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THE BRAND 
 
 A Tale of the Flathead 
 Reservation 
 
 By 
 THERESE BRODERICK 
 
 (Tin Schreiner) 
 
 HW 
 
 1909 
 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 
 
Copyright, 1909, by 
 THERESE BRODERICK 
 
 Dramatic Rights Reserved 
 
 PRINTERS AND BINDERS 
 
 LOWMAN & HANFORD CO. 
 
 SEATTLE 
 
TABLE OP CONTENTS 
 
 Chapter 
 
 I Bess Fletcher's First Western Acquaintance 11 
 
 II The Golden Glimpse 21 
 
 III Henry West's Ideal - - 28 
 
 IV The Hesitating Lariat 38 
 V The Motley Spectators at Poison - - 43 
 
 VI HW Ranch 46 
 
 VII "I Would Have Done More for an Injun" - 53 
 
 VIII Bess Learns the Real Cause of the Accident - 59 
 
 IX "Helen" at the St. Ignatius Mission 65 
 
 X A Western Tragedy - 76 
 
 XI The Miracle of Womanhood 87 
 
 XII An Indian in the Moonlight 97 
 
 XIII A Frantic Herd - 105 
 
 XIV The First Visit of Dave Davis 117 
 XV A Journey Up Flathead Lake - 130 
 
 XVI "Mon Desir" and the Box of Roses 137 
 
 XVII Bess Fletcher's New Gun and Its First Victim 144 
 
 XVIII Mauchacho Wins the Race - 153 
 
 XIX The Strength of a Beaded Belt 166 
 
 XX The Camping Trip and "Peter Pan" - - 181 
 
 XXI The Trout Deal 191 
 
 XXII A Pseudo Squaw 198 
 
 XXIII An Unusual Proposal 206 
 
 XXIV Why a Cheek Blanches 213 
 
 XXV Berenice Morton's Arrival 221 
 
 XXVI A Wedding Day - 235 
 
 XXVII "I am but an Indian" - - 244 
 XXVIII A Winter's Vigil 250 
 
 XXIX The Brand HW 255 
 
 XXX "When You Can Forget" - - - - 268 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Bess - Frontispiece 
 
 Sunset on Flathead Lake 211 
 
To all who know the Golden West, 
 
 And those who fain would feel 
 Its charm and mystery, and test 
 
 Its worth, which is so real; 
 To all who love God's mountains, 
 
 His vast expanse of plain, 
 His forests, lakes and fountains, 
 
 And the secrets they contain 
 This book is humbly given. 
 
 TIN SCHREINER. 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 CHAPTEE I 
 
 BESS FLETCHER'S FIRST WESTERN ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 For two days the westbound train had hur- 
 ried over the prairies as if it understood the 
 heart of the girl and strove to gratify her im- 
 patience for a glimpse of the mountains. She sat 
 at the ear window and gazed fascinated at the 
 scenes which were so new and strange that she 
 forgot the coach with its tired people forgot 
 even her brother, who sat with his book, bored 
 and indifferent to the flying panorama. 
 
 Her soul left the plush-covered seats and suit- 
 cases to follow the wild creatures that moved in 
 the gorges or climbed the wonderful mountain 
 slopes. She did not hear the repeated "I'm going 
 for a smoke, Bess." Her soul was without, her 
 eyes following a mysterious, half-hidden form. 
 
 "It's a deer! Oh, Jim, it's a deer!" she ex- 
 claimed excitedly, turning to her brother for cor- 
 roboration. But the flashing brown eyes looked 
 into the face of a stranger. 
 
 11 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Oh, I beg pardon/' she breathed, her cheek 
 flushing. "My brother sat there only a moment 
 ago, and I thought I was addressing him." 
 
 The stranger smiled. "Then I infer that you 
 are Miss Fletcher. I just now saw Mr. Fletcher 
 going into the smoking room. Two years ago I 
 had the pleasure of making his acquaintance 
 when he was in the Flathead country." 
 
 While he was speaking, she noted what a 
 large man he was, how deliberately he spoke and 
 in what an unusually musical voice. She saw 
 the flush of health and strength in his face, con- 
 trasting so greatly to her brother's pale, emaci- 
 ated countenance. She wondered what color his 
 eyes were, but as he looked at her with fleeting 
 glances she could not tell. The thought flashed 
 through her mind that he would be very hand- 
 some if only he would open his eyes frankly. In 
 fact, so preoccupied was she reading the young 
 man that she was scarcely aware of what he was 
 saying to her. Just then she saw James coming. 
 
 "Well, well, Mr. Davis ! I'm glad to meet you 
 once more." Fletcher reached forth his hand in 
 friendly recognition. 
 
 "Permit me to introduce my sister, whom I 
 am taking to the Flathead with me." 
 
 With a nod the stranger explained how he 
 had already had the pleasure of speaking with 
 Miss Fletcher. 
 
 "You are not looking like the hale and hearty 
 cowboy whom I saw two years ago riding over 
 the range on the reservation," he continued. "It 
 
 12 
 
BE8S> WESTERN ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 must be the return to civilization did not agree 
 with you." 
 
 "I was very well until a few months ago," 
 said Fletcher, "but the worry and strain of set- 
 tling my father's affairs used me up generally, 
 and I am now going West to recuperate. I love 
 the Western life, with its sunshine, its out-of- 
 doors, its fresh air and vast breathing space. I 
 wouldn't exchange the three summers on the 
 range for all my life in the city." 
 
 "Do you know, Mr. Davis, I have become so 
 fascinated with tales of the cattle country that 
 I feel almost as enthusiastic as my brother," said 
 Bess, brushing the stray lock of fluffy brown hair 
 out of her eye. "Do you think," she continued, 
 "that I shall love the West as he does?" 
 
 "I hope so," said Davis, with a swift glance. 
 
 "I already know what a cayuse is, and also 
 a lariat, though I am not so sure as regards a 
 teepee; still, if I remember correctly, it is some- 
 thing good to eat." 
 
 Simultaneously both gentlemen burst forth 
 in hearty laughter, and when Davis could speak 
 he said: "I am afraid, Miss Fletcher, your ap- 
 petite will be gone when you see or even smell 
 one." 
 
 Bess wrinkled her brow in perplexity. "Oh," 
 she said, "James has told me so many tales of 
 the Indians and cowboys and all, that I scarcely 
 know what to believe. Nevertheless, it won't be 
 long now before I shall have solved a few of the 
 mysteries at least." 
 
 13 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Davis began carefully to roll a cigarette, 
 shaping it daintily with his thumb and index 
 fingers ; then poising it carefully between his lips, 
 he sought a match in his vest pocket and excused 
 himself, hoping to meet them both very often 
 during the summer. Bess watched him as he 
 slowly sauntered toward the end of the car with 
 a look of inquiry. 
 
 "I think I would like him better if he would 
 look directly at one. Who is he, James? A 
 cattleman or cowboy, or what is it you called 
 them oh, yes, squaw man?" 
 
 "You'll have to guess again, Bess. He is 
 Dave Davis, the Indian agent of the Flathead 
 Reservation. He is probably on his way to the 
 sub-agency at Ronan." 
 
 She gave a little sigh in answer, and asked 
 how long it would be before the train reached 
 Selish. 
 
 "I fear you are nearly worn out, James. You 
 had better lie down and rest. It is now four 
 o'clock, and at five you say we will reach the 
 end of our train journey. It's been rather long 
 and tedious. How far away New York begins to 
 feel, doesn't it? Oh, I wonder if I shall really 
 like it away out here in the West?" 
 
 James quietly settled down for a nap, and 
 Bess went on with her mental soliloquy. The 
 West ! What had she not dreamed of the West ! 
 Its wonderful mountains, so great and bold, rock- 
 ribbed and ancient as the sun, verdant with the 
 towering pines, and again, white and softened by 
 
 14 
 
BE 8 8' WESTERN ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 the crown of winter. In fancy she had seen their 
 rugged sides caressed by crystal streams, and had 
 stooped to drink where deer had splashed. Then 
 forth stretched the plain, far into the blue hori- 
 zon. On she dreamed, till the porter warned her 
 it was nearly time for them to leave the train. 
 Hurriedly awakening her brother, he hastily 
 gathered together their numerous grips and 
 boxes. So busily engaged were her hands that 
 she had to blow the persistent wisp of hair out 
 of her eyes. 
 
 "For pity's sake, Bess, can't you pin that 
 bunch of hair up?" 
 
 "It won't stay up, James. I get so annoyed 
 at the old forelock that sometimes I feel like 
 pulling it out," and all unconsciously she re- 
 peated the motion, at which they both laughed. 
 
 "Here we are, dearie, at last. I wonder if 
 anyone will meet us. Come, let the porter help 
 you off with a few of those bird cages." 
 
 As they stepped from the train she felt to 
 everything which came within her range of ob- 
 servation like a huge interrogation point. She 
 glanced hurriedly about, hoping to see Henry 
 West, and wondering if she would know him. 
 Just then she saw Mr. Davis lifting his hat to 
 her, both in recognition and farewell, as he 
 walked to a man holding a beautiful saddle horse. 
 The Indian agent glanced back at the tall, grace- 
 ful girl, with her pretty traveling dress and hat 
 of brown. She could not know that he noted with 
 
 15 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 what an air she walked, head and shoulders erect, 
 chin up aggressively, nor that he thought : 
 
 "Gad! but she is great! And what a treat 
 after three years of Indians. I shall certainly see 
 you often, Miss Fletcher." 
 
 "Do you see him anywhere, James?" Bess 
 was all animation. 
 
 "West? No, sister. We better hurry over 
 here where there is the best little hotel you ever 
 saw or heard tell of; so, immaculately clean, and 
 excellent food plain, but cooked to the queen's 
 taste. That is, if it's run by the same party who 
 used to be here. My mouth still waters in recol- 
 lection of some of the good trout and muffins 
 which I have had at Mrs. Strong's." 
 
 Nestled closely to the hillside was the hotel, 
 and as Bess was greeted by a sweet-faced girl and 
 her mother she wondered if all Western hospital- 
 ity were as cordial. 
 
 James had ordered their trunks brought over, 
 and soon Bess came from her room fresh and 
 clean and rested, dressed in a becoming tan- 
 colored riding suit of corduroy. 
 
 It was early May. In the mountains the even- 
 ings were still cold, and a blazing fire crackled as 
 they sat down to dinner. It seemed to Bess that 
 she never was so hungry in all her life. Bis- 
 cuits never tasted so good before. She saw, with 
 gratification, that James ate as he had not in 
 weeks. 
 
 "Did you ever feel, James, that you could eat 
 16 
 
BE8S' WESTERN ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 everything in sight? That's just the way I feel 
 now, but I'll try to leave enough for you, dear." 
 
 This brother and sister were all the world to 
 each other. The mother died while Bess was still 
 young, and most of her life had been spent in the 
 convent school. During her summer vacation 
 she was often with her father and brother in New 
 York. The past year and a half, since the death 
 of their father, Bess and James had been to- 
 gether constantly. He had hoped to carry on his 
 father's law business, but a severe illness necessi- 
 tated his leaving the city, and so he gladly ac- 
 cepted the offer of Henry West to come to his 
 ranch and assume the foremanship. 
 
 James and Henry West had been in school at 
 Harvard together, and later both began the study 
 of law. The close association of years caused the 
 insoluble bond of friendship between them. 
 
 Colin West, the father of Henry, was a 
 Scotchman, of education, tact and good judg- 
 ment ; a man respected by everyone with whom he 
 came in contact, Fate or fortune had placed him 
 in the West while still a young man. His wife 
 was half Indian blood, and yet one of the most 
 refined and intellectual of women. Her son was 
 proving himself an able manager of the vast 
 herds of cattle and buffalo which Colin West had 
 accumulated, and since his death four years ago 
 Henry had had the entire management of the 
 ranch. 
 
 Here James spent three long, delightful sum- 
 mers. Here he learned to ride and "rope" like 
 
 17 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 any of the cowboys on the range. It was always 
 with reluctance that he left, after the fall round- 
 up, to take up his studies again. How glad he 
 was to return now, in hopes of soon regaining 
 his health and strength. He had hesitated in 
 bringing his sister into this new life, and yet he 
 could not leave her alone in New York. 
 
 She was wild with delight when he asked her 
 to come, for ever since she had listened to his 
 never-ending, interesting tales of the West had 
 she hoped that she, too, might come to know its 
 lure. She loved out-of-door life, and the few 
 months of her vacation in- the city were usually 
 spent riding, so that she had become a very good 
 horsewoman, and, best of all, had grown to 
 strong and perfect womanhood. She was girlish, 
 and her twenty years rested lightly on her shoul- 
 ders. Her optimistic and sunshiny disposition 
 won for her the love and admiration of all her 
 friends, and even strangers smiled at her happy 
 face. As most of her life had been spent at school 
 among sweet-faced nuns, she had grown up un- 
 contaminated by the world, pure-minded and 
 whole-souled. Her faith was implicit, and never 
 yet had she had a rude awakening to the fact 
 that all were not true nor good, nor even sincere. 
 
 Several times she had considered seriously be- 
 coming a nun herself, but her love of nature, of 
 out-of-doors, of friends, of her father and brother, 
 of the world generally, made her pause. Then, 
 too, she knew her bright and merry nature could 
 never endure the strict confines of the cloister 
 
 18 
 
BE 88' WESTERN ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 and the shadow of the somber black robes. "No, 
 I cannot, for I am not good enough," was always 
 her mental decision. And now that her father 
 was dead and she and James were alone, she had 
 put the thought from her mind entirely. 
 
 The nuns realized what her work would be, 
 for her talents in music and painting were ex- 
 traordinary ; and she also had that gift, which few 
 possess, of making a success of anything she 
 undertook. Failure was not in her vocabulary, 
 and she never used the word, either mentally or 
 audibly. 
 
 "Why in the world, Bess, have you put on 
 your riding togs?" 
 
 Bess looked up with surprise and replied: 
 "Why, James, are we not going horseback to the 
 HW Ranch?" 
 
 "We can't start for the ranch tonight. It is 
 at least thirty-five miles, and besides you can 
 never ride so far, even though Henry West should 
 bring saddle horses. The stage leaves here for 
 Poison early in the morning, and we will, in all 
 probability, meet him there. Still, he wired he 
 would meet us here at Selish. It is early yet, and 
 he may come soon." 
 
 With a little impatient gesture of putting 
 back the hair from her forehead, and with her 
 eyes sparkling, half defiantly and half in fun, 
 Bess said: "My dear, solicitous brother, let me 
 tell you a few things right now. I am here in 
 the great West where you have told me there is 
 perfect and untrammeled freedom. Don't begin 
 
 19 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 using a lot of don'ts and can'ts, for I am going to 
 ride 'and ever to ride', when and where and 
 with whom my fancy dictates ; I am going to talk 
 with anyone who interests me, be he white or 
 full-blood Indian. I am going to Oh, what am 
 I not going to do! even shock my dear, old 
 brother, half to death, every day you dear" 
 She jumped from her seat at the table and after 
 flinging her arms around his neck, she was out 
 of the room, her merry laugh ringing in his ears, 
 before he had time to remonstrate. 
 
 "My dear little sister," he thought, "I pray 
 there may no harm come to you, and that your 
 frankness may not be misconstrued by those who 
 are ever read if to criticise." 
 
 20 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 THE GOLDEN GLIMPSE 
 
 Bess had donned her fluffy brown tam-o- 
 shanter and stood on the veranda. Shadows of 
 evening were silently gathering in the valley, and 
 yet she could see that beyond the hill the sun 
 still shone. "That hill looks rather high," she 
 said briskly, "but I do so long to see what lies 
 beyond it. I think I'll go up the road and take 
 a glimpse before the sun sets. Brother won't 
 miss me and I'll only be gone a minute." 
 
 As she walked she stooped to pick some shin- 
 ing butter-cups, and to thrust in her hair waxen 
 leaves of the Oregon-grape, with its bright yel- 
 low clusters of blossoms. So interested was she 
 in each new T leaf and stone that the crest of the 
 long, winding road had been reached before she 
 was aware. Lifting her eyes she caught her 
 breath, and unconsciously lifted her hands in 
 silent adoration of the glorious panorama spread 
 out before her, her first real look at the "golden 
 West." 
 
 It was golden indeed, for the sun had just 
 dipped beyond the purple mountains and the 
 scene was flooded with golden light. Away, 
 away to the North and East and West stretched 
 the vast rolling valley of the Indian Reservation, 
 the Little Bitter Root mountains guarding it on 
 
 21 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 the left and the Mission Range rising modestly 
 on the East. She could see but the faint purple 
 outline of the low hills to the northward. Dotted 
 here and there were soft greens, of irrigated 
 reaches, and trees, showing where the waters 
 flowed and at which the grazing herds quenched 
 their thirst. Bess was filled with awe at the 
 magnificent scene, and reverently clasped her 
 hands and lifted her eyes as she realized the im- 
 mensity of it. When the Lord of Hosts should 
 upon the last day assemble all the people of the 
 earth together in judgment, what more fitting 
 place could he choose! There he might sit on 
 the crest of yonder mountain, with his host of 
 angels about him, and below in the expanse of 
 sweeping prairie, unmarred by the hand of man, 
 adorned only by the divine touch of bountiful 
 Providence, might convene all, the good might 
 here find a foretaste of heaven, and the less for- 
 tunate could hope for mercy of which they had 
 not dreamed nor even dared to hope. Surely the 
 Creator of all this beauty would condone the 
 faults of poor, frail humanity who had fallen 
 from grace in the hard and bitter struggle of 
 life. 
 
 So she stood, entranced, in the fading light of 
 day, unheeding the last thrilling notes of meadow 
 lark, or the balsam-laden air wafted to her from 
 the evergreen slopes of the mountains. Closing 
 her eyes in a softly murmured prayer, she stood 
 silent and motionless, and when she again looked 
 upon the scene the gray ness of early night had 
 
 22 
 
THE GOLDEN GLIMPSE 
 
 settled over all, softening every outline with 
 indistinctness. 
 
 Abruptly she turned to hurry back to the 
 hotel, when, in the distance, she heard the clatter 
 of approaching hoofs. A little alarm of fear and 
 loneliness stirred in her breast and she hurried 
 down the road. All the bravado with which she 
 had left her brother had suddenly deserted her, 
 and she could feel the heart-throbs in her throat 
 nearly choking her. She did not even glance up 
 the road, although she heard the hoof -beats ever 
 coming nearer. "What if it should be Indians!" 
 The thought filled her with ever increasing alarm. 
 On she sped, as rapidly as the gradual descent 
 permitted, then she struck a rock, and ere she 
 could regain her footing she fell on her knees. 
 Scarcely had the damp earth left an imprint on 
 her skirt when she regained her feet, and now 
 glanced behind her. 
 
 . Silhouetted against the evening sky, on the 
 very crest of the hill, she saw, in her momentary 
 glance, a lone horseman leading a second horse. 
 The next instant they had begun slowly to de- 
 scend the hill. 
 
 Bess, seeing a huge, flat boulder to the right 
 of the road, stepped out upon it so that she 
 could be distinctly seen, even tho it was now 
 rapidly growing dark. She looked up the road 
 at the approaching trio, her face raised fearlessly 
 and confidently, although her knees were still 
 trembling. 
 
 As the man passed he courteously lifted his 
 23 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 broad sombrero, speaking at the same time in a 
 low, commanding voice to the horse he was lead- 
 ing. "Mauchacho, I am ashamed of you! Did 
 you never see a lady before? You certainly 
 
 But his voice grew indistinct in the distance 
 and Bess did not hear the end of the chiding the 
 dainty animal had received for pricking up his 
 ears and pulling back on the hackamore. 
 
 "Thank goodness, it was not an Indian after 
 all," she said aloud, as she hurried down to the 
 hotel. 
 
 The lone rider had already reached the steps, 
 and she saw James heartily shaking both his 
 hands. She stopped a moment watching the 
 pair standing in the flood of light which poured 
 out of the open door- way. The stranger was tall 
 and straight as an arrow, even though his shoul- 
 ders had a tired droop. Heavily fringed leather 
 "chapps" covered his trousers, a mackinaw coat, 
 carelessly fastened and a white silk handkerchief 
 knotted loosely about his throat completed his 
 unpretentious costume. She could see that his 
 face looked dark and swarthy, but it was lighted 
 by a smile of greeting, displaying a row of firm, 
 even teeth. 
 
 "Well, old boy, it seems mighty good to see 
 you once more, and to breathe this air again. I 
 had just started to find my sister, who has 
 strayed off somewhere, when I heard you com- 
 ing," Bess heard her brother saying, "and I hope 
 I may find her before someone lariats her for a 
 maverick and sticks his brand on her." 
 
 24 
 
THE GOLDEN GLIMPSE 
 
 The stranger laughed. "You have not for- 
 gotten all your Western jingle, even though you 
 have been gone a year and a half. I saw a young 
 woman up the road a way. Perhaps she is the 
 sister you are searching." 
 
 Just then James caught sight of the girl, and 
 hastily summoning her to come forward, intro- 
 duced her to his old friend and comrade, after 
 scolding her, half seriously, for staying away so 
 long without telling him where she was going. 
 
 Smiling at her brother, Bess Fletcher turned 
 to look into one of the strongest faces and the 
 most unfathomable eyes she had ever seen. The 
 features were unmistakably Indian, and it was 
 hard to believe that the man was only a quarter- 
 blood, as she knew. The square chin and wide, 
 sensitive mouth, the dilated nostrils and promin- 
 ent cheek bones stamped the face with char- 
 acter, strength and determination. One could 
 see in the gloomy depths of the eyes a strange in- 
 termingling of sympathy, with the truculent 
 gleam which had shone for centuries in the eyes 
 of his ancestors. They impressed one, that he 
 would either be wholly white, or entirely Indian, 
 according to circumstances or environment. 
 
 As Bess turned to acknowledge the introduc- 
 tion, her hand, half raised, paused as she meas- 
 ured this man. 
 
 "Mr. West. But but," she added hesitat- 
 ingly, "you do not look one bit as I 
 
 West's lips parted in a smile as he replied, 
 "Had you expected to see me with a blanket on 
 
 25 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 and a feather in my hair? I hope you are not 
 greatly disappointed." 
 
 For a moment she was nonplussed. "Oh, no ! 
 But you are different somehow, and if there is 
 any disappointment it is a happy one." 
 
 "Thank you, Miss Fletcher," came in a low 
 and almost inaudible voice. 
 
 James had been listening with interest. "I 
 guess I had impressed her that you looked more 
 like " he floundered and ended tactlessly, "well, 
 like me, than an Indian, Henry." 
 
 The "breed's" eyes closed spasmodically and 
 his teeth shut hard before he replied. "Jim, 
 sometimes I feel that I could willingly be skinned 
 alive, if it would make me like you." 
 
 Never before in all their relationship had this 
 outburst of confidence escaped him; yet here in 
 the presence of this beautiful, fair woman, his 
 usual reticence and reserve for the moment left 
 him, and the secret desire of his heart and soul 
 escaped his lips. Angry at his loss of control, he 
 turned and said, "I had entirely forgotten the 
 horses. We came at a pretty swift pace from 
 Poison. I would have reached here before train- 
 time, but Eagle got a stone in his shoe, and I 
 had the devil's own time getting it out. I must 
 go and attend to their beds and supper." With 
 this he stepped out into the gloom. 
 
 Bess had gone into the house and was stand- 
 ing warming herself near the stove before her 
 brother also entered and with a shiver hastened 
 to the fire. 
 
 26 
 
THE GOLDEN GLIMPSE 
 
 "Oh, Jim, isn't he just splendid!" cried the 
 girl. "I had no idea there were such men as he 
 away out here in the West! No wonder you 
 rave over him and always sing his praises." 
 
 "Do you know, Bess, if he were my own 
 brother I could not honor and love him more. 
 At college he was so superior in mind, ability, 
 and morals to the majority of his colleagues, that 
 every one looked up to him. He was one of them 
 and no gathering was quite complete without 
 Henry West. I never thought of him as an 
 Indian, and anyway that is his greatest charm. 
 Whatever else he may be, he certainly is a gentle- 
 man." 
 
 Bess threw her arms impulsively about his 
 neck. Then, "Good night, dearie, I am half 
 jealous of him already. Tell him good-night for 
 me. I want to retire so as to be up for our early 
 start in the morning. I am tired, more tired than 
 I knew. Don't stay up late. You must be worn 
 out. Brother, I believe I love this new, strange 
 land !" With a kiss she left him and went to her 
 room. 
 
 Hastily undressing, she was soon ready for 
 bed. Going to the window she put up the shade, 
 and placing her hands between her brow and the 
 window she peered into the night. Her bosom 
 stirred with a tremor of excitement as she whis- 
 pered, "The West! The mysterious West! And 
 he Henry West." She flung the window wide 
 open, and hastily getting into bed was soon 
 asleep. 
 
 27 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 HENRY WEST'S IDEAL 
 
 The aromatic smell of coffee and bacon filled 
 Bess' nostrils as she awoke to a glorious morning. 
 At first she looked about in wonderment, trying 
 to think where she was. With the sudden realiza- 
 tion she sprang out of the snug bed, and going to 
 the open window, filled her lungs with deep 
 draughts of pure, mountain air. It did not take 
 her many minutes to dress and place her be- 
 longings in the trunk, which she fastened so it 
 would be all ready and cause no delay. One of 
 her habits was punctuality, and she never felt 
 that she had a right to infringe upon the time of 
 others by keeping them waiting. She came down 
 stairs, and going into the sitting-room to see if 
 her brother was there, was greeted by a cheery 
 "good-morning" from Mrs. Strong. 
 
 "Breakfast is nearly ready, Miss Fletcher. 
 The boys are out getting the horses ready and 
 putting the trunks on the stage." 
 
 Just then they came upon the porch, and Bess 
 hastened forward with pleasant greetings. 
 "James, your cheeks are getting tanned already." 
 Turning to Henry West, she continued, "You 
 are certainly good medicine to have such a 
 marked effect upon my brother so soon." 
 
 "I have never aspired to the dignity of the 
 28 
 
HENRY WEST'S IDEAL 
 
 Medicine-man, Miss Fletcher, but with your per- 
 mission I shall certainly consider the matter," 
 he replied facetiously. 
 
 The flush of shyness mounted to her cheeks. 
 "Really, Mr. West, you I I did not mean it in 
 that way," she said, trying to cover her con- 
 fusion. 
 
 He felt sorry for her and assured her that she 
 might say anything she wished concerning the 
 Indians, as neither his mother nor himself were 
 at all sensitive on the subject. 
 
 However, Bess was greatly relieved when just 
 then Mabel Strong came to announce breakfast 
 Again their appetites seemed abnormal, and the 
 rainbow trout, caught not an hour before in the 
 stream which skirted the mountains, together 
 with the delicious muffins, bacon and eggs, 
 golden-browned potatoes and coffee, disappeared 
 as if by magic. 
 
 Henry West ate sparingly, and watched 
 James with gratification as he enjoyed his meal. 
 "Jim, old boy," he said, in his low, softly modu- 
 lated voice, "you'll be ready for the June round- 
 up if you keep up that clip at grub." 
 
 "How about me, Mr. West?" asked Bess, as 
 she helped herself to the third muffin and the 
 second egg. 
 
 James threw up his head with a hearty laugh. 
 "If you keep up your 'clip 7 there won't be a cayuse 
 on HW ranch that could carry you a mile." 
 
 They all joined in the laugh, and then Henry 
 29 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 West asked if he might be excused and go fetch 
 the horses. 
 
 "Mr. West, why did you bring two horses?" 
 asked Bess, later, as she watched the animals 
 brought up to the porch. 
 
 "Why, I thought perhaps that James would 
 like to ride, but I am afraid he better not attempt 
 it just yet." 
 
 "Oh, let me ! Now James," as he raised his 
 hand in remonstrance, "you know it doesn't tire 
 me in the least." 
 
 "Yes, dearie, but riding a few hours on the 
 smooth pavements of New York is entirely dif- 
 ferent from a thirty-five mile trip across an 
 Indian reservation." 
 
 A look of disappointment clouded her face, 
 and Henry West hastened to speak : "Mauchacho 
 is perfectly safe, and when she gets tired we can 
 stop and wait for the stage." 
 
 Bess looked at him with grateful eyes and 
 cried impulsively: "You de oh, thank you, 
 Mr. West," correcting herself hastily. 
 
 Henry West looked at her with a sympa- 
 thetic glance, and had she looked she might have 
 read with what eloquence his eyes asked her 
 to speak that word dear. 
 
 James saw that any further expostulation 
 would be useless, so he helped West adjust the 
 stirrups. 
 
 Suddenly the 'breed looked at Bess. "But 
 perhaps you use a side-saddle, Miss Fletcher? In 
 
 30 
 
HENRY WEST'S IDEAL 
 
 that case I fear you'll have to be disappointed, 
 and go in the stage after all.' 7 
 
 "Oh, my, no!" she cried before the words 
 were out of his mouth. "James taught me to ride 
 like a boy, and besides I know how a horse 
 should be guided across the neck." Her chin 
 went up with a saucy tilt at her superior knowl- 
 edge as she went around in front of the horse 
 to "get acquainted," as she called it. West 
 watched her as she rubbed her nose against the 
 dainty animal's, unconscious of his interest. 
 
 "So your name is Mauchacho? I wonder 
 what that means? And you have a forelock 
 which bothers your eyes, the same as mine does. 
 I wonder if you are used to skirts?" 
 
 West came around where she was standing, 
 and as if in reply to the questions which she had 
 been asking the horse, he said, "Mauchacho was 
 my sister's horse. He has never been used at 
 any of the round-ups. No one has been on his 
 back, excepting myself, since since Helen " 
 After a moment he went on : "I named him 
 Mauchacho because it is the Indian word for 
 bird. He is very swift, and in a race always 
 takes the lead." He snapped his fingers, and the 
 horse lifted up his front foot and daintily placed 
 it in his master's hand. 
 
 "Shake hands with your new mistress now." 
 Then he added: "Take him. He is yours to 
 keep, Miss Fletcher." Before Bess could recover 
 from her astonishment and embarrassment he 
 added: "I notice that you have the same idio- 
 
 31 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 syncrasy that Mauchacho has." Bess tried to 
 think if his remark was a reflection on her un- 
 ruly foretop, and was about to ask him, when 
 he left her and walked to James, already seated 
 in the stage. 
 
 Presently, when he turned, he saw Bess al- 
 ready in the saddle and adjusting her skirts. 
 With a smile at her independence, he swung into 
 his own saddle and started up the road, saying: 
 "We'll lead, as the stage may be a little slow and 
 the dust is annoying." 
 
 Bess turned to wave her hand and throw a 
 kiss in farewell to Mrs. Strong and Mabel, who 
 had come out on the porch to witness the depar- 
 ture. With a parting "Don't get lonely nor 
 tired, brother," and a wave of her handkerchief 
 toward the stage, she urged Mauchacho forward 
 to join Eagle and his rider. 
 
 The horses started steadily up the road which 
 wound around the hillside. West had not spok- 
 en since she joined him, but silently made notes 
 of her graceful seat in the saddle; how she held 
 the reins firmly, yet lightly, in her left hand; 
 how her shoulders were flung back ; how her nos- 
 trils were dilating and her chest was moving in 
 rhythmic, full breathing. Once, as she breathed 
 long and deep, she cried out, "Oh, it seems as if 
 I never shall get all this delicious air I want! 
 What a glorious morning! See, the sun is only 
 just peeping over the hills! Oh, the lazy old fel- 
 low! What time is it, I wonder?" 
 
 Henry West replied without first glancing at 
 32 
 
HENRY WESTS IDEAL 
 
 his watch, "It is about half after seven," but to 
 assure her he opened his watch and simply add- 
 ed, "Yes." 
 
 "You stood there last evening," he said, point- 
 ing to the flat boulder upon which Bess had stood 
 so tremblingly in the twilight. "I felt that it 
 was you." 
 
 The horses were breathing hard when they 
 reached the summit, and West drew rein that 
 they might recover from the exertion. 
 
 "Why don't you wear spurs?" inquired Bess. 
 "I supposed no cowboy's costume was ever com- 
 plete without them." 
 
 "I do wear them when I am riding a cayuse 
 and after cattle or on the round-up," he ex- 
 plained, "but Eagle nor Mauchacho nor my other 
 thoroughbred doesn't need them. Do you, old 
 boy?" he interrogated, bending over and giving 
 the beautiful horse a sound "love-pat" on the 
 neck. 
 
 Again Bess had become entranced at the won- 
 drous scene which lay before her, even more 
 glorious than the one of the night before. A song 
 arose to her lips. As the first few notes uncon- 
 sciously escaped her, and the rich, full melody 
 floated out upon the morning air, she suddenly 
 collected herself. "Oh, I could not help it," she 
 apologized. 
 
 Henry West looked at her with pleading eyes 
 as he begged her to go on. "Please don't mind 
 me. Sing out the joy in your heart," he said, 
 gently. 
 
 33 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 As side by side the horses began the stony 
 ascent of the opposite side of the hill, she sang, 
 at first softly, then forgetting all else in the 
 world except that she was young and happy and 
 glad to be alive, the music became full, sweet and 
 strong, and in her rich, sympathetic voice she 
 poured forth her heart. 
 
 "The sun is rising o'er the ocean, 
 
 The smiling waters greet the day; 
 The joyous winds to dancing motion 
 
 Wake the billows and the spray. 
 See where the clouds roll up the mountains! 
 
 Night has her misty banner furled, 
 And springing from a thousand fountains 
 
 Light and joy o'erflow the world!" 
 
 Here she paused, her heart too full to go on. 
 Neither spoke, and when they had reached the 
 foot of the hill and the long, level stretch of road 
 lay before them, the horses started into a swift 
 pace across the plain. On, on they went, grad- 
 ually slowing into a steady, swinging gait. Both 
 horses were single-footers, and they moved along 
 without any apparent effort. How delightful it 
 was! How Bess enjoyed every moment! The 
 brisk morning air painted her cheeks rosily and 
 filled her large, brown eyes with sparkling ex- 
 citement. Occasionally a little cry of keenest 
 pleasure escaped Bess' lips. 
 
 Henry West was apparently oblivious to all 
 about him; his eyes were looking straight ahead 
 and his lips were closed firmly, as if with an ef- 
 
 34 
 
HENRY WEST'S IDEAL 
 
 fort to restrain his thoughts. All his life he had 
 thought of the day and dreamed of the time 
 when his ideal might be by his side. On his lone- 
 ly rides across the plains or hills in quest of cat- 
 tle or looking after his horses, his heart and 
 soul had been filled with thoughts of Her. Never 
 had he found her among the girls of his own peo- 
 ple. Never had he seen her in all his years at 
 school and college, although many who were fair 
 and sweet would gladly have accepted his atten- 
 tions. Always a welcome guest at the homes of 
 his acquaintances, entertained and feted until he 
 had become surfeited with it all, his heart was 
 still an empty void, and his soul still longed for 
 her of whom he dreamed. 
 
 Last night she came! The moment he heard 
 her voice he knew it! The instant he saw her 
 eyes, her face, her hair, her form, he felt like 
 crying out in his exquisite pain of unbearable 
 joy, "At last you have come; you for whom I 
 have hoped, longed, sought, waited through all 
 the ages of time! Oh, my love, my life! And 
 yet I can not, dare not even presume to touch 
 your hand! Oh, the irony of fate! You are so 
 fair, so white I, O God! I am but an Indian! 
 They say we know how to hate ! We know, too, 
 how to love; but how much, how hopelessly, I 
 never knew till now ! And yet" a swift thought 
 came "and yet my mother! How I love her! 
 What an honor to be my mother's son !" 
 
 Bess stole a shy glance at the set face of her 
 companion and wondered what he could be pon- 
 
 35 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 dering so deeply. He had not spoken for a long 
 time, and she half feared to break the silence. 
 Miles passed under the horses' hoofs, and yet he 
 was silent 
 
 Suddenly he looked at her with self-reproach. 
 "Pardon me, Miss Fletcher, but you certainly 
 must be getting tired." He hastily leaped from 
 his horse, throwing the reins over the beautiful 
 creature's head. 
 
 Eagle shook himself as if glad to be relieved 
 of his burden. West came to Bess' side and as- 
 sisted her to dismount. He had anticipated that 
 her knees would not sustain her weight, and 
 clasped her in his arms to keep her from falling. 
 Immediately the horses, with reins trailing on 
 the ground, began munching the soft green grass, 
 slowly picking here and there. 
 
 "Ouch!" said Bess, as her feet touched the 
 earth. "How funny one's knees feel after riding 
 so far," and she awkwardly began to move for- 
 ward. 
 
 As her soft hair brushed his face when she 
 dismounted West could scarcely refrain from 
 placing his hand upon the fluffy and wind-tossed 
 tresses. Taking off his mackinaw, he spread it 
 on the ground, telling her to be seated for a 
 moment, and strode to the feeding horses. Pres- 
 ently he returned, and Bess, having risen, looked 
 up at him with a bright smile. 
 
 "Mr. West, why do the horses walk like craw- 
 fish?" 
 
 He smiled at her comparison, and told her, 
 
 36 
 
HENRY WEST'S IDEAL 
 
 to avoid stepping on the reins and the attendant 
 jerk to their mouths. 
 
 "Do you think I will soon be toughened like 
 you?" she asked. 
 
 "Oh, yes," West replied. "You soon will be 
 able to ride half a day, or even more, without 
 becoming much fatigued. At first you must go 
 easy and not ride too long at a stretch." 
 
 She stood gazing about her at the vast herds 
 of cattle and horses grazing all about the valley 
 and the gentle slopes. In front she could see 
 the heavily willowed banks of a stream, and se- 
 cretly rejoiced, for she was longing for a drink. 
 
