, &e(ll 3e o44)" The s!n ha, &ar*e, as it rose higher an, it &as =!ite pleasant &hen /!e an, her little "harge arri+e, at the "lear2 r!nning "ree#) She helpe, S!sie la!n"h her 3oat2 4o!n, her a long sti"# to "ontrol it 4ro* the 3an#2 then stret"he, o!t on the 3lan#et2 the !nseasona3le &ar*th 3athing her 4a"e) 7 pea"e4!l ho!r passe, in &hi"h /!e *anage, to #eep 6a&#e o!t o4 her tho!ghts) She *!se, on her gran,parents an, ;i**' an, &on,ere, ho& the' &ere2 an, i4 she &o!l, e+er see the* again) ?a'3e she &o!l, see ;i**' again) 1hen he 3e"a*e a little ol,er2 he "o!l, *a#e the trip to +isit her) -t &o!l, 3e &on,er4!l i4 6a&#e &o!l, gi+e hi* a 5o3) O4 "o!rse she &o!l, ne+er as# hi* to) S!sie 3ro!ght her 3oat in an, anno!n"e, that she &as h!ngr') /!e le4t o44 her ,a',rea*ing an, set o!t the l!n"h) 7s 3ees 3!zze, lazil' aro!n, their hea,s2 the sli"es o4 3ee4 3et&een split 3is"!its &ere "ons!*e,) 1hile the' ate the "a#e2 /!e hear, the hollo& ,r!**ing o4 hoo43eats) 1hen the' stoppe, s!,,enl'2 she sha,e, her e'es against the s!n an, peere, at a ,istant #noll) 7 horse an, ri,er sat o!tline, against the s#') She 4ro&ne,) She ,i, not re"ognize the *an as one o4 their han,s2 3!t the large 3!l# t!rne, to&ar, her loo#e, +ag!el' 4a*iliar) 6er heart3eat ra"e,) <ro* here2 the *an loo#e, li#e Sl' !r4or,) -*possi3le2 she tol, hersel4) 1hat &o!l, her step4ather 3e ,oing in "attle "o!ntr'0 6e &as too laz' to &or# on a ran"h)

>e+ertheless2 she rose to her 4eet2 4ol,e, the 3lan#et2 an, pi"#ing !p the 3as#et2 sai,2 "-t(s ti*e &e get ho*e an, start s!pper2 hone')" Than#4!ll' S!sie ,i,n(t p!t !p a 4!ss at their short-li+e, pi"ni") 7s the' hea,e, to&ar, the ho!se a short ,istan"e a&a'2 /!e glan"e, !p at #noll) The horse an, ri,er &ere gone) Still2 as she h!rrie, along2 S!sie(s short2 little legs r!nning to #eep !p &ith her2 /!e "o!l,n(t sha#e the 4ear o4 i*pen,ing ,anger to hersel4) The s!n &as rea,' to slip o!t o4 sight2 an, long sha,o&s &ere "reeping ,o&n the *o!ntain as /!e *ashe, a large pot o4 3oile, potatoes) She &as stirring a s#illet o4 3!33ling gra+' &hen she hear, the approa"hing so!n, o4 hoo43eats2 then a *o*ent later the straining o4 leather an, the hea+ing o4 tire, horses) The ?asters *en &ere ho*e 4or s!pper) She glan"e, o!t the &in,o&2 her gaze !n"ons"io!sl' loo#ing 4or 6a&#e) 6er e'es roa*e, o+er hi* as he s&!ng 4ro* the sa,,le2 ta#ing in the +est that s&!ng open o+er a so4t 3l!e shirt2 the "he"#ere, #er"hie4 aro!n, his ne"#) 7s !s!al2 his har,2 han,so*e loo#s *a,e the 3reath "at"h in her throat) "Stop itA" she hisse, !n,er her 3reath an, 3egan to set o!t the plates) ' the ti*e the horses &ere !nsa,,le, an, p!t o!t to past!re an, son2 gran,son an, 4ather ha, &ashe, !p at the &ater tro!gh2 s!pper &as on the ta3le2 &ith onl' the 3ee4 roast &aiting to 3e sli"e,) "That roast s!re ,oes s*ell goo,2 ,a!ghter)" ;e3 sni44e, the air as he h!ng his hat on a &oo,en peg on the &all 3esi,e the ,oor) ".o!(re a 4ine little "oo#)" 6e too# his pla"e at the ta3le 3esi,e S!sie) "That(s &h' - *arrie, her2 :a)" 6a&#e "h!"#e, /!e !n,er the "hin as he passe, her to sit at the hea, o4 the ta3le) /!e(s lips *o+e, in a ,erisor' gri*a"e) The' 3oth #ne& &h' he ha, *arrie, her) 7 ri4le ha, 3een traine, on hi*) ":apa *arrie, ?a*a 3e"a!se he lo+e, her2" S!sie pipe, !p) "6e al&a's sai, so2 ,i,n(t he2 9ran,pa0" She loo#e, at ;e3 4or "on4ir*ation2 her e'es large an, serio!s) "That(s right2 hone')" ;e3 patte, the 3lon, hea,) "7n, Cn"le 6a&#e lo+es 7!ntie /!e too) 6e &as onl' 5o#ing &hen he sai, that a3o!t her "oo#in()" "- noti"e that 'o! an, 7!ntie /!e ,on(t #iss li#e ?a*a an, :apa !se, to ,o)" To**' loo#e, at 6a&#e) 6is e'es shining &i"#e,l' at /!e2 6a&#e ans&ere,2 " la*e 7!ntie /!e 4or that) She ,oesn(t li#e to #iss *e)" ".o! ,on(t2 7!ntie /!e0" To**' loo#e, at her in s!rprise) "1h' not0" "$on(t pa' an' attention to &hat 'o!r !n"le sa's2 To**'2" /!e ans&ere, e+asi+el') "6e(s teasing2 5!st as he &as a3o!t *' "oo#ing)" She ga+e 6a&#e a loo# that sai, he &as &asting his ti*e)

6a&#e(s onl' response &as a raise,2 *o"#ing e'e3ro& at /!e) -t gre& =!iet in the #it"hen as their h!nger &as sate,2 the onl' so!n, the s"raping o4 #ni+es an, 4or#s) Con+ersation pi"#e, !p &hen /!e pla"e, a "a#e on the ta3le) 7s she po!re, "o44ee 4or the a,!lts2 the &in, *oane, thro!gh the 3ig spr!"e in the 3a"# 'ar, an, the #it"hen &as 4ille, &ith "ol, air) To**' ran to sla* the ,oor2 an, as /!e sat 3a"# ,o&n at the ta3le2 6a&#e loo#e, at her &ith sl!*3ero!s2 teasing e'es) "-t(s gonna 3e a goo, night 4or "!,,ling i4 a person has a *in, to)" /!e loo#e, a&a' 4ro* hi*2 not letting on that she ha, note, his s"ar"el' +eile, hint) 6a&#e st!,ie, her a+erte, 4a"e 4ro* 3eneath his lo&ere, li,s 4or a *in!te then2 rising2 he pi"#e, !p the lantern 4ro* its !s!al pla"e 3esi,e the ,oor) "-(* gonna sta3le *' horses tonight2" he sai,2 stri#ing a s!lph!r sti"# an, hol,ing its 4la*e to the &i"# he(, expose, &ith a press o4 his th!*3 that release, the glass glo3e) "That &in, *ight 3ring rain2 an, it &ill 3e a "ol, one)" "6e s!re is parti"!lar a3o!t those horses2 h!h2 9ran,pa0" To**' re*ar#e, a4ter 6a&#e le4t the ho!se 3' the #it"hen ,oor) "6e s!re is)" ;e3 grinne,) "The'(re *ight' spe"ial to hi*) 6e &ants to 3!il, !p a her, o4 thoro!gh3re,s)" ;e3 an, To**' "ontin!e, to tal# horses as /!e h!rrie,l' &ashe, the ,ishes an, ti,ie, !p the #it"hen) So*ething tol, her to go straight to 3e, tonight2 not to linger in 4ront o4 the 4irepla"e tal#ing to 6a&#e as &as her ha3it) She ha,n(t li#e, that ,e+il loo# in his e'es &hen he le4t to ten, to his pets) Than#4!ll' S!sie &as tire, 4ro* her 3!s' ,a' an, ,i,n(t 4!ss at going to 3e, an ho!r earl') ;e3 an, To**' ha, *o+e, into the parlor an, &ere sitting in 4ront o4 the 4ire &hen /!e tol, the* goo, night an, &ent to her roo*) 7s she !n3!ttone, her ,ress2 she &al#e, o+er to the &in,o& an, parte, the hea+' "!rtains) 7 4!ll *oon 3athe, the 'ar,2 thro&ing into relie4 the &a+ing li*3s o4 the spr!"e) It doesn't look like rain to me2 she tho!ght2 gazing !p at the *illions o4 stars t&in#ling in the s#') !t *a'3e2 she allo&e,2 *o+ing to the 3e,2 rain "lo!,s "a*e !p =!i"#l' in this region) /!e strippe, o44 her ,ress2 then steppe, o!t o4 the sheer la&n ,ra&ers tri**e, &ith la"e an, ri33ons) She &as p!lling the *at"hing "a*isole o+er her hea, &hen she hear, a lo& ex"la*ation 4ro* 6a&#e(s 3e,roll) She s&!ng aro!n, an, 6a&#e &as 3esi,e her2 strippe, o4 his "lothes) ">o2" she gapse, so4tl'2 sha#ing her hea,) ".es2" 6a&#e persiste, gentl'2 his ar*s "o*ing ro!n, her2 his pal*s "aressing her 3a"# as he slo&l' ease, hi*sel4 against her tre*3ling 3o,') 6e "a!ght his 3reath as the' *el,e,2 then his *o!th &as on /!e(s &ith a 4ier"e !rgen"') /!e 4elt the

po&er4!l 3eat o4 his heart against her 3reast as his #iss ,eepene, an, his *anhoo, rose pressing against her sto*a"h) "$o 'o! #no& ho& 'o! 4ire *' 3loo,0" he &hispere, hoarsel' as he release, her lips) "6o& - "an(t sleep at night 4ro* &anting 'o!0" 6is han,s "!ppe, her pro!,2 5!tting 3reasts2 an, r!33ing his th!*3s against the pin# tips2 he "ontin!e,2 "$o 'o! #no& ho& - a"he to taste 'o!2 to open *' *o!th o+er these 3ea!ties2 ,ra& the nipples into *' *o!th2 an, s!"# the*0" 7n, as /!e stoo, roote, to the 4loor2 !na3le e+en to spea#2 so &ea# 4ro* the passion his &or,s ha, aro!se, insi,e her2 6a&#e(s han,s sli, ,o&n to her &aist an, li4te, her !p) 6er han,s grippe, his sho!l,ers &hen he hel, her so that her 3reasts &ere e+en &ith his *o!th) 1hen his lips ,re& on a nipple2 "at"hing it 3et&een his teeth an, tong!e2 she 4l!ng her hea, 3a"# &ith a little *oan) /!e(s 3reathing 3e"a*e !nstea,' an, her 4ingers 3it into the 3!n"he, *!s"les o4 his po&er4!l sho!l,ers as 6a&#e(s ,ar# hea, *o+e, 4ro* 3reast to 3reast2 his lips ,ragging on the p!"#ere, nipples as tho!gh ta#ing no!rish*ent 4ro* the*) Ba"h one &as ros' an, s&ollen &hen he sli, her ,o&n his 3o,'2 pa!sing to hol, her tight against his rigi,2 thro33ing *anhoo,) 6e hel, her there2 p!lsating 3et&een her thighs a *o*ent2 then lo&ere, her to stan, on the 4loor) "To!"h *e2" he &hispere, hoarsel'2 ta#ing her han,) "6ol, it2" he !rge,2 4ol,ing her 4ingers aro!n, hi*) "Caress it li#e - ,rea*e, 'o! &o!l,)" -t see*e, the *ost nat!ral thing in the &orl, to /!e2 to "lose her 4ingers aro!n, the har,2 tho!gh +el+et2 s*oothness an, gentl' stro#e it !p an, ,o&n) "1hen his *anhoo, *o+e, an, 5er#e, in her han,2 6a&#e ar"he, his ne"# an, "lose, his e'es as tho!gh in pain) "Oh2 9o,2 'es2 s&eetheart2 that(s the &a') Stro#e *e2 stro#e *e)" 6is *o!th "a*e ,o&n on hers an, his tong!e *o+e, 3et&een her lips in a ,arting a"tion that s'n"hronize, &ith the *o+e*ent o4 her han,) S&a'ing 4ro* the 4or"e o4 ,esire2 an, &ea# 4ro* !nleashe, passion2 /!e "rie,2 "nee, 'o!2 6a&#e2 right no&)" ">ot 'et2 ,arlin(2" 6a&#e &hispere, h!s#il') "-(+e &aite, too long 4or this) - &ant it to last as long as possi3le2 to 3e per4e"t)" 6e s&!ng her into his ar*s an, la' her a"ross the &i,th o4 the 3e,2 her legs hanging to the 4loor) At last2 /!e tho!ght2 then leane, !p on her el3o&s to loo# =!estioningl' at 6a&#e &hen he #nelt on the 4loor an, li4te, her legs aro!n, his sho!l,ers) "6a&#eA" she ex"lai*e, in a h!she, &hisper) "1hat are 'o! ,oing0" "- tol, 'o! - &ante, to taste 'o!2" he &hispere, 3a"#2 a han, on either si,e o4 the "!rl' +ee 3et&een her thighs) "7ll o4 'o!2" he a,,e,2 an, lo&ere, his 4a"e) /!e sl!*pe, 3a"# on the 3e,2 hot li=!i, see*ing to p!*p thro!gh her +eins as his

*o!th "o+ere, that *ost inti*ate part o4 her2 his tong!e ,el+ing insi,e) She thrashe, her hea, 3a"# an, 4orth2 *a#ing little *e&ling noises as his tong!e 4li"#e, in an, o!t2 his teeth ni33ling) "6a&#e2 please2" she 4inall' 3egge,) "- "an(t stan, an' *ore) Ta#e a&a' *' pain)" 6a&#e ans&ere, her plea2 rising to his 4eet2 then #neeling 3et&een her legs) 6is e'es &ere glaze, as he grippe, her slen,er hips an, raise, the* o44 the 3e,) "The pain &ill go a&a' no&2 hone'2" he *!r*!re,2 ta#ing his large *anhoo, in his han,) 6ol,ing her hips stea,'2 he 3ent o+er /!e2 g!i,e, hi*sel4 to her p!lsating opening2 an, pl!nge, insi,e her) /!e ga+e a pain4!l "r' as he 3ro#e the 4li*s' 3arrier &ithin her) ?in,lessl' she str!ggle, to get a&a' 4ro* the p!nishing appen,age that see*e, to 3e splitting her apart) 6a&#e(s 3o,' sti44ene, an, gre& still) S!rprise an, &on,er*ent &ere in his e'es as he stare, ,o&n at her pain-pin"he, 4a"e) "9o,2 -(* sorr'2 /!e) - ha, no i,ea 'o! ha, ne+er 3een &ith a *an 3e4ore) 1h' ,i,n(t 'o! tell *e0" "- trie, to tell 'o! *an' ti*es2" /!e so33e, a""!singl'2 "3!t 'o! &o!l,n(t listen)" "-H* so sorr'2 hone')" 6a&#e #isse, her s*ooth 4orehea,) "- ha+e so *!"h to *a#e !p to 'o!)" 6e gentl' &ipe, a&a' the tears 4ro* the "orners o4 her e'es) "6a, #no&n 'o! &ere a +irgin2 - &o!l, ha+e ta#en *ore "are) - &o!l,n(t ha+e h!rt 'o! so)" 6e s*ile, ,o&n at her) "$o 'o! #no& 'o!(re the 4irst +irgin -(+e e+er ha,0 -t(s goin( to 3e *ost en5o'a3le tea"hin( 'o! the things - li#e2 4in,ing o!t &hat pleases 'o!)" /!e loo#e, !p at hi* ,o!3t4!ll') "- ,on(t thin# an' part o4 "o!pling &ill please *e) -t h!rts too *!"h)" 6a&#e(s lips "!r+e, in gentle a*!se*ent) "-t onl' h!rts the 4irst ti*e 'o!(re entere,2 hone') 74ter that2 it(s p!re hea+en)" "Can &e &ait !ntil to*orro& night then0" she as#e, hope4!ll') ">o)" 6a&#e shoo# his hea,) "-4 &e ,on(t 4inish no&2 it &ill h!rt to*orro& night too) $on(t 3e a4rai,)" 6e stro#e, her "hee#) "-(ll go real slo& an, prett' soon all the pain &ill go a&a')" e4ore /!e "o!l, sa' 'es or no2 he ,roppe, his hea, to her 3reasts an, ,re& a nipple into his *o!th) 7s he gentl' s!"#e,2 /!e 4elt her lo&er 3o,' tingle again an, leap in response) 6a&#e 4elt her 3o,' relax2 an, #eeping his *o!th on her 3reast2 he 3egan to *o+e "a!tio!sl' insi,e her) /!e sti44ene, a *o*ent2 then relaxe,) The pain &as no longer so se+ere) Slo&l' 6a&#e =!i"#ene, his stro#es2 going a little ,eeper ea"h ti*e) 1hen she 3egan to tre*3le an, 3ro!ght her ar*s !p aro!n, his sho!l,ers2 he #ne& she &as rea,' 4or hi*) 9athering her "lose2 he p!*pe, his hips in the &ell o4 hers in ,eep rh'th*i" stro#es)

7s 6a&#e irre+o"a3l' "lai*e, her 3o,'2 a &ar*th 3!ilt insi,e /!e2 t!rning rapi,l' into a "ons!*ing 4ire) Then &a+es o4 passion threatene, to ,ro&n her as the' sh!,,ere, thro!gh her 3o,') She ga+e an exalte, "r' as at the sa*e ti*e she 4elt 6a&#e(s 4e+ere, release spill insi,e her) 6a&#e(s 3o,' &ent li*p on top o4 /!e) She stro#e, his s&eat-sli"#e, 3a"# an, sho!l,ers) 1hen his 3reathing ret!rne, to nor*al2 he leane, !p on his el3o&s2 ta#ing *ost o4 his &eight o44 her ,eli"ate 3o,') "$i, the pain go a&a'0" he tease,2 s*oothing the ,a*p hair o44 her "hee#s) /!e 3l!she, an, no,,e,2 &on,ering &hen he &as going to &ith,ra& 4ro* insi,e her) She a""!se, hersel4 o4 3eing &anton &hen she &ishe, that he &o!l,n(t2 that he &o!l, *a#e lo+e to her again) "7n, ,i, 'o! li#e it0" 6e #isse, the "orner o4 her *o!th) "$o 'o! thin# 'o! &o!l, li#e to ,o it e+er' night0" "Oh2 'es)" She s*ile, sh'l' at hi*) "7n, in the ,a'ti*e too0" /!e ran a 4inger a"ross his s*iling lips) "-n the ,a'ti*e too2" she &hispere,) She 4elt his *anhoo, gro&ing insi,e her) "1hat a3o!t right no&0" 6a&#e &hispere, h!s#il') "$o 'o! *ean it0" /!e as#e, hope4!ll') 6a&#e ga+e a ,elighte, la!gh2 an, &hile her 3o,' &as still *oist &ith spent passion2 he *o+e, a3o+e her again) 6is *!s"le, 3o,' rose an, 4ell2 pressing her ,eep into the *attress &ith the thr!sting 4or"e o4 his hips) 7gain the' rea"he, the state o4 ,elirio!s relie4 together) This ti*e 6a&#e rolle, o44 /!e2 letting her rest) !t it &as a short ti*e 3e4ore he p!lle, her 3eneath hi* again2 3!r'ing hi*sel4 in her &ar*th) 6e "o!l,n(t get eno!gh o4 her2 an, the &a' her ar*s &ent eagerl' aro!n, his ne"#2 an, her s*ooth long legs &rappe, the*sel+es aro!n, his &aist2 he #ne& she 4elt the sa*e &a') -t &as a4ter *i,night &hen 4inall' exha!ste,2 /!e an, 6a&#e 4ell asleep in ea"h other(s ar*s) 7t ,a&n2 ho&e+er2 shortl' 3e4ore their rising2 6a&#e a&o#e2 aro!se,2 eager to "lai* his &i4e again) So*eti*e later2 as the' la' panting in the a4ter*ath o4 their +igoro!s lo+e*a#ing2 ;e3 #no"#e, on the ,oor) "Ti*e to get !p2 'o! t&o2" he "alle, "heeril') "1e(ll 3e !p in a *in!te2" 6a&#e "alle, 3a"#2 lingering passion *a#ing his +oi"e h!s#') "1hen the so!n, o4 ;e3(s 4ootsteps going ,o&n the hall 4a,e, a&a'2 6a&#e

sli, o!t o4 3e, an, &al#e, a"ross the 4loor to the ,oor) I!ietl' he sli, the 3olt on it) /!e &at"he, hi* *o+e 3a"# to the 3e,2 his *anhoo, large an, har,) 1hen he "ra&le, 3a"# into 3e,2 she opene, her ar*s an, legs to hi*) 7n, tho!gh the' "o!l, hear the "hil,ren r!nning 3a"# an, 4orth in the hall2 la!ghing an, tal#ing2 6a&#e too# his ti*e stro#ing /!e to "li*ax at the sa*e ti*e he ,i,) 1hen it see*e, he &o!l, "lai* her a thir, ti*e2 /!e la!ghe, an, s"oote, o!t o4 3e,) "There(s t&o h!ngr' "hil,ren o!t there2 'o! insatia3le *an) -(+e got to 4ee, the*)" 6a&#e rel!"tantl' agree,2 3!t &hile the' &ere ,ressing2 he "a!ght /!e to hi*2 an, a4ter gi+ing her a reso!n,ing #iss2 gro&le,2 "-(ll 3e ho*e 4or l!n"h) e rea,')"

Chapter Eleven
>o+e*3er passe, into $e"e*3er) <rost t!rne, the "otton&oo, lea+es to gol,2 an, the' ripene, an, 4ell) The *o!ntains see*e, the sa*e2 'et so*eho& a s!3tle "hange &as ta#ing pla"e) -n the *ornings a thin 4il* o4 i"e &as seen along the e,ges o4 the ri+er that 4lo&e, a *ile a&a'2 an, hea+' 4rosts &hitene, the gro!n, in the earl' *ornings) /!e stoo, on the 3a"# por"h2 listening to the ,'ing "lip-"lop o4 6a&#e(s horse) 7 so4tness "a*e o+er her 4a"e as she re*e*3ere, the s&eet lo+e*a#ing the' ha, share, a short ti*e ago) So*ething the' share, e+er' *orning these ,a's) She h!gge, her ar*s against the "ol, that nippe, at her nose an, 4ingers) She &as so happ'2 "o*pletel' happ' 4or the 4irst ti*e in her li4e) 7ltho!gh 6a&#e ha, ne+er sai, that he lo+e, her2 she 4elt s!re that he ,i,) 6is large 3o,' tol, her so e+er' night2 as &ell as e+er' ,a'2 3eginning &ith the earl' ,a&n an, en,ing a4ter a =!i"# l!n"h) 6e ne+er see*e, to tire o4 her2 an,2 pra' 9o,2 he ne+er &o!l,) 6e &as her &hole &orl,) 7 "ol,2 ,a*p &in, rose an, 3le& aro!n, her) Shi+ering2 she t!rne, 3a"# into the &ar*th o4 the ho!se) S!sie still sat at the 3rea#4ast ta3le2 p!shing the re*ains o4 a sogg' 4lap5a"# aro!n, her plate2 o44ering so*e to her rag ,oll o""asionall') "$on(t get s'r!p on 'o!r ,ollie2 S!sie2" /!e sai,2 on her &a' to the 3e,roo* to get ,resse,) 6a&#e ha, lingere, so long o+er their lo+e*a#ing this *orning that she(, onl' ha, ti*e to slip on her ro3e &hen he 4inall' allo&e, her to get o!t o4 3e,) Shr!gging o!t o4 the 4lannel &rap2 /!e *o+e, lightl' a"ross the 4loor to the &ash 3asin an, pit"her o4 &ater) The roo* &as "ol,2 as &as the &ater2 an, she ,i,n(t &aste ti*e &ashing her 3o,') She 4lin"he, a 3it as the &ash"loth *o+e, o+er her ten,er 3reasts2 then later2 again2 o+er the tin' 3r!ises 3et&een her thighs) 6a&#e ha, 3een +er' h!ngr' last night2 she s*ile,2 re*e*3ering)

She h!rrie, into her !n,er"lothing2 then steppe, into a so4t2 3l!e serge s#irt) >ext she p!lle, a shirt&aist o+er her hea,2 a sha,e ,eeper than the s#irt2 an, tri**e, &ith 3la"# 3rai,) 74ter a 4e& s&ipes o4 the 3r!sh thro!gh her "!rl' hair2 she *a,e !p the 3e,) 7s she s*oothe, the sheets an, 3lan#et2 she sni44e, 6a&#e(s s"ent an, "o!l,n(t &ait 4or l!n"h ti*e to "o*e) -t &as 3arel' ,a'light &hen %illie ?e'ers an, Sl' !r4or, *et 3ehin, the storage she, so*e ,istan"e 4ro* the other ran"h 3!il,ings) "-s e+er'thing set0" %illie &hispere,) ".eah2 all 'o! ha+e to ,o is ,istra"t Sa* so - "an get 3ehin, hi*)" Sl' starte, to roll a "igarette then tho!ght 3etter o4 it) The o,or o4 s*o#e &o!l, "arr' a long &a' in the "ool 3reeze that ha, spr!ng !p) "$o 'o! re*e*3er ho& o!r "on+ersation is to go on"e &e ha+e the 3it"h0" "6ell2 ho& "o!l, - 4orget0 .o!(+e *a,e *e go o+er it a ,ozen ti*es)" "- 5!st &ant to *a#e s!re she 3elie+es that 6a&#e is in on her a3,!"tion) -4 - tol, her2 she &o!l,n(t 3elie+e *e2 3!t i4 'o! 3ring it !p2 real "as!al-li#e2 she(ll 3elie+e it)" 7 thrill o4 anti"ipation "o!rse, thro!gh %illie) "- "an(t &ait to see that s*!g loo# &ipe, o44 her 4a"e) -t(ll #ill her to #no& she(s 3een !se, 3' 6a&#e) "1hen &ill 'o! ,o it0" %illie loo#e, ner+o!sl' o+er her sho!l,er) 7ltho!gh she ha, le4t Sa* snoring a&a'2 he &as an earl' riser an, "o!l, "o*e sto*ping o!t o4 the ho!se an' *in!te2 loo#ing 4or her) "- 4ig!re we &ill ,o it as soon as all the han,s ri,e o!t) -t "o!l, 3e o+er an, ,one &ith 3' the ti*e the' ri,e 3a"# 4or l!n"h)" %illie no,,e, then h!rrie,l' slippe, thro!gh the sha,o&s to the ho!se) 7n, Sl' al*ost r!33e, his han,s together2 thin#ing o4 the *one' that &o!l, soon 3e his) 7s he "are4!ll' *a,e his &a' 3a"# to the 3!n#ho!se2 gri*a"ing as his 3are 4eet tro, gra+el an, sharp stones2 he ,a*ne, %illie 4or re4!sing to gi+e hi* an' *one' !ntil /!e &as ,ispose, o4) ">ot a "ent2" she(, sai,2 "!ntil 3oth she an, Sa* are o!t o4 the &a') -(* not "han"in( 'o! high-tailin( it o!t o4 here2 lea+in( that little 3it"h still in 6a&#e(s 3e,)" As if I wouldn't take care of that one2 Sl' tol, hi*sel4 6e ha, 4e, on his hate 4or her 4or three 'ears) 6is e'es &ere still glittering &ith *ali"e as he sli, into his 3!n# an, &aite, 4or the others to start stirring2 to gr!nt an, groan as the' rose to *eet another ,a' o4 har, ri,ing) -t &as Sl'(s 5o3 to &or# in the ta"# roo*2 to #eep all ri,ing gear in goo, shape) 6e *a,e s!re he 4ollo&e, his ,ail' ro!tine o4 eating 3rea#4ast &ith the *en2 then going to the s*all she, an, han,ing o!t &hate+er the' as#e, 4or) The s!n &as a3o!t an ho!r high &hen the last "o&han, ro,e o!t) Sl' pi"#e, !p a short2 iron 3ar2 he4ting it in his han, as he stoo, 3esi,e the "ra"#e,2 ,!st' &in,o&2

his e'es on the ran"h ho!se) S&eat poppe, o!t on his pal*s &hen the #it"hen ,oor opene, an, Sa* ?e'ers &al#e, o!t &ith %illie 3ehin, hi*) 1hile the ran"her #isse, his &i4e2 Sl' ease, thro!gh the she, ,oor an, ran as 4ast as his great &eight &o!l, allo& !ntil he stoppe, 3ehin, a &i,e spr!"e2 onl' 4eet a&a' 4ro* &here Sa*(s stallion &as tie,) 6e &at"he, the ol,er *an &al# ,o&n the t&o( steps an, to&ar, his *o!nt) "Co*e on2 %il2" Sl' *!ttere,2 "get his attention2 sa' so*ething to hi*) 6e(s gonna 3e on that horse an, gone prett' soon)" 7s tho!gh %illie ha, hear, Sl'2 she "alle, o!t2 "Oh2 Sa*2 &hat &o!l, 'o! li#e 4or l!n"h0" 6is 4oot al*ost in the stirr!p2 Sa* t!rne, his hea, an, "alle, 3a"#2 "- ,on(t "are2 an'thing &ill)@" 6is senten"e &as "!t o44 as Sl' 3ro!ght the iron "!,gel a"ross the 3a"# o4 Sa*(s hea,) 6e san# slo&l' to the gro!n, &itho!t a &or,) "6!rr'2 get hi* on the stallion 3e4ore he "o*es to)" %illie "a*e panting !p) Sl' #nelt 3esi,e the prone 4ig!re an, 4elt 4or a p!lse in the li*p &rist) 74ter a *o*ent he loo#e, !p at %illie an, sai, "allo!sl'2 "Ole Sa* ain(t ne+er gonna "o*e to) .o!(re a &i,,er2 %il)" ".o!(re s!re0" %illie(s +oi"e &as 5o'o!s2 'et ner+o!s) 1hen Sl' no,,e,2 she !rge,2 "1ell2 let(s get hi* on the stallion an, o!t o4 here)" ">ot the stallion)" Sl' shoo# his hea,) ">o3o,' &o!l, 3elie+e Sa*(s pet &o!l, ,rag hi* to ,eath) 1e(ll p!t hi* on that &il, one that(s onl' hal4-3ro#en) >o one &ill 3e s!spi"io!s o4 an'thing that one *ight ,o) The'(ll thin# Sa* &as still tr'in( to ta*e hi* an, got thro&e,)" "1ell2 h!rr' !p an, sa,,le hi*)" %illie(s e'es "onstantl' sear"he, the area2 a4rai, so*eone *ight ri,e !p) Sl' hea+e, hi*sel4 to his 4eet an, h!rrie, to the sta3le &here the !n3ro#en horses &ere #ept) -t too# hi* a goo, ten *in!tes to get a sa,,le on the e'e-rolling2 rearing *o!nt) -t too# another 4e& *in!tes to sa,,le his o&n *o!nt) <inall'2 s&eating pro4!sel'2 he le, the t&o ani*als o!t o4 the sta3le an, to &here %illie &aite, 3esi,e her ,ea, h!s3an,) "<or hea+en(s sa#e2 Sl'2 h!rr' !pA" 6er +oi"e s=!ea#e, 4ro* her ,rea, o4 the* 3eing ,is"o+ere,) "1hat too# 'o! so long0" ".o! o!ghta tr' sa,,lin( this &il, 3r!te2" Sl' ans&ere,2 e=!all' on e,ge) "6e ,a*ne, near #i"#e, *' hea, o44" 6e &al#e, o+er to Sa*) "Co*e on2 gi+e *e a han, gettin( hi* in the sa,,le)"

1ith *!"h straining an, gr!nting an, the &il, horse snorting an, si,ling at the s*ell o4 3loo,2 %illie(s ,ea, h!s3an, &as 4inall' hea+e, into the sa,,le an, loosel' tie, there) Sl' then too# a short length o4 rope 4ro* a po"#et an, !se, it to se"!re Sa*(s le4t 4oot 4ir*l' to the stirr!p) ?otioning %illie to step 3a"#2 Sl' &hippe, the hat o44 his hea, an, s&atte, it s*artl' a"ross the horse(s r!*p) 1ith a 4rightene, s=!eal2 the horse l!nge, 4or&ar,2 its po!n,ing hoo+es at a 4!rio!s pa"e as it hea,e, ,o&n the +alle') e4ore the ani*al &as o!t o4 sight2 Sa*(s 3o,' ha, "o*e 4ree o4 the rope an, &as 3o!n"ing along the gro!n,2 the one tie, 4oot the onl' "onne"tion to the horse) ";!st the &a' &e planne, it2 %il2" Sl' sai, &ith satis4a"tion as he s&!ng onto his *o!nt) "-(ll 4ollo& that &il, 3astar, !ntil he r!ns hi*sel4 o!t) -n the *eanti*e 'o! go on in the ho!se an, ,o &hate+er 'o! ,o at this ti*e o4 ,a') $on(t ,o an'thing ,i44erent)" %illie no,,e,2 an, as she 5!3ilantl' &al#e, to&ar, the ho!se2 Sl' g!i,e, his horse into a lope2 4ollo&ing the ,istant galloping &il, one2 ,ragging its li4eless 3!r,en) -n a short ti*e he rea"he, the ani*al2 its si,es hea+ing an, its hea, hanging) Sl' s&!ng to the gro!n,2 ta#ing a #ni4e 4ro* his po"#et) -n se"on,s he(, re*o+e, the rope 4ro* his ex-3oss(s 3o,' an, "!t the one that hel, his 4oot in the stirr!p) 1itho!t another loo# at the "r!*ple, 4ig!re o4 the *an he(, #ille,2 he re*o!nte, an, hea,e, 3a"# to&ar, the ran"h2 telling hi*sel42 that it &as a 5o3 &ell ,one) And pretty soon you'll get yours, 5ue /e+awney2 he pro*ise, gri*l') The ?asters 4a*il' ha, 5!st sat ,o&n at the ta3le 4or l!n"h2 an, /!e &as la,ling "hili into a sta"# o4 so!p 3o&ls &hen a horse th!n,ere, into the 3a"# 'ar,) oot heels rappe, a"ross the por"h 4loor2 then the ,oor 3!rst open) B+er'one stare, at a pale4a"e, 'o!ng *an) "1hat(s &rong2 o30" 6a&#e stoo, !p2 re"ognizing the "o&3o' 4ro* the ?e'ers ran"h) "Sa*(s ,ea,A" The pante, &or,s 4ell li#e a ro"# in the roo*) "<ro* &hat0" 6a&#e2 st!nne,2 4inall' *anage, to as#) "7 heart atta"#0" ">o)" o3 shoo# his hea,) "6is *o!nt thre& hi* an, his 4oot got "a!ght in the stirr!p an, he &as ,ragge, to ,eath)" "That(s har, to 3elie+e)" 6a&#e ,roppe, 3a"# into his "hair2 *otioning the 'o!ng *an to sit ,o&n) "Sa* &as one o4 the 3est horse*en aro!n,)" 6e shoo# his hea,2 g!ilt-ri,,en that he ha, on"e helpe, p!t horns on his aging neigh3or) "-t(s a hell o4 a &a' 4or a *an li#e hi* to go)" The "o&han, s*ile, his than#s to /!e &hen she pla"e, a "!p o4 "o44ee in 4ront o4 hi*2 then sai,2 "-t s!re is) -4 he(, ha+e 3een on his reg!lar *o!nt2 it &o!l,n(t ha+e happene,)

- still "an(t 4ig!re o!t &hat he &as ,oin( on that hal4-3ro#en &il, stallion)" "1as an'one aro!n, &hen it happene,0" 6a&#e as#e,) ">ot a so!l2 - g!ess) One o4 the 3o's "a*e a"ross Sa* an, the *o!nt a "o!ple o4 *iles 4ro* the ho!se) The stallion ha, r!n hi*sel4 o!t2 - g!ess)" The 'o!ng *an "ast an !n"o*4orta3le loo# at /!e) "?rs) ?e'ers is ta#in( it real har,)" 6e "leare, his throat !neasil') "She sent *e o+er here to as# 'o! to "o*e to the ran"h to help her *a#e 4!neral arrange*ents)" Three pairs o4 e'es leapt to the spea#er) 6a&#e(s startle, loo# 3e"a*e an i*patient one) B+en at a ti*e li#e this %illie &as tr'ing to *a#e tro!3le 3et&een hi* an, /!e) -t &as on the tip o4 his tong!e to re4!se the re=!est2 then he re*e*3ere, that %illie ha, ne+er 3othere, to "!lti+ate a 4rien,ship &ith an' o4 the other ran"hers( &i+es2 an, no& that she nee,e, h!*an "o*4ort she ha, no one to ,ra& it 4ro*) ?a'3e 4or ol, ti*e(s sa#e he sho!l, gi+e her his s!pport2 3!t onl' as a help4!l neigh3or in her ti*e o4 nee,2 he a,,e,) 6e glan"e, at /!e an, 4o!n, her regar,ing hi* &ith "ool e'es) The' ,i, not threaten2 3!t rather pro*ise, &hat &o!l, happen to hi* i4 he &ent near %illie ?e'ers) -4 he &ent to the ne&l' *a,e &i,o&2 he nee,n(t 3other ret!rning to his &i4e) 6e "han"e, a s!rreptitio!s loo# at his 4ather an, 4o!n, ;e3(s intent gaze on hi*) 6e grinne, r!e4!ll' to hi*sel4 -t loo#e, li#e it &asn(t his ,es"ision to *a#e) "Tell %illie that -(* sorr' - "an(t *a#e it2" he sai, to the &aiting "o&han,2 "3!t that *' &i4e an, - &ill 3e atten,ing the 4!neral)" 7l*ost a!,i3le so!n,s o4 relie4 es"ape, 4ro* ;e3 an, /!e2 an, a slight s*ile t!gge, at 'o!ng o3(s lips) 6e2 too2 &as please, at 6a&#e(s ans&er) %illie &asn(t a 4a+orite at the ?e'ers( ran"h) ?a'3e ol, Sa* ha,n(t #no&n &hat his &i4e &as2 3!t all his help #ne& her 4or the &hore she &as) Onl' respe"t 4or their 3oss ha, #ept the* 4ro* 3eing her &illing 3e, partner) The &in, "!t &ith the #eeness o4 a #ni4e2 an, /!e &as "hille, to the 3one as she h!,,le, near 6a&#e2 listening to the ,rone o4 the prea"her(s +oi"e2 inter*ingle, &ith %illie(s lo!, so3s) She &o!l, ha+e 4elt sorr' 4or %illie2 3elie+e, that her grie4 &as real2 ha, it not 3een 4or her greeting o4 6a&#e on their arri+al at the gra+e site) -t ha, 3een e*3arrassing2 to sa' the least2 the &a' she ha, r!n !p to the*2 thro&ing hersel4 at 6a&#e2 pressing her 4!ll "!r+es against his lean 3o,') The *en ha, loo#e, a&a' !neasil'2 an, the &o*en ha, loo#e, at /!e pit'ingl'2 "l!"#ing their tong!es in ,isappro+al) On this "ol,2 o+er"ast ,a'2 not one neigh3or ha, "o*e o!t o4 s'*path' 4or the &i,o&2 /!e s!spe"te,2 seeing the ,isli#e on *ale an, 4e*ale 4a"es) -t &as 4or Sa* ?e'ers) The stoi" *an ha, 3een a goo, neigh3or ,espite his stern2 "a!sti" ,e*eanor) 7n, tho!gh he &asn(t one to in,!lge in pleasant2 i,le "hat2 he &as highl' respe"te, in the area)