 West was looking behind him over the road 
 they had just come. "Well, the stage is not 
 so slow today. Old Charley must be pounding 
 them on the back." 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE HESITATING LARIAT 
 
 Bess could discern in the distance the stage 
 with its little, trailing cloud of dust. "Please 
 let us mount again. I'm quite rested, and want 
 to reach the stream before the stage arrives." 
 
 "You are thirsty, Miss Fletcher?" he asked, 
 solicitously, hastening to assist her to remount. 
 
 The horses started eagerly forward, the scent 
 of fresh water in their nostrils. 
 
 "We are nearly half-way home. The bridge 
 yonder is about half the distance," said West. 
 
 Suddenly he was so alarmed by a shrill cry 
 from the girl that he brought the surprised Eagle 
 almost to his haunches with a sudden stop. 
 
 "Look!" she cried, pointing to the right of 
 her. Instantly West turned his horse. "My 
 God !" he cried, starting Eagle across the rolling 
 land. She saw a horse throw his rider, and in a 
 moment more drag him by the foot, which in 
 some way had become fastened in the stirrup. 
 
 Bess tried in vain to restrain Mauchacho, 
 who insisted upon following his companion. 
 Scarcely a half mile intervened, and Bess could 
 see Eagle speeding like a veritable bird. She 
 saw West swinging his lariat about his head with 
 measured movements. Suddenly he hesitated, 
 holding his hand for the instant still then with 
 
 38 
 
THE HESITATING LARIAT 
 
 one more vigorous swing the rope shot out, hiss- 
 ing and uncoiling like a huge snake, and in the 
 instant it caught the fleeing horse firmly by both 
 front feet and threw him with a crash to the 
 ground. At the same moment Eagle braced 
 himself like a rock, and West secured the lariat 
 about the pommel of the saddle. So swiftly had 
 it all happened that Bess cried out in amazement 
 and wonder. 
 
 West reached the frightened horse, now 
 struggling wildly, in time to save the man from 
 being kicked to death. The foot had been 
 wrenched from the stirrup, and the man lay 
 silent and motionless upon the ground. 
 
 When Bess reached the spot she sprang from 
 her horse and hastened forward to be of assist- 
 ance. 
 
 "I cannot see how anyone who knows a horse 
 could possibly have such an accident," West was 
 saying, as if to himself. "The horse surely could 
 not have seen a 'rattler,' as it is too early for 
 them ; and, besides, I have never seen one down 
 on this flat. Looks to me like confounded care- 
 lessness !" 
 
 "Oh, is he hurt?" she inquired, but West had 
 mounted Mauchacho and was speeding to the 
 stream. Bess lifted the bruised and bleeding 
 head into her lap. As she carefully wiped the 
 dirt from the eyes and face she discovered to her 
 surprise that it was the same Mr. Davis whom 
 she had only met the evening before on the train 
 at Selish. 
 
 39 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "See look!" she exclaimed excitedly, as 
 West returned, his hat dripping with the water 
 it contained. "It is Mr. Davis !" 
 
 Henry West nearly spilled the precious 
 liquid. His eyes flashed with hatred, and his 
 teeth clenched so hard that she could scarcely 
 hear his words. "You know that that 
 devil!" 
 
 Bess was so confounded at the look of enmity 
 and hate that she turned pale with fear. 
 
 The next moment, with trembling hands, she 
 was helping Henry West to resuscitate the un- 
 conscious man. Cool, dripping handkerchiefs 
 bathed his brow and temples. Upon examining 
 the foot which had caused so much mischief, 
 West saw that it was swelling rapidly, and soon 
 dexterous fingers had unfastened the laces and 
 were tenderly removing the shoe. All the pas- 
 sion was gone from his face, leaving it pale and 
 anxious. Again he hastened to the stream, 
 quickly returning with the hat filled with water. 
 How they worked, these two! Perspiration 
 streamed from their faces as they chafed his 
 arms and hands and bathed the bruised and swol- 
 len ankle. Once they caught a fleeting twitch 
 of the eyelids, and, encouraged by the knowledge 
 that there was still life, they renewed all their 
 efforts. 
 
 Suddenly West put his hand upon the man's 
 breast, Bess thought to feel his heart beats, but 
 instantly she understood as he drew a flask from 
 the inside of the coat. West forced the lips apart 
 
 40 
 
THE HESITATING LARIAT 
 
 and succeeded in pouring some of the brandy 
 into Davis' mouth. The effect was almost in- 
 stantaneous. The eyelids fluttered and a groan 
 of torture escaped the lips. Again he relapsed 
 into unconsciousness, but for only a few minutes, 
 for soon he opened his eyes and looked into the 
 girPs face. Then a spasm of pain contracted his 
 face frightfully, and even West turned aside that 
 he might not see. They gave him more of the 
 brandy, which seemed to strengthen the man, 
 and also made the suffering, for the moment at 
 least, less acute. Not a word had they spoken 
 since that first moment. 
 
 West now watched for the stage, standing 
 near Mauchacho, first releasing the horse which 
 he had thrown. With trailing reins the animal 
 now stood quietly beside Eagle, who seemed to 
 be looking at him with "horse" contempt. 
 
 Just then the stage came in sight from be- 
 hind a rise, and West swung upon Mauchacho, 
 hastening to hail it. Soon Bess could see the 
 men hurrying to where she sat with her again 
 unconscious burden. With a strong blanket for 
 a stretcher, four of them carefully placed the 
 wounded man upon it, and bore him to the stage. 
 James brought Eagle and Davis' horse, while 
 Bess walked behind, leading Mauchacho. Care- 
 fully they placed Davis in the stage. James in- 
 sisted that his sister continue her journey in the 
 vehicle while he rode with West. They stopped 
 at the bridge to water the horses, and then pro- 
 ceeded slowly on their way. 
 
 41 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess was doing everything in her power to 
 alleviate the pain of the man, whose head now 
 rested against her shoulder. She did not move, 
 and scarcely dared to breathe, lest she should 
 disturb him. She could feel the damp, cold 
 drops of perspiration standing out like beads on 
 the white forehead and the bruised cheek. So 
 great was her sympathy that she, too, seemed to 
 be in the torture of pain. The other occupants 
 of the stage watched her with interest and appre- 
 ciation. 
 
 West rode near to tell her that James and he 
 would hasten on and have a more comfortable 
 conveyance at Poison by which to bring Mr. Da- 
 vis to the HW Ranch. 
 
 42 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 THE MOTLEY SPECTATORS AT POLSON 
 
 It was nearly one o'clock when the stage 
 reached Poison, at the foot of the Lake. As it 
 drove up in front of the hotel Bess saw that 
 James and Henry West had already arrived. A 
 curious and anxious crowd were gathered in the 
 road and on the porch, each one striving to get a 
 look at the Indian Agent, of whose accident they 
 had already heard. It was a motley crowd; here 
 and there were blanketed Indians with their 
 squaws and papooses and numerous mangy 
 curs ; in groups were standing the lighter colored 
 half-breeds, some in white men's clothing, others 
 with blankets carelessly folded about them. Some 
 were fastidious in their beaded leggings and 
 wide-brimmed hats, their gay-colored 'kerchiefs 
 and shirts, while others were scarcely able to 
 hide their copper-colored bodies with their 
 scanty possessions, so unfortunate had they been 
 in their last gambling game. Several white men 
 and women could also be seen intermingling 
 with the Indians or standing aloof beside the 
 buildings. They were evidently passengers en 
 route across the reservation, or waiting to go up 
 the Flathead Lake and river to Kalispell. 
 
 The Klondyke had been steamed up and ready 
 to leave for more than an hour. The passengers 
 
 43 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 hurried to get aboard, the whistle blew and the 
 boat started slowly to steam out into the Lake. 
 
 The while, Henry West, assisted by a number 
 of the spectators, was making Mr. Davis as com- 
 fortable as he could with numerous blankets on 
 a buckboard. The men watched him with in- 
 credulity, for they all knew the animosity which 
 existed between these two men. How any man 
 could show such consideration and feeling for 
 another who was his mortal enemy they could 
 not understand! Neither did they know the 
 cause of the hatred. Some said that Henry West 
 knew of some 'crooked work' Davis had been car- 
 rying on, yet he could not say a word while he 
 lived on the reserve and was under the authority 
 of the Indian Agent. But this was conjecture. 
 No one but Henry West and his God knew the 
 circumstances which made him hate the man 
 with all the powers of his soul. 
 
 West had asked Mrs. White, the post trader's 
 wife, if she would kindly take care of Miss 
 Fletcher until he should be able to return for 
 her. Bess, utterly exhausted, permitted herself 
 to be led into the dark, cool sitting-room of the 
 hotel. Tenderly Mrs. White unfastened her 
 jacket, removed her fluffy tarn and brushed back 
 the soft brown hair. "You poor dear," said Mrs. 
 White sympathetically. 
 
 Bess threw her aching arms about the little 
 woman's neck and wept her tired heart out. Now 
 that it was all over and she could relax, nature 
 
 44 
 
THE MOTLEY SPECTATORS 
 
 opened the floodgates of pent-up feeling and heal- 
 ing tears flowed. 
 
 Mrs. White, seeing that the girl was physi- 
 cally exhausted, as well as under a great mental 
 strain, led her over to the couch. She knew bet- 
 ter than to speak to her now, and held her ten- 
 derly in her arms till at last only little sobs 
 escaped the girl, and soon her head sank low 
 upon the broad shoulders in sleep. Quietly Mrs. 
 White laid her upon the couch, placed a cover 
 over her, and left her to sleep. The woman came 
 into the room every few minutes to see if she 
 were still asleep, and when at sundown Henry 
 West returned with the buckboard for her, Bess 
 was still sleeping. 
 
 "Do not waken her, Mrs. White," he said, 
 gently. "I will wait until she has had her sleep 
 out." 
 
 Then he went into another room, where he 
 gave the little woman all the details of the Davis 
 accident. His praise of Bess and the assistance 
 which she gave was great indeed, and the heart 
 of Mrs. White went out to the sleeping stranger, 
 whose first experience of the Western life had 
 been such a trying one. They were to become 
 the closest of friends, and Mrs. White already 
 felt an indescribable affinity for the girl. 
 
 45 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 HW RANCH 
 
 The drive through the cool of the early even- 
 ing to the ranch, which lay only three miles from 
 the trading post, fully awakened and refreshed 
 Bess. She was longing to ask the reticent man 
 by her side a hundred questions regarding the 
 injured one, but she refrained, intuitively feel- 
 ing that she would be touching a heart-wound. 
 The slight hesitancy of the lariat, the sudden out- 
 burst of passion, revealed to her woman's instinct 
 the secret hatred of Henry West, which all his 
 sympathy and tenderness afterward could not 
 hide. 
 
 At last he spoke : "Mother will not have din- 
 ner until we return. You must be nearly fam- 
 ished, for Mrs. White told me that you had fallen 
 asleep before she could offer you any refresh- 
 ment. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that 
 you should have experienced such an ordeal. 
 
 Mr. Da the Agent," he said, with a marked 
 
 effort at composure, "has been made comfortable, 
 and when I left the ranch to come after you, 
 mother said he had fallen asleep. My mother, 
 years ago, had a thorough course of training in 
 professional nursing, and the knowledge has 
 been invaluable to her. The doctors at the agen- 
 cy or at the mission are so far away that in 
 
 46 
 
HW RANCH 
 
 emergency cases she is always sought. I sent 
 one of the men after a physician, but he can do 
 no more than mother has already done." 
 
 "There is my home, Miss Fletcher," he con- 
 tinued, as they came in sight of the ranch. "How 
 I love it! I hope you may be contented and 
 happy as long as it is to be your home and 
 James'." True hospitality sounded in his deep 
 voice and shone from his now grave yet friendly 
 eyes. 
 
 "Oh! Thank you, Mr. West. Anyone who 
 could not find both happiness and contentment 
 amid all this beauty would be very hard to please. 
 It will be the first real home I have ever known 
 nearly all my life has been spent at school. Dear 
 me! I expect you think I should have unlimited 
 knowledge," she added lightly. 
 
 She gazed with interest about her. There 
 stood the large, square, white house, with its 
 wide porches and many windows, within a 
 stone's throw of the deep, blue water of Flat- 
 head Lake. Up the hill a short distance from 
 the house in a clump of willows was a magnifi- 
 cent spring, whose cool, crystal water was made 
 to flow down to the house and into the corral. 
 Great barns, hay sheds and granaries were back 
 of the house, and comfortable poultry houses 
 and roomy ice-houses were also to be seen. Even 
 a blacksmith shop with its glowing fire caught 
 Bess' interested gaze, and she wondered at the 
 completeness of the ranch and marveled at the 
 brains that could manage such a large and var- 
 
 47 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 led establishment. Quite near the house stood 
 a teepee, and Bess could not repress a smile as 
 Henry West told her what it was and that the 
 old Indian and his wife who assisted his mother 
 could not be induced to sleep indoors, so pitched 
 their teepee in the yard for their greater comfort. 
 
 As West drove up to the house the door 
 opened, and Bess was soon clasped in the arms 
 of his mother. Happily he watched her as she 
 welcomed the sister of his dearest and best 
 friend. 
 
 "Mrs. West," said the stranger, "I cannot tell 
 you how happy I am to know you. James has 
 told me so many dear, sweet things of you that 
 somehow it feels as if you were my own mother, 
 and I do need a mother so," added the girl, with 
 eyes that could not hold back the tears. 
 
 "God bless you, my dear," she heard a gentle 
 voice saying. "I, too, need a daughter to fill the 
 place made vacant nearly a year ago." She lift- 
 ed the girl's face tenderly with both her hands, 
 and looking into the clear eyes told her how 
 much she seemed like the daughter who had been 
 lost. 
 
 "Helen was fair," she explained. "Her hair 
 was even lighter than yours, dear ; she was quite 
 as tall and about your age. She was like her 
 Scotch father, while Henry looks like me." 
 
 Bess gently kissed the tear-stained cheek of 
 the tender mother, and pressed her lips against 
 the soft, white hair, as together they went into 
 the house. How cozy everything seemed! The 
 
 48 
 
HW RANCH 
 
 cheerful fire in the grate, the comfortable chairs 
 and couches, the beautiful pictures and rugs, 
 gave everything a 'homey' look. Bess was sur- 
 prised to find such evidences of refinement, 
 wealth and comfort here away out in Montana 
 and on an Indian Reservation! Her surprises 
 were not to end here, however, for she would 
 soon discover that many, many of the families 
 scattered all over this vast reservation were 
 equally as comfortable and thrifty. 
 
 Mrs. West led the way to Bess 7 room, and 
 telling her that dinner would be ready in a half 
 hour, left her. 
 
 Little ejaculations of happy surprises escaped 
 the girl as she glanced about the room. Every- 
 thing was creamy white and pale blue. The 
 large brass bed was draped with soft blue and 
 white, the furniture was white, and several com- 
 fortable willow rockers invited to rest. In one 
 corner was a wide couch with numerous pretty 
 cushions. A few choice pictures adorned the 
 walls. Surely, the one who displayed so much 
 taste in fitting up this dainty room must have 
 been used to refinement! It was so different 
 from what she had expected to find. James had 
 told her of it all, and yet she was surprised. She 
 surmised this had been Helen's room. 
 
 As she hurried about, getting on her fresh, 
 clean clothes, she continued her appraisal of her 
 room. "I love you already," she kept saying to 
 herself. 
 
 During dinner not a word had been said con- 
 49 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 cerning the patient, and Bess was interested in 
 hearing James and Henry discussing the affairs 
 of the ranch how the wheat was growing, what 
 a wonderful crop of hay was promised, the 
 oats, too, never stood so well before at this time 
 of year; the spring calves were all getting along 
 fine ; up to date there had been, as nearly as could 
 be counted, about ninety colts. 
 
 Several times the girl became so engrossed 
 in these new, strange topics that she forgot her 
 meal, and Mrs. West could scarcely refrain a 
 smile at her wide, wondering eyes. 
 
 As Bess' hostess arose from the table she 
 said : "You must all be worn out with your ex- 
 perience of today, and I advise early hours." 
 
 Henry came over to his mother's side, and 
 kissing her gently on the brow, told her that he 
 would spend the night looking after Mr. Davis. 
 
 But she said : "No, dear, you go to bed and 
 rest, and when I need you I will call you." Fin- 
 ally she persuaded him to consent to retire, af- 
 ter he and James had had their smoke. 
 
 Bess' heart went out to this great, dark man, 
 as she saw his gentleness. She thought that any 
 man who so reverenced his mother must be 
 worthy of greatest confidence and trust. 
 
 "I'll say good-night now," she said, for she 
 was glad to get some rest. Her face and neck 
 were smarting from the unusual exposure to the 
 sun and wind, and she was trying to find some- 
 thing with which to alleviate the burning when 
 Mrs. West tapped gently at her door. 
 
 50 
 
HW RANCH 
 
 "Are you asleep, dear?" 
 
 Bess quickly opened the door for her to enter. 
 "Mr. Davis is sleeping again, so I came to see 
 what help I might be to our 'little stranger,' " she 
 said gently, and noticing that the girl was suffer- 
 ing with the sun-burned tender face, hastened to 
 bring something to soothe her. " Let me put this 
 on, dearie. Why, you are dreadfully burned !" 
 
 "I should have known better than to ride so 
 far with only that tam-o'-shanter on my head," 
 said Bess. 
 
 "You should have a light, soft sombrero, and 
 then you will be a regular 'cowboy/ and we'll try 
 to find a gun and spurs, too," laughed Mrs. West, 
 as she gently bathed the flaming cheeks and 
 brow. 
 
 W T hen she had been tucked snugly in her bed, 
 Mrs. West sat by her side, telling in her modu- 
 lated voice of her own strange experiences in the 
 West: of her days in school and college; of her 
 teaching and her music; of her home life and 
 her children; opening little secret chambers in 
 her soul to the girl, who was already filling her 
 heart. Bess listened in wonderment at all that 
 was told so modestly, and then she readily under- 
 stood the source and cause of the taste and re- 
 finement which she had already observed. 
 
 On they chatted, like two school chums who 
 had not seen each other for years, until Mrs. 
 West noticed the tired eyelids trying so hard to 
 stay open, and kissed Bess gently on the brow. 
 The girl aroused herself and said : "Please, lit- 
 
 51 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 tie mother, wait until I pray. Put your arms 
 around me tight and let me feel what it means 
 to have a mother." 
 
 Together they mingled their supplications to 
 the Great Common Father, and in the sight of 
 God they were equal though one pair of eyelids 
 closed on cheeks fair as a lily and tears wet the 
 face of one so dark. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 "I WOULD HAVE DONE MORE FOR AN INJUN" 
 
 With the twitter of birds outside and glorious 
 sunshine streaming through the opened window, 
 Bess awoke early, feeling that the refreshing 
 sleep had completely restored her energy and 
 light-heartedness. She breathed deeply of the 
 fresh, cold air, feeling as if she could fly with the 
 birds. 
 
 The thought of helping with breakfast 
 prompted her to hasten, and soon she found the 
 kitchen. An Indian woman was busily engaged 
 getting the meal, as Bess entered, and she in- 
 quired of the woman where Mrs. West was. A 
 slight motion of the hand upward was the only 
 reply, and the woman silently moved out of the 
 room. 
 
 Bess did not understand, and left the house 
 for out-of-doors. At a little distance stood Hen- 
 ry West. Bess ran toward him with a cheerful 
 "Good morning! Are you quite rested, Mr. 
 West?" 
 
 "Oh, yes, indeed ! It takes more than a day 
 like yesterday to tire me. But may I ask how 
 you are feeling this morning? You look well 
 and happy, surely." 
 
 "I am, and completely rested, too; but my 
 face still smarts," she replied, cautiously touch- 
 ing the pretty cheeks. 
 
 53 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "You will suffer a good deal from the sun 
 and wind for a while, then they won't have any 
 ill effects at all." 
 
 "Not after I get thoroughly toughened, you 
 mean," she said with a merry twinkle in her 
 eye. "Please, have we time to walk up there 
 to the spring, before breakfast, Mr. West?" 
 
 "Yes, I think so," he replied, and led her to 
 the willows bending gently over, as if to hide 
 their treasure. Here was an immense trough 
 hewn from a log, where the clear, cold water 
 flowed through it, in a great stream. 
 
 Bess stooped to drink; when she lifted her 
 dripping face, Henry West could not suppress a 
 laugh at the picture she made. Even her stray 
 locks had had a bath, and her brown eyes were 
 alight like a water nymph's. His heart swelled 
 with increasing love for this beautiful girl, and 
 with the love grew a most bitter anguish as he 
 realized more and more how hopeless it all must 
 be. He fought hard to stifle his tender passion, 
 and fully aware of the pain he must bear to be 
 so near her day after day, to see her so uncon- 
 sciously happy, to hear her merry laugh and soft, 
 tender voice. He could at least seek solace away 
 across the hills, or comfort in the company of 
 his faithful Eagle, whose confiding ear had al- 
 ready heard many of his master's heartaches. 
 
 His mother summoned them from the house, 
 and Bess, with a girlish challenge that she 
 would reach there first, started to run swiftly 
 down the gentle slope towards the house. Mrs. 
 
 54 
 
"MORE FOR AN INJUN' 
 
 West caught the rosy, merry laughing girl in her 
 arms as she said, "I am glad to see you feeling 
 so well and rested this morning, dear." 
 
 "Oh, I feel fine," Bess replied. "I want to 
 cry out to shout," she added, as she gave the 
 older woman so vigorous a hug that it made her 
 gasp for breath. 
 
 "Great guns! Bess, you better vent some of 
 that superfluous squeeze on some of the rest of 
 us. See! Mrs. West is still struggling to 
 breathe," said James, as he placed Bess in her 
 chair at the breakfast table. 
 
 "Oh, I'm so sorry, little Mother ! Did I really 
 hurt you? But I just had to squeeze someone or 
 something; so after this when any of you see 
 me coming with fire in my eye, I give you all 
 fair warning.' 7 They laughed at her strenuosity 
 and good spirits and the coffee was served. 
 
 "Bess, don't impress those people that you 
 came from the Bowery," said her brother, and all 
 through breakfast she tried to recall what she 
 had said or done that should suggest such a 
 thought to James. 
 
 Breakfast was nearly over when Mrs. West 
 told Henry to go up to the sick man's room, as 
 Mr. Davis had requested to see him. Henry 
 shot a troubled glance at his mother and said, 
 "I would much rather not go, mother." 
 
 "I cannot understand, Henry, why you have 
 taken such a dislike to Mr. Davis; he has always 
 treated us with courtesy and many times has 
 shown us marked consideration. Surely you 
 
 55 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 cannot have forgotten how attentive he always 
 was to Helen " 
 
 "Hush, Mother! I will go to him at once. 
 No, I have not forgotten anything, and pray 
 you may never understand," he added in a whis- 
 per. He arose abruptly from his chair and 
 quitted the room before he had finished speak- 
 ing, so the last words reached the ears of Bess 
 alone. 
 
 She watched the man, and thought of his 
 words the day before when she told him that she 
 knew Mr. Davis. As he had not asked how nor 
 where she had known him, she thought perhaps 
 James had explained. 
 
 Henry West knocked softly at the door of Mr. 
 Davis' room and entered at a faint "come in." 
 He could not help feeling a twinge of pity as he 
 saw the pallid brow and hands of the helpless 
 man, and yet his very presence filled him with 
 ever increasing hatred and contempt. He put 
 his hand to his throat as if his collar were chok- 
 ing him, as he said in a husky voice : "You sent 
 for me, Mr. Davis. Of what service can I be to 
 you?" 
 
 He could scarcely catch the faint words that 
 came from the injured man's lips, and going near- 
 er, bent over that he might hear what Davis was 
 saying. 
 
 "Will you send one of my policemen here, 
 West? There are several important matters 
 which I must see about today." The Indian 
 agent spoke with effort. 
 
 56 
 
'MORE FOR AN INJUN" 
 
 "I fear you are not strong enough to see 
 anyone yet," Henry suggested kindly. 
 
 The man glared at him and hotly said, "Oh, 
 hell ! Yes, I am ! All that hurts is my ankle, and 
 I don't have to talk with that." 
 
 With an abrupt, "Very well, sir," West 
 moved towards the door. 
 
 "Say, West," said Davis, raising his voice; 
 "I know you didn't give me that help yesterday 
 because you love me," with a slight sneer, "but 
 I thank you just the same." 
 
 West suddenly wheeled and stood for a mo- 
 ment, rigid with clenched hands, looking at the 
 man. "No, Dave Davis," he said in his low, firm 
 voice, "I did not save your neck because I even 
 respect you. I would have done as much, or even 
 more, for any old Injun." 
 
 Bess met him as he went through the living- 
 room, but he did not look at her as he passed out 
 doors. She wondered what could be the reason 
 for his looking so sullen as he passed, and knew 
 that it must be the man upstairs. 
 
 "Come here a moment, dear," called Mrs. 
 West to her ; "I want you to take some breakfast 
 up to Mr. Davis. One of my women is sitting 
 there." 
 
 Bess dreaded meeting him, yet she could not 
 refuse to go. She carried the dainty and appe- 
 tizing food into his room, and entered so softly 
 that the man did not move. She thought he had 
 fallen asleep, when a slight groan told her she 
 was mistaken. 
 
 57 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Here is your breakfast, Mr. Davis," she 
 said cheerily. 
 
 "Oh, it is you, Miss Fletcher! I had begun 
 to wonder why you did not come to see your 
 patient." 
 
 "I do hope you are better this morning, and 
 that you may soon be strong again," she said, 
 beginning to help him with his meal. 
 
 "I am afraid this confounded ankle won't 
 be in any hurry getting well," he replied bitterly, 
 "and I shall be obliged to force my unwelcome 
 presence here for too long." 
 
 "Please don't say that, Mr. Davis; I am sure 
 you are perfectly welcome here. Mrs. West is 
 only too glad to do all she can to alleviate your 
 pain," reassured Bess hastily. 
 
 "Yes, I understand," he replied, as he sipped 
 his coffee, "but Henry West has some sort of a 
 grudge against me. Guess he thinks that at one 
 time I cared for his sister." Bess noticed a swift, 
 sneering smile flit across his lips. He continued : 
 "One never knows what to expect from these 
 Indians." 
 
 "S sh," warned Bess, glancing at the serv- 
 ant. She did not like what he was saying nor 
 the tone of his voice, and as soon as he had fin- 
 ished his breakfast she hurriedly left him. Could 
 the cause of all of Henry's hatred be the sister 
 whom he had loved so tenderly, she wondered. 
 
 58 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 BESS LEARNS THE REAL CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT 
 
 The girl had begun to tidy up the living- 
 room and the pretty library, with its shelves of 
 choice books, when Mrs. West came in to remon- 
 strate. "There are plenty of hands to do those 
 tasks, Miss Bess," she said, as she held the girl's 
 hands in her own. "You just go out and enjoy 
 yourself, dear. It is such a pretty day that it 
 is a pity to stay in-doors." 
 
 "Oh, please let me help you, Mrs. West," 
 pleaded Bess, "for I do enjoy working ; and then, 
 too, with your increased family you will be over- 
 taxed." The girl spoke with such earnestness 
 that Mrs. West relented, thinking perhaps Bess 
 would feel more at home if she assumed some 
 little responsibilities. "You see," Bess explained, 
 "my father insisted upon the nuns at the convent 
 teaching me all kinds of housework and serving, 
 and it has been a great source of comfort to me 
 to feel that I need not be dependent upon anyone 
 to do these tasks for me." 
 
 Mrs. West's eyes followed the girl as she con- 
 tinued her task quietly and quickly, all the while 
 busily talking. 
 
 "You'll be surprised, little Mother, when I 
 tell you that I have made nearly all of my own 
 clothes. You'll let me help you sew, too, won't 
 
 59 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 you? It must be a great problem for you to find 
 anyone here, is it not?" 
 
 The deft fingers were putting little touches 
 here and there, now arranging a vase of flowers 
 or moving a picture, and Mrs. West noted with 
 pleasure how soon the room bore evidence of her 
 artistic taste. 
 
 As the days succeeded each other and the 
 girl grew more and more into the home life of the 
 ranch, she became a help and consolation to Mrs. 
 West, in a thousand different ways. She re- 
 lieved her of many little duties and assumed so 
 willingly and competently the many cares that 
 ere long Mrs. West began wondering how she 
 had ever been able to get along without Bess, or 
 how she had ever had the time or strength to look 
 after the house alone. She now found time to 
 rest and to read. She even took up her practice 
 again, and many were the delightful hours which 
 she and Bess spent together with their music. 
 The lonely place in her heart was being filled by 
 the presence of this sweet, lovable girl, and her 
 tender, motherly love went out to Bess, as if the 
 girl were indeed her own daughter. 
 
 The visitor was considerate of every one. She 
 was always seeing some kind thing to do or 
 gentle word to say, and every one, including the 
 old Indians, who frequently came to the ranch, 
 was treated with respect and given a kindly 
 smile. Before the autumn had come her figure, 
 riding on Mauchacho, sometimes with James or 
 Henry West, or often alone, grew so familiar that 
 
 60 
 
THE REAL CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT 
 
 the Indians named her "Bright Eyes," because 
 of the happy face and beautiful eyes. 
 
 Those first few weeks at the ranch were full 
 of pleasure and delight for Bess. She took long 
 rides of exploration over the vast acres, and 
 each time, upon her return to the house, told 
 of the wonderful things which she had discov- 
 ered. 
 
 "There is the dearest spot up along the Lake 
 shore/' she told Mrs. West one afternoon as 
 she and Mauchacho came up to the porch, re- 
 turning from one of their pleasant rides. "It is 
 up on a little knoll, with beautiful pine trees 
 that looked as if they had been freshly scrubbed 
 this very day; and such very comfortable rocks 
 and logs lying about. I am going to take my 
 crayons and sketch there some day. Such a 
 magnificent view of the vast blue lake, the moun- 
 tains all around and Wild Horse Island in the 
 distance." 
 
 Then,, as if she felt half guilty for leaving, 
 she inquired how Mr. Davis seemed. "Keally, I 
 should not have left you to take care of him so 
 long alone. I'll be in the house in a moment, 
 little Mother, and relieve you." 
 
 As none of the men were about Bess un- 
 saddled her horse and turned him loose to bury 
 his nose in the soft, green grass of the pasture. 
 She stood a moment watching Mauchacho as he 
 sniffed to find a good place to roll. "Over Mau- 
 chacho, over again, two hundred! three hundred 
 dollars; good, but we won't sell you for a thou- 
 
 61 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 sand, will we, you beauty?" And with her hat 
 and gloves she ran into the house and hurriedly 
 dressed to take charge of the sick man. 
 
 Davis had proved a quiet patient during his 
 confinement and was now sitting up most of the 
 day and soon would be able to be removed to his 
 quarters at the agency. In his secret heart he 
 knew that he was in no hurry to go; perhaps, 
 had he made an effort, he could have gone some 
 days ago. But he could not tear himself away 
 from the girl who had helped to alleviate his 
 suffering, and whose sweet voice had charmed 
 him when she read during the long, tedious 
 hours, and thrilled him while she sang, he lying 
 quietly and watching her face, songs that were 
 simple and sweet and full of deepest melody. 
 But she always appeared abstracted ; her brown 
 eyes did not see the things about her, but gazed 
 upon unknown visions which only her heart saw. 
 Sometimes the brightest smiles played upon her 
 lips and lighted up her face with joy; again, 
 tear-drops hung on her long lashes, and fell un- 
 heeded upon her hands. 
 
 If he could only divine the thoughts which 
 caused her emotion! He could not, but was en- 
 tranced and deeply moved. Was he growing to 
 love this girl, he asked himself a dozen times a 
 day. No, surely he was not. But, even if he 
 were, did he dare? Cbuld he, Dave Davis, make 
 this beautiful, unsuspecting and pure child love 
 him? Always, he would banish the thought, for 
 
 62 
 
THE REAL CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT 
 
 he still possessed a conscience, and could not 
 think of her in this relation without a twinge. 
 
 Today as she came into the sick-room, all 
 rosy and fresh after her ride, he looked at her 
 with admiration. She had never looked half so 
 charming to him before; the simple white dress 
 made her girlish, and the bunch of yellow blos- 
 soms thrust into the loose knot of brown hair, 
 just behind her ear, gave her a saucy air. She 
 was brushing the hair from her brow as she ap- 
 proached the chair in which he was sitting. 
 
 "I envy you your ride and the fresh air, Miss 
 Fletcher. It seems ages since I felt my horse 
 under me. I never shall forgive him for stepping 
 in a hole that day. Guess if I had not been so 
 intent watching the girl in the distance," he 
 spoke as to himself, "trying to assure myself it 
 was Miss Fletcher, he would not have thrown 
 me." 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Davis! I hope I was not even the 
 unconscious cause of your accident," Bess re- 
 plied anxiously. "Are girls such a rare sight 
 on the reservation that even horses run away 
 when they see them?" she added, half jokingly. 
 
 "Well girls like you are, yes," he replied, 
 meaningly, but the girl would not understand. 
 
 "When I am well and able to ride, will you 
 let me show you some of the interesting places 
 on the reserve? We'll visit the Mission, with 
 its school of Indians, and the church." 
 
 "Oh, I should be happy to go. Thank you, 
 Mr. Davis; but I fear I cannot wait, for Henry 
 
 63 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 and James have planned to go with me to the 
 Mission next Sunday, and we expect to be there 
 for mass. I can scarcely wait, and know the 
 trip will be full of interest." 
 
 "Henry West seems to take quite a good deal 
 of your time," he said pettishly, and Bess 
 wrinkled her brow, amused at his displeasure. 
 
 "Let me finish the book," suggested Bess, 
 but the man said he was tired and would prefer 
 to rest. She regretted his petulant mood, and 
 quietly left the room. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 "HELEN" AT ST. IGNATIUS MISSION 
 
 Oh! the rarity of that early June morning 
 when a trio of happy beings mounted their eager 
 horses. The dawn was still in the east, where 
 roseate clouds hung soft and low on the crests 
 of the mountains. In the shadows the blueness 
 of the fleeing night still lingered. The air was 
 unusually soft for the early hour and birds twit- 
 tered to arouse their tardy nest-mates. 
 
 The tamaracks were now the softest, tender- 
 est green, and in the dawning light seemed like 
 soft billows of sea foam which had been flung 
 through the miles of space and caught in the out- 
 stretched arms of the tall monarchs of the hills. 
 It was only a little after five o'clock, but the 
 long ride of twenty-five miles to St. Ignatius 
 Mission demanded an early start, so that the 
 horses might be well rested before returning to 
 HW ranch. 
 
 Henry West was cramming into the pockets 
 of his mackinaw what later proved to be some 
 appetizing sandwiches; for he knew Fletcher's 
 returning health and vigor caused insatiable de- 
 mand for "grub." Mrs. West had thoughtfully 
 prepared the lunch as they were hurrying to get 
 started. Now she stood in the open doorway, 
 smiling good-byes to her family. 
 
 65 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess looked beautifully charming in her well- 
 fitted jacket and divided skirt of reseda green. 
 A filmy white veil was tied over her sombrero 
 and floated over her shoulder in long loops like 
 a fleecy cloud nestling against her soft, brown 
 tresses. At her throat showed the soft whiteness 
 of her shirt waist, for, "was it not Sunday, and 
 were they not going to church, and ought they 
 not to be dressed in their best?" she argued when 
 James asked why she had not worn her corduroy 
 suit for the long, dusty ride. Bess wished se- 
 cretly that she, too might wear the leathern 
 "chapps" like the boys; as they seemed so much 
 more comfortable than a lot of useless cloth 
 about one. She vowed inwardly that some day, 
 when no one was looking, she would try the 
 "chapps," and if they proved satisfactory why 
 should she not wear them too? 
 
 The horses made good time at a steady gait, 
 and all were so preoccupied that only a few de- 
 sultory remarks were exchanged. As the miles 
 grew in number the dawn became brighter and 
 brighter, till now old Sol shot forth his stream- 
 ing gold and a new and glorious day began. 
 
 "This will be a very warm day," remarked 
 Henry West, after a deliberate survey of the 
 sky. "It feels like a weather-breeder and I think 
 we'll have a heavy rain by night." He unfast- 
 ened his mackinaw, and the breeze blew out his 
 soft, white, silk shirt in little fat puffs. 
 
 They passed groups of fine, sleek cattle and 
 horses, the HW brand being the most conspicu- 
 
 66 
 
'HELEN* 
 
 cms among them. Suddenly Henry West gave 
 Eagle a swift turn on the bridle and sped across 
 the grass till he came upon some strange calves. 
 From the distance intervening Bess and James 
 watched him wonderingly and with interest. 
 When he returned to them his face was lowering. 
 James was about to ask what was wrong, but 
 thought if it were anything of interest to him 
 that Henry would tell him. 
 
 On and on they rode, now in a swift gallop, 
 for the road was smooth and hard, and by this 
 time the horses had their "second wind." 
 
 Bess' inquisitiveness got the better of her, 
 and she cried : "For pity's sake, Henry, do tell 
 me what is wrong! Can't you see I'm just burst- 
 ing to know?" And she gave her contumacious 
 hair a vigorous thrust under her sombrero. 
 
 West began slowly: "James, in your riding 
 over the range, have you noticed among any of 
 my cows a scrub, measly-looking red bull? Those 
 calves, back there, show his ear-marks. Last 
 year I told old Savaeau that if he did not kill 
 that damned nuisance I would the first chance I 
 got. And here this season's calves are again 
 contaminated by scrub breeding." 
 
 Bess had grown so accustomed to hearing 
 discussions of all kinds concerning the cattle 
 and horses that she was deeply interested, and 
 now, before James had time to reply, she spoke : 
 "Do you know that about three days ago when 
 I was going over to Poison I came across several 
 of your cows and a most terrible looking animal 
 
 67 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 with them! He had a big head like a buffalo, 
 and a dreadful hump; the rest of him looked 
 like well, like just cow. Is that the one you 
 are looking for?" She was surprised and hurt 
 at the look the boys gave each other, and then 
 roars and peals of laughter rent the air. 
 
 Bess' cheeks flamed up red and hot, and she 
 gave Mauchacho a cut across the flanks which 
 caused him to leap forward in surprise, and he 
 sped like a streak down the winding road and 
 out of sight behind a low hill. Tears sprang into 
 the girl's eyes, not so much perhaps at the ex- 
 changed glances and laughter, as at the thought 
 that perhaps her unsolicited interest had been 
 misconstrued. She now quietly checked Mau- 
 chacho and hastily pulled off her jacket. She 
 brushed her wet cheeks with her sleeve in her 
 haste to appear nonchalent to the approaching 
 horsemen, whom she could hear hastening after 
 her. To her dismay, she discovered that her 
 immaculate sleeve was now all grimy and dust- 
 streaked and knew that her face too must be 
 streaked with dirt. Luckily she had just reached 
 a stream of clear, cold water, and she slipped off 
 her horse and was already bathing her face when 
 Henry West reached her. 
 
 He stood silently behind her, watching the 
 lithe, graceful girl, as she bent down to kiss the 
 stream. She glanced over her shoulder, her face 
 dripping with the cool water, her hair wet and 
 falling over her eyes. 
 
 "I did not cry so there you need not look 
 68 
 
'HELEN' 
 
 so sorry ," she said, with half pouting lips that 
 could no longer resist the pulsates of her happy 
 nature, and involuntarily she burst into a merry 
 laugh. 
 
 "I am really sorry to have been so rude as to 
 laugh at your remarks, Miss Fletcher/' West 
 was saying, and again he tried in vain to re- 
 strain himself. 
 
 "What's up, Sister; fall in the creek?" 
 
 "No, I was just trying to drown my sorrow 
 when this gentleman interfered and I took a 
 drink instead," Bess replied facetiously, and 
 when they again resumed their journey each was 
 light-hearted once more. 
 
 "Please tell me, James, what was the thing 
 I tried to describe, will you?" Bess asked, as she 
 and James had fallen behind Eagle for a little 
 way. 
 
 "Why, that was a cattelo, which is part 
 buffalo and part cow. They are rather dreadful 
 looking creatures, to be sure, and I can't see 
 why West raises them, unless because the hides 
 are valuable, and perhaps the meat has a rare 
 flavor." 
 
 It was now after eight o'clock and West said 
 that they would soon come in sight of St. Ig- 
 natius. A short distance ahead of them walked 
 a hurrying priest. One hand tightly clasped a 
 prayer-book, while the other tried in vain to 
 lift the already begrimmed cassock out of the 
 dust. The boys lifted their sombreros in saluta- 
 tion, and to Bess' cheery "Good morning, 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Father," the priest gave her a smile and a "God 
 bless you." 
 
 At last they saw the beautiful grounds of the 
 Mission, with its church spire and the roofs of 
 the many buildings, interspersed with the trees, 
 whose fresh, green foliage was invitingly cool. 
 The sun had grown unusually warm for early 
 morning and eagerly the girl reined her horse 
 in the refreshing shadows of the trees. 
 
 The bell suddenly pealed forth, and they 
 hastened to dismount. West cared for the horses 
 and James led Bess into the beautiful little 
 church. The sight that met their eyes was 
 strange to Eastern eyes. Indians knelt with 
 their bright colored blankets wrapped closely 
 about them. The candles fluttered on the altar 
 profusely covered with early spring flowers. 
 James sought the West's pew and led his sister 
 there. As she sunk on her knees to pray the 
 organ sounded and in marched the somberly-clad 
 nuns, followed by the many Indian children who 
 were attending school. The entire service passed 
 like a dream to Bess; and she was often dis- 
 tracted watching the children at their prayers, 
 listening to their sweet, untrained voices in the 
 choir, or analyzing some Indian, stoically mov- 
 ing his lips in prayer. 
 
 "Mea culpa, mea, culpa " murmured Bess, 
 half audibly, as she heard others striking their 
 breasts; and she half turned to see if Henry 
 West had yet come into the seat beside them. He 
 was not there, nor did he come. "He is perhaps 
 
 70 
 
'HELEN* 
 
 in the rear," thought Bess. It was not long till 
 they knelt for the blessing, and soon all were 
 filing out of the church. Bess left James at the 
 door, saying she wished to wander through the 
 gardens. 
 
 What a profusion of blooming shrubs! The 
 air was sweet with the fruit blossoms, and all 
 along the paths were wonderfully fragrant 
 pansies, violets, and other early flowers. Near 
 the church was the cemetery with its numerous 
 white-painted crosses. As Bess looked through 
 the enclosure she was attracted by an imposing 
 monument, and, curious to learn what distin- 
 guished person had found his last resting place 
 here, she entered God's Acre. As she neared the 
 grave she saw Henry West kneeling in the 
 shadow of the monument, his face buried in his 
 arm as he leaned against the stone. Bess sud- 
 denly halted. Never in her life had she beheld 
 such despair. Either he had heard her approach 
 or intuitively felt she was near, for without lift- 
 ing his head he stretched forth a hand to her. 
 She could not resist the appeal. She grasped his 
 hard and swarthy hand, and unconsciously 
 clasped it to her breast. 
 
 In a moment a face, pale and drawn, was 
 raised to meet her sympathetic gaze. He tried to 
 speak, but could utter no word. Releasing his 
 hand he pointed slowly to the tiny cross at his 
 feet. 
 
 Bess dropped to her knees and read the word 
 HELEN. That was all. That was enough. What 
 
 71 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 could cold, hard words tell of her who was sleep- 
 ing there? "Helen/' the world might read, and 
 perhaps give a sigh. "Helen," the man now read, 
 and his heart yearned for his dear, lost sister 
 and for the love that had been torn from him. 
 What idle print could show the grief and misery 
 that had broken that young heart? 
 
 "Helen" was all Bess saw, and yet intuitively 
 she read pages of love, sacrifice, heartaches, hope, 
 pain and glory. She arose, and impulsively plac- 
 ing both her hands against the dark man's face, 
 she said in a whisper of sympathy, "Henry 
 Henry ! Why cannot I be your sister? Let me 
 fill her place in your heart ! Let me take up the 
 broken thread and finish the weaving! Can I? 
 May I?" 
 
 My God ! What was she saying ! What had 
 he heard? "Henry, Henry" rang in the man's 
 ears, sweeter than any music. She had spoken 
 his name, now, today; and how he had longed to 
 hear her lips frame that homely word. He re- 
 caught the echo of her appeal. It was not love 
 that prompted her then ; it was only pity. Were 
 love and pity akin? When he could collect his 
 thoughts sufficiently to reply he clasped both 
 her hands in his own for a brief moment. Then 
 he stepped back and flung up his head. With set 
 jaws he said, in such a low voice that Bess leaned 
 forward on the tiny marble cross to catch the 
 words, "I could not go into the church I could 
 not pray while hatred tore my heart in pieces I 
 could not forget her her misery I stayed here 
 
 72 
 
"HELEN* 
 
 near her to tell her again she shall be aven 
 Hastily collecting himself and smothering his 
 passion, he continued, "Thank you, little girl- 
 Bess, I may now say; thank you for your sym- 
 pathy and your pity. I know you are sincere, 
 but somehow somehow there is still a void 
 here," as he clutched at his pounding heart. 
 "Your words do not suffice they cannot, will 
 not. No, only she Helen could be a sister." 
 
 Had Bess not been so unsophisticated she 
 would have understood the subtle meaning of his 
 words. As it was, she only felt her unworthiness, 
 and was sorry her impulsive nature had thrust 
 itself forward. 
 
 For a moment there was an awkward silence, 
 which Henry West relieved : "Come, I will show 
 you about the grounds and buildings. James is 
 visiting with Father Damien, over there near 
 the church," and he led the silent girl away. 
 
 Presently they were viewing with interest 
 all the beauties of the place. Here were fine, 
 substantial, brick school buildings, one for the 
 girls and another for the boys, where they were 
 taught all useful and instructive arts. The broad 
 fields were in a high state of cultivation, and 
 the trees of the orchard gave promise of an 
 abundant harvest, so laden were they with lin- 
 gering blossoms and fast-forming fruit. This 
 seemed to be the very choicest bit of the reserva- 
 tion, where years and years ago came the Jesuit 
 priests, and where, during all this time, they 
 
 73 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 had labored zealously for the temporal and spir- 
 itual welfare of the Indian children. 
 
 Seated in a wheel chair, in a sunny exposure 
 of the garden, they came upon a black-robed nun 
 with another nun standing near her. As Bess 
 and Henry West approached the one turned to 
 meet them. What a dear, young face was that 
 which upturned to meet Bess' interested look. 
 What an expression of human understanding 
 lighted up the deep blue eyes, as the girl said to 
 her, "Good morning, Sister; are you enjoying 
 God's beautiful sunshine?" 
 
 "Yes, dear; Sister Mary Joseph can scarcely 
 be inveigled indoors now that the sun is becom- 
 ing so fervent. Well! Well!" the nun inter- 
 rupted, "if here isn't Henry West! See! Sister 
 Mary Joseph, who has honored us with a visit 
 today !" 
 
 Henry West stepped forward holding his som- 
 brero in his hands. "This is Miss Bess Fletcher, 
 James' sister;" he said, "and Bess, this is Sister 
 Mary Joseph, and Sister Agnes." 
 
 Bess bent over the aged nun, who, with dif- 
 ficulty, lifted her hand. But, although the face 
 was lined and seamed by the hand of time and 
 the hardships of frontier life, the smiles of wel- 
 come and greeting were made of that kind of 
 woof and warp which never show the ravages of 
 age. Henry explained, "Sister Mary Joseph has 
 been here ever since 1865, and has seen all the 
 vicissitudes of St. Ignatius Mission." 
 
 Bess longed to hear the dear old woman re- 
 74 
 
'HELEN' 
 
 late some of the wonderful experiences which 
 she had seen and in which she herself had been 
 an important factor, but the bell was calling for 
 the second mass, and as Sister Agnes was just 
 then relieved from her duty by another nun, she 
 asked Bess to accompany her to the church and 
 sing. 
 
 Henry West had gone on and joined James at 
 the door. 
 
 At the offertory Bess sang Mascagni's Ave 
 Maria, and as her soft, glorious voice arose and 
 fell in beautiful tone waves, even Father Damien 
 and the Indians held their breath for fear of los- 
 ing a sound. 
 
 When Bess had finished Sister Agnes kissed 
 her cheek, and left the imprint of her own wet 
 one. 
 
 75 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 "After all, we have not gained much by stay- 
 ing at the Mission over night, for another storm 
 is coming and we better hurry to some place of 
 shelter or we shall all be drenched to the skin," 
 remarked Henry West, as he casually glanced 
 over his shoulder toward the Southwestern 
 horizon, where an ominous looking rain-cloud 
 was rapidly rising. As he had predicted the 
 day before, a heavy rain began just as they were 
 about to re-saddle the horses to return to HW 
 ranch. The morning dawned soft and warm; 
 fresh from the washed hillsides came the ozone ; 
 the east was filled with fiery, red clouds, which 
 warned them that the rain was not yet all spilled 
 upon the thirsty earth. How green the stretch 
 of grazing land looked ; how verdant the distant 
 pines and firs, fresh from nature's bath! The 
 dust in the wagon road was all gone, and now 
 occasionally the horses splashed with delight 
 through mud puddles. 
 
 "Mauchacho, if you spatter my go-to-meeting 
 riding togs you'll get your ears pulled," Bess 
 said to her horse. She had not heard West's re- 
 mark regarding the weather for she was in an 
 abstracted mood. 
 
 "Hold on a moment, boys," she cried after 
 76 
 
A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 the two. They had given their horses rein, 
 thinking she was aware of the coming storm, and 
 were riding swiftly to where they might be kept 
 dry, for a time at least. Just then Bess noticed 
 the light becoming dimmed. Hastily glancing 
 back she saw the hurrying rain and was greeted 
 by a splash of heralding drops. 
 
 "Oh, so that's the hurry ! Come, Mauchacho, 
 it's up to you to keep me dry and save this green 
 gown from making a blot on the already verdant 
 landscape," she said whimsically, and the horse, 
 as if he understood, in haste to overtake his flee- 
 ing companions, sped like the bird he really was 
 and reached the sheltering, overhanging rock 
 before the others. 
 
 As the trio dismounted each drew the reins 
 over his horse's head, and so left them, where 
 they stood as quietly as if they were tied. Quick- 
 ly the saddles were taken off their steaming 
 backs and placed under the shelter of the rocks. 
 Bess and James were already safely out of the 
 rain, and the girl was impatiently jumping up 
 and down urging Henry West to "hurry for 
 pity's sake" or else he would be drowned. 
 
 As West crouched under the ledge he took off 
 his broad hat and shook the rain from it, say- 
 ing: "These things are nearly as good as an 
 umbrella; aren't they, James?" 
 
 "Come under here closer, Henry; you are 
 not out of the rain yet," said Bess. She took hold 
 of his arm and pulled him close to her. So they 
 stood, the fresh, rosy, smiling girl, with wilful 
 
 77 
 
TEE BRAND 
 
 brown tresses over her face, clinging to the dark, 
 stalwart man on one side and to her fair-skinned 
 brother on the other. Silently they watched the 
 rain, which fell in gusty sheets. 
 
 The horses had shifted and stood dejectedly 
 with their tails against the increasing on- 
 slaughts. 
 
 "Poor old baby Mauchacho," said Bess, ten- 
 derly; "I wish there was room to crowd you in 
 here, too." The horse replied with a knowing 
 wriggle of his ear, as if to say he "wished so, 
 too." 
 
 "Here, here, James, cheer up," said the sister, 
 giving him a vigorous shake. "Don't you know 
 that behind the clouds is still the blue sky?" He 
 was looking nearly as lowery as the rain-clouds, 
 and even West came from his Reverie, asking 
 what was the trouble. 
 
 "You see," said James, "this will delay us 
 nearly two days in rounding up the beef for that 
 shipment, and I doubt if the men can have them 
 at Selish in time." 
 
 Young Fletcher had proved his mettle on the 
 ranch. 
 
 "Oh, well, Jim ! I'll help, and I think we can 
 manage all O. K." answered Henry West, opti- 
 mistically. "Here, Bess, sit down awhile," he 
 added, quickly drawing off 7 his rnackinaw and 
 spreading it on the bed of pine needles. The 
 girl could offer no remonstrance, as he gently 
 placed her on the coat. 
 
 "Do you think I can be comfortable here 
 78 
 
A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 while I know YOU will get cold? You'll surely 
 be ill !" She started to rise, but as he placed her 
 on the seat again he assured her that when he 
 grew cold he would ask for the coat. So she sat 
 with her hands clasped about her knees, and 
 her chin buried against them; her soft, liquid 
 eyes gazing longingly across the rain-dashed 
 landscape. 
 
 The men, too, grew silent, and the time 
 dragged. Bess gave a sigh and made a tentative 
 effort to rise, but a gentle, restraining hand on 
 her shoulder told her that though the man at her 
 side was silent, he was still solicitous. James, 
 becoming weary of standing, seated himself with 
 his back pressed tight against that of his sister. 
 
 How the thoughts began chasing each other 
 through the girl's brain ! Little incidents of her 
 girlhood days, or perhaps some memory of happy 
 companionship at school would cause her to 
 smile. Then, again, a sigh at some memory 
 came unconsciously from her lips; and once, as 
 she recalled a humorous episode, a little ripple 
 of laughter escaped her. 
 
 "Enjoying yourself, Bess?" asked James, irri- 
 tably, at her jocular outburst. "I wish this in- 
 fernal rain would let up so we could get home 
 some time today," he added. 
 
 "It seems to be letting up some now," said 
 West. "If you'll let me take the mackinaw, 
 please, I'll go out and take a look over the hills 
 and see how much longer we shall have to wait." 
 
 When West had gone out into the rain, Bess 
 79 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 asked her brother what time of .day it was. 
 "We've been here two infernal hours/' he said, 
 "and it is nearly noon. I wish we had some 
 lunch, for we'll all be mighty hungry before we 
 reach the ranch." 
 
 "Please, James, don't be cross. That won't 
 drive the rain away, and it only makes us feel 
 more uncomfortable. Ah! Here comes the 
 weather man ! I can tell by the looks of his face 
 that there is soon to be a rainbow!" cried the 
 girl, joyfully, as West re-entered the shelter. 
 
 "Yes, the clouds are lifting, and it will soon 
 be safe to start. I fear you'll suffer from the 
 mud, Miss Bess." 
 
 "It will be a shame to spoil this green," she 
 replied, "but I fear I must bear it for my stom- 
 ach's sake. Since James mentioned being hun- 
 gry I have developed such an alarming craving 
 for something to eat that it seems as if I had not 
 tasted food in days. Oh! I wish there were 
 some place where we could get our dinner !" 
 
 "There is," answered West; "over at Joe 
 Nedreau's, about eight miles further on." 
 
 Soon the rain ceased, and the men hurried 
 with the saddles. They picked their way care- 
 fully through the water-soaked sod till they 
 reached the road, where the water was running 
 like miniature rivers. At first Bess tried to 
 guard her skirt- from the muddy onslaughts, but 
 soon saw that her efforts were of no avail and 
 urged her horse into a faster gait. 
 
 The miles intervening between them and a 
 80 
 
A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 prospective meal grew less and less. West, rid- 
 ing ahead, scanned the grazing herds at either 
 side in a desultory manner. Suddenly he 
 brought Eagle to a stop, raised himself up in the 
 stirrups, and, with his hand shading his eyes, 
 gazed intently across the range. Quickly he 
 turned. "Jim, over there near the stream is that 
 scrub bull of Savaeau's! Get your rope ready 
 and come with me ! You keep Mauchacho here," 
 to the girl, who was now wide-eyed, and won- 
 dered what was going to happen. 
 
 With difficulty she restrained her horse, who 
 was bent on following the fleeing companions. 
 Bess released her feet from the stirrups and 
 sprang quickly to the ground to hold the animal 
 by the bit; and by patting and talking softly to 
 him succeeded in quieting him. 
 
 Over the green expanse sped the two horse- 
 men. West bent low over his horse's neck, riding 
 madly. A rise in the ground for a moment con- 
 cealed them, when up they shot, like two huge 
 birds. 
 
 The herd had already seen the oncoming 
 men, and instinctively felt that harm was ap- 
 proaching. With a loud snort and his tail in 
 the air, the leader galloped over the range, fol- 
 lowed by all the other cattle. On came the 
 horses, now charged with excitement and knowl- 
 edge of what was coming. James swerved to the 
 right and artfully separated the bull from the 
 rest of the herd. When the creature discovered 
 he was divided from the other cattle, he turned 
 
 81 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 swiftly and unexpectedly, which nearly resulted 
 in throwing James from his horse. West had 
 ridden across from the herd, and with his rope 
 already swinging in the air would have captured 
 the animal then and there had he not hesitated 
 when he saw that James was nearly unseated. 
 The hesitancy gave the animal a fresh start and 
 on he ran and ran, ever evading his pursuers. 
 Snorting horses and relentless pursuers drove 
 him from every shelter. Each man knew that 
 the only way to capture him would be to tire him 
 out. 
 
 Bess was still standing at her horse's head, en- 
 grossed in watching the distant chase. They were 
 so far away that at times she could not distin- 
 guish the men. At first she was excited, but as 
 she saw the persistent pursuit and the vain at- 
 tempt the animal made to reach a place of safety, 
 she felt a wave of indignation surge over her and 
 fill her with hot anger. Stamping her foot upon 
 the ground, she cried out in vain : "Oh, you two 
 horrid men! Leave that poor creature alone! 
 What will you do when you do capture him? 
 Murder him, of course ! James, have you lost all 
 your sense, to follow that that Indian ! Yes, 
 that is all you are now an Indian thirsting for 
 the blood of your victim !" 
 
 She burst into uncontrollable tears and hid 
 her face against her horse's neck, to shut out the 
 vision of the tragedy. Mauchacho bent his head 
 and touched his mistress with his nose, as if try- 
 ing to console her. Could he have spoken he 
 
 82 
 
A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 would have explained that these things were a 
 part of Western life; how it was impossible to 
 tolerate low-bred stock; how this affair would 
 seem all right when she became accustomed to 
 the ways and laws of the range. 
 
 So the girl stood, for ages it seemed to her, 
 until she heard the approach of the horses. She 
 did not lift her head when they came up, and 
 West saw that she had been sorely affected by 
 witnessing the capture. 
 
 In a soft, low voice he said : "I'm very sorry, 
 Miss Bess, that this circumstance occurred just 
 as it did. It was unavoidable." 
 
 The girl wheeled, with a storm of reproof 
 upon her lips; but as she saw his seriousness, 
 her parted lips closed slowly, and she left unsaid 
 what she thought to say. She shuddered at the 
 remnant of blood stains which she saw upon his 
 hands and bespattered white silk shirt, and 
 springing into the saddle turned her horse away 
 with an unreasoning jerk. 
 
 James saw her displeasure and only aggra- 
 vated it by saying that she would grow accus- 
 tomed to such things if she stayed in the cattle 
 country. 
 
 West followed Mauchacho in silence and only 
 spoke when they reached the Nedreau ranch. He 
 hurried forward to help the girl dismount, but 
 she scorned his assistance and sprang lightly to 
 the ground. 
 
 "Did you did you kill him?" she demanded, 
 pushing up her hair with an angry gesture. 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Yes I had to," he replied, looking into her 
 eyes with decisive determination. 
 
 Just then an old Indian with his squaw came 
 into view. West accosted them, and by numer- 
 ous gestures and gutteral sounds explained that 
 down under the willows, near the creek, they 
 would find "heap muck-a-muck." 
 
 Bess became deeply interested in the ambigu- 
 ous and incoherent conversation ; saw their stoic 
 faces assuming a happy and expectant expres- 
 sion as their benefactor impressed upon them the 
 fact that a supply of fresh beef was at their com- 
 mand. Before West had fairly finished explain- 
 ing to them, they had started their old, wobbly 
 cayuses into their swiftest paces, to reach the 
 treasure before some other hungry "Injun" had 
 discovered the prize. 
 
 When West again looked at Bess she could 
 not resist a smile, and remarked that at least 
 some one would enjoy the spoils. 
 
 The man was greatly relieved at the restora- 
 tion of her good humor, and when they joined 
 James he informed them that in a few minutes 
 all could have something to eat, even the horses. 
 
 "I hope it won't be beef," suggested Bess. "I 
 should think that you two would never dare to 
 look a cow in the face again." 
 
 While at dinner James told his companions 
 a story which was positively authentic. He re- 
 membered how, one day when he was about fif- 
 teen years of age, several of the grades, where he 
 was attending school, met for the purpose of giv- 
 
 84 
 
A WESTERN TRAGEDY 
 
 ing jointly a Longfellow programme. Every- 
 thing went along smoothly and beautifully, and 
 presently he heard his teacher announce that 
 Miss Emma Lane would recite The Wreck of the 
 Hesperus. He laughed now as he recalled how 
 his heart thumped when the idol of his youthful 
 dreams arose and walked nervously to the ros- 
 trum. In his swift yet ardent gaze at the object 
 of his adoration, all he remembered seeing was a 
 beautiful pink bow tucked snugly under a soft, 
 generous chin, and two hands, fingering frantic- 
 ly at either side of her freshly laundered white 
 dress. He did not dare look again for he felt 
 himself too sympathetically nervous. Then he 
 heard a tentative, quavering voice begin "It 
 was the schooner," a pause, a gulp, and again, 
 "It was the schooner,'' etc., and this time the 
 Hesperus was fairly and swiftly launched with 
 the skipper and his little daughter aboard. On 
 sailed the craft and on sailed Emmie ("as I called 
 her/' James explained), both rising and falling 
 with the angry sea and rolling waves. With her 
 ever-increasing confidence he felt his own cour- 
 age returning, and presently he gazed with 
 mouth wide open at the fair and fat girl on the 
 platform. Oh, the joy he felt that she Avas his. 
 If he could meet her on the way from school that 
 afternoon he believed he would tell her how he 
 loved her and thus relieve his overburdened 
 heart. She, so simple, so fair, so plump (if a 
 trifle too short), and withal so very modest! He 
 did not hear a word now of the recitation, 
 so engrossed was he in the living poem before 
 
 85 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 him. But, as she made a frantic, sweeping ges- 
 ture, he came back to earth with a thud as he 
 heard : 
 
 "The waves looked soft as carded wool ; 
 But the cruel rocks, they gored her side. 
 Like the horns of an angry cow." 
 
 "Now, that settled me; that settled Emmie; 
 for shame, Longfellow !" concluded James, laugh- 
 ing as he brought to his mind's eye the tragedy of 
 that day at school. When the three were able to 
 resume their meal after the merriment caused 
 by his narrative, Bess remarked : 
 
 "And that fatal Hesperus wrecked all his 
 faith in women. I have scarcely even found him 
 looking at one, if he could avoid it. Poor, 
 broken-hearted brother, 7 ' she mocked, teasingly. 
 
 A few days later one of West's cowboys took 
 a splendid Hereford bull across the hills to old 
 Savaeau, with instructions for him to "stick his 
 iron on the animal." 
 
 86 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 Dave Davis, the Indian agent, had sent word 
 that he wished to be removed to his quarters at 
 Arlee as soon now as possible. Today, the day af- 
 ter Bess' return from her interesting visit to St. 
 Ignatius Mission, he was expecting one of his 
 policemen to come for him. His foot was far 
 from strong, but he had managed since Sunday 
 to hobble about with one crutch and a cane. The 
 past two days had been tedious and long, and he 
 had sorely missed the cheery presence of the girl. 
 How he should miss her singing and her reading ! 
 He secretly wished he had further excuse to re- 
 main near her; yet, on the other hand, it was 
 distasteful to him to be brought in contact with 
 West. Thus far they had seen little" of each 
 other. Today at luncheon would be their first 
 meal together. Each dreaded the meeting, yet 
 Davis could not excuse himself, and if Henry 
 West was at home, he was too much of a gentle- 
 man to allow a guest to note any displeasure. 
 
 Davis slowly and painfully found his way 
 down stairs and into the living-room, in quest of 
 Mrs. West, to apprise her of his expectant de- 
 parture some time during the day, and to offer, if 
 he might, some pecuniary settlement for all the 
 comforts and attentions which he had received 
 during his enforced stay at the HW Ranch. 
 
 No one seemed to be about, but presently he 
 heard, coming from another part of the house, 
 
 87 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess' melodious voice. Wafted to him came the 
 words, "And sometimes in the twilight gloom 
 apart " He passed through the dining-room 
 and paused before the half-open door of the 
 kitchen. "The tall trees whisper, whisper heart 
 to heart," continued the girl, all unconscious of 
 the alert ear at the door-casing. 
 
 "From my fond lips the eager answers fall 
 thinking " 
 
 A pause, as Bess stopped to glance at a cook- 
 book which lay on a table just before her, and 
 into her song was woven, " ( 'three eggs well beat- 
 en') thinking I hear thee call." 
 
 Then she closed her lips and softly hummed 
 the air as she was vigorously beating a cream 
 mixture in a huge yellow bowl. 
 
 The beautiful picture which she made held 
 the eaves-dropper entranced, and he scarcely 
 breathed lest his presence be discovered and the 
 charming vision be gone. 
 
 Bess had on an immense blue and white ging- 
 ham apron, the sleeves rolled high up above her 
 dimpled elbows, exposing the creamy white of the 
 fore-arm. A line of tan about the wrist showed 
 that she had been thoughtless about exposing her 
 hands to the sun and wind. A big floppy bow of 
 black ribbon unsuccessfully restrained the soft 
 knot of hair on her neck, and her "forelock," as 
 she had denominated it, lay almost directly on 
 her nose, all snowy white. A little UD conscious 
 puff at the obstruction sent a tiny white cloud of 
 flour into the air, which elicited an audible smile 
 from the figure at the door-way. Bess quickly 
 turned and faced the visitor. 
 
 88 
 
THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 "Oh ! Mr. Davis, aren't you dreadful to star- 
 tle one so! The lady of the house is out," she 
 said with a soft Irish twang to the words, "and 
 'tis against the rules an' regulations of this 
 household to intertain any company in the 
 kitchen." She artfully caught hold of either side 
 of her apron and made a sweeping courtesy to 
 him. 
 
 "Oh, please let me come in, little girl; I'm 
 lonesome ; I have n't seen you for three days, and 
 now you would drive me away." 
 
 Davis came up to the opposite side of the 
 table, and presented such a pathetic, pleading 
 spectacle that Bess relented and permitted him to 
 be seated. Cautiously he sank into a chair and 
 tenderly rested his lame foot across the crutch. 
 Bess again took up the big spoon and pounded 
 away vigorously at the contents in the yellow 
 bowl, trying to cover her confusion. 
 
 It is trying, at best, for even an expert in the 
 culinary art, to be closely watched while en- 
 grossed in the intricacies of mixing a cake; but 
 how much more so, when a girl has not "tried her 
 luck" for months, and besides, when the table;, 
 the floor, the apron, her face, and even her hair, 
 bear strong circumstantial evidence that the 
 flour-sifter had leaked profusely. Furthermore, 
 one dismal failure was spread out in full, accus- 
 ing view on the table before her. Her cheeks 
 burned with brilliant color, and her brown eyes 
 flashed half nervously and half defiantly as she 
 wielded the spoon. 
 
 "You see," began Bess, in an explanatory 
 voice, "Mrs. West was called to see Mrs. White, 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 who is quite ill at Poison, and she gave me full 
 sway in the kitchen for today. Mary, the Indian 
 woman, is on a protracted visit to some of her 
 relatives, over on Dayton Creek, so I am to get 
 the meals. It's great fun to come into the kitchen 
 and cook <just for today,' but I do not think I 
 should care to assume the responsibility and the 
 thinkability of twenty-one squares a week. I 
 don't wonder that women grow desperately tired 
 of unceasingly hungry people to keep satisfied." 
 
 On chatted the girl to the enthralled listener, 
 and her composure returned. 
 
 "Were you trying to put your head in the 
 flour barrel?" laughingly inquired Davis, as he 
 noted the white, puffy locks. 
 
 "No," said Bess, assuming a dramatic atti- 
 tude. She quoted, 
 
 'My hair is grey, though not with years, 
 Nor grew it white in a single night, 
 As men's have grown from sudden ' 
 
 "Oh, say," she cried, abruptly, "don't you 
 love Lord Byron's poems ! The Prisoner of Chil- 
 lon, Childe Harold, Mazeppa only that's so 
 cruel ! 
 
 "You see this," she changed the subject. 
 "This which ought to be a delectation," pointing 
 with scornful gesture at the remnant of the 
 burned and flattened cake before her on the 
 table; and then, giving her latest creation an- 
 other whack or two before putting it into the 
 baking-tin, "but it is only an abstraction for 
 which Lord Byron is to blame. I had that book 
 
 90 
 
THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 of his poems open, so that I might be committing 
 some of the lines while occupied in stirring the 
 batter, and while I was repeating, "There were 
 seven pillars of Gothic mold seven pillars of 
 why, you see, I put seven teaspoonsful of yeast 
 powder into the stuff and never noticed it until 
 I had opened the oven, and the frothy, foamy 
 mass went sizz-z-z and hit bottom." 
 
 Davis became convulsed at her narrative and 
 her manner of relating it. 
 
 "Now, sir; please do not move nor breathe for 
 forty minutes, and I will show you a triumph," 
 commanded Bess, as she picked up the utensils 
 which she had used in her work. 
 
 "If I may speak, ever so carefully," said 
 Davis, "I'd like to tell you a little experience I 
 had with a cake, or rather, an experience of an 
 old bachelor friend of mine, over east of the 
 range." 
 
 "Do go on ! I'm sure it is interesting !" 
 
 "It was this way : Bill had been living all 
 alone on his sheep ranch over there, and like 
 many western men who live lonely lives, was 
 rather out-spoken and uncouth, altho' true as 
 steel. He grew tired of just bacon and corn- 
 dodgers for grub, so he decided he'd try his luck 
 at making a cake. I happened to be riding the 
 range that clay and went out of my way to go 
 over and say 'How' to Bill. As I neared the 
 cabin a suspicious odor greeted my nostrils sim- 
 ultaneously with Bill's appearance at the door. 
 He had nearly as much flour over him as you 
 have now," added Davis, facetiously. 
 
 91 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess glanced at her tell-tale apron and folded 
 it across her lap as she sat on a low stool inter- 
 ested in the cake tale. 
 
 " 'Hello, Bill,' I called, "what's up? Smells 
 to me as if you had a cook ! Been getting mar- 
 ried and didn't send me a card?' I said to him, as 
 if in earnest. 'Aw hell, no, Dave, this haint no 
 fit place for a woman, even if I could find one 
 who would have such an onnery cuss as I am,' he 
 answered. 'Better unsaddle and stop for grub; 
 got some swell dope 'bout ready. Come in pretty 
 easy though 'er she'll fall.' 
 
 "Just as I crossed the threshold he had taken 
 a cautious peep into the tiny oven. As he lifted 
 his red face a radiant and expectant smile 
 wreathed his seamy mug, and mouth- juice 
 trickled down either side of his chin, anticipat- 
 ing the delight to be. Presently he took me by 
 the arm, lead me cautiously over to the stove and 
 opened the oven to let me see what it contained. 
 'A cake, by thunder !' he said. 'Ain't she a peach, 
 Davy, old boy ! Look at her foam ! She is sure 
 great stuff and but Gee! She's what's it 
 doing it's ' and just then there was a sizz-z-z 
 and 'she struck bottom.' Bill's face fell with 
 the cake and he banged the door with a venge- 
 ance. For a moment he stood with his hands 
 thrust into his pockets, and then burst out: 
 'Bake damn ye we'll eat you anyhow !' 'What 
 seems to be the trouble with it, Bill?' I asked as 
 consolingly as I could without roaring. 'She 
 ought to be good I looked in the receipt book, 
 and the first thing I read about cakes it said 
 the yelks of seven aigs Sheep don't lay no 
 
 92 
 
THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 aigs, so I shut the book and fixed 'er up to suit 
 myself. I put in plenty of sugar and baking- 
 powder and plenty of corn-meal to give 'er body. 
 I didn't have no vanilly or lemon flavor, so I just 
 put in a squirt of Perry Davis' Pain Killer, and I 
 guess that's what knocked her out.' ' 
 
 "Did you eat it?" asked Bess. 
 
 "N no ; we tried to scoop out the middle, but 
 even Bill declined and said he guessed he'd flop 
 her over and bake her again tomorrow." 
 
 "Well, this time mine seems to be all right," 
 remarked Bess, as she peered into the oven. 
 
 What a chat the two were having, both enjoy- 
 ing it greatly. 
 
 "I came in here trying to find Mrs. West. I 
 am going away this afternoon and am anxious to 
 make a settlement with her before leaving." 
 
 "This afternoon you are going away," 
 asked the girl in a tone more solicitous than she 
 realized. Davis slowly rose from his chair and 
 hobbled near Bess, standing with her hands 
 clasped loosely behind her. 
 
 "Yes do you care? Tell me you care. Tell 
 me you'll miss me, little girl," he said, with a 
 sudden outburst of passion, as he clasped both 
 the girl's hands in his own strong hold. He bent 
 his head low. The fragrance from her hair in- 
 toxicated him and a great desire seized him to 
 clasp her in his arms. 
 
 Bess, frightened at his unexpected and new 
 attitude toward her, for a moment could not 
 move. She felt his breath against her hair, and 
 heard his heart as it beat loudly. She felt afraid 
 
 93 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 to move lest she hurt his foot, and now the blood 
 was throbbing in her throat painfully. The 
 thought flashed through her mind that they were 
 alone in the big house, and even could she have 
 cried out for some one to come, she felt that it 
 would be an insult to the man near her. What 
 had she to fear? 
 
 "Oh, please ! Mr. Davis, you hurt my hands. 
 Let me go, you must," she said emphatically, as 
 she wrestled her hands free and turned directly 
 about. With a bewildered exclamation she put 
 her hand to her cheek, and stared with wrinkled 
 brow at the man who was standing so near her. 
 For the first time in her young life she read in 
 a man's face the unspoken words of passion and 
 love. In the moment she stood motionless the 
 veil was lifted from her virgin soul, and the mir- 
 acle of womanhood was wrought! Into that 
 brief space crowded undreamed dreams ; new and 
 strange insights, wonderful knowledge! She 
 felt herself grow old, as all these strange sensa- 
 tions crowded themselves into her unsophisti- 
 cated mind. A look of mingled dismay, unintel- 
 ligibility and terror crept into the giri's face, as 
 she was held spell-bound by the magnetic voice 
 of the man, and by deep glowing eyes that held 
 her fascinated against her will. 
 
 He drew nearer and nearer and breathed a 
 torrent of passionate love into her ears. His face 
 nearly touched hers, and she was wholly unable 
 to move. The man knew that he was the first one 
 to teach her of passion and he felt an exultant 
 pride of possession, already. 
 
 "Don't be frightened, little one," he said to 
 94 
 
THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 her in the softest, most endearing tone he could 
 master. "Cannot you understand how wonder- 
 ful it is to love and to be loved? Let me teach 
 you all it means, dear. Let me tell you that you 
 are essential now to my happiness and to my 
 very existence. You all unconsciously have made 
 me love you love you, till I cannot breathe with- 
 out you. Tell me, that you do love me. Tell me 
 tell me," and his voice sank to an almost in- 
 audible, yet imperative whisper. 
 
 "I oh! Please, Mr. Davis I do not 
 even know you. Oh do not please do not 
 talk so to me!" her husky voice trembled, so 
 choked with emotion that he could scarcely un- 
 derstand what she said. 
 
 He knew it would be sheer temerity to press 
 his suit further for the present, so he stroked her 
 hair with a soft caress, and said : "Never mind 
 now, dear; think of all I have said, and when 1 
 come again you will understand. Good-bye now, 
 for I shall not see you again before leaving," and 
 giving her hair another gentle touch, he adjusted 
 his crutch and left the room. 
 