/!e !n"ons"io!sl' leane, "loser to 6a&#e2 see#ing the ass!ran"e that he 3elonge, entirel' to her) She &as a4rai, o4 &hat %illie &o!l, ,o2 !nhin,ere, 3' a h!s3an,) 1o!l, she sell the ran"h an, *o+e on2 or &o!l, she go all o!t in her ,eter*ination to ha+e 6a&#e0 7s tho!gh he rea, her *in,2 #ne& &hat her little *o+e*ent *eant2 6a&#e p!t an ar* aro!n, /!e(s sho!l,ers an, p!lle, her to his si,e) /!e s*ile, !p at hi*2 then her gaze en"o!ntere, %illie(s an, she "a!ght her 3reath sharpl') :!re *ali"e loo#e, o!t o4 the s*all 3ro&n e'es2 an, /!e #ne& that i4 the &o*an ha, her &a'2 6a&#e ?asters(s &i4e &o!l, t!*3le ,ea, into the sa*e gra+e as %illie(s h!s3an,(s) She shi+ere, an, 6a&#e(s ar* tightene, aro!n, her) "- thin# the prea"her has 5!st a3o!t ran o!t o4 &in, an, &e "an go ho*e soon2" he &hispere, in her ear) 6a&#e ha, g!esse, "orre"tl') <or a 4e& *in!tes later the *an o4 the "loth sai,2 "7*en2" an, sho+els o4 ,irt &ere tosse, onto the pine 3ox hol,ing the last re*ains o4 Sa* ?e'ers) 6a&#e too# /!e(s ar* an, le, her a&a'2 sa'ing2 "%et(s get 'o! ho*e2 hone'2 an, &ar*e, !p) - "an hear 'o!r teeth "hattering)" The' &ere al*ost to their *o!nts &hen %illie "a*e r!nning a4ter the*) "6a&#eA" she "alle,2 near pani" in her +oi"e) ".o!(re "o*in( 3a"# to the ho!se2 aren(t 'o!0 The "oo# has prepare, san,&i"hes an, "o44ee)" 6a&#e stare, ,o&n at the 3la"#-glo+e, han, "l!t"hing his ar*2 then 4ro&ne, into the anxio!s 4a"e li4te, to hi*) "Sorr'2 %illie2 3!t &e(+e got to get ho*e) 1e le4t the "hil,ren &ith the 3!n#ho!se "oo#2 an, he(s not partial to 'o!ng ones)" "1ell2 sen, /!e on)" %illie ha, ignore, /!e sin"e 5oining the*2 an, "ontin!e, to a"t as tho!gh she &asn(t stan,ing next to 6a&#e) "- &ant to tal# to 'o!2 get 'o!r a,+i"e on so*ething)" 6a&#e *o+e, his ar*2 ,islo,ging %illie(s grasping 4ingers) ">ot to,a'2 %illie2" he sai, =!ietl') "- ha+e too *!"h &or# &aiting 4or *e)" The loo# in %illie(s e'es plainl' sai, that she expe"te, 6a&#e &o!l, soon 4in, a &a' to el!,e his &i4e an, ren,ez+o!s &ith his 4or*er *istress) "- !n,erstan,2 -(ll loo# 4or 'o! next &ee#2" she p!rre,) 7nxio!sl'2 /!e &on,ere, &hether her h!sh!s3an, &o!l, li+e !p to the &i,o&(s expe"tations) 6a&#e2 !nt'ing their *o!nts( reins that he ha, loope, o+er a tree 3ran"h2 *isse, the gloating loo# %illie t!rne, on /!e) 1hi"h o4 the* reall' ha, 6a&#e(s lo+e2 /!e &on,ere, 4orlornl') 6a&#e &as a3o!t to help /!e *o!nt ea!t' &hen three &o*en approa"he, the*)

The' &ere har,'2 health'-loo#ing in,i+i,!als2 &o*en &ho &or#e, har,2 *ostl' o!to4-,oors 4ro* the ,eep tans on their 4a"es) "1e(+e 3een &aitin( 4or 'o! to 3ring 'o!r &i4e +isitin(2 6a&#e2" a tall2 ra&-3one, &o*an so*e&here in her *i,-4orties sai,2 her s*ile &ar*2 her +oi"e genial) "1e a3o!t ,e"i,e, that *a'3e she &as !gl' an, 'o! &ere hi,in( her2 seein( as ho& &e *et 'o!r pa a "o!ple &ee#s ago)" The &o*an hel, o!t a &or#-"all!se, han, to /!e) "-(* ?oll' ;a"#son2 'o!r nearest neigh3or)" The la!ghter lines aro!n, her e'es ,eepene,) "6a&#e s!re ain(t #ept 'o! to hi*sel4 3e"a!se 'o!(re !nsightl') .o!(re prett' as a pi"t!re)" /!e(s o&n "all!se, pal* *et ?oll'(s in a 4ir* han,sha#e as she 3l!she, 4ro* the "o*pli*ent) "-(* a4rai, *' h!s3an, ne+er ta#es ti*e o44 4ro* &or# to ,o an'thing else)" She s*ile, at the 4rien,l' &o*an) " !t *a'3e - "an 4in, *' &a' alone so*e,a')" ">o& that(s the ti"#et)" ?oll' no,,e, her appro+al) "7n, 3ring the little girl &ith 'o!) - ha+e a little one a3o!t her age) 7lso2 ,on(t &ait too long) 1e(re gonna get sno& an' ,a' no&)" 7 short2 pl!*p little &o*an steppe, 4or&ar,) "6a+in( nine 'o!ng!ns(2 ?oll'2 'o!(+e got one 4or an' age a person "o!l, *ention)" 6er 3ro&n e'es spar#le, at /!e2 her han, "o*ing 4or&ar,) "-(* Sa,ie %ar#in2 an, &e(re right please, to ha+e another &o*an a*ong !s) 7 person so*eti*es gets the 4eelin( o4 3ein( o+err!n &ith *en)" ' the ti*e /!e *et the other &o*an2 'o!nger than the other t&o 3' se+eral 'ears2 an, expe"ting her 4irst 3a3'2 /!e 4elt the stirring o4 3elonging2 a part o4 a "o**!nit') She &as no longer a no-a""o!nt2 3re, an, raise, in a ,ilapi,ate, sha"#2 3!t a respe"te, ran"her(s &i4e2 heartil' a""epte, 3' her peers) 6er 4a"e &as 4l!she, &ith pleas!re as she sai, goo,-3'e to her ne& 4rien,s2 pro*ising to "all on the* an, &ar*l' in+iting the* to +isit her) 7s 6a&#e helpe, her to *o!nt2 his 4a"e sho&e, his pri,e in his lo+el' &i4e) "$i, 'o! li#e the*0" he as#e, as the' ro,e a&a'2 ;e3 lingering 3ehin,2 tal#ing to so*e o4 the other *en) "Oh2 'es) The' are +er' ni"e2" /!e ans&ere,2 re*e*3ering the treat*ent she(, re"ei+e, 4ro* the neigh3or &o*en &hile gro&ing !p) >one ha, e+er in+ite, her into their ho*es2 ha,n(t e+en let on that she &as ali+e2 !nless the' &ante, to tal# a3o!t her an, ets'(s 3roo,) /!e an, 6a&#e ha,n(t ri,,en 4ar &hen ;e3 "a*e galloping !p to 5oin the*) "That ?e'ers &o*an is a 3it"h i4 e+er - seen one2" he sai,2 slo&ing his *o!nt(s pa"e to theirs) "- &ish she(, lea+e the territor') She(s gonna "a!se a lot o4 tro!3le i4 she(s not straightene, o!t)" 6e loo#e, *eaning4!ll' at 6a&#e) "$on(t &orr' a3o!t her2 :a2" 6a&#e sai,2 !n"on"erne,)

6a&#e glan"e, at his &i4e an, &ishe, that she &asn(t 3othere, a3o!t %illie) Tr!e2 %illie &o!l, *a#e an e44ort to "oax hi* 3a"# into their ol, relationship2 3!t &hen she learne, she &as &asting her ti*e2 that he &as onl' intereste, in his &i4e2 she(, either t!rn to so*eone else2 or sell the ran"h an, *o+e on) 6a, 6a&#e #no&n2 ho&e+er2 that at this +er' *in!te %illie an, Sl' &ere sitting in her parlor2 ,rin#ing &his#e' an, la'ing plans "on"erning his &i4e2 he &o!l, not ha+e 3een so "a+alier in his ass!*ptions) The *ost i*portant thing on 6a&#e(s *in, at the ti*e &as &o!l, he an, /!e 4in, a little ti*e together 3e4ore she ha, to start s!pper an, he ha, to 4inish !p so*e "hores that ha, 3een interr!pte, in or,er to atten, Sa*(s 4!neral) 6e glan"e, at /!e2 sa& the pensi+e loo# on her 4a"e2 an, #ne& that he *!st 4in, the ti*e to 3e alone &ith her) She nee,e, to ha+e her &orries a3o!t %illie 3anishe, 4ro* her *in,) 1hen the three o4 the* rea"he, the ran"h ho!se an, p!lle, !p at the sta3les2 6a&#e sli, 4ro* the sa,,le an, s&!ng /!e ,o&n 3esi,e hi*) 7n ar* aro!n, her &aist2 he g!i,e, her to&ar, the ho!se2 "alling o+er his sho!l,er2 "Feep the #i,s o""!pie, 4or a little &hile2 &ill 'o!2 :a0" ;e3 "h!"#le, an, /!e 3l!she,) "6a&#eA" she &hispere,) ".o! *ight as &ell ha+e "o*e right o!t an, sai, that &e &ante, to *a#e lo+e)" "1ell2 &e ,o2 ,on(t &e0" 6a&#e *o+e, his han, !p to "!p her 3reast2 then r!3 his th!*3 o+er the nipple that i**e,iatel' har,ene, an, presse, against her 3o,i"e) <or hal4 an ho!r2 3ehin, their lo"#e, 3e,roo* ,oor2 6a&#e *a,e slo&2 s&eet lo+e to /!e2 'et she "o!l,n(t help &ishing that he(, tol, her o4 his 4eelings instea, o4 5!st sho&ing her &ith his 3o,') T&o &ee#s ha, passe, sin"e Sa* ?e'ers &as 3!rie,) 7n, in that spa"e o4 ti*e2 his &i,o& ha, sent three *essages to 6a&#e2 re*in,ing hi* o4 his pro*ise to stop 3' the ran"h to ,is"!ss so*ething that &as +er' i*portant to her) 1hen 6a&#e ignore, ea"h s"ra&le, note2 %illie ro,e to the ran"h2 her "oarse 4eat!res set in ,eter*ine, lines) 1hat &ent on 3et&een the &o*an an, her h!s3an,2 /!e ne+er learne,) The' tal#e, at the "orral an, /!e "o!l, onl' g!ess &hat their "on+ersation &as as she &at"he, their angr' 4a"es 4ro* the #it"hen &in,o&) On"e %illie raise, her han, as tho!gh to slap 6a&#e2 an, he "a!ght her &rists an, +iolentl' 4l!ng it a&a' 4ro* hi*) 7 short ti*e later2 her 4a"e t&iste, &ith rage2 %illie thre& hersel4 on her *o!nt2 *a#ing it s=!eal in protest as she ,ragge, her sp!rre, heels a"ross its 3ell') 6a&#e &as e=!all' 4!rio!s2 /!e sa&2 as he stoo, sprea,-legge,2 his han,s on his hips2 staring a4ter the &o*an ra"ing a&a') 6e sp!n on his heels then an, ,isappeare, into the sta3les) 1hen he appeare, at the s!pper ta3le later on2 his 4a"e ha, ass!*e,

its !s!al "al* lines) 7n, tho!gh /!e &aite,2 he ,i,n(t *ention %illie(s +isit2 nor sa' &hat ha, happene, 3et&een the*) /!e ,e3ate, as#ing hi*2 then ,e"i,e, that it &as 3est not to 3roa"h the s!35e"t) The i*portant thing &as that her h!s3an, ha, re5e"te, the &i,o&) !t the next *orning as /!e *a,e 3e,s an, pi"#e, !p ,is"ar,e, "lothes2 %illie ?e'ers &as still on her *in,) 6a, the &o*an 4inall' gi+en !p on 6a&#e0 S!rel' she ha, a4ter their !gl' "on4rontation 'ester,a') 6er tho!ghts le4t %illie an, 6a&#e &hen S!sie2 "o*ing !p 3ehin, her2 sneeze, lo!,l') She loo#e, ,o&n at the "hil,(s 4eet2 an, "hi,e,2 "1here are 'o!r ho!se slippers2 S!sie0 $i,n(t 'o! p!t the* on this *orning0" "- "o!l,n(t 4in, the*)" The "hil, sneeze, again) "1ell2 let(s go loo# 4or the*) The'(+e pro3a3l' 3een #i"#e, !n,er the 3e,)" /!e 4elt the s*all 4orehea, an, 4o!n, it =!ite &ar*) "- hope 'o!(re not "orning ,o&n &ith a "ol,)" The 4!r-line, slippers &ere &here /!e ha, pre,i"te,) She p!lle, the* 4ro* 3eneath the 3e, an, slippe, the* on the 3are2 "ol, 4eet) Then lea,ing S!sie 3a"# to the &ar* #it"hen2 she sai,2 "Sta' here2 hone'2 &hile - go *a#e a 4ire in the 4irepla"e) - &ant 'o! to sta' ni"e an, &ar* all ,a') ?a'3e &e "an #no"# this *ean ol, "ol, in the hea,)" She ,roppe, a #iss on the 3lon, hea,) "1e ,on(t &ant to *iss o!r +isit to ?oll'(s to*orro&2 ,o &e0" "Oh2 noA - &ant to *eet her little girl) -(ll 3ring *' ,ollie &ith *e)" 7s the *orning progresse,2 ho&e+er2 it 3e"a*e "lear that S!sie(s "ol, &asn(t getting an' 3etter) /!e *a,e her a 3e, on the "o!"h an, r!33e, her s*all "hest &ith a sal+e she ha, *a,e 5!st last &ee#2 an !ng!ent her gran,*other ha, ta!ght /!e ho& to *a#e 4ro* roots an, 3ar#s) -t &as ele+en o("lo"# &hen /!e hear, the ni"#ering o4 a horse o!tsi,e) 6er heart leapt) 6a&#e &as ho*e earl') She ,roppe, the 3oo# she(, 3een rea,ing to S!sie2 then al*ost trippe, o+er the "hil, &ho ha, risen 4ro* the "o!"h2 anxio!s to see her !n"le also) "6one'2 get 3a"# in 'o!r little &ar* nest2" /!e sai, gentl') "Cn"le 6a&#e &ill "o*e +isit 'o!)" S!l#ing2 S!sie t!rne, 3a"# an, /!e r!she, to 4ling open the #it"hen ,oor) The s*ile ,ie, on her 4a"e) %illie ?e'ers &as hol,ing in a resti+e horse2 a &orrie, loo# on her 4a"e) 7 4!rio!s resent*ent rose !p in /!e) The ner+e o4 this sha*eless "reat!re2 still "hasing a4ter another &o*an(s h!s3an,) $i,n(t she #no& 3' no& that 6a&#e &ante, nothing to ,o &ith her0 She ga+e %illie a "ol, loo#) "6a&#e is not here2 so - &on(t in+ite 'o! in 4or "o44ee)"

"- #no& he(s not here)" %illie ga+e her a loo# that sai, /!e &asn(t +er' 3right) "#no& &here he is) 6e(s at the line sha"#) 6e(s 3een shot an, nee,s help)" /!e 4elt the 3loo, ,rain 4ro* her 4a"e) "Shot0 6o& 3a,l'0 1here is he shot0" "Oh2 he(ll li+e i4 the 3!llet is ,!g o!t2" %illie ans&ere, shortl') "6e "a!ght it in the 4lesh' part o4 his thigh)" She glan"e, aro!n, ner+o!sl') Then loo#ing 3a"# at /!e2 she as#e, i*patientl'2 "7re 'o! gonna "o*e ta#e "are o4 hi*2 or let hi* 3lee, to ,eath0" "O4 "o!rse -(* "o*ing) ;!st as soon as - get so*e things together)" /!e &heele, aro!n, an, on"e again al*ost st!*3le, o+er S!sie) She h!rrie, the 4retting "hil, 3a"# to the parlor2 noting ho& hot she &as as /!e t!"#e, her 3a"# 3et&een the 3lan#ets) I should bathe her with cool water2 /!e tho!ght ,istra"te,l'2 3!t 6a&#e nee,e, her ,esperatel') "6one'2" she sai, gentl'2 "7!ntie /!e has to go help Cn"le 6a&#e) 9ran,pa an, To**' &ill 3e ho*e soon) 1ill 'o! pro*ise *e to sta' right here !ntil the' "o*e 4or l!n"h0" S!sie no,,e,2 her e'es ,rooping in a 4e+ere, sleep) /!e loo#e, at her a *o*ent2 torn 3et&een the ill "hil, an, a h!s3an, &ho *ight ,ie i4 she ,i,n(t get to hi* soon) She lai, another log on the 4ire2 *a#ing s!re that S!sie &o!l, #eep &ar*2 then h!rrie, to her roo* to gather !p the ite*s she &o!l, nee, to treat 6a&#e) -n all2 no *ore than ten *in!tes ha, passe, 3' the ti*e she sa,,le, ea!t' an, 5oine, an i*patient %illie) "1ho shot 6a&#e0" she as#e, lo!,l' as the' po!n,e, o!t o4 the 'ar,) "6o& sho!l, - #no&0" %illie "alle, 3a"#) "6e &as l'ing !n"ons"io!s on the 4loor &hen - &al#e, insi,e the sha"#)" /!e 4elt as tho!gh a giant han, ha, grippe, her heart an, s=!eeze, it) 1hat &as 6a&#e ,oing at the line sha"#0 -t la' north o4 the ran"h ho!se2 an, he an, the han,s ha, ri,,en so!th this *orning) She ha, stoo, on the por"h2 &a+ing goo,-3'e to hi*) 6a, he ,o!3le, 3a"# to *eet %illie there0 >oA She ,i,n(t &ant to 3elie+e that) 7s the t&o &o*en #ept their *o!nts at a ,ea, r!n2 /!e noti"e, +ag!el' that the s#' ha, 3e"o*e lea,en an, *ena"ing) -t loo#e, as tho!gh it &o!l, 4inall' sno&) ";!st so it hol,s o44 !ntil - "an get 6a&#e ho*e2" she &hispere,) -t &as !nthin#a3le to 3e "a!ght in the line sha"# 3' a 3lizzar, &itho!t 4oo, or heat) Sno&stor*s so*eti*es laste, 4or ,a's) She n!,ge, ea!t' &ith her heel2 !rging the ani*al on to *ore spee,) She &as ahea, o4 %illie 3' a 'ar, or so &hen the sha"# "a*e in sight) She 3ro!ght the *are to a pl!nging halt in 4ront o4 the ,oor) She note,2 stepping onto the s*all stoop2 a horse tie, at the "orner o4 the sha"# an, &on,ere, &here 6a&#e(s stallion &as as she p!she, open the ,oor an, steppe, insi,e) /!e 3lin#e,2 3lin,e, 4or a *o*ent) 1hen sha,o&s too# shape2 her e'es sear"he, the

roo* 4or a 3!n# 3e,) 1hen she spotte, it in a "orner2 she ga+e a start) -t &as e*pt') B+i,entl' %illie "o!l,n(t get 6a&#e onto the 3e,) 6er e'es s"anne, the 4loor in the ,i*l' lit roo*2 stopping &hen the' en"o!ntere, a pair o4 s"!44e,2 r!n-,o&n 3oots) 7 "ol, "hill r!nning ,o&n her spine2 her gaze li4te, to a pair o4 ,irt'2 t&ill-"o+ere, legs2 to a pot 3ell' in a staine,2 ,eni* 5a"#et2 an, 4inall'2 &ith ,rea,2 to a 4at 4a"e 4ro* &hi"h slitte, e'es stare, &ith hatre, at her) "Sl' !r4or,A 1hat are 'o! ,oing here0" she gaspe,2 ro!n,-e'e,) Sl'(s lips parte, o+er to3a""o-staine, teeth in an !npleasant s*ile) "1h'2 -(* &aitin( 4or 'o!2 step,a!ghter) -(+e *isse, 'o!2" he 5eere, as he "a*e to&ar, her) /ipples o4 4ear slithere, thro!gh /!e as she 3a"#e, a&a' 4ro* the o3ese 4ig!re stal#ing her) %illie ha, tri"#e, her into "o*ing here2 an, Sl' *eant to #ill her) 1ell2 she &o!l,n(t *a#e it eas' 4or hi*) She shot a =!i"# glan"e at the ,oor) She ha, o!tr!n hi* 3e4ore an, she "o!l, ,o it again) 7s 4or %illie2 i4 she got in the &a'2 /!e &o!l, #no"# that one 4lat &ith one 3lo& o4 her 4ist) She ha, &or#e, har, all her li4e an, she &as strong 4ro* it) -t &as as i4 she an, Sl' &ere ,oing a slo& ,an"e2 she tho!ght "razil'2 she ta#ing a step 3a"#2 he in the sa*e te*po ta#ing one 4or&ar,) 7 ,an"e o4 ,eath i4 she ,i,n(t get to that ,oor) 1hen a 3last o4 "ol, air hit her 3a"#2 she #ne& she ha, 4inall' rea"he, the &a' o4 es"ape) Tightening the *!s"les in her legs2 she sp!n aro!n,2 noting too late the satis4ie, s*ir# on Sl'(s 4at lips) 7 3oote, 4oot &as s!,,enl' st!"# in 4ront o4 her) She trippe,2 an, &ith an angr' "r'2 she 4ell) e4ore she "o!l, "at"h her 3reath2 Sl' &as on top o4 her2 5er#ing her han,s together an, t'ing the* &ith a pie"e o4 rope he 'an#e, 4ro* his po"#et) She &as ha!le,2 s"rea*ing2 to her 4eet2 then sla**e, into a "hair) 7gain the 3reath &as #no"#e, o!t o4 her) 1hen she &as a3le2 she opene, her *o!th to s"rea* again2 3!t %illie2 stan,ing 3ehin, /!e2 &hippe, a han,#er"hie4 3et&een her teeth an, tie, it se"!rel' at the 3a"# o4 her hea,) ">o&2 'o! &il,"at2 settle ,o&n)" Sl' slappe, her har, a"ross the 4a"e) 7s her hea, ro"#e,2 he ,re& 3a"# his han, to slap her again2 3!t %illie gra33e, his ar*) "$on(t *ar# !p her 4a"e2 'o! 4ool) The ol, "hie4 *ight not &ant her i4 she(s all 3attere,)" /!e(s e'es &i,ene, in horror) $ear %or,2 &hat &ere the' planning to ,o &ith her0 Sell her to the -n,ians0 7 "r!el s*ile "!r+e, %illie(s lips as she stoo,2 han,s on a*ple hips2 staring ,o&n at /!e) ".o!(re thin#in( right2 'o! little 3it"h) 1e(re sellin( 'o! to that 3!n"h o4 7rapaho renega,es "a*pe, !p in the 4oothills)" :!re +eno* shone o!t o4 her e'es) ".o! &on(t 3e so 3ea!ti4!l a4ter the'(+e passe, 'o! a*ongst the*sel+es 4or a &hile)" /!e shoo# her hea, +ehe*entl'2 g!tt!ral noises iss!ing 4ro* her throat as she trie, to

"r' o!t) -gnoring her2 %illie ga+e Sl' a 3arel' ,is"erni3le no, an, he la!n"he, into the spee"h he an, %illie ha, rehearse, o+er an, o+er) "6o& *!"h ,i, 6a&#e sa' that ol, "hie4 sho!l, pa' &hen &e han, her o+er0" "%i#e he tol, !s2 he ,oesn(t &ant an'thing) 1hate+er 'o! "an get 4or her is 'o!rs) 7ll he &ants is to 3e ri, o4 her)" %illie *o+e, to stan, o+er /!e2 an, loo#ing into her appalle, e'es2 "ontin!e, her an, Sl'(s lies) "-t too# *e an, 6a&#e a long ti*e 4ig!rin( o!t &hat to ,o a3o!t 'o!) Things ha+e "hange, no& that -(* a &i,o&) ?eetin( here a "o!ple o4 ti*es a &ee# ain(t eno!gh an'*ore) 1e &ant to get *arrie,2 an, 'o! "an 3la*e that hol' 4ather o4 his 4or 'o! 3ein( in this pre,i"a*ent) 6e &o!l, ha+e raise, all #in,s o4 hell i4 6a&#e trie, to ,i+or"e 'o!)" /!e 4lin"he, a&a' 4ro* the st!33' 4inger %illie ran ,o&n her "hee#) "So2 'o! see2 *' ,ear2 &e(re 4or"e, to get ri, o4 'o! this &a')" /!e 4elt a "ol, "ontra"tion o4 her heart) 7ll those nights &hen 6a&#e hel, her "lose2 &hen she ha, 3een s!re o4 his lo+e2 it ha, all 3een a lie) 6e ha, 3een !sing her2 an, she2 lo+e-star+e,2 ha, 4allen 4or his so4t &or,s an, #no&ing han,s an, lips) 7 #in, o4 paral'sis too# possession o4 her2 a ,e+astating n!*3ness o4 &ill an, 4lesh) She &as in"apa3le o4 rising to her 4eet &hen Sl' or,ere, her to stan,) She "o!l, onl' sit an, stare at hi* o!t o4 &ret"he,2 ,!ll e'es) 1ith a gro!n,-o!t oath2 Sl' 'an#e, her to her 4eet2 an, hal4-"arr'ing her2 p!lle, her 4ro* the sha"# an, tosse, her onto ea!t'(s 3a"#) "-(ll see 'o! 3a"# at the ran"h a4ter 'o!(+e ,eli+ere, her2 Sl'2" %illie sai,) "7n,2 ,on(t 4orget2 her 4a"e *!stn(t 3e *ar#e,2 so #eep 'o!r han,s o44 her)" Sl' *!ttere, so*ething !n,er his 3reath as he p!t the reins in /!e(s 3o!n, han,s2 then *o!nte, the roan /!e ha, seen !pon her arri+al at the night*are she ha, steppe, into) The' ro,e o44 in the ,a*p2 3iting "ol,2 %illie(s ta!nting la!gh 4ollo&ing the*) "9oo,-3'e2 ?rs) ?asters2" she 5eere, as she "are4!ll' *o+e, a sti"# o+er her 3oot prints an, her *o!nt(s hoo4prints2 erasing all e+i,en"e that she ha, e+er 3een there) Sl' #ept the horses to a 5ogging trot as he hea,e, ,o&n the +alle' to&ar, the 4oothills o4 the *o!ntain) The 3ris# air an, 5olting pa"e2 ho&e+er2 ,re& /!e o!t o4 her apath') She tol, hersel4 to 4orget 4or the *o*ent 6a&#e(s "r!elness) 7 *ore i*portant iss!e &as at sta#e no&E to #eep her &its a3o!t her2 to tr' an, es"ape the ,estin' he ha, planne, 4or her) She ga+e Sl'(s &i,e 3a"# a loo# o4 hatre,) She #ne& he ha, ,eli3eratel' set this pa"e2 #no&ing ho& ,i44i"!lt it &o!l, 3e 4or her to #eep her seat &ith the li*ite, !se o4 her han,s)

6er #nees a"he, 4ro* gripping ea!t'(s 3ell' &hen the' entere, the thi"# 4oothills) The' "li*3e, !p&ar, 4or a3o!t ten *in!tes2 then Sl' reine, in2 an, gra33ing the *are(s 3ri,le2 5er#e, her to a halt also) 7 "ol, &in, rose at that *o*ent2 3ringing tears to /!e(s e'es2 3l!rring her +ision o4 the -n,ian +illage spra&le, 3e4ore the*) She 3lin#e, rapi,l' a 4e& ti*es an, sa& se+eral 3!44alo-s#in teepees s"attere, at ran,o*) /agge,l' ,resse, "hil,ren ha, stoppe, their pla' to stare at the strangers2 &hile a gro!p o4 &o*en stoo, to one si,e2 also "!rio!s) e4ore she "o!l, s"an the area 4!rther2 she an, Sl' &ere s!rro!n,e, 3' 3ra+es2 'o!ng an, ol,) She &as tr'ing to "o!nt ho& *an' there &ere2 ,e"i,ing i4 she ha, a "han"e o4 es"aping the*2 &hen Sl' hea+e, hi*sel4 o!t o4 the sa,,le then stoo, at the hea, o4 her *o!nt) /!e stare, ,o&n at his s&eating 4a"e an, realize, that Sl' &as pro3a3l' al*ost as s"are, as she &as) The *an &as a snea#ing "o&ar, &ho onl' 4elt 3ra+e &hen ,ealing &ith &o*en@&ea# &o*en2 that &as) 6e ha, 3een a4rai, o4 her) !t he ha, the !pper han, no&) 6er han,s &ere tie, an, she &as in his po&er) 7s he 5er#e, her o44 ea!t'(s 3a"#2 the loo# he ga+e her sai, that he #ne& this2 an, &o!l, no& extra"t his re+enge on her) /!e staggere, 4ro* &ea#ness as her 4eet "a*e in "onta"t &ith the gro!n,2 onl' her nat!ral agilit' #ept her 4ro* 4alling) 73o+e the noise o4 snarling an, sni44ing ri3-thin ,ogs2 /!e hear, g!tt!ral *!r*!ring 4ro* *as"!line throats) She shi4te, her gaze to the re,3ronze, 4a"es an, shran# 4ro* the 3la"# e'es that openl' assesse, her slen,er 4ig!re2 3latantl' sho&ing their h!nger) 6er e'es 5!*pe, hope4!ll' at the &o*en 3!t then her sho!l,ers sagge,) She &o!l, get no help 4ro* that =!arter) The' ret!rne, her loo# &ith hatre,) 7s the &hole tri3e "ontin!e, to &at"h the* &or,lessl'2 Sl' "leare, his +oi"e ner+o!sl'2 then spo#e &ith 4alse 3ra+a,o) "Ta#e *e to 'o!r "hie4 - &ant to ,o so*e 3!siness &ith hi*)" "1hat #in, o4 3!siness0" 7 tall2 'o!ng 3ra+e steppe, 4or&ar,2 his e'es still on /!e) S&eat poppe, o!t on Sl'(s 4orehea,) -t &as plain to /!e that he &ante, to ,o 3!siness &ith the hea, *an2 that he 4eare, this 'o!ng -n,ian *ight ta#e her a&a' 4ro* hi*) She &at"he, his thi"# throat "on+!lse as he s&allo&e,2 sa& his e'es sli,ing 3a"# an, 4orth li#e that o4 a trappe, ani*al) <inall' he 5er#e, a han, to&ar, her an, *anage, to get o!t2 "- tho!ght he *ight 3e intereste, in 3!'in( this &o*an)" e4ore the 3ra+e "o!l, respon,2 the others &ere parting2 *a#ing a path 4or the el,erl' -n,ian "orning to&ar, the*) 6is hair &as long an, &hite2 his 4a"e thin an, &rin#le,2 &ith pier"ing e'es li#e those o4 a ha&#) 7n ol, s"ar r!nning 4ro* his right e'e3ro& to his *o!th ha, le4t his lips per*anentl' t&iste,) /!e t!rne, her hea, 4ro* the 4ier"e-loo#ing +isage2 silentl' pra'ing that the ol, *an &o!l,n(t &ant her2 that instea, Sl' &o!l, #ill her)

"- a* Chie4 1ise O&l2" the -n,ian sai, in an age,2 "ra"#e, +oi"e as he ran "onte*pt!o!s e'es o+er Sl') "-s it not !n!s!al 4or the &hite *an to sell one o4 his o&n ra"e0" Sl'(s 4a"e pale,) 6e ha,n(t expe"te, s!"h a =!estion) 6e ha, tho!ght that the re, *an &o!l, eagerl' snap /!e !p2 3e ta#en &ith her 3ea!t'2 "aring less &h' she &as 3eing sol,) "1e &hites &o!l, ne+er sell one o4 o!r o&n2" he 3l!stere,2 "3!t this &o*an is a stranger to !s) The &i+es ,on(t &ant her aro!n, 3e"a!se o4 her 3ea!t')" "- ,on(t #no&)" The "hie4 loo#e, tho!ght4!ll' at the gro!n,) "1inter is al*ost here an, it &o!l, *ean another *o!th to 4ee,2 *ore h!nting 3' the 3ra+es)" " !t she ,on(t eat *!"h2" Sl' sai, h!rrie,l') 7n, as i4 in a night*are2 /!e listene, to Sl' ,is"!ss her as tho!gh she &as "hattel &ith no &ill o4 her o&n) 6e pointe, o!t that she &as 'o!ng2 pro*ise, that she &o!l, &or# har, 4or the "hie42 that she &as *il,-*annere,2 an, 3est o4 all2 she &as &ell +erse, in ho& to please a 3ra+e in 3e, an, that he ha, ta!ght her hi*sel4) This last "lai* 3' the 4at *an *a,e /!e &ant to lose her 3rea#4ast) She 4elt sha*e that e+en a re, sa+age &o!l, thin# that she ha, e+er 3een in+ol+e, &ith this rep!lsi+e *an) <ro* her peripheral +ision2 she "o!l, see that the "hie4 &as st!,'ing her2 his e'es narro&e, on her a+erte, 4a"e) She ga+e a s*all 5er# &hen he or,ere, harshl'2 "%oo# at *e2 &hite &o*an)" 1hen /!e ,i,n(t o3e' the or,er i**e,iatel'2 Sl' a,+an"e, on her2 his han, raise,) She sti44ene,2 *arshaling her "o!rage2 then *et the ol, -n,ian(s har, gaze !n4lin"hingl'2 altho!gh insi,e she &as a*ass o4 s"rea*ing ner+es) The "hie4 "lose, the short ,istan"e 3et&een the* an, she *a,e hersel4 stan, still &hen he li4te, a s&at"h o4 her re,-gol, hair an, let its so4tness sli,e thro!gh his #notte,2 arthriti" 4ingers) "<ree her *o!th)" 6e loo#e, at Sl') Sl' h!rrie, to o3e'2 gi+ing /!e a &arning loo# to 3e "are4!l o4 &hat she sai,) 1hen the 4ilth' #er"hie4 &as re*o+e,2 the -n,ian as#e,2 "1hat are 'o! "alle,0" /!e &or#e, her 5a&s !p an, ,o&n2 loosening the*2 then a4ter li"#ing her ,r' lips2 ans&ere, &ith "ool ,ignit'2 "?' na*e is /!e ?asters)" 7 glea* o4 a,*iration 4li"#ere, in the 3la"# e'es) This &hite &o*an ha, spirit) She &o!l, not &hine an, "r' as *ost o4 her &hite sisters &o!l,) 7 *an "o!l, 3e pro!, to "all her his &o*an) 6e let /!e(s hair sli,e 4ro* his han,) "This *an &ho has 3ro!ght 'o! here loo#s on 'o! &ith hatre, in his e'es2 is this not tr!e0" /!e no,,e,) "<or a long ti*e he has hate, *e)" Sl'(s 4a"e "lo!,e, an, he stirre, !neasil') 6e ,i, not li#e the t!rn o4 this "on+ersation) 6e gra33e, her ar*2 sin#ing his nails into her 4lesh) "Tell hi* &h' -

hate 'o!2 'o! little 3it"h) Tell hi* &hat 'o! ,i, to *e)" "She &ill tell *e later2" the "hie4 spo#e sharpl') "-4 - ,e"i,e - &ant her2" he ta"#e, on) 6e t!rne, his attention 3a"# to /!e) "$o 'o! ha+e 4a*il'2 a h!s3an, &ho &ill "o*e loo#ing 4or 'o!0" /!e &ishe, &ith all her heart that she "o!l, ans&er 'es) !t it &o!l, 3e a lie2 an, Sl' &o!l, 3e =!i"# to tell the ol, "hie4) She shoo# her hea, an, ans&ere, ,ispirite,l'2 "There is no one)" "- 4in, that +er' strange2" 1ise O&l spo#e as i4 to hi*sel4 "- &o!l, thin# that one so goo, to loo# !pon &o!l, ha+e a *an)" 1hile the el,erl' *an tal#e, to her2 the 'o!ng 3ra+e &ho ha, spo#en &ith Sl' "a*e to stan, 3esi,e the "hie4 /!e tho!ght she "o!l, see a rese*3lan"e 3et&een the pair2 then p!t it 4ro* her *in, &hen the ol, &arrior pinne, Sl' &ith a narro& loo#2 an, sai, a3r!ptl'2 "6o& *!"h 4or the gol,en-haire, &o*an0" Sl' too# an eager step 4or&ar,2 a+i, gree, shining o!t o4 his 4at2 s=!inte, e'es) "7 h!n,re, ,ollars2 an, that(s "heap 4or so*eone &ith her loo#s)" 1hen 1ise O&l 4ro&ne,2 he a,,e, =!i"#l'2 "1hen 'o! get tire, o4 her2 'o! "an sell her a"ross the 3or,er 4or a goo, s!* o4 *one') The *en &ho o&n 3or,ellos there are al&a's loo#in( 4or a 4air-haire, &o*an)" The ol,er -n,ian loo#e, at the 'o!nger one as i4 4or g!i,an"e) Sl' &aite, ner+o!sl'2 shi4ting his 4eet &hile the pair tal#e, to ea"h other in their nati+e tong!e) The "hie4 4ro &ne, on"e as i4 not in total agree*ent o4 &hat the 'o!nger *an sai,) <inall'2 as the 3ra+e "ontin!e, to press his arg!*ent &ith 4lashing e'es an, *otions o4 his han,s2 the ol, *an rel!"tantl' no,,e, his hea,) 6e spo#e a 4e& *ore &or,s to the 'o!ng 3ra+e2 then t!rne, 3a"# to Sl') "?' son &ants the &o*an) There &ill 3e a &e,,ing "ere*on' to*orro&)" 1hile /!e 3it her tong!e not to "r' o!t2 Sl'(s 4at lips parte, in a s*ile) -4 the son &as set on ha+ing the 3it"h2 there &o!l, 3e no arg!ing o+er pri"e) 6e &o!l, ta#e the *one' an, get the hell o!t o4 this "o!ntr'@a4ter he ha, "olle"te, 4ro* %illie) 6e ha, a""o*plishe, &hat he(, set o!t to ,o an,2 3esi,es2 he ,i,n(t &ant to tangle &ith 6a&#e ?asters sho!l, he e+er learn &hat ha, happene, to his &i4e) Sl'(s s*ile ,ie, &hen the ol, *an spo#e again) "7s in -n,ian "!sto*2 'o! *a' "hoose six horses 4ro* o!r her,)" 7t Sl'(s angr' start2 he pointe, o!t2 "Cs!all' onl' 4o!r horses are o44ere, 4or a &o*an2 3!t *' son is =!ite ta#en &ith the gol,en-haire, &o*an an, ,oes not &ant to &aste ti*e 3argaining 4or her)" 6is 4a"e t&iste, &ith rage2 Sl' "rie, o!t) "- ,on(t &ant 'o!r ,a*ne, horsesA - &ant *one'A One h!n,re, ,ollars)" ".o! are not the &o*an(s 4a*il' an, &e nee, not gi+e 'o! an'thing i4 &e ,o not &ant to2" the 'o!ng 3ra+e sai, "ol,l'2 a threat in his e'es that the enrage, Sl' 4aile,

to see as he gra33e, /!e(s ar* an, sho+e, her to&ar, the *are) "Then -(ll 5!st ta#e her 3a"#2" he gro&le,) 7 s*ile ,e+oi, o4 all *irth stirre, the "orners o4 the 'o!ng 3ra+e(s lips as he stal#e, to&ar, Sl' an, /!e2 a #ni4e hel, lo& in his han,) "/elease the 9ol,en One2" he or,ere,2 stopping a 4oot a&a') <or 5!st a *o*ent Sl'(s grip tightene, on /!e(s ar*2 then rel!"tantl' he *o+e, a&a' 4ro* her) 6is 4a"e ,raine, o4 "olor2 4ear 3!lging his e'es2 he "roa#e,2 ".o! "an ha+e her) -(ll 5!st 3e on *' &a')" 6e starte, &al#ing to&ar, his *o!nt) The "hie4 *otione, to the 3ra+es gathere, ro!n, an, Sl' &as =!i"#l' s!rro!n,e,) "Ta#e hi* 3a"# in the &oo,s) - &o!l, #no& the &hole stor' o4 &h' he 3ro!ght this &o*an here) - ,o not thin# he tells it all) 6e is o4 s*all 3rains an, - thin# so*eone else tells hi* &hat to ,o) This *a' all 3e a tri"# o4 so*e #in,2 a r!se to 3ring tro!3le to o!r +illage)" Sl' &as le, a&a'2 3l!33ering his inno"en"e2 ,en'ing that he *eant an' har* to&ar, the "hie4 an, his people) 6is +oi"e 4a,e, a&a' as he &as ta#en ,eeper into the &oo,s) /!e starte, to ease her tire, 3o,' to the gro!n,2 then sti44ene, as a *an(s s"rea* peale,) She hel, her 3reath2 &on,ering &hat &as happening to her ol, ene*') 6er 3o,' 5er#e, &hen a 4e& *in!tes later Sl' s"rea*e, again2 an, again an, again) She stare, aghast &hen s!,,enl' the 4at *an 3!rst 4ro* the 4orest2 r!nning to&ar, the "hie4 She gape, in horror at the 3loo, r!nning 4ro* n!*ero!s "!ts on his 3o,') 6e &as &ithin t&o 'ar,s o4 his ,estination &hen he 4ell 4a"e 4or&ar, on the gro!n,) 6e t&it"he, a *o*ent2 then la' still2 the hilt o4 a #ni4e sti"#ing !p 3et&een his sho!l,er 3la,es) loo, tri"#le, 4ro* 3et&een his lips an, ran o!t on the gro!n, an, /!e #ne& that her ol, ene*' &as ,ea,) The 'o!ng 3ra+e stoo, o+er hi* a *o*ent2 then &al#e, to his 4ather) The' "on+erse, in lo& tones &ith *an' glan"es sent /!e(s &a') The' &ere arg!ing2 she "o!l, tell 4ro* the st!33orn loo# on the son(s 4a"e an, the ,!3io!s one on the 4ather(s) <inall' the 4ather shr!gge,2 as i4 to sa'2 "6a+e it 'o!r &a'2" an, the 'o!ng *an ret!rne, to Sl' an, retrie+e, the #ni4e 4ro* his li4eless 3o,') She 3egan to tre*3le &hen he t!rne, to&ar, her2 the 3loo,-staine, #ni4e still in his han,) /elie4 &histle, thro!gh her teeth &hen all he ,i, &as sli"e the sharp 3la,e thro!gh the ropes that 3o!n, her han,s together) -n a ,aze she 4elt hi* ta#e her ar* an, lea, her a&a' 4ro* the others) 1as he going to atta"# her no&2 rape her0 The =!estion *a,e her tre*3le all the *ore) 1hen the' "a*e to the e,ge o4 a s*all gro&th o4 pine2 she &as p!she, ,o&n 3eneath a tree) 7s she stare, !p at the -n,ian2 preparing to 4ight hi* !ntil her last 3reath2 he 3ro!ght her ar*s aro!n, the tree tr!n# an, tie, her han,s together) She &ille, hersel4 not to "ringe 4ro* hi*2 not to let hi* #no& ho& terror-stri"#en she &as &hen he s=!atte, in 4ront o4 her an, ran his 4ingers thro!gh her hair)