 Bess' hands fell at her sides. Amazed, her 
 eyes followed the man as he passed through the 
 door-way. All her senses seemed to have been 
 dulled by the recent avowal still ringing in her 
 ears. She was lost to her surroundings, and 
 stood still and silent, 
 
 "What's burning, Bess?" called Henry West, 
 as he stopped at the outside door of the kitchen, 
 while passing. Bess was brought to earth with 
 such a thud that she clutched at her heart to 
 stop its pounding. Quickly she sprang to the 
 
 95 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 oven and succeeded in partially concealing her 
 confusion by peering into it just as West stepped 
 into the room. 
 
 "Rather hot work, cooking, isn't it?" he ven- 
 tured, unsuspectingly, as the girl lifted her scar- 
 let face to him. 
 
 "Dear me it is nearly burned! I forgot 
 everything!" she said disconnectedly as she 
 snatched the cake from the stove and placed it 
 on the table. 
 
 "Oh ! it's hot !" she exclaimed, as she stuck her 
 finger into her mouth : then looking at it she saw 
 a large, white blister swelling upon the tender 
 skin. 
 
 West saw at once that she had burned her 
 hand and hastily applied some soda to relieve the 
 pain. With tender care he wrapped it up, and 
 when the smarting had ceased, told Bess he 
 would help her to get the meal. 
 
 She was still ill at ease, and the incident of a 
 few moments ago kept asserting itself in little 
 spasms that would make her catch her breath. 
 In her ears kept ringing the echo of Davis' burn- 
 ing words, and she longed to flee to her room, to 
 be alone, to think to think to cry. She surely 
 would cry she felt tears coming. 
 
 "Oh, Henry I can't stay I want to go to 
 my ," but by this time the flood-gates of pent 
 up feelings had opened wide, and with tears 
 streaming down her cheeks she fled to the silence 
 and comfort of her own dear room. 
 
 "Poor little girl; she is nervous trying to do 
 so much this morning," soliloquized Henry, draw- 
 ing off his coat and tying on a large apron. He 
 
 96 
 
THE MIRACLE OF WOMANHOOD 
 
 then began to make preparations for the noon- 
 day meal. 
 
 Just then, up the road leading to the house, 
 drove one of the Indian police with a comfort- 
 able conveyance. By the time he could reach the 
 porch, Davis, who had been watching the ar- 
 rival, was already there dressed to go away. 
 
 "May I be of any service," asked Henry 
 West, with civility. 
 
 "Thank you. The man will fetch down my 
 things." 
 
 West walked out to hold the horses while the 
 minor preparations were going on, and helped 
 Davis to a comfortable position in the rig. 
 
 "I am sorry not to have seen your mother be- 
 fore leaving. Please tell her I shall be over here 
 again, as soon as possible, to to remunerate 
 her for all the inconvenience to which I have 
 placed her," said Davis; and then, without fur- 
 ther addressing West, ordered the man to start. 
 
 West stood for several moments watching 
 the departure; the only emotion which he be- 
 trayed being a convulsive closing of his hands 
 and eves. 
 
 97 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 AN INDIAN IN THE MOONLIGHT 
 
 When Mrs. West returned to the ranch in 
 the evening, she sought Bess in her room to 
 learn of her experience in the culinary depart- 
 ment during the day. As she tapped at the door 
 and softly entered, a dejected, dishevelled and 
 tear-stained figure arose and flung her arms 
 about the "little Mother." 
 
 Impulsively and swiftly she poured into Mrs. 
 West's astonished ears all that had transpired 
 that morning, and when she had finished, she 
 said, "Why, little Mother, I love so much al- 
 ready, I cannot find room for any more. I love 
 you I love James the birds the grass and 
 flowers ! I love the mountains and the wonder- 
 ful lake! I love my music my books and my 
 pictures! I love Mauchacho I love babies 
 and dogs. Where is there room for any more?" 
 
 Then Mrs. West led her to a seat, and taking 
 both the girl's hands into her own, told her that 
 the love of all these things was so entirely dif- 
 ferent from the love she would one day under- 
 stand, that they would be crowded out and set 
 apart when her heart was ready to receive the 
 great and inevitable passion. 
 
 "But I do think, dear, that Major Davis was 
 rather premature in his announcement. Per- 
 haps selfishness prompted him, and he spoke be- 
 fore leaving you lest someone else would try to 
 
AN INDIAN IN THE MOONLIGHT 
 
 teach my little girl life's most wonderful and 
 most beautiful lesson. He need not have been 
 so anxious, however, as there are no eligible 
 young men near here, except perhaps my own 
 son." After a slight pause she added, "But he 
 is he is only an Indian !" 
 
 "Oh, little Mother! What difference need 
 that make! He has the whitest heart! That is 
 his greatest innate quality, the one which 
 prompts him to be aman! God does not make 
 any discrimination between him and me; why 
 should insignificant / presume to." 
 
 Impulsively Bess threw her arms about Mrs. 
 West's neck, and looked deeply into her eyes. 
 For a moment, neither could say a word, and 
 when Mrs. West assumed control of her voice 
 she said: "My dear child thank you for your 
 sympathy; it helps so much. But, there is all 
 the world outside there, who do not under- 
 stand as you do, dear; who do not feel as you 
 feel; who ," but she could say no more. 
 
 "Come, little Mother, let us go out by the 
 lake and Avatch the moon rise. We each need 
 God and nature tonight." 
 
 As they passed through the hall- way Bess 
 gently placed a light shawl about Mrs. West's 
 shoulders, and taking a wrap for herself, to- 
 gether they went out into the night. 
 
 As she passed the door of the living-room she 
 saw Henry reclining on a cozy couch and knew, 
 from the listless manner in which he held a 
 book, that he had fallen asleep. Over his knees 
 was spread a bright-colored Navajo blanket. 
 
 99 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Together they walked, their hands clasped in 
 loving pressure. Bess knew where a log, shel- 
 tered from any passing breeze, commanded a 
 splendid view of both the lake and the moun- 
 tains. It was quite a little walk from the house, 
 and gladly Mrs. West seated herself to recover 
 her breath. 
 
 The scene was too beautiful to be marred by 
 idle words, and each felt that to speak would be 
 sacrilegious. All about them was the purple 
 twilight, deep and silent, immeasurable silence 
 everywhere, except where the tiny waves 
 splashed against a rock, or a tall pine whispered 
 a tender sigh to a near-by tamarack. Myriads of 
 quivering stars hung balanced in the far-off sky, 
 and occasionally one shot out across the illimit- 
 able space, with a tiny trail of light, which sud- 
 denly became extinguished as if it had sunk into 
 the sea. By this symbol, the shooting star, the 
 world might know a soul had been released and 
 found its way to heaven. Mrs. West reverently 
 crossed herself, and Bess gave the hand a pres- 
 sure of understanding. 
 
 "Bess, dear, I fear I am growing chilly. It 
 will be some time before the moon shows over the 
 hills. We better go indoors/ 1 
 
 "Please, little Mother, let me remain a little 
 while. I shall not be afraid. Why ! I have been 
 here several times alone before! All I have 
 thought of is the stars! There are so many 
 things I must think of before I could go to sleep. 
 That's a dear let me stay," she concluded in 
 such an entreaty that Mrs. West allowed herself 
 to be gently turned toward the house. 
 
 100 
 
AN INDIAN IN THE MOONLIGHT 
 
 Bess stood watching till the retreating figure 
 became fainter and fainter and was swallowed jn 
 the gloom of the willows near the spring. 
 
 She was alone alone with the stars, the sea 
 the moon. Alone with all the new and strange 
 emotions which she had learned this day! 
 "Hurry, oh, moon ! Come over the tops, to help 
 me to think ! To give me light ! To teach me to 
 know and to understand !" shje prayed. 
 
 The sky grew brighter, the rough and rugged 
 tips of the mountains softened and glowed with 
 luminous silvery light, and the tiny ripples on 
 the lake caught the half -shed radiance, glisten- 
 ing like millions of jewels. The girl drew her 
 wrap snugly about her and sinking into a seat 
 on a rock with her back against the huge log, 
 drew her knees up so that her chin rested against 
 them on her clasped hands. Her ears rang with 
 the words they had heard in the morning "I 
 love you you made me love you !" till she knew 
 no other thought. 
 
 "Yes, but how can anyone know know, 
 when they really love ! How is one to be sure 
 sure sure!'' The girFs thoughts thronged. 
 "All love seems to me the same ! The degree may 
 vary, but it all feels the same! How am I to 
 know when T possess that other kind ! Dear me, 
 what's the use of trying to love any more when 
 my heart is too crowded already ! No I guess 
 I won't try won't even try to love you, Mr. 
 Davis." She straightened with a relieved sigh. 
 
 Just then, the moon, fair, round and full, 
 shot up over the crests, and all the world was 
 filled with beautiful, silvery light. One could 
 
 101 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 distinguish the greens of the pines and firs as 
 well as the browns and greys of the rocks. Even 
 the girl's dress showed a softest pink in the ten- 
 der moonlight. How glorious it was ! The lake 
 looked like the sea as it stretched across the 
 miles to the far shore. The mountains towered 
 loftily into the vault of heaven. The quietude of 
 the forests, as the gigantic monarchs bathed in 
 the glowing light. And above all, to be, to 
 breathe,, to live amongst all this sublimity of 
 beauty. How glorious it all is! What more 
 could one wish? What more could one love? 
 AVhat need of any other kind of love? On on 
 ran the thoughts of the girl, all unconscious 
 physically, save to the wonder of the night. 
 
 A movement behind her, caused her to turn 
 her head quickly. She smothered a cry of fear 
 as she saw approaching through the trees, a tall 
 form closely wrapped in a brightly-colored blan- 
 ket. How clearly she could distinguish the col- 
 ors as the man came from the shadows out into 
 the brilliant moon-light. Bess held her breath 
 and did not move as the man stopped and looked 
 searchingly about. Silently he stood; then sud- 
 denly flinging out his arms and lifting his face 
 to the witchery of the moon, the blanket fell off 
 his shoulders to the ground about him and re- 
 vealed Henry West. 
 
 What a picture he made ! His upturned face, 
 silhoutted against the trees, seemed in a halo of 
 light the arms lifted in an appeal to the sky. 
 The garb of the white man enshrouded him, the 
 robe of the Indian lay at his feet. Slowly he 
 passed his hands across his brow with a despair- 
 
 102 
 
AN INDIAN IN THE MOONLIGHT 
 
 ing gesture, and held them over his eyes, as if 
 they could no longer endure the lovely, if love- 
 less, night. 
 
 When the object of her alarm had vanished, 
 Bess startled West by springing quickly to the 
 top of the log and saying: "Oh, Henry! How 
 you frightened me! When I saw you stalking 
 through the trees I thought it was an In !" 
 Quickly as she checked herself, she was not quick 
 enough, for West ended her sentence for her. 
 
 "Indian ! So I was see, lying here at my 
 feet !" 
 
 He stooped and picked up the Navajo blanket 
 which he had hastily caught off the couch and 
 wrapped about him when his mother awakened 
 him. 
 
 He quietly walked over to the girl standing 
 on the log, nonchalantly enfolded himself in the 
 blanket, crossed it over his face to his eyes, and 
 for a moment stood motionless. Bess placed her 
 fingers against her parted lips as if to keep back 
 any idle words. 
 
 "Sometimes sometimes -now, I wish all I 
 knew was how to wrap my blanket about me!" 
 he said, with effort. "The great outside world 
 does not want me, cannot understand me. What 
 need or comfort are the things which the world 
 has taught me, when after all, my winding-sheet 
 will be but a blanket? What right has the world 
 to give me a desire for knowledge, a taste of 
 heaven, an understanding of the past, a dread of 
 the future, and then hold up its hands to say, 
 'You are still an Indian.' " 
 
 Again he let the blanket drop at his feet and 
 103 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 stood gazing into the moon, while written on his 
 face were despair and longing and resignation. 
 A chord in the girl's heart was touched at the 
 sight of the strong man before her, and it was set 
 attune to the one which had been awakened in 
 the churchyard, where she once before saw his 
 misery. She sprang lightly to the ground, picked 
 up the blanket and placed it again about his 
 shoulders. 
 
 "I like to see you so. You are too often sad, 
 Henry. Tell me something I may do to make 
 you happy. Tell me!" Bess entreated. 
 
 West stood looking at her for a moment, the 
 shadow of a fleeing cloud hiding the love-light 
 which shone in his dark eyes, then said: "You 
 placed my blanket about me, that's enough. 
 Mother is anxious about you, Bess, and sent me 
 to bring you into the house. Come one may 
 have too much moon you know." 
 
 104 
 
CHAPTEK XIII 
 
 A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 The next morning at breakfast, Henry West 
 told his mother that he was going to meet James 
 Fletcher and six of his cowboys, over at the fer- 
 ry, as they came with a bunch of steers from the 
 range about the Big Arm. Then they would 
 drive them South to Selish, where they were to 
 be loaded and shipped to a large stock ranch in 
 Wyoming, to a man whose winter loss had been 
 great. 
 
 Bess became at once deeply interested in the 
 affair, and asked if she might go over to the fer- 
 ry with him to witness the feat of swimming the 
 bunch across the Pend d'Oreille. 
 
 "I am going to have half a dozen Indians 
 take cattle across the river, and the boys will 
 cross on the ferry with their horses so that they 
 will be in shape to continue with the drive. 
 Otherwise they would all be delayed by getting 
 into dry clothing," explained West. "Yes, you 
 and Mother both come. It will be quite a novel 
 sight, for you, at least, Bess." 
 
 The girl was delighted and hastened to help 
 straighten up the house, so that Mrs. West might 
 go also. She stopped a moment in her task, as 
 she watched West get into his riding togs. The 
 heavily fringed leathern chapps, the belt, with 
 its cartridges and gun, the spurs and quirt were 
 
 105 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 all quickly and deftly adjusted by the experi- 
 enced hand. 
 
 "Let me tie that for you/' suggested Bess, as 
 Henry fumbled with his white silk 'kerchief, try- 
 ing to fasten it about his throat without remov- 
 ing his gloves which he had already drawn on his 
 hands. She tucked the dish-towel which she had 
 been using under her arm, and standing on her 
 tip-toes, tied the handkerchief about his neck. 
 
 As her soft, dainty fingers touched his throat 
 he closed his eyes to shut out the sight of the 
 sweet girl so near him lest they reveal the ex- 
 quisite pain which thrilled his whole being. He 
 gripped his hands together behind him, fearing, 
 in spite of himself, they would snatch her to him 
 and crush her in an embrace. Through his closed 
 teeth he said, "Hurry, Bess, 7 ' for fear he should 
 yet lose control of himself; and once the flood- 
 gates of his passion be opened, there would be no 
 pause till he had poured out all the longings and 
 hopes and desires of his very soul. He knew the 
 girl was entirely ignorant and unsuspicious of 
 his love for her, and he did not dare frighten her 
 by a confession, for fear the consequences might 
 deprive him of even the comfort of being near 
 her and seeing and hearing her. 
 
 "Oh," said Bess, as she gave him a saucy tap 
 on the cheek, "can't you stand still a moment! 
 Now see, you have undone it. Really, you are 
 more impatient to start than Mauchacho usu- 
 ally is." 
 
 "Give it a half-hitch, Bess, and call it fixed," 
 said West, as he backed away from the girl to 
 free himself from her delicious touch. Snatch- 
 
 106 
 
A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 ing his sombrero and starting for the door, he 
 continued: "You and Mother be at the ferry 
 within an hour. One of the men will saddle your 
 horses for you. Good-bye. 7 ' Then hastily re- 
 turning, as if he had forgotten an important 
 item he called : "Oh say, Bess ! How about your 
 gun practice? Are you improving any?" 
 
 "Do you know, Henry, that the last time I 
 tried, I only had to hold one eye shut, and once I 
 nearly hit the mark !" 
 
 "Nearly how nearly?" laughed West. "Ee- 
 member, when you can shoot with both eyes open 
 and hit the bull's-eye three times in succession, 
 then then you are to have the 38 Smith and 
 Wesson, you know." 
 
 With that he was gone to the gate, touched 
 his foot in the stirrup, sprang with the agility 
 of a cat into the saddle and started off quickly. 
 Just then, however, Bess noticed that he had 
 dropped his handkerchief, and saw the rider 
 swing his horse quickly about, drop low over the 
 side of the saddle, snatch the handkerchief from 
 the ground, resume his position in the saddle and 
 gallop on as though it were no feat at all. She 
 cried out in her astonishment, so that Mrs. West 
 came hurriedly in to learn the cause of her 
 alarm. When Bess told her what she had just 
 witnessed, Mrs. West smiled, and explained that 
 at the July celebration she would have an oppor- 
 tunity to see some really wonderful feats in rid- 
 ing. 
 
 "Henry told me just now that I must hurry 
 to win the new gun he promised me," said Bess, 
 as she and Mrs. West hurried about, finishing 
 
 107 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 the breakfast work. "Do you know," continued 
 the girl, "it seems to me I would be very con- 
 spicuous with a gun stuck into my belt. James 
 and Henry both agree that if I insist upon going 
 about alone with my horse, that I must have a 
 gun." 
 
 "Yes, dear, one cannot tell what unexpected 
 danger might arise. A drunken Indian, or an in- 
 furiated steer, or even a rattlesnake may molest 
 one, and the boys are wise in insisting," answered 
 Mrs. West. 
 
 At first, when Henry West brought out the 
 22 rifle to give Bess her first lesson, she ran be- 
 hind a tree and thrust her fingers in her ears. 
 After a little she would pull the trigger with 
 both eyes shut tight, if he would hold the gun. 
 At length she submitted to having it placed 
 against her shoulder and to holding it unas- 
 sisted. 
 
 "Oh, Bess ! Don't be such a baby," said her 
 brother to her one day, as she was trying to over- 
 come her aversion to shooting the 22. Instantly 
 her eyes looked daggers at the boys; snatching 
 the gun, she thrust it up against her shoulder, 
 pulled the trigger and banged away ! When she 
 opened her eyes she saw James peering from be- 
 hind one tree and Henry from another. Both 
 were smiling at her impetuosity, but James then 
 and there told her that the first essential was to 
 handle a weapon carefully. 
 
 "That is all right ! But don't you call me a 
 baby again ! I'll beat you shooting yet ! See if 
 I don't !" flung back the girl. 
 
 During the next week, while the boys were at 
 108 
 
A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 Selish with the shipment of steers, Bess prac- 
 ticed with the little rifle at every opportunity, 
 and her progress was marked indeed. 
 
 "Mauchacho is feeling gay this morning, 
 Bess," said Mrs. West, as she and the girl mount- 
 ed and started for the ferry at Poison. The 
 dainty horse shook his head and side-stepped 
 first one way and then the other. He seemed to 
 know and feel that he carried a graceful rider, 
 and was doing these little extra steps to add to 
 the charming picture. 
 
 Bess' lithe body swung to each new antic, and 
 the ruddy glow of health on her cheeks told how 
 keen was the enjoyment. 
 
 "My ! how dearly I love to feel a horse under 
 me!" she cried as she leaned forward to smooth 
 a strand in the horse's mane. "It seems to me 
 that I shall hate ever having to go on wheels 
 again." 
 
 Mrs. West rode like one thoroughly accus- 
 tomed to the saddle, erect and well poised, with 
 her right arm clinging down by her side, and the 
 reins held firmly up in the left. She, too, rode 
 astride, and her eyes were bright with as keen 
 an enjoyment as the happy girl's by her side. 
 
 "It does put new life into one, dear, to be on 
 a horse," responded the older woman. "I have 
 not had a ride for ever so long, and this is surely 
 a delight." 
 
 Just as they reached Poison they could see 
 on the opposite shore of the river several cow- 
 boys and half a dozen Indians driving some fifty 
 or sixty head of cattle. The water in the lake 
 was still very high, in fact it had risen two feet 
 
 109 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 since the day before, and now came pouring into 
 the river, its outlet, with terrific speed. The roar 
 of the falls about a half-mile below the ferry was 
 distinctly heard, and told of the immense volume 
 of water which was pouring and bounding over 
 the huge rocks and precipice. 
 
 Henry West was watching with a troubled 
 face the foaming stream and the reluctant herd 
 on the opposite side. Bess saw her brother sig- 
 nal the cowboys to cross on the waiting ferry, 
 and then instruct the Indians at which point to 
 swim the cattle and their ponies across. The 
 water was icy cold, and with greatest effort and 
 urging were the steers forced into the stream. 
 Such shouts, and yelling, and riding and driv- 
 ing! Finally the last steer was driven into the 
 water as some of the others were already nearly 
 half-way across. The Indians had flung off their 
 blankets, and with wild and wierd shouts, 
 plunged their horses into the water. The snorts 
 of the reluctant animals mingled with the song 
 that went up from the bucks. How the cattle 
 fought against the current which bore them down 
 stream ! How the ponies worked, with their bur- 
 dens now swimming alongside and clinging to 
 their manes! How the Indians shouted now to 
 the horses, now to the cattle, and again to each 
 other! A laugh, almost hideous in its bravado, 
 rent the air, and again the song of courage could 
 be heard above all the confusion. 
 
 Bess was wild with excitement. She was re- 
 lieved to see James on the ferry crossing with the 
 cowboys and their horses. She looked for Henry 
 West and discovered him far down on the bank 
 
 110 
 
A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 at about the place where the herd would come 
 out. He paced up and down with anxiety, and 
 the girl could feel his care. The first of the cat- 
 tle had already gained the land, and another 
 another. Look! there was one which seemed to 
 be losing wind and was being borne downward 
 by the current. Instantly the animal was seen 
 by an Indian, who, in his effort to head off the 
 course, loosened his grip on his pony's mane and 
 snatched frantically for the floating tail. He 
 grasped it, but not firmly enough, and soon was 
 swimming alone. 
 
 "Come straight ahead," called West to the 
 now dazed Indian. The rest, with their ponies 
 and the steers, were clambering up the steep in- 
 cline of the bank and were entirely oblivious to 
 the danger of their companion, their bodies, all 
 dripping, gleaming like burnished copper in the 
 dazzling sunshine. Springing upon their ponies 
 they rode hurriedly to the approaching ferry, to 
 wrap their naked bodies in the blankets which 
 Fletcher was bringing across. Only West was 
 conscious of the peril of the one Indian, except 
 those on the ferry who had seen the struggle, 
 and Bess, who had ridden Mauchacho down to 
 where West was standing. He kept urging and 
 exhorting the swimmer, who was constantly 
 gaining and nearing the shore. Bess noticed that 
 West had removed his chapps and coat, as if pre- 
 paring to go to the assistance of the man in the 
 water. 
 
 "If it were not so icy cold he'd make it all 
 right," said West, unaware of the girl dismount- 
 ing near him. In the next instant he had jerked 
 
 111 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 off his boots, flung his sombrero at Bess' feet and 
 plunged into the foaming water some thirty feet 
 further down the stream than where the Indian 
 was. 
 
 "Don't," shrieked Bess, but all too late, for 
 he was already swimming with long measured 
 strokes toward the now exhausted man. Oh! 
 would he reach the spot in time? Could he force 
 his strength against the current and save the In- 
 dian from being carried onto the Falls and 
 dashed to pieces on the rocks? Bess held her 
 breath as she watched. 
 
 Like a flash she saw his arm shoot out and 
 firmly catch the Indian by one of his long braids ! 
 Now he was turning, now swimming back with 
 his burden! By this time the excited men 
 reached the spot and watched the rescue. 
 
 "You bet West'll fetch him !" "Sure he's 
 great in the water!" "Here they are now!" 
 "Keep'er up, old boy, you're coming!" Bess 
 heard on all sides. James stood near, white-faced 
 and trembling, lest at the last moment West's al- 
 most Herculean strength might desert him. 
 Now he would surely make it ! Together James 
 and Bess stretched forth their hands as if to help 
 West through the last few feet of water. When 
 his feet touched the earth and he struggled with 
 his now unconscious burden, he gasped, 
 
 "I'm all right. See to the other man !" 
 
 Bess looked at Henry's drawn and anxious 
 face, and tears rushed into her eyes. 
 
 "Never mind, little girl, it's over now," he 
 said softly, touched by her solicitude; and in- 
 
 112 
 
A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 stantly flung all his savagery at the coAvboy who 
 ventured : 
 
 "You're a damn fool, West, to risk your life 
 for just an old Indian !" 
 
 "He he is my brother !" retorted West, with 
 eyes that might have killed with their intense 
 fire. 
 
 Bess hastened away to seek Mrs. West, and 
 was relieved to find that she had not known of 
 the danger her son had been in. 
 
 "Get the bunch started, James," said West, 
 "and I'll join you where we take up the rest of 
 the herd." 
 
 It was evening on the following day, when 
 the weary herd, urged by the still wearier men 
 and horses, came to the foot of the hill near the 
 shipping place. The dust raised by the hoofs of 
 two hundred steers was suffocating, and the cow- 
 boys congratulated themselves that plenty of 
 water and "grub" were in sight. 
 
 The drive had been without incident or acci- 
 dent, and West was silently commending the 
 good judgment of his foreman. By constant 
 shouting, urging and driving the steers gained 
 the summit of the hill and began to descend. 
 West saw a long freight train standing on the 
 tracks ready to start, and he became filled with 
 trepidation for fear the wild creatures would be- 
 come frightened, and serious consequences might 
 follow. 
 
 They reached the flat near the corrals. West 
 breathed a sigh of relief when suddenly the en- 
 gine gave two long, shrill whistles! The hills 
 
 113 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 caught the sound and hurled it back and forth 
 again and again, as if the very fiends of the moun- 
 tains were exultant at the terror of the dumb 
 beasts! With a snort every head and tail went 
 up; all seemed possessed with the instinct of 
 flight from some dreadful danger. Wheeling, 
 they plunged up the steep hill-side. Every man 
 knew instantly what to do. Three sent their 
 spurs into the tired horses and urged them up 
 the hill to head off the bellowing, frenzied herd. 
 The horses intuitively knew that there was 
 trouble, and were filled with new vim. With red 
 nostrils and wet flanks, out of breath they gained 
 the position and successfully turned the terrified 
 animals again down the hill. On they jrushed, 
 snorting, bellowing, plunging, completely en- 
 veloped in a cloud of dust. West and Fletcher 
 rode on to head them off, and now saw, as the 
 dust subsided a little, that the wild things had 
 begun already to go 'round and round/ If they 
 should now get to milling, doubtless many of 
 them would be crushed to death ! 
 
 Fletcher, seeing an opening, made a desper- 
 ate attempt to take it, but his wise pony wheeled, 
 but not quickly enough to evade the scratch of a 
 sharp horn. West, with a merciless dig of the 
 spur that caused the blood to spurt from the 
 horse's side, made it leap clear off the ground 
 and come down on four stiffened legs in the only 
 open space among the steers. Practiced rider 
 tho' he was, he bounded high in the air, losing 
 his hat and nearly losing the saddle. With 
 swinging lariats, with hoarse shouts, with shots 
 and yells, at last the circling herd were checked 
 
 114 
 
A FRANTIC HERD 
 
 and slowly began to fall into line and through 
 the openings into the corrals. When the last 
 steer was safely behind the strong enclosure of 
 the stockyards, West turned to his foreman with 
 a face that showed desperate determination 
 through the grime of dust and perspiration. 
 
 "You better go with the boys and get ready 
 for supper. I have a little matter of business to 
 attend to first." Turning to the others, lifting 
 his bare head high, and with a look of approval 
 in his flashing eyes, he said, "Boys, you have 
 proven yourselves equal to any occasion! I'm 
 proud of each one of you !" 
 
 He waited till the cheers and waving hats of 
 the cowboys had subsided, waited till he saw 
 them lead the horses, with now drooping heads, 
 to shelter and food, waited for James to follow 
 the others, and then rode his horse over to the 
 station platform. Riding up on the platform he 
 rapped on the window with the loaded end of his 
 quirt, and motioned to the man inside to come 
 out. In a low, tense voice he asked: "Where's 
 the shipping agent?" 
 
 "I'm your man," came from a large bunch of 
 corduroys. 
 
 "I'm the shipper of that bunch of cattle in 
 the yards. Perhaps you saw our averted catas- 
 trophe. Instruct your engineers hereafter to 
 avoid whistles when wild steers are being 
 driven." 
 
 The corduroy man replied : "That engineer's 
 resignation has already been telegraphed to 
 headquarters. A man with no better sense than 
 
 115 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 he displayed is incapable of holding a job on this 
 division.'' 
 
 After a few more remarks incidental to the 
 loading and shipping next morning, West turned 
 his horse in quest of his sombrero. As he wheeled 
 he came face to face with Fletcher, whose curi- 
 osity prompted him to follow West. For a mo- 
 ment neither spoke, and then James blurted out, 
 "Well, I'll be d d, West; you always know just 
 \vhat to do and what's more, do it !" 
 
 As they neared the spot where their serious 
 trouble with the cattle occurred, a faint sound of 
 distress reached West's acute ear. Searching be- 
 hind a huge pile of rock and brush, he discovered 
 one of the best steers with its front legs broken. 
 In the flash of an instant he had pulled his gun 
 and the true and sure aim ended the dumb 
 brute's misery. All he remarked was, "Another 
 feast for some hungry 'Injun,' " and hurried to 
 join the other men at supper. 
 
 116 
 
CHAPTEE XIV 
 
 THE FIRST VISIT OF DAVE DAVIS 
 
 "It seems ages since the boys left for the 
 round-up/' remarked Bess to Mrs. West, one aft- 
 ernoon, as they sat sewing. "When do you think 
 they will be home?" 
 
 Folding the soft, white cloth, which seemed 
 to accentuate the dark-skinned hands, Mrs. West 
 paused a moment before answering. 
 
 "Um, well, let me see! They started about 
 ten days ago. They ought to be through on Sul- 
 livan Creek by this time, and then to Dayton 
 Creek and home. Perhaps in four days more." 
 
 "Well, when they come, I think they will dis- 
 cover two things. One, that I have wasted heaps 
 of ammunition, and two that I can 'hit the 
 spot' three times almost," laughingly replied 
 Bess, as she sat near the window, unconsciously 
 lifting some faded American Beauty roses from a 
 vase. As if suddenly commanding her thoughts, 
 she gave the flowers such a vigorous thrust back 
 into their receptacle that the water flew into her 
 face. 
 
 "Why girlie what a way to treat your poor 
 roses!" said Mrs. West. 
 
 Half ashamed and half defiantly Bess turned. 
 "Why did not Mr. Davis send the roses to you? 
 You were the one who cared for him. He seems 
 to have forgotten that, and I'd like to remind 
 him of it, too," she said, with a flash in her eye. 
 
 117 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Well, the opportunity is at hand ; but please 
 don't," replied Mrs. West, for just then she saw 
 Mr. Davis ride into the yard. 
 
 So completely was Bess surprised at the un- 
 expected appearance of the subject of her 
 thoughts, that she strove in vain to cover her 
 embarrassment. Hot blood rushed to her cheeks. 
 Fragrant, waving, brown hair half shielded her 
 eyes, and for once she was glad of its unruly 
 fluffiness. 
 
 At first she thought only of flight, for some- 
 how she did not feel that she could as yet meet 
 the man whose last words to her still rung in her 
 ears, and caused little qualms of fear in her 
 heart. During the weeks in which she had not 
 seen him she tried in vain to banish him from her 
 mind; but the strange fascination which he held 
 over her only seemed to increase. And yet she 
 knew her heart did not leap for joy at thought of 
 him, but rather its quickened beatings caused 
 her an undesirable pain, one so strange, and 
 new and foreign. Could it be that this was love, 
 that great, mysterious thing which, whether 
 we will or no, grips our very souls like bands of 
 steel, and wrings them most piteously. How 
 could she know? She had dreamed that with 
 love came the sense of peace and rest ; the feeling 
 of utter repose and satisfaction, the complete 
 knowledge of all that is good and true, the ful- 
 ness of contentment, the satisfaction of every 
 heart-felt longing ; and here, at the very first ap- 
 pearance of the man who had so ardently con- 
 fessed his devotion for her, her one thought was 
 to flee, to hide and not to see him. Instead, she 
 
 118 
 
DAVIS' FIRST VISIT 
 
 remained standing, perfectly quiet, and by the 
 time she heard his step in the hall and Mrs. 
 West's cheery salutation she was quite mistress 
 of herself. 
 
 With still a hesitancy in his walk, he came 
 into the room. How his face brightened and his 
 step quickened at sight of Bess. Eagerly he 
 stepped forward and clasped her extended hand. 
 
 "I am glad to see you have improved greatly 
 in so short a time," ventured Bess, in a low 
 voice. 
 
 "Thanks; but to me the past weeks have 
 seemed an eternity. Not a word, not a sign from 
 the little girl I left so reluctantly." 
 
 Bess felt like calling to Mrs. West as she 
 passed the door-way, she could not be alone 
 with Mr. Davis. 
 
 "You came to see Mrs. West," said Bess in a 
 tentative way ; "I'll call her !" But as she stepped 
 forward towards the door, her face lifted and 
 lips parted ready to call, the man abruptly in- 
 tervened, caught her to him and smothered the 
 sound upon her lips. Again and again he kissed 
 her till she had no breath to give voice to her 
 anger. 
 
 "You you stop how dare you frighten 
 me so! You have no right to to " but tears 
 choked her voice and she could only gaze at him 
 with flashing eyes. 
 
 The man did not move nor offer any words. 
 Slowly he put his hands in his pockets and 
 looked at her with eyes that burned into her very 
 soul and held her spell-bound. How handsome he 
 looked, so tall and large, health again glowing 
 
 119 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 in his face and form. For a full moment thus he 
 stood, immovable, immutable! Never for an in- 
 stant did he lift his eyes from the girl's ! Now 
 her eyelids gave a brief quiver, her lips parted in 
 a soft sigh, and her hands fell listlessly by her 
 side. Then he spoke, in a voice so low that it was 
 scarcely audible, so tender that its caress seemed 
 like music. 
 
 "Come here, dear!" Lifting one hand in an 
 appealing gesture, he held it poised for a moment 
 and then let it rest gently on a fluffy brown 
 head, which moved slowly and irresolutely near 
 to him. Lifting the girl's face so that he could 
 look directly into the eyes, he said : "Tell me 
 have I no right to love you, or to make you make 
 you love in return? Nothing seems good to me 
 but you; you have my heart and soul to save or 
 destroy; you little girl are the keeper of my 
 happiness, my very existence. The miserable 
 days without you have been unbearable ; the long 
 nights more miserable still. I love you do you 
 understand that love you I want you and 
 shall have you !" Again he grew fierce, and held 
 the girl so firmly that he felt her struggle for 
 breath. Slowly relaxing his arms and gently 
 placing the girl before him he continued : "Kiss 
 me now, Bess, of your own free will, and that 
 will tell me that you love me." 
 
 For a moment she stood silent, dumb. A 
 spasmodic quiver shook her body and trembling 
 eyelids covered her eyes. Her hands went to her 
 heart as if trying to restore its beating, and sud- 
 
 120 
 
DAVIS' FIRST VISIT 
 
 denly she stepped back, flung out her chin, and in 
 a voice almost uncontrollable with emotion said, 
 "I'll call Mrs. West " and ran out of the 
 room before her admirer could prevent. 
 
 He stood a moment at the vacant doorway 
 and then, with a sinister smile showing the firm, 
 white teeth set hard together, he said, half audi- 
 bly : "You shall !" 
 
 Bess found Mrs. West and succeeded rather 
 poorly in trying to be calm. The dear, white- 
 haired woman placed her arm lovingly about the 
 girl and led her gently back into the living-room. 
 
 Mr. Davis was standing with his back to the 
 door as they entered, toying carelessly with the 
 faded roses. 
 
 "Your beautiful roses were greatly enjoyed 
 and appreciated. We thank you for them, Mr. 
 Davis," said Bess, in a voice which showed that 
 she had not yet recovered her composure. 
 
 She still clung to Mrs. West's hand, as if she 
 needed her assuring clasp. Mrs. West could not 
 refrain a smile at the extra stress which the girl 
 placed on the "we," and added: "Yes, and you 
 may judge by their condition, Mr. Davis, how 
 greatly they were prized. American Beauties are 
 not plentiful here, and their rarity as well as 
 their beauty makes them doubly dear." 
 
 "I am sorry, Mrs. West, to have been so tardy 
 in coming to see you. But I found affairs in 
 great confusion when I returned to the Agency. 
 W T ill you kindly tell me how much I am indebted 
 to you?" 
 
 121 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 A look of anger and humiliation clouded the 
 woman's face. She did not reply at once and was 
 relieved from doing so by Bess, who drew herself 
 up to her full height and said with a bravado that 
 astonished both her hearers : "Mr. Davis, do not 
 insult my little Mother by offering money for her 
 kindness towards you. Such indebtedness is 
 only liquidated by by gratitude, and by 
 roses," she added, glancing at Mrs. West, and 
 pulled the shriveled petals off and dropped them 
 carelessly on the rug. 
 
 "I see it is utterly useless to offer anything 
 but my thanks, Mrs. West." Davis held out his 
 hand to her and turning to the girl he added, 
 "And may I send more roses?" 
 
 As he took his departure a moment later, Mrs, 
 West asked Bess if she would ride as far as Pol- 
 son with Mr. Davis and bring the mail. There 
 did not seem any plausible excuse to offer for not 
 wishing to go, and Davis gladly waited until she 
 had donned her riding habit and a man had 
 brought Mauchacho from the stables. 
 