She al*ost lost the 3attle &hen his lean 4ingers !n3!ttone, her 5a"#et2 then starte, on her 3o,i"e) She trie, to re*o+e hersel4 4ro* it all2 to *a#e 3elie+e it &as happening to so*eone else) !t she ga+e !p the pretense &hen "ol, air hit her 3are, 3reasts) She sa& his han,s "o*e !p to the* an, "lose, her e'es) 1hat "r!elt' &as he going to in4li"t on her0 !t strangel'2 the 'o!ng *an onl' stro#e, the 4ir* &hite *o!n,s &ith gentle 4ingers) Then a *o*ent later2 &hile she hel, her 3reath2 he re3!ttone, her 3lo!se2 then stoo, !p2 an, &al#e, a&a') 7 sigh o4 relie4 sh!,,ere, thro!gh her lips2 then she shi+ere, +iolentl') This &asn(t the en, o4 it) She #ne& &ith si"#ening "larit' that later he &o!l, ret!rn an, thenD /!e san# 3a"# against the tree tr!n#) 6o& ,i, -n,ian *en treat their &i+es0 She ha, hear, terri3le stories o4 3r!tal rapes an, tort!ring o4 their &hite &o*en +i"ti*s) 1o!l, that 3e her 4ate 3e"a!se she &as &hite2 or &o!l, she 3e treate, less harshl' 3e"a!se the 3ra+e *arrie, her0 She stare, !nseeing at the s#'2 "ol, an, h!ngr'2 4ille, &ith a ,rea, she ha, ne+er #no&n 3e4ore) To*orro& she &o!l, *arr' an -n,ian &hose na*e she ,i,n(t e+en #no&) She 4or"e, 3a"# a h'steri"al la!gh) She ha, #no&n her 4irst h!s3an,(s na*e2 3!t li#e this i*pen,ing *arriage2 she ha, #no&n nothing a3o!t the *an) She ha,n(t #no&n an'thing a3o!t the ,e"eit that la' in 6a&#e ?asters2 the *ental "r!elt' he "o!l,2 an, &o!l,2 i*pose !pon her) 7 lone tear es"ape, her e'e an, rolle, ,o&n her "hee#) 7n, 3e"a!se 6a&#e ?asters ha, ta#en a,+antage o4 her2 *arr'ing her onl' to ta#e "are o4 his nie"e an, nephe&2 to*orro& she &o!l, 3e"o*e a *e*3er o4 this renega,e tri3e &hi"h ha, 3ro#en a&a' 4ro* a reser+ation to es"ape the &hite *an(s r!le) Co!l, she 3ear their rigoro!s li4est'le2 or &o!l, one &inter &ith the* 3e the ,eath o4 her0 6er gaze s&ept o+er the part o4 the +illage she "o!l, see 4ro* her spot 3eneath the tree) Chil,ren2 sh' an, &i,e-e'e,2 &at"he, her 4ro* their teepees an, the hal4star+e, ,ogs &an,ere, aro!n,2 stopping to sni44 at Sl'(s 3o,' &here so*eone ha, ,ragge, it into a pat"h o4 &ee,s) She st!,ie, the &o*en *o+ing noiselessl'2 preparing the e+ening *eal o+er s*all 4ires) There &ere no s*iles on their 4a"es2 she note,2 3!t then tho!ght2 &hat ,i, the' ha+e to s*ile a3o!t2 li+ing a li4e that #ept the* *ostl' on the r!n2 ,oing all the *an!al &or#2 ne+er ha+ing eno!gh to eat) ;e3 ha, sai, on"e2 as the' ,is"!sse, -n,ians an, their ha3its2 that there &as a great ,eal o4 inter*arriage a*ong the 7rapaho tri3es) That pol'ga*' &as pra"ti"e,2 &ith the *en o4ten *arr'ing sisters an, their 3rother(s &i,o&s) 7n, as 4or the *other-inla&s2 h!s3an,s ,i,n(t e+en loo# or spea# to the*) She re*e*3ere, that at the ti*e she ha, tho!ght that -n,ian *en ha, no respe"t 4or the 4e*ale spe"ies o4 their &orl,) >oise' "on+ersation ,re& /!e(s attention to a large "a*p4ire in the "enter o4 the +illage) The *en sat aro!n, it2 her 4!t!re h!s3an, a*ong the*) 6e2 it see*e,2 &as the "enter o4 their attention as the' spo#e lo!,l' to hi*2 p!n"t!ating their re*ar#s &ith lo!, la!ghter an, "r!,e gest!res as the' loo#e, #no&ingl' at her) 6er s#in

"ra&le, an, she s=!eeze, her e'es sh!t) She "o!l, i*agine &hat the' &ere sa'ing a3o!t her2 an, &hat the 'o!ng 3ra+e(s ans&ering re*ar#s &ere) I'"e got to get awayA she s"rea*e, insi,e) 7n, tho!gh her *in, ra"e, &ith possi3ilities2 no sol!tion "a*e to her) She "o!l, onl' &ait2 3e on her g!ar,2 an, i4 the slightest "han"e o4 es"ape o""!rre,2 she *!st ta#e a,+antage o4 it) B+en i4 it *eant a #ni4e in her 3a"#) She &o!l, pre4er ,eath to a li+ing hell) The ho!rs ,ragge, 3' an, /!e(s ar*s a"he, 4ro* 3eing stret"he, an, her 4ingers "ra*pe, !n3eara3l') She tho!ght o4 her gran,parents2 ;i**'2 her 4ather-in-la&2 the "hil,ren2 an'thing to #eep her *in, o44 &hat a&aite, her tonight) S!,,enl'2 li#e a ,rape 3eing "lose,2 the s!n san# an, night arri+e,2 ,ar# an, 4ear4!l2 as a &ol4s lonel' 'o&l ,ri4te, ,o&n 4ro* the *o!ntains) The leaping 4la*es o4 the large "a*p4ire thre& sha,o&s on the 3ronze, 4a"es2 gi+ing the* a "r!el2 grotes=!e loo#) /!e shi+ere, an, loo#e, a&a' 4ro* the -n,ians) 7 short ti*e later2 ho&e+er2 &hen the *en &ere "alle, to s!pper2 a 4!ll *oon rose2 "hasing a&a' *ost o4 the ,ar#ness) /!e(s sto*a"h r!*3le, 4ro* h!nger2 altho!gh it *a,e her na!seo!s as she &at"he, the *en ,ip their 4ingers into the 3o&ls o4 ste&) She trie, to t!rn a ,ea4 ear to the o3noxio!s noises the' *a,e2 sl!rping an, "he&ing &ith open *o!ths) <inall' the *en ha, sate, their appetites an, *o+e, 3a"# to the 4ire &here one *an 3ro!ght o!t a 3ottle o4 &his#e' an, passe, it aro!n, to the others) 7s the &o*en an, "hil,ren too# !p 3o&ls an, s"rape, the 3otto* o4 the pot 4or their share o4 the *eal2 /!e &on,ere, i4 an'one &o!l, 3other to 3ring her an'thing to eat) >o 4oo, ha, passe, her lips sin"e 3rea#4ast this *orning2 an, her 3o,' s"rea*e, 4or no!rish*ent) She learne, a short ti*e later that she &as not to 3e 4e, as the &o*en "arrie, the e*pt' 3o&ls an, pots to a &ater4all to &ash the*) 1as she to ,ie 4ro* star+ation0 she &on,ere,) 1hen shortl' the *en staggere, aro!n, ,r!n#enl'2 she &on,ere, i4 that &o!l,n(t 3e pre4era3le) /!e(s !neasiness o4 the ,r!n#en *en gre& to 4ear an, ,rea, as the' gra33e, &o*en2 an, ,isappeare, into the teepees) She trie, to shrin# &ithin hersel42 to ,isappear2 not to ,ra& her 4!t!re h!s3an,(s noti"e) She ,re& a ,eep 3reath o4 relie4 &hen she sa& hi* lea, a 'o!ng &o*an to&ar, his teepee) 6e see*e, to ha+e 4orgotten his "apti+e *o*entaril') /!e relaxe, a 3it2 hoping that the tall 3ra+e &o!l, 3e o""!pie, 4or the night) She 4elt int!iti+el' that none o4 the other *en &o!l, 3other her2 at least not !ntil her inten,e, ha, ha, her 4irst) 74ter that2 she &o!l, pro3a3l' 3e 4air ga*e 4or an' *an &ho &ante, her) The &in, "hange, s!,,enl'2 an, the air 3e"a*e sharp2 *a#ing /!e than#4!l 4or her hea+' 5a"#et) There &o!l, 3e no 3lan#et 4or her2 she #ne&2 an, there &as no ,o!3t

that it &o!l, start sno&ing 3e4ore too long) She "o!l, al*ost s*ell it) She shi+ere,2 thin#ing o4 the sno& piling !p on top o4 her2 s*othering the 3reath 4ro* her 3o,') The &o*en &o!l,n(t "are2 an, the *en &ere too ,r!n# to noti"e) /!e ha, 5!st "!rle, her 4eet 3eneath her 4or extra &ar*th &hen there "a*e a r!stling o4 lea+es2 the "ra"#ling so!n, o4 "are4!l 4ootsteps) She loo#e, o+er her sho!l,er an, sa& the 3!shes 3ehin, her =!i+er) So*ething or so*eone &as there2 "reeping !p on her) 1as it an ani*al2 or one o4 the *en 3ra+e eno!gh to !se her 3e4ore her *arriage0 She ga+e a s*all "r' o4 s!rprise &hen the 3r!sh parte, an, a s*all2 3ro&n 4a"e peere, o!t at her) "%ittle StarA" she &hispere,) "-s this 'o!r +illage2 'o!r people0" The little 3o' she ha, gi+en "oo#ies to "ra&le, o+er to her si,e) ".es2" he &hispere, 3a"#2 "asting a ner+o!s glan"e at the 4ire &here those &ho ha, not 'et 4allen into a &his#e' st!por "ontin!e, to ,rin#) Then the *oonlight glinte, on the 3la,e o4 the #ni4e that slashe, thro!gh the ropes that hel, her to the tree) "9ran,4ather sai, to "!t 'o! 4ree2" %ittle Star "ontin!e, to &hisper as the ropes 4ell a&a') 7n, &hile /!e r!33e, the "ir"!lation 3a"# into her &rists2 he a,,e,2 "1e "annot gi+e 'o! 'o!r *o!nt2 3!t here is a strip o4 pe**i"an to "he& on) -t &ill gi+e 'o! strength)" /!e &ante, to #iss an, h!g the "hil, in her relie42 3!t #ne& she ,are not) The 3o' &o!l, 3e greatl' e*3arrasse, 3' s!"h an a"tion) She lai, a han, on his sho!l,er an, loo#e, sole*nl' into his e'es) "- &ill not 4orget 'o! an, 'o!r gran,4ather(s #in,ness2" she sai,2 rising to her 4eet) "- pra' that so*e,a' - &ill 3e a3le to repa' 'o!)" "1here &ill 'o! go0" the la, as#e,) " a"# to 'o!r *an0" ">oA" /!e hisse,) ">e+er thereA :oint *e in the opposite ,ire"tion 4ro* his ran"h)" ".o! go east then)" %ittle Star thre& another !neas' glan"e at the *en sitting aro!n, the 4ire) ".o! go no& &hile the' ,rin# 4ire&ater)" /!e s=!eeze, the narro& sho!l,er2 loo#e, at the *en 4leetingl'2 then ,arte, a&a') >o one(s 4a"e &as t!rne, in her ,ire"tion as the little 3o' &at"he, her ,isappear o!t o4 sight) 6e pi"#e, !p the pie"e o4 rope2 then "ra&le, 3a"# !n,er the 3r!sh2 +er' please, &ith hi*sel4) 9ol,en One &as a goo, &o*an2 she ,i, not ,eser+e the treat*ent his re, 3rothers &o!l, ha+e gi+en her)

Chapter Twelve
6a&#e sat his *o!nt on a l!sh grass' pat"h o+erloo#ing the ri+er) 6e loo#e, !p at the s#' that ha, t!rne, ,ar# gra' &ith lo&ering "lo!,s) The grass that rea"he, past

the stallion(s #nees &o!l,n(t 3e green an, ten,er *!"h longer2 he tho!ght) -4 he &as an' 5!,ge o4 the &eather2 the' &o!l, get sno& tonight2 "o+ering an, 4reezing e+er'thing it to!"he,) Tonight) 6e grinne, &i"#e,l' as he 4elt a stirring in his loins) 6e(, gone aro!n, all *orning in a 4e+ere, s&eat2 thin#ing o4 the ,elights in store 4or hi* on"e he an, /!e retire, to 3e,) 6is grin &i,ene,) 6e(, get a little appetizer 3e4ore that tho!gh) 74ter he an, /!e ha, a =!i"# l!n"h2 the' &o!l, lo"# the*sel+es in their 3e,roo* an, *a#e lo+e !ntil :a po!n,e, on the ,oor2 ,e*an,ing to #no& i4 his hoggish son &as rea,' to go 3a"# to &or#) /!e &o!l, 3l!sh prettil'2 an, he(, 5!st ha+e to ta#e her one *ore ti*e2 no *atter &ho &as &aiting 4or hi*) 6is lips t&iste, sa,l') 6e an, /!e(s 3o,ies ha, hone, ,o&n "onsi,era3l' 4ro* their t!rning to ea"h other so o4ten ,!ring the night) That &as another thing he lo+e, a3o!t his &i4e) -4 she 4elt the nee, o4 his strength insi,e her2 she ,i,n(t hesitate to let hi* #no& it) 6e(, a&a#ene, to the so4t stro#ing o4 her 4ingers2 an, in se"on,s he(, 3e rea,' to o3lige her) "- 5!st "an(t get eno!gh o4 her2" he sai, o!t lo!,2 *ar+eling at the tr!th) -t ha, ne+er 3een li#e that &ith an' other &o*an) 7n ho!r or so &ith one &o!l, last hi* 4or a &ee# or *ore) 6a&#e loo#e, !p at the o+er"ast s#' an, sa& that the s!n &as ,ire"tl' o+erhea,) 7 slo& s*ile s&ept a"ross his 4a"e) 1as /!e &at"hing the "lo"#2 "o!nting the *in!tes !ntil she sa& hi* ri,ing in 4or l!n"h0 "%et(s go see2 Captain)" 6e "h!"#le, an, hea,e, the stallion ,o&n the 3a"# si,e o4 the s*all #noll) 7s 6a&#e ro,e !p to the ho!se2 he sa& his 4ather an, nephe& 5!st ,isappearing insi,e) 6e ro,e on to the sta3les an,2 stripping the sa,,le o44 the *o!nt2 t!rne, Captain into the "orral &here ;e3 an, To**'(s *o!nts &ere alrea,' *!n"hing a pile o4 ha') 1hen the three o4 the* ret!rne, to the range later2 ea"h &o!l, ri,e a 4resh horse) ;e3 *et 6a&#e at the #it"hen ,oor2 a &orrie, 4ro&n on his 4a"e) "S!sie is *ight' si"#2 6a&#e) She(s r!nnin( a high 4e+er)" "1hat ,oes /!e ha+e to sa' a3o!t it0 She(s the ,o"tor aro!n, here)" "She ,on(t see* to 3e aro!n,)" "She(s got to 3e here so*e&here)" 6a&#e p!she, past his 4ather) "She &o!l,n(t go o44 an, lea+e the "hil, alone 4or too long2 e+en i4 S!sie &as &ell) ?a'3e she &ent to the ne"essar')" "1ell2 she(s not in the ho!se2 an, - ,i,n(t see her aro!n, the sta3les &hen &e ro,e in)

Co!rse - ,i,n(t go loo#in( in theD here)" "%et *e ta#e a loo# at S!sie2 then -(ll go s"are /!e !p)" -n the parlor2 6a&#e loo#e, ,o&n at the little 4l!she, 4a"e an, lai, a pal* on her 4orehea,) :a &as right2 she &as 3!rning hot) "- &on,er &h' /!e hasn(t 3een 3athing her &ith "ol, &ater to #eep the 4e+er ,o&n0" he *!se, o!t lo!,) 7s i4 she ha, hear, /!e(s na*e2 S!sie stirre, an, &hi*pere,2 "7!ntie /!e) - &ant 7!ntie /!e)" There &as a glaze o4 ,eliri!* in the 3l!e e'es she t!rne, on 6a&#e) " a, &it"h too# her a&a')" "She(s o!t o4 her hea, &ith 4e+er2" ;e3 4rette, as he le4t the roo* 4or a 3asin o4 "ol, &ater) S!sie "ontin!e, to toss restlessl'2 *!ttering2 "Cn"le 6a&#e is h!rt)" "-(ll go loo# 4or /!e no&2 :a2" 6a&#e &hispere, &hen ;e3 ret!rne, &ith the &ater2 a &ash"loth 4loating in it) 6e &as &orrie, hi*sel4 no& 3' the "hil,(s &il, ra*3ling) ".es2 ,o that2 an, h!rr' !p2" ;e3 sai, anxio!sl') 6e noti"e, To**'(s pale 4a"e then2 an, sai, in a nor*al tone2 ">ot that -(* &orrie, a3o!t S!sie2 'o! !n,erstan,) - 5!st thin# that she(, rest easier i4 /!e &as here)" 6a&#e &ent 4irst to the ne"essar') The ,oor stoo, open) 7l*ost at a r!n2 he &ent to the sta3les next) -nsi,e he &al#e, the length o4 the stalls !ntil he "a*e to the last one2 the one that 3elonge, to ea!t') -t &as e*pt') 6a, /!e ta#en her an, gone 4or help2 loo#ing 4or hi*0 She &o!l, ne+er go to the ?e'ers ran"h 4or assistan"e2 an, she ,i,n(t #no& &here her other neigh3ors li+e,) 6e still ha,n(t gotten aro!n, to ta#ing her +isiting) 6a&#e &al#e, 3a"# o!tsi,e an, aro!n, the sta3les an, "orrals2 st!,'ing the hoo4prints there) 6e pi"#e, !p the *are(s prints right a&a') The' &ere easil' re"ogniza3le2 the le4t 4ront shoe ha+ing a &i,e not"h in it) -t &as "learl' ,e4ine, in the san,' soil2 an, he 4ollo&e, it a&a' 4ro* the "h!rne,-!p "orral area an, onto the !ntra*ple, stone an, grass) 6is heart ga+e a 5er#) >o& there &ere t&o sets o4 hoo4prints) /!e &asn(t alone) 7n, &hoe+er &as &ith her &as on the hea+' si,e2 or at least hea+ier then /!e 3e"a!se the ne& set o4 prints 3it ,eeper into the soil) <or so*e reason2 she ha, ri,,en a&a' &ith a *an) -t &as no -n,ian2 o4 that he &as s!re) The re, *en ,i,n(t shoe their horses) 1ho "o!l, she 3e &ith0 >ot ;osh) 6is 4ore*an ha, 3een &ith hi* all *orning8 in 4a"t2 he "o!l, see hi* an, the others ri,ing in right no&) 6a&#e h!rrie, 3a"# to the ho!se an, &al#e, into the parlor) 1hen ;e3 loo#e, !p 4ro* sponging S!sie(s 4a"e he sai,2 ":a2 - ha+e a 4eelin( that /!e *a' 3e in tro!3le) <or so*e reason she has n,,en o44 &ith so*eone) She &o!l, ne+er lea+e the little one !nless she tho!ght it ne"essar'2 or she &as 4or"e, to)"

;e3 stoo, !p2 alar*e,) ".o!(re goin( a4ter her2 o4 "o!rse)" ";!st as soon as - "an sa,,le a horse) -n the *eanti*e #eep 3athing S!sie an,"@his e'es 4ell on the 5ar o4 sal+e@"*a'3e r!3 so*e *ore o4 this on her "hest)" 6e han,e, the s*all 5ar to ;e3) "- &ill2 son2 an, - pra' that 'o! 4in, /!e =!i"#l') -t loo#s li#e a stor* *a' 3e 3re&in()" -n less than ten *in!tes 6a&#e sa,,le, a horse an, &as 4ollo&ing /!e(s trail) 6e "o!l, tell that the t&o *o!nts he tra"#e, ha, r!n 4lat o!t) The length 3et&een the hoo4prints in,i"ate, it) 1here+er /!e &as going2 she &as in a h!rr') 6a&#e soon noti"e, that2 s!rprisingl'2 the tra"#s le, straight to&ar, his line sha"#) 1ho "o!l, ha+e ta#en her there2 an, &h'0 7nxio!s to 4in, o!t2 he n!,ge, the *o!nt2 sen,ing hi* into a gallop) -n t&ent' *in!tes the sha"# "a*e into +ie&) >othing stirre, aro!n, the "r!,e little 3!il,ing &hen 6a&#e th!n,ere, !p to it) 6e spotte, /!e(s s*all 3ootprints 3e4ore he sprang 4ro* the sa,,le an, r!she, into the sha"#2 "alling her na*e) Onl' silen"e greete, hi*) The s*all 4o!rteen-3'-4o!rteen-4oot roo* &as e*pt') 6e s&ept his e'es o+er the area2 an, it see*e, the sa*e as the last ti*e he(, seen it) The ,a' he ha, tol, %illie that he &o!l, no longer 3e *eeting her there2 that their a44air &as o+er) 6e s"anne, the roo* again) There &as no sign o4 a str!ggle2 no o+ert!rne, "hairs or *esse,-!p 3!n# 3e,) 6e &ent 3a"# to the ,oor an, stare, ,o&n at the gro!n,2 then gro!n, o!t an oath) There &as a set o4 4ootprints lea+ing the pla"e2 3!t large ones) e'on, no ,o!3t2 the' 3elonge, to a *an) 6is heart ha**ere, pain4!ll') 6is &i4e ha, 3een "arrie, o!t o4 the 3!il,ing) ' &ho* an, &h'0 6is *in, ra"e, &ith =!estions) $i, he ha+e an ene*' &ho &o!l, har* his &i4e to get 3a"# at hi* 4or so*e i*agine, h!rt0 6a&#e "o!l,n(t thin# o4 an'one &ho &o!l, ta#e their spleen o!t on /!e) 6e #ne& that there &ere so*e *en &ho ,i,n(t li#e hi* 4or so*e reason or other2 3!t the' &ere honora3le *en2 &ho &o!l, ne+er h!rt a &o*an 4or an' reason) 7nxiet' "oiling in the pit o4 his sto*a"h2 he le4t the sha"# an, "li*3e, 3a"# into the sa,,le) /!e &as in,ee, in tro!3le) 1hen 6a&#e pi"#e, !p the tra"#s &ith the not"h in one shoe2 he tho!ght it o,, that the *o!nts no& &al#e,) 1h' the al*ost leis!rel' gait2 &hen 3e4ore the' &ere in s!"h a h!rr'0 7lso2 he &as s!re that the ne& set o4 tra"#s &ere p!t ,o&n 3' a ,i44erent e+en hea+ier ri,er) These "!t *!"h ,eeper into the san,' soil) <or so*e reason /!e ha, 3een t!rne, o+er to so*eone else) 6e h!rrie, his *o!nt along2 a4rai, to spe"!late &h') 74ter a hal4 ho!r tra"#ing2 a &orrie, 4ro&n *arre, 6a&#e(s 4a"e as his anxiet' gre&)

The t&o *o!nts &ere hea,e, straight 4or the *o!ntain) 1h'0 Onl' renega,e -n,ians2 &ol+es2 an, eagles li+e, in the &il,s) S!,,enl' he gre& 4aint) 7n -n,ian ha, /!e) -t &as the onl' logi"al ans&er) The *an &as ri,ing a stolen horse2 one that still &ore shoes) !t ho& ha, /!e 3een l!re, to the sha"#0 he &on,ere, as he #i"#e, the *o!nt into a 4ast2 har, gallop2 his e'es ne+er lea+ing the trail) $hey can't be too far ahead2 he tol, hi*sel4) $he prints are too fresh) 6e glan"e, aro!n, at the &estering s#') The ,a' &as 4ar a,+an"e,2 an, lo&ering "lo!,s &ere ,ar#ening the s#') "- hope that -n,ian +illage isn(t too 4ar !p the *o!ntain2" he *!ttere,2 !rging Captain on) 6e *!st 4in, /!e 3e4ore night set in@an, 3e4ore she &as ra+age, 3' a 3!n"h o4 3ra+es) 6a&#e ha, ri,,en "lose to an ho!r &hen he "a*e to a ri+er) The tra"#s le, into it2 an, he steere, his *o!nt a4ter the*) -t &as a 4ast strea*2 3!t not ,eep2 onl' a 4e& ti*es "o*ing !p to the horse(s 3ell' as he &a,e, in a straight line to&ar, the opposite 3an#) The 3loo, s!,,enl' p!*pe, 4aster in 6a&#e(s +eins) The *o!ntain &as onl' a3o!t a *ile a&a') 6e "o!l, see the top o4 it loo*ing a3o+e the spr!"e an, pine) "$a*ne, i4 it ,oesn(t loo# li#e it(s sno&in( !p there2" he s&ore so4tl' as the horse l!nge, o!t o4 the &ater an, onto the ro"#'2 san,' shore) 6a&#e s&ore again) The tra"#s he(, expe"te, to see &ere gone) /!e(s "aptor *!st ha+e angle, the *o!nts to the le4t or right2 an, not *o+e, in a straight line as 6a&#e ha,) Sighing2 4or ti*e lost2 he ro,e 3a"# an, 4orth along the e,ge o4 the ri+er2 loo#ing 4or &here the t&o *o!nts ha, le4t the strea*) 6e 4o!n, a 4e& tra"#s2 3!t the' &ere ,a's ol,) "$a*nA" 6e sla**e, a 4ist on the sa,,le) The 3astar, ha, 4ollo&e, the ri+er) ?a'3e 4or a *ile or so) 7n, ha, he gone !p or ,o&n strea*0 6a&#e sat &on,ering &hat to ,o) :re"io!s ti*e "o!l, 3e lost loo#ing along the ri+er2 espe"iall' i4 he sear"he, in the &rong ,ire"tion) 7n, the ,eepening gloo* 3ro!ght on 3' the threatening stor* &o!l, soon *a#e it i*possi3le to see the tra"#s i4 he ,i, 4in, the*) <inall' he reine, the horse to&ar, the *o!ntain) 6e ha, a 3etter "han"e o4 pi"#ing !p the trail there) 6e 5a33e, Captain &ith a heel2 an, #eeping hi* at a r!n2 6a&#e "a*e to the 4oothills in a short ti*e) 6e reine, in sharpl' at the so!n, o4 "ra"#ling 3r!sh) 6a, he "o*e !pon the* alrea,'2 an, &as there a g!n traine, on his heart0 6e relaxe, &hen he "a!ght a gli*pse o4 a ,eer 3o!n,ing o44 thro!gh the trees) 6e !rge, the stallion on2 telling hi*sel4 to get "ontrol o4 his ner+es as he ro,e the e,ge o4 the 4oothills2 his e'es 4astene, on the gro!n,) 74ter onl' a 4e& 'ar,s he 4o!n, the 4a*iliar hoo4prints) The' 4ollo&e, a narro& trail2 an, he steere, Captain a4ter the*2 "he"#ing his g!n2 seeing to it that it &as han,' to

his to!"h) There &as no ,o!3t in his *in, that he &o!l, ha+e to !se it) 74ter se+eral h!n,re, 'ar,s the trail le, to a 'ello&e,-&alle, "an'on that opene, !p into the *o!ntain) 7s 6a&#e ro,e2 the air 3e"a*e "ol,2 3rittle2 an, sharp) 6e p!lle, !p the "ollar o4 his 5a"#et2 *!ttering that 4or s!re a 3lizzar, &as "orning) 6e &as thin#ing that he *!st 4in, /!e an, get her ho*e 3e4ore it str!"# &hen he sa& the glo& o4 a "a*p4ire in the al*ost total ,ar#ness) 6e reine, in) -t &o!l, 3e 3est not to ri,e in an' 4!rther) ?ost li#el' there &ere sentries poste, a3o!t) 6e &o!l, 3etter es"ape noti"e on 4oot) 6a&#e sli, to the gro!n, an, se"rete, the *o!nt 3ehin, a tall 3o!l,er) 74ter 3rie4l' la'ing a pal* a"ross its nostrils2 a signal that Captain *!stn(t &hinn'2 6a&#e 3egan his approa"h to the 4ire) 6e &as as silent as an' -n,ian as he *o+e, 4ro* 3o!l,er to 3o!l,er2 "o*ing e+er "loser to his ,estination) -t &as strange2 he tho!ght2 that he ha,n(t seen an'one stan,ing g!ar,) -n,ians &eren(t st!pi,) The' ha, to #no& that stealing a &hite &o*an &as the &orst o44ense the' "o!l, "o**it) $i, the' honestl' thin# that their +illage &as that &ell-hi,,en0 The *oon passe, 4ro* 3ehin, a "lo!, 5!st as 6a&#e "ro!"he, 3ehin, a 3r!sh thi"#et2 onl' 4eet a&a' 4ro* the 4ire) -t shone 4!ll' on the 3ra+es2 &ho slept in a ,r!n#en st!por2 an, the others &ho sat 3lear'-e'e,2 !na&are o4 an'thing aro!n, the*) 6is e'es s"anne, the area lit 3' the 4ire2 sear"hing 4or /!e) 1hen he sa& no sign o4 her2 he "o!l, onl' ass!*e that she &as in one o4 the teepees s"attere, a3o!t) !t &hi"h one2 an, &ho &as &ith her0 6is "hest #notte, in pain at the tho!ght o4 so*e 3ra+e "lai*ing her slen,er 3o,') "1ith a *ingling o4 4!r' an, helplessness that he ha, arri+e, too late spinning in his *in,2 he ,roppe, ,o&n on all 4o!rs) 6e &o!l, re"onnoiter the sha33' +illage2 peer into e+er' teepee !ntil he 4o!n, his &i4e) 7n, 9o, help the *an he 4o!n, her &ithA 6a&#e ha, "ra&le, 3!t a short ,istan"e &hen he 4roze into pla"e 3ehin, a large ro"#) <or s!,,enl' 4ro* o!t o4 the ,ar#ness "a*e a s*all 4ig!re2 a,+an"ing &ith short2 straight steps2 right to&ar, &here he "ro!"he,) "1hen the la, ,re& opposite hi*2 6a&#e stoo, !p) -n the ,i* *oonlight 6a&#e re"ognize, the 3o'2 &ho 3a"#e, !p in alar*) 6e ha, seen /!e gi+e the -n,ian so*e "oo#ies one ,a') .ow2 he tho!ght2 how do I go about not frightening the child more than he is already0 6e ,esperatel' nee,e, the in4or*ation the 'o!ngster "o!l, gi+e hi*) ?a#ing hi*sel4 relax an, erasing the harsh loo# he #ne& *!st 3e on his 4a"e2 6a&#e spo#e =!ietl'2 "%ittle 3ra+e2 - *ean 'o! no har*) - a* loo#in( 4or *' &i4e2 the one &ith the gol,en hair) 6er *o!nt(s tra"#s le, *e to 'o!r +illage) 6a+e 'o! seen her0" The 3o' stare, at hi* a long *in!te an, 6a&#e ha, the 4eeling that he &as ,e3ating &hether to ans&er the pale4a"e) 7s the se"on,s ti"#e, 3' an, he &as a3o!t to gi+e !p

on the "hil, spea#ing2 6a&#e &on,ere, &hat to ,o a3o!t hi*) 6e "o!l,n(t let hi* ro!se the "a*p) 6e &as thin#ing that he &o!l, ha+e to tie an, gag the 'o!ngster2 &hen a3r!ptl' the little 3ra+e spo#e) "7 4at *an 3ro!ght /!e here2 her han,s an, *o!th tie,) 6e tells Chie4 she is 4or sale) 6e &ants *!"h *one' 4or her)" A fat man2 6a&#e(s e'es narro&e, in tho!ght) The onl' 4at *an he #ne& &as the store#eeper in ;a"#son) Certainl' it &asn(t hi*) To his #no&le,ge2 the *an ne+er le4t his pla"e o4 3!siness) "$i, 'o!r "hie4 pa' hi* the *one'0" 6a&#e as#e, the 3o'2 &ho &at"he, hi* &aril') ">o) 1ise O&l(s son sa' he &ants /!e 4or his &o*an an, o44ers the 4at *an six horses 4or her)" The 3o' r!she, on as tho!gh to get thro!gh the &hole stor') "The 4at *an gro& angr'2 sa' no2 that he &ill ta#e /!e so*e&here else an, sell her) The 3ra+e p!ts his #ni4e in the *an(s heart) 6e is ,ea,)" 6e 5er#e, a s*all th!*3 at the large2 "r!*ple, heap in the sha,o&s) 6is 4a"e gri* again2 6a&#e 3arel' glan"e, at the ,ea, *an) 1hoe+er he &as2 he &as gla, the 3astar, &as ,ea,) "1hi"h teepee is she in0" 6is +oi"e &as hoarse &ith e*otion) "/!e is not here)" The 3o' rea"he, into his ragge, 5a"#et an, p!lle, o!t a pie"e o4 rope) "- "!t her 4ree)" 7 &a+e o4 &ea#ening relie4 s&ept o+er 6a&#e) "- o&e 'o!2 little 3ra+e)" 6e "laspe, the narro& sho!l,ers) "-4 e+er - "an help 'o!2 it &ill please *e greatl') >o&2 in &hi"h ,ire"tion ,i, she go2 an, is she ri,in(0" "- "o!l, not get the *are to her2" the 3o' replie,) 6e li4te, an ar* an, pointe, !p&ar,) "She &ent !p the *o!ntain)" "Cp the *o!ntain0" 6a&#e loo#e, st!nne,) "1h' &o!l, she ,o that0" The la, shr!gge, his s*all sho!l,ers an, pointe, to his hea,) "- thin# she &as all *ixe, !p)" 6a&#e &ante, to 'ell at hi*2 to as# &h' he ha,n(t t!rne, /!e in the ,ire"tion o4 ho*e) -nstea,2 he sighe, hea+il') 1hat &as ,one &as ,one) The i*portant thing2 she &as no longer a prisoner) 6e ,e3ate, as#ing the 3o' i4 the 3ra+e &ho &ante, her 4or his &o*an ha, spent an' ti*e &ith /!e alone) 6e ,e"i,e, then that he ,i,n(t &ant to #no&) The i*portant thing &as that he *!st 4in, her 3e4ore the stor* 3ro#e) %ittle Star &at"he, 6a&#e 4a,e into the ,ar#ness2 a please, s*ile on his 4a"e) 6e ha, ,one as his 4rien,2 /!e2 ha, as#e, hi*) 6e ha, sent her *an o44 in the &rong ,ire"tion)

/!e(s 3reath "a*e in la3ore, 3!rsts as she ran along2 loose san, an, gra+el ,ragging at her 4eet) The pain4!l sta3 in her si,e sprea, !p&ar, to her 3reasts an, she "o!l, hear the lo!, 3eat o4 her heart) <inall' she stoppe, an, sat ,o&n on a large2 4lat ro"#2 !tterl' exha!ste,) 7s she reste, a *o*ent2 "he&ing on a pie"e o4 pe**i"an2 she realize, that she ha, no i,ea &here she &as going) She onl' #ne& that she &as p!tting ,istan"e 3et&een her an, the h!s3an, &ho no longer nee,e, her2 &ho ne+er &ante, to see her again) 1hen her 3reathing slo&e, to al*ost nor*al2 /!e rose an, starte, on) The ro"#s in her path &ere sharp2 !ne+en2 an, slipper' !n,er her 3oot heels) >e+ertheless she *o+e, s&i4tl'2 so*eti*es sitting ,o&n an, sli,ing on her rear) 7t last she rea"he, the 3otto* o4 the 4oothills an, sat ,o&n again) She ,i,n(t #no& i4 she "o!l, go on as she listene, to the so!gh o4 the &in, in the trees) She shi+ere, as she 4elt the o*ino!s =!alit' o4 the gloo* s!rro!n,ing her) -t &as as tho!gh it &aite, 4or her to ,ie2 all alone) She 4ir*e, her lips against the tho!ght an, ,ragge, hersel4 to her 4eet) She stoo, a *o*ent2 loo#ing ,o&n the long stret"h o4 +alle') Onl' a ,istant gro&th o4 pine o44ere, a pla"e &here she *ight spen, the night) She 4elt in her 5a"#et po"#et on the o,, "han"e she *ight 4in, a s!lpher sti"#) She "o!l,n(t 3elie+e her goo, 4ort!ne &hen her 4ingers 4o!n, three 3eneath a &a,,e, han,#er"hie4 7t least she &o!l, ha+e a 4ire) 7ll she ha, to ,o no& &as 4in, the strength to rea"h the stan, o4 trees that &as a *ile or so a&a') <eeling *!"h 3etter an, *ore in "ontrol2 /!e starte, o!t2 st!*3ling a 3it2 4aint 4ro* 4atig!e) 7s she staggere, on2 it gre& "ol,er an, 3la"#er an, no &in, ,ist!r3e, the stillness) Then o!t o4 that opa=!e2 o3s"!re gra'ness "a*e sno&) She peere, ahea,) S!rel' that "l!*p o4 trees &asn(t 4ar o44 She 4elt li#e she ha, 3een &al#ing 4or *iles) /!e plo,,e, on2 her hea, 3ent against the sno& pellets stinging her 4a"e an, soa#ing her 3are hea,) She &as +ag!el' a&are that the stor* =!i"#ene, an, that the &in, ha, "o*e 3a"#2 gro&ing into a ho&ling gale) She "o!l, not see a 4oot in 4ront o4 her as she 4or"e, her 4eet to *o+e on) She *!st 4in, shelter an, soon) 6er strength an, 4ortit!,e &ere al*ost spent) 6er legs 3e"a*e lea,en2 an, she #ne& that soon the' &o!l, re4!se to *o+e) 1hen she trippe, an, 4ell 3eneath a large pine2 she &as too &ea# to gather &oo, an, start a 4ire) The &aiting &il,erness "lose, ro!n, her an, she slept2 the sno& "o+ering her in a &hite 3lan#et) 7s 6a&#e 4ollo&e, a &in,ing path2 the onl' &a' /!e "o!l, ha+e ta#en2 as the 4orest &as too thi"# to *o+e thro!gh2 it 3egan rapi,l' to "hange !n,er4oot) 1hen the horse st!*3le, o+er an o!t"roppe, ro"# an, al*ost 4ell2 6a&#e &as "o*pelle, to go *ore slo&l') -4 the ani*al sho!l, 3rea# a leg an, ha+e to 3e shot2 its ri,er &o!l, ne+er get o44 the *o!ntain ali+e) The air gre& "ol,er an, 6a&#e &orrie, i4 /!e &ore her hea+' 5a"#et) :ra' 9o,2 he(,

4in, her soon) 6is "on"ern in"rease, &hen h!ge sno&4la#es "a*e 4l!ttering ,o&n) -n a short ti*e the sno& &as "linging thi"# an, hea+' on the 4ir trees an, 3lan#eting the gro!n, &ith se+eral in"hes) 6e ro,e on2 his teeth set an, his e'es on the gro!n,) /!e(s 4ootprints sho!l, start appearing in the sno& an' ti*e) The air ha, t!rne, 3iting "ol, &hen 6a&#e hear, the rattle o4 a ,ist!r3e, ro"#) 6e p!lle, the horse in2 peering ahea,) 1as it a &il, ani*al po#ing aro!n,2 or a *an0 -4 *an2 &as he &hite or re,0 6e &as rea,' to ri,e on &hen he 4elt the singe o4 a 3!llet pass o+er his hea,) Captain spoo#e, at the so!n,2 an, &hile 6a&#e 4o!ght to "ontrol his horse2 there "a*e a th!, in his thigh2 4ollo&e, 3' a searing pain) 6is han, shot to his Colt as he peere, aro!n,2 tr'ing to penetrate the ,o!3le gloo* o4 sno& an, night) 6e spotte, an -n,ian then an, th!*3e, the g!n 3a"# as &ith a 'ell an, a leap the 4ier"e-4a"e, 3ra+e "a*e at hi*2 his s"alping #ni4e in his !praise, han,) 6a&#e(s 4inger s=!eeze, the trigger2 the Colt 5!*pe,2 an, his ene*' la' in the sno&) 6e t&it"he, t&i"e2 then la' still) The &orl, gre& ,i* 4or 6a&#e then an, he reele, in the sa,,le2 4ighting 3a"# the 3la"#ness that so!ght to en+elop his *in,) 6e ha, to get ,o&n this *o!ntain an, sen, others to sear"h 4or /!e) 6e *anage, to t!rn the horse aro!n,2 an, as the ani*al 3egan the ,es"ent2 6a&#e 4ell 4or&ar, on its ne"#2 groaning his pain in Captain(s ro!gh *ane an, gritting his teeth to hang on) Ol, trapper 7,a*s lo&ere, his tire, 3o,' into his 4a+orite "hair an, stret"he, his sto"#inge, 4eet to the "ra"#ling 4ire ,an"ing !p an, ,o&n in the 4irepla"e) "$og2" he sai,2 ta*ping to3a""o into a "la' pipe2 "there ain(t nothin( li#e a "heer' 4ire on a "ol, night)" The 3ig ,og(s tail &ha"#e, the 4loor as i4 in agree*ent) 7,a*s rea"he, into the 4ire an, 3ro!ght a 4la*ing t&ig to the 3o&l o4 his pipe) 6e ,re& on the ste* "la*pe, 3et&een his teeth2 an, &hen the to3a""o 3!rne, to his satis4a"tion2 he leane, 3a"# an, the ro"#er "rea#e, in *otion) 6e ga+e a relaxe, sigh an, &at"he, the s*o#e "!rl 4ro* his pipe) Then2 as ha, 3een his ha3it 4or a &ee# or so2 in =!iet *o*ents2 his tho!ghts t!rne, to the "o!ple &ho ha, spent a night &ith hi* so*e ti*e 3a"#) /!e ha, 3een the girl(s na*e) 7 strange na*e2 he tho!ght an, &on,ere, ho& &as she getting along &ith that ston'-4a"e, h!s3an, o4 hers) 6e ha, p!zzle, on that strange *arriage 4or a long ti*e a4ter the'(, le4t) There ha, 3een no lo+e 3et&een the*2 that &as 4or s!re) The onl' thing the' see*e, to share &as resent*ent2 as i4 neither one &ante, to 3e hit"he, to the other) 6e ha, espe"iall' 4elt that a3o!t the *an2 ?asters) 6ell2 he slept on the 4loor rather than share his &i4e(s