 What a delight to the eye was the tall, lithe 
 form, with its becoming green skirt and soft, 
 fluffy waist. The sombrero was tied on securely 
 with her long, white, silky veil, that caressed the 
 pink cheeks. Long gauntlet gloves w T ith fringed 
 ends dangling, and a dainty quirt, gave her an 
 added touch of individuality. She spurned the 
 proffered assistance to mount, and had gained 
 the saddle before it was fairly given. The little 
 dread which she had at first felt at riding the 
 
 122 
 
DAVIS* FIRST VISIT 
 
 three miles with Mr. Davis had left her, for some- 
 how the indescribable feeling she had, when he 
 first came, had completely vanished, and she 
 knew that she was again complete mistress of 
 herself she was the generalissimo ! 
 
 The horses' hoofs filled her ears with music as 
 the two rode along, almost without a word, and 
 by the time they reached Poison's she was com- 
 pletely at ease and all the passion and fear of the 
 past hour were, for the time, at least, forgotten. 
 
 Mr. White, seeing their approach, brought 
 the packet of letters out to Bess, who eagerly ex- 
 amined them. At one, her face lighted up with 
 beautiful happiness, and she cried out: "Oh, 
 goody one at last from Bee !" 
 
 After a few desultory remarks to Mr. White, 
 Davis turned his horse to go. Lifting his hat to 
 Miss Fletcher, now buried in the pages of a vol- 
 uminous letter, he spoke so low that he doubted 
 if she heard, she gave a nod and smile to his, 
 "Remember, the roses are only for you !" 
 
 Bess crowded the pages of the letter into its 
 envelope, and thrusting all the mail into her 
 blouse she leaned forward with a quick command 
 to Mauchacho, who almost instantly caught the 
 girl's eagerness and sped like the wind along the 
 border of the lake for home. 
 
 Davis turned in the saddle, resting his hand 
 on his horse's back, to watch with admiration the 
 beautiful rider. The long, white veil was now 
 streaming far behind her like some dainty, fleecy 
 cloud, trying to keep pace with a fleeing nymph. 
 
 123 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 There was no movement to her body, and she 
 seemed to be flying through space. Davis' hand 
 unconsciously restrained his horse, who was now 
 standing perfectly still. He watched the girl 
 ride out of sight behind a low hill, and when he 
 again resumed his journey he was filled with 
 greater determination than ever to win her at 
 any cost. 
 
 Mrs. West hurried to the door as she saw 
 Bess' unusual haste, but her anxiety was quickly 
 dispelled as she caught sight of the girl's happy 
 face. Slipping off her horse's back, Bess left him 
 with trailing reins, and sprang quickly up the 
 steps. 
 
 "Oh, little Mother," she cried, as she grasped 
 her hand and dragged her to a seat on the steps 
 beside her. Into her blouse she plunged her hand 
 and drew forth a letter which contained some 
 startling news, indeed. 
 
 "See ! here is a letter from Bee Berenice, you 
 know, and she writes let me see, where is it?" 
 She wet her thumb and fumbled among the 
 pages. "Oh, here! 'At last, dear Bess, I have 
 gained father's consent to come to visit you, 
 although he knows I will surely be eaten by bears 
 or buffalos or captured by the Indians." 
 
 Bess laughed as she gave Mrs. West's hand a 
 pressure of love and assurance. "She thinks, or 
 her father, rather, thinks we are still among sav- 
 ages, doesn't he?" Then she continued to read: 
 " 'You see, dearie, I am quite worn out with the 
 care of sister Oh! haven't I told you about 
 
 124 
 
DAVIS 7 FIRST VISIT 
 
 it all, little Mother? Well, I will when I've fin- 
 ished reading this; 'with the care of sister, who 
 is much better now, better than she has been be- 
 fore in all these miserable years, although we 
 have given up hope that she will ever be her dear 
 old self again/ ' 
 
 Compassionate tears were swimming in Bess' 
 eyes so that with difficulty she continued read- 
 ing, "that the visit would not take place until 
 early in the autumn." 
 
 "Really," said Bess, "I can scarcely wait so 
 long. Berenice and I have been like sisters and 
 were always roommates in school, before her sis- 
 ter's health demanded her continual presence fit 
 home. I have not even seen her since then." 
 
 She now carefully replaced the letter in its 
 envelope and told Mrs. West briefly the tragedy 
 of the sister of her dearest friend, Berenice Mor- 
 ton. It seems that about five years before this 
 time, Miss Grace Morton, who was attending 
 school in Massachusetts, met a Harvard man 
 with whom she fell deeply in love. He was also 
 enamored with the young woman and became a 
 frequent visitor. At last he persuaded Grace to 
 consent to a secret marriage, so that each might 
 continue in school and complete the year's work 
 before announcing what they had done. 
 
 At first he was more devoted as a husband 
 than as a lover, but when it became imperative 
 to announce their secret marriage before the 
 close of the school year, she sent him an urgent 
 request to come to her and take her home to her 
 
 125 
 
TEE BRAND 
 
 parents. Tn vain she waited for him ; days grew 
 into weeks, and still he did not come. Driven to 
 desperation at last, she went home to face her 
 parents, to face the world, to bear her agony 
 alone. The shock was so great that the frail 
 mother could not bear it, and her death resulted 
 a few weeks later. But the strong-hearted father 
 and tender young sister opened their arms to the 
 poor, frail, young woman, and with all their com- 
 bined efforts sought to lessen her burden. Each 
 day she watched for some word or sign from the 
 man who had so cruelly deserted her, but as each 
 day closed without the pain and longing being 
 satisfied, she gradually sank deeper and deeper 
 in despair. Her dear ones began to hope that 
 with the advent of her child she might regain 
 her health of mind, but when the little one came 
 no flickering breath stirred its lips. In vain she 
 opened her arms to receive her treasure, and 
 when they remained empty her heart broke and 
 her mind fled in search of the tiny wandering 
 soul. During all of these years the broken- 
 hearted father and sister watched in vain for 
 some sign of recovery. Now Berenice had writ- 
 ten that she was better! Could it be possible 
 that at length their prayers would be answered? 
 
 "You see, in all our letters to each other, I 
 never felt like asking Berenice more than she 
 cared to write voluntarily ; I do know, however, 
 that she met the man once while visiting her sis- 
 ter at school shortly after the marriage." 
 
 When Bess had finished telling Mrs. West the 
 126 
 
DAVI& FIRST VISIT 
 
 history of the tragedy, the little mother's heart 
 was so wrung with tears and pity that she could 
 not speak, and abruptly entered the house. 
 
 "I wonder," said Mrs. West, after she had 
 again found her voice, "what on earth could have 
 prompted any man to do such a cowardly, das- 
 tardly act! I believe if I were placed in a sim- 
 ilar position with Mr. Morton and should ever 
 discover the scoundrel, I would kill him!" she 
 said, half to herself and half to the girl, who had 
 followed her into the living-room, and who was 
 now gazing with wide, astonished eyes at the 
 excited woman. For the first time since Bess 
 had come to the HW ranch had she seen the 
 latent savagery aroused. How grand and impos- 
 ing the woman looked, standing straight and 
 rigid, her black eyes emitting flashes of fire! 
 One hand was thrust into the white tresses, 
 while the other, half upraised and clenched, 
 seemed to grasp an imaginary weapon! She 
 truly looked as if she meant what she said, and 
 as if she could do what she meant. Presently 
 she walked over to an open window, as if she 
 needed the fresh air which gently swayed the 
 curtains. When she had grown quite calm again 
 she turned to Bess, awed at the woman's magnifi- 
 cent rage. 
 
 "My dear, I am glad you are here with me, 
 and quite safe from those vultures who swoop 
 down upon any woman as legitimate prey, sim- 
 ply for the gratification of a momentary passion. 
 They do not hesitate to match their strength 
 
 127 
 
TEE BRAND 
 
 against the weak, nor to use every wile, hidden 
 by suavity of manner and equivocal promises, to 
 accomplish their purpose. I do not say all are 
 like this, but the few are ever ready, waiting." 
 
 The girl's brown eyes filled with a strange 
 light, as if they did not comprehend the subtle 
 significance of the words, or perhaps saw for the 
 first time the full significance of what, hereto- 
 fore, had seemed like a faint, quavering intui- 
 tion. Her personal experience with men had 
 been so very limited, and withal so pleasant, that 
 she had felt a sort of brotherly interest in those 
 whom she knew. But somehow, now, there was 
 creeping into her soul an indescribable timidity 
 or fear, and for what she could scarcely define. 
 Into her mind flashed remnants of incidents she 
 had heard of brokenhearted girls, and the trag- 
 edy of her friend's sister stood out clear and 
 ominous ! With a start she recalled the day 
 when she and Henry West stood near his sister 
 Helen's grave, and the half incoherent words 
 again came into her mind and assumed a new 
 and terrible meaning. Yet, here stood the un- 
 suspecting mother, now grown sweet and calm 
 once more ; surely, Bess' surmises must be wrong, 
 for how could any mother have such a secret 
 knowledge and still be able to smile or even to 
 live? 
 
 "No," Bess thought, "I must not even think 
 such a thing of that dear, sweet, sleeping 
 stranger." 
 
 At length Mrs. West came over to Bess, and 
 128 
 
DAVIS* FIRST VISIT 
 
 folding her in her arms stroked the soft tresses 
 as if she were her own daughter, still tiny, still 
 sweet, still living! 
 
 "I fear that I have alarmed you, dear, but 
 somehow those things always make me lose con- 
 trol of myself, and I feel like the wild creatures 
 who are ever guarding their young against the 
 onslaughts of danger." 
 
 Bess permitted herself to be held in the pro- 
 tecting embrace for several moments, then sud- 
 denly releasing herself, she sprang to the center 
 of the room, and dramatically drawing herself 
 up to her full height, throwing back her head 
 and clenching her hands, she said, with emotion 
 quavering in her voice: "Look tell me shall 
 I always be able to protect myself? Look!" 
 
 Mrs. West was held entranced for a moment 
 by the beautiful girl. Health glowed in her eye 
 and reddened her lips and cheeks; strength of 
 character was stamped in every feature; the 
 strong will-power showed in the rigid jaw and 
 tense nostrils. 
 
 "Yes I know you will always have the cour- 
 age, and God will give you strength." 
 
 129 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A JOURNEY UP FLATHEAD LAKE 
 
 The round-up took longer this spring than 
 usual. There were more calves to be branded, 
 and several days of unpropitious weather de- 
 layed the men. It was nearly three weeks since 
 Henry West and his cowboys and the foreman 
 had started to join the others on the range. 
 Eagerly had Bess and Mrs. West watched for 
 their return. News came, when the boys were 
 over on Sullivan Creek, that everything was pro- 
 gressing nicely and that they would soon be 
 through, unless bad weather prevented. 
 
 For the first time since Bess came to the 
 ranch she felt lonely. She did not care to read, 
 and her music seemed tame and uninteresting. 
 She sewed until Mrs. West compelled her to stop, 
 for she could see that the girl was growing ner- 
 vous over it. A dozen times a day she would 
 walk to the gate and scan the road toward Pol- 
 son, hoping that James might be coming. One 
 day, noticing that Bess seemed to be unusually 
 quiet, Mrs. West suggested that they go to Kal- 
 ispell to visit some friends and do some shop- 
 ping. 
 
 "It is a beautiful trip up the lake and Flat- 
 head Kiver, and I am sure, dear, that you would 
 enjoy it. We can go better while the men are 
 away than later, and besides, I want to ask some 
 
 130 
 
UP FLATHEAD LAKE 
 
 friends here for the July celebration, which the 
 Indians will have next month." 
 
 "Oh, that would be fine!" said Bess, as she 
 brightened up. "I am so anxious to see what 
 kind of a Montana city Kalispell is. Could we 
 go on the boat this noon, do you think?" 
 
 "We will hurry and try. It will not take me 
 long to arrange matters. You put a few things 
 into a suit case, while I give the Indian woman 
 some instructions." 
 
 Shortly Bess was ready and hurried into the 
 library to leave a note for James and Henry, 
 should they return while she and Mrs. West were 
 away. 
 
 They reached the boat in ample time, and 
 were pleasantly engaged in conversation with 
 several other passengers who were also going to 
 Kalispell when Bess heard her name spoken. 
 She did not turn her head and gave no outward 
 sign, save a vivid wave of color. Again she 
 heard the word "Bess/' as if it came to her from 
 a breeze off the lake, and she unconsciously sum- 
 moned all her strength to resist turning about. 
 
 "Why, Bess!" said Mrs. White, who had 
 walked down to the pier and onto the boat with 
 them, "some one must be speaking of you, for 
 see how your ears are burning," and she jokingly 
 gave one of them a tiny pull. Just then Mrs. 
 West caught sight of a tall, handsome man who 
 still had a slight limp in his walk, as he stepped 
 upon the gang plank. 
 
 "Good morning, ladies! It looks as if wish- 
 131 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ing you <bon voyage' were opportune." Bess 
 turned and acknowledged the greeting of Mr. 
 Davis. His eyes sought hers with that strange 
 fascination which possessed them the last time 
 she had seen him, and held her gaze. She sud- 
 denly grew dumb and cold, and with a visible 
 effort controlled herself. "Are you not well this 
 morning, Miss Fletcher?" he asked, in a solicit- 
 ous voice, as he stepped directly before her, hold- 
 ing out his hand. 
 
 The breeze had blown his soft, brown hair 
 about his face as he stood with his hat in his 
 hand, and Bess, at last finding her tongue, an- 
 swered : "I may not look well, Mr. Davis, but I 
 certainly combed my hair, which is more than 
 you have done." 
 
 "If mine is as becoming, blown into my eyes, 
 as yours is this very moment, then I shall never 
 comb it again." 
 
 He knew the girl was trying to cover her em- 
 barrassment, and he greatly relieved her when 
 he turned to address his remarks to Mrs. West, 
 from whom he learned that they were going to 
 Kali spell for a few days. 
 
 "Yes, I also am going. I'm certainly most 
 fortunate to have such pleasant company," Da- 
 vis said. 
 
 When Bess heard this she longed to go back 
 to the ranch, or go with Mrs. White. She could 
 not analyze the strange feeling which came over 
 her when near this man. While he fascinated her, 
 still he repulsed her ; while she did not fear him, 
 
 132 
 
UP FLAT HE AD LAKE 
 
 still she felt ill at ease; while he interested her, 
 still she fought against it. 
 
 Everyone was aboard; the whistle shrieked 
 its departing signal, and the plank was being 
 pulled onto the boat when Bess hurriedly whis- 
 pered to Mrs. West, who was alarmed and as- 
 tonished at her really pale countenance, "Please 
 dearie is it too late? May I go home to the 
 ranch? I really feel that I do not care to go 
 now ' Suspicious moisture gathered under the 
 half-closed lids. 
 
 "If you are ill, dear, certainly we shall go 
 home. Mr. Davis, I fear Bess is not well. Will 
 you ask them to hold the boat while we go 
 ashore?" 
 
 He sought the girl's pale face anxiously, and 
 said : "Certainly, Mrs. West, and if I may I will 
 assist you in taking her to the ranch." 
 
 "No no," cried the girl hurriedly. "You I 
 am quite well and will go on," and she ran quick- 
 ly up the stairway into the tiny cabin and flung 
 herself upon a couch. 
 
 Mrs. West and Mr. Davis looked at each oth- 
 er for a moment, and then he said to her very 
 seriously, "Mrs. West, you understand as well as 
 I do, that the little girl is fighting fighting 
 against the dictates of her own heart. She will 
 reciprocate sooner or later and love me as I do 
 her. May I go to her and speak to her now?" 
 
 "Do not be so impatient, Mr. Davis. Remem- 
 ber she is still an unknowing child, one who is 
 afraid of strangers. One may cherish a rose- 
 
 133 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 bud, but let him attempt to open the petals be- 
 fore they are formed and grown into rose-leaves, 
 he will discover only bruised and broken frag- 
 rance in his hand." 
 
 "Your philosophy is true; but it is hard to 
 curb one's impatience. I need her, Mrs. West, 
 and since these days of pain which I spent in 
 your home, the torture of being away from her is 
 hard to bear." 
 
 She could not doubt the sincerity of his con- 
 fession, as she listened to his low, impassioned 
 words. 
 
 "Will you help me, Mrs. West? Tell me you 
 will help me in teaching her to care for me !" 
 
 "All I can reply, Mr. Davis, is that my first 
 concern is and shall be the happiness of Bess," 
 and Mrs. West left him with this rather unsatis- 
 factory reply. 
 
 The boat was now quite a distance out into 
 the blue waters of the lake, and already Wild 
 Horse Island was in sight. The day was beauti- 
 fully clear and warm, and only a slight breeze 
 stirred the tiny waves. The boat swung to the 
 left and began to go up the big arm of the Lake, 
 which in itself is a large-sized body of water. At 
 Dayton Creek they waited a few moments while 
 more passengers were taken aboard, and Bess 
 was drawn from her couch to watch some fine 
 horses being taken on the boat. 
 
 "There is one that looks like Mauchacho," she 
 said to Mrs. West, whom she thought was stand- 
 ing beside her. 
 
 134 
 
UP FLATHEAD LAKE 
 
 "Please, may I talk to you now? There are a 
 number of interesting things which I would like 
 to point out to you, if I may," said a low voice 
 quite near her. 
 
 Bess could not resist the little appeal which 
 the tone gave without being rude, and with rath- 
 er a forced smile she permitted Mr. Davis to 
 stand beside her. 
 
 "Those horses are being taken to Kali spell for 
 the Fourth of July celebration. They have some 
 good races. Will you be there to see them, Miss 
 -Bess?" 
 
 "Oh, no ! We are only to be there for a day 
 or two. Some of Mrs. West's friends are coming 
 to the HW Eanch during the July celebration 
 which the Indians are to have. I shall save all 
 my shouts for the races then, you know." 
 
 "Presently we shall come to the famous 'Pic- 
 ture Rocks/ " said Davis, during their conversa- 
 tion. Not a word had he said save some remark 
 about the horses or the scenery, as they passed an 
 interesting place. 
 
 As the boat neared the rocks it slowed so that 
 the passengers might get a better view of the pic- 
 tures. Here, on the flat surface of a cliff, which 
 rises abruptly out of the water for a hundred 
 feet, are quaint tracings made by the Indians, 
 many, many, years ago. Horses, deer, moose and 
 other animals are clearly drawn. Numerous lines 
 near a deer record the successful hunt. Several 
 buffalos were clearly outlined and other draw- 
 ings which could not be defined. How it was pos- 
 
 135 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 sible that these records have stood the ravages 
 of time is not known. 
 
 Bess was so interested that as the boat re- 
 sumed its journey she asked Mr. Davis for more 
 information concerning the strange and wonder- 
 ful pictures. He led her to some comfortable 
 chairs, and so interested did she become in the 
 stories which he told that she almost forgot her 
 chaperon. 
 
 "Keally, I must go and find Mrs. West/' said 
 Bess, as she arose from her seat. 
 
 "Wait a moment," ventured Mr. Davis, as he 
 touched her hand restrainingly. "First, I want 
 to ask you, why did you resist me as I came onto 
 the boat? You knew I was near; why did you 
 not turn?" 
 
 Bess drew her hand from his tightening clasp, 
 and pushing back the hair from her eyes, said: 
 "Because, Mr. Davis, you thought you could 
 make me turn and answer your call, and I want- 
 ed you to know that I could control my own 
 will." 
 
 "My dear did you say you heard me call? 
 Indeed, I had not uttered a sound ! Some day 
 you will not try so hard to resist me, nor to make 
 yourself believe that which you know is not true. 
 May I see you, if only for a moment, while you 
 are in Kalispell?" he continued, but before he 
 could catch the reply the girl had run out to 
 where she saw Mrs. West \vith some other 
 ladies. 
 
 136 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
 
 "MON DESIR" AND THE BOX OF ROSES 
 
 "It does seem so good to be home again where 
 it is cool and clean and cozy," said Bess, as she 
 flung herself into an easy porch chair the morn- 
 ing of their return from the County-seat. She 
 scanned with interest the tall, magnificent pines 
 and firs which bordered the lake, as if she had 
 been away from them months instead of days. A 
 half-drawn glove was held in her clasp, as she 
 lifted her hands to her eyes better to discern 
 some horsemen whom she saw in the distance. 
 
 "Little Mother/' she cried, "come quickly; I 
 believe those are the boys returning!" 
 
 Mrs. West came hurrying out with a pair of 
 field glasses, and soon the two were hastening out 
 of the gate and down the road to see "the boys." 
 For a moment they were out of sight behind the 
 low hill, then suddenly, a single horseman came 
 into sight, riding swiftly toward them. In a mo- 
 ment more Henry West sprang to the ground 
 and held both his mother's hands as he pressed 
 his tanned and roughened cheek against hers. 
 
 Turning to Bess with the gladness of return 
 shining in his eyes and ringing from his voice, he 
 said, "Oh, it seems so good to be home again! 
 We had a long, hard siege of it this trip. But 
 
 137 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 where are you going?" as he noticed she still 
 wore her hat. 
 
 Bess had suddenly burst into hysterical 
 laughter. She could not reply. His mother ex- 
 plained that they had just returned from Kalis- 
 pell and that she was glad they were at home 
 when he arrived. Just then James Fletcher with 
 several of the cowboys came riding up. 
 
 "Well, little sister, are you so glad to see us 
 that you can't control your laughing?" said 
 James, jumping from his horse and giving Bess 
 such a hearty squeeze that she gasped for breath. 
 
 "Really, Henry, if you could see how funny 
 you look with that that little goatee, I guess 
 you call it !" 
 
 Henry gave the whiskers a stroke or two, and 
 replied in a joking manner entirely foreign to 
 himself, "You see, 'noblesse oblige'. I was chos- 
 en foreman of the round-up, and so grew this to 
 give me dignity." 
 
 "Yes, Henry could not have carried on the 
 round-up had not the boys been awed by the 
 whiskers," added James, looking at Henry, and 
 they both laughed as numerous jokes recurred to 
 them. 
 
 "To say the least, they are awful, don't you 
 think so, little Mother? Please boys, go hurry 
 and shave and look like yourselves again." 
 
 The long, delightful afternoon was spent in 
 lounging in the hammock or resting in the quiet, 
 cool rooms. Bess sang for the boys and they list- 
 ened, as if they had been isolated for months. 
 
 138 
 
"MON DESIR" 
 
 Presently eTames fell asleep, and Henry moved 
 nearer to the piano where he could watch the 
 girPs face as she sang. Song after song fell in 
 soft cadences from her lips and held the man en- 
 tranced. How dear she looked in the simple 
 white dress, with some wild rose buds in the knot 
 of hair at her neck. Tiny, stray locks half hid 
 her eyes and made them a soft, deep brown. Now 
 she began the low, indecisive minor of Nevins' 
 'Mon Desir/ and as her rich, melodious voice 
 framed the words, an involuntary sigh escaped 
 the man who stood so near her. Stretching out 
 his" hand he placed it abruptly over hers on the 
 piano, and with a trembling voice and eyes bril- 
 liant with emotion asked Bess to cease. 
 
 "Why, Henry your favorite song," said 
 Bess, astonished. 
 
 "Not today I can't hear it today." He 
 turned abruptly and quitted the room. 
 
 James stirred and stretched his arms with a 
 yawn, saying, "Didn't I just hear you sing 'My 
 Desire', sister? Go on, finish it!" 
 
 But Bess, rising from the seat, closed the 
 music, gently and tenderly, as if she were con- 
 cealing some sacred thing. 
 
 "Not today; I could not sing it again to- 
 day." Going through the open door she sought 
 the splashing spring near the house, where she 
 sat dreaming and wondering wondering at the 
 strange moods of Henry West. The shadows of 
 the trees were lengthening perceptibly, and a tiny 
 chill in the air warned her that it must be nearly 
 
 139 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 dinner time. She stooped to bathe her face in 
 the clear, cold stream, where it flowed through 
 the hewn trough, and at once felt refreshed, 
 bright and alert. By the time she reached the 
 house she was unconsciously singing, and as the 
 words "Give me my desire" arose to her lips she 
 felt rather than heard a deep sigh which came 
 from behind the swaying curtains of the living- 
 room. As she entered through the open door, she 
 saw Henry West, reclining in a large chair, his 
 hands clasped together above his head, in a rest- 
 ful attitude. All traces of the round-up were 
 gone, save the deep brown of the sunburn on his 
 face, which made him look almost as dark as a 
 full blooded Indian, and contrasted strangely 
 with the soft, white, silk shirt. 
 
 As Bess came near with a sweet smile lighting 
 up her face, she asked, half coaxingly, "I wonder 
 if you and James are too tired, or have ridden too 
 much during the past three weeks, to go with me 
 for a ride after dinner? We can go after the 
 mail, and then cross on the ferry and ride over to 
 the falls. They must be magnificent now that the 
 water is so high. I could hear them roar as we 
 came through Poison this morning. Mauchacho 
 has not had his saddle on for days." 
 
 She had not noticed until now how really 
 tired and worn out the man looked. Three weeks 
 of constant riding is a hard task, even for those 
 who, one might say, live in the saddle. To have 
 charge of the round-up; to manage successfully 
 and skilfully the driving and separating of 
 
 140 
 
<MON DESIR> 
 
 thousands of cattle and the correct branding of 
 the calves ; to see that each man performs his es- 
 pecial duty and his share and is not behind some 
 protecting hill sitting on the ground, digging his 
 spurs into the ground, watching his horse eat 
 grass while the other "boys" are driving the cat- 
 tle to the branding corrals; to do all these and 
 many more duties dependent upon him, complete- 
 ly used up all of West's reserve force. 
 
 "There there never mind don't say 'yes' ; 
 really, I am selfish to forget how tired you both 
 must be, indeed," continued Bess anxiously, as 
 West, with effort, lowered his arms and drew 
 himself together. She took one of the rose-buds 
 from her hair and carelessly fastened it in a 
 button-hole of his shirt. The faint perfume arose 
 to his nostrils, and for a moment made him quiv- 
 er, as if he were cold. He gripped the arms of 
 the chair, that his hands might not, against his 
 will, clasp the girl and draw her down to him 
 and hold her there forever. "Give me my desire, 
 and then let me die," the words of the sad, tragic 
 song leaped to his mind. 
 
 "Keally, Bess," he explained, "James is quite 
 worn out. He stood the round-up splendidly, 
 and although I tried to give him easy shifts he 
 insisted upon doing his share. I will go with 
 you for a ride, and am not tired." 
 
 "No, Henry, we will just stay at home, and 
 you and James shall tell me all about the experi- 
 ences of the past few weeks." 
 
 As they went into the dining-room a large box 
 141 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 was at Bess' place at the table. Her face and 
 neck dyed crimson as she caught sight of it, for 
 well she knew what it contained and who was the 
 sender. She would have placed it aside, but 
 James and Mrs. West coaxingly demanded to see 
 the contents. Her trembling fingers could scarce- 
 ly untie the cord. Henry, who sat beside her, 
 offered his assistance, and as she removed the 
 cover and green, waxen paper and lifted the 
 large, white roses to her face, a card fell at Hen- 
 ry's plate. 
 
 "Oh ! a card too ! Let's see, Henry, who it is 
 that sent the conservatory," cried James, who 
 never missed an opportunity to tease his sister. 
 But Henry, without even glancing at the card, 
 placed it among the flowers which Bess held in 
 her arms. Her first impulse was to flee, but in- 
 stead, she stood up straight and firm, and with 
 an impulsive gesture gave the card to Mrs. West, 
 "Bead, Mother," demanded the girl, "and tell 
 who sent these and many others to us," with es- 
 pecial emphasis on the last word. 
 
 "This time, dearie, I fear we are not in part- 
 nership. James, you know who sent the roses; 
 the card reads, "To my sweetheart," said Mrs. 
 West softly, as she again replaced the card. 
 
 "I congratulate you Miss Bess," remarked 
 Henry, his face suddenly grown pale. 
 
 "So do I, Sister; Davis is a bully good fellow, 
 I think, and I'm sure he'd make a great brother," 
 added James before the girl could speak the 
 words of expostulation which rushed to her lips. 
 
 142 
 
"MON DESIW 
 
 She crushed the roses to her breast and a 
 shower of white petals fell to the floor. One flut- 
 tered against West's hand, and he started as if 
 a poisonous insect stung him. 
 
 Mrs. West quickly saw the girPs deep con- 
 fusion and came to her aid, remarking that the 
 two were rather hasty in their congratulations, 
 which, as yet, were most inopportune. 
 
 As Bess seated herself, she let the roses slide 
 unheeded from her lap to the floor. Henry West 
 stooped, lifted the now bruised and broken blos- 
 soms, and going into the living-room placed them 
 upon the folded copy of M on Desir, as gently and 
 as reverently as if they were laid upon the silent 
 breast of a lost and dead love. 
 
 143 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 BESS FLETCHER'S NEW GUN, AND ITS FIRST VICTIM 
 
 West was standing near a tall pine tree, fast- 
 ening a small square of white paper against it 
 with a pin. James stood near, holding a 38 
 Smith and Wesson in his hands. Bess stood back 
 some fifteen yards with a 22-caliber repeating 
 rifle rested across her left arm. 
 
 "She said she did, Henry," said James as he 
 lifted his eye-brows in a smile of incredulity. 
 
 "Yes, I did yesterday hit the mark, not only 
 three but four times, if you please." 
 
 "Well, the test is at hand. You have to 'show 
 us' Sister, before we can 'deliver the goods.' ' 
 
 Twice had the pin dropped from West's 
 fingers, but the third attempt had securely fast- 
 ened the target in place. 
 
 "Now, then, Bess, three holes within an inch 
 apart, and only three shots," said West, as he 
 stepped aside. James ran and concealed himself 
 behind a tree, as if he really feared being shot. 
 
 For a moment Bess stood still, lifted the gun, 
 examined it to see that the cartridges were all 
 right, adjusted the sights correctly, and then 
 with a firm, decisive movement placed the weap- 
 on against her shoulder. A sharp report and one 
 mark was recorded; the click of the lever and 
 another shot, and then the third. She stood with 
 the butt of the gun resting on her foot, as she 
 
 144 
 
THE Q-UW8 FIRST VICTIM 
 
 watched eagerly as both boys hurried forward 
 to view the record. Both were pointing and 
 measuring and talking. She heard James say 
 "not quite' 7 and West replied "near enough." 
 
 "If it is not correct, I have lost," said Bess, as 
 she started towards the tree. She found two 
 holes together and the third a little more than 
 one inch to the left. 
 
 "Take one more shot, Bess; I know you can 
 hit it," said West, as he assured himself that the 
 gun was loaded and handed it back to the girl. 
 Bess resumed her position, and the next shot cut 
 directly between the other two, making one large 
 mark on the paper. 
 
 "Good," cried both the boys at once, and they 
 came laughingly forward to present her the pret- 
 ty new weapon. James cleared his throat pre- 
 paratory te making a presentation speech, and as 
 the words "In behalf of" were said, Bess threw 
 her arms about his neck and then placed both her 
 hands over his mouth. 
 
 "Thanks, Henry, it is a perfect beauty," said 
 Bess, as she accepted the gun. As she read en- 
 graved on one side of the handle, her name, "Bess 
 Fletcher" and on the other, HW brand, she ex- 
 tended her hand and happy tears filled her eyes. 
 
 Both men demanded that she give the pistol a 
 trial, and both were really astonished to see how 
 quickly she used it and how accurate were her 
 aim and judgment of distance. 
 
 "See, I have the pocket in my skirt all ready 
 for it," and the gun slid into the ingenious open- 
 
 145 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ing near the waist, leaving only the handle incon- 
 spicuously exposed. "You see, I was determined 
 to win, although I really cannot see what pos- 
 sible use it can ever be to me. I could not bear to 
 shoot a bird, and as far as defense, what can 
 harm me, Henry?" 
 
 "I have carried a gun here on the range al- 
 ways," remarked West, as he drew one from his 
 holster, "and I have never used it but once, and 
 that was to shoot a rattle-snake which put up a 
 fight. See, here are the rattles, eleven and the 
 button." Taking off his hat, he showed the inter- 
 ested pair where he wore it on his hat band. 
 "Another time I had it drawn and cocked, but," 
 he paused; "but I replaced it." Bess saw 
 him bite his lip as if the memory of the incident, 
 even, filled him with hate. Neither asked what 
 the occasion was, but as he carefully looked at 
 the weapon his face told them that he might use 
 it again. He thrust it back into its leathern recep- 
 tacle, giving the holster a firm pat, as if to assure 
 himself the gun was secure and ready. 
 
 Bess had remounted her horse and gone back 
 to the house to show the prize to Mrs. West. As 
 she left them, James turned to West, who was re- 
 adjusting one of his stirrups before remounting. 
 The three had come a short distance from the 
 house for the shooting exhibition, and now James 
 and West were going on to gather up some run- 
 ning horses which he wished to get in shape for 
 the races to be held within the next few days. 
 
 "Henry," began James, as he walked to the 
 146 
 
THE GUN'S FIRST VICTIM 
 
 man standing near Eagle, "why can't you tell me 
 what troubles you? You are not like your old 
 self, not one bit. I have seen it ever since my re- 
 turn, and of late your mood is becoming worse. 
 Is it anything which I could help if it is, tell 
 me, and you know I'll do anything under God's 
 sun to help you, old boy." 
 
 He placed a friendly arm about the dark, 
 silent man's shoulder, and with a gentle pat or 
 two rested it there. He noted the sudden dila- 
 tion of the wide nostrils, heard the teeth as they 
 ground together and caught a hopeful expression 
 in the dark, deep eyes as they were lifted to his 
 face for a moment. 
 
 As if to arouse the man from a dream, James 
 gave his broad shoulder another pat, at which 
 West straightened himself and grasped James' 
 hand in his, in a strong grip. 
 
 "You, Jim, are and have been my truest, best 
 friend. Ever since that first night at Harvard 
 have you been more to me than a brother. My 
 trouble is something which even God could not 
 help. Part of it is past, part is still to come. 
 The past cannot be forgotten, the future is inevit- 
 able, I must face it and alone. I could not 
 tell you without causing you unnecessary pain, 
 and believe me, I should ask your help, if you 
 could help me. Never mind my moods. I try 
 hard enough to brace up before your sister and 
 my mother, but I know that sometimes I fail mis- 
 erably. Give me your hand again, Jim, and know 
 
 147 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 that when I can or must tell you, nothing shall 
 prevent my seeking you and your confidence." 
 
 He put his foot in the stirrup and swung with 
 easy grace into his saddle. James mounted and 
 rode beside him, trying in vain to think of some- 
 thing to say which might relieve the awkward sil- 
 ence. Either West did not see another rider ap- 
 proaching them, or else he purposely reined 
 Eagle from the hard, beaten road, across the 
 prairie. In response to a signal from the horse- 
 man, James called to West. "Henry, Davis is 
 signaling to us. Come back and see what he 
 wants." 
 
 Already Fletcher had started back and was 
 talking with Davis when West came up slowly. 
 He touched his hat as the Indian Agent looked up 
 at him, and noting that the conversation did not 
 concern him he let Eagle nibble at the grass at 
 some little distance, while he waited for James. 
 
 "Thanks, Fletcher; I shall do as you sug- 
 gest," came to West's ears, as he looked up to see 
 James returning and Davis going on he knew to 
 his home to see the one whom he himself loved 
 more than all the world. 
 
 "Do you know, Henry," said James, "I think 
 Davis is a fine man. He just asked my consent to 
 visit my sister and try to win her for his wife. I 
 told him that as far as I was concerned, he might 
 do so, but that Bess could and would please her- 
 self. In fact, I told him that she did not seem 
 to care for any-one' s addresses." 
 
 West could not reply, his heart and lips 
 148 
 
THE GUW8 FIRST VICTIM 
 
 seemed suddenly frozen. If he only could warn 
 this brother against that man! Yet, how could 
 he without revealing the deep secret of his heart? 
 Unless he stated facts Fletcher might think it 
 was some personal affair which prompted his 
 criticism of Davis. And yet, to let Bess fall di- 
 rectly into the talons of a vulture without even 
 lifting his voice to defend her, seemed the height 
 of cowardice. He must have time to think to 
 think. 
 
 Mauchacho, with his saddle on, was standing 
 at the gate waiting for his mistress to resume her 
 ride. He gave a long neigh of welcome as Mr. 
 Davis came riding up. Bess ran to the door to 
 see what Mauchacho wanted, just as Mr. Davis 
 leaped to the ground and started through the 
 gate. With a little ejaculation of surprise she 
 stepped down toward him. She knew that if she 
 could have escaped without being seen, she would 
 not now be shaking hands with this man. 
 
 "Mr. Fletcher told me I should find you here, 
 and he assured me that you would be glad to see 
 me," he said. He did not look directly at her as 
 he exaggerated the truth. "Are you not glad, lit- 
 tle girl?" 
 
 Since the evening when the white roses had 
 come and the card had been read to the others, 
 Bess 'had not felt so confused nor embarrassed 
 when Davis had been spoken of. Now that James 
 and Henry and Mrs. West knew that Davis cared 
 for her and that he came purposely to see her, she 
 
 149 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 tried to overcome her aversion for the man. 
 While he was near her he exerted an influence 
 which, strive as she would, she could not resist. 
 His manner was charming, his conversation in- 
 teresting, and there was about him that subtle, 
 indescribable something which made him well- 
 nigh irresistible. Bess was even surprised at 
 herself as she became more and more interested 
 in the man. And yet when he was gone she al- 
 ways felt relieved and happier, as if she were 
 freed from some undue constraint. She never 
 longed for him to come again and always felt a 
 surprise when he came, and an insane desire to 
 run away to tide. As she did not reply to his 
 question, he asked again, "Is my sweetheart glad 
 to see me?" 
 
 "Really, Mr. Davis, your conjecture is rather 
 bold! Did I ever say I was anyone's sweet- 
 heart?" 
 
 "But you are, you are mine, and just now 
 your brother congratulated me." 
 
 "Well, indeed," said Bess, haughtily; "is a 
 girl compelled to assume the role, nolens volcns?" 
 Her brown eyes snapped defiance at the man 
 standing a few steps below her. 
 