3e,) The girl &asn(t ha+ing an eas' ti*e o4 it &ith that har, "ase2 he i*agine,) The ol, *an "ontin!e, to ro"# slo&l'2 stopping on"e to a,, another log to the 4ire) <or so*e reason he "o!l,n(t get that 3ig-e'e, girl o!t o4 his *in,) 6e "o!l,n(t sha#e the i,ea that she &as in ,anger2 or &as a3o!t to 3e) The &oo,en "lo"# on the *antle str!"# ten an, 7,a*s 'a&ne,2 rose2 then #no"#e, o!t his pipe on the hearth) 1hen he ha, 3an#e, the 4ire an, &as sh!"#ing ,o&n to his &oolen !n,er&ear2 he sai,2 "$og2 -(* not goin( to 3ait *' traps a4ter r!nnin( the* to*orro&) The ,a' a4ter2 *e an, 'o! are gonna stri#e o!t an, see 4or o!rsel+es ho& /!e is 4arin() - got an !neasiness a3o!t her)" The ,og th!*pe, his tail again2 then stret"he, o!t on the hearth2 his 3ig hea, 3et&een his pa&s) Soon 7,a*s(s lo!, snores 4ille, the s*all "a3in) -t &as a 3l!ster' *orning &hen 7,a*s "alle, the ,og an, "li*3e, onto the gra' *!le) There &as a 4eel o4 sno& in the air2 he tho!ght as he pro,,e, the ani*al to *o+e o!t) "She(s gettin( rea,' 4or a 3lizzar,2 ?!le2" he sai,) "So - ,on(t &ant 'o! ,a&,lin( along)" The *!le steppe, 3ris#l' along all ,a'2 an, &hen 7,a*s *a,e "a*p at s!nset2 he &as please, &ith the ,istan"e the' ha, "o+ere,) 6e 3!ilt a 4ire in the "enter o4 a stan, o4 spr!"e2 then pla"e, an open "an o4 3eans "lose to the heat2 an, starte, a pot o4 "o44ee 3re&ing) Shortl'2 as he an, $og share, the s#i*p' *eal2 the air 3e"a*e ,a*p an, 3iting) The lonel' ho&l o4 a &ol4 ,ri4te, thro!gh the night as the ol, *an ,ran# his "o44ee an, s*o#e, his pipe) ".o! #eep 'o!r e'es an, ears open tonight2 $og)" 6e s"rat"he, the so4t hair 3et&een the 3ro&n e'es) "That lo3o so!n,e, #in,a h!ngr') - &o!l,n(t &ant to 3e his s!pper)" %ater2 rolle, !p in a 3!44alo ro3e2 his 4eet to the 4ire2 the stars that loo#e, ,o&n on 7,a*s &ere "ol, an, 3rilliant2 see*ing to "ra"#le in the s#') "1e(re gonna get sno&e, on to*orro&2" he spo#e to the ,og stret"he, o!t 3esi,e hi*) "- hope &e *a#e it to ?asters(s ran"h 3e4ore it gets too ,eep)" The *orning &as 4reezing "ol, &hen 7,a*s a&o#e) 6e starte, a 4ire2 an, &hen he pi"#e, !p the hal4-4!ll pot o4 "o44ee to reheat2 he gr!nte, so!rl') -t &as 4rozen soli,) "-t(ll ta#e !s a 4e& *in!tes longer to get on the trail2 $og2" he sai,) "7n, &e ain(t got all that *!"h ti*e to &aste)" 1hile the "o44ee tha&e, an, &ar*e,2 7,a*s rolle, !p the 3!44alo hi,e an, tie, it &ith a thin strip o4 ra&hi,e) 1hen he &al#e, o+er to the *!le to sa,,le it2 he &asn(t s!rprise, to see &ol4 tra"#s "ir"ling his s*all "a*psite) $og(s threatening gro&ls ha, a&a#ene, hi* a "o!ple ti*es ,!ring the night) 1hen 7,a*s 4inall' res!*e, his trip2 he #ept the *!le at a trot) The &eather gre& stea,il' "ol,er2 &ith hea+' "lo!,s 3!il,ing !p in the north) 6e ha, 3een ri,ing a3o!t

an ho!r &hen a hea+' &in, "a*e !p an, the ,a' t!rne, gra') 7 &orrie, 4ro&n ,re& his shagg' e'e3ro&s together) 6e an, the ani*als &ere in 4or so*e ro!gh &eather) -t &as "lose to ,ar# &hen the 4irst 4la#es o4 sno& 3egan to 4all) Soon it 3e"a*e a &hite "!rtain2 an, &ith the on"o*ing night2 7,a*(s s!rro!n,ings &ere al*ost o3s"!re) 6e !rge, the *!le on2 his e'es peering ahea,2 loo#ing 4or a spot to *a#e "a*p an, &ait o!t the stor*) 6e &o!l, ne+er *a#e it to the ?asters(s ran"h this night) "7n, pra' 9o, - 4in, a sheltere, spot soon2" he *!ttere,) The ol, *!le ha, 5!st a3o!t ha, it) 7,a*s "ontin!e, to s=!int thro!gh the sno&2 alert to see a 3o!l,er2 a tree2 an'thing that &o!l, "!t the 4or"e o4 the &in,) <inall'2 thro!gh the s"reen o4 sno&2 he spie, the ,ar# sha,o& o4 trees) 6ea+ing a sigh o4 relie42 he g!i,e, the *!le to&ar, the*) 6e &as &ithin hal4 a *ile o4 the sheltering spr!"e &hen the ,og2 a 4e& 'ar,s ahea, o4 hi*2 stoppe, s!,,enl' an, raise, his hea, to sni44 the air) 6e ,arte, o44 then2 hea,ing 4or a large tree that stoo, apart 4ro* the others) 1hen a *in!te later he set !p an anxio!s 3ar#ing2 7,a*s "alle, on the *!le 4or *ore spee,) 6e #ne& that 3ar#) -t &as telling hi* to h!rr'2 that he &as nee,e,) Sti44-#nee, an, near 4rozen2 7,a*s slippe, o44 the *!le an, tra*pe, thro!gh the sno& to &here the ,og &hine, an, pa&e, at a "!rle, !p2 sno&-"o+ere, 4ig!re) 7 'o!ngster "a!ght in the stor*2 he tho!ght2 #neeling 3esi,e the slight 4ra*e) 6e gaspe, in ,is3elie4 &hen he t!rne, the 3o,' o+er onto its 3a"# an, he stare, ,o&n at /!e(s pale 4a"e) "?' 9o,2 girlA" he ex"lai*e,) 6e h!rrie,l' 4elt 4or a p!lse in the "ol,2 li*p &rist2 an, 4inall' 4elt it2 4aint an, slo&) "1e(+e got to get her 3loo, "ir"!latin(2 $og2" he &hispere, in near pani") 1ith his *ittene, han,s2 7,a*s 4ranti"all' s"rape, the sno& 4ro* !n,er the spr!"e2 piling it into a &all aro!n, /!e) 1hen it &as a3o!t three 4eet high2 he h!rrie, to the *!le an, ret!rne, &ith the 3!44alo hi,e) 6e &ent thro!gh the ,oorli#e opening he(, le4t in the "enter o4 the &all2 an, sprea, it on the gro!n,) 7,a*s stoo, a *o*ent2 "at"hing his 3reath2 then 3r!shing the sno& o44 /!e2 he li4te, her onto the hea+' ro3e) 74ter he 4ol,e, the e,ges tightl' aro!n, her2 he ran to sear"h o!t an, gather !p pie"es o4 ,r' li*3s 3eneath the stan, o4 trees) :la"ing the* into a loose pile2 he 5er#e, the s"ar4 4ro* aro!n, his ne"# an, sho+e, it !n,er the sta"#e, &oo,) e"a!se o4 his h!rr'ing an, his "ol,2 sti44 4ingers2 he 3ro#e t&o s!lph!r sti"#s 3e4ore he got a 4ire going) 1hen the 4la*es leapt high2 he *a,e another trip to the *!le2 ret!rning &ith a 3ottle o4 &his#e') Fneeling 3esi,e /!e2 he li4te, her hea, an, tilte, the 3ottle to her lips) "Co*e on2 /!e2" he or,ere, sharpl' as a 4ather &o!l, to his "hil,2 "open 'o!r lips an, s&allo& this)"

/!e2 in her se*i"ons"io!s state2 hear, the or,er an, o3e'e,) 6er lips parte, an, the ra& &his#e' tri"#le, ,o&n her throat) She gaspe,2 "ho#e,2 an, "o!ghe,) !t the al"ohol &ar*e, her sto*a"h an, spe, !p the 3eat o4 her heart) She opene, her e'es an, 3lin#e, at the ol, *an in "on4!sion) "7,a*s2" she "roa#e,2 "&hat are 'o! ,oing here0" "1hat are you ,oin( here is a 3etter =!estion0" 7,a*s ans&ere,) "1hat in the 3lazes are 'o! ,oin( o!t in a 3lizzar, alone0 .o!(, ha+e 4rozen to ,eath in another ho!r i4 $og ha,n(t 4o!n, 'o!)" 7 spas* o4 pain *o+e, a"ross /!e(s 4a"e) "- &as r!nning 4ro* so*ething &orse than ,eath2" she sai, hoarsel') e4ore 7,a*s "o!l, =!estion her strange state*ent2 she "rie, o!t in pain) The &ar*th o4 the 4ire an, the &his#e' ha, starte, the 3loo, "ir"!lating in her 4eet an, han,s) 7ll else &as 4orgotten as 7,a*s re*o+e, her 3oots an, so"#s an, 3egan to *assage her i"e-"ol, 4eet) Slo&l' the pain stoppe, as the "ol, ease, o!t o4 /!e(s 3o,') 1hen the &ar*th o4 the 4ire stole o+er her2 she loo#e, at 7,a*s an, her "ra"#e, lips parte, in a s*ile) ",i,n(t thin# - &o!l, e+er 3e &ar* again)" The ol, *an ret!rne, her s*ile2 then as#e,2 "7re 'o! h!ngr'0" "Star+ing)" She no,,e,2 an, the el,erl' trapper *a,e 'et another trip to the *!le that stoo, tail to the &in,) 6e re*o+e, the gr!3 sa"# tie, to the 3a"# o4 the sa,,le2 then too# the ti*e to lea, the ani*al into the shelter o4 the trees) -n a short ti*e /!e #ne& she ha, ne+er s*elle, an'thing so goo, as the aro*a o4 3re&ing "o44ee an, 4r'ing salt por# &a4ting to&ar, her) She &at"he, a+i,l' as 7,a*s pla"e, the larger share o4 the *eat on a tin plate2 a,,e, a pie"e o4 har,ta"#2 then han,e, it to her) She ate ra+eno!sl'2 !n"aring that her host &at"he, her &ith ,r' a*!se*ent) 1hen the *eal &as toppe, o44 &ith stea*ing "!ps o4 "o44ee2 7,a*s lit his pipe2 then loo#e, a"ross at /!e) "-(ll ha+e 'o!r stor' no&)" /!e set her "o44ee ,o&n an, stare, into the 4ire2 rel!"tantl' re*e*3ering &hat she &o!l, li#e to &ipe 4ro* her *e*or') 1ith pain an, 3itterness threa,ing thro!gh her +oi"e2 she spo#e) -n as 4e& &or,s as possi3le2 lea+ing o!t the nights o4 lo+e*a#ing &ith her h!s3an,@ she &as too asha*e, to tell that@she tol, 7,a*s &hat ha, happene, sin"e her arri+al at ?asters( ran"h) She en,e, &ith 6a&#e(s 3etra'al2 an, ho& she ha, e+ent!all' &o!n, !p !n,er the tree &here 7,a*s 4o!n, her) 1hen /!e 4inishe,2 7,a*s shoo# his hea, in 3e&il,er*ent) >e+er in a *illion 'ears &o!l, he ha+e tho!ght that 6a&#e ?asters &as "apa3le o4 s!"h a ,astar,l' a"t) 6e ha, #no&n right o44 that the *an &as har,2 3!t he ha,n(t rea, hi* as 3eing ,e"eit4!l)

6e ha, "ertainl' 3een o!tspo#en &ith /!e the night the t&o spent at the "a3in) 1h' &o!l, he 3a"# o44 telling her to her 4a"e that he &ante, o!t o4 the *arriage0 7,a*s gre& angr'2 4elt let ,o&n) 6e ha, al&a's tho!ght that he &as a goo, 5!,ge o4 people) 6e glan"e, at /!e(s ,ra&n 4a"e an, at the single tear that slippe, ,o&n her "hee#) ":!t it all 3ehin, 'o!2 girl)" 6e rea"he, o+er an, patte, her #nee) "7ll *en ain(t li#e that) 1e(ll hea, 4or *' pla"e in the *o*in() .o!(ll 3e sa4e there &ith *e an, $og)" 1hen /!e(s e'es than#e, hi*2 he a,,e,2 "-t(ll 3e right pleasant2 ha+in( so*eone to tal# to in the e+enins() $og ain(t *!"h on ans&erin( *e)" 6e grinne,) 7,a*s stoo, !p then an, stret"he, his tire, *!s"les) "<inish 'o!r "o44ee2 then get 3a"# in the 3e,roll) -(* gonna see ho& ?!le is ,oin()" The "o44ee ha, gro&n "ol, an, /!e po!re, it aro!n, the e,ges o4 the 4ire) 74ter *a#ing a nat!re "all 3ehin, the large tree tr!n#2 she h!rrie, to get into the &ar* 3e,roll) She la' a *o*ent2 then s"oote, o+er to lea+e roo* 4or 7,a*(s s#inn' 3o,') There &ere no other 3lan#ets2 she #ne&) 7s she ,ri4te, o44 to sleep2 she hear, 7,a*s sa'2 "$og2 'o! #eep an e'e on ?!le tonight) 6e(s ol, an, string'2 3!t -(* thin#in( the &ol+es &o!l,n(t *in, that)" So*eti*e ,!ring the night the &in, ,ie, ,o&n an, the sno& "ease,) There &as a &hite silen"e &hen 7,a*s a&a#ene, /!e at ,a&n) She 4o!n, hersel4 re4reshe,2 ex"ept 4or her han,s an, 4eet) The' &ere sore 4ro* 3eing nearl' 4rozen) She an, 7,a*s share, a "an o4 3eans he ha, &ar*e, an, ,ran# the le4to+er "o44ee 4ro* the night 3e4ore) The s#' in the east &as pin# &hen2 ri,ing ,o!3le on the ol, *!le2 the' starte, o!t2 the sno& !p to the *!le(s #nees2 an, !p to $og(s 3ell') ;e3 ?asters stare, o!t the #it"hen &in,o&2 his han,s "!ppe, at the si,es o4 his 4a"e2 "!tting ,o&n the re4le"tion o4 the lighte, la*p 3ehin, hi* on the ta3le) 7ll he sa& &as the ,ri+ing sno& an,2 ,i*l'2 the o!tlines o4 the o!t3!il,ings) The glass panes re4le"te, his anxiet') 1here &as 6a&#e0 6e ha, 3een gone 4or six ho!rs no&2 an, 4or the last t&o the sno&stor* ha, rage,) 6e "o!l, onl' hope an, pra' that his son ha, 4o!n, /!e an, that the' &ere hole, !p in one o4 their line sha"#s2 &aiting o!t the stor*) 6is gran,,a!ghter 4!sse, 4ro* the parlor an, ;e3 h!rrie, to her si,e) 6e p!lle, the 3lan#et she ha, tosse, asi,e 3a"# !n,er her "hin2 then re*o+e, the &et "loth 4ro* her 4orehea,) -t 4elt hot in his han, as he ,ippe, it into the 3asin o4 &ater on the 4loor) 1hen he ha, &r!ng o!t the s=!are o4 so4t 4lannel an, 3athe, the s*all 4l!she, 4a"e &ith it2 he loo#e, o+er his sho!l,er at To**'2 &ho stoo, rea,' to help in an'&a' he "o!l,) "9o 4et"h another pan o4 sno&2 son2" he sai, =!ietl') "This &ater is &ar*)" To**' gra33e, !p the 3asin an, hal4 ran to the ,oor2 &ater slopping onto the 4loor)

-n his "on"ern 4or his gran,,a!ghter2 ;e3 ,i,n(t noti"e the &et spots on his "herishe, "arpet) 6e &o!l,n(t ha+e sai, an'thing ha, he seen it) To**' &as 5!st as &orrie, as he &as a3o!t the little girl) 6e ,i,2 ho&e+er2 start to "hastise To**' &hen a *in!te later the 3o' 3!rst into the roo*2 the ,oor sla**ing 3a"# against the &all) !t the &or,s ,ie, on his lips &hen To**' "rie,2 "9ran,pa2 Cn"le 6a&#e is o!tsi,e2 sl!*pe, o+er the sa,,le) - thin# he(s 3een shot) There(s 3loo, all o+er the sa,,leA" ;e3 shot to his 4eet) "9o get ;osh2" he "alle, o+er his sho!l,er as he r!she, to the ,oor) To**' ,arte, o!t 3ehin, hi* an, &as hal4&a' to the 3!n#ho!se &hen ;e3 3egan to exa*ine 6a&#e) 6is e'es &ere ,ra&n i**e,iatel' to the ,ar# re, stain on the t&ill *aterial "o+ering the *!s"!lar thigh) 6e note, that the e,ges o4 the ,is"oloration &as ,r' an, 4rozen2 3!t &hen he "are4!ll' to!"he, a 4inger to its "enter2 he 4o!n, it &et an, &ar*) 6e shoo# his hea,) The &o!n, still 3le,) 6o& *!"h 3loo, ha, 6a&#e alrea,' lost0 ;e3 &on,ere, &ith a groan) 6e &as hol,ing his son(s li*p &rist2 "he"#ing his p!lse2 &hen To**' an, ;osh r!she, !p) "6o& 3a, is he0" ;osh as#e,2 "on"ern on his 4a"e) 7ltho!gh he &as 5ealo!s o4 the *an2 &o!l, ta#e his &i4e a&a' 4ro* hi* i4 he "o!l,2 ;osh still li#e, 6a&#e ?asters) "6e(s ali+e2 3!t 5!st 3arel'2" ;e3 ans&ere,2 his +oi"e sha#' as he ,roppe, 6a&#e(s &rist) "6is p!lse is +er' 4ee3le)" "6e(ll 3e all right2" ;osh sai, soothingl') "%et(s get hi* insi,e an, see ho& *!"h ,a*age has 3een ,one to hi*) See i4 he(s 3een shot an'&here else)" To**' ran ahea, an, hel, the ,oor open as 6a&#e &as "are4!ll' ha!le, 4ro* the sa,,le an, "arrie, 3et&een the t&o *en into the ho!se an, then into his 3e,roo*) The' stret"he, hi* o!t on the 3e, an, as ;e3 re*o+e, his 3oots an, then his tro!sers2 he glan"e, at his ho+ering &hite-4a"e, gran,son) "9o sit &ith 'o!r sister2 son2" he sai, gentl') ".o!r Cn"le 6a&#e is goin( 3e all right)" 7s he t!rne, his attention 3a"# to his son2 ;e3 silentl' pra'e, that his &or,s &ere tr!e) 7 =!i"# exa*ination sho&e, that 6a&#e ha, 3een shot onl' on"e2 an, that the 3!llet ha, gone thro!gh the 4lesh' part o4 his thigh2 3arel' *issing the 3one) ;osh stoppe, pressing aro!n, the &o!n, an, ga+e ;e3 a reass!ring s*ile) "The 4reezing &eather pro3a3l' sa+e, his li4e) -t slo&e, ,o&n the 4lo& o4 3loo,)" 6e straightene, !p) "1e sho!l,n(t ha+e an' pro3le* stopping this seepage) The =!estion is ho& *!"h 3loo, has he alrea,' lost)" "7 lot2 - thin#2" ;e3 ans&ere, gri*l') "The sa,,le an, Captain(s si,e is &et &ith it)"

;osh lai, a "o*4orting han, on the h!n"he, sho!l,ers) "1h' ,on(t 'o! go get *e so*e &ar* &ater2 a 3ottle o4 &his#e'2 an, *a'3e a sheet 4or 3an,ages0" ;e3 shoo# his hea, in 3e*!se*ent as he 4ille, a 3asin &ith &ater 4ro* the 3la"# "astiron #ettle on the 3a"# o4 the sto+e) Col, &ater 4or S!sie(s 4e+er2 &ar* &ater 4or 6a&#e(s &o!n,) 6e 4elt so *!,,le, an, &orrie, he hope, he "o!l, #eep the* straight) 1hen he ret!rne, to 6a&#e(s roo*2 a 3asin o4 &ater in one han,2 a sheet an, 3ottle in the other2 he 4o!n, that ;osh ha, "hange, 6a&#e(s shirt an, so*eho& *anage, to get hi* 3et&een the "o+ers) ;osh too# the &ater 4ro* his slightl' sha#ing han,s) "-(ll ta#e "are o4 the &o!n,2 ;e32 so stop &orr'in() .o!r son is as strong as a *!le an, 5!st as st!33orn) 6e(s not a3o!t to ,ie an, lea+e that prett' little &i4e o4 his 4or so*e other *an to ta#e)" <or the 4irst ti*e ;e3 tho!ght o4 /!e an, &as ,eepl' asha*e,) 1here &as she0 $i, the -n,ians ha+e her0 1as that ho& 6a&#e ha, 3een shot2 tr'ing to res"!e her0 Or2 &as she o!t there2 lost in the 3lizzar,0 6e ga+e a startle, 5er# &hen ;osh as#e, the =!estion that ha, 3een on the "o&3o'(s *in, sin"e entering the ho!se) "1here is /!e0 -s she si"#0 6as she "a!ght the little girl(s "ol,0" ;e3(s sho!l,ers sl!*pe, e+en lo&er) "- ,on(t #no&) She(s ,isappeare,) 6a&#e &as o!t loo#in( 4or her &hen he got shot)" 7lar* shot into ;osh(s e'es an, he 4ire, so *an' =!estions at ;e32 the ol,er *an loo#e, at hi* "!rio!sl') The ran"h han, see*e, !nnat!rall' &orrie, a3o!t /!e) 6is tone &as a little "ool as he ans&ere,2 "1e(re 5!st as in the ,ar# as 'o! are) "1e ha+e no i,ea ho& or &hen she ,isappeare,) 7ll &e #no& is that she(s gone) 7ll &e "an ,o is &ait !ntil 6a&#e "o*es to an, see i4 he 4o!n, an' tra"e o4 her 3e4ore he &as shot)"

Chapter Thirteen
The pale &inter s!n ha, set an, ,ar#ness &as arri+ing 4ast &hen the *!le stoppe, in 4ront o4 the ol, "a3in) /!e loo#e, at the st!r,' little 3!il,ing2 a sharp pang 5a33ing her 3reast as she re*e*3ere, the 4irst ti*e she(, seen it) 7ltho!gh it &as onl' *onths ago2 it see*e, li#e a li4eti*e sin"e she an, 6a&#e ha, spent a night here) 6er lips thinne, in a s*ile o4 sel4-,erision) She sho!l, ha+e tho!ght 3a"# to that night2 an, all the 4ollo&ing ,a's 3e4ore she lost hersel4 in a 4ool(s para,ise) 6er 4a"e 4la*e, &ith sha*e as she re*e*3ere, ho& easil' she ha, let hersel4 3e

ta#en in 3' 6a&#e2 ho& she ha, 3elie+e, his hone'e, &or,s2 ha, let hi* !se her) <or !se, her he ha,) 6e ha, spent his l!st on an !n&ante, &i4e !ntil he "o!l, get ri, o4 her an, ha+e the &o*an he lo+e,) /!e "a*e 3a"# to the present &hen 7,a*s t!gge, at her leg2 an, tease,2 ".o! gonna spen, the night on ?!le0" She ga+e a s*all 3itter la!gh as she sli, o44 the tire, *!le) "- &as 5!st re*e*3ering the 4irst ti*e - &as here2 an, o4 ho& 4oolish a 'o!ng girl "an 3e)" 7,a*s(s s*ile 4a,e, an, his e'es 3e"a*e serio!s) "$on(t linger on the past2 /!e) That(s histor' an, har, to "hange) .o! *!st loo# to the 4!t!re no&2 plan 'o!rsel4 a ne& li4e)" "- #no&2" /!e sai, &earil'2 "li*3ing o44 the *!le an, 4ollo&ing the ol, *an onto the s*all por"h) "/ight no& - ,on(t &ant to thin# 4arther than the present)" ".o!(ll 4eel ,i44erent in ti*e2 a4ter 'o!r heart an, *in, ha+e heale,)" 7,a*s p!she, open the "a3in ,oor an, stoo, asi,e 4or /!e to enter the ,ar# interior o4 the single roo*) She al*ost trippe, o+er $og r!shing past her) "That ,ing-3laste, ,og ain(t got no *anners2" the ol, *an gr!*pe,) ".o!(, 3etter stan, still2 /!e2 !ntil - light the la*p) -t(s 3la"#er than a &hore(s heart in here)" 6e s"rat"he, a s!lph!r sti"# on the !n,erneath o4 the ta3le an, in a *o*ent a s*all 4la*e p!she, 3a"# the ,ar#ness o4 the roo*) "Co*e sit ,o&n &hile - get a 4ire goin(2" he sai,2 #neeling in 4ront o4 the 4irepla"e) /!e ease, her tire, 3o,' into the 3lan#et-pa,,e, ro"#er an, &at"he, 7,a*s ra#e a&a' a thi"# la'er o4 ashes ,is"losing a 4e& re, "oals 3eneath the*) 6e rea"he, a han, into a large &oo,3ox an, 3ro!ght o!t a han,4!l o4 &oo, sli+ers an, lai, the* on the glo&ing e*3ers) 1hen the' "a!ght an, 3!rne, stea,il'2 he 4e, larger pie"es o4 &oo, to it) 74ter he t!ssele, a large 3a"#log 3ehin, the 4ire2 he straightene, !p an, ,!ste, o44 his han,s) "There2" he sai,2 "&e(ll 3e as &ar* as a &hore(s heart in no ti*e)" 7,a*s grinne, at /!e(s startle, loo#) "There(s goo, an, 3a, in all o4 !s2 /!e) B+en &hores)" 6e &aite, a se"on, then a,,e,2 "- g!ess - &as 5!st tr'in( to *a#e a point)" "6ahA" /!e sni44e,2 "- hope 'o!(re not in"l!,ing 6a&#e ?asters in 'o!r ,!3io!s o3ser+ation)" "- expe"t he treats his 4ather in a goo, &a')" /!e "o!l,n(t ,en' that) 6a&#e(s treat*ent o4 his 4ather &as a3o+e a+erage2 as &ell as the &a' he "are, 4or his nie"e an, nephe&) 1hen 7,a*s sa& that /!e &asn(t going to gi+e hi* a re3!ttal2 he "hange, the

s!35e"t) "- expe"t 'o!(re as h!ngr' as - a*) - got a pot o4 ra33it ste& in *' little storage she,) -(ll 3ring it in an, hang it o+er the 4ire) - i*agine it(s 4rozen2 so it(ll ta#e a&hile 4or it to &ar* !p)" 1hen 7,a*s le4t the "a3in2 /!e stoo, !p an, shr!gge, o!t o4 her 5a"#et an, h!ng it on a peg a44ixe, to the &all) She loo#e, ,o&n at her ,ress an, 4ro&ne,) The he* an, se+eral in"hes a3o+e it &ere *!,-staine, &ith t&o 3ig tears *i,&a' !p the s#irt2 "a!se, 4ro* her repeate, 4alls in her *a, ,ash 4or 4ree,o*) She s*ile, r!e4!ll') She(, ha+e to 3orro& so*e "lothes 4ro* the ol, *an) %!"#il' the' &ere aro!n, the sa*e size2 in height at least) 7 snat"h o4 "ol, air 4ollo&e, 7,a*s into the roo*) "-t(s gettin( "ol,er an, "ol,er o!t there2" he sai, as he s&!ng a "rane o!t o+er the 4ire then h!ng a 3la"# "ast-iron pot on it) "-t(s as "ol,@" "7s a &hore(s heart2" /!e la!ghingl' 4inishe, 4or hi*) ".eah)" 7,a*s grinne,2 stan,ing &ith his 3a"# to the 4ire2 his pal*s t!rne, to "at"h the &ar*th) 74ter a *o*ent he p!t his *ittens 3a"# on2 an, &al#ing to the ,oor2 sai, o+er his sho!l,er2 "Feep an e'e on the ste&2 &ill 'o!2 &hile - go p!t ?!le a&a'0" /!e no,,e, an, sat 3a"# ,o&n2 ro"#ing the "hair &ith a slight p!sh o4 her 4oot) She stare, into the 4la*es2 tr'ing to #eep her *in, 3lan# o4 the last 4e& *onths2 as tho!gh she ha,n(t li+e, thro!gh the*) $og p!she, his nose in her han,2 an, she i,l' s"rat"he, his ears2 &on,ering i4 her heart an, *in, &o!l, e+er heal2 as 7,a*s ha, sai, the' &o!l,) "1hen *e*ories o4 6a&#e persiste, in entering her *in,2 /!e got to her 4eet an, &al#e, to the shel4 &here 7,a*s #ept his plates2 "!ps2 an, eating !tensils) 1hen 7,a*s ret!rne, 4ro* ten,ing his 4aith4!l *!le2 the ste& &as 3eginning to stea*2 an, /!e ha, set the ta3le an, p!t a pot o4 "o44ee on) 1hile 7,a*s too# o44 his hea+' 5a"#et2 then &ashe, his han,s2 she ,ishe, !p their s!pper) oth &ere ra+eno!s2 an, no &or,s &ere spo#en 3et&een the* as the ste& =!i"#l' ,isappeare, 4ro* their plates) -t &as a4ter the'(, ha, their "o44ee an, /!e ha, "leare, the ta3le that the lo=!a"io!s 7,a*s spo#e) 6is sto"#inge, 4eet stret"he, to the 4ire2 his pipe "len"he, 3et&een his teeth2 he 3egan) "1hen - &as 'o!ng2 in *' t&enties2 - trappe, in Cana,a one &inter) 7 &il, an, tra"#less "o!ntr' &ith great 4orests an, ri+ers &here great her,s o4 "ari3o! roa*e, an, &ol+es see*e, to l!r# 3ehin, e+er' tree)" (e's like an Indian2 /!e tho!ght sleepil' as 7,a*s tal#e, on an, on2 ,es"ri3ing lan,*ar#s2 the 4reezing &eather2 the "!rrents an, e,,ies in a ri+er he(, "rosse, on"e) 6er hea, no,,e, in near sleep &hen 4inall' the ol, *an &o!n, ,o&n an, #no"#e, his pipe o!t on the hearth) 6e rose an, stoo, loo#ing ,o&n at /!e) "-(* &on,erin( 3o!t "lothes 4or 'o!2" he sai, as her e'es =!estione, hi*) "7 pair o4 *' long ;ohns &o!l, 3e &ar* an, "o*4orta3le to sleep in)" 6e ga+e a ,r' la!gh) "7s 4or that2 it &o!l,n(t h!rt to &ear the* !n,er 'o!r other "lothes)"

"7s 4or the* other "lothes)" 6e loo#e, at her torn an, 3e,raggle, ,ress) "- g!ess 'o!(ll ha+e to *a#e ,o &ith so*e o4 *ine)" 6e glan"e, at a tr!n# sho+e, in a "orner) "9o thro!gh *' ,!,s an, ta#e an'thing 'o! &ant) B+er'thing is "lean)" /!e stoo, !p an, hel, o!t her han,) "Than# 'o!2 7,a*s2 4or e+er'thing) -(, 3e 4rozen to ,eath 3' no& i4 'o! ha,n(t "o*e along)" 7,a*s gentl' s=!eeze, her han,) "-(* not a religio!s *an2 3!t - a* a 3elie+er) g!ess 9o, ,oes &or# in *'sterio!s &a's) -t(s li#e 6e set it all !p 3' ha+in( 'o! an, ?asters spen, the night here2 3a"# a&a's) 6e #ne& 'o!(, nee, a 4rien, later on)" 6e sa& the *oistness that sprang in /!e(s e'es an, "!rse, hi*sel4 4or 3eing an ol, 4ool) 6e sho!l,n(t ha+e 3ro!ght !p her h!s3an,(s na*e) The ,og &hine, an, n!,ge, his #nee an, 7,a*s 5!*pe, at the "han"e to p!t her *in, on so*ething else) "?e an, $og is gonna go o!tsi,e 4or a *in!te2 so ,ig a pair o4 &oollies o!t o4 the tr!n#)" 7t the ,oor he pa!se,2 loo#ing !n"o*4orta3le) "?' &i4e(s "ha*3er pot is !n,er 'o!r 3!n#2" he 4inall' sai,) /!e 4elt a little ill at ease hersel42 3!t *anage, to than# hi*) 7s soon as the ,oor "lose,2 she 3ent ,o&n an, retrie+e, the &hite ena*ele, +essel 4ro* &here it ha, sat 4or *an' 'ears) She ha, nee,e, its !se hal4 an ho!r ago) The long-legge, !n,er&ear la' on top o4 the neatl' 4ol,e, "lothes in the leather3o!n, tr!n#) /!e h!rrie, o!t o4 her "lothes an, p!t the* on2 then "ra&le, into 3e,) Ctterl' ,raine,2 e*otionall' an, ph'si"all'2 she &as al*ost asleep 3e4ore she 4inishe, p!lling the "o+ers aro!n, her sho!l,ers) 7 pale &inter s!n 4o!ght to penetrate the "a3in(s single gri*' &in,o& &hen /!e a&a#ene, the next *orning) 7ll &as =!iet in the s*all roo*2 an, she leane, !p on an el3o& an, loo#e, o+er at 7,a*s(s 3e,) -t &as neatl' *a,e) She s!ppose, he &as r!nning his traps alrea,'2 an, &on,ere, ho& earl' he starte, o!t) 7 4ire 3!rne, "ozil' in the 4irepla"e2 still /!e hate, lea+ing the &ar* "o"oon o4 her 3e,) On"e she le4t it2 she(, ha+e to 4a"e the "ol, realit' that li4e ,i,n(t hol, *!"h in store 4or her) She &as 3a"# &here she ha, starte,2 a 3lea# 4!t!re stret"hing ahea, o4 her) "7t an' rate2" she *!ttere,2 "- "an(t lie in 3e, all ,a')" She sat !p an, s&!ng her 4eet to the 4loor2 then 5er#e, the* 3a"# &ith a little "r') 6er 3are toes ha, to!"he, so*ething 4!rr') She pee#e, a loo# o+er the e,ge o4 the 3e,2 then ga+e an e*3arrasse, giggle) 7,a*s ha, pla"e, a pair o4 4!r-line, *o""asins next to the 3e, &here she &as s!re to 4in, the* &hen she got !p) )hat a caring, considerate man he is2 she tho!ght2 sho+ing her 4eet into the pa"s( &ar*th) She "rosse, the 3are 4loor to the 4irepla"e an, s*ile,) The "o44eepot sat on the hearth2 stea* still iss!ing 4ro* its spo!t) 7 tin "!p an, "anne, *il# sat on the *antle2 a s"rap o4 &hite paper sti"#ing o!t 4ro* 3eneath the tin) 7 note 4ro* 7,a*s)

"/!e2" she rea, o!tlo!,2 "*e an, $og are r!nnin( the traps) Sho!l,n(t ta#e too long sin"e all -(ll 3e ,oin( is 3aitin( e*) Feep the ,oor 3arre,2 an, ,on(t lea+e the "a3in) There(s all #in,s o4 +ar*ints in the &oo,s) <o!r-legge, ones as &ell as t&o-legge, ones)" It's a good feeling ha"ing someone care for you2 /!e *!se,2 po!ring a "!p o4 "o44ee then a,,ing *il# to the ,ar# 3ro&n li=!i,) Tr!l' "are, 4or2 not an a"t that &as p!t on 3e"a!se so*ething &as &ante, 4ro* her) /on't think about the past2 she sternl' re*in,e, hersel42 an, got 3!s' 4r'ing se+eral pie"es o4 salt por# o+er the 4ire) 74ter a se"on, "!p o4 "o44ee ha, &ashe, ,o&n her 3rea#4ast2 /!e r!**age, thro!gh 7,a*(s tr!n#) She 4o!n, se+eral pair o4 t&ill tro!sers2 4lannel shirts2 an, &oolen so"#s) There &ere also a hal4-,ozen pair o4 longlegge, !n,er&ear) "1hen she rose an, &al#e, 3a"# to the 4ire2 a "hange o4 "lothes la' o+er her ar*) She p!lle, on a pair o4 t&ills that 4it =!ite &ell ex"ept 4or the &aist an, length) She ga+e the "!44s a "o!ple t!rns2 then shr!gge, into the shirt) -ts slee+es &ere too long also2 3!t that &as =!i"#l' re*e,ie, as she rolle, the* !p 5!st 3elo& the el3o&s) "The'(ll ,o2" she *!ttere, to hersel4 "7n'&a'2 &ho(s to see *e ex"ept 7,a*s an, $og0" /!e loo#e, aro!n, the single roo*2 gri*a"ing as her e'es 4ell on the #it"hen area) She ,o!3te, that it2 or the ta3le ha, 3een s"r!33e, sin"e she ha, ,one it *onths ago) She "o!l, !se !p hal4 the ,a' "leaning the "a3in) 6er 4irst a"t2 ho&e+er2 &as to e*pt' the "ha*3er pot2 to rinse it o!t &ith sno&2 then sho+e it 3a"# !n,er the 3e,) "1hen she ha, s*oothe, the "o+ers o+er her 3e,2 she &ent 3a"# o!tsi,e to s"oop !p a pail o4 sno&) 1hile it *elte, an, heate,2 she gra33e, the 3roo*2 &hi"h she ,o!3te, ha, 3een !se, in *onths2 an, s&ept into the 4irepla"e a s*all *o!ntain o4 ,irt an, r!33le) %i#e *ost *en2 7,a*s ne+er &ipe, his 4eet 3e4ore entering his ho*e) The &ater &as stea*ing 3' then an, /!e ,!g o!t a 3attere, ,ishpan an, ,roppe, a 3ar o4 'ello& l'e soap into it) 74ter po!ring the hot &ater o+er it2 she pla"e, the plates2 "!ps2 4or#s2 spoons2 an, #ni+es into it to soa#) She &o!l, s"r!3 the pots2 pans2 an, s#illets last) 1hile the tins la' in their hot 3ath2 /!e lai, another log on the 4ire2 then loo#e, at the single &in,o& spe"!lati+el') -4 it &as "lean2 the "a3in &o!l, 3e e+er so *!"h 3righter) This &o!l, ne+er o""!r to 7,a*s sin"e he &as ne+er here in the ,a'light ho!rs2 at least in the &inter) She &ent 3a"# to the tr!n#2 an, s*ile, &hen at the +er' 3otto* she 4o!n, se+eral 4ol,e, 4!stain to&els) She li4te, the* o!t an, pla"e, the* on a "hair) Then2 &ith a pan o4 +inegar &ater in one han, an, a to&el an, ,ishrag in the other2 she atta"#e, the 3!ilt-!p gri*e o4 'ears on the &in,o&pane)