 "There, Bess, no one will compel you to do 
 anything against your own will," quickly correct- 
 ed Mr. Davis, for he did not wish his too slow 
 progress to be retarded by any whim or imagined 
 compulsion. He had had experience enough to 
 know that with women, coaxing accomplishes 
 more than commands. 
 
 150 
 
THE GUN'S FIRST VICTIM 
 
 "Come, I came to take you for a ride. I see 
 you were intending to go anyway," he said 
 tactfully. Half reluctantly she permitted 
 him to lead her to the gate and assist her in 
 mounting. Immediately, as she felt her horse un- 
 der her, her usual happy spirit returned and in a 
 short time she was laughing and merry as could 
 be. The warm breeze blew her white veil about 
 her face and tossed her hair about in sweet con- 
 fusion. What a picture they made as their horses 
 moved swiftly along in rhythmic motion ! He sat 
 his horse well and rode without any awkward- 
 ness, now that his ankle was strong once more. 
 It seemed to him that he had never seen such 
 perfect grace before, as he saw how beautifully 
 the girl rode her splendid horse. 
 
 "If it were not so hot down across the flat," 
 said Bess, "I would show you that Mauchacho 
 can go twice as fast as that cayuse you are rid- 
 ing," and the twinkle in her eye was inconsistent 
 with her assumed, contemptuous smile. 
 
 "This is the first ride we have had together 
 for so long that I could not bear to hurry it," re- 
 plied Davis, as he placed a restraining hand on 
 Mauchacho's bridle. 
 
 "It seems to be growing dreadfully hot! Go 
 to the right beyond those rocks and we shall find 
 shade and a spring," said the girl, as she noticed 
 tiny beads of sweat trickling down the horses' 
 necks. 
 
 Suddenly, Mauchacho, who was leading, gave 
 a quick snort and sprang sidewise into the air 
 
 151 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 and landed several feet to the side of the trail, 
 nearly throwing Bess from the saddle. Aston- 
 ished at the unusual performance of her horse, 
 she glanced quickly about to discern the cause of 
 this fear . The next instant she snatched the 38 
 Smith and Wesson from her skirt and a sharp 
 crack sounded as the shot created a squirming, 
 writhing mass in the trail only a few feet in 
 front of her. Davis' horse had also become 
 frightened at the coiled rattler and was now al- 
 most uncontrollable. Bess sprang from Maucha- 
 cho, who had the sense to know that the snake 
 was now harmless, firing another shot into the 
 quivering streaks of drab and it lay still. 
 
 "Well, upon my word, Miss Fletcher, I take 
 off my hat to you !" said Davis, as he succeeded 
 in quieting his horse. "Who taught you to be 
 such a 'crack shot 1 and where did you get that 
 pretty gun? Where did you conceal it, may I 
 ask?" 
 
 "Come, cut the rattles off for me and put 
 them in my hat-band, Mr. Davis! This is the 
 first thing I've shot with my pistol which Henry 
 West gave me only today as a present, because I 
 had learned to shoot so well under his direc- 
 tions," answered the excited girl. 
 
 "Eleven rattles and a button ! Just like his !" 
 She could not resist a tiny shudder of aversion as 
 she placed the sombrero with its new decoration 
 upon her head. Yet she knew that Henry West's 
 face would light up with gratification when he 
 saw her trophy. 
 
 152 
 
CHAPTEK XVIII. 
 
 MAUCHAOHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 "Come, folks, hurry, hurry! I can hear the 
 Indians' drums already !" cried Bess, as she ran 
 through the hall and downstairs. 
 
 Several guests who had come from Kalispell 
 the day before to see the Indian celebration were 
 with Mrs. West in the living-room. 
 
 James Fletcher and Henry West, together 
 with the other gentlemen of the party, were wait- 
 ing at the gate with several extra saddle horses. 
 Mrs. West expected to drive and call for Mrs. 
 White on the way through Poison. The site se- 
 lected for the various races and Indian dances 
 was on a level stretch of county South and East 
 from Poison. As the merry party mounted their 
 horses and started they soon came in sight of the 
 large crowd which had already congregated. 
 The incessant muffled sound of the tom-toms or 
 the loud cry of an Indian, came to their ears as 
 they urged the horses so that they might not miss 
 any of the performances. 
 
 The first sight which attracted them was a 
 number of squaws and bucks who were seated on 
 either side of a log rapping upon it with sticks. 
 The squaws sang in weird monotones in time 
 with their sounding sticks; and occasionally a 
 buck joined them for a few notes as if to give the 
 song a greater impetus. With a swift motion and 
 
 153 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 a sharp cry one of the bucks pointed with his 
 stick at another Indian who sat opposite him 
 only further down the line. Instantly the inusie 
 (if indeed it could be called music) ceased, and 
 each one in this gambling game looked expectant- 
 ly to see if the Indian designated held in his hand 
 the piece of bone which had been passed deftly, 
 and with no little sleight of hand, from one to an- 
 other. A look of sheer disappointment came into 
 his face, however, and he placed a forfeit with 
 the opposing side. Again the song and drum- 
 ming were resumed more vigorously than before, 
 the result this time was that one of the bucks 
 arose, removed his blanket and stalked away, 
 amid calls and words of derision and laughter 
 from the others. 
 
 West suggested that the party move on and 
 seek some shady place where they might rest and 
 view the dances. They had not long to wait, for 
 presently they saw marching towards them a 
 long file of brilliantly dressed Indians, squaws, 
 papooses and larger children. The squaws were 
 gorgeous in flaming reds and yellows, in purple 
 velvet or red satin, in greens and even one in 
 pink, with floating ribbons and flashing beads 
 and ornaments. They sang in high, shrill tones 
 to the accompaniment of the tom-tom, which was 
 carried by four stalwart bucks beating vigor- 
 ously and marching ahead. 
 
 The Indians in the procession now began 
 forming a circle with the squaws and the drum- 
 mers in the center where they squatted upon the 
 
 154 
 
MAUCHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 ground. Now the tom-toms assumed a different 
 tempo, the nasal, piercing singing of the squaws 
 began anew, and simultaneously, at a certain note 
 in the music, all the Indians began the dance. To 
 some, it looked like a confused mass of bending, 
 jumping, moving beings, each of whom seemed 
 bent upon going through the greatest contor- 
 tions. But when one observed closely it was seen 
 that at a certain beat of the drum the heels came 
 to the ground, then the toes or the whole foot. 
 Their bodies moved forward and backward in 
 graceful savagery. See their gorgeous blankets 
 sway ! How the festoons of feathers and fixings 
 wave with each movement of their supple bodies ; 
 watch the interested expression on the faces ! See 
 that tall, slender buck with a whirl of eagle feath- 
 ers hanging down his back; hear the bells about 
 his ankles as they jingle in perfect rhythm to the 
 song and drum! Now he has bent forward till 
 the feathers in his hair sweep the dust! Back- 
 ward he sways and his knees fairly touch his 
 face ! See his eyes gleam, how eager is his whole 
 face! How his hands lift high the war imple- 
 ment with its decoration of eagle feathers ! 
 
 But hark, the music ceases, and at one shrill 
 note the dancers stop. Already each brow is 
 dripping with beads of sweat. Now one Indian, 
 straight, strong, lithe of limb, steps alone upon 
 the trodden circle. The sun makes his almost 
 nude body gleam like burnished copper and daz- 
 zles the beads upon his belt and bracelets. A 
 large war bonnet of weasel skins and eagle feath- 
 
 155 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ers, with two curved buffalo horns, covers his 
 head and falls down his back till it nearly touches 
 the ground. Bells tinkle upon his moccasins and 
 at his wrists. As he steps out from among the 
 others, cries of approval are heard upon all sides, 
 and Bess knows that he must be some extraordi- 
 nary Indian. Turning to West she asked who 
 the Indian was, who was about to dance, and 
 what the dance was to be. 
 
 "He is Two Feathers, and is noted for his 
 wonderful dancing. This is to be the snake 
 dance, I think," replied Henry West, as he moved 
 Mauchacho to a better position for the benefit of 
 Bess. Glancing about to see that his guests also 
 had a good view, he rode Eagle over to the car- 
 riage where his mother and several other ladies 
 were seated. Assuring himself that they were 
 comfortable and could see the sport, he started 
 to return to Bess' side when he saw to his chagrin 
 that Mr. Davis, the Indian Agent, had just as- 
 sumed that position. The girl greeted Mr. Davis, 
 and was introducing him to her companions, 
 when she noticed West standing aloof from the 
 others. In response to a gesture from her he 
 came quickly to her side. "Please stay here, Hen- 
 ry ; I want you to tell me about the dances." 
 
 Eeluctant though he was to be near Davis 
 and to be compelled to speak with him, he did as 
 she requested. Dismounting, he leaned an arm 
 across the saddle, and only occasionally lifted his 
 face to Bess' in response to her questions during 
 the dance. 
 
 156 
 
MAUGHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 But she was now all absorbed in the graceful 
 undulations of the dancer. See how he stretches 
 out his neck and writhes his body like a huge rep- 
 tile, curving now to the right, till his face nearly 
 touches his shoulder, and swiftly moving forward 
 and again to the left, in long, gliding vibrations ! 
 Some of his manoeuvers were so suggestive of a 
 living snake, that Bess could feel her flesh creep. 
 When the music increased, the singing of the 
 squaws shrieked higher and shriller, the dancer 
 thrust forth his head and hissed. She impulsive- 
 ly threw up her hands which came in unexpected 
 contact with the decoration on her sombrero. She 
 gave a little, nervous scream as she felt the rat- 
 tles quiver under her touch. West glanced quick- 
 ly at her and asked anxiously if she were ill. Be- 
 fore she could reply, however, Davis said, "Real- 
 ly Bess, this exhibition of savagery is rather hard 
 on your nerves. Let me take you away !" 
 
 He looked with insolent eyes at Henry West 
 who met the gaze without a tremor of the eye- 
 lashes. 
 
 "It is not that which made me act so silly. I 
 unconsciously touched these things on my hat 
 and they always send the shivers through me. I 
 could not bear them at all, except that they are 
 my first trophy." 
 
 "Are you coining with me?" asked Davis, as 
 he began to turn his horse's head. 
 
 "Oh, no ; for see, all the others are now join- 
 ing Two Feathers in the snake ceremony ! See ! 
 
 157 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 even those small boys are dancing like old war- 
 riors !" 
 
 Forward and backward swayed the circle of 
 dancers, undulating in and out past each other; 
 bending their bodies low towards the ground 
 with a creeping movement until they seemed like 
 a huge, squirming mass of bright colored and 
 winged reptiles. Tn measured tread they danced, 
 they swayed, they moved, in perfect time to the 
 singing of the squaws and the hollow sounding 
 drum. Their heels struck the earth with such 
 unison that one could feel the vibrations. Would 
 they never tire? 
 
 West asked to be excused, as he wished to pre- 
 pare his horses for the relay race which was to 
 begin later. The fact was, he felt himself grow- 
 ing hot and angry in Davis' presence and feared 
 that something might occur to make him lose his 
 self-control. Once during the conversation Davis 
 had asked Henry West why he had not joined in 
 the dance. Bess did not see the smiling sneer as 
 he asked the question, and consequently thought 
 it was only meant for a joke. 
 
 "Fancy Henry dancing with the Indians and 
 with a blanket on," laughed Bess, as she patted 
 him on the shoulder and looked at him with 
 saucy, smiling eyes from under her fluffy hair. 
 She could not know that the malicious remark 
 >">f Davis cut West like a knife, and did not under- 
 stand that the purport of the words was "why 
 do you not go where you belong instead of mingl- 
 ing with white people." For a brief moment 
 
 158 
 
MAUCHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 West looked at Davis, who quickly turned his 
 face; then he said carelessly and indifferently, 
 "I know all those dances, Miss Bess, and perhaps 
 some day you may be applauding me instead of 
 Two Feathers." 
 
 As he lifted his broad-brimmed hat to her and 
 the others in the party, he sprang to the saddle 
 with one easy swing of his leg, reined Eagle 
 abruptly about and started swiftly away. Davis 
 looked at Bess as she watched Henry West, feel- 
 ing no little chagrin at her look. She seemed to 
 lose interest in the dances now that he was gone, 
 and though Davis tried to point out the especial 
 features of the Sun dance and Medicine dance, 
 she watched them half-interestedly. 
 
 "Come let us see if the others have not had 
 quite enough by this time," said Bess, after the 
 Indians had given two more long, fantastic 
 dances. 
 
 As the horses were brought out for the relay 
 race, and the party moved to be nearer the track 
 Bess again became filled with excitement. James 
 had explained to her that this race was ten miles, 
 or around the half-mile track twenty times ; there 
 were three entries and each rider could have 
 three horses. They were to change horses, re- 
 saddle and re-mount unassisted, except that 
 some-one could help in holding the horses after 
 each mile. The rider completing in the quickest 
 time, of course, won the prize. Bess had only eyes 
 for Henry West as he led his horses down the 
 track to the starting point. One horse was al- 
 
 159 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ready saddled, and walking- by West's side was 
 the Indian who was to ride his horses. 
 
 Presently the other men with their horses and 
 riders were ready. The three Indians mounted; 
 the crowd was waved back out of the way ; every- 
 one grew expectant and interested. At the crack 
 of a pistol the horses were off like a flash amid 
 clouds of dust. Evidently they were not new at 
 this kind of racing and were eager for the sport. 
 As they sped around the track they were almost 
 abreast, and as the mile was nearly run West's 
 horse was a length behind the other two. As 
 they neared the wire where each horse was being 
 held ready to receive its saddle and respective 
 rider, each slackened his pace and now simul- 
 taneously the three riders slid from their horses, 
 quickly unbuckled the saddles, flung them upon 
 the waiting horses, and with quick and sure fin- 
 gers girted them, remounted and were off ! Swift 
 Arrow, the Indian riding for West, had changed 
 his saddle so quickly that his horse was r6ady to 
 start when the others were. This second horse 
 kept apace with the others and toward the end of 
 the half mile was gaining slightly. One of the 
 other horses suddenly bolted off the track, and 
 by the time the rider had him under control he 
 was at least a quarter behind. Again at the 
 change Swift Arrow's deft fingers had adjusted 
 the saddle, remounted and was off before the sec- 
 ond Indian had fairly gained his feet. On and 
 on they rode, first one gaining, then the other 
 ahead according to the fleetness of the horses. 
 
 160 
 
MAUCHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 How the crowd cheered as the favorite horse 
 came in ahead! How they shouted as Louie 
 pounded his heels into the horse's sides in vain ! 
 See, here he comes at last, a half lap behind the 
 other two, with his shirt flopping in the wind and 
 one of his leggings hanging down over the stir- 
 rup. As he passes the man who holds his horses 
 the legging is caught and jerked free. Again the 
 others have remounted and gone, as Louie comes 
 steaming up, half falling as the other loosened 
 legging dangles at his feet. His long braids have 
 become untied, and now the black, straight hair 
 with its single feather is standing straight out 
 with the breeze. Nothing daunted, with his flee- 
 ing companions already nearly a mile ahead, he 
 bends low over his horse and rides as only an In- 
 dian can. Seven miles are run! Swift Arrow 
 still leading ! The eighth begun ! Look ! What 
 attracts West, as he runs hurriedly across the 
 track? His keen eye caught a glimpse of the sad- 
 dle as Swift Arrow sped past! See, now, it is 
 surely loose! Will he be able to hold until the 
 end of the mile? Here he comes dashing for- 
 ward ! Already he seems to be beginning to dis- 
 mount! Look. The horse suddenly turns, and 
 the loosened saddle with the rider are flung to 
 the ground almost at West's feet! The fright- 
 ened horse plunges and is gone. Two men quick- 
 ly draw the stunned Indian to one side and 
 shouts of "West ! West !" are heard coming from 
 the excited crowd. 
 
 "Oh ! Will he be able to finish the race," cried 
 
 161 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess, excitedly to James, who stood near Mau- 
 chacho. 
 
 "His other two horses cannot stand it to run 
 alternately now, surely/' replied her brother, 
 "and already both the others are ahead! See, 
 here comes Nedreau's horse on the finish of the 
 eighth, and West has still the last half of the 
 eighth to go. He might as well give up." 
 
 West had assured himself that Swift Arrow 
 was not seriously injured, and then lifting his 
 sombrero to the calling crowd, snatched the sad- 
 dle from the ground, threw it upon the resisting 
 horse, fastened it, leaped upon the horse and was 
 off ! His head fairly touched the horse's neck as 
 he bent over, and in a steady voice urged the ani- 
 mal into even greater speed! Nedreau's rider 
 was already mounted and off as West came up 
 the half-mile with Louie not far behind. He re- 
 saddled to begin the ninth mile, but the tired, 
 restive horse did not gain a foot over the others. 
 Bess could not sit still in her saddle. "That is 
 not fair," she cried, "for they have three horses 
 and Henry only two !" She saw with trepidation 
 that his horse was falling far behind, and knew 
 that he could not go much farther. 
 
 Before any of her companions was aware of 
 her purpose, Bess gave Mauchacho a quick cut 
 with the quirt and flew across the intervening 
 space to the man holding West's horse ready for 
 the remount. Bess sprang to the ground, unfast- 
 ened and jerked off the saddle and thrust the 
 reins into the man's hands just as West came up. 
 
 162 
 
MAUCHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 He had seen the girl as he neared the wire, and 
 quickly divined her purpose. She sprang back 
 out of the way and cried, "Take Mauchacho, take 
 my Bird ! Win the race for me !" 
 
 At first the crowd could not see what was go- 
 ing on, and when the girl's purpose dawned upon 
 them they cheered and shouted wildly. Cries of 
 "Bide," "Go win," "Mount the Bird," came to 
 the breed's ears, and he threw his saddle upon the 
 anxious, eager animal and was off. 
 
 See how easily he starts ; he even leans over to 
 pat the horse's neck ; he does not seem to care nor 
 to notice that Nedreau's Indian is almost a half 
 ahead! Now he is bending low over the saddle 
 till man and horse seem one; neither hear the 
 cries and shouts as they begin the last half of the 
 race. On Mauchacho speeds swiftly, steadily; 
 nearer, nearer, nearer the otner horse! Almost 
 to the other's tail ! A leap and they are even ! A 
 stretch, and his nose is ahead! One supreme 
 effort and daylight is between the two horses, 
 just as they pass under the wire amid frantic 
 cries, tossing hats and waving handkerchiefs. In 
 a moment the cheers were changed to laughter as 
 poor Louie came trotting under the wire, dressed 
 only in his feather, so strenuous had been his ex- 
 ertions. 
 
 Bess stood alone near the track, her hands 
 clasped together. Not even a cry escaped her lips 
 as she saw, not West, but Mauchacho win the 
 race. 
 
 As soon as West could slow the horse and 
 
 163 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 bring him back before the judges, he heard the 
 starter announce that "West had won the race." 
 West sprang to the ground, gave the reins to a 
 man standing near, and entered the judges' 
 stand. 
 
 "I did not win this race, gentlemen; I had 
 no right to take a fresh horse ; the money goes to 
 Nedreau and Louie," and before they could offer 
 any protest he had gone. As he led Mauchacho 
 over to the waiting and now smiling mistress, 
 West paused a moment as he heard the announce- 
 ment of the correction of the race, and felt re- 
 lieved as he saw the two Indians receive the 
 prize. 
 
 Bess flung her arms about Mauchacho's neck 
 and happy tears filled her eyes. "You beauty ! I 
 had no idea that you could go so like a bird ! Oh, 
 you dear !" and she patted his neck and kissed his 
 nose just as the men threw a blanket over him 
 and led him away to be cooled off. 
 
 Henry West was just about to take Bess back 
 to her companions, when he turned and directly 
 faced Dave Davis. 
 
 "Come, Bess permit me to take you away 
 from here. What prompted you to do such a 
 strange thing? Besides, the race was unfair and 
 West did not win," he said, as he glanced with 
 lowering eyes at the man by her side. 
 
 "It may not have been fair, Mr. Davis, but it 
 was a mighty fine race ! I will go back to Mrs. 
 West with Henry, thank you," and she gave him 
 
 164 
 
MAUCHACHO WINS THE RACE 
 
 a queer smile as she left him, which he did not 
 quite understand. 
 
 "Please, little Mother now, James, don't 
 both of you look so. I just had to have Henry 
 win that race, even though it took Mauchacho 
 and me both to help him do it !" 
 
 "Well, sister, we can't truthfully call you a 
 tenderfoot any longer." 
 
 "How long have you been in the West, Miss 
 Fletcher?" asked one of the company, as he 
 looked at the happy, satisfied expression on the 
 girl's face. Bess turned her full, brown eyes to 
 the man's face, but for the moment she did not 
 speak. Unconsciously she had slid her fingers 
 into Henry West's brown hand as he stood near 
 to her, but did not heed its tremor nor faint pres- 
 sure. Then her eyes sought the deep, blue hills 
 with the soft masses of white, fleecy clouds crown- 
 ing their crests and the verdant pines caressing 
 their feet. 
 
 "How long! Oh, how long? When was I not 
 here? Here my heart has been since God's di- 
 vine touch first made those hills ! Here my soul 
 shall be when they have passed away!" replied 
 the girl, her head raised toward the deepening 
 shadows on the crests. 
 
 Then came the evening with its cool and 
 quiet; with its rest and peace; with its quiver- 
 ing stars and pale radiance of the moon. 
 
 165 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 It was a beautiful morning toward the end of 
 August when Bess Fletcher donned her new 
 brown riding skirt, which her deft fingers had 
 just completed, and came out to her waiting 
 horse. The weather during the few previous 
 weeks had been unusually hot and dry, so that 
 riding had been anything but pleasant. James 
 and Henry had been busy with the hay crop, and 
 Mrs. *West and Bess had spent the time with their 
 sewing and reading. During the night it rained, 
 a gentle, copious rain the first in weeks. Every- 
 thing was refreshed, and everyone's spirits were 
 aroused from enervation and lethargy. The girl 
 sniffed the fresh, scented air as she drew on her 
 riding gloves. How the perfume from the re- 
 freshed pines and firs came floating across from 
 the hills! The great stacks of new hay emitted 
 an intoxicating odor, and busy bees buzzed about, 
 drunk with sweetness. 
 
 Mrs. West had come to the gate to make a re- 
 quest just as Bess placed her foot into the stir- 
 rup and was adjusting her divided skirt as she 
 seated herself in the saddle. Her well-groomed 
 horse shone like satin, and his dainty foot per- 
 sistently pawed the damp earth, impatient for a 
 run after his long confinement and rest. Bess 
 
 166 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 leaned over and was patting the arched neck and 
 trying to quiet him with soft words as she gath- 
 ered from Mrs. West the several errands to be 
 done. 
 
 "And then, little Mother, after I have seen 
 Mrs. White for you, do you mind if I cross on the 
 ferry and ride over toward Paul Trahan's ranch 
 to meet James and Henry on their return?" 
 
 "Are you quite sure, dear, that you can find 
 the place? It is at least ten miles from the 
 ferry," replied Mrs. West, and in her voice rang 
 a solicitous tone. 
 
 "Oh, yes ! You need not feel alarmed. I am 
 sure I could find the ranch, but most likely I'll 
 meet the boys long before I reach it," assured 
 Bess, as she touched Mauchacho with the quirt 
 and then threw a dainty kiss to the white-haired 
 woman whose face still wore an anxious look. 
 
 A sharp pang clutched at the gentle woman's 
 heart as she watched the rider melting into the 
 distance. She had scarcely thought before that 
 sooner or later Bess might be so melting out of 
 her life that life of which she had grown to be 
 such an integral part. How unconsciously had 
 her love grown day by day ! How dependent had 
 she become upon the girl's judgment and sugges- 
 tions! And yet, the day was surely inevitable 
 whose declining rays would not linger on a sweet, 
 girlish face near the window, but rather pierce a 
 woman's heart with loneliness and pain. 
 
 "But then," she thought, "it will be a long 
 time yet before Mr. Davis will take her away 
 
 167 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 and leave my arms empty once more, and doubly 
 lone." 
 
 Bess stood at her horse's head patting his soft, 
 sleek nose as the Indian rowed them across the 
 Pend d' Oreille on the crude ferry boat. The 
 only other passengers were a round-faced, fat 
 squaw and two struggling papooses. At first 
 Bess was oblivious to everything about her, when 
 suddenly she was attracted by a shrill cry and 
 turned just in time to jump to the edge and 
 snatch a wet, wriggling bunch of humanity out 
 of the water. Such a jargon of words as were 
 meted out to the would-be voyager for his ven- 
 turesomeness ! 
 
 Bess quickly fastened Mauchacho's bridle 
 about the railing and soon had the sobbing, be- 
 draggled victim snuggled in her arms. What did 
 it matter to her if his skin was red or his hair 
 matted! Was he not a baby in distress? The 
 squaw looked with interest and wonder at the 
 comforter; and finally when the howlings had 
 ceased and only nervous little sobs came forth 
 convulsively, she touched Bess on the arm and 
 motioned that she would take the child. It did 
 the girl's heart good to see him snuggle down un- 
 der the folds of the bright blanket like a little 
 wet chicken seeking the warmth and comfort of 
 its mother's wing. 
 
 Again, just as the nose of the ferry was scrap- 
 ing on the pebbles at the landing, the squaw 
 touched Bess upon the arm. She could not resist 
 the silent appeal in the woman's eyes as she held 
 
 168 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 up for Bess' acceptance a beautifully beaded belt. 
 At first Bess quietly and smilingly pushed aside 
 the proffered gift, but the look of disappoint- 
 ment given her caused her to relent, and then 
 she fastened it securely around her own trim 
 waist. 
 
 "Thank you, very much; it shall always re- 
 mind me of you and the baby who nearly went 
 down the stream." 
 
 "You love him papoose? You hold Injun 
 baby? You no care?" asked the woman, as she 
 saw with gratified eyes her treasure worn by the 
 white girl. 
 
 "I do not care if he is a papoose he is one 
 of God's children," Bess answered, and the 
 woman understood. 
 
 The little incident was soon quite out of the 
 girl's mind, and only recurred as she touched the 
 belt with her fingers or felt its dangling ends beat 
 regularly against her side as Mauchacho galloped 
 across the range. She had never before been in 
 this direction, and all the hills and rocks held a 
 new interest for her. Several times she checked 
 her horse and slid quickly from her saddle to in- 
 spect some odd-looking stones, or to pluck some 
 strange, new flower. Was not this tour of explor- 
 ation fine! Perhaps she might discover some- 
 thing never seen nor heard of before! It surely 
 seemed as if no one had ever set foot here, and as 
 if she had come alone into an undiscovered and 
 unexplored land. What fun to feel such utter 
 isolation and possession! Riotous thoughts of 
 
 169 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 adventure and daring and possible danger surged 
 through the girl's mind as her horse carried her 
 on and further on into new places and over 
 strange paths. 
 
 With a start she came out of her reverie, and 
 straightening up in the saddle began to wonder 
 at the time of day. Unheeded miles had passed 
 under Mauchacho's hoofs, and the slanting sun 
 told her that the hour was late. 
 
 "Keally, the boys ought to be coming soon. I 
 am sure that is, I feel almost certain this is 
 the right place. Still, it seems so far back to the 
 last ranch ! Oh, well, I'll just let Mauchacho nib- 
 ble, and I'll take a look around that bunch of 
 thorn-apple shrubs." 
 
 She began to sing softly and confidently as 
 she loosened the cinch and pulled the saddle and 
 blanket off the horse's wet back. He shook him- 
 self with a grunt of satisfaction and began at 
 once to seek out the most tender grasses. 
 
 "Be a good boy till I come back, won't you?" 
 Bess gave him a sounding slap on his wet shoul- 
 der that caused him to lift his tail with a "please- 
 don't-bother-nie" flirt. 
 
 The sun was fervent and Bess walked hur- 
 riedly on to reach the shade of the thorns. She 
 reached up and plucked some of the plump, ripe, 
 red thorn-apples, and enjoyed munching them as 
 she wandered idly on. Far ahead of her she dis- 
 cerned, by shading her eyes with her hand, a 
 large herd of cattle. At first she could not tell if 
 they were being driven or wheftier they were 
 
 170 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 simply eating. As they created no clouds of dust 
 nor seemed to be coming any nearer she decided 
 it could not be the cattle she expected to meet be- 
 ing driven by her brother and Henry. Just then 
 there flashed across her mind an almost forgotten 
 warning which Henry West had given her. Here 
 she was, almost upon a herd of wild cattle all 
 alone and off her horse ! Had he not told her how 
 their curiosity was excited by seeing persons 
 afoot with often disastrous results, and warned 
 her to be sure and stay in the saddle if she were 
 near any of the grazing herds. Filled with sud- 
 den alarm at her temerity she hurriedly retraced 
 her steps, only to be horrified to realize that she 
 could not tell where to go. The clumps of brush 
 now looked all alike and seemed only to be a con- 
 fused mass of limbs and leaves. There was the 
 declining sun towards which she had advanced, 
 so now she must retreat in the opposite direction. 
 Yes, but should she turn to the right or the left? 
 
 For a moment she stood trying to collect her 
 bewildered senses. She took her sombrero from 
 her dishevelled hair and gave a frightened scream 
 as her finger-tips came in contact with the rattles 
 which still adorned the band. 
 
 "Oh, I just can't bear those horrid things any 
 longer," she cried and with a stick began to tear 
 her trophy off. She had not succeeded, however, 
 when her attention was attracted by a horseman 
 riding far to the left of her. How madly he was 
 riding, bending low over his horse till they 
 seemed like one! Bess watched the rider as he 
 
 171 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 rode on swiftly, then swerved to the left, then 
 back again. He was so indistinct in the hazy dist- 
 ance that she could not tell whether he rode like 
 an Indian or a white man. 
 
 At first she felt an impulse to call, but she 
 knew her voice could not reach him at that dist- 
 ance. Look, toward the sun ! What is that? A 
 wall of smoke? A cloud of rolling, increasing 
 dust, mounting higher, higher, nearer, nearer, 
 and caused only by the rushing, fleeing hoofs of a 
 stampeding herd! 
 
 Frozen with terror the girl stood irresolute, 
 unable to decide whether to flee in the hope that 
 she might reach her horse or to try to seek safety 
 among the frail protection of the thorn shrubs! 
 She could feel the earth begin to tremble from the 
 rush of pounding hoofs and saw the ominous 
 cloud rolling nearer and nearer. There was no 
 time to flee; no chance to reach the trees; only 
 now could she rush to that projecting boulder 
 and cast her body close against it in the hope 
 that the frantic steers might not crumble it in 
 pieces in their mad onslaught. 
 
 What was that she heard? She hesitated an 
 instant as she neared the rock whose unpromis- 
 ing shelter she sought. Surely she heard some- 
 one calling her name. "Bess Bess," the agon- 
 ized tones came to her ears ! Where from, from 
 whom came that ray of hope? Now she reached 
 the rock. Standing boldly upon it she placed her 
 hands to her lips in a rounded funnel and 
 screamed with all her strength, again and again. 
 
 172 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 Like a flash across and from out the cloud of 
 dust shot Eagle ! She saw the red in his nostrils 
 as he leaped directly toward her, a fleck of foam 
 struck her face and then and then a vise 
 clutched the beaded buckskin belt; some Her- 
 culean arm tore her from the pedestal and hot, 
 swiftly drawn breaths moistened her cheek and 
 neck. She felt herself flying through obscure 
 space! She felt her breath gripped out of her 
 body by some terrible, encircling pressure. What 
 dreadful creature held her in such a death-like 
 grip? 
 
 She lifted her hands and felt the rough bris- 
 tles on a man's cheeks, then let them slide to- 
 gether about his tense neck in a tenacious hold. 
 A firm, stirruped foot supported one of hers and 
 she let her weight settle upon it. Each breath 
 she drew was impregnated with stifling dust, 
 while surging in her ears was the bellowing of 
 frantic steers and thundering of a thousand 
 hoofs ! Would those mad, fleeing creatures never 
 cease; would they never swerve; would they ever 
 keep gaining? What if Eagle should stumble! 
 What if his double burden should prove greater 
 than his strength? The terrifying thought made 
 the girl's arms cling all the more firmly about 
 the rigid neck and made her heart beat with ach- 
 ing throbs in her parched throat! She placed 
 her lips close to the man's ear and in an agonized 
 and almost inaudible voice cried, "Hurry, for 
 God's sake, hurry !" 
 
 Instantly she felt the horse make a supreme 
 173 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 leap, another and yet more, till soon, through her 
 half-opened eye-lids the girl could see that the 
 enveloping cloud of dirt and dust was falling be- 
 hind. Now a steady, even voice was saying, 
 "Slow, old boy! Easy, easy! All right Eagle; 
 take your time, boy ! Slow, slow !" Bess could 
 feel the arm's muscles relaxing with the slacken- 
 ing speed of the horse; hear a deep, indrawn 
 breath of relief, and see through the dust-covered 
 hair which nearly veiled her face, a man's fea- 
 tures o'er spread with grime, yet white with pal- 
 lor. 
 
 As Eagle came to a stop she felt herself gent- 
 ly lowered to the ground and supported by her 
 rescuer who dismounted at the same instant. 
 Lifting her hands whose fingers were still stiff 
 .from their tenacity, she pushed the dishevelled 
 hair far back from her eyes and forehead and 
 stood gazing with thankfulness and gratitude 
 into the deep glowing eyes. No words came to 
 her lips nor was the silence broken by the passive 
 man. It seemed that hours had elapsed since 
 Eagle had been relieved of his burden, when a 
 nervous unnatural laugh came from the now 
 quivering lips of Bess. 
 
 "It's very dusty for such a recent rain, isn't 
 it?" came in a voice husky and high-strung. 
 "Henry Henry for pity's sake speak to me, or 
 can't, don't you see see that I, oh dear I 
 know I shall c-r-y!" and already great tears 
 filled her eyes and began coursing down her 
 flaming cheeks through tiny streaks of mud. 
 
 174 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 "Sit down here, Bess, till you feel rested. 
 Poor little girl it was a dreadful ordeal, but you 
 are brave, braver than a man would have been." 
 
 Henry West seated himself near the girl 
 whose whole being was torn with convulsive sobs. 
 She had thrown herself on the ground and buried 
 her face in her arms. How he longed to lift her 
 within his arms and hold her tightly until the 
 storm of loosened terror might cease ! Could he 
 only have drunk the salty tears that rained upon 
 her face! Dared he only whisper in her ear all 
 his love and longing! He must must! He 
 could not, would not be silent longer ! She was 
 his very own now his, saved from the mangling 
 blows of wild beasts. His heart pounded against 
 his throat demanding that its pleadings be given 
 voice ! 'With a swift start and open arms he bent 
 over the trembling form. His fingers closed hard 
 till the skin was drawn tight over the knuckles ! 
 His hands opened, slowly, appealingly eager to 
 enfold their treasure, their right, but only the 
 tips of the fingers swept gently, softly across the 
 brown, disordered tresses. With the long, gentle 
 stroke the sobbing lessened and then at, length 
 ceased. 
 
 Slowly the girl turned and faced the com- 
 forter whose fingers still thrilled with the de- 
 licious contact of the dear head and hair. She 
 sought in vain for a look or word of censure 
 which she imagined she deserved. Instead, a dark 
 face was all aglow with gratitude and love, and 
 
 175 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 deep eyes spoke the words which a guarded voice 
 dared not utter. 
 
 "Oh! Henry see blood on your spurs. 
 Look at Eagle and yet once you told me that 
 you never rode him with spurs !" 
 
 As soon as his attention had been directed to- 
 ward the almost forgotten horse he walked swift- 
 ly over to Eagle still quivering and trembling in 
 every limb. 
 
 "Old boy was it a pretty hard run? Brace 
 up don't give up you're good for another," 
 West was saying as he let his solicitous hands 
 touch here and there. Bess knew from his man- 
 ner that the horse was really sick, although he 
 tried to appear unconcerned. Henry began to 
 walk the horse about, and it made the girl's heart 
 ache to see the splendid limbs move with stiff- 
 ness and pain. If there were only something she 
 could do to help ! 
 
 On she walked, close to Henry West's side, 
 now unconsciously touching the reins and now 
 patting the shoulder wet with beads of pain. 
 Suddenly with an almost human cry the horse 
 gave a plunge and fell to the ground ! West stood 
 aside for a moment immovable and still then 
 with a reluctant yet decisive movement drew his 
 gun from his holster. Bess sprang quickly to his 
 side and grasped both his arms with her own! 
 Thrusting up her face till her breath fanned his 
 cheek she cried, "Don't Henry he shall not 
 die ! All this just because I forgot your warning 
 because I am a fool a horrid careless girl !" 
 
 176 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 "He cannot live I cannot bear to see him 
 suffer. I must shoot if I can !" Releasing 
 his right arm he drew the left one up and about 
 the girl's head, and closing her ear with the palm 
 of his hand he held her tightly and closely to 
 him, her face completely buried in the soft, silken 
 folds of his begrimed white shirt. How could 
 she know that that embrace Avas firm with love? 
 How could she know wha.t the wild, irregular 
 beatings of that strong heart were saying? How 
 could she know that the prolonged hesitancy was 
 caused by the recrudescence of hopeless longings ! 
 She sensed his effort at calmness, felt an arm up- 
 lifted, a slight concussion, and knew that Eagle 
 was dead. She did not watch Henry West as he 
 removed the saddle and bridle from the dead 
 horse, nor did she see the last tender caress given 
 to the stiffening neck. 
 
 "Had it not been for you, my Eagle she- 
 she would now be ," were the parting 
 words given to the favorite of all the horses which 
 West had ever ridden. And yet he was glad of 
 the sacrifice. 
 
 "Do you mind staying here alone, Bess, while 
 I go in search of Mauchacho? It will soon be 
 growing chilly and dark and we must get home 
 tonight. Can you give me any idea where he is? v 
 Bess looked helplessly about and was still utter- 
 ly confused by the mad, mad rush ahead of the 
 steers. She could not tell if she had ridden one 
 mile or twenty. West noted her bewilderment, 
 and with an assurance that he would try to re- 
 
 177 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 turn soon started rather doubtingly forward. He 
 retraced the way they had so recently come and 
 after several indecisive swervings to the right 
 and left Bess saw him hit upon a trail and hurry 
 swiftly on until the thorns and brush hid him 
 from her view. 
 