1hen the glass spar#le, 4ro* her r!33ing2 /!e gaze, thro!gh it2 a &i,e s*ile o4 pleas!re "!r+ing her lips) She ha, an !nparallele, +ie& o4 the +alle') She stare, at its *agni4i"en"e) Spr!"e an, pine to&ere, o+er the thi"# 3lan#et o4 sno&2 an, the near3' strea* &as a "lear 3l!e) 7s she gaze, enrapt!re,2 she sa& thro!gh the trees a 3!"# pa&ing at the "o+ering o4 sno& 4or so*e t!4ts o4 ,r' grass) She re*e*3ere, 6a&#e sa'ing that "o&s &ere too ,!*3 to !n"o+er so*ething to eat) That in the &inter &hen sno& "o+ere, the gro!n,2 ha' ha, to 3e 3ro!ght to the* or the' &o!l, star+e to ,eath) /!e ga+e hersel4 a *ental #i"#2 on"e again or,ering hersel4 to stop re*e*3ering an'thing that ha, to ,o &ith the past) ' l!n"h ti*e she ha, the ol, "a3in set to rights2 'ears o4 gro!n,-in ,irt s"r!33e, a&a') She ga+e the roo* a s&eeping loo# an, no,,e, her hea, in satis4a"tion) There &as no "o*parison to &hat it loo#e, li#e &hen she 4irst starte, in on it) -t loo#e, li#e people li+e, here no&) )hat to do now0 /!e &on,ere,2 then spotte, her soile, ,ress an, !n,er"lothing) She *ar"he, p!rposel' to the &oo,en t!3 hanging on the &all) She *a,e se+eral trips o!tsi,e 4or sno& 3e4ore she ha, eno!gh &ater heate, to hal4 4ill the t!3) 7ltogether2 it too# "lose to t&o ho!rs 3e4ore her "lothing &as &ashe, an, pla"e, near the 4ire to ,r') 74ter that2 ti*e la' hea+' on her han,s) 6er e'es &ent o4ten to the "lo"# as the a4ternoon ,ragge, on) She &as !se, to 3eing 3!s' 4ro* ,a'3rea# to night4all an, ,i,n(t #no& ho& to han,le i,leness) She "o!l,n(t re*e*3er e+er sitting ,o&n in the *i,,le o4 the ,a') 7 hea+' sigh es"ape, /!e(s lips) She "o!l,n(t e+en start s!pper) She ha, no i,ea &here 7,a*s #ept his *eat2 or e+en i4 he ha, an') 6o&e+er2 she re*e*3ere,2 she ha, seen a 3ig 3ag o4 3eans on the shel4 next to the &in,o&) 7lso there &as a large sla3 o4 salt por#) She &o!l, si**er a pot o4 3eans2 she ,e"i,e,) The s!n &as 5!st setting thro!gh the 4orest 4ringe &hen /!e sa& 7,a*s an, $og ret!rning ho*e) (e walks the same as ail mountain men2 she tho!ght2 re*e*3ering her gran,4ather2 toe in2 li#e an -n,ian) She h!rrie, to !n3ar the ,oor2 loneso*e 4or the so!n, o4 a +oi"e) $og r!she, in2 al*ost #no"#ing her o+er as he p!she, against her2 &hining a greeting2 his hea+' tail 3eating a tattoo against her leg) She r!33e, his ro!gh hea, an, s*ile, a &el"o*e at 7,a*s) !t the ol, *an ,i,n(t ret!rn it) 6e onl' stoo, an, stare,2 a *istiness 4or*ing in his e'es) "The pla"e ain(t loo#e, li#e this sin"e *' &i4e ,ie,)" 6is +oi"e &as gra+ell' &ith e*otion) "- hope 'o! ,on(t *in, that - "leane, !p a 3it2" /!e sai,) "-t helpe, *e pass the ti*e2" she ali3ie,2 not &anting to a,*it that she "o!l,n(t a3i,e ,irt) ">ot at all2 hone') - g!ess the pla"e &as a 3it o4 a 3oar(s nest)" 6e loo#e, ,o&n at the

"lean 4loor &here the sno& 4ro* his 3oots &as *a#ing a ,irt' p!,,le) "There(s a 3ig hea+' ,oor *at o!t in the she,) ?' &i4e al&a's *a,e *e ta#e o44 *' 3oots on it)" 6e opene, the ,oor) "-(ll go get it right no&)" 1hile 7,a*s &as gone2 /!e 4ille, a 3asin &ith &ar* &ater 4ro* the #ettle on the hearth an, lai, a to&el an, 3ar o4 'ello& soap 3esi,e it) She &as lighting the la*p &hen he ret!rne,) ">o&2 ho&(s that0" he as#e, a *in!te or so later a4ter !nrolling a large s=!are *a,e 4ro* se+eral thi"#nesses o4 3!rlap 3ags) /!e no,,e, her appre"iation &ith shin' e'es) "-t(s 5!st 4ine2" she sai,2 then a,,e, honestl'2 "- ,o li#e "lean 4loors)" "?ost &o*en ,o)" 7,a*s !n,erstoo,) "Co!rse there(s so*e &ho are as "areless as *en &hen it "o*es to "leanliness2" he sai,2 hanging !p his 5a"#et) "1h' - re"allD" /!e hi, her s*ile as her ol, 4rien, tal#e, on a3o!t slo+enl' ho!se#eepers2 &ater splashing all o+er as he &ashe, his 4a"e an, han,s) She ha, the 3eans on the ta3le 3' the ti*e 7,a*s 4inishe, &iping his han,s2 an, &as ta#ing a platter o4 4rie, salt por# 4ro* the hearth &here it ha, 3een #ept &ar*) "- ,i,n(t #no& &hat else to "oo#2" /!e apologize, 4or the s#i*p' s!pper as 7,a*s sat ,o&n at the ta3le) "- ,on(t #no& &here 'o! #eep 'o!r s!pplies)" "The 3eans are 5!st 4ine) -(* right partial to the*2" 7,a*s sai,2 4illing his plate 4ro* the pot) "-(, "oo# the* *'sel42 3!t -(* a4rai, to lea+e the* all ,a' !natten,e,) The' "o!l, 3oil ,r' an, 3!rn)" 74ter eating a "o!ple *o!th4!ls2 he sai,2 "?' *eat an, s!pplies are o!t there in the little she,) - ha,n(t *eant 4or 'o! to ,o the "oo#in(2 3!t - s!re ,o appre"iate it) -(ll gi+e 'o! the #e' to the pa,lo"#) .o! ha+e to #eep e+er'thing lo"#e, !p aro!n, here2 or the -n,ians &ill steal e+er'thing 3!t 'o!r 3a"# teeth) Bspe"iall' in the &inter i4 the' get h!ngr'2 &hi"h is *ost all the ti*e2 poor ,e+ils)" 7,a*s gre& silent then as he 4e, his e*pt' sto*a"h) !t /!e #ne& it &as onl' the l!ll 3e4ore the stor*) On"e his h!nger &as sate,2 an, he sat 3e4ore the 4ire2 he(, regale her &ith stories 4ro* his past) 6o&e+er2 as she sat &ith hi* later2 *en,ing her torn ,ress &hile he p!44e, on his pipe2 7,a*s ,i,n(t start a long-&in,e, tale) There &as a hesitation a3o!t hi*2 as tho!gh he &ere sear"hing 4or the right &or,s to express hi*sel4) And that is strange2 /!e tho!ght) The ol, *an ne+er see*e, at a loss 4or &or,s) She shot hi* a "!rio!s loo# &hen he sai, s!,,enl'2 al*ost ,e4ensi+el'2 ".o! #no& a *an ,on(t age *!"h2 li+in( in the &oo,s) Oh2 his hair *ight t!rn &hite2 a 4e& &rin#les appear on his 4a"e2 3!t o!tsi,e o4 rhe!*atiz settlin( in his 3ones 4ro* 3ein( expose, to the harsh ele*ents o4 &inter2 his 5!i"es re*ain *!"h the sa*e)" 1as he lea,ing !p to so*ething2 /!e &on,ere,2 or &as he ra*3ling in his !s!al 4ashion0 She too# a "lose loo# at his 4a"e) 1as he 3l!shing2 or &as it the 4la*es in the

4ire len,ing that re,ness to his 4eat!res0 7n, &h' &as he s=!ir*ing aro!n,0 She &as startle,2 sta33ing the nee,le in her 4inger2 &hen he 3l!rte, o!t2 "- ne+er *entione, it 3e4ore2 3!t - got *e a s=!a&)" /!e st!"# her &o!n,e, 4inger in her *o!th2 staring at 7,a*(s pro4ile) That &as the last thing she ha, expe"te, hi* to sa') S!,,enl' the h!*or o4 his "on4ession str!"# her an, she &as har, p!t not to la!gh o!t lo!,) She *a,e s!re her 4a"e an, +oi"e ,i,n(t re+eal her *irth as she ans&ere, "al*l'2 "That(s ni"e) $o 'o! +isit her o4ten0" 7,a*s(s 4a"e relaxe,) "- ,on(t +isit her) .o! get no pri+a"' in her +illage) She "o*es +isits *e) She sta's a &ee# o!t o4 e+er' *onth)" 6e &aite, a 4e& se"on,s2 then anno!n"e,2 "She(ll 3e sho&in( !p to*orro& night2 earl')" /!e(s e'es &i,ene, an, she #ne& a *o*ent o4 !n"ertaint') "1hat &as she s!ppose, to sa' to that0 she &on,ere,) She ro"#e, the "hair) Sho!l, she o44er to sleep in the little 3arn &ith ?!le0 7,a*s &as tal#ing again an, she "ease, ro"#ing2 gi+ing hi* her attention) "/ain' &ill 3e "o*pan' 4or 'o! &hile -(* o!t all ,a') 7n, &e &on(t 3e too "ro&,e, at night) 1e(ll 5!st set another plate at the ta3le an, p!ll !p another "hair 3e4ore the 4ire)" 6e "h!"#le,) "?e an, /ain' !se *' 3!n#2 so 'o!r 3e, &ill still 3e 'o!r o&n)" /!e =!i"#l' loo#e, a&a' 4ro* the 3ea*ing 7,a*s2 &on,ering i4 she &o!l,n(t rather share ?!le(s =!arters) Onl' a3o!t six 4eet separate, the t&o 3!n# 3e,s) 7n, the *attresses2 4ille, &ith ha'2 r!stle, e+er' ti*e 'o! t!rne, o+er) She "o!l, i*agine the noise the pair *a#ing lo+e &o!l, *a#e) She sense, that 7,a*s &at"he, her2 &aiting 4or a response) 1hat "o!l, she sa'0 That she(, 3e too e*3arrasse,2 #no&ing &hat &as going on 5!st a 4e& 4eet a&a' 4ro* her0 She re*e*3ere, the s=!a&(s !n!s!al na*e an, gra33e, at the s!35e"t) "/ain'(s na*e is as o,, as *ine2 ,on(t 'o! thin#0" she as#e,) "Oh2 that(s not her real na*e) That(s &hat - "all her) 6er 4ather na*e, her /ain On The <a"e &hen she &as 3o*) 6er *other &ent into la3or ,!ring a rainstor*) The' &ere "a!ght in it2 an, as soon as the 3a3' "a*e into the &orl,2 it got raine, on) -n,ians gi+e their ne&3orns na*es li#e that)" 6e grinne,) "- s!ppose i4 she(, 3een 3orn ,!ring a sno&stor*2 she(, 3e "alle, Sno& On The <a"e) -(, 3e "allin( her Sno&' then2 instea, o4 /ain')" /!e la!ghe,2 the !n!s!al na*e "leare, !p 4or her) !t later2 "!rle, !p in 3e,2 she trie, to i*agine &hite-haire, 7,a*s *a#ing lo+e to his s=!a& in the sa*e 4ashion 6a&#e ha, *a,eD She 4lippe, o+er on her si,e2 gi+ing the pillo& a &ha"#) /on't e"er think of him again, not in anywayA she "hastize, hersel4 angril') T&o ,a's passe, 3e4ore 6a&#e &as "ognizant o4 e+er'thing that ha, ta#en pla"e) -n that ti*e2 he ha, tosse, an, t!rne, in ,eliri!*2 "alling /!e(s na*e o+er an, o+er)

$ar# sha,o&s ha, appeare, 3eneath ;e3(s e'es as he ran 3a"# an, 4orth2 "aring 4or his t&o 3e,ri,,en patients) 6e &as too !pset o+er 6a&#e to p!t an' i*portan"e on S!sie(s ra*3ling a3o!t the &it"h &ho ha, ta#en 7!ntie /!e a&a') 6e tol, hi*sel4 that the "hil, ra+e, in a 4e+erin,!"e, night*are) 1hen son an, gran,,a!ghter 4inall' 3egan to *en,2 S!sie stoppe, as#ing 4or /!e an, ne+er *entione, the &it"h again) 7n, 6a&#e2 a4ter he listlessl' reporte, all that ha, happene, in his sear"h 4or /!e2 lapse, into silen"e) There &ere *an' silen"es as the &ee#s passe,2 so*e that &o!l, last 4or ho!rs) 7t 4irst ;e3 trie, to tal# to 6a&#e to 3ring hi* o!t o4 his ,eep ,espair) !t re"ei+ing little2 or no response 4or his e44ort2 he ga+e !p2 rel'ing on ti*e to heal the pain that gna&e, at his son) 6a&#e2 sno&3o!n,2 spent *ost o4 the ,a'light ho!rs2 stan,ing at the #it"hen &in,o&2 staring !p at the *o!ntain) Cp there2 so*e&here2 3!rie, 3eneath the sno&2 &as /!e) 6is lo+el'2 4ier' /!e) >e+er again &o!l, he hear her throat' la!ghter or hol, her in his ar*s) 1hen nearl' a *onth ha, passe,2 6a&#e ,e"i,e, that he "o!l, no longer stan, 3eing sh!t !p in the ho!se) There &ere too *an' *e*ories o4 /!e insi,e its &alls) 7s he slippe, into his hea+' 5a"#et2 ;e3 arg!e, that he sho!l, &ait at least another t&o &ee#s 3e4ore +ent!ring o!tsi,e) 6e onl' &aste, his 3reath as 6a&#e arg!e, 3a"# that his leg &as *en,e,2 &ith onl' a slight sti44ness re*aining) 7 4e& ,a's o4 a"ti+it' an, he(, ne+er #no& he(, 3een shot) Bx"ept 4or the s"ar that &o!l, al&a's re*in, hi* o4 /!e e+er' ti*e he loo#e, at it2 he a,,e, to hi*sel4) T&ent' *in!tes later 6a&#e sat his stallion on a s*all #noll2 loo#ing ,o&n on the &hite silen"e o4 the sno&-"o+ere, +alle'2 h!rting to his +er' so!l) 6e ha, 4inall' a""epte, the 4a"t that /!e &as gone2 an, it ha, t!rne, hi* into a "ol,2 3itter *an2 an e*pt' shell o4 &hat he ha, on"e 3een) Onl' his 4ather an, the "hil,ren #ept hi* sta'ing on at the ran"h) -4 not 4or the*2 he(, ha+e ri,,en a&a' as soon as he &as a3le to *o!nt a horse) (ow I en"y 4osh2 6a&#e tho!ght2 his e'es ,!ll) 6is 4ore*an ha, ri,,en a&a' as soon as the 4e+er ha, le4t his 3oss2 an, all his +ital signs &ere goo,) 6e ha, #no&n that his ra*ro, &as ,eepl' attra"te, to /!e2 3!t in his 5ealo!s' ha, 3elie+e, that ;osh onl' &ante, to ta#e her to 3e,) 6e 4elt sorr' 4or the *an no&2 4or he #ne& the pain ;osh2 too2 *!st ha+e s!44ere, at her ,isappearan"e) The &in, *oane, in the trees an, there &as a 4eeling o4 sno& in the air) Another cold blanket for my poor little 5ue2 6a&#e tho!ght2 his sho!l,ers sagging) The sha,o&s thi"#ene,2 3!t still 6a&#e re*aine,) 6e ,rea,e, ret!rning ho*e) The ho!se see*e, so e*pt' no&) :a &ent a3o!t2 his 4a"e still2 spea#ing =!ietl' &hen he ,i, tal#) B+en the "hil,ren ,i,n(t ro*p an, pla'2 la!gh an, arg!e2 li#e the' ha, &hen /!e &as &ith the*) Clo!,s o4 4rost' 3reath iss!e, 4ro* the stallion(s nostrils as he sta*pe, his hoo4s against the "ol,2 anxio!s to get 3a"# to his &ar* sta3le) 6a&#e patte, Captain(s shin'

3la"# ne"#2 an, &ith a sigh o4 resignation2 he t!rne, the *o!nt ho*e&ar,) The &in, &as ,ri+ing &hite pellets o4 sno& in his 4a"e &hen the ,ar# sha,o& o4 the ho!se loo*e, in 4ront o4 6a&#e) Thro!gh the lighte, &in,o&2 he "o!l, see the "hil,ren sitting at the ta3le2 listlessl' &at"hing their gran,4ather as he &or#e, aro!n, the #it"hen range preparing s!pper) 7 ran"h han, *o+e, o!t o4 the ,ar#ness an, 6a&#e han,e, Captain to hi* &ith a 3rie4 than#s) The "o&3o' &asn(t s!rprise, at the single &or,) Their 3oss ,i,n(t tal# *!"h these ,a's2 an, s*ile, less) O4 "o!rse he ,i,n(t ha+e *!"h to s*ile a3o!t2 losing his 'o!ng &i4e an, all) 7s the "o&3o' le, Captain a&a'2 he &on,ere, i4 6a&#e &o!l, t!rn to %illie ?e'ers again) 6e ha, seen the &o*an ri,e !p to the ho!se this a4ternoon) 6er 3eing a &i,o& no&2 she no longer ha, to snea# aro!n, to see 6a&#e) "- &as gettin( &orrie, a3o!t 'o!2 son)" ;e3 loo#e, !p 4ro* the sto+e &hen 6a&#e entere, the #it"hen) "- tho!ght *a'3e 'o!r leg ha, gi+en o!t on 'o!)" ">o2 the leg is 4ine2 :a2" 6a&#e ans&ere,2 hanging his 5a"#et on a peg2 then sta*ping the sno& o44 his 3oots onto a r!g /!e ha, lai, there an, ha, insiste, e+er'one !se) "&as 5!st "he"#in( i4 the *en ha, ha!le, eno!gh ha' to the "attle)" "The' sho!l, ha+e2" ;e3 gr!nte,2 t!rning o+er a stea# in the hea+' s#illet) "The'(+e 3een &or#in( ten ho!rs a ,a' 3ringin( it o!t to the ,!*3 "ritters)" ' the ti*e 6a&#e &ashe, !p at the ,r' sin#2 ;e3 ha, the stea#s on the ta3le2 along &ith 3oile, potatoes an, so*e har,-loo#ing 3is"!its) "So2 &hat ,i, 'o! ,o this a4ternoon0" 6a&#e as#e,2 gi+ing To**' a poor 4a"si*ile o4 his ol, s*ile2 then r!44ling S!sie(s hair) "1e ,i,n(t ,o *!"h o4 an'thing2" To**' gro!"he,) "-t &as too "ol, to go o!tsi,e)" ".eah2 it(s "ol, o!t there2" 6a&#e agree,2 ha+ing a har, ti*e sa&ing thro!gh a to!gh pie"e o4 stea# he ha, helpe, hi*sel4 to) 1hen To**' an, S!sie ga+e !p tr'ing to "!t thro!gh their *eat an, pi"#e, it !p &ith their 4ingers to gna& on it2 ;e3 sai, apologeti"all'2 "- #no& -(* not *!"h o4 a "oo#) >ot li#eD"6e pa!se, an, no one 4inishe, the senten"e 4or hi*) -t &asn(t ne"essar') 7ll three #ne& to &ho* he &as re4erring) S!pper &as o+er an, the "hil,ren ha, gone to 3e, &hen ;e3 loo#e, !p 4ro* his "onte*plation o4 the 4ire) "That ?e'ers &o*an &as here this a4ternoon) 6er *o!nt &as a3o!t ,ea, 4ro* 4ightin( its &a' thro!gh ,ri4ts o4 sno&) So*e3o,' o!ght to *a#e her pl!nge thro!gh ,ri4ts !p to her 3ell') She *ight thin# t&i"e then 3e4ore *a#in( a poor ,!*3 ani*al ,o it)" "-t(s ,o!3t4!l2 :a) %illie ?e'ers is not one to ha+e so4t 4eelins( 4or an ani*al@or a h!*an2 "o*e to that)"

"She sai, to tell 'o! she(, 3e 3a"# to*orro&) Sai, it real 3oss'-li#e2 li#e - &as one o4 the hire, han,s)" "$on(t let her rile 'o!2 :a) She(s not &orth a se"on, tho!ght)" "She(s a sha*eless h!ss'2 that(s &hat she is) Chasin( a4ter a *an &hen her h!s3an, is 3arel' "ol, in the gra+e2 an, poor littleD" 7gain ;e3 let a senten"e ,angle) -t gre& =!iet 3et&een the t&o *en2 the snapping o4 the 4ire a 3a"#gro!n, to &hate+er paths their *e*ories too#) 7 log 3!rne, thro!gh an, 4ell &ith a so4t th!,2 5arring 6a&#e an, ;e3 3a"# to present) "- expe"t &e o!ght to get to 3e,2 son2" ;e3 sai,2 stan,ing !p) 6a&#e agree,2 3!t the last thing he &ante, to ,o &as go to that "ol,2 e*pt' 3e, an, 3lee, insi,e 3e"a!se /!e &asn(t "!rle, !p in his ar*s)

Chapter Fourteen
"1hen /!e hear, the ,oor lat"h rattle2 her han, 4roze on the long-han,le, spoon she(, 3een stirring the +enison ste& &ith) She #ne& it &asn(t 7,a*s) 6e al&a's *a,e a lot o4 noise sta*ping the sno& o44 his 3oots &hile $og &hine, an, s"rat"he, at the ,oor) 7 gna&ing 4ear 3!il,ing insi,e her2 she *o+e, =!ietl' to the ,oor an, stoo, listening2 straine, an, tense,) The "a3in sat at the en, o4 the +alle'2 isolate,2 +!lnera3le to atta"# 3' &hite *an or -n,ian) She glan"e, at the ol, 4lintlo"# o+er the *antle an, &on,ere, i4 it still &or#e,2 or &as it so*ething 4ro* the ol, *an(s past that he #ept o!t o4 nostalgia) !t e+en i4 it still &or#e,2 she ,o!3te, she "o!l, han,le the long2 a&#&ar, thing) /!e grippe, the &oo,en 3ar an, shoo# it) -t hel, 4ast2 soli, an, ,epen,a3le) 7 *an &o!l, ha+e to ta#e an axe to it in or,er to get insi,e) >ot so 4rightene, no&2 /!e tol, hersel4 that she &o!l, 5!st ignore &hoe+er &as o!t there2 an, sit =!ietl' a&a' 4ro* the &in,o&) The &in,o&A 1hat i4 &hoe+er &as o!t there ,e"i,e, to 3rea# the glass0 She(, 3etter "lose the sh!tters real =!i"# an, 3ar the* as &ell) She &as a3o!t to h!rr' a&a' 4ro* the ,oor &hen a 4e*inine +oi"e "alle, tentati+el'2 "7,a*sD are 'o! in there0" /!e 3reathe, a ragge, sigh o4 relie4 -t &as 7,a*s(s s=!a&) She &as earl') The ol, *an ha, sai, she(, 3e arri+ing in the e+ening)

I can't ust lea"e her standing outside2 /!e tho!ght2 an, li4te, the 3ar 4ro* the iron "la*p) She s&!ng open the ,oor an, gaze, at the startle, -n,ian &o*an2 &ho "l!t"he, a sno&-"o+ere, 3lan#et shiel,ing her hea, an, sho!l,ers) 7,a*sD he is not here0" the &o*an as#e, ti*i,l'2 "on"ern in her +oi"e) "6e(s still gathering his 4!rs)" /!e s*ile, at the 3!l#' shape2 !na3le to *a#e o!t her 4a"e "on"eale, 3' the "o+ering p!lle, 4or&ar,) She opene, the ,oor &i,er) "Co*e on in an, get &ar*) 6e sho!l, 3e "o*ing along an' *in!te)" The &o*an steppe, insi,e an, re*o+e, the &et2 ragge, 3lan#et) ".o!r na*e is /ain'2 isn(t it0" /!e too# the arti"le 4ro* her) "That is &hat 7,a*s "alls *e)" There &as a*!se*ent in the -n,ian(s +oi"e) "?' na*e is /!e2 -(* a 4rien, o4 7,a*s2" /!e sai,2 hanging the &rap on a peg) "Co*e sit 3' the 4ire an, &e(ll ha+e so*e "o44ee &hile &e &ait 4or hi*)" /!e 3!stle, ner+o!sl' aro!n,2 4illing t&o "!ps &ith "o44ee2 her ears att!ne, 4or 7,a*s(s arri+al) She &ishe, he(, get ho*e) She ,i,n(t #no& ho& to entertain the &o*an2 &hat to tal# to her a3o!t) 6er onl' en"o!nter &ith -n,ians ha, 3een a 4rightening experien"e) She han,e, /ain' a "!p2 an, got her 4irst goo, loo# at 7,a*s(s la,' 4rien,) She's certainly no beauty2 /!e tho!ght o4 the 4ort'ish-loo#ing &o*an) 6er 4eat!res &ere 4lat2 an, her s#in 3a,l' s"arre, 4ro* s*allpox) 6er sh' s*ile as she too# the "!p &as 3ea!ti4!l2 ho&e+er2 an, /!e &ar*e, to her) She ha, 3een h!ngr' 4or a &o*an(s "o*pan' 4or a long ti*e) "6a+e 'o! &al#e, 4ar2 /ain'0" she as#e,2 a4ter ta#ing a sip o4 "o44ee) ".o! *!st 3e tire,)" "- no &al#)" /ain' shoo# her hea,) "- ri,e pon') - p!t in 3arn)" "Oh)" /!e 4ro&ne, slightl'2 &on,ering ho& it ha, 3een possi3le that she ha,n(t hear, that) She #ne& that -n,ians ha, the a3ilit' to *o+e al*ost noiselessl'8 &ere their ponies ta!ght to ,o this also0 She re*e*3ere, then that -n,ian *o!nts &eren(t sho,) "1ith the "o+ering o4 sno& on the gro!n,2 it &o!l, ha+e 3een har, 4or her to ha+e hear, hoo43eats) 7n a&#&ar, silen"e 3!ilt 3et&een the t&o &o*en2 an, /!e sear"he, her *in, 4or so*e "o**on s!35e"t the' "o!l, "on+erse a3o!t) >othing "a*e to *in,) Their &orl,s &ere so ,i44erent 4ro* ea"h other) She represse, a 3ig sigh o4 relie4 &hen she hear, the 4a*ilar so!n, o4 7,a*s sta*ping his 4eet2 an, $og s"rat"hing at the ,oor) She al*ost ran to li4t the hea+' 3ar2 then steppe, =!i"#l' o!t o4 the &a' &hen 7,a*s r!she, in2 ex"lai*ing2 "-s /ain' here 'et0"

/!e grinne,) She ha,n(t #no&n the ol, *an "o!l, *o+e so 4ast) She &at"he, "!rio!sl' to see the pair greet ea"h other2 an, &as a little ,isappointe,) The' ,i, not r!sh into ea"h other(s ar*s as she ha, i*agine, the' &o!l,2 3!t onl' grippe, ea"h other(s han,s2 s*iling happil') "6o& ha+e 'o! 3een2 /ain'0" 7,a*s as#e, so4tl') ".o! loo# thinner than the last ti*e 'o! &as here) .o! got eno!gh 4oo, in 'o!r +illage0" "7l*ost nothing)" /ain' shoo# her hea, sa,l') "The 3ra+es ha+e r!n o!t o4 3!llets 4or ri4les2 an, no& ,epen, on 3o&s an, arro&s)" The sa, lines on her 4a"e ,eepene,) "7t least s*allpox hasn(t "o*e to o!r +illage li#e that o4 the 7rapaho tri3e to the east) -t is 3a, &ith the*) 7 4e& ,ie e+er' &ee# 4ro* h!nger or si"#ness)" /!e(s han,s grippe, the 3a"# o4 a "hair) /ain' &as tal#ing a3o!t the tri3e that li+e, near the ran"h2 the ones Sl' ha, ta#en her to) She tho!ght o4 the 3o'2 %ittle Star2 the one &ho ha, "!t her 3on,s2 setting her 4ree) 1as his little sto*a"h grippe, &ith h!nger pains tonight0 She &on,ere, i4 he &as e+en ali+e) She pra'e, that he &as) 7,a*s interr!pte, /!e(s &orriso*e tho!ghts) "That ste& s!re s*ells goo,2 hone') -s it a3o!t rea,' to 3e ,ishe, !p0" ";!st as soon as 'o!(+e &ashe,2" /!e ans&ere,) 7 short ti*e later the three o4 the* sat at the ta3le2 eating &ith heart' appetites2 espe"iall' /ain') /!e &on,ere, i4 the &o*an &o!l, e+er stop eating) She "o!l,n(t 3elie+e the a*o!nt o4 4oo, /ain' "ons!*e, &as a "o*pli*ent to /!e(s "oo#ing2 3!t rather 4ro* near star+ation) 1hen the 3ig pot in the *i,,le o4 the ta3le &as e*pt'2 /ain' &ipe, the 3a"# o4 her han, a"ross her *o!th2 an, gi+ing a lo!, 3!rp2 she s*ile,2 an, sai,2 "9oo, ste&2 /!e)" "Than# 'o!2 /ain')" /!e s!ppresse, her sho"# at the +!lgar so!n, an, s*ile, 3a"#) 1hen she 3egan to sta"# the ,irt' ,ishes2 /ain' rose 4ro* the ta3le) "- help 'o!)" ">o2 no2 'o! go sit 3e4ore the 4ire &ith 7,a*s) .o! *!st ha+e a lot to sa' to ea"h other)" /ain'(s 3ro& &rin#le, in tho!ght) "?e an, 7,a*s2 &e ,on(t tal# *!"h2" she sai,) "$o 'o! tal# to 7,a*s0" /!e s*ile, &r'l') "So*e) !t *ostl' - listen &hile he tal#s)" /ain' "la*pe, a han, o+er her *o!th2 s*othering a giggle) "?e too) - listen) 7,a*s2 he is long o4 &in,)" /!e la!ghe, o!t lo!,) The -n,ian &o*an ha, a goo, sense o4 h!*or2 she tho!ght as /ain' sat ,o&n 3esi,e 7,a*s) One nee,e, that in or,er to p!t !p &ith the ol, &in,3ag) She s*ilingl' shoo# her hea, &hen 7,a*s starte, in on a long2 in+ol+e, tale)

/!e too# her ti*e "leaning the #it"hen area2 gi+ing the pair so*e pri+a"') ?a'3e /ain' &ante, to sa' so*ething to 7,a*s that she &ante, #ept se"ret) !t &hen the ol, *an ra*3le, on an, on2 gi+ing /ain' no opening to spea# i4 she &ante, to2 /!e 5oine, the*2 ta#ing a seat on the raise, hearth) -t see*e, she ha, 3arel' settle, hersel4 &hen 7,a*s &as stan,ing !p an, &in,ing the "lo"#2 his last a"t 3e4ore retiring) 1as he going to 3e, alrea,'0 <or goo,ness sa#e(s2 it &as 3arel' past se+en o("lo"#) Cs!all' he ,i,n(t r!n ,o&n !ntil ten at least) "-(+e ha, a 3!s' ,a'2" he *!ttere,2 a+oi,ing /!e(s startle, loo#) "-(, li#e to t!rn in earl')" /ain' giggle,2 an, /!e !n,erstoo, 7,a*s(s h!rr') The ol, s"a*p "o!l,n(t &ait to get the -n,ian &o*an in 3e,) 6e ha, *eant it &hen he sai, that his 5!i"es ha,n(t ,rie, !p) /!e got to her 4eet2 anno!n"ing that she &as tire, also) She sai, goo, night an, =!i"#l' ,isro3e, ,o&n to her long-legge, !n,er&ear) /!e hope,2 as she slippe, 3et&een the "o+ers2 that 7,a*s &o!l, gi+e her ti*e to 4all asleep 3e4ore he starte, stirring his 5!i"es) She(, 3e e*3arrasse, to ,eath i4 she ha, to lie there an, listen to the*) She la' on her 3a"#2 staring !p at the "eiling2 &illing sleep to "o*e) The *ore she "on"entrate, on it2 ho&e+er2 the *ore a&a#e she 3e"a*e) She 5!st &asn(t !se, to going to 3e, so earl') %h, hell2 she &aile, in&ar,l' &hen 7,a*s(s *attress 3egan to r!stle2 a""o*panie, &ith his gr!nts2 an, the slapping o4 t&o 3are 3o,ies in rh'th*i" ti*e) /!e trie, to sh!t o!t &hat &as going on onl' a 4e& 4eet a&a'2 3!t it &as i*possi3le) 6er ol, 4rien, &as =!ite g!st' as he so!ght his satis4a"tion2 not at all a silent lo+er) She p!lle, her pillo& o+er her hea,2 thin#ing that s!rel' the 3e,4ra*e &o!l, "ollapse2 tossing the pair onto the 4loor) <inall'2 a4ter se+eral *in!tes2 the th!*ping an, slapping rapi,l' es"alate,2 the 3e, "rea#ing in protest) 7,a*s *a,e a strangling so!n,2 then all &as =!iet2 onl' the so!n, o4 his hea+' 3reathing 4illing the roo*) At last2 /!e sighe,) #aybe I can get to sleep now) She ease, on to her si,e2 "are4!l not to alert the "o!ple that she &as still a&a#e) She "o!l, ,i*l' *a#e o!t the shapes o4 the lo+ers2 7,a*s still spra&le, on top o4 /ain') 74ter a *o*ent2 ho&e+er2 he rolle, o44 her an, lai, 4lat on his 3a"#) /!e &as a3o!t to "lose her e'es &hen /ain' sat !p an, *o+e, to #neel 3et&een 7,a*s(s sprea, legs) 9i+ing an i*patient snort2 /!e t!rne, her 3a"# to the*2 !n"aring &hether the' #ne& she &as a&a#e or not) She p!lle, the pillo& o+er her hea,2 sh!tting o!t /ain'(s *inistrations an, 7,a*s(s rasp'2 hea+' 3reathing) She &as ,ri4ting o44 to sleep &hen the 3!n# 3e, 3egan s=!ea#ing again) %h no2 she

tho!ght2 gi+ing her pillo& a &ha"#) Adams, you old fool, you won't be able to walk tomorrow, let alone run your traps) The next *orning &hen /!e a&a#ene,2 ho&e+er2 7,a*s ha, alrea,' starte, his ro!n,s) /ain' sat at the ta3le2 sipping "o44ee2 a +er' "ontente, loo# on her 4lat 4a"e) /!e &at"he, her a *o*ent2 thin#ing that the &o*an &o!l, 3e terri3l' e*3arrasse, &hen she ha, to 4a"e /!e) /!e &as *!sing ho& she "o!l, *a#e it easier 4or 3oth o4 the* &hen /ain' loo#e, !p an, s*ile, at her) There &as no e*3arrass*ent2 no g!ilt) 6a, the pair o4 lo+ers tho!ght she &as asleep a4ter all2 or ,i, the' ta#e the attit!,e that "o!pling &as a nat!ral a"t an, that she &o!l, loo# !pon it as s!"h0 /!e sat !p an, s&!ng her 4eet to the 4loor) "$i, 'o! sleep &ell last night2 /ain'0" she as#e,2 h!rr'ing to the 4ire an, t!rning her 3a"#si,e to it) "Oh 'es2 a little)" /ain' giggle,) ">e+er sleep *!"h 4irst night &ith 7,a*s) -t ta#es *ost o4 the night to ease his h!nger)" "So - ,is"o+ere,2" /!e *!ttere, !n,er her 3reath) "6e &as li#e an ol, hog &ith a tro!gh4!l o4 slop)" To /!e(s s!rprise2 she en5o'e, /ain'(s +isit) The' spent the a4ternoons in 4ront o4 the 4ire tal#ing together2 so*eti*es "o*paring "!lt!res) /!e pri+atel' ga+e than#s 4or 3eing &hite2 &hile /ain' tho!ght that in the *ain &hite &o*en &ere a !seless2 pa*pere, lot) 7n, than#4!ll'2 a4ter that 4irst night 7,a*s ,i,n(t h!stle /ain' o44 to 3e, as soon as s!pper &as o+er) 6e &as "ontent to sta' !p2 tal#ing a&a' !ntil his !s!al ti*e 4or retiring) !t e+er' night the 3!n# 3e, "rea#e, an, groane, at least on"e) /ain'(s &ee# "a*e to an en,2 an, the s!n shone 3right the *orning she prepare, to ret!rn to her +illage) /!e &as s!rprise, that she hate, to see /ain' lea+e2 that she &o!l, *iss the genial -n,ian &o*an) She ha, gro&n +er' 4on, o4 her) 7,a*s loo#e, !p 4ro* 4illing "loth 3ags &ith the s!pplies he(, 3ro!ght in 4ro* the storage she,) "- &ish - "o!l, gi+e 'o! *ore2 /ain'2" he sai,2 t'ing o44 a 3ag o4 3eans2 then *eting o!t so*e s!gar2 "3!t it(s still a &a's !ntil the passes *elt an, - "an get to to&n to 3!' *ore)" "$o not &orr' a3o!t *e2 7,a*s)" /ain' lai, a han, on his ar*) "The t&o ,eer 'o! shot 'ester,a' &ill 4ill *an' h!ngr' 3ellies)" 7,a*s &al#e, o+er to the *antle &here he #ept his 3oxes o4 a**!nition 4or his ri4le) 6e stoo, a *in!te2 "o!nting the thin shells2 then shoo# his hea,) "- &ish - "o!l, gi+e 'o! so*e shells 4or the 3ra+es to !se2 3!t *' s!ppl' is gettin( lo&)" "1e &ill 3e all right2" /ain' again ass!re, the ol, *an) "1inter h!nger nothing ne& to o!r people) 1e *anage)"

"1ell2 let(s get starte, then2" 7,a*s sai,2 li4ting the 3!lging ha+ersa"# o44 the ta3le) "- &ant to get 'o! 3a"# to 'o!r +illage 3e4ore ,ar#)" /!e too# /ain'(s 3lan#et o44 its peg an, ,rappe, it o+er her hea, an, sho!l,ers) "loo# 4or&ar, to 'o!r next +isit2 /ain')" She ga+e the &o*an a =!i"# h!g2 not #no&ing &hether she sho!l, #iss her "hee#) /ain'(s 4a"e 4l!she, &ith pleas!re) She ha, not #no&n the &ar* e*3ra"e o4 a &o*an sin"e she lost her *other &hen she &as 4i4teen 'ears ol,) She 3lin#e, a&a' the tears that shi**ere, in her e'es) "- a* lea+ing *' pon' &ith 'o!2 /!e)" " !t2 /ain'2 - "an(t ta#e 'o!r *o!nt2" /!e proteste,) "6o& &ill 'o! get ho*e0" "She(s gonna ri,e &ith *e on ?!le2" 7,a*s explaine,2 gi+ing /!e a &arning loo#) "-t &ill please /ain' i4 'o! ta#e her pinto)" /!e ga+e a slight no, o4 !n,erstan,ing) /ain' &o!l, 3e h!rt i4 she re4!se, her genero!s gi4t) She s*ile, her a""eptan"e) "Than# 'o! +er' *!"h2 /ain') - &ill ta#e the 3est o4 "are o4 hi*) - onl' &ish - ha, so*ething to gi+e 'o!)" ".o! ha+e gi+en *e 'o!r 4rien,ship2" /ain' sai, so4tl') ">o &hite &o*an has e+er ,one this 3e4ore)" "Then it is their loss2" /!e sai,2 her e'es s!spi"io!sl' &et no&) 7,a*s h!stle, /ain' o!tsi,e then2 anxio!s to get starte,) -t &o!l, ta#e hi* an ho!r to get /ain' ho*e an, then he ha, to r!n his traps) -t &o!l, 3e &ell a4ter ,ar# 3' the ti*e he ret!rne, to the "a3in) /!e &at"he, the pair ri,e o!t o4 sight2 then t!rne, 4ro* the &in,o& &ith a sigh) The "a3in see*e, so e*pt' &itho!t /ain'(s "hatter) -t ha, hel, 3a"# tho!ghts o4 6a&#e2 o4 the pain an, 3itterness he ha, ,one to her) -t &o!l, all ret!rn to ha!nt her no&) She s*ile, *irthlessl') /ain'(s presen"e ha,n(t helpe, her at night2 &hen she la' in 3e,2 al*ost ,rea,ing to 4all asleep) 7 night sel,o* passe, that she ,i, not ,rea* o4 6a&#e) The ,rea*s ne+er +arie,2 onl' their "ontents ,i44ere,) She ,i,n(t #no& &hi"h &as &orse) The one in &hi"h she ,rea*e, o4 6a&#e(s *a#ing lo+e to her2 stirring the !n,il!te, passion he al&a's ro!se, in her2 lea+ing her a"hing &hen she a&o#e &ith !nrelease, passion th!,,ing thro!gh her 3o,'2 an, hatre, 4or hersel4 that she still ,esire, her h!s3an,) Or the other #in, o4 ,rea*2 /!e *!se,2 po!ring hersel4 a "!p o4 "o44ee an, sitting ,o&n at the ta3le) She spoone, s!gar into the 3la"# li=!i,2 re*e*3ering last night(s ,rea*2 &hi"h ha, 3een *ore o4 a night*are) -t starte, o!t the sa*e as al&a's) She ha, 3een 3a"# at the ran"h2 ri,ing ea!t') Then s!,,enl' 6a&#e an, %illie ro,e o!t o4 a pat"h o4 trees an, stoppe, their *o!nts to stare at her) She "o!l, 4eel their hatre, a"ross the ,istan"e) 74ter a *o*ent o4 tr'ing to ret!rn their threatening loo#s2 she t!rne, ea!t' aro!n, an, ro,e a&a'2 not #no&ing &here she &as going)