 How utterly alone she felt ! She could scarce- 
 ly refrain from running after West and calling 
 on him to wait ! Glancing over her shoulder her 
 heart was filled with pity and regret at the sight 
 of the dead hero. Already she saw circling high 
 in the evening sky, a pair of huge, black wings 
 eager for prey. 
 
 "I'll stay here and watch Eagle ! Those vul- 
 tures shall not banquet yet awhile !" 
 
 Glowing red and yellow colors dyed the even- 
 ing skies. Soft shades of purple touched the dis- 
 tant tops and slopes of the mountains. Darken- 
 ing shadows silently gathered among the pines, 
 indistinct in the distance. Night was coming on 
 apace, and still the girl stood silent and alone, 
 keeping vigil over the coveted feast. In the glow 
 of the western sky gleamed brightly the tender 
 sickle of the new moon. Turning so as to glance 
 over her shoulder, Bess wished that the waiting 
 might soon be ended. 
 
 She arose from the flat rock upon which she 
 had been resting and began pacing nervously 
 back and forth. Snatches of verses she said 
 aloud, then some strain of a song floated spas- 
 modically across the range, too wide to send back 
 an echo. The moon, with its tuef consolation, 
 
 178 
 
THE STRENGTH OF A BEADED BELT 
 
 had gone behind the horizon, and the night was 
 rapidly growing darker. A qualm of fear filled 
 the girPs heart, as a coyote's shrill, hungry cry 
 rent the air. She quickly drew forth the weapon 
 which she had always worn, from its snug and in- 
 conspicuous pocket, and stood ready to defend 
 rather than for defense. 
 
 From out the gloom she felt rather than heard 
 an approach, which she prayed might be Henry 
 West. A low whistle came in response to her 
 call, and soon Mauchacho was led to his mistress 
 and his soft nose brushed caressingly against her 
 arm. 
 
 "I had a hard time in finding the saddle or 
 else I might have returned sooner. Have you 
 been very anxious and lonely?" 
 
 "Can we hurry away from here, Henry. I 
 cannot bear to feel these dreadful, hungry crea- 
 tures so near," replied Bess, as another unearth- 
 ly cry came from the waiting, anxious coyotes. 
 
 West placed Bess in the saddle, flung his own 
 empty one upon the horse and walked swiftly for- 
 ward leading the way. At length they came to a 
 ranch where West secured a horse, and rode 
 with conservative speed toward home. 
 
 It was after numerous futile calls that at last 
 they heard the squeak of the ferry-boat as it came 
 laboriously across the stream in the darkness to 
 meet them. Dark clouds were filling the sky and 
 another rain seemed imminent. Groping his way 
 with the horses, West led them on to the boat and 
 then lifted Bess from the saddle. Silently they 
 
 179 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 stood as the Indian rowed them over the dark 
 water. Startled by a glare of lightning Bess 
 placed her arm through Henry West's and gave 
 it a pressure of confidence. 
 
 "Had it not been for the gleam of the beads 
 showing me your belt I doubt if I could have 
 lifted you, Bess for our our ride today," said 
 Henry, after a long silence. "Where did you get 
 it? I do not remember ever seeing you wear it 
 before!" 
 
 "I have only had it today. An Indian woman 
 gave it to me this morning as I came over on this 
 ferry, because well, because I held her little 
 dirty baby in my arms !" 
 
 "Bess, that same Indian woman was the one 
 who directed me when I discovered Mauchacho's 
 shoe print in the trail leading away from the 
 right direction. She also told me with tears in 
 her eyes why she gave you her belt. Not wishing 
 to alarm James, I did not even show him where 
 you and Mauchacho had gone, giving him some 
 excuse. I borrowed his spurs, for I knew, intu- 
 itively perhaps, that Eagle even Eagle might 
 need them, for the first time." 
 
 "And for the last time, also," added Bess, and 
 tears again came freely. 
 
 180 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 THE CAMPING TRIP AND "PETER PAN" 
 
 It was several days after Bess' thrilling ad- 
 venture before her nerves were again calm and 
 steady and before her muscles had recovered 
 from their soreness. While she felt reluctant to 
 lie in bed, and was sorry because of the extra 
 worry and work which she caused, still it was 
 delicious to experience a mother's solicitude. No 
 word of reproof had Mrs. West given her, only 
 kindness, attention and anxiety. Bess secretly 
 wished that some-one would administer to her 
 the censure which she felt she richly deserved. 
 And yet, how it smarted when it came one morn- 
 ing, just before James and Henry West were 
 about to start on the fall round-up. 
 
 They had come into Bess' sunlit room to say 
 good-bye. Her soft, white hand was enclosed for 
 a moment firmly in West's hard and sunburned 
 palm. He did not dare speak lest the tremor in 
 his voice should betray him to both sister and 
 brother. As James bent over his sister, with a 
 kiss, he said, "Kemernber Bess, no more foolish 
 escapades ," but a firm grasp on his arm 
 checked the words and led him from the room be- 
 fore he could see the welling, nervous tears fill 
 her brown eyes and then splash on her tightly 
 folded hands. 
 
 181 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "What's the use, Jim old boy she has had 
 all she can bear already !" she heard the quarter- 
 breed say as they went away. 
 
 James turned and quickly re-entered his sis- 
 ter's room. Taking her in his arms he kissed 
 away her tears and left her consoled and happy 
 once more. 
 
 "Hurry and be yourself again, Bess, for the 
 camping trip next week. I only wish the round- 
 up were over so that Henry and I might go, too. 
 We'll see you and the Kalispell friends in camp 
 as we go over by the Big Arm. Guess we can 
 find the place. So long sister " and throwing 
 her a kiss from the door he hurried to join West, 
 who was already in the saddle and anxious to be 
 off. 
 
 Bess had been looking forward to the novelty 
 of camp life ever since the invitation had come to 
 her from Mrs. West's friends at Kalispell. She 
 was to meet them on the fifth of September on the 
 south side of the Big Arm of the Lake, directly 
 opposite Wild Horse Island. Here they were to 
 camp and hunt small gajne and fish for ten days. 
 
 Bess arose with the sun on the morning of the 
 fifth, and was soon ready to start for camp, ac- 
 companied by one of the ranch-men whom Mrs. 
 West had ordered to ride with the girl and pack 
 her baggage. 
 
 "I wish you were going too, little Mother," 
 said Bess earnestly as she hurried about, finish- 
 ing her preparations. 
 
 182 
 
THE CAMPING TRIP 
 
 "It would be enjoyable I'm sure, but I cannot 
 think of it this time, dear. Come home strong 
 and safe, won't you?" 
 
 What a magnificent morning ! Just a hint of 
 autumn in the bracing air, while a soft, hazy 
 atmosphere veiled the mountains and nestled on 
 the ripples of the lake. The sun had not yet 
 mounted high enough to dry the dew which lay 
 on the grass and dampened the trail. Fifteen 
 miles toward the north-west was the place where 
 camp was to be made, the man had told Bess in 
 response to her question, how far would they 
 ride? 
 
 As they crossed the ferry, all the events of the 
 recent tragedy surged over her, and as her hand 
 clasped the beaded belt it sought the place where 
 the iron hold had broken the threads and loos- 
 ened the beads. An unknown and foreign sensa- 
 tion seemed to sweep over her; a sharp pain, in- 
 comprehensible, clutched her heart as she again 
 felt the embrace of her rescuer. He stood out 
 clear, full and bold before her mind's eye in a 
 strange new light ! The thought of another man 
 forced itself into her mind, and she was startled 
 from her musings as the ferry touched the shore 
 by a well known voice. 
 
 "Good-morning; this is a most unexpected 
 pleasure! You seemed deeply absorbed as I 
 watched you coming across. I hope you were 
 thinking of me !" 
 
 "I was, Mr. Davis just then," answered Bess 
 as she accepted the out-stretched hand. 
 
 183 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "I had intended to call at the HW Ranch this 
 morning in the hope of seeing you, and here I 
 find you evidently going on a visit." 
 
 The cowboy who was accompanying Bess led 
 the horses off the ferry and down the rocky beach 
 for water. 
 
 "Bess dear it seems ages since I have seen 
 you. Why have I not had a line from you ? Can't 
 you know that I am eating my heart out because 
 of your coldness !" 
 
 "Really, Mr. Davis I have not been very 
 well and could not gather enough energy to 
 write. Wait until I return from my camping 
 trip and I'll write and tell you all about it," an- 
 swered Bess as she turned to leave, seeing that 
 the horses had drank their fill and were waiting 
 for her. 
 
 "Stay a moment! Where are you going? 
 May I go with you?" 
 
 "Ah, you were not invited," she answered, 
 laughingly. "Why, you see I am to be in camp 
 ten days with some friends from Kali spell who 
 are coming down for the fall birds." 
 
 "Oh, yes I sent a permit to Mr. George and 
 party to hunt on the reserve, and I also received 
 an invitation to visit camp. Now that you are to 
 be there too, may I not hope for a second invita- 
 tion from you, dear?" 
 
 His voice took that fascinating tone which al- 
 ways sent an undefinable thrill through her, and 
 his eyes held her own in a long, steady look. 
 
 184 
 
THE CAMPING TRIP 
 
 "We camp on the Big Arm perhaps you 
 can find it," came from her lips with an effort. 
 
 Davis felt hurt that his request was not an- 
 swered more heartily, but he concealed his chag- 
 rin with a smile of assurance that he would 
 come. 
 
 The happy, alert girl saw a subtle change 
 stealing over nature and knew that autumn had 
 come. 
 
 How delicious was the aroma of the firs and 
 pines as the horses went along the shaded road 
 through the long stretch of timber ! Occasionally 
 through the tangle of scrub-maples, whose bright 
 green foliage was splashed here and there by a 
 scarlet leaf, one caught a glimpse of the deep 
 blue, glistening lake and the mountains on its 
 east shore. Tiny squirrels and chipmunks were 
 scampering over fallen logs or chattering high up 
 in the tamarack branches. Every rock and 
 stump was beautiful with its creeping wreath of 
 kinnikinnic, whose glossy foliage and large scar- 
 let berries puts to shame the holly. On the buck- 
 brush hung great, white snow-drops, while the 
 wild rose bushes were heavy with scarlet fruit. 
 
 The whirr of a pheasant through the under- 
 brush caused Mauchacho to prick up his ears and 
 quicken his pace. A blue grouse with her late 
 brood scurried across the road seeking the shel- 
 ter of the thicket. Bess wished she too were some 
 dainty feathered creature, happy in the solitude 
 of the woods, free from all restraint, secure with- 
 in the sheltering arms of the earth. Oh ! to creep 
 
 185 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 away off under the tender green branches; to 
 clasp her arms about the rough bark of the pine 
 trees; to rest her cheek upon the redolent grass- 
 es! On the outstretched limb of a charred pine 
 tree sat a large, blinking owl. Great tufts of grey 
 feathers covered his legs and claws, while at his 
 throat shone the purest white. 
 
 Bess raised an imaginary gun with a deliber- 
 ate aim, and immediately Mr. Owl stretched his 
 large white and grey wings and was out of sight. 
 
 "Oh, see !" cried the girl, as only a few yards 
 ahead of them there sprang across the trail a 
 white-tailed doe and fawn ! Only for a brief in- 
 stant did they pause, then went crashing through 
 the timber and brush, flirting defiant good-byes 
 with their white flags. The cowboy was watch- 
 ing surreptitiously from the corner of his eye the 
 pleasure and animation which Bess was enjoy- 
 ing. Her brown eyes danced and filled; her 
 cheeks flamed as if touched with an Indian's 
 paintbrush, suggesting an autumn leaf through 
 her brown, fluffy hair. Her enjoyment was keen 
 because of a sweet and sensitive temperament 
 alive to the surroundings and susceptible to the 
 wonders of nature. 
 
 "Did you hear that?" asked Bess of her com- 
 panion. 
 
 "Yes that was the boat whistle. Your party 
 are probably near their landing place. Guess we 
 have about three miles more to go before we 
 reach there." 
 
 186 
 
THE CAMPING TRIP 
 
 In a short time they again came into full view 
 of the great, blue lake. How immense it was! 
 The Great Arm alone was a lake. To the right 
 lay Wild Horse Island ; the camping ground must 
 be very near. Had it not been for the sound of 
 voices or the driving of tent-stakes the camp 
 would have been hard to locate, so snugly was it 
 concealed among the trees and by a thicket of 
 cotton-woods and small pines. 
 
 It was a busy scene which Bess saw as she 
 rode into camp. Already the tents were being 
 pitched; boxes and bundles and guns were being 
 carried from the beach; beautiful setters were 
 sniffing at every leaf and twig; while over near 
 the branches of an over-hanging cedar, Joe, the 
 colored cook, with white cap, coat and apron 
 deftly donned had already lighted a fire prepara- 
 tory for the first meal. Cheery greetings of wel- 
 come were exchanged as Bess slid from her 
 saddle and each one of the girls seemed bent upon 
 talking loudest and longest. 
 
 "Oh ! girls girls save a little breath or else 
 you won't have enough to last ten days!" called 
 Mrs. Bland, with the authority of a chaperon, but 
 her voice was not heard above the laughing and 
 chattering of the other three. Such a time pump- 
 ing up the air beds, shaking blankets, unpacking 
 satchels, arranging rugs and adjusting the other 
 things in the ladies' boudoir ! 
 
 "Little Honey" (as Mrs. Eland's little daugh- 
 ter had been nicknamed) was too engrossed try- 
 
 187 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ing to attire herself in new, blue overalls and a 
 boy's "really" shirt, to be interested in her sur- 
 roundings. Tucking her braids under a big, 
 straw hat, then thrusting her tiny fists deep into 
 the spacious pockets, she cried gleefully, "Well, 
 Mother Here's Peter Pan." Undaunted by the 
 teasings and laughter of the other girls "Peter 
 Pan" strode out of the tent to show herself to 
 the "other boys." 
 
 "Oh, you dogs! Charge! Lady! Jack! 
 Down ! Charge, Gladstone ! Didn't you dogs 
 ever see a boy before !" she cried amid frantic ef- 
 forts to ward off the playful, eager animals. Just 
 then she heard the rattle of wheels and ran to 
 meet Mr. George who had driven down from Kal- 
 ispell so that the horses and light wagon could be 
 used in going to the good hunting fields each day. 
 
 "I'm 'Peter Pan,' and these pockets are so 
 handy, and it is so much easier to climb that I 
 guess I'll just stay a boy," she announced as she 
 clambered into the seat beside Mr. George and 
 reached for the reins. 
 
 Such a hungry, hearty "bunch" as sat down 
 to dinner ! How the aroma of the forest and the 
 sweet, pine laden air whetted their appetites! 
 "Peter Pan" could not get enough bread with its 
 thick layer of apple-sauce. Joe, the cook, looked 
 on with trepidation and wondered how long the 
 larder would supply the demand. 
 
 "Never mind, Joe ; don't look so worried, we'll 
 have birds for supper," said one of the men, as he 
 
 188 
 
THE CAMPING TRIP 
 
 arose from the table and began filling his hunting 
 vest with shells. The snap of the barrel of a shot- 
 gun brought all three dogs up with a bound, so 
 eager were they to feel the feathers of a retrieve. 
 At sundown, when the tired men and still more 
 weary dogs came dragging themselves back into 
 camp, each bore evidence of his spoils. Through 
 the carriers were hung the limp-stretched necks 
 of a covey, while the several feathers still stick- 
 ing to the dogs' jaws, proved how faithfully and 
 well they had done their work. 
 
 "Come with me Miss Miss Flet " 
 
 "Just call me Bess, it's easier." 
 
 "Miss Bess, if you will come with me we'll 
 give the dogs their supper," said "Peter Pan," as 
 she led the way to where the dog biscuits had 
 been placed. The dogs were all seated on their 
 haunches waiting with hungry stomachs for their 
 meal. 
 
 "These are dreadfully hard things to feed 
 you, poor dogs," said the tiny girl, as she tried in 
 vain to break the biscuits. "I'm glad I'm not a 
 dog, aren't you, Miss Bess? But then, this kind 
 of biscuit is good for a dog, 'cause they make him 
 take aim better. Charge, Jack !" she cried to the 
 hungry dog who could not wait for her discourse 
 to be finished as he took his supper out of her 
 hand and hurried away to find an undisturbed 
 place to enjoy it. 
 
 It was dark before the birds were ready for 
 the table, and supper was eaten by the aid of 
 
 189 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 numerous candles and lanterns. All were weary, 
 so after the plans for the morrow had been made 
 and everything made secure in camp for the 
 night, each sought his couch and slept; some to 
 dream, perhaps of feasts and plenty, or of ring- 
 ing shots and pointing dogs; one to dream of 
 "comfy" trousers and handy pockets; another to 
 see in her sleep's vision, the flaming, dilated nos- 
 trils of a fleeing horse and the dark, determined 
 face of his relentless rider. 
 
 190 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
 
 THE TEOUT DEAL 
 
 As soon as Bess heard the breakfast fire crack- 
 ing she crept out of her bed and hurriedly dressed 
 herself. "Peter Pan" begged her softly, so that 
 the other sleepers might not be disturbed, to 
 "Wait a min't for me." They looked like two 
 hungry birds as they perched on a log near where 
 Joe was preparing breakfast. Snug in their red 
 sweaters and tarns they sat with arms entwined 
 about each other, already fast and true friends. 
 
 "Did you ever see Mr. George 'flop' pan- 
 cakes?" questioned "Peter Pan," as she saw with 
 utter satisfaction a creamy mixture being stirred 
 by the cook. "No? Well, I'll have him give a 
 free exhibition this morning immediately before 
 the big performance," added the child, with art- 
 ful mimicry of the man she had heard at the cir- 
 cus during the summer. 
 
 "You see, he just takes the frying pan like 
 this gives it two or three little wiggles then 
 throws the pan-cake up in the air and makes it 
 turn a 'somerset' like the circus performer did, 
 and then lets it splash back into the pan. Ask 
 Joe to let us try one before the others come to 
 breakfast. Shall we?" 
 
 All thoughts of any attempts in the culinary 
 art were displaced by the soft sound of a mocca- 
 
 191 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 sined foot behind them. "Peter Pan" clung 
 tightly to Bess' hand as they watched the slow 
 approach of the old Indian. What a wrinkled, 
 old visage, hardened by the vicissitudes of years, 
 attenuated by many fasts. A mat of coarse, grey 
 hair partially covered eyes that were still keen 
 and undimmed by the ravages of time. The tat- 
 tered blanket illy concealed his quivering form, 
 while worn and ragged moccasins scarcely pro- 
 tected his feet from the stones and thorns. 
 
 Bess' heart melted by the picture of abject 
 want, and with a few, quick signs she asked the 
 old Indian "would he eat." A grin of acquiesc- 
 ence was her reply, and soon she had placed be- 
 fore him such a feast as he had never seen be- 
 fore. He fell to devouring the food, almost like a 
 hungry dog, but was checked by a decisive touch 
 on the shoulder. A look of surprise filled his eyes 
 as he paused with open mouth ready to receive 
 the next morsel. 
 
 "Shame;" firmly said the girl; "Why forget 
 to thank God?" and she raised her hand toward 
 heaven. Slowly the food was replaced upon the 
 plate; a look of incredulity rested for a moment 
 upon the seamed, old face ; then with eyes turned 
 toward the crests of the hills all radiant with the 
 glow of the morning, a withered, dirty hand rev- 
 erently made the sign of the cross. When his 
 hunger was appeased he bestowed upon his bene- 
 factor a look of thanks. 
 
 "You go catch fish. Bring nice trout here. 
 192 
 
THE TROUT DEAL 
 
 More muck-a-muck tonight," instructed Bess with 
 numerous gestures. 
 
 The old Indian nodded that he understood 
 and then explained his futile attempt to catch 
 fish the day before. No word did he speak. He 
 waved his hand slowly toward the direction of 
 the North shore of the Big Arm, showed how he 
 had cast the line again and again, but had caught 
 no fish; how he had fished unceasingly all the 
 while the sun arose from its eastern horizon to 
 the zenith and until it had descended to rest be- 
 hind the hills ; how he had returned to his teepee 
 with his willow switch empty and had gone hun- 
 gry to sleep. Now it was again day! He mo- 
 tioned that he would walk far along the lake's 
 opposite shore where the rocks jutted into the 
 water there could she see? Pointing to some 
 beef which was hung up in the tree he made Bess 
 understand that with the aid of that for bait he 
 could catch the wily trout as fast as he could 
 cast the hook, and that soon his basket of willows 
 and leaves would be full. Soon he was sent on 
 his way rejoicing, happy because his stomach's 
 craving had ceased, glad because of the hope of 
 another meal. 
 
 The tardy members of the party had at last 
 come to breakfast. Mr. George was prevailed 
 upon to "flop" the pan-cakes, and "Peter Pan's" 
 number increased alarmingly. 
 
 "I eat so many because it is such fun to 
 watch them perform, not because I like them," 
 
 193 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 she assured her mother, as she watched the mar- 
 velous feat repeated. 
 
 "My name will now have to be 'Peter Pan- 
 cake/ 'cause I'm so full," she said, as she gath- 
 ered up the remaining few and fed them to the 
 waiting dogs. 
 
 a Oh! Bess come see Gladstone!" she cried 
 gleefully, as she watched the dog dig a nice little 
 hole in the leaves and then bury his breakfast. 
 How artfully he scraped the twigs and dirt to- 
 gether in- long sweeps with his nose, and then 
 pressed it down firmly. 
 
 "You see," she explained, "he does it that way 
 so that the other dogs can't find it. Then when 
 he gets hungry he goes and digs up his his 
 why, his money, and eats it." 
 
 "Money," laughed Bess, heartily. "I know 
 you mean cache, don't you, dear?" 
 
 "Oh, yes! Mr. George, an' he knows every- 
 thing about dogs, told me what it was, and I 
 couldn't quite remember, you see. Once he told 
 me all about Jack's grandmothers and grand- 
 fathers and uncles and all the family, and he 
 called it a legacy or something like that. Don't 
 you think it would be grand to know so much 
 about dogs?" chatted the tiny girl to her inter- 
 ested listener. 
 
 Soon everything was ready to start for the 
 day's hunt; lunch basket filled, guns and ammu- 
 nition ready, dogs eager to be off, and a wagon 
 filled with hearty, happy people. They would try 
 
 194 
 
THE TROUT DEAL 
 
 the stubble of the wheat fields on the Baptiste 
 ranch today, and all felt confident already of 
 much sport and many birds. 
 
 "Honk honk honk" greeted their ears be- 
 fore many miles had passed behind them. Such 
 scrambling for guns! Such hurrying to get a 
 good position ! Such banging of shells ! "Honk 
 honk" and the geese went sailing on. 
 
 "Guess the weather isn't right for a goose,*' 
 ventured "Peter Pan," the only one who felt dis- 
 posed to make any explanation. 
 
 But the weather proved just right for chick- 
 ens ! And the hunters desisted because they were 
 ashamed to slaughter more. 
 
 Bess found the Indian squatted at a comfort- 
 able distance from the "kitchen fire" waiting her, 
 upon her return. While the others were busy 
 with the birds, or the horses, or supper prepara- 
 tions, she closed her deal for the fish. Spread out 
 upon the large, green thimble-berry leaves were 
 several beautiful speckled and salmon-tinted 
 trout, all large and firm. The old Indian mo- 
 tioned that she was to have them all and that he 
 would keep those left in the basket. Bess peeped 
 inquisitively into the nest of leaves and there be- 
 held oh! such beauties! Shiny brook trout! 
 They should be the feast. She showed with con- 
 vincing gestures her unfeigned contempt for 
 large fish when the lovely small ones were to be 
 had. Yes, he might return these to the basket 
 and leave the small ones for her. 
 
 195 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 At first the grizzled old man looked at her as 
 if he were deeply puzzled. Did she really mean 
 that she preferred the small fish ! A queer, hesi- 
 tating smile slowly began to spread over his face 
 as he reluctantly drew out the fish, one by one, 
 and placed them on the leaves. Several times he 
 paused, and by numerous frantic gestures and 
 gutteral sounds asked again if she really wished 
 him to replace the larger fish. 
 
 At last, so completely was he assured, he 
 quickly flung the remaining beauties into the bas- 
 ket, snatched the parcel of food which the cook 
 had prepared for him and arose to hasten away. 
 Again he was checked by a touch on the arm and 
 with his hand half raised again to make the sign 
 of thanks, his astonishment was even greater in- 
 creased by a proffered half-dollar. 
 
 "Trout for breakfast !" Bess called cheerfully 
 to the "colored gentleman" whose white teeth 
 gleamed through a whimsical smile. "Trout for 
 breakfast!" she again announced to the men of 
 the party who had been watching the fish deal 
 with unobserved interest, and by this time were 
 convulsed with laughter. 
 
 "Come here girls come 'Mr. Peter Pan' and 
 see the shining beauties !" she added, as they 
 came from the tent with hastily arranged toilets. 
 
 "Well, I'm glad you are all so tickled to death 
 over our prospective breakfast," she continued, 
 while the laughter increased, "but I must say the 
 joke if there be one seems rather jejune.'' 
 
 196 
 
THE TROUT DEAL 
 
 Little "Peter Pan" squeezed five little sympa- 
 thetic fingers into the tightly closed palm of the 
 perplexed girl, led her with gentle determination 
 behind a clump of scrub-pines, drew her fluffy 
 head down to her lips and whispered softly : "I 
 heard Mr. George whisper to Uncle Jim that they 
 were 'squaw-fish,' but if I can I'll try to help you 
 eat them." 
 
 Bess gathered the child into a loving embrace 
 and together they went to supper to face the jolly 
 ridicule. 
 
 "I'm the sorriest of all," chimed in "Peter 
 Pan," " 'cause there's only one thing that's better 
 than trout." 
 
 "And what is that other?" questioned Bess. 
 
 "Why, it's doughnuts with the holes fried 
 shut." 
 
 Some fairy must have brought some for break- 
 fast next morning, for there they were, round, fat 
 and golden, with only little puckers where the 
 holes used to be. A tell tale patch of flour on 
 Bess' cheek gave away the secret of the early 
 riser. 
 
 197 
 
CHAPTER XXII 
 
 A PSBUDO SQUAW 
 
 The "girls" were to remain in camp, while Mr. 
 George and "Uncle Jim" drove the horses to a 
 ranch to have them re-shod. A trip to Sullivan 
 Creek had been planned, and it was necessary 
 that the team and wagon be in good condition to 
 cover the long distance over a rough, hilly road. 
 The dogs were in need of a rest to recuperate for 
 the next chase. The good-byes were called and 
 re-answered till the men were out of sight. 
 
 "Oh! let's gather these red thorn apples and 
 buck-brush berries and make bracelets and 
 strings of beads, and then dress up in blankets 
 and play we are squaws, 1 ' suggested "Peter Pan," 
 as she began to fill her many pockets with the 
 berries within her reach. Each one seemed bent 
 on plucking the most and soon hats were brim- 
 ming over. 
 
 They sat in a bright, sunny exposure near the 
 edge of the water and strung the red and white 
 berries on long, stout threads, the while happy 
 jokes were made, stories told or snatches of 
 familiar songs were sung. As Bess began to sing 
 again one of the familiar verses, "Peter Pan" 
 checked her rather unceremoniously with, "Oh ! 
 please Miss Bess, we have sang that so many 
 times already." 
 
 198 
 

 A PSEUDO SQUAW 
 
 "My dearie, you mean to say have what?" 
 corrected her mother. 
 
 "I can't tell, mother I'm not that far yet in 
 my book," came the ever ready answer of the lit- 
 tle grammarian. 
 
 Bess had quietly slipped away while the oth- 
 ers were still industriously threading their beads. 
 Presently the three dogs, who were stretched out 
 in the glorious warmth of the sunshine near the 
 busy workers, suddenly came to their feet with 
 a bound and ran barking savagely at a form ap- 
 proaching through the trees. As suddenly did 
 they drop their tails between their legs and 
 fawned at the feet of the blanketed intruder, as a 
 familiar voice said softly yet commandingly, 
 "Boys! Gladstone! Jack! What's the fuss? 
 Don't you know me?" 
 
 They could scarcely be blamed for their mis- 
 take, for Bess looked a veritable Indian. About 
 her was a vivid blanket, a red cloth wound her 
 forehead nearly concealing her hair which had 
 been braided and hung down either side of her 
 neck. A pair of moccasins (which Mrs. West 
 had urged her to bring in case the nights might 
 prove cold) and the coils of red and white beads 
 completed her costume. 
 
 "You look just like a really Indian girl," 
 cried "Peter Pan," clapping her hands gleefully. 
 "Why, even the dogs thought you were one too, 
 didn't they?" she added, with her deep blue eyes 
 glowing with appreciation. 
 
 "Here Bess, go down by the road and get us 
 199 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 a few more of the thorn-apples ; my string is not 
 yet long enough,'' said Mrs. Bland, as she and the 
 others kept on with their task. 
 
 "Oh, there are some splendid large ones !" said 
 Bess to herself, as she caught sight of a clump of 
 the brush, with shiny, red fruit a little way down 
 the road. She wandered aimlessly on, watching 
 the dust puff out as she made "toed-in" tracks 
 with the moccasins. The choice place for thorn- 
 apples had been passed, but then, that did not 
 matter, as here were more directly ahead of her. 
 
 The sound of approaching horses and their 
 riders' voices came to her ears. The delay of in- 
 decision, whether to flee to camp, or whether to 
 conceal herself in the near-by thicket, made either 
 impossible, for already directly in front of her 
 came two horsemen, and she knew that she had 
 been seen. Turning her back toward the an- 
 proach, and concealing her face in a fold of the 
 blanket, she stood aside, hoping that they might 
 pass without giving her any especial attention. 
 
 One had passed, and peeping from her cover 
 she saw that he wore the Indian police uniform. 
 A soft chuckle reached her ear, and she knew 
 that he knew he saw a masquerader. But her 
 heart stood still, as a voice so familiar, yet just 
 now so foreign said, "You ride on ahead and see 
 if you can locate their camp. I'll be there pres- 
 ently." 
 
 She heard the horse stop and felt his nose 
 brush her blanket, so near had he come to her. 
 
 200 
 
A PSEUDO SQUAW 
 
 "Klah-on-ya-Hary are you here alone?" and 
 the end of a quirt touched her none too gently on 
 the head. She heard a stirrup squeak and felt 
 that the man was dismounting. 
 
 "Come here I want to talk to you. You 
 know me I am the Agent I want to look at 
 you;" but the instant the silent figure felt the 
 touch of his eager fingers upon her arm, Bess 
 sprang forward like a frightened deer, and ran 
 swiftly into the bushes and was soon out of sight. 
 It was all the man could do to restrain the fright- 
 ened horse, and when he again looked to where he 
 had seen the bushes part to enfold a brightly - 
 hued fleeing creature, they had folded their 
 branches as meekly as if they had nothing to con- 
 ceal. 
 
 "Damn these squaws; they are not usually so 
 touchy," said the man, as he gave his horse an 
 unnecessary jerk at the reins as he remounted 
 and started on. A thin, blue, curling smoke 
 through the trees revealed to him the campers' 
 location, while awaiting him at the trail was his 
 escort. The police continued on his journey upon 
 receiving a few minute instructions, and the 
 Agent reined his horse into the path leading to 
 the camp. At first he saw no one except the 
 white-aproned man busy preparing lunch, then 
 his advent was seen by the ladies, still busy with 
 their beads. 
 
 Mrs. Bland came forward to receive the visi- 
 tor. 
 
 "I am very much pleased to meet you, Mr. 
 201 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Davis," she said, as he introduced himself. "I 
 am sorry that the men are away from camp just 
 at present. They are to be back in time for 
 luncheon. Won't you dismount and help us en- 
 joy a few of the birds which you so kindly per- 
 mitted us to kill?" 
 
 "Thank you I am sure it will be a treat," he 
 answered as he slid from the saddle. 
 
 "Er I I had hoped to meet Miss Fletcher 
 here also," he added, as he hesitatingly glanced 
 about. 
 
 "Oh, yes, she is here that is, she will be here 
 presently. She just now went down to the road 
 after some more thorn-apples for our chains. We 
 are going to play Indian," she laughed. 
 
 "Even the dogs thought Miss Bess was a real- 
 ly squaw when they saw her all wrapped in a 
 blanket," put in "Peter Pan" as she came inquisi- 
 tively forward to see their visitor. 
 
 Slowly the explanation of the squaw by the 
 road-side forced itself into his brain. For a mo- 
 ment he held his breath wondering if he had 
 made a fool of himself. Perhaps she did not rec- 
 ognize him, but if she did he would easily con- 
 vince her it was a joke that he had known it 
 was she all the while. 
 
 What could be keeping Bess so long? Why 
 did she not return to camp with the gathered 
 thorn-apples? Each moment a glance went up 
 the trail, hoping that she would soon be coming. 
 No one saw the silent pseudo squaw as she crept 
 softly on her hands and knees in the shadow of 
 
 202 
 
A PSEUDO SQUAW 
 
 the logs and the close covering of the brush. No 
 one saw her now as she lay flat on the ground se- 
 curely concealed by the thick leaves and the tall 
 grasses, watching the occupants of the camp with 
 glowing eyes. No one? Yes, one alert pair of 
 ears had heard a twig snap; one keen nose had 
 sniffed the air, and now a pair of appealing eyes 
 were looking into hers. 
 
 "Charge Gladdy !" she said to the dog with a 
 wriggling tail, as emphatically as she could in a 
 whisper. Then she flung her arm about him 
 holding him close lest he betray her concealment. 
 Would the visitor never go? Should she be com- 
 pelled finally to come forth and rejoin the others 
 at the camp? If she could only convince herself 
 that the Agent had recognized her in the road 
 and had not really thought she was a squaw she 
 would not now hesitate in meeting him. But 
 somehow^ a feeling of uncertainty crept into her 
 heart and for the moment made her fairly hate 
 him. The approach of horses along the highway 
 caused her to sit upright and listen. Gladstone, 
 too, heard the sound and before he could be 
 checked, began a vigorous barking. She could 
 hear the horses coming through the tangled 
 brush, and in a moment more she stood face to 
 face with James Fletcher and Henry West. 
 
 "Great guns ! Bess ; you are a regular Poca- 
 hontas! How's that for a 'peachy' squaw?" he 
 said to West, as he nearly tumbled from his sad- 
 dle and gave his sister a vigorous hug. Henry 
 West had also dismounted and caught his horse's 
 
 203 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 bridle over his arm. In his glance was a look of 
 questioning approval which caused Bess to ask : 
 
 "I am wondering, Henry, if you like me this 
 way?" 
 
 "If all squaws looked as well, a man wouldn't 
 mind being an Indian," he said significantly, 
 walking by her side. 
 
 "Oh! here you are; where did you hide?" 
 cried little "Peter Pan," as she ran forward to 
 meet her favorite. 
 
 "Put 'Peter Pan' on the horse and let her 
 ride," said Bess, in the way of an introduction 
 to Henry West. He lifted the child gently and 
 placed her in the saddle, carefully guarding her 
 lest she fall. The child was watching the dark 
 features of her companion with an apprehensive 
 look. As he held her for a moment in his arms 
 when she dismounted, she softly touched the 
 bronze cheek with her fingers, and said : "I like 
 you, even if you are so much darker than my 
 Uncle Jim," and slid, half afraid, out of his clasp 
 and ran to her mother's side, her eyes following 
 him. 
 
 As soon as Mr. Davis found an opportunity 
 amid all the confusion of introductions and 
 greeting and clamorous talk, he stood near Bess 
 and said : "Eeally, I had begun to think you had 
 fled to your 'wick-i-up' and were not coming to 
 see me at all. Your disguise was scarcely suffi- 
 cient, for I knew you instantly and tried to carry 
 out your joke, but you were too hasty." 
 
 Bess suddenly let the blanket fall from her 
 204 
 
A PSEUDO SQUAW 
 
 shoulders to the ground and faced Mr. Davis 
 squarely. She looked into his eyes searchingly; 
 beyond them she gazed till her accusing glance 
 penetrated his very soul. Without the tremor of 
 an eyelash her search was answered by a look as 
 steady and firm as her own. At last a smile 
 broke upon her lips as she said: "I did did 
 half imagine that you really thought you were 
 talking to an Indian." 
 
 "They are too uninteresting to me even to 
 stop to speak to," he reassured her, and was glad 
 that further explanation was interrupted by the 
 arrival of Mr. George and "Uncle Jim." 
 
 Soon all were enjoying the delicious birds, 
 done to a turn by the efficient chef. Perhaps no 
 one of the merry company, except Bess, noticed 
 the reticence of Henry West, who sat beside her. 
 She quietly gave his hand a little squeeze as she 
 passed him the salt, which sent the blood pound- 
 ing through his heart till he felt it could surely 
 be heard by the others. 
 
 In spite of the many earnest requests to re- 
 main, James and Henry declared that they must 
 hurry on to rejoin the rest of the bunch who were 
 on the round-up. Dave Davis, the Indian agent, 
 also took his departure after several futile at- 
 tempts to speak with Bess alone. 
 
 The rest of the day was busy with cleaning 
 guns, greasing the wheels and loading the wagon, 
 preparatory for the long trip to Sullivan Creek 
 on the morrow, which would in all probability 
 take two or three days. 
 
 205 
 
CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 AN UNUSUAL PROPOSAL 
 
 "I'm sorry this is our last day in camp, aren't 
 you, 'Peter Pan'? We have had such a splendid 
 time and it seems all too short." 
 
 Bess and "Peter Pan," together with one of 
 the dogs, were left alone in camp while the rest 
 of the party had gone on their last shoot. The 
 little girl was feeling slightly indisposed after 
 the last few strenuous days, so Bess asked to be 
 permitted to stay "at home" with her for the 
 day, as she could not, or rather would not, shoot 
 the chickens; anyway, Mrs. Bland, too, might 
 enjoy one more day with her gun and the birds. 
 
 "Yes, I am just dreadfully sorry that we shall 
 have to go home, 'cause then I won't see you any 
 more, and I feel as if I love you next to my 
 mother," answered "Peter Pan," and she put up 
 a pair of puckered lips for a kiss as she hastily 
 swallowed the last bit of her apple pie. 
 
 "Keally Miss Bess, do you do you think 
 that a little girl ought to have only one piece of 
 pie?" she asked, so entreatingly that Bess, inju- 
 diciously, she feared, gave her another large, 
 juicy triangle. 
 
 Laughingly she said : "There are times, dear, 
 and this is one of them, when I think a little 
 girl may have all the pie she wants." But before 
 
 206 
 
AN UNUSUAL PROPOSAL 
 
 the last crumb had been safely stored away, black 
 lashes were drooping languidly over a pair of 
 deep blue eyes, and a sleepy little girl was car- 
 ried into the tent where she might sleep and 
 dream of apple pies p-i-e-s. 
 
 Bess sat beside the sleeper with an unopened 
 magazine on her knee. 
 
 Just then her eyes rested on one of the air- 
 beds, and immediately she began to wonder why 
 it shouldn't make a good boat. The more she 
 thought of it the more she determined to try it 
 and see. 
 
 Without much trouble she arrayed herself in 
 an improvised bathing suit and removed the 
 canvas cover from the inflated rubber bed. She 
 felt a reluctance in leaving "Peter Pan'' alone, 
 but she thought she would be gone only a few 
 moments and would be in full view of the tent all 
 the time. 
 
 "Here, Lady!" Calling to the drowsy dog, 
 she placed the animal with the sleeping child. 
 
 Lifting the bed upon her back and shoulders 
 she proceeded to the beach, after procuring two 
 of the granite plates for paddles. Far down near 
 the water's edge she could see Joe busy dressing 
 birds for dinner. She soon had her craft safely 
 launched and was paddling about with great 
 glee. Its motion was susceptible to the slightest 
 stroke of the paddles, and try as she would she 
 could not make it tip. 
 
 "Oh, it's such fun ! I wish little 'Peter Pan' 
 were here, too, to enjoy it,'' she said aloud as she 
 
 207 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 circled and splashed about in the water. Now 
 she would sit on one corner and dangle her feet 
 in the water, now slide completely in while cling- 
 ing firmly to the float. 
 
 An unceremonious barking from the tent 
 caused her to scramble quickly onto the bobbing 
 craft and look to see what or who might be the 
 intruder. 
 
 "Goodness!" she exclaimed, as she saw Dave 
 Davis leap from his horse and fasten the reins 
 about a tree. He was just about to proceed to- 
 ward the tent when she called loudly to him, that 
 he might not awake the sleeping child. At first 
 he did not locate the direction of the call, then 
 soon discovered the voyager and her ship. 
 
 "Ship ahoy!" he called, as he made hurried 
 strides over the round pebbles and larger stones 
 on the beach. 
 
 "I am proxene in camp today; but I must 
 confess no visitors were expected," said Bess, 
 slipping into the water to cover her confusion, as 
 she remembered too late her dishabille. 
 
 "What are you to be next, I wonder! One 
 day I find a squaw and another a mermaid !" 
 
 "Come on in the water's fine," said Bess, 
 making foaming eddies. 
 
 "It's rather dangerous " 
 
 "Oh, no!" interrupted the girl. "See, she 
 can't tip," as she tried to convince him by her 
 varied maneuvers. 
 
 "Be serious a moment, Bess, and come out ; I 
 have something very important to tell you." 
 
 208 
 
AN UNUSUAL PROPOSAL 
 
 "Oh! I can't come out with this rig on. 
 Keally, I can't," answered the girl. 
 
 "I am in a hurry, but must talk with you 
 while we are alone." 
 
 "Then tell me here. I can hear it anything 
 begin," humorously replied Bess, splashing 
 vigorously. 
 
 He deliberately stepped upon a large boulder 
 which projected out of the water not far from the 
 air-bed boat. 
 
 "Bess," he began seriously; and then added 
 slowly as he held her eyes firmly with his own, 
 "you and I are to be married next month the 
 fifteenth !" 
 
 "Wh ," came in a gasp to the girl's parted 
 lips ; but no further sound could she utter. For 
 a full moment she stared at the man standing so 
 resolutely, as if he were a part of the very rock 
 itself, his large, splendid form drawn to its full 
 height, till he seemed like a giant towering above 
 her. His eyes were intense with passion, and his 
 voice trembled with emotion when he again re- 
 peated : "We are to be married in a month, dear. 
 I am going away from this place, and you are 
 going with me." 
 
 The astonished girl gave a nervous gasp as 
 she cleared her throat, trying to make her words 
 audible. 
 
 "I do not seem to to understand ! I am 
 to go away go with you?" she asked, as her 
 face grew pale and her lips became almost blue. 
 
 209 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Yes, dear as my wife I cannot go with- 
 out you I could not live without you now !" 
 
 Stooping down he caught hold of the floating 
 "boat," which had drifted quite against the rock 
 upon which he stood. Stretching forth the other 
 hand he caught the girl by the arm and lifted 
 her upon the rock close beside himself. The 
 water from her soaked garments trickled down 
 as he held her in a tight embrace. At length he 
 ceased to blind and to smother her with ardent 
 kisses, and whispered, "Tell me yes yes !" 
 
 "I'm cold! Please go." Her quivering 
 form and blue lips accentuated her words. 
 
 "First say that you love me that you do 
 care." 
 
 "Care? Oh! yes I care! Love? I do not 
 know!" 
 
 "When are you to return to the ranch? Shall 
 I wait and come then for my reply?" asked Da- 
 vis, earnestly; and Bess, hoping that her an- 
 swer might cause him to hasten away, said eager- 
 ly : "Yes do tomorrow." 
 
 She did not resist the parting kiss, but her 
 lips did not respond to his pressure. She heard 
 him hurrying over the pebbles, heard him speak 
 to his horse, knew that he had gone, but still she 
 stood facing the lake, looking at, yet beyond the 
 mountains. A feeling of numbness crept over 
 her body and chilled her soul. A child's voice 
 calling aroused her from her lethargy, and with 
 a quick bound she sprang forward and ran to 
 the tent. After all, she had not been gone so very 
 
 210 
 
AN UNUSUAL PROPOSAL 
 
 long, though it seemed as if an eternity had been 
 crowded into the half hour. 
 
 While she was dressing "Peter Pan" had gone 
 to view the wonderful boat which Bess had told 
 her of, and soon came hurrying back with the en- 
 treaty to "let's try it again please." 
 
 "The water is too cold for you, dearie and 
 besides, I am tired from my long voyage, you 
 see. Come, we will go down by the water and 
 wait until the hunters come back, and Til tell 
 you stories of ships and seas and everything, 
 'nevery thing else." 
 
 Sitting side by side with a warm blanket 
 about them, they watched the sunset. The moun- 
 tains were tipped in varying hues of purple and 
 lavender. Streams of glowing reds and yellows 
 burned at their bases like huge fairy fires. The 
 clouds were delicate tints of pink and coral upon 
 the softer white and grey. The tiny ripples over 
 the broad expanse of water were an ever-chang- 
 ing kaleidoscope, first a tender, blue sapphire, 
 then an immense emerald, now an opal with its 
 evasive colors beautifully blended. Soon the 
 sun, like a great ball of rusted brass, slid down 
 behind the mighty hills, leaving but the glowing 
 embers of a smoldering day. Softly the vermil- 
 lion changed into lavender, deepened into purple 
 and fell into charred umber. All the western 
 sky was but a blackened, cheerless grate, and an- 
 other day vanished into ashes and oblivion. 
 
 "Was it not beautiful?" said the little watch- 
 er, as she looked into the soft, brown eyes of her 
 
 211 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 companion. "Don't you feel glad that you live 
 here where everything is so beautiful?" 
 
 "Yes, dearie I want to stay here here 
 near the mountains, always!" And the child 
 brushed away Bess' tears, wondering why she 
 should cry. 
 
 Oh ! the reluctance with which good-byes were 
 said the next morning as camp was broken up 
 and all departed for home. Plans for next year 
 were already projected and promises half made 
 to come again. But who could know where all 
 would be when again the autumn leaf should fall 
 and the whir of wings should call? 
 
 212 
 
CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 WHY A CHEEK BLANCHES 
 
 Mrs. West had been watching the road for 
 nearly an hour, each moment expecting Bess to 
 come. The man had started after the girl early 
 in the morning, and she was impatient for their 
 arrival. At last her anxiety was relieved as she 
 caught a glimpse of Mauchacho hurrying toward 
 home. She clasped the girl in a loving embrace 
 and told her how long the time had been and 
 how lonely she had felt. 
 
 "I am never going to let you go away again, 
 my dear; I cannot be happy without you!" 
 
 "I'm going to to a be married next 
 month!" came like a thunderbolt from a clear 
 sky. Bess slowly continued to draw off her rid- 
 ing gloves, then to unfasten her sombrero, and 
 flung them upon the steps where she stood. She 
 ran her fingers through her hair, pushing it back 
 from her face, glancing at the same time at the 
 "little Mother," whose silence became alarming. 
 The woman's face grew white, and her eyes 
 dimmed by a thin film. 
 
 "Next month Mr. Davis he will take me 
 awav continued Bess, disconnectedly. Then 
 pulling herself together she told Mrs. West of 
 Mr. Davis' visit ; how he had implored her to end 
 
 213 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 his unhappiness ; that he could not go away with- 
 out her. 
 
 "I thought it all over as I came riding home. 
 James will not always care to be tied down by 
 an 'old maid' sister, as I realize that before very 
 long he and Berenice Morton will be married; 
 and while I know that their home would gladly 
 be shared with me, still I could not forever be 
 an encumbrance. You little Mother the only 
 mother I have ever known I would gladly stay 
 near you always. But he needs me, too I have 
 made him care for me, and now can I honestly, 
 honorably, destroy his happiness, or perhaps his 
 life?" 
 
 Mrs. West listened closely to the serious dec- 
 laration, then lifting the lovely face with both 
 her hands, she questioned: "Do you love him, 
 Bess?" 
 
 For an instant the eyelids quavered, then 
 with hesitation Bess replied: "How can I know? 
 He fills me with a strange excitement. It must 
 be love! I do not know." 
 
 "Well, my dear I pray you may be happy. 
 He must convince you that you do love him, that 
 you understand the new and subtle voice in your 
 heart." 
 
 "Yes yes " came from the girl's lips in an 
 abstracted tone, while her soft brown eyes sought 
 something in far-off space. She did not hear 
 when Mrs. West again addressed her, and gave 
 a sudden start as one awakened abruptly from 
 
 214 
 
WHY A CHEEK BLANCHES 
 
 slumber when the white-haired woman touched 
 her tenderly. 
 
 "You did not hear what I told you, dear; I 
 said that I also had a surprise for you. See! 
 Here it is," as she held up a yellow envelope. "It 
 is a message from your friend, Miss Morton. 
 Fearing it contained some very important news, 
 I took the liberty to read it in case I should need 
 to send a messenger after you to the camp. It 
 came two days ago." 
 
 Bess read the telegram eagerly. "Oh, joy! 
 Then she should reach here tomorrow ! I wonder 
 if I can ever wait so long !" 
 
 How she flew about during the early after- 
 noon hours, making preparations for her friend's 
 reception ! Her dainty room, all fresh and clean, 
 was at last given the finishing touches, and she 
 stood back near the doorway with her pretty 
 head perked on one side, like a saucy wren's, and 
 her hands folded tightly together behind her. A 
 critical eye scanned every article in the room, 
 and as it swept the mirror it caught sight of a 
 very flushed face with a frame of soft, brown 
 hair that had rebelled at longer being confined 
 beneath the little white dust cap. An involun- 
 tary laugh escaped from the girl's lips as she saw 
 the disheveled reflection, but almost instantly 
 her merry countenance changed to an expression 
 of seriousness, as she suddenly remembered that 
 she had promised to give Dave Davis his answer 
 today. Even then she heard some one approach, 
 
 215 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 and running to the open window she looked 
 through the curtain to see who the visitor was. 
 
 "Oh! but he is splendid I never saw before 
 how tall and great he really is! How red his 
 cheeks are today; how brown his eyes are! Oh! 
 I never noticed before that he had such lovely 
 hair and feet and " ran tumultuously 
 through her mind. She was looking at her lover 
 through different glasses now, and saw with 
 other eyes than before. 
 
 "Yes, little Mother," she called hastily, in re- 
 sponse to a gentle tap at her door, "please say 
 that I shall be down presently." 
 
 Would her hair never go up properly? Such 
 thumbs for fingers! Where on earth were her 
 shoes? Everything else was out of place ! 
 
 "I will put on my 'dear' little dress," she 
 thought, as she drew from its corner her treas- 
 ure. Pale yellow crepe, soft, silken, creepy, with 
 knots and loops of brilliant orange-colored vel- 
 vet. In her hair she fastened a tiny golden but- 
 terfly, whose gauzy wings swayed with her every 
 movement. Tiny golden slippers peeped from 
 beneath her gown, and amber beads gleamed 
 through the folds of lace about her throat. How 
 the gown recalled the only time she had worn it, 
 one night at a musicale when she had sung Nev- 
 in's Mon Desir. 
 
 "I think that my riding togs feel more com- 
 fortable, after all," she thought, as she surveyed 
 herself once more in the long mirror, before going 
 into the library. 
 
 216 
 
WHY A CHEEK BLANCHES 
 
 Her silken petticoats rustled and swished as 
 she descended the stairs, as if they fain would 
 silence the beatings of her heart. She halted for 
 a moment before the half-open door, nervously 
 wiping her lips with a dainty handkerchief. Then 
 she stepped calmly into the room. 
 
 Davis arose and started eagerly forward, but 
 stopped abruptly as he beheld the delightful pic- 
 ture which she made. Neither spoke for an in- 
 stant, as each gazed directly into luminous 
 brown eyes. 
 
 With an effort, as she again brushed the bit 
 of lace across her lips, Bess spoke: "I have de- 
 cided, Mr. Davis. My answer is yes !" 
 
 How long he held her in passionate embrace, 
 how fervently he rained caresses upon her eyes, 
 her mouth, her hair, Bess did not know. In- 
 stead, she wondered if the butterfly in her hair 
 would suddenly become animate and fly away, 
 so persistently did it flutter its gauzy wings. She, 
 heard the rustle of the silken crepe of her gown 
 under the pressure of his arm. She felt the am- 
 ber beads trickle down her shoulders and strike 
 with soft patter on the rug, as they became re- 
 leased as if scissors had snapped their cord. Un- 
 consciously she stooped to pick them up, but the 
 man held her fast. 
 
 "Oh please !" she cried. Summoning all 
 her strength she wrested herself free, her heart 
 beating wildly. 
 
 "Forgive me, dear I could devour you ! You 
 were never so beautiful, so lovable before! I'm 
 
 217 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 sorry to have frightened you/' said Davis, his 
 voice scarcely audible in its emotion. 
 
 "Bess/' he began more calmly, "I dare not tell 
 myself how happy you have made me. To think 
 that you are really mine mine! To know that 
 I may take you away from here, this dreadful 
 country with its sordid conditions, its Indians. 
 To feel that you have given me the right to place 
 you in a realm where you may be the queen that 
 you are!" 
 
 Taking her gently by the hand he led her to a 
 seat and then began telling her his plans. He 
 said that no preparations need be made as to 
 trousseau, as everything could be procured after 
 they had reached New York, as she objected to 
 being married so soon. Rather reluctantly he 
 consented to her wish to be married here at HW 
 ranch and by Father Damien of St. Ignatius 
 Mission. It should be very quiet with no guests 
 present. 
 
 "I shall have a bridesmaid, however," said 
 Bess. "I have just received word that my dear- 
 est friend will be here tomorrow Berenice Mor- 
 ton." 
 
 "Mor ton did you say Morton?" asked 
 Mr. Davis, in a strange voice. 
 
 "Have I never told you of her?" added Bess, 
 apparently unnoticing any embarrassment. "We 
 were at the convent school together, and just the 
 greatest of chums! I have not seen her since 
 then, and now I can scarcely wait until she ar- 
 rives. She wrote me that her visit could be only 
 
 218 
 
WHY A CHEEK BLANCHES 
 
 three weeks, but I am sure that she can be 
 prevailed upon to be my bridesmaid, and then 
 she could return with me with us as far as 
 New York. Where is her home, did you ask? 
 She, with her father and an invalid sister, have 
 been spending the past few months in the moun- 
 tains in New Hampshire. I do not know whether 
 they will return to their home near Boston or 
 not. You see so many many heartaches 
 were " Bess could not finish her sentence. The 
 swift rush of tears choked her voice as the flood 
 of memory swept over her. 
 
 Twice did Mr. Davis attempt to speak before 
 he felt he had assumed control of his voice. It 
 was not pity, nor sympathy, however, which 
 stirred his soul. It was fear fear lest she 
 should detect his confusion ; fear lest her friend 
 should prove to be the same girl whom he had 
 met only once before five years before. But 
 then, if she were the same, he had changed so 
 greatly that surely she would not remember him. 
 An invalid sister ! Could it be possible that after 
 all she she was still living! Surely, she had 
 died he was positive! Perhaps there had been 
 a third sister there must have been; still . . . 
 
 "What are you thinking of so seriously?" 
 asked Bess, as his prolonged silence made her 
 turn from the window. 
 
 "I was thinking, my dear, of how of what I 
 have to tell you. I have received word from 
 Washington to come there at once. Undoubtedly 
 it is business concerning my resignation, 
 
 219 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 which I recently submitted. I fear it may keep 
 me from you for several weeks, and that my re- 
 turn may be impossible before the tenth of Oc- 
 tober." 
 
 "Oh! you need not mind. I am sure that 
 Berenice and I shall be able to enjoy ourselves," 
 said Bess, carelessly. If he felt any chagrin at 
 her indifference he did not exhibit it when he 
 bade her good-bye. As the man remounted his 
 horse and rode away he did not see the interested 
 pair of eyes watching him through the curtains. 
 
 As much as he dreaded being parted from his 
 love for several endless weeks, still he felt thank- 
 ful that he would not be obliged to meet Berenice 
 Morton until shortly before the wedding, as 
 there might be a possibility of his being recog- 
 nized, and should such be the case he feared the 
 consequences. As it was, he was taking a long 
 chance, and unless something unforeseen should 
 occur he must face the inevitable meeting. 
 
 "Ah," he thought, "why not, after I am gone, 
 try to persuade her to come to me? I can easily 
 find some excuse which will make her coming to 
 me imperative!" 
 
 As he hastened on he already tried to formu- 
 late some plan whereby his return would be un- 
 necessary, and consequently an embarrassing 
 meeting might be eliminated. 
 
 220 
 
CHAPTER XXV 
 
 BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 "Stand over there, Berenice, and let me look 
 at you all I want," said Bess, as she and her 
 friend entered the living room. 
 
 Mrs. West, after the return from Poison, 
 where she and Bess had gone together to meet 
 their visitor, had slipped quietly away that the 
 two young women might be alone during the first 
 moments. 
 
 Berenice Morton did as requested and walked 
 to the far end of the room. Bess clasped her 
 hands across her breast as she feasted her eyes 
 upon her friend. Tall, even taller than Bess her- 
 self, and graceful as a swaying reed, she moved 
 with sweet dignity. As she turned about her 
 large, grey eyes, with their dark lashes, her rosy 
 cheeks, aflame with a new excitement, her lips 
 curved in a sweet smile, made a picture, set in a 
 frame of burnished light hair. 
 
 "Well Bess, dear, isn't this enough?" laugh- 
 ingly questioned Berenice, when she felt Bess had 
 inspected her sufficiently. 
 
 "How your glasses change your looks ! They 
 make you seem so dignified that I really wonder 
 if you are the same girl that used to help me play 
 some of those dreadful pranks. Your hair, which 
 you always declared was just like mine, is ever so 
 
 221 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 much lighter, and dear me ! so much 'kinkier.' 
 Oh ! If I only were g-r-a-n-d like you !" 
 
 "If I were only s-w-e-e-t like you!" replied 
 Miss Morton, as again they embraced each other. 
 
 "Berenice, of course, I have ten million things 
 to tell you, three of 'whom' are very important. 
 But first you must get freshened up and rested. 
 Then, after luncheon, I'll take you to my den 
 'way off along the lake, where no one dares to go 
 'ceptin' me," she said, in a low, sepulchral tone, 
 which might make one surmise all kinds of ter- 
 rible things. 
 
 "Bess ! don't take me if there is any danger of 
 mountain lions, or bears, or or Indians. 
 Father made me promise to come back with my 
 hair all on and with my body intact," Berenice 
 tried to say seriously, but her sparkling eyes be- 
 lied her. 
 
 "How about your heart, Miss Lady? Did he 
 warn you about that also?" laughed Bess, as she 
 linked her arm through her friend's and led her 
 upstairs into her room. 
 
 "How perfectly dear, Bess ! No wonder you 
 have been so happy and contented here !" 
 
 "Do look at those wonderful mountains, that 
 great expanse of water, those towering trees, that 
 oh! everything!" ejaculated the stranger, as 
 she gazed out of the opened window. "Isn't it 
 magnificent?" 
 
 "Now, do you wonder at all the ravings my 
 letters contained, Berenice?" 
 
 222 
 
BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 "No, I do not, and I do not wonder that you 
 wrote that yon could stay here always." 
 
 "Always !" thought Bess, "always." And yet 
 soon would she leave this sublime beauty, and she 
 could feast her heart only upon its memory. 
 Could she make the sacrifice? 
 
 Bess left her friend and hastened to the din- 
 ing room to be of assistance there. She cau- 
 tioned Mrs. West against saying anything at all 
 concerning Mr. Davis, until she might announce 
 her engagement to Miss Morton. 
 
 How deeply Mrs. West and Bess regretted 
 that the "boys" would not reach home until to- 
 morrow. 
 
 "And yet," said Bess, "I am glad to get a 
 chance for a word or two before James comes." 
 
 A bunch of rose-berries, large and scarlet, in- 
 termingled with the white berries on stems of 
 buck-bush, graced the center of the table, while 
 at each plate lay a shining spray of Oregon grape 
 leaves. 
 
 After the simple meal was finished the girls 
 arose to leave the room. Berenice reached to 
 pluck some of the rose-berries for her hair, when 
 she abruptly gathered Mrs. West into her arms. 
 She put her cheek against the soft, white hair 
 and kissed her. Then, looking into the woman's 
 dark eyes: "My dear mother's hair was like 
 this," she said, stroking it gently. "Bess tried to 
 tell me in her letters of her 'little Mother,' but 
 she failed. You are dear more dear than one 
 can say, or tell, or even feel." 
 
 223 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Mrs. West's only reply to this unexpected 
 declaration from the dignified stranger was a' 
 firm pressure of the girl's hands. She watched 
 the pair as they descended the steps and wan- 
 dered off toward the lake shore, where she knew 
 Bess sought her favorite retreat. 
 
 On and on they walked until at length they 
 came to an abrupt rise in the ground. Bess led 
 the way around the rocks to a huge boulder, soft- 
 ened by mosses and lichens, projecting far out 
 from its supporting rocks. They bent their heads 
 as they entered the partial enclosure, and were 
 soon seated upon large, smooth blocks which had 
 been sawed from a huge pine log. One had been 
 utilized for a table, upon which lay several worn 
 magazines. A thick carpet of pine needles which 
 Bess had gathered and strewn in her den covered 
 the floor. The opening was directly toward the 
 lake, whose waters were now splashing with 
 whitened foam upon the rocky shore. 
 
 "There isn't this a 'really' den? When I kill 
 a bear and a mountain lion I shall place the skins 
 in here; and the antlers from a buck shall be 
 hung above the door." 
 
 "What a splendid place to come and dream !" 
 
 "Yes," answered Bess. "Henry West helped 
 me to make the chairs, or rather the seats. It 
 was warm work pulling on the big saw, but so 
 competent did I prove that he offered to let me 
 saw the winter's supply of wood," she laughed 
 softly. 
 
 Wrapping a blanket about herself and choos- 
 224 
 
BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 ing a comfortable seat, Berenice Morton sat anx- 
 iously waiting for Bess to begin relating the 
 million important themes, but especially "the 
 first three of whom." 
 
 For several moments Bess gazed intently over 
 the lake, huddled snugly in the folds of her blan- 
 ket. Then, unfastening the beaded belt and with- 
 drawing it from beneath its cover, pulling it 
 slowly through her fingers, she said : "You you 
 will surely like Henry West." 
 
 She paused for a moment, the while deeply 
 thinking; then continued, deliberately: "So 
 generous, thoughtful, kind; so tender with his 
 mother; so human, so different, so" and again 
 her thoughts wandered in search of words fit to 
 express her encomium. 
 
 "Do you care so much for him, dear? More 
 than for anyone else?" asked the interested lis- 
 tener. 
 
 "Oh! I you see, Berenice it was because 
 of this belt, he saved my life," came in an evasive 
 reply. 
 
 Bess felt a wave of color surge over her face, 
 and the blood in her heart began to pound vio- 
 lently as she briefly related the story of her peril- 
 ous adventure and rescue. 
 
 "James and Henry West will reach home some 
 time tomorrow, Berenice. James has tried to 
 appear unconcerned ever since he knew you were 
 coming this fall," she laughed, "and I am in- 
 clined to believe that perhaps Miss Berenice Mor- 
 ton will be just a little de-e-lighted, too, when the 
 
 225 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Bess gave her friend an impul- 
 sive squeeze that made reply an impossibility. 
 
 "Well I've heard of Henry West and also 
 concerning James Fletcher; what, pray, is the 
 third item of interest?" asked Miss Morton, when 
 she had again resumed her comfortable position. 
 
 Bess arose, dropping her blanket near the 
 seat, and walked deliberately outside the opening 
 of her "den." Lifting both her hands to brush her 
 hair from her face, then letting them rest, with 
 fingers intertwined about her head, she turned 
 and looked in at the awaiting listener. 
 
 "On the fifteenth of October I am to be mar- 
 ried to Mr. Dave Davis, the Indian agent of this 
 reservation !" 
 
 Berenice opened her eyes and mouth in wide 
 amazement. Lifting her glasses from her nose 
 and poising them in her fingers, she gazed with 
 astonishment at Bess Fletcher. 
 
 "Bess ! And you never told me a single word 
 of him before!" 
 
 Bess then told her in as few words as possible 
 of her brief courtship and the reason for the 
 hasty marriage; she also outlined her few plans 
 for the wedding, requesting that Berenice write 
 for her father's consent to prolong her visit, that 
 she might assist as bridesmaid. Soon busy 
 tongues were planning details, and by the time 
 the sun's slanting rays lighted up the tiny cavern 
 and warned its occupants of the closing day, 
 every item, each particular, had been planned 
 for the coming nuptials. 
 
 226 
 
BERENICE MORTONS ARRIVAL 
 
 The following day the girls began to watch 
 early for the advent of James and Henry. Once, 
 as they sighted several horsemen, they ran down 
 the road, only to be disappointed. It was late 
 in the afternoon, nearly dinner time, when at last 
 they came, tired and dirty. Berenice wondered 
 what the large, woolly things were over their 
 trousers; why their boots had such high heels; 
 what all the rope and "fixin's" about their sad- 
 dles were used for, as she peered cautiously from 
 the upstairs window. 
 
 When Bess finally saw them returning she 
 tried in vain to persuade Berenice to go with her 
 to meet them, and now she decided that the 
 "boys" should not be told until dinner time of 
 the presence of the guest. 
 
 Henry slipped from his saddle when he saw 
 Bess coming toward them, and lifting his big 
 hat and holding the impatient horse with the 
 other, said: "Let me be first to congratulate 
 you. James " but he was interrupted by James 
 hurrying forward and greeting his sister with, 
 "Congratulations, Sister; met Davis early this 
 morning and he told me all about it." 
 
 West had taken the reins of James' horse and 
 led him on toward the gate. The girl did not see 
 his face pale under the dark skin, nor had she 
 detected any emotion in his voice as he spoke. 
 She felt just a little hurt at his unconcern, for 
 she had thought that he might care. 
 
 The brother, with his arm placed affection- 
 227 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 ately about his sister, listened to her brief plans 
 and heartily approved of them all. 
 
 "I am especially glad, Sister, because I have 
 just made up my mind to return again to my law 
 practice soon. My health seems to be fully re- 
 stored, and while I enjoy this life, still I believe 
 it to be to my greater interest to return East. 
 And then, too, sometime I hope that is per- 
 haps Ber " but he was abruptly interrupted by 
 his sister uttering a sudden oh-h-h ! and hurrying 
 into the house. 
 
 Not long after Mrs. West called "dinner" 
 from the dining room. James and Henry arose 
 from their respective easy chairs, laboriously and 
 stiffly, and slowly sought their places at the ta- 
 ble. Mrs. West also stood behind her chair wait- 
 ing for the occupants of the other places. James 
 thought he heard a suppressed giggle at the door, 
 but did not face about. Henry had just noticed 
 that two places were still vacant, and his slight 
 curiosity was immediately relieved by two very 
 tall, beautiful, smiling women advancing into 
 the room. 
 
 James was about to request his tardy sister 
 to hasten, when, by half turning, he came face to 
 face with Berenice Morton. So completely was 
 he surprised that he could not speak a word. 
 She advanced and held up her hand, which he 
 grasped in both his own as he whispered "Bee !" 
 
 Bess laughingly pulled her aside, and leading 
 her over to the other side of the table waited an 
 instant for Mrs. West to introduce the stranger 
 
 228 
 
BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 to her son. Berenice returned the firm pressure 
 of the man's hand as she smiled frankly into his 
 deep eyes. The tempting viands were being 
 shamefully ignored. One girl was too busy with 
 her merry jests, while another could scarcely an- 
 swer all the interrogatives which were being 
 hurled at her by James. 
 
 Mrs. West wondered at her son's loss of appe- 
 tite and softly asked if he were ill. Sick? Yes! 
 Heart-sick miserably, utterly, hopelessly heart- 
 sick. Ill with the pain that knows no healing 
 with a pain that knows no balm! With an en- 
 forced smile he assured his mother that he was 
 only tired, and made an effort to join in the 
 merry conversation. 
 
 "You two 'boys' must not plan a single thing 
 for the next few weeks, except to 'pack' us girls 
 about. Don't you say so, too, 'little Mother?' 
 laughed Bess, as they arose from the dinner ta- 
 ble. 
 
 "That is, of course, if you can endure me so 
 long, Henry; for you can plainly see by that," 
 pointing to the pair already departing through 
 the doorway, "that I shall need dreadfully to 
 have some one be a little kind to me, also," she 
 added, with sweetly pouting lips. 
 
 His impulse was to reply that he wished he 
 might be kind always, but instead he remarked 
 jocosely: "Perhaps I may manage Bess to 
 'endure' you. I shall gladly help to entertain 
 your friend in any way I may." 
 
 "Come, Henry," said Bess, after she had as- 
 
 229 
 
TEE BRAND 
 
 sisted in clearing the dining table, "Berenice 
 shall play and I will sing for you and for James." 
 
 Song after song was sung music, soft and 
 tender, came from the gentle touch of the girl at 
 the piano. Bright, glowing coals were gleaming 
 in the grate where before were snapping brands. 
 Pale moonlight filtered through the curtains and 
 filled the room with soft, luminous light. Silence 
 settled upon all, and each, unconscious of the 
 others, was deeply absorbed in thought. 
 
 "The place for dreaming is in bed. Come, 
 my children; it is late and growing cold," said 
 Mrs. West. 
 
 What glorious, happy days followed! Sep- 
 tember, with its soft, warm days, each filled with 
 delightful rides and excursions, had given place 
 to opalescent October, that wonderful month 
 with its brilliant colorings, its ever-changing 
 skies and glorious sunsets. Indian summer lin- 
 gered on, day after day, and the fervent sunshine 
 made it difficult to realize that soon flaky snow 
 would be falling, covering each nude limb and 
 rock with a winter blanket. 
 
 Bess Fletcher had managed during the in- 
 terim to complete her wedding gown simple 
 white and severely plain. She had been unusu- 
 ally light-hearted and merry ; still, several times 
 when alone, as she thought how rapidly the day 
 of her wedding was approaching, a spasm of pain 
 had seized her, which fairly made her sick. It 
 was a strange sensation which she could not de- 
 fine; and hoping that she would soon overcome 
 
 230 
 
BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 it, did not mention it to Mrs. West nor to her 
 friend. 
 
 Every day brought ardent letters, and some- 
 times Berenice wondered how Bess could wait so 
 long before reading them. 
 
 But, most of all, Henry West's mother mar- 
 veled at her son's changed manner. He en- 
 tered heartily into all the fun, and even neg- 
 lected a number of affairs about the ranch to ac- 
 company the other three upon some of their long 
 rides. His laugh was frequent and his jesting 
 talk unceasing. Often Bess gazed at him in 
 amazement and tried to solve his strange, new 
 mood. She felt like restraining him sometimes 
 when his merriment seemed almost undignified, 
 and beg of him to be his former self quiet, calm, 
 or even cold. Once she came upon him quite un- 
 awares in the library. He was seated at the ta- 
 ble, his arms thrown out upon it, with his face 
 buried in them. He did not hear her enter, and 
 as she touched his arm he sprang suddenly from 
 his seat, overturning the chair. For an instant 
 his face held its expression of misery, then sud- 
 denly he burst into a loud, grating laugh. Bess 
 was dumb with bewilderment at his peculiar ac- 
 tion. 
 
 "Henry what is the matter? I hate you 
 when you are so unlike yourself ! You have been 
 positively horrid for more than a week ! Do tell 
 me if you are ill, or what I may do to make you 
 behave!" she stormed at him, her eyes flashing 
 with anger and bright spots burning upon each 
 
 231 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 cheek. Suddenly West checked his laugh and 
 passed his hand against his brow as if to stop its 
 pain. He moistened his parched lips and drew 
 deep, long breaths, while glowing, intense eyes 
 pierced the girPs very soul. 
 
 "Bess Bess, I'm sorry. Must be I'm not 
 well," he hesitated, as if to catch his breath. 
 
 Becoming alarmed, Bess started for the door 
 in search of Mrs. West. 
 
 "Stop, Bess do not go I need nothing. 
 There is something something I have wanted 
 to tell you so long ago something " he sank 
 into a chair unnerved. The girl walked softly to 
 his side and placed her hand upon his own. He 
 clutched it with a cruel grasp, then said : "Please 
 go over there I cannot talk if you are so near 
 me!" 
 
 "Go on, Henry," requested the girl, after wait- 
 ing what seemed an interminable length of time. 
 Her heart was wrung with pity, and she could 
 scarcely endure seeing his wretchedness. 
 
 "I I am sorry," he began slowly, as if with 
 an effort to find words, "that you are to marry 
 that man. Bess " rising abruptly and facing 
 her, "I have grave reasons believe me, for hat- 
 ing him as I do. They cannot be told without in- 
 jury to to " but his sentence was interrupted 
 by the sudden entrance of James and Berenice. 
 
 "Well! Here are the two pikers!" chided 
 James. "We have been waiting ages for you !" 
 
 "Henry is not feeling well. Let's stay at 
 home today." 
 
 232 
 
BERENICE MORTON'S ARRIVAL 
 
 James gave his sister a packet of letters 
 which she scanned carelessly. At her brother's 
 request to hurry and see when Davis was coming, 
 she opened his letter. It was very brief. All it 
 contained was a request that their plans be 
 changed and that she come to New York for the 
 wedding, where he would await her. No explana- 
 tions were given for his request. James saw that 
 the news contained in the letter was displeasing, 
 and taking it, at her request that he read, saw at 
 a glance what was written. 
 
 "Well, Bess shall you go?" and he briefly an- 
 nounced the contents of the letter to the others. 
 
 "James please send a wire to Mr. Davis that 
 my plans will remain unchanged !" and she swept 
 haughtily from the room. 
 
 "Gee I admire her spunk, don't you, Bee?" 
 said James to the girl, as she hastened after her 
 friend. 
 
 One day, as Bess and Berenice were wander- 
 ing, rather aimlessly among the pines quite near 
 the house, Berenice exclaimed: "Oh! what a 
 novelty 'twould be to have the ceremony out of 
 doors ! Here right here !" 
 
 Her suggestion had reference to a large, flat 
 rock completely overrun with beautiful, creepy 
 kinnikinick, and resting at the base of a large 
 tamarack tree. The small firs made a dark- 
 green background, and entwined about them hung 
 clusters of clematis, now white with downy, 
 smoky balls. 
 
 "Yes it would be pretty. All right, we shall ! 
 233 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Just think, dear, only one day more, and then " 
 
 "Oh, my ! Somehow the time has seemed too 
 short," remarked Bess, and her friend could not 
 fail to hear the sadness which crept into her 
 voice. 
 
 Dave Davis had written that his business had 
 detained him much longer than he had thought, 
 but that he should be able to reach HW ranch 
 on the fourteenth. However, on the morrow 
 came a messenger with a letter from Mr. Davis, 
 stating that he could not possibly reach the 
 ranch before the day of the wedding, and that 
 nothing, nothing on earth should prevent his be- 
 ing there in ample time. 
 
 "I shall explain in detail as soon as I see 
 you, dear," the message ran, "and cannot express 
 how the enforced delay has hurt me." 
 
 "Dear me, Bess; I had hoped to know him 
 intimately before 'the day,' " said Berenice, truly 
 regretful. 
 
 If Bess felt any displeasure or annoyance 
 her manner nor her reply did not betray it. Her 
 greater concern, seemingly