!t last night the ,rea* ha, ta#en a ne& t&ist) The pair ha, "hase, her) 6a&#e2 his han,so*e 4a"e t&iste, &ith hate an, ,eter*ination2 ha, ,ra&n his Colt an, she "o!l, 4eel 3!llets spe&ing all aro!n, her) She ha, a&a#ene,2 ,ren"he, in a "ol, s&eat2 !na3le to go 3a"# to sleep) /!e shi+ere,2 re*e*3ering ho& +i+i, the ,rea* ha, 3een) !t it &as a ,rea*2 she tol, hersel42 an, 4inishing her "o44ee2 she "leane, the "a3in) 7s she *a,e her 3e, an, s&ept the 4loor2 the ?asters 4a*il' sta'e, &ith her) She i*agine, that 6a&#e an, %illie &ere *arrie, 3' no&2 or at least %illie ha, *o+e, in &ith hi*) 6o& &o!l, ;e3 an, the "hil,ren li#e that0 she &on,ere,) Bspe"iall' S!sie &ho ,i,n(t li#e the &o*an2 an, a"t!all' 4eare, her a 3it) 1o!l, %illie treat the sensiti+e little girl &ell0 O4 "o!rse she &o!l,n(t2 /!e ans&ere, her o&n =!estion) -t &asn(t in the sel4-a3sor3e, &o*an to pa' an' attention to the "hil,(s nee,s) She &o!l, onl' "on"entrate on 6a&#e(s an, her o&n nee,s) 6a&#e ha, spent hal4 the *orning sho+eling sno& o44 the ran"h ho!se roo4 %ast night2 as he la' staring at the "eiling2 thin#ing o4 /!e2 he(, hear, the 3ea*s "rea#ing against the &eight 3earing ,o&n on the* an, ha, starte, in right a4ter 3rea#4ast to lighten the loa, that threatene, to 3rea# the ri,gepole) 6e straightene, !p an, 4ishe, a han,#er"hie4 4ro* a 3a"# po"#et an, &ipe, his s&eat' 4orehea,) 7s he reste, a *in!te2 staring o!t o+er the &hite lan,2 his gaze &as "a!ght 3' a horse str!ggling thro!gh the sno&2 "o*ing to&ar, the ho!se) 6is e'es narro&e, &hen he re"ognize, the ri,er) "%illie2 'o! 3it"h2" he *!ttere, angril') ".o! o!ght to 3e shot2 treatin( an ani*al that &a')" 6e &al#e, "are4!ll' to &here the la,,er leane, against the roo4 an, steppe, o44 the last r!ng 5!st as %illie ro,e !p) "1ell)" She s*ile, ,o&n at hi*) "-t(s goo, to see 'o! !p an, aro!n, at last)" "Than# 'o!2 %illie2" 6a&#e ans&ere, politel'2 *a#ing no *o+e to&ar, her) 1hen she sa& that he &asn(t going to help her ,is*o!nt2 she s&!ng to the gro!n,2 the onl' sign o4 her ,ispleas!re2 a tightening o4 her lips) "- &on(t as# 'o! in2 %illie2" 6a&#e sai, gr!44l'2 t!rning to&ar, the 3arn) "-(+e got a lot o4 &or# to "at"h !p on sin"e - &as lai, !p)" "Oh2 that(s all right)" %illie too# his ar* an, &al#e, along &ith hi*) :ressing a hea+' 3reast against hi*2 she sai,2 "- "an(t sta' long) - onl' &ante, to as# 'o!r a,+i"e on so*ething)" +ike hell2 6a&#e tho!ght "onte*pt!o!sl') It's not words you want from me- !ou'"e got an itch that needs scratching7s soon as the' steppe, insi,e the &ar*2 ha'-s"ente, str!"t!re2 an, 6a&#e "lose, the ,oor2 %illie &as at hi*) 6er 4ingers tore at the 3!ttons on his 5a"#et2 'an#ing it open) "Oh2 6a&#e2 it(s 3een so long2" she "rie, so4tl'2 sli,ing a han, insi,e his

,eni*s2 an, tr'ing to p!ll his hea, ,o&n so that she "o!l, rea"h his lips) 6a&#e #ept his ne"# sti442 resisting the press!re o4 her han, on his nape) 6e loo#e, aro!n, !neasil') 1hat i4 :a or To**' sho!l, &al# in0 "Co*e on2 %il2 "!t it o!t2" he or,ere,2 ta#ing hol, o4 her &rist2 tr'ing to re*o+e her han,2 to stop her 4on,ling hi*) She shoo# her hea, an, "!rle, her 4ingers aro!n, his *anhoo,2 s=!eezing an, stro#ing) " it"h2" 6a&#e gro&le, &hen against his &ill he 4elt it stir) 7 sl' s*ile o4 satis4a"tion "!r+e, %illie(s lips as he gre& har, an, p!lsating in her han,) She #ne& the ran"her &ell2 #ne& his ran,' nat!re2 an, s!spe"te, that he ha,n(t ha, relie4 4or a long ti*e) She !n,i, the 3!ttons that "on4ine, &hat she &ante,2 an, ga+e a little *!r*!r as his thro33ing *anhoo, sprang 4ree) ".o! ,o &ant *e2" she "rie,2 an, #neeling on the ha'-"o+ere, 4loor she too# hi* in her *o!th) 6a&#e stare, ,o&n at %illie(s hea, an, in his *in,(s e'e the 3la"# stran,s t!rne, into sil#' 3lon, tresses) 7ll "arnal ,esire le4t hi* an, he p!lle, hi*sel4 4ree o4 her) 7s she loo#e, !p at hi* =!estioningl'2 he sai,2 "- tol, 'o!2 %il2 -(+e got a lot o4 &or# to ,o)" 6e ga+e her his han, an, assiste, her to her 4eet) " !t - ,o than# 'o! 4or 'o!r o44er) -t &as right neigh3orl' o4 'o!)" %illie hear, the *o"#er' in his tone an, her 4a"e 3e"a*e ,istorte, &ith rage) 6a&#e tho!ght 4or a *in!te she &as going to stri#e hi*) !t as he &aite,2 rea,' to gra3 her &rist2 she &heele, an, ran o!t o4 the 3a*) 6e hear, her *o!nt snort in pain as a &hip &as lai, to its 4lan#2 then hear, the ani*al th!n,er a&a') " it"hA" he grate, o!t2 asha*e, he(, e+er &allo&e, &ith the +i"io!s &o*an) 6e &al#e, to ea!t'(s e*pt' stall an, stoo, staring into it) 6e re*e*3ere, /!e astri,e the little *are2 ri,ing alongsi,e hi* *o!nte, on his stallion2 so*eti*es a "ertain loo# 4ro* one or the other 3ringing the* to rein in2 an, to 4in, a sheltere, spot to *a#e &il, lo+e) 6a&#e t!rne, his hea,2 listening as a horse(s snort an, a 5angle o4 reins "a*e 4ro* o!tsi,e) 6a, %illie ret!rne, to press!re hi* so*e *ore0 "1ell2 3' 9o,2" he *!ttere,2 stri,ing to the ,oor2 "this ti*e -(ll reall' set her straight)" 6e relaxe, &hen he sa& one o4 his "o&han,s s&inging 4ro* his *o!nt) "6a&#e2" the 'o!ng *an sai,2 "- ro,e past that -n,ian +illage a&hile ago2 an, 4ro* &hat - "o!l, see2 the* people are si"# an, a3o!t star+in()" 6e pa!se,2 then a,,e,2 "- *et ?iz ?e'ers on the &a' in an, tol, her a3o!t it) She 5!st la!ghe, an, sai,2 (9oo,2 - hope the' all ,ie2( an, ro,e on)" The "o&p!n"her loo#e, a&a' 4ro* 6a&#e as he +ent!re,2 "- ,on(t s!ppose 'o!(, &ant to help the* a4ter &hat happene, to 'o!r &i4e an, all)" "$a*n straightA" 6a&#e snappe, i**e,iatel')"The'(ll get no help 4ro* *e)" 6e

starte, to &al# a&a' then a s*all 3ronze, 4a"e &ith large 3ro&n e'es s&a* in 4ront o4 hi*) 6e o&e, the little -n,ian 3o') The "hil, ha, 4ree, /!e 4ro* his people2 an, tho!gh she ha, perishe, in the 3lizzar,2 the 'o!ngster ha, sa+e, her 4ro* a &orse ,eath) "6ol, on2 To*)" 6e s&!ng aro!n,) "Ta#e a "o!ple *en an, "!t o!t a ,ozen hea, 4ro* the her, at the lo&er en, o4 the +alle') That sho!l, hol, the* !ntil spring) 7s 4or an' si"#ness the' ha+e2 - "an(t help the*)" "/ight a&a'2 3oss)" The so4t-hearte, To* s*ile, &i,el') "1e(ll get the* right o+er there)" 6e "li*3e, 3a"# in the sa,,le an, 6a&#e "ontin!e, on to the ho!se2 "alling hi*sel4 a ,a*n 4ool) 6e hope, that the "hil, &ho ha, generate, his goo, &ill &as still ali+e an, &o!l, 3ene4it 4ro* the 3ee4) The &ee#s 4ollo&ing /ain'(s ,epart!re2 /!e "a*e to #no& the *eaning o4 solit!,e) 7n, tho!gh the &inter ,a's &ere short2 to her2 the' see*e, to last 4ore+er) 1hen near ,!s# she(, hear 7,a*s sta*ping the sno& an, *!, o44 his 4eet2 she(, 3e"o*e al*ost gi,,' &ith relie4 74ter s!pper she &el"o*e, the so!n, o4 his +oi"e2 altho!gh she ,i,n(t reall' listen to &hat he "arrie, on a3o!t) Then one night &hile the logs snappe, an, "ra"#le, in the 4irepla"e2 sen,ing sha,o&s ,an"ing on the ra4ters2 7,a*s tol, a tale that she ,i,n(t &ant to *iss a &or, o4 1hen it &as 4inishe,2 she &as sha#en to the roots o4 her heart an, so!l) "7ro!n, 4o!rteen 'ears ago2" he 3egan2 "on s!"h a night as this one2 a 'o!ng *an #no"#e, at the "a3in ,oor) 6e &as near 4roze2 an, ha, a 4e+er an, &ra"#ing "o!gh) tho!ght that s!rel' he &o!l, ,ie) !t *' &i4e ten,e, hi* as tho!gh he &as a 3a3' an, p!lle, hi* thro!gh the &orse "ase o4 pne!*on' - e+er sa&) "1hen his strength ret!rne,2 he &al#e, the trapline &ith *e2 so*eti*es tal#in(2 so*eti*es not openin( his *o!th all ,a') - #ne& so*ethin( &eighe, hea+' on his *in,2 3!t - ,i,n(t as# hi* no =!estions) -4 he &asn(t a *in, to spea# a3o!t it2 &o!l,n(t pr') .o! ne+er as# personal =!estions in these parts) .o! ne+er #no& &hat a *an *ight 3e r!nnin( 4ro*2 not e+en his real na*e in *ost "ases) "7t an' rate2 a4ter he ha, 3een &ith !s a 4e& *onths2 he 3egan to open !p a 3it) -t "a*e o!t slo&l' that he &as anxio!s to sa+e !p eno!gh *one' to *a#e a ho*e 4or his little ,a!ghter he(, le4t 3ehin, &ith a &horin( &i4e) So - exten,e, *' line an, he 3e"a*e *' partner)" 7,a*s pa!se, an, loo#e, at /!e) She sat on the e,ge o4 her seat2 3arel' 3reathing) "$i, he e+er sa' his ,a!ghter(s na*e0" 7,a*s no,,e,) "6e "alle, her /!e) /!e $e%a&ne')" ;o' an, relie4 3laze, a"ross /!e(s 4a"e) 6er 4ather ha, lo+e, her a4ter allA Tears o4 gla,ness r!nning ,o&n her "hee#s she opene, her *o!th to express her o+er&hel*ing happiness2 then 3it o44 the &or,s) The sole*n expression on 7,a*s(s 4a"e 3ro!ght a "ol, "hill to her heart) She &asn(t going to li#e the en,ing o4 his stor') 7,a*s sa& the a35e"t resignation in her e'es an, sai, as gentl' as possi3le2 "T&o 'ears later 'o!r 4ather &as #ille, 3' a poisone, -n,ian arro&)"

1hen /!e(s stor* o4 &eeping ,ie, to an o""asional sh!,,ering so32 7,a*s sai, =!ietl'2 "- al&a's *eant to loo# 4or 'o!2 to gi+e 'o! a ho*e *'sel4 !t then *' &i4e ,ie, an, - #ne& - "o!l,n(t "are 4or a 'o!ng!n( all 3' *'sel4) "-t(s 4!nn' ho& things &or# o!t so*eti*es) The 4irst ti*e - sa& 'o! - #ne& &ho 'o! &as) - "an(t tell 'o! ho& it pleases *e that - ha+e 3een a3le to help 'o! in a ti*e o4 nee,) .o!r 4ather &as li#e a son to *e)" The ol, *an an, 'o!ng &o*an ro"#e, in silen"e2 ea"h &ith their o&n tho!ghts2 /!e thin#ing o4 the heart3rea#ing letter she *!st &rite to her gran,parents2 7,a*s thin#ing ho& 3a,l' he &o!l, *iss /!e &hen she le4t hi*) <or lea+e hi* she *!st) 6e 3ro#e the silen"e) "/!e2 hone'2 'o! #no& that 'o! are &el"o*e to li+e here &ith *e 4or the rest o4 'o!r li4e i4 'o! &ant to2 ,on(t 'o!0" /!e ga+e hi* a &an s*ile an, no,,e,) "$o 'o! also #no& that a lonel' "a3in in the &il,erness is no pla"e 4or 'o!0" "1h' not0" /!e ,e*an,e,) "- li#e it here 5!st 4ine)" ".o! *ight li#e it &hile 'o!r heart is *en,ing2 3!t &hen 'o! "o*e o!t o4 'o!r gloo* an, ,espair2 'o!(ll 4in, it *ight' te,io!s &ith 5!st *e an, $og 4or "o*pan')" 1hen /!e ,i,n(t respon,2 he "ontin!e,2 ".o!(re a 'o!ng 3ea!ti4!l &o*an &ho nee,s to 3e so*epla"e &here 'o! "an *eet 'o!ng *en2 *arr' one an, start a ne& li4e)" /!e ga+e a short2 ,r' la!gh) "7ren(t 'o! 4orgetting that - alrea,' ha+e a h!s3an,0 6e *a' thin# -(* ,ea, an, that he is 4ree to *arr' again2 3!t - #no& -(* ali+e)" "6ell2 &hat ,i44eren"e ,oes that *a#e0 .o!(ll ne+er r!n into ?asters again) .o! "o!l, go 3a"# an, li+e &ith 'o!r gran,parents 4or a &hile) Start 'o!r ne& li4e 4ro* there)" "- &o!l, ,earl' lo+e to see the* again2" /!e sai, &ist4!ll'2 en+isioning her 3!stling little gran,*other an, slightl' "antan#ero!s gran,4ather) "- *iss the* terri3l') !t the'(re poor2 7,a*s) The'(re ol, an, "an har,l' *a#e en,s *eet) The'(+e alrea,' ta#en in *' hal4 3rother2 ;i**'2 an, - "o!l,n(t 3!r,en the* &ith another *o!th to 4ee,)" "$on(t let 4inan"es &orr' 'o!)" 7,a*s hit"he, his "hair "loser to /!e(s) ".o!r 4ather ha, a goo, "h!n# o4 *one' sa+e, &hen that arro& got hi*) - 3een #eepin( it all these 'ears in "ase - e+er ran into 'o!)" /!e shot 7,a*s a s!rprise, loo#2 an, he no,,e,) "That(s right) .o!(, 3e a3le to help the ol, 4ol#s instea, o4 3ein( a hin,eran"e)" 1a+ering hope an, ex"ite*ent 4li"#ere, a"ross /!e(s 4a"e) -4 she "o!l, get 3a"# to 9ran,pa an, 9ran,*a $e%a&ne'2 an, e+en i4 6a&#e learne, she &asn(t &ith the -n,ians an, ali+e2 he &o!l,n(t ,are sho& his 4a"e there) 9ran,pa &o!l, r!in hi*) 6e(, p!t a 3!llet in the el3o& o4 his g!n ar*2 then shoot hi* in his #nees) Strangel'2

/!e ,i,n(t li#e that i,ea) She 4elt hersel4 possesse, 3' a spirit o4 elation an, eagerness as she stare, into the 4la*es2 totall' sel4-a3sor3e,) Co*e spring she &o!l, ret!rn to the "o!ntr' &here she &as 3orn2 3!t not to li+e &ith the ol, 4ol#s) She an, ;i**' &o!l, 4ix !p the sha"# &here the' ha, gro&n !p an, li+e there together !ntil ;i**' *arrie, so*e,a') 7s 4or hersel42 she(, li+e there 4or the rest o4 her li4e) She ha, no intention o4 e+er again 3e"o*ing in+ol+e, &ith a *an) -t ha, 3een pro+en to her2 as she ha, pre+io!sl' "lai*e,2 that 4or the *ost part *en &ere no ,a*n goo,) The "lo"# str!"# the 3e,ti*e ho!r an, /!e ,isro3e, ,o&n to her &oollies an, "li*3e, into 3e,) She stret"he, an, 'a&ne,2 a great pea"e 4lo&ing thro!gh her) e4ore too *an' &ee#s past she "o!l, stop loo#ing 3ehin, her2 5!*ping at e+er' alien so!n,2 a4rai, her &herea3o!ts *ight ha+e 3een ,is"o+ere, 3' her h!s3an,) 6er tho!ghts traile, o44 an, she slept)

Chapter Fi teen
7s /!e stoo, gazing o!t the &in,o&2 it see*e, to her that sno& al&a's s&irle, aro!n, the "a3in2 s*arting her 4a"e2 &atering her e'es e+er' ti*e she steppe, o!tsi,e) She ,i,n(t *in, it as *!"h as she ,i, t&o &ee#s ago2 tho!gh) She ha, plans no&2 a p!rpose in li4e) e4ore2 she ha, li+e, ea"h ,a' as it "a*e2 too si"# at heart to thin# o4 a 4!t!re) She still ha, *o*ents o4 ,eep ,epression2 so*eti*es lasting 4or ho!rs) -t still 3a44le, her ho& 6a&#e "o!l, ha+e *a,e s!"h s&eet2 intense lo+e to her &hile his heart 3elonge, to %illie) 6e ha, *a,e her 4eel so lo+e, an, "herishe, &hen2 passion exha!ste,2 he hel, her in his ar*s as the' 3oth 4ell asleep) 1ith a ,eep sigh /!e starte, to *o+e a&a' 4ro* the &in,o& &here she ha, 3een &at"hing 4or 7,a*s(s ret!rn2 &hen a *o+e*ent at the e,ge o4 the 4orest "a!ght her e'e) She "!ppe, her han,s to her 4a"e an, peere, thro!gh the ,!s#) Silho!ette, against the hea+' pine tr!,ge, a s*all 4ig!re) Is that a child2 she as#e, hersel4 in &on,er) )hat is a youngster doing out at this hourA She r!she, to the ,oor an, 4l!ng it open2 la*plight spilling o!t onto the s*all por"h) "%ittle StarA" she gaspe,2 loo#ing ,o&n at the 4a"e o4 the -n,ian 3o' &ho ha, set her 4ree that terri3le ,a' &hen she &as a prisoner o4 his people) The 3o'(s 4a"e &as ,ra&n &ith !tter exha!stion2 his 3la"# e'es ,!lle, &ith it) "Co*e in2 "hil,2" she !rge,2 ta#ing hol, o4 his ar*2 4eeling its thinness thro!gh the ragge, 3lan#et "o+ering his hea, an, sho!l,ers)

1hen %ittle Star &al#e, past /!e2 she noti"e, the 3!l#' shape 3et&een his sho!l,er 3la,es an, *!se, that he *!st ha+e "o*e to sta' a&hile2 an, that his &orl,l' goo,s &ere on his 3a"#) 6a, his gran,4ather ,ie,2 she &on,ere,) 7n, &hat &o!l, 7,a*s sa' to a,,itional person in his ho*e0 "9i+e *e 'o!r 3lan#et2 then go 3' the 4ire an, &ar* !p2" she in+ite,2 4eeling that 7,a*s &o!l,n(t 3e too !pset) 6e &o!l, ne+er t!rn the 3o' o!t) 1hen the &orn pie"e o4 *aterial &as !n4astene, an, re*o+e,2 /!e stoo, an, gape,) -t &as not %ittle Star(s possessions strappe, to his 3a"#2 3!t rather a papoose2 aro!n, se+en or eight *onths ol,2 she 5!,ge,) "?' 3rother2 Tin' <ist2" she &as in4or*e, pro!,l' as the ,o!3le sling &as !ntie, an, the 3a3' "are4!ll' ,eposite, in a ro"#ing "hair) "?' goo,ness2 %ittle Star)" /!e 4inall' 4o!n, her tong!e) "1hat are 'o! thin#ing o42 ta#ing hi* o!t in s!"h &eather0 $oes 'o!r gran,4ather #no& a3o!t this0" She 3ent o+er an, 4elt a thin little "hee# an, &as s!rprise, to 4eel it &as &ar*) She ha, i*agine, the 3a3' &as nearl' 4rozen) "-t is 3a, in o!r +illage2" %ittle Star ans&ere,2 his 3la"# e'es gra+e) "O!r people ,ie all the ti*e 4ro* s*allpox) 1e ha+e no *e,i"ine *an)" 6is throat &or#e, "on+!lsi+el') "%ast &ee# o!r 4ather an, *other ,ie)" 6e s&allo&e, har,2 then sai,2 "9ran,4ather tell *e2 ta#e Tin' <ist to 'o!) That 'o! are goo, &o*an2 &ill "are 4or hi*)" /!e &ante, to p!ll the 3ra+e little 3o' into her ar*s2 to "onsole hi*2 to ,r' the tears that &eren(t allo&e, to 4all) !t2 re*e*3ering that the -n,ians &eren(t ,e*onstrati+e in that *anner2 she s*ile, ten,erl' at hi*2 an, sai,2 "O4 "o!rse - &ill)" 7 4ro&n "rease, her 4orehea, at a =!estion that poppe, into her *in,) "6o& ,i, 'o! #no& that - &as here2 %ittle Star0" "/ain -n The <a"e tol, her "o!sin o4 the &hite &o*an li+ing &ith ol, 7,a*s) Co!sin tol, gran,4ather2 an, he "o*e loo# 4or hi*sel4" Col, 4ear grippe, /!e(s heart) "1ill 'o!r gran,4ather tell the ran"her2 6a&#e ?asters2 that - a* here0" 6er e'es sear"he, the s*all 4a"e) ">o)" The 3o' shoo# his hea,) ".o!r se"ret is sa4e &ith hi*)" The 3o' spo#e &ith s!"h earnestness2 /!e 3elie+e, hi* an, she relaxe,) S!rel' she "o!l, sta' hi,,en 4or another *onth) /!e s=!atte, ,o&n in 4ront o4 the 3a3' an, ti"#le, hi* 3eneath the "hin an, la!ghe, &hen he onl' stare, o&lishl' at her) Are Indians born disliking the pale face0 she &on,ere, in a*!se*ent) She li4te, her hea, to spea# to %ittle Star an, sa& that he &as e'eing the ,!t"h o+en partiall' 3!rie, in the "oals) The +enison roast ,i, s*ell goo,2 she tho!ght2 an, the "hil,ren &ere pro3a3l' hal4-star+e,) "-(* going to 4ix 'o! 4ello&s so*ething to eat2" she sai,2 p!tting on o+en *itts an, li4ting the iron o+en onto the hearth) "7,a*s &ill 3e ho*e soon2 3!t he &on(t "are i4

&e ,on(t &ait 4or hi*)" "Can Tin' <ist eat *eat 'et0" /!e as#e, a little later as she sli"e, the *eat in thin strips an, pile, the* on a platter) ".es)" %ittle Star *o+e, to stan, 3esi,e the ta3le an, &at"he, her2 his *o!th &or#ing) "6e has six teeth) 6is 4oo, has to 3e "!t in s*all pie"es2 tho!gh)" /!e &on,ere, &hat the "hil,ren ha, eaten on their tre# a"ross "o!ntr'2 an, as tho!gh the 3o' rea, her *in,2 %ittle Star sai,2 "?e an, Tin' <ist2 &e "he&e, on pe**i"an as &e tra+ele,)" "- see)" /!e s*ile, an, patte, the 3a"# o4 a "hair) "Sit ,o&n an, help 'o!rsel4 to the roast &hile - ,ig the potatoes o!t o4 the ashes)" %ittle Star ,ire"te, a tro!3le, loo# at his s*all 3rother) /!e relie+e, his anxiet' &hen she a,,e,2 "Then -(ll 4ix a plate 4or the little one)" The 3o' no,,e, an, ate) /!e &at"he, hi* 3olting his 4oo, ,o&n an, &ante, to tell hi* not to eat so 4ast2 that he &o!l, "ho#e hi*sel4 She shr!gge, then2 hoping 4or the 3est2 ,e"i,ing again that she *ight e*3arrass hi*) The 3a3'2 s*elling the 4oo,2 3egan to "r'2 to li"# his *o!th an, &a+e his little ar*s an, legs) /!e h!rrie,l' "!t a pie"e o4 +enison into tin' pie"es an, *ashe, one o4 the potatoes) 1hen she pi"#e, hi* !p 4ro* the 3lan#et2 she ,is"o+ere, his 4ront an, little 3otto* &as soa#ing &et) 7n, 3' no& the s*all 4a"e &as a ,!ll2 angr' re,2 an, his shrie#s 4ille, the roo*) "$a*n2" she *!ttere, to hersel42 "&hat a* - going to ,o0" >o& &as not the ti*e to "hange the little s"ree"h o&l2 nor ,i, she &ant hi* sitting on her lap &hile he ate) 6er ears ringing2 she sat the tot on a "hair an, gra33e, the ,ish to&el o44 the ta3le) She pla"e, it a"ross his sto*a"h then tie, the t&o en,s to the 3a"# o4 the "hair) That ,one2 she sat ,o&n in the "hair next to the 3ello&ing 3a3' an, poppe, a spoon4!l o4 potatoes into his &i,e2 open *o!th) Tin' <ist =!iete, i**e,iatel'2 his 4ront teeth &or#ing li#e a ra33it(s) "6e has lo!, +oi"e2" %ittle Star 3ragge,) "1hen he 3e"o*e *an2 he &ill lea, people)" /!e ,i,n(t ,o!3t it 4or a *o*ent) 7n'one &ith a te*per li#e that an, a set o4 l!ngs to *at"h &o!l, s"are an'one into o3e'ing hi*) la her opinion2 the 3a3' sho!l, 3e "alle, ig ?o!th) 1hen the potatoes &ere gone2 an, Tin' <ist(s h!nger ease, a 3it2 /!e ga+e hi* the *eat) She &as thin#ing that s!rel' his sto*a"h &o!l, 3!rst soon &hen she hear, 7,a*s "leaning o44 his 3oots) >o& she(, 4in, o!t ho& he 4elt a3o!t ha+ing a 3a3' aro!n,) "1e(+e got "o*pan'2" she 3l!rte, as soon as she opene, the ,oor) 7,a*s sli, the 4!rs o44 his sho!l,er2 apprehension 5!*ping into his e'es) "-t(s all

right2" /!e ass!re, hi*) "1e(re in no ,anger 4ro* this pair)" 7,a*s entere, the "a3in an, goggle, at the t&o little -n,ians) "1hat the hell0" he ex"lai*e,) "1here(, these little 3!ggers "o*e 4ro*0" %ittle Star &at"he, 7,a*s(s 4a"e "losel' as /!e explaine, his an, Tin' <ist(s presen"es) 1hen the ol, *an no,,e, an, r!44le, his 3rother(s hair2 an, re"ei+e, a &i,e s*ile2 %ittle Star(s 4a"e relaxe, an, the tenseness le4t his 3o,') /!e(s 4rien, &as a goo, *an) 6e &o!l, not har* the little one) 7,a*s &ashe, his han,s an, too# his pla"e at the ta3le) "So2" he sai, pleasantl'2 4illing his plate &ith *eat an, potatoes2 "'o!(re gonna ha+e t&o 4ine 4ello&s to #eep 'o! "o*pan'2 h!h2 /!e0" "Oh2 - lea+e as soon as - 4inish eating2" %ittle Star sai, h!rrie,l') "Onl' Tin' <ist sta' &ith /!e) 1hen sno& *elts2 an, the si"#ness has le4t o!r +illage2 9ran,4ather &ill "o*e 4or 'o!ng 3rother)" " !t 'o! *!st sta' the night at least2 son2" 7,a*s spo#e gra+el') "The &in, &as #i"#ing !p &hen - "a*e in) 1e *a' get another 3lizzar,)" %ittle Star loo#e, longingl' at the 4ire) "- ,o not &ant to 3e late getting 3a"#) 9ran,4ather &ill &orr')" /!e an, 7,a*s &at"he, hi* "he& his 3otto* lip tho!ght4!ll') "?a'3e he &on(t &orr' i4 -(* 5!st one ,a' late)" 6e loo#e, at /!e) "6e &as +er' si"# &hen - le4t) - hope - 4in, hi* re"o+ere, &hen ret!rn to the +illage)" /!e an, 7,a*s ex"hange, a sole*n loo#2 their e'es sa'ing "han"es &ere the gran,4ather &o!l, 3e ,ea, 3' the ti*e he ret!rne,) 7ll this ti*e2 in the 3a"# o4 /!e(s *in, &as the =!estion2 &hat "o!l, she !se to "lothe the 3a3' in0 7n, he ha, to ha+e a 3ath) 6e stan# so o4 !rine she &as loath to pi"# the poor little 4ello& !p) She ha, an i,ea i4 7,a*s &as agreea3le to it) She loo#e, hope4!ll' at her ol, 4rien,2 &ho ha, 4o!n, ne& ears to 3en,2 not #no&ing nor "aring that %ittle Star 3arel' graspe, &hat he &as tal#ing a3o!t) "7,a*s2" she 3ro#e into his stor'2 "&o!l, 'o! ,onate one o4 'o!r sheets 4or 3ree"h"loths 4or the 3a3'0" "S!re2 hone'2 ta#e an'thing 'o! &ant)" 7,a*s too# ti*e to ans&er2 then =!i"#l' pi"#e, !p &here he ha, le4t o44) /!e s*ile, her than#s2 then glan"e, at %ittle Star) The 3o' no,,e, sleepil'2 tr'ing his 3est to 3e polite2 to listen to the ol, *an &ho ha, pro+i,e, hi* his 4irst goo, *eal all &inter) But another couple minutes and he will lose the battle2 /!e tho!ght an, &al#e, to the tr!n#) %i4ting the li,2 she too# o!t a 3lan#et an, sprea, it o+er the 3ears#in in 4ront o4 the 4ire)

"%ittle Star)" She n!,ge, his #nee) "1h' ,on(t 'o! lie ,o&n an, rest &hile 'o! listen to the 3alan"e o4 7,a*s(s stor'0" ".es2 - &ill ,o that2" the 3o' ans&ere, gra+el'2 an, in *in!tes a4ter rolling !p in the 3lan#et2 the e+en rise an, 4all o4 his slight 4ra*e sai, that he &as so!n, asleep) 7,a*s &at"he, the sleeping "hil,2 his grizzle, 4a"e so4t) "1hat a strong2 pro!, people the' are2" he sai, &ith a sa, sha#e o4 his hea,) "-t(s a sha*e that the &hite *an &ill 3ring r!in to the* 3e4ore this 3o' is gro&n)" /!e agree, that !n4ort!natel' that &as tr!e as she tore a sheet into s=!ares) -t &as &ell a4ter ten o("lo"# 3e4ore /!e an, 7,a*s got to 3e,) 7,a*s ha, ta#en their &oo,en 3athing t!3 o44 the &all an, e*ptie, the pot o4 &ater /!e ha, &ar*e, into it) /!e then peele, a&a' the 3a3'(s &et "lothing2 han,ling the* to the ol, *an2 as#ing hi* to please toss the* o!tsi,e) 7s he too# the* a&a'2 hol,ing the* at ar*(s length2 she lo&ere, the 3a3' into the t!3) The little 4ello& s=!eale, his ,elight as the &ar* &ater en+elope, hi*2 slapping at it2 splashing it all o+er /!e) She la!ghe, an, tol, hersel4 that a"t!all' the little i*p &as +er' pie as ant-nat!re , &hen he &asn(t h!ngr') 1hen Tin' <ist &as thoro!ghl' "lean2 in"l!,ing his hair2 /!e ,rie, hi* o44 an, tie, one o4 the s=!ares aro!n, his 3otto*) ">o&2 7,a*s2 &here is he to sleep0" She stoo, !p2 the 3a3' &rappe, in another s=!are2 his e'es ,rooping in sleep) ":!t hi* in the tr!n# 4or tonight2" 7,a*s s!ggeste,) "-(ll 4ix hi* so*e #in, o4 3e, to*orro&)" /!e no,,e,2 an, 7,a*s e*ptie, the 3ig leather tr!n# o4 e+er'thing ex"ept 4or t&o 3lan#ets on the 3otto*) 6e *otione, /!e to &ait2 an, too# his long sli"#er o44 the &all) ".o! ,on(t &ant to ha+e to &ash these 3e,,ings e+er' ,a')" 6e grinne,2 sprea,ing the &aterproo4 *aterial &here it &o!l, ,o the *ost goo,) ".o!(re +er' goo, at i*pro+ising2 4rien,)" /!e grinne,) ".o! learn to ,o that &hen 'o!(re li+in( alone in the &il,erness)" 7,a*s grinne, 3a"#) The 3a3' ,i,n(t stir as /!e la' hi* on his *a#eshi4t 3e, an, "o+ere, hi* &ith a hea+'2 &oolen sha&l) /!e a&a#ene, the next *orning at ,a'3rea# to see %ittle Star 3ent o+er the tr!n#2 loo#ing at his 3rother) She glan"e, at the ta3le an, sa& that 7,a*s ha, *a,e 3rea#4ast2 an, &as no& *a#ing !p a 3!n,le o4 4oo,2 she i*agine, 4or the 3o' to eat on the trail) "?a'3e 'o! "an toss in a han,4!l o4 o!r ,rie, apples)" /!e rose an, &al#e, o+er to &at"h 7,a*s &rapping 4rie, salt por# an, "orn pone2 then sho+ing it into a gr!3 sa"#) "The'(re +er' no!rishing)" "- alrea,' ,i,2" 7,a*s ans&ere,2 a grin on his 4a"e) "- p!t the* in the 3otto* o4 the

sa"# &here he &on(t see the* !ntil he(s et the *eat) -4 he #ne& the' &as in there2 he(, ha+e e*( in his 3ell' 3e4ore he &as o!t o4 sight o4 the "a3in)" %ittle Star &al#e, !p to the ta3le2 sen,ing /!e an, 7,a*s a "!rio!s loo#2 &on,ering &h' the' &ere &hispering) "1e ,on(t &ant to &a#e Tin' <ist2" /!e explaine,2 so*e&hat g!iltil') "Oh)" The 3o'(s 4a"e "leare,) "6e &on(t &a#e !p !ntil he(s h!ngr')" "1ell2 little 3ra+e2 are 'o! a3o!t rea,' to lea+e0" 7,a*s tie, a loose #not in the "loth 3ag) %ittle Star no,,e, an, /!e gra+el' shoo# the s*all han, he hel, o!t to her) "- gi+e 'o! than#s 4ro* 9ran,4ather2" he sai,) "6e tell *e - sho!l, sta' &ith 'o! also) !t sa' to hi* he nee,s *e)" ".o! are a +er' tho!ght4!l gran,son2 %ittle Star)" /!e s*oothe, his 3la"# shin' "ap o4 hair2 pra'ing that he &o!l,n(t "at"h the si"#ness2 that he &o!l, *a#e it sa4el' 3a"# to his +illage) 7,a*s opene, the ,oor then2 an, the' &ere gone2 $og r!nning ahea, o4 the*) /!e stoo, at the &in,o& an, &at"he, the* &al# thro!gh the pin# ,a&n2 4inall' ,isappearing into the 4orest) The 3a3' stirre, an, 4!sse, an, she h!rrie, to po!r s!gar an, "anne, *il# o+er the 3o&l o4 "orn*eal *!sh 7,a*s ha, tho!ght4!ll' prepare,) "$on(t start "r'ing2" she 3egge,) "?' ears are still ringing 4ro* last night)" %ittle Star &as "hille, an, *isera3le as he "!rle, his #nees !n,er his "hin an, stare, at the 4ire in the "enter o4 the tepee) 6is lips tre*3le,2 3!t no tears &et his e'es) 6e *!st 3e 3ra+e2 he tol, hi*sel4 -t &as expe"te, o4 hi*) 7 sh!,,ering sigh shoo# his thin 3o,') 6e sho!l,n(t ha+e spent the night &ith /!e an, ol, 7,a*s) 6a, he a"te, li#e a real 3ra+e he &o!l, ha+e pai, no attention to ho& tire, he &as an, &o!l, ha+e ret!rne, to his +illage) Then he &o!l, ha+e 3een there to see 9ran,4ather one last ti*e) !t 'ester,a' his 3elo+e, relati+e ha, 3een 3!ne, on a near3' hill an, his 3est horse #ille,) The ol, 3ra+e &o!l, 3e a3le to ri,e his 4a+orite *o!nt o+er the happ'-h!nting gro!n,s) 7 han,so*e 3ra+e2 in his rni,-thirties sat on the ,irt 4loor near %ittle Star(s pallet o4 4!rs2 &at"hing his 'o!ng nephe&) 6e #ne& that his 3rother(s son &as s!44ering2 4or he s!44ere, also) esi,es losing a 3rother an, 4ather2 he ha, lost his &i4e an, t&o 'o!ng sons to the ,rea,e, s*allpox) >o& there &as onl' hi*sel4 an, his t&o nephe&s to "arr' on) I will make them my own, the bra"e planned- I will take myself another woman and when spring comes I will go after the baby, $iny Fist- $hey will be brothers to the children I will sire on my new wifeThe tho!ght o4 siring 3ro!ght a stirring in the -n,ian(s loins) 6e ha, 3een &itho!t a

&o*an 4or three &ee#s2 a long ti*e 4or a *an as +irile as he) 6e sli, a han, into his 3!"#s#ins an, le4t it there !ntil he gre& har, in his pal*) 6e rose then an, le4t the tepee) 6e #ne& &hi"h other tepee he &as hea,e, 4or) 6e(, ha, his e'e on a 'o!ng "o!sin 4or a long ti*e) B+en 3e4ore the si"#ness str!"# their +illage2 he ha, ,e"i,e, that she &as rea,' an, that he &o!l, ta#e her 4or his se"on, &i4e) 6e &o!l, tr' her o!t no&2 an, i4 she please, hi*2 &as o4 long en,!ran"e2 he &o!l, *a#e her his &o*an to,a') esi,es relie+ing his a"he ea"h night2 she "o!l, #eep his 3a"# &ar* &hile he slept) On his &a' to his ,estination2 the -n,ian pa!se, an, spo#e to a &o*an &ho2 &ith other &o*en2 &as preparing a "o**!nal s!pper o+er a s*o#eless 4ire) "1hen he 4inishe, spea#ing2 she no,,e,) 7s he &al#e, a&a'2 she an, her "o*panions "o+ere, their *o!ths to s*other their giggles) 7ll ha, seen the e+i,en"e o4 his aro!sal p!shing against his 3!"#s#ins) The' &at"he, to see &hi"h tepee he &o!l, enter) "6e has &at"he, her 4or *an' *oons2" the &o*an he ha, spo#en to sai, as she 4ille, a 3o&l &ith the ri"h 3ee4 ste& she ha, 3een stirring) She le4t the others2 to tra*p thro!gh the sno& to the tepee &here %ittle Star la') "- ha+e 3ro!ght 'o! so*e s!pper2 little 3ra+e2" the &o*an sai,2 #neeling ,o&n 3esi,e hi*) The sa+or' aro*a ,ri4te, to %ittle Star(s nostrils an, he sat !p2 al*ost snat"hing the 3o&l 4ro* her han,s) 6e ,ippe, in his 4ingers an, 3ro!ght a "h!n# o4 *eat to his *o!th) 6e "he&e, rapi,l' 4or a *o*ent2 then sai, in s!rprise2 "This is 3ee4 1here ,i, it "o*e 4ro*0" 7 4ro&n "rease, his 4orehea,2 an, 3e4ore the &o*an "o!l, ans&er2 he ex"lai*e,2 "1e &ill 3e in *!"h tro!3le i4 it is ,is"o+ere, &e stole a steer 4ro* a ran"her)" "1e no steal)" The &o*an *otione, hi* to "ontin!e eating) "The ran"her2 ?asters2 sent !s se+eral hea,) 6e is goo, *an)" 74ter the &o*an le4t2 %ittle Star ,i, so*e ,eep thin#ing as he h!ngril' ,e+o!re, the ste&) $espite his har,2 "ol, loo#s2 the 3ig ran"her *!st 3e a goo, *an to ha+e gi+en the* 3ee4 &hen the' &ere near star+ation) B+en tho!gh he #ne& the sa*e -n,ians ha, #ept his &i4e "apti+e 4or a &hile2 he e+i,entl' ,i,n(t 3la*e the &o*en an, "hil,ren) 6e &on,ere, i4 the *en o4 the +illage &ere too asha*e, to eat the *an(s 3ee4 6e hope, so) $eep regret that he ha, lie, to /!e(s h!s3an, grippe, %ittle Star) 6e "o!l, still see the ang!ish on the ran"her(s 4a"e &hen he tho!ght that his &i4e ha, "li*3e, the *o!ntain) $eter*ine, lines settle, on %ittle Star(s s*all 4eat!res) 7s soon as the sno& *elte, an, the passes &ere open2 he inten,e, to +isit /!e(s *an an, tell hi* the tr!th)

Chapter Sixteen
6a&#e &ipe, a pal* a"ross the "on,ensation that "lo!,e, the &in,o&pane an, loo#e, o!tsi,e) 1inter &ith its lonel' inn!*era3le ho!rs &o!l, slo&l' "o*e to an en, no&) %ast night a &in, ha, "o*e o!t o4 the so!th2 3ringing &ith it a hea+' rain) -t still 3eat against the ho!se this *orning) 6is e'es range, o+er the 'ar,) The sno& ha, al*ost *elte,2 lea+ing onl' a 4e& in"hes2 an, e+en a 4e& *!,,' pat"hes &ere re+eale,) 6e "lose, his e'es against the pain that shot thro!gh hi*) To*orro& he an, so*e o4 the han,s &o!l, "li*3 the *o!ntain2 sear"hing 4or /!e(s 3o,') 1ith a ragge, sigh2 he t!rne, 4ro* the &in,o& an, sat 3a"# ,o&n at the #it"hen ta3le) 6is 4ather rose an, too# the pot o44 the sto+e an, re4ille, 3oth their "!ps) "- s!ppose &hen the rain lets !p 'o!(ll go loo#in( 4or /!e(sD /!e2" ;e3 sai,2 sitting 3a"# ,o&n an, spooning s!gar into his "o44ee) "- &on(t &ait 4or the rain to stop2 :a) -t "o!l, go on 4or a &ee#)" 6e helpe, hi*sel4 to the s!gar 3o&l) "To*orro& *orning - inten, to ta#e so*e o4 the *en an, start sear"hin()" ;e3 ,i,n(t sa' alo!, &hat he &as thin#ing2 that 3' no& a *o!ntain lion ha, pro3a3l' alrea,' 4o!n, /!e(s 3o,') -nstea,2 he sai, =!ietl'2 ".o!(ll ha+e to noti4' her people) .o! sai, that she has gran,parents0" 6a&#e sighe, an, no,,e,) "There(s a hal4 3rother she &as a&4!ll' 4on, o4" 7n i*age o4 the 3rother2 ;i**'2 "a*e to 6a&#e(s *in,2 o4 ho& 3ra+el' the teenager ha, or,ere, hi* to sta' a&a' 4ro* his sister) 6o& &as he going to ta#e s!"h ne&s0 6e re*e*3ere, then the lo+e that ha, shone in ol, *an $e%a&ne'(s e'es &hen he loo#e, at his gran,,a!ghter) 9o,2 ho& he ,rea,e, 4a"ing those t&o2 telling the* that /!e &as ,ea,) -t ha, entere, his *in, on"e to sen, the* a letter2 explaining &hat ha, happene,) !t he ha, =!i"#l' erase, the tho!ght) That &as the "o&ar,(s &a') 7s har, as it &o!l, 3e2 he &o!l, go to the*2 tr' to explain ho& he an, /!e ha, gro&n to lo+e ea"h other ,eepl'2 that it ha,n(t 3een his 4a!lt that she ha, ,ie, in a 3lizzar,) 7 gri* s*ile t&it"he, his lips) 6e pro3a3l' &o!l,n(t 3e a3le to sa' an'thing past in4or*ing ?r) $e%a&ne' that his gran,,a!ghter &as ,ea,) The "r!st' ol, gent &o!l, *ost li#el' 3lo& his 3rains o!t at that point) And I don't know that I'd care2 6a&#e tho!ght *orosel'2 rising an, rea"hing 4or his hea+' 5a"#et an, 3la"# sli"#er) "-(* gonna n,e !p past the 4oothills2 see ho& *!"h sno& has *elte, on the *o!ntain)" ;e3 no,,e,2 an, 6a&#e &al#e, o!t into the pelting rain)

Ba"h *orning 4or the past &ee#2 6a&#e an, six o4 his *en ha, set o!t in the gra' ,a&n2 hea,ing 4or the *o!ntain) 7n, &hen the' ret!rne, e+er' night2 onl' the 3!l# o4 the ho!se an, o!t3!il,ings &ere ,is"erni3le in the near ,ar#ness) 6a&#e ha, sear"he, the *o!ntain &ith a single-*in,e, intensit'2 s"o!ting o!t e+er' "re+i"e2 e+er' "an'on2 e+er' 3o!l,er) This parti"!lar ,a'2 6a&#e(s e'es ra#e, the *o!ntain2 pa!sing at a narro& strip o4 *agni4i"ent pine s&eeping !p an, al*ost o!t o4 sight) Their &i,e-sprea, 3ran"hes "a*e so "lose together at the top that in the &inter the sno& ne+er penetrate, the* an, in the s!**er the s!n ne+er =!ite shone thro!gh to the gro!n,) 6e re*e*3ere, &ith a long sigh ho& he an, /!e ha, o4ten ri,,en there to *a#e lo+e on the nee,le-stre&n gro!n,) 1hen he ha, 3eg!n sear"hing 4or her2 he ha, hope, to 4in, her in their se"ret pla"e an, he *ight ha+e ha, he not 3een shot) "%et it go2 *an2" he *!ttere,2 "'o!(re 3eatin( a ,ea, horse o+er &hat *ight ha+e 3een)" The *o!ntain to&ere, higher to the &est2 an, the s!n to!"he, its ri*) On"e it tippe, to the other si,e2 ,ar#ness &o!l, ,es"en, an, the horses &o!l, ha+e a har, ti*e 4in,ing their &a' ,o&n the ro"#-stre&n trails) 6a&#e "!ppe, his han,s aro!n, his *o!th an, lo!,l' 'elle, to his *en that it &as ti*e to go ho*e) 7s his +oi"e e"hoe, thro!gh the *an' "an'ons2 he t!rne, Captain 3a"# ,o&n the *o!ntain) 1ear' an, ,ispirite,2 4or the 4irst ti*e he let hi*sel4 thin# that he &o!l, ne+er 4in, his 'o!ng &i4e(s 3o,') The resigne, expression &as still on his 4a"e &hen later he p!she, open the #it"hen ,oor) 6e 3lin#e, a *o*ent against the la*plight 4ro* the ta3le2 then S!sie &as r!nning to hi*2 her ar*s raise, to 3e li4te, !p) 6is haggar, 4a"e so4tene, as he s&ept her s*all 3o,' !p an, ga+e it a =!i"# s=!eeze) -t &as &hen he p!t her 3a"# on the 4loor he noti"e, the -n,ian 3o' sitting at the ta3le) 6e re"ognize, hi* at on"e2 the 3o' &ho ha, trie, to help /!e) 6e &on,ere, &h' the 'o!ngster loo#e, so !n"o*4orta3le2 al*ost a4rai,) 6e shot a =!estioning loo# at his 4ather2 an, &hen ;e3 onl' shr!gge, his sho!l,ers2 6a&#e s*ile, at the 3o'2 an, as#e,2 "6o& are 'o!r people ,oin(2 'o!ng *an0 6as the s*allpox r!n its "o!rse 'et0" ".es2" he ans&ere, gra+el') ">o *ore si"#ness in *' +illage) ?' gran,4ather &as the last one it too#)" "-(* sorr' to hear that 'o! lost 'o!r gran,4ather2" 6a&#e sai, sin"erel'2 &on,ering &h' the 3o' &as here2 an, &hat he &ante,) "1ill 'o! sta' 4or s!pper0" he as#e,2 ta#ing o44 his 5a"#et an, han,ing it to To**' to hang !p) ">o2 - *!st ret!rn to the +illage 3e4ore night sets in) The &ol+es &ill 3e roa*ing a3o!t as soon as the *oon "o*es !p2 an, the' are h!ngr' a4ter long &inter)" "- "o!l, ri,e &ith 'o! i4 'o! &ant to sta'2" 6a&#e o44ere,) "-t &o!l, please *e to

help the 'o!ng *an &ho helpe, *' &i4e)" %ittle Star loo#e, ner+o!sl' a&a' 4ro* 6a&#e) Then *oistening his ,r' lips &ith his tong!e2 he 3l!rte, o!t2 "- lie, to 'o! that night a3o!t /!e)" 6a&#e(s s*ile 4a,e, an, ,ie,) 6is +oi"e ,angero!sl' =!iet2 he as#e,2 "1hat ,o 'o! *ean2 'o! lie,0" The 3o' s=!ir*e, !neasil' in his seat2 shooting 6a&#e a 4rightene, loo#) 6e s&allo&e,2 then in a =!i+ering +oi"e he sai,2 "/!e ,i,n(t go !p the *o!ntain) She &ent ,o&n the +alle')" 6a&#e stare, at %ittle Star2 a 4!r'2 s!"h as he ha, ne+er #no&n2 eng!l4ing hi*) 6is han,s shot o!t2 gripping narro& sho!l,ers) ".o! &help o4 SatanA" he 'elle,2 sha#ing the 3o' !ntil his hair 4ell o+er his 4a"e) ".o!r lie "ost *e *' &i4e) - "o!l, ha+e easil' 4o!n, her in the +alle')" "Stop it2 6a&#eA" ;e3 p!lle, hi* a&a' 4ro* the terrorize, "hil,) ".o!(re gonna snap his ne"#)" "-(, li#e to)" 6a&#e thre& hi*sel4 into a "hair) "1h' ,i, 'o! lie to *e0" he ,e*an,e, in the tense at*osphere o4 the roo*) %ittle Star s&allo&e, a "o!ple ti*es then "roa#e, o!t2 "/!e sai, not to tell 'o!) ,on(t #no& &h'2 3!t she &as a4rai, o4 'o!)" "74rai, o4 *eA" 6a&#e 4airl' sho!te,) "1h' sho!l, she 3e a4rai, o4 *e0 -(* her h!s3an,)" "- #no& this)" %ittle Star no,,e,) " !t she ,i,n(t &ant to ret!rn to 'o!) - ,on(t #no& &h' this is so)" 6a&#e loo#e, at his 4ather as tho!gh 4or an ans&er) ;e3(s s'*pathi" loo# sai, he ha, no i,ea &h' /!e sho!l, 3e a4rai, o4 6a&#e) The' 3oth t!rne, startle, loo#s on the 3o' &hen he sai,2 "She is still a4rai, o4 'o!) "o!l, see it in her e'es the last ti*e - sa& her)" 6a&#e "a!ght his 3reath) "/!e is still ali+e0" he as#e, in"re,!lo!sl') "She &as a *onth ago2" %ittle Star ans&ere,2 "ringing a&a' 4ro* the &il, loo# in 6a&#e(s e'es) ;e3 lai, a "al*ing han, on 6a&#e(s ar* an, sai, gentl' to the !neas' 3o'2 "1here is /!e2 son0" "She sta' &ith the ol, trapper2 7,a*s)" "6o& is she0" ;e3 as#e, the =!estion his son see*e, !na3le to as# "al*l') "6er health is goo,) The ol, *an ta#e goo, "are o4 her)" The little 3o' pa!se, 3e4ore

a,,ing2 "There is great sa,ness in her e'es2 tho!gh)" e&il,er*ent sta*pe, on his 4a"e2 6a&#e &as onl' hal4 a&are that ;e3 an, %ittle Star "ontin!e, to tal#) 1h' &o!l, /!e 3e a4rai, o4 hi*0 1hat ha, he ,one to p!t 4ear in her0 That *orning she ,isappeare,2 the' ha, *a,e their !s!al slo& s&eet lo+e 3e4ore rising an, as !s!al she ha, stoo, in the #it"hen ,oor2 &a+ing to hi* as he ro,e a&a') ?a'3e2 he ,e"i,e,2 she ha, 3een hit on the hea, 3' one o4 the -n,ians an, it ha, "a!se, her 3rain to 3e"o*e *!,,le,2 *a,e her 4orget e+er'thing 3!t ho& he ha, treate, her in the 3eginning) The *ain thing2 he re*in,e, hi*sel42 &as that /!e &as ali+e) 6e &o!l, go to her2 set right &hate+er &as 3othering her) The 3lea#ness that ha, 3een in his e'es all &inter ,isappeare, an, his &hole 3o,' thro33e, &ith al*ost !n3eara3le happiness) 6e trie, to thin#2 to plan2 3!t his 3rain &o!l,n(t 4!n"tion properl') That /!e &as ali+e &as the onl' thing that "a*e thro!gh "learl') 74ter "alling his na*e three ti*es2 ;e3 4inall' penetrate, 6a&#e(s state o4 3liss) "$o 'o! #no& a 4at *an &ho &o!l, &ant to har* /!e2 6a&#e0 So*eone &ho hate, her eno!gh to sell her to the -n,ians0" 6a&#e shoo# his hea,2 his *in, going o+er his *en a"=!aintan"es) 7gain he tho!ght o4 the store#eeper in ;a"#son2 the *ost har*less *an he(, e+er #no&n2 an, an ol, trapper2 so "ripple, &ith rhe!*atis* he "o!l, har,l' get aro!n,) Certainl' neither *an &as "apa3le o4 har*ing /!e) Then s!,,enl' a leering 4a"e "a*e to 6a&#e(s *in,) 6e slappe, the ta3le &ith the pal* o4 his han,) Sly BurfordA That one hate, /!e &ith a +in,i"ti+eness that nothing &o!l, #eep hi* 4ro* 4ollo&ing her2 an, extra"ting his re+enge in the *ost e+il &a' his si"# 3rain "o!l, ,rea* !p) !t ho& "o!l, he ha+e tri"#e, /!e into lea+ing the ran"h &ith hi*0 She 4eare, an, hate, the *an) 7 s*ol,ering heat o4 4!rio!s rage ran thro!gh 6a&#e(s +eins2 t&isting his 4eat!res) 6e &as sorr' the 3astar, &as ,ea,) -t &o!l, gi+e hi* the greatest pleas!re to #ill the *an hi*sel42 an in"h at a ti*e) "- "an see 3' 'o!r 4a"e 'o! ha+e tho!ght o4 a *an &ho *ight ha+e ,one this a&4!l thing to /!e)" ;e3 3ro#e into 6a&#e(s t!r3!lent tho!ghts) "1here(s the 3o'0" 6a&#e loo#e, aro!n, the #it"hen) "6e le4t a *in!te ago) 6e(s still a little a4rai, o4 'o!) .o! ha, a *ean loo# on 'o!r 4a"e 4or a &hile there)" "- &as 4eelin( *ean)" 6a&#e la!ghe, *irthlessl') "-t "a*e to *e &ho ha, got his han,s on /!e)"

"6a&#e)" ;e3 pinne, his son &ith serio!s e'es) "- thin# it(s ti*e - hear, the &hole stor' a3o!t /!e2 ho& 'o! "a*e to *arr' her) -t &as a strange relationship goin( on 3et&een 'o! t&o &hen *e an, the #i,s 4irst got here) - ,i,n(t sa' an'thing) - 4ig!re, it &as 5!st a "ase o4 ne&l'&e,s gettin( !se, to ea"h other)" <or the next ten *in!tes 6a&#e tal#e,2 relating all the e+ents that ha, *a,e /!e his &i4e) 6e le4t nothing o!t2 not e+en his sha*e4!l 3eha+ior to&ar, her at 4irst) 6e en,e, &ith a &r' la!gh "She s!re got her re+enge2 tho!gh) - 4ell so in lo+e &ith her2 it s"are, *e)" ;e3 loo#e, sternl' at hi*) "-t &o!l, ha+e ser+e, 'o! right i4 she ha,n(t lo+e, 'o! 3a"#)" 6a&#e stare, into his e*pt' "o44ee "!p) "-4 &hat the 3o' sai, is tr!e2 an, - ha+e no reason to ,o!3t hi*2 she(s 3a"# to hat*( *e again)" "?a'3e she(s not hersel42" ;e3 spo#e alo!, one o4 6a&#e(s tho!ghts) "1ell - inten, to 4in, o!t) -(* lea+in( 4or ol, 7,a*s(s pla"e 4irst thing in the *ornin()" "Then -(, 3etter get s!pper on the ta3le so 'o! "an get to 3e, earl')" <or the 4irst ti*e sin"e /!e(s ,isappearan"e2 the e+ening &as eaten in a happ'2 relaxe, at*osphere) The "hil,ren "hattere, ex"ite,l' a3o!t 7!ntie /!e "o*ing ho*e2 an, 6a&#e &as har,l' a&are o4 &hat he &as eating) 6is 3loo, &as on 4ire 4or *orning to "o*e so he "o!l, go a4ter his &i4e an, 3ring her ho*e &here she 3elonge,) 7ltho!gh 6a&#e retire, earl' as planne,2 sleep &as a long ti*e "o*ing) 7gain an, again2 his *in, ran o+er %ittle Star(s &or,s) "She is a4rai, o4 'o!) She ,i, not &ant to ret!rn to 'o!)" 1hat i4 /!e re4!se, to "o*e ho*e &ith hi*0 6e "o!l,n(t 4or"e her to) <or one thing2 ol, 7,a*s &o!l,n(t allo& it) >o2 so*eho&2 he &o!l, ha+e to "on+in"e her to tr!st hi*2 to lo+e hi* again) The ho!r &as gra' an, the air "hill' &hen 6a&#e le4t the next *orning) ;e3 &at"he, hi* an, the stallion !ntil the' ,isappeare, in the nightli#e sha,o&s2 then ret!rne, to the &ar*th o4 the #it"hen) 6e sai, a silent pra'er that all &o!l, en, &ell 4or his son an, the &o*an he ha, *a,e his &i4e) 6e glan"e, aro!n, the roo* an, a &r' gri*a"e t&iste, his 4eat!res) -t &o!l, ta#e hi* all ,a' to restore it to the "on,ition /!e ha, al&a's #ept it in) 7n, he &ante, e+er'thing to 3e 5!st right i4 she ret!rne, &ith 6a&#e) 6a&#e an, the "hil,ren &eren(t the onl' ones &ho ha, *isse, her) 1hen To**' an, S!sie le4t their 3e,s an, "a*e sleep'-e'e, into the #it"hen2 ;e3 h!rrie, the* thro!gh 3rea#4ast2 sa'ing to To**'2 "- &ant 'o! to help *e get the ho!se straightene, !p2 son) 7!ntie /!e &o!l, ha+e a 4it i4 she 4o!n, the pla"e in the state it is no&) 1hile - "lean the #it"hen2 'o! "an *a#e the 3e,s an, ,!st the

4!rnit!re)" "Cn"le 6a&#e s!re is happ'2 isn(t he0" To**' re*ar#e,2 a &hite ring o4 *il# aro!n, his *o!th) ;e3 r!44le, the 3o'(s !n3r!she, hair) "- thin# &e all are)" S!sie2 her rag ,oll &ith her as !s!al2 sat her silent "o*panion on the ta3le an, sai, to its painte, 4a"e2 "- hope that %illie &o*an ,on(t "o*e here again) She too# 7!ntie /!e a&a') ?a'3e she(ll ta#e Cn"le 6a&#e too)" ;e32 4inishing the last 3ite o4 his 4lap5a"#2 4roze2 the 4or# *i,&a' to his *o!th) 1hen S!sie stret"he, her toes to the 4loor an, sli, o44 the "hair2 he p!t the 4or# ,o&n an, ,re& the little girl 3et&een his #nees) Care4!l to #eep his +oi"e "al*2 he as#e,2 "1hen ,i, %illie ta#e 7!ntie /!e a&a'2 S!sie0" ".o! #no&2 9ran,pa)" S!sie tra"e, one o4 his e'e3ro&s &ith a tin' 4inger) "The ,a' Cn"le 6a&#e got h!rt at the line sha"#) 7!ntie /!e &ent &ith the 3a, &it"h to *a#e hi* 3etter)" ;e3 ,i*l' re*e*3ere, the "hil, ra*3ling on a3o!t a &it"h the ,a' /!e ,isappeare,2 an, e+en a4ter 6a&#e &as 3ro!ght ho*e shot in the leg) 6e ha, pai, no attention to &hat she &as sa'ing2 thin#ing it &as the 4e+er tal#ing) 6e shoo# his hea,2 thin#ing o4 the ifs that "o!l, ha+e sa+e, so *!"h hearta"he) -4 he ha, listene, to S!sie2 i4 %ittle Star ha,n(t listene, to /!e) 6e 3e"a*e a&are o4 S!sie sha#ing his #nee) "1h' ,i,n(t 7!ntie /!e "o*e ho*e a4ter she *a,e Cn"le 6a&#e 3etter0" ;e3(s *in, so!ght a reason that S!sie &o!l, !n,erstan,) The 4i+e-'ear-ol, ,i,n(t #no& that her !n"le ha,n(t seen /!e2 that he2 too2 ha, tosse, an, t!rne, in a high 4e+er 5!st as S!sie ha,) <inall'2 he ans&ere,2 "She ha, to go see her gran,parents2 an, no& Cn"le 6a&#e has gone there to 3ring her ho*e)" " !t2 9ran,pa2" To**' 3egan2 "the -n,ian 3o' sai,@" ;e3 ga+e the 3o' a &arning sha#e o4 his hea,2 loo#ing *eaning4!ll' at S!sie) To**' no,,e, his !n,erstan,ing2 then ;e3 3e"a*e +er' a"ti+e) 6e *!st get to %illie ?e'ers 3e4ore 6a&#e ,i,) 6e ha, no ,o!3t that2 &o*an or not2 his son &o!l, #ill her 4or &hat she(, ,one to /!e) 7n, tho!gh the 3it"h ,eser+e, #illing2 he ,i,n(t &ant his son ,oing it) On"e 6a&#e(s rage "oole,2 he(, regret #illing a &o*an 4or the rest o4 his ,a') "To**'2" he sai,2 shr!gging into his 5a"#et an, slapping his 3attere, Stetson on his hea,2 "- ha+e to go o!t 4or a &hile) Feep an e'e on 'o!r sister !ntil - get 3a"#)" "S!re2 9ran,pa2 3!t &here are 'o! going0" "- gotta ta#e "are o4 so*e 3!siness that(s 3een a long ti*e "o*in()"

The rising s!n "ast a re, glo& on the &hite paint o4 the ?e'ers(s ran"h ho!se as ;e3 approa"he, it) 7 ,i* light shone in the ,istant 3!n#ho!se2 an, he "o!l, see the *en *o+ing aro!n, insi,e) !t all &as =!iet in an, aro!n, the &i,o&(s ,o*i"ile) "The heartless 3it"h pro3a3l' ,on(t get !p !ntil noon2" ;e3 *!ttere,2 ,is*o!nting an, looping the reins aro!n, a hit"hing post) 6e stoo, a *o*ent2 then steppe, onto the por"h2 his 3oot heels sta*ping &ith p!rpose) 6e li4te, his ar* an, th!*pe, a lo!, 4ist on the 4ront ,oor2 then steppe, 3a"#) -t &as silent insi,e 4or a *o*ent2 then there "a*e the s"!rr'ing o4 4eet an, the so!n, o4 a &o*an(s +oi"e2 lo& an, !rgent) 7 *o*ent later ;e3 hear, the snap o4 a ,oor "losing in the rear o4 the ho!se) 6e &al#e, to the en, o4 the por"h in ti*e to see a *an r!nning to&ar, the 3!n#ho!se2 his shirttail 4l'ing2 his 3oots in his han,s) The "onte*pt!o!s sneer &as still on ;e3(s 4a"e &hen the ,oor opene, an, a to!sle,haire, %illie gape, at hi* in s!rprise) "?r) ?astersA" she ex"lai*e,2 "l!t"hing her ro3e together &ith one han, &hile the other trie, to s*ooth her hair) "-s so*ethin( &rong &ith 6a&#e0" Con"ern leapt in her pale e'es) "6as he 3een h!rt0" ;e3 shoo# his hea,) "6a&#e is 4ine) ?a' - "o*e in0 -(, li#e to tal# to 'o! a *in!te)" "Certainl')" %illie *o+e, a&a' 4ro* the ,oor) "-(ll go p!t on a pot o4 "o44ee)" ">o2 ,on(t 3other on *' a""o!nt) -(ll onl' 3e here a short ti*e)" "Then ha+e a seat)" %illie *otione, to&ar, a "hair) ;e3 ga+e the roo* a s&eeping glan"e2 ta#ing in the re, "arpet2 the 3ol,-4lo&ere, &allpaper2 the o+erst!44e, "hairs an, so4a2 the 3ri"-a-3ra" "o+ering e+er' in"h o4 three ta3le tops) 4ust like the waiting room in a bordello2 he tho!ght2 then loo#e, 3a"# at %illie) "-(ll 5!st stan,) !t *a'3e 'o! o!ght to sit ,o&n)" "?' goo,ness)" %illie ga+e a ner+o!s titter) "That so!n,s li#e 'o!(re gonna gi+e *e so*e 3a, ne&s2 ?r) ?asters)" "- expe"t that it ,oes2 an, it &ill 3e)" %oo#ing at her gri*l' &ith "ol, e'es2 ;e3 sai,2 "The ga*e is !p 4or 'o!2 ?rs) ?e'ers) ?' gran,,a!ghter 5!st tol, *e a 3it o4 interestin( ne&s2 an, 'ester,a' a 'o!ng -n,ian 3o' tol, 6a&#e so*ethin( that &as also +er' interestin() - p!t 3oth "hil,ren(s stones together an, "a*e !p &ith the ans&er to &hat happene, to /!e)" "- ,on(t #no& &hat 'o!(re tal#in( a3o!t)" %illie(s 4a"e &ent paper-&hite an, she "l!t"he, the 3a"# o4 a "hair) "S!rel' 'o!(re not p!ttin( an' i*portan"e on "hil,ren(s ra*3lins()"

"-(, 3elie+e "hil,ren 4aster than - &o!l, *ost a,!lts) ?' S!sie is too 'o!ng to ha+e learne, the pra"ti"e o4 l'in()" "1ell2 she &as ,rea*in( o!t lo!, then) - ha, nothin( to ,o &ith /!e 3ein( sol, to the -n,ians)" "7haA" ;e3 po!n"e, on the &o*an(s slip !p) "- ,i,n(t sa' a &or, a3o!t her 3ein( sol, to -n,ians) 6o& "o*e 'o! #no& a3o!t it i4 'o! &asn(t a part o4 it0" %illie 4lo!n,ere, 4or &or,s 4or a *o*ent2 then "ho#e, o!t2 "Sl' !r4or, "a*e an, tol, *e ho& he ha, sol, /!e2 then he too# o44)" ".o!(re l'in( thro!gh 'o!r teeth2 &o*anA 1e #no& e+er'thing a3o!t 'o!r ,irt' ,ealins() 7n -n,ian #ille, Sl' !r4or, the sa*e ,a' he too# /!e to the*) 6e "o!l,n(t ha+e tol, 'o! an'thing)" The loo# o4 a trappe, ani*al glittere, in %illie(s e'es) "- ha, no part in #illin( Sa*2" she 3l!rte, in pani") "That &as all Sl'(s ,oin()" ;e3 "a!ght his 3reath at that !nexpe"te, ,is"los!re) 6e h!rrie,l' loo#e, ,o&n at the 4loor to hi,e his s!rprise) The s"are,2 &itless &o*an ha, 5!st "leare, !p the *'ster' o4 ho& an a""o*plishe, ri,er li#e Sa* "o!l, ha+e 3een thro&n 4ro* his horse an, ,ragge, to ,eath) -t ha,n(t happene, that &a' at all) Sl' !r4or, ha, *!r,ere, Sa* ?e'ers2 then *a,e it loo# li#e an a""i,ent) 7n, ,a*n her l'in( so!l2 the 3it"h ha, 3een in on her h!s3an,(s ,eath all the &a') 6e "o!l, see it in her g!ilt' 4a"e) 6e too# a shot in the ,ar#) "1hat a3o!t the *one' 'o! pai, hi* to ,o a&a' &ith Sa*0" %illie(s 4a"e "r!*ple, in ,e4eat an, ;e3 p!she, his a,+antage) "- thin# 'o!(, 3etter "lear o!t o4 this "o!ntr'2 ?rs) ?e'ers) Sa* &as li#e, 3' his neigh3ors an, there(s no tellin( &hat the'(ll ,o to 'o! &hen - tell the* 'o! ha, hi* #ille,) The least the'(ll ,o is tar an, 4eather 'o!D *ight e+en hang 'o!) <or s!re2 the'(ll ,ri+e 'o! o!t o4 this +alle')" ;e3 ,i,n(t thin# her 4a"e "o!l, gro& paler2 3!t no& a si"#l' pallor sprea, o+er it) "1hat a3o!t the ran"h0" she &hine,) "-t 3elongs to *e no&)" "- g!ess it "o*es ,o&n to 'o! *a#in( a "hoi"e2" ;e3 sai, "ol,l') "1hi"h is *ore i*portant to 'o!2 the ran"h or *a'3e 'o!r li4e0" %illie onl' hesitate, a *o*ent 3e4ore r!shing to&ar, her 3e,roo*) "1ill 'o! ha+e one o4 the *en sa,,le *' *o!nt0" she as#e, in her h!rrie, retreat) " e gla, to)" 7 h!ge s*ile o4 satis4a"tion sprea, a"ross ;e3(s 4a"e) 6e le4t the ho!se an, al*ost ran to the "orrals) %ess than t&ent' *in!tes later %illie h!rrie, 4ro* the ho!se2 a st!44e, sa,,le3ag o+er her ar*2 her 3oot heels #i"#ing !p sno& an, *!,) ;e32 his el3o&s hoo#e, o+er the top rail o4 the "orral2 grinne, as he &at"he, a "o&3o'2 pro3a3l' the one his arri+al ha, s"are, 4ro* her 3e,2 help %illie *o!nt her e'e-rolling stallion) "1hen she 3ro!ght her &hip a"ross the ani*al(s r!*p2 an, it

sprang a&a'2 the "o&p!n"her loo#e, at ;e3) "1here(s she o44 to so earl' in the *ornin(2 an, in s!"h an all-4ire, h!rr'0" "On her &a' to hell2 no ,o!3t)" ;e3 "ontin!e, to grin) "That is i4 the $e+il &ill ta#e her in)" 7n, &hile the ran"h han, stare, at hi*2 ;e3 &al#e, 3a"# to the ho!se an, *o!nte,) The st!pi, 3it"h &as hea,e, straight thro!gh -n,ian territor') She(, 3e ,a*n l!"#' i4 she *a,e it thro!gh there ali+e) 6er hatre, o4 the re, *an &as &ell-#no&n 3' the renega,e tri3e)

Chapter Seventeen
%ittle Star sat h!n"he, against his !n"le(s tepee2 his ar*s &rappe, aro!n, his 3ent #nees) 6e shi+ere, o""asionall' in the "ol, &in, that still hel, a &intr' "hill) 6e(, 3een there hal4 an ho!r2 listening to the gr!nts an, th!*ps insi,e the str!"t!re sin"e the &o*en ha, starte, the *orning "oo# 4ire) -4 e+er'thing pro"ee,e, as !s!al2 his !n"le &o!l, &al# o!tsi,e at the 4irst s"ent o4 the roasting *eat) 6e sni44e, the air2 anxio!sl' testing it) There &as onl' the s*ell o4 s*o#e an, 3!rning &oo,) 7s he settle, 3a"# to "ontin!e to &ait2 he 3e"a*e a&are that all &as =!iet insi,e the tepee) At last2 he tho!ght2 my uncle is sated) 6e "are4!ll' li4te, the opening 4lap an, pee#e, insi,e) Sighing2 he let the hi,e ,rop) <ro* the gli*pse he(, ha, insi,e the ,i* interior2 his Cn"le 1ol4 &as again *o!nting his ne& &i4e o4 a *onth) -t &o!l, 3e another 4e& *in!tes2 3!t it &o!l, 3e the last ti*e2 the 3o' "onsole, hi*sel4 <or 4aintl' on the air2 there "a*e the aro*a he ha, 3een &aiting 4or) 6is !n"le &o!l, s*ell it also an, &o!l, lea+e his 3e, o4 4!rs) 6e &o!l,n(t ri,e his &o*an again !ntil the late a4ternoon &hen he ret!rne, 4ro* the h!nt) %ittle Star pi"#e, !p a sti"# an, 3egan ,ra&ing pi"t!res in the *!, as he &aite, 4or the tall2 han,so*e 3ra+e to step o!tsi,e2 a,5!sting the 3ree"h"loth o+er his ,eplete, *e*3er) 6e stoo, !p) 6e &o!l, approa"h his !n"le then a3o!t going a4ter his s*all 3rother2 Tin' <ist) 6e &as anxio!s to see the little 3ra+e2 an, hope, he "o!l, "oax their Cn"le 1ol4 into lea+ing 4or 7,a*s(s "a3in to,a') 7 &orrie, 4ro&n "rease, his 4orehea,) /!e &o!l, 3e loo#ing 4or 9ran,4ather to "o*e) 6e shoo# a&a' the sorro&4!l tho!ghts o4 his ,ea, gran,4ather) 6is !n"le treate, hi* li#e a son2 an, the ne& &i4e sa& to his nee,s) 6e &as +er' 4ort!nate) The "hil,ren &ho ha, lost all relations to the si"#ness &ere no& sla+es to the other *e*3ers o4 the tri3e) The' &or#e, 4ro* s!n!p !ntil the' &rappe, the*sel+es in a 3lan#et !n,er so*e tree &hen night 4ell) <inall' the hoarse "r' he ha, 3een &aiting 4or so!n,e,) 7n, as he ha, #no&n &o!l,

happen2 his satis4ie, !n"le e*erge, 4ro* the tepee) 6e steppe, to the si,e o4 the tepee2 p!lle, asi,e his 3ree"h"loth2 an, relie+e, hi*sel4 Then straightening his 4ringe, 3!"#s#ins2 he t!rne, to his nephe&2 ho+ering near3') "So2 little 3ra+e2 'o! ha+e 3een patient) "1hat is so i*portant that 'o! ha+e &aite, so long0" "-t is a3o!t Tin' <ist2 Cn"le) $o 'o! not thin# it is ti*e to 3ring hi* ho*e0" The tall 3ra+e tho!ght a *o*ent2 then no,,e, his hea,) ".o! are right) - ha+e 3een too o""!pie, &ith *' ne& &i4e) 74ter - ha+e eaten *' *orning *eal2 - &ill go to this /!e ?asters 'o! are so 4on, o4 an, 3ring the 3a3' ho*e)" "Shall - go &ith 'o!0 /!e *ight 3e 4rightene,2 a stranger "o*ing to her ,oor) She expe"ts 9ran,4ather to "o*e)" ">o2 'o! &ill sta' here an, &at"h a4ter 'o!r ne& *other) $o not 4ear 4or 'o!r &hite 4rien,) - &ill not 4righten her)" %ittle Star stare, at the gro!n,2 his *o""asin-sho, 4oot erasing the pi"t!res he(, ,ra&n on the gro!n,) 1hen he sense, his !n"le(s "!rio!s gaze on hi*2 he li4te, his hea,) "Cn"le2 - &o!l, tal# to 'o! a3o!t /!e) There is so*ething that 'o! ,on(t #no& a3o!t her)" "7n, &hat is that2 nephe&0" 7*!se*ent shone in 1ol4s e'es) "-s she !gl'0 1ill she s"are r!e0" "Oh2 no) /!e is 3ea!ti4!l2 li#e a s!nset on a "lear strea*) .o! ha+e seen her8 'o! &ante, her 4or 'o!r &o*an)" 1ol4 narro&e, his e'es on the 3o') "7re 'o! tal#ing a3o!t the gol,en-haire, &o*an the 4at *an 3ro!ght to o!r +illage0 The one &ho so*eho& es"ape,0" %ittle Star s&allo&e, an, no,,e, ,!*3l') "1h' ha+e 'o! #ept this se"ret0 .o! #no& ho& 3a,l' - &ante, her)" %ittle Star h!ng his hea, an, sai, in a lo& +oi"e2 "- #no& this2 Cn"le2 3!t /!e is not strong li#e o!r o&n &o*en) - &as a4rai, she "o!l, not &or# as har, as the' "an2 an, she *ight ,ie)" "7n, 'o! thin# that 'o!r !n"le &o!l,n(t ta#e proper "are o4 her2 *a'3e a3!se her0" "- &asn(t s!re)" The ans&er &as 3arel' a3o+e a &hisper) ".o! &rong *e2 little 3ra+e2" 1ol4 sai, so3erl') "-2 too2 realize, the 9ol,en One(s &orth) - &o!l, ha+e treate, her #in,l')" "<orgi+e *e2 Cn"le2" %ittle Star sai, sha*e4!ll') " !t there is another reason - ,i,n(t

tell 'o! a3o!t /!e) She alrea,' has a h!s3an,) One &ho p!ts *!"h +al!e on her) 6e &o!l, 4ight 'o! to the ,eath to #eep her)" "1h' is he not &ith her no&0" "- thin# perhaps he is &ith her 3' no&)" 1ol4 stoo, a *o*ent2 staring o44 into the 4orest2 re*e*3ering the gol,en-haire, &o*an he ha, 3een on 4ire to possess) "1ho is this *an that is her h!s3an,0" "6e is the ran"her2 6a&#e ?asters2 the one &ho sent !s the "attle)" 1ol4 "o!l,n(t re*e*3er &hen he ha, 3een so 4r!strate,) Cntil this *o*ent he(, ha, e+er' intention o4 3ringing the &hite &o*an ho*e &ith hi*) 6is 3loo, ha, sang at the tho!ght o4 *a#ing her his &i4e2 e+en to #eeping her 3a"# &ar* on "ol,2 &inter nights) 6e sighe, ,eepl') 6e "o!l, 4orget that no&) 6is honor &o!l, not allo& hi* to ta#e a&a' the &i4e o4 a *an &ho ha, !n,o!3te,l' sa+e, the li+es o4 his people) 1ith regret on his 4a"e2 1ol4 lai, a han, on his nephe&(s sho!l,er) "/est eas'2 *' son) - &ill not to!"h the 9ol,en One)" 6al4 an ho!r later %ittle Star &at"he, his !n"le ri,e a&a'2 pro!,l' ere"t on his &il, little *!stang) 6e #ne& a great relie4 6is !n"le &o!l, #eep his &or,2 no *atter ho& te*pte, he *ight 3e to 3rea# it) /!e a&a#ene, to 7,a*s(s tr'ing to spea# so4tl' to Tin' <ist strappe, in his "hair2 3!t he still so!n,e, li#e a gro&ling 3ear) 6er s*ile &as a little sa,) The ol, *an ha, gro&n +er' 4on, o4 the 3a3' an, &o!l, *iss hi* &hen he &as gone) 7s 4or hersel42 she2 too2 "o!l, ha+e gi+en her heart to the little one2 3!t she ha, "are4!ll' not ,one so) She &as tire, o4 lo+ing an, losing) She ha, learne, it &as too pain4!l to lo+e2 to let an'one get "lose to her) 6er gran,parents( 4a"es appeare, 3e4ore her) She still lo+e, the*2 o4 "o!rse2 3!t the' &ere ol, an, she &o!l, lose the* 3e4ore too long) 7n, ;i**'2 he &o!l, 4all in lo+e so*e,a' an, he &o!l, lea+e her also) 7n, there she(, 3e2 li+ing alone in the sha"# &here she ha, 3een 3orn2 gro&ing ol,2 &aiting 4or ,eath2 ne+er ha+ing #no&n lo+e 4ro* a *an) 1hat &as lo+e an'&a'0 /!e lai, an ar* a"ross her e'es) She #ne& that the i3le sai, that 9o, &as lo+e2 3!t &hat ,i, the &or, *ean to h!*an 3eings0 To her &a' o4 thin#ing2 there &as onl' one tr!e lo+e2 that ,eep e*otion share, 3et&een parents an, "hil,ren) 7s 4or a ,eep a3i,ing lo+e 3et&een a *an an, &o*an2 it &as too 4ragile2 too easil' 3ro#en) /!e tho!ght 3a"# to her *other) She *!st ha+e "lai*e, to lo+e :apa on"e2 3!t ha, then lain &ith an' *an &ho "a*e along) Then there &as 6a&#e) 6e ha, "lai*e, to lo+e %illie2 3!t ha, a"te, 4or all the &orl, as i4 it &as /!e &ho* he a,ore,)

She &ent on to re*e*3er all the *en she ha, #no&n &ho ha, lost a &i4e) 74ter onl' a *onth2 so*eti*es onl' a &ee#2 the' ha, re*arrie,) 6a, the lo+e these *en ha, pro4esse, 4or the ,ea, &o*en 3een 3!rie, &ith the*2 setting the* 4ree to lo+e again0 Tin' <ist(s "hortling "h!"#le 3ro!ght /!e o!t o4 her gloo*' tho!ghts) 1hen &as the little 4ello&(s gran,4ather "o*ing a4ter hi*0 she &on,ere,) The sno& ha, *elte, !ntil onl' a 4e& in"hes "o+ere, the gro!n,) She &ishe, he(, h!rr') She &as anxio!s to get on &ith her li4e2 &hate+er it *ight 3e) /!e 4ro&ne, at a ,ist!r3ing tho!ght) 1hat i4 the gran,4ather ha, ,ie, as &ell as %ittle Star0 1o!l, no one "o*e a4ter the 3a3' then0 1o!l, she ha+e to ta#e hi* &ith her &hen she le4t0 The little 4ello& &o!l,n(t 3e a""epte, in her ol, area) Too *an' people there ha, lost lo+e, ones to the re, *an) She shoo# her hea,) -t &o!l, ne+er enter their *in,s to re*e*3er ho& *an' -n,ians they ha, #ille,) "7re 'o! a&a#e2 hone'0" 7,a*s "alle, 4ro* the ta3le &here he sat spooning oat*eal into Tin' <ist(s h!ngr' *o!th) "$a'light is a3o!t here an, - o!ght to get goin()" /!e sat !p an, s&!ng her 4eet to the 3rai,e, r!g 7,a*s ha, 3ro!ght 4ro* the s*all storage she,) :ie"e 3' pie"e2 he ha, 3ro!ght o!t *an' little treas!res that ha, *a,e the s*all roo* "oz') There &ere the t&o "olor4!l prints he ha, h!ng on the ro!gh log &all2 an, a pe&ter la*p2 &ith a shin' re4le"tor2 pla"e, 3et&een the*) 6e ha, also 3ro!ght in t&o ta3le "lothes2 one re,2 one 3l!e) She #ne& that on"e she &as gone all the ho*e' pie"es &o!l, go 3a"# into the 3arrel the' ha, 3een pa"#e, in sin"e the ,eath o4 his &i4e) /!e ha, to a,*it2 tho!gh rel!"tantl'2 that this ol, *an ha, lo+e, his &i4e an, &as ,e+ote, to her *e*or') But he only makes three2 she re*in,e, hersel4 so!rl') Grandpa /e+awney, 4eb #asters and old Adams) >ot +er' goo, o,,s &hen "o*pare, to all the *en &ho onl' !se, &o*en) 7s /!e &ashe, her han,s in a 3asin o4 &ar* &ater 7,a*s al&a's ha, &aiting 4or her2 Tin' <ist &a+e, his ar*s an, #i"#e, his "h!33' legs in his ,elight at seeing her) She ,rie, her 4a"e on the ro!gh 4!stain to&el hanging 3esi,e the &in,o&2 then ti"#le, the !n,ersi,e o4 his "hin) "7n, ho& are 'o! this *orning2 3ig 3o'0" She sat ,o&n 3esi,e hi*2 *ar+eling at the ,i44eren"e three *onths ha, *a,e in the "hil,(s appearan"e) 6e &as short2 as &as his 3rother %ittle Star2 3!t the little "hee#s an, li*3s &ere no& pl!*p an, ,i*ple,2 an, he ha, t&o *ore ne& teeth) /ight no& all eight &ere ,ispla'e, in a &i,e s*ile) 7,a*s stoo, rea,' to lea+e2 his 3!44alo 5a"#et la"e, !p2 his 4!r "ap p!lle, o+er his ears) 7ltho!gh the te*perat!re ha, risen2 it &as still &inter an, 3itterl' "ol,) "1ell2 -(* o442" he sai,2 r!44ling Tin' <ist(s hair) ".o! 3eha+e 4or /!e &hile -(* gone2" he or,ere, the 3a3') $og2 5!*ping aro!n, 7,a*s(s 4eet2 anxio!s to get o!t an, r!n2 al*ost #no"#e, the ol, *an ,o&n2 r!shing past hi* &hen he opene, the ,oor) /!e grinne, as2 thro!gh the "lose, ,oor2 she hear, 7,a*s s&earing at the ani*al2 pro*ising hi* all #in,s o4

p!nish*ent on"e he got his han,s on his &orthless hi,e) -t &as all sha* threats2 she #ne&) 7,a*s &as +er' 4on, o4 his ol, pet an, &o!l, ne+er stri#e hi*) 74ter she 4inishe, 3rea#4ast2 /!e &ent thro!gh her !s!al rit!al@*a#ing the 3e,s2 s&eeping the 4loor2 "leaning the #it"hen2 then 3athing an, ,ressing Tin' <ist) She &as getting ,resse, hersel4 &hen she ha, the !rge to ,on her o&n "lothing 4or a "hange) She *isse, the 4eel o4 her so4t "a*isole against her s#in2 the s&ish o4 a petti"oat against her legs) She 3ent ,o&n an, p!lle, the &oo,en 3ox 4ro* 3eneath her 3e,) She too# o!t the !n,ergar*ents that ha, lain in the 3ox all &inter2 p!tting 3a"# the 3loo*ers) The elasti" ha, 3ro#en an, she ha, no &a' o4 *en,ing it) She p!lle, the "a*isole o+er her hea,2 steppe, into the petti"oat2 then li4te, her ,ress 4ro* its peg on the &all) "9oo,ness2 -(+e lost &eight2" she *!ttere,2 4eeling ho& the ,ress h!ng on her2 the 4!llness o4 the *aterial a"ross her 3reasts2 the extra in"hes aro!n, the &aist) There &as no *irror in the "a3in 4or her to ha+e noti"e, the &eight loss 3e4ore2 nor the thinness o4 her 4a"e) She ,i,n(t #no& ho& sharpl' the ,eli"ate 3ones &ere so "learl' ,e4ine,) !t she ,i, #no& that her hair &as shin' an, health') -t "ra"#le, an, snappe, &hen she 3r!she, it &ith 7,a*s(s 3r!sh) 6o&e+er2 she ha, no i,ea i4 the part in it &as straight) She ,i, that 3' to!"h alone) /!e s*ile, thinl') 1hat ,i44eren"e ,i, it *a#e ho& she loo#e,0 1ho &as to see her ex"ept an ol, *an an, a 3a3'0 %!n"h ti*e arri+e,2 an, a4ter /!e 4e, Tin' <ist2 she sai, to hi*2 "1e(re going to get 3!n,le, !p an, go o!tsi,e 4or a &hile2 to 3reathe so*e 4resh air)" 7s tho!gh the tot !n,erstoo, her2 he 3egan to #i"# his legs2 thro&ing his "h!33' ar*s aro!n, her ne"#) /!e &ante, to h!g hi* 3a"#2 to lo+e hi*2 3!t &o!l,n(t allo& hersel4 to ,o so) She *!st "ontin!e to g!ar, her heart) -t &o!l,n(t *en, i4 it &as 3ro#en again) 1ith Tin' <ist 3!n,le, !p to his nose2 /!e "arrie, hi* o!tsi,e) The' 3oth 3lin#e, rapi,l' !ntil their e'es 3e"a*e a""!sto*e, to the s!nlight) 7 ,a*p &in, 3le& a"ross their 4a"es2 *a#ing the 3a3' "at"h his 3reath) /!e la!ghe, so4tl' an, patte, his 3a"#) "1e(ll 5!st sta' 4or a *in!te or so2" she "onsole, hi*) "The p!re air is goo, 4or 'o!r little l!ngs)" She p!lle, the 3lan#et !p o+er his *o!th2 then ga+e a startle, 5er#2 4ollo&e, 3' a lo& "r' o4 s!rprise &hen 4ro* the "orner o4 the "a3in "a*e a ,eep2 *as"!line +oi"e) ".o! are &iseD 4or a &hite &o*an)" /!e &heele, to 4a"e the tall -n,ian &al#ing to&ar, her2 his stoli, 4a"e sho&ing nothing o4 &hat he &as thin#ing) "1ho are 'o!0" She "l!t"he, the 3a3' an, *o+e, 3a"#&ar,2 repeating2 "1ho are 'o!0" !t e+en as she as#e, the =!estion2 /!e re"ognize, the 3ra+e an, her heart po!n,e,

so that it shoo# her "hest) This &as the 3ra+e &ho ha, &ante, her2 ha, #ille, Sl' !r4or, in his ,eter*ination to ha+e her) 7pprehension grippe, the pit o4 her sto*a"h) 6a, %ittle Star gi+en a&a' the se"ret o4 her hi,ing pla"e2 an, this tall -n,ian ha, "o*e to ta#e her a&a'0 6er *in, ra"e, 4ranti"all' &ith the ne"essit' o4 es"ape) She thre& a 4ast glan"e o+er her sho!l,er) Co!l, she *o+e 4ast eno!gh to get to the ,oor2 insi,e2 an, thro& the 3olt0 She ,i,n(t ha+e to &on,er) -n the split se"on, she too# her attention 4ro* the 3ra+e2 he ha, *o+e,2 an, no& stoo, onl' in"hes a&a') 1hile she stare, at hi* &ith &i,e e'es2 he li4te, a lean han, to her "hee#) "$o not 3e 4rightene,2 9ol,en One)" 6is +oi"e &as so4t2 4!ll o4 regret) "- &o!l, ne+er har* 'o!)" 6is han, le4t her 4a"e &ith a slo&2 "aressing *o+e*ent) "- a* 1ol42 !n"le to Tin' <ist) - ha+e "o*e 4or hi*)" " !t %ittle Star sai, that his gran,4ather &o!l, "o*e 4or the little one2" /!e sai, &aril'2 *o+ing 3a"# again) 7 4li"#ering sa,ness shone in the 3la"# e'es) "The si"#ness too# *' 4ather) So2 - ha+e "o*e)" "Oh2 - a* sorr' to hear that2" /!e sai, so4tl' an, sin"erel') "%ittle Star *!st 3e grie+ing)" ".es)" She &aite, 4or the 3ra+e to a,, to the single senten"e2 an, &hen he ,i,n(t2 she sai,2 "Co*e in an, -(ll get Tin' <ist(s "lothes together)" Strangel'2 she &as no longer a4rai, o4 the tall2 han,so*e 3ra+e) 6a&#e po!re, the re*ains o4 his "o44ee o+er the re, "oals o4 his "a*p4ire2 then "ra&le, 3eneath the lo&2 s&eeping 3ran"hes o4 a pine an, rolle, !p in his 3lan#ets) 7"t!all'2 it &asn(t ne"essar' 4or hi* to *a#e night "a*p2 3eing onl' a 4e& *iles 4ro* 7,a*s(s "a3in) !t &hen he sa& /!e 4or the 4irst ti*e in *onths2 he &ante, the* to 3e alone) 6e #ne& 7,a*s &o!l,n(t 3e at the "a3in in the *orning so he &o!l,n(t ha+e an a!,ien"e &at"hing hi* 3eg) <or 3eg he &o!l,2 i4 it &ere ne"essar') esi,es2 that "antan#ero!s ol, trapper *ight not e+en let hi* "o*e insi,e i4 he &ere at ho*e) -t &as "lear the next *orning &hen 6a&#e *o!nte, Captain2 the s!n 3right 4or a "hange) Settling the horse into an eas' lope2 he ro,e o!t o4 a 4ringe o4 spr!"e at noon an, gaze, at 7,a*s(s "a3in2 s*o#e "!rling 4ro* its "roo#e, "hi*ne') 6is heart ha**ering2 his pal*s s!,,enl' ,a*p2 he reine, in) -n 5!st a 4e& *in!tes he &o!l, see her) 6a&#e &as a3o!t to li4t the reins &hen the "a3in ,oor opene, an, /!e &al#e, o!tsi,e) The s!n str!"# her hair2 see*ing to t!rn it into p!re gol,) Staring at the

glorio!s sight2 re*e*3ering its so4tness in his han,s2 its sil#iness sprea, a"ross his "hest &hile she slept in his ar*s2 it too# a 4e& se"on,s 3e4ore he noti"e, the 3a3' in her ar*s) 6is 4a"e 3lan"he,) 7n -n,ian 3a3'A 1hat &as she ,oing &ith a papoose0 -t "o!l,n(t 3e hers2 she ha,n(t 3een gone that long) 7 sharp inta#e o4 3reath hea+e, his "hest &hen a tall -n,ian "a*e 4ro* the si,e o4 the "a3in an, &al#e, !p to /!e) The' stoo, a *in!te2 the *an stro#ing her "hee#2 then the' &ent insi,e2 an, "lose, the "a3in ,oor 3ehin, the*) :ain 5a33e, his heart li#e a #ni4e) The 3ra+e ha,n(t !se, 4or"e to get insi,e) /!e ha, &illingl' let hi* 4ollo& her) 6a&#e(s 4a"e ,ar#ene, &ith explosi+e rage) 6a, she 3een 4or"e, to ta#e this *an as a lo+er2 to ten, to his "hil,0 7n, &hat a3o!t ol, 7,a*s0 6a, he 3een #ille,0 6is e'es narro&e, to slits) 6a, he 3een lie, to all the &a'0 !t 4or &hat p!rpose0 The tho!ght &as !n3eara3le that another *an(s e'es an, han,s ha, #no&n /!e(s 3o,') 6e ga+e Captain s!"h a 5a3 &ith his heel2 the startle, ani*al l!nge, a&a'2 his hoo4s #i"#ing !p *!, an, sno&) ' 9o,2 he s&ore silentl'2 he &o!l, p!t an en, to &hate+er &as going on right no&) 6a&#e p!lle, the stallion to a pl!nging halt a 4oot a&a' 4ro* the por"h) %i one *otion he s&!ng 4ro* the sa,,le an, 4l!ng open the "a3in ,oor) Startle, 3l!e e'es an, 3la"# ones gape, at the 3arel' "ontrolle, sa+ager' on his 4a"e) /!e 4elt a &a+e o4 &ea#ness s&eep thro!gh her an, her *o!th &ent ,r' &ith 4ear) I!estions ,r!**e, in her hea,) 6o& ha, 6a&#e learne, that she &as ali+e0 6o& ,i, he #no& that she &as here0 6a, he "o*e to #ill her0 She too# a step to&ar, 1ol4 as tho!gh 4or prote"tion2 an, tho!ght that she sa& pain 4lare in 6a&#e(s e'es) She 3lin#e, an, the *o*ent &as gone) She ha, i*agine, it2 o4 "o!rse) S!,,enl' her ,a's o4 pain an, 3itterness 3oile, insi,e her) 6o& ,are this *an perse"!te her0 She ha, ne+er ,one an'thing to hi* 3!t lo+e hi*) She sprang in 4ront o4 6a&#e2 her 3l!e e'es stor*') "9o a&a'2 6a&#e ?astersA %et *e aloneA %et people thin# -(* ,ea,) 9o 3a"# to %illieA" 7n, 6a&#e2 gazing at her2 star+ation in his e'es2 hear, not a &or, she sai,) 6e "ontin!e, to let his gaze &an,er o+er her 4a"e) 6e note, &orrie,l' her thin "hee#s2 her ha!nte, loo#2 the p!rple sha,o&s 3eneath her e'es) -t &as all he "o!l, ,o not to gather her in his ar*s2 tell her that she &o!l, ne+er 3e h!rt again) !t ,eep in her e'es2 past her anger2 4ear o4 hi* still lingere,) 1h'0 he as#e, hi*sel4 "1hat lies ha, Sl' !r4or, tol, her0 <ro* the "orners o4 his e'es2 6a&#e sa& the -n,ian pi"# !p the 3a3' an, &al# to the ,oor) 6e stoppe, there an, t!rne, to loo# at /!e2 an expression in his e'es that see*e, to spea# o4 regret) "/!e ?asters2" he sai, so3erl'2 "- &ill gi+e 'o! prote"tion

i4 'o! &ant to "o*e &ith *e)" /!e stoo,2 &hite-4a"e,2 la!ghing h'steri"all' insi,e) She ha, a 4ine "hoi"e) She #ne& &hat entaile, going &ith 1ol4 e"o*e his &i4e) 1hi"h &as &orse0 %i+ing &ith a &il, sa+age2 or ta#ing a "han"e that her h!s3an, *ight sell her to another tri3e o4 -n,ians0 1hile /!e ha, stoo, ,e3ating her "hoi"es2 6a&#e(s 3o,' ha, 3e"o*e tight an, threatening) $i, that 3astar, thin# 4or one *o*ent he "o!l, &al# o!t o4 here &ith the &o*an he lo+e,0 6is han, ,roppe, to the 3!tt o4 his Colt) 6is 5a& "len"he, an, ta!t2 he sai, in a ,ea,l' +oi"eE "She is *' &i4e an, -(* ta#in( her a&a' &ith me)" 1hile /!e &at"he,2 grippe, &ith tre*3ling2 1ol4 stare, at 6a&#e2 silentl' st!,'ing hi*) <inall' he spo#e) "That is goo,) 7 &o*an sho!l, 3e &ith her *an)" " !t2 1ol4A" /!e "rie, o!t) ".o! *!sn(t let hi* ta#e *eA .o! ,on(t #no&@" "- #no& that 'o! an, 'o!r *ate ha+e 3een +i"ti*s o4 ,e"eit) The e+il ?e'ers &o*an pre'e, !pon 'o!r *in,2 /!e ?asters2 4e, it &ith lies a3o!t 'o!r *an)" "6o& ,o 'o! #no& this0" /!e stare, at the re, *an) " e4ore the 4at *an ,ie,2 he tells the 3ra+es this2 tells long stor'2 going 3a"# *an' *oons2 hoping to sa+e his li4e)" 7t 4irst 6a&#e &as 3e&il,ere,2 then not so *'sti4ie,) 6e sho!l, ha+e tho!ght o4 that 3it"h right o44"2 he tol, hi*sel42 =!estione, her 3e4ore an'one else) "1h' ,on(t 'o! tell *e the &hole stor'2 /!e0" 6e lai, a "oaxing han, on her ar*) "-(+e 3een li+in( in hell2 thin#in( 'o! &ere ,ea,2 then learnin( that 'o! &eren(t 3!t that 'o!(re a4rai, o4 *e)" /!e gaze, !p at 6a&#e 4or a long2 !n"ertain *o*ent) %illie ha, so!n,e, so tr!th4!l &hen she "lai*e, that 6a&#e &ante, his &i4e o!t o4 the &a' so that he "o!l, *arr' her) !t as /!e "ontin!e, to st!,' his 4a"e tho!ght4!ll'2 the lo+e an, longing in his e'es "o!l, not 3e ,enie,) 6e did lo+e her2 she #ne& it 3e'on, ,o!3t) 1ith a gla, little "r'2 she &ent into 6a&#e(s &aiting ar*s) et&een hot2 h!ngr' #isses /!e relate, e+er'thing that ha, happene, to her2 4ro* the *orning %illie "a*e to the ho!se &ith her lie2 !p to the present) "-(ll han,le her2" 6a&#e gro!n, o!t2 *!r,er in his e'es) /!e re*e*3ere, 1ol4 then2 an, t!rne, to apologize 4or her an, 6a&#e(s r!,eness) The 3ra+e an, Tin' <ist &ere gone) 1hen the pair ha, le4t2 the' ha, no i,ea) "-(ll *iss the 3a3'2" /!e sai, sa,l'2 then p!lle, a&a' 4ro* 6a&#e) "7re 'o! h!ngr'0" she as#e,2 her e'es aglo&2 her "hee#s 4l!she,) "6!ngr'0 9o,2 'es2 -(* h!ngr') !t not 4or 4oo,)" 6a&#e p!lle, her 3a"# into his ar*s) 6e stro#e, her 3a"#2 then *o+e, a han, to "!p her 3reast) "-(+e h!ngere, 4or

'o! !ntil - tho!ght -(, lose *' *in,)" "-t(s 3een the sa*e 4or *e)" /!e "laspe, her ar*s aro!n, 6a&#e(s &aist) "B+en &hen *' *in, tho!ght it ha, reason to 4ear an, hate 'o!2 *' 3o,' ,i,n(t "are) 7t night &hen - slept2 it too# o+er in *' ,rea*s)" 6a&#e loo#e, at the "lo"#2 then sli, his han, !p her petti"oat) "1e(+e got at least three ho!rs 3e4ore the ol, *an "o*es ho*e2" he &hispere, h!s#il'2 stro#ing her s*ooth thighs) ":lent' o4 ti*e to sho& ho& *!"h &e(+e *isse, ea"h other)" /!e no,,e, ,rea*il'2 an, "!pping her 4a"e in his han,s2 6a&#e p!lle, her hea, ,o&n !ntil their lips *et) <or long *in!tes the' "l!ng to ea"h other in a h!nger that ha, 3een ,enie, 4or so long) 7n, as the #iss &ent on2 tong!es thr!sting an, parr'ing2 6a&#e(s sli* 4ingers !n,i, the 3!ttons that "on4ine, 3reasts that ha, gro&n hea+' &ith passion) 6e li4te, his hea,2 then pi"#ing her !p2 sat ,o&n in a "hair2 settling her on his lap) /!e 4elt the strength o4 his aro!sal rise an, press against her s*all rear as he p!she, the "a*isole o+er her sho!l,ers2 then "!ppe, her 3reasts &ith his han,s) 1hen his hea, ,ippe, ,o&n2 she li4te, one o4 the* an, ,ire"te, the har,ene, nipple to his &aiting lips) "Oh2 6a&#e)" She sighe, so4tl' as his tong!e !rgentl' stro#e, the p!"#ere, n!32 then gentl' t!gge, at it &ith his teeth !ntil it s&elle, an, rose) 7 po!n,ing a"he o4 ,esire 4lashe, thro!gh her 3o,' as he ,re& the rea,' nipple into his *o!th an, s!"#le, at it li#e a star+ing *an) 1hen he repla"e, her han, &ith his o&n2 hol,ing the i+or'-tinte, *o!n, as tho!gh it &ere pri"eless2 she #ne& &hat he &ante,) The' ha, pla'e, this ga*e 3e4ore2 sitting in 4ront o4 the 4ire at the ran"h ho!se) 6er eager 4ingers =!i"#l' opene, his ,eni*s2 an, his po&er4!l *anhoo, see*e, to leap into her han,2 p!lsating &ith its nee,) <ier"e pleas!re t!rne, 6a&#e(s e'es al*ost 3la"# &hen she "!rle, a pal* aro!n, hi* an, slo&l' stro#e, hi*) 6e tore his *o!th a&a' 4ro* her 3reast2 an, stan,ing !p2 he "arrie, her to the 3!n# 3e, an, stoo, her on the 4loor) 1ith han,s that tre*3le,2 he re*o+e, her "lothing2 pie"e 3' pie"e2 his han,s stro#ing her 3a"#2 shaping her &aist) ".o! are so 3ea!ti4!l2" he &hispere, h!s#il'2 his han,s spla'ing o+er her 3reasts) /!e leane, into his han,s2 her 4ingers !n,oing his shirt an, sli,ing it ,o&n o+er his sho!l,ers) 6a&#e steppe, a&a' 4ro* her2 an, a4ter shr!gging o!t o4 the 4lannel2 !n3!"#le, his 3elt2 p!she, his ,eni*s past his sli* hips2 then sat ,o&n on the 3e, an, toe, o44 his 3oots) /!e ,roppe, to her #nees2 an, grasping ea"h leg o4 the ,eni*s2 t!gge, the* ,o&n his *!s"!lar thighs an, o44 his 4eet) Tossing the* asi,e2 she &hispere,2 ".o! are 3ea!ti4!l too2" as she gaze, at the thro33ing length an, thi"#ness straining to&ar, her)

1hile 6a&#e hel, his 3reath2 she s*oothe, her pal*s !p the inner si,es o4 his thighs2 *o+ing e+er "loser to that &hi"h ha, gi+en her so *!"h pleas!re in the past) Then2 al*ost at the o35e"t o4 her ,esire2 she pa!se,2 4ingering a s*all p!"#ering o4 his 4lesh) "1hat is this0" She loo#e, !p at hi*) "-t loo#s li#e a g!nshot s"ar)" "-t is2" 6a&#e ans&ere,2 his 3reathing hea+') "-(ll tell 'o! a3o!t it later)" 6is han,s "o+ere, hers2 !rging her to go on &ith her exploring) Slo&l'2 teasingl'2 her 4ingers "rept !p&ar, &hile 6a&#e "ease, to 3reathe) 6e let his 3reath o!t &hen her pal*s sli, !n,er his hea+' sa"s an, li4te, the* !p) 7s her hea, 3ent ,o&n2 his 3ig 3o,' sh!,,ere, in anti"ipation) "$o it2 hone'2" he raspe,) 1hen her &ar* *o!th "lose, o+er hi*2 6a&#e thre& hi*sel4 3a"# on the 3e,2 his han,s "l!t"hing a han,4!l o4 =!ilt on either si,e o4 hi*) The onl' so!n, in the roo* 4or se+eral *in!tes &as the ti"#ing o4 the "lo"# an, 6a&#e(s h!s#' *!r*!rs o4 pleas!re) Close to expan,ing2 6a&#e sat !p an, li4te, /!e onto the 3e,) She stret"he, o!t on her 3a"#2 an, stra,,ling her hips2 he 3egan his o&n exploring) 6er 3reasts &ere "aresse,2 tease,2 an, s!"#le, !ntil she s=!ir*e,) 6is han,s *o+e, ,o&n&ar, then !ntil he "a*e to her *ost sensiti+e part) 6is pal* reste, a *o*ent on the triangle o4 so4t "!rls2 then he li4te, her legs to hang o+er his sho!l,ers) 7 sh!,,ering sigh 4l!ttere, thro!gh /!e(s lips as he sli, his han,s 3eneath her hips an, pla"e, his *o!th &here his pal* ha, 3een) ?e&ling so!n,s es"ape, 4ro* her as his teeth ni33le, an, his tong!e ,arte, an, 5a33e,) 1hen 6a&#e 4elt the tightening o4 /!e(s 3o,'2 #ne& she &as rea,' to spiral a&a' &itho!t hi*2 he straightene, !p an, positione, her 4or his entr') The' &o!l, rea"h the heights together) 9rasping her hips2 he slo&l' thr!st into her2 his largeness 4illing an, stret"hing her) 6e 4elt her "ontra"ting aro!n, hi*2 an, groaning her na*e2 he &or#e, his hips2 ,ri+ing in an, o!t o4 her in slo& rh'th*) Shortl' he 4elt her tre*3le2 4elt her tighten aro!n, hi*) ">ot 'et2 hone'2" he *!r*!re, so4tl') "- &ant it to last) -t(s 3een so long)" /!e(s 4ingers "l!t"hing at his sho!l,ers2 loosene, as she *a,e hersel4 relax an, 5!st en5o' the s*ooth sli,e o4 the po&er4!l *anhoo, that presse, her into the *attress &ith ea"h long thr!st) ?in!tes passe,2 an, still 6a&#e pleas!re, /!e2 a 4il* o4 s&eat gathering on his 4orehea,) 6e *!r*!re, &or,s o4 praise as her hips rea"he, to *eet his2 not &anting to lose one in"h o4 hi*)

<inall'2 neither "o!l, hol, 3a"# the passion o4 ,esire that 3eat at the* li#e a raging stor*) 1hen /!e 3egan to sh!,,er2 she 4elt the "on+!lsions o4 6a&#e(s 3o,' an, she hel, hi* tightl' as together the' rea"he, a "li*ax that le4t the* helpless to *o+e 4or long *o*ents) /!e stro#e, the s&eat' hea, resting 3et&een her 3reasts2 her lips =!ir#ing as 6a&#e(s 3o,' spas*e, &ea#l') She &as still thro33ing insi,e also2 an, &hen she 4elt his lips *o+e in a grin2 she #ne& that he 4elt the slight "ontra"tion) She ga+e his hair a sharp t!g2 an, he *o+e, his hea, to nip gentl' a nipple in retaliation2 *a#ing her giggle) She la'2 "!rling his hair aro!n, her 4inger2 &on,ering i4 an, &hen he &as going to &ith,ra& 4ro* her) She ,i,n(t ha+e to &ait long to 4in, o!t) 1hen 6a&#e(s 3reathing ret!rne, to nor*al2 he opene, his *o!th against the 3reast pressing against his "hee# an, "!rle, his tong!e aro!n, its nipple) 7s he t!gge, an, li"#e,2 /!e 3!"#e, her hips against his2 letting hi* #no& that she &ante, hi* again) She 4elt hi* respon,2 4elt hi* gro&ing insi,e her) She s*ile, lazil'2 anti"ipating the sli,e an, thr!st that &o!l, 3ring her to a *in,less state o4 release) 6a&#e s*ile,) 6e lo+e, his &i4e totall'2 3!t he also l!ste, a4ter her to a point that so*eti*es *a,e hi* 4eel li#e a r!tting 3!ll 3e"a!se it too# so long to satiate his nee, o4 her) 6e leane, !p on his el3o&s2 an, "alling her "a h!ngr' little *iser'2" 3egan a har,2 rh'th*i" thr!sting o4 his 3o,') The 3e, s=!ea#e, an, shoo# 4or se+eral *in!tes) The thir, an, last ti*e le4t the pair !tterl' spent2 an, 6a&#e slo&l' &ith,re& 4ro* /!e) Con"ern leapt in his e'es as he sa& the exha!stion in her e'es2 her s&ollen nipples2 the tin' lo+e 3ites s"attere, o+er her 3o,') "/!e2 hone'2" he ex"lai*e,2 "ha+e - h!rt 'o!0" She loo#e, so ,eli"ate next to his large 3o,') She loope, her ar*s aro!n, his ne"#) ".o! ,i,n(t h!rt *e at all2 *' lo+e)" 6e ,roppe, a light #iss on her 4orehea, an, 4ell o+er on his 3a"#2 his legs spra&le, apart) 6is li*p *e*3er la' a"ross his thigh an, *is"hie4 spar#le, in /!e(s e'es) %eaning on her el3o&2 her hea, resting in her pal*2 she li4te, &hat &as on"e so glorio!sl' pro!, &ith t&o 4ingers2 then let it 4lop 3a"# on his leg) "6e(s not so high an, *ight' no&2 h!h0" she tease,) 6a&#e s*ile, lazil') "6e(s onl' restin() $on(t get 4ie st') 6e(ll lor, it o+er 'o! tonight)" /!e ,roppe, a light #iss on the o35e"t in =!estion2 then s"oote, o44 the 3e,) "1e(, 3etter get ,resse,2" she sai,2 rea"hing 4or her "lothes in a pile on the 4loor) "7,a*s &ill 3e ho*e 3e4ore long) -(+e got to get s!pper)" She p!lle, the ,ress o+er her hea,)

1hile /!e 3!stle, 3a"# an, 4orth 3et&een the 4ire an, the ta3le2 3!r'ing potatoes in the hot ashes2 then sli"ing stea#s o44 a pie"e o4 +enison2 she an, 6a&#e tal#e, o4 the ti*e the' &ere separate,) The' spo#e o4 their ,espair2 their 'earning 4or ea"h other) 6a&#e then tol, /!e ho& he ha, 3een shot &hile sear"hing 4or her an, she relate, to hi* the h!rt4!l lies %illie ha, tol, her) Then her e'es shining2 she tol, hi* a3o!t her 4ather2 ho& happ' it ha, *a,e her to learn that he ha, lo+e, her) 6er han,s gre& still in the a"t o4 setting the ta3le) "6a&#e)" She loo#e, at hi*2 her e'es large &ith a 4rightening tho!ght) "-4 'o! &o!l, ha+e arri+e, a ,a' later2 -(, ha+e 3een gone) - &as onl' &aiting 4or so*eone to "o*e 4or the 3a3'2 then - &as lea+ing 4or *' ol, sha"#) 1ith the *one' *' 4ather le4t *e2 - &as going to 4ix it !p2 *a#e a ho*e 4or *e an, ;i**')" "- &o!l, ha+e 4o!n, 'o!)" 6a&#e starte, to&ar, her2 then stoppe, &hen the ,oor opene, an, 7,a*s steppe, insi,e) $og 4ollo&e, 3ehin, hi* an, stoo, on sti44 legs2 his lips li4te, in a snarl2 &hile the ol, *an glare, *ena"ingl' at 6a&#e) ".o! got a go,,a* ner+e "o*in( here2 6a&#e ?asters2" he gro&le,) The "o"#ing o4 the ri4le still in his han,s &as lo!, in the tense air o4 the roo*) "-(ll 3lo& 'o!r hea, o44 i4 'o! to!"h that girl)" "%oo#2 7,a*s)" 6a&#e stoo, =!ietl'2 nor ,aring to *o+e) "There(s alrea,' 3een eno!gh &rong ,oin() $on(t 'o! a,, to it)" "6e(s right2 ol, 4rien,)" /!e h!rrie, to gra3 7,a*s(s ri4le ar*) "There(s so *!"h ha+e to tell 'o!)" "Then 'o!(+e 4orgi+e hi*2 ha+e 'o!0" "There(s nothing to 4orgi+e) 6e hasn(t ,one an'thing &rong)" 7s /!e explaine, ho& she ha, 3een lie, to2 tri"#e,2 7,a*s shoo# his hea, at the "r!elt' so*e people &ere "apa3le o4 7t the sa*e ti*e2 ho&e+er2 he &as relie+e, that his 5!,g*ent o4 6a&#e ha,n(t 3een &rong a4ter all) 6a&#e ?asters &as the honora3le *an he ha, tho!ght hi* to 3e) 6e +oi"e, this to 6a&#e2 then loo#ing aro!n, the roo*2 he as#e, the =!estion2 to &hi"h a 4li"#er o4 sa,ness in his e'es sai, he alrea,' #ne& the ans&er) ""1here(s the little one0" he as#e, o+er the l!*p that 4or*e, in his throat) "9one h!ntin(0" /!e an, 6a&#e s*ile, at his atte*pt at 5o"!larit'2 preten,e, not to see ho& 3a,l' he &as a44e"te, 3' Tin' <ist(s a3sen"e) /!e loo#e, a&a' 4ro* hi* an, sai, *atter-o44a"tl'2 "6is !n"le "a*e 4or hi* to,a') ' no& he(s hal4&a' ho*e to his people &here he 3elongs)" ".o!(re right2 o4 "o!rse2" 7,a*s sai, ,!ll') "1ith an e44ort2 he s=!are, his sagging sho!l,ers an, shr!gge, o!t o4 his 5a"#et) "1e #ne& he(, 3e ta#en a&a' on"e &inter let!p)"

"That(s right2" /!e ans&ere,2 an, 4inishe, setting the ta3le) !t as she pla"e, the plates an, a,,e, the 4lat&are2 thin#ing ho& lonel' the ol, *an &o!l, 3e &ith 3oth her an, the 3a3' gone2 a 4li"#er o4 an i,ea "a*e to her *in,) ' the ti*e she p!t s!pper on the ta3le2 it &as 4!ll gro&n2 3!t she &o!l,n(t *ention it !ntil a4ter s!pper) /!e tho!ght that 6a&#e &o!l, ne+er 4inish eating) She s*ile, to hersel42 thin#ing that he &ent a4ter his stea# the sa*e &a' he *a,e lo+e to her2 as i4 so*eone &o!l, ta#e it a&a' 4ro* hi*) <inall' he sat 3a"#2 r!33ing his 4!ll sto*a"h) "- s!re *isse, 'o!r "oo#in(2 /!e) :a "oo#s &orse than - ,o)" 7,a*s glan"e, o+er at /!e(s r!*ple, 3e, an, sai, sl'l'2 "- gotta a 4eelin( her "oo#in( &asn(t the onl' thing 'o! *isse, a3o!t her)" /!e la!ghe, o!t lo!, at the re, 4l!sh that sprea, o+er 6a&#e(s 4a"e) 6e &as e*3arrasse,A 7,a*s 3l!she, also &hen she t!rne, to hi* an, retorte,2 "7l*ost as *!"h as 'o! *iss /ain')" 6e ,!"#e, his hea, an, grinne,) "That *!"h2 h!h)" 6a&#e raise, a =!estioning e'e3ro& at /!e an, she explaine,2 "/ain' is an -n,ian &o*an2 &ho +isits hi* one &ee# o!t o4 e+er' *onth)" She sli, 7,a*s a teasing loo#) "6e(s in4or*e, *e that his 5!i"es ha+en(t ,rie, !p2 an, - 3elie+e hi*) 6e an, /ain' 3o!n"e on that 3e, so har,2 an, so o4ten ,!ring her +isits2 that - thin# so*e,a' it(s going to 3rea# an, 4all in on the*)" "6e'2 is that so0" 6a&#e as#e,2 s!rprise,) "$oes the han#erin( 4or a &o*an last into the later 'ears0" ".o! ,a*n 3et"ha it ,oes2" 7,a*s ans&ere, pro!,l') "7ge ain(t slo&e, *e ,o&n one 3it)" 6a&#e loo#e, at /!e2 a &ar* glea* in his e'es) "-(* right happ' to hear that)" "Oh2 'o!)" /!e pla'4!ll' slappe, hi* on the 3a"# o4 his hea,) ".o!(ll ha+e &orn 'o!rsel4 o!t 3' the ti*e 'o!(re 4ort')" 7ll three la!ghe,2 then too# their "o44ee to the 4ire) 7s the' stret"he, their 4eet to the 4ire2 /!e 3ro!ght !p her i,ea) ".o! #no&2 ol, 4rien,2 that - &ill 3e lea+ing &ith 6a&#e to*orro&)" 7,a*s no,,e, an, she "ontin!e,2 "- &on(t 3e going to *' gran,parents as - ha, planne,)" 7gain2 the &hite hea, no,,e,) "1o!l, it 3e too *!"h to as# 'o! to ta#e *' *one' to the* a4ter 'o! p!t 'o!r traps a&a' 4or the season0" "- re"#on not)" 7,a*s set his e*pt' "!p on the 4loor) "-(+e ne+er seen that part o4 the "o!ntr' 3e4ore)"

/!e hesitate,2 then ta#ing a long 3reath sai,2 "There(s one last re=!est -(, li#e to *a#e) -4 'o! ,on(t agree to it2 please sa' so) -(ll !n,erstan,)" 7,a*s loo#e, at her an, s"ol,e,2 "6a+en(t 'o! learne, 'et2 /!e ?asters2 that - ,on(t ,o an'thing - ,on(t &ant to0 1hat(s this re=!est 'o!(re tal#in( a3o!t0" "-t(s a3o!t *' hal4 3rother ;i**') 6e(s sixteen 'ears ol, an, he lo+es the &oo,s2 an, h!nting an, trapping) -(* hoping that i4 'o! ta#e a li#ing to hi*2 'o! *ight 3ring hi* ho*e &ith 'o!)" "1hile 7,a*s gape, at her2 /!e h!rrie, on2 "6e(s &ith *' gran,parents no&2 3!t their ol, an, ,on(t ha+e too *an' 'ears le4t) - &o!l, li#e to ha+e ;i**' settle, in a per*anent ho*e)" ">o&2 hang on there2 /!e2" 6a&#e spo#e rather sharpl') ".o! #no& that he(, 3e &el"o*e at the ran"h)" /!e lai, her han, on his) "- #no& that2 6a&#e2 an, than# 'o!) !t - ,on(t thin# ;i**' &o!l, 3e happ' there) 6e #no&s nothing a3o!t her,ing "attle2 ,oing ran"h &or#) 6e(s sort o4 on the &il, si,e) 6e(s &hat the' "all 3a"# ho*e a &oo,s r!nner) 6e(, 3e so happ' r!nning a trap line in the &inter an, h!nting in the s!**er)" /!e stoppe, tal#ing an, loo#e, &orrie,l' at 7,a*s) ".o! ha+en(t sai, an'thing2 4rien,)" "-(+e 3een thin#in(2" 7,a*s ans&ere, slo&l') "<ine an, the #i, ta#e to ea"h other2 it(s not a 3a, i,ea) -(* not goin( to li+e 4ore+er either) -(, li#e #no&in( *' traps an, "a3in &o!l, 3e le4t to so*eone &ho &o!l, appre"iate the* an, ta#e "are o4 the*)" "Oh2 than# 'o!2 7,a*s2" /!e "rie,2 then a,,e, "on4i,entl'2 "'o!(ll li#e hi*) B+er'3o,' ,oes)" "1e(ll see)" 7,a*s stoo, !p2 an, going to his 3!n#2 3ent ,o&n an, p!lle, 4ro* 3eneath it a hea+' 3e,roll) "?e an, $og are gonna sleep in the she, tonight) 1e ,on(t 4an"' 3ein( #ept a&a#e hal4 the night 3' all the noise that(s 3o!n, to "o*e 4ro* 'on,er 3e,)" This ti*e it &as /!e(s t!rn to 3l!sh 4!rio!sl'2 3!t 3e4ore she "o!l, 4ire a retort to 7,a*s2 he &as "losing the "a3in ,oor 3ehin, hi*) ".o! ol, s"a*p2" she *!ttere,2 an, "leare, the ta3le o4 the s!pper ,ishes) "7re 'o! gonna 3e long0" 6a&#e sli, her a &i"#e, loo#2 3razeningl' *assaging the large 3!lge pressing against the 4ront o4 his ,eni*s) "1h'0" /!e as#e,2 preten,ing not to noti"e his "r'stal-"lear *eaning) "$o 'o! &ant so*ething0" "?' 4rien, ,oes)" 6e grinne, an, *o+e, his hips s!ggesti+el') "6e(s stan,ing pro!, an, rea,'2 5!st li#e - tol, 'o! he &o!l, 3e)"

"6e !s!all' is2 so that(s nothing ne&)" /!e &ent on gathering the ,ishes) "Can(t &e go to 3e, no&0" 6a&#e "oaxe,2 his +oi"e rasp') "Can(t 'o! lea+e the "leaning !ntil to*orro& *orning0" "6a&#e2 'o! are the li*it2" /!e trie, to "hastise hi*2 3!t a stirring ha, 3eg!n in the pit o4 her sto*a"h) She re*e*3ere, s!"h ti*es 3a"# at the ran"h2 ho& 6a&#e &o!l, tease an, "oax an, tantalize her !ntil he got her to ,o &hat he &ante,) She &al#e, to&ar, hi*2 !n,oing her 3o,i"e) She &hippe, the ,ress o+er her hea,2 an, the "a*isole an, the petti"oat 4ollo&e,) "1ell2" she sai,2 her han,s on her hips2 "are 'o! "o*ing to 3e, or not0" 6a&#e rose2 his hea+'-li,,e, e'es ,rin#ing in her na#e, 3ea!t' as he h!rrie, o!t o4 his o&n "lothes) 6e "arrie, her to the 3e, an, "ra&le, 3et&een her legs) "1e(ll 4ool aro!n, later2" he &hispere, as he entere, her &ith one2 long thr!st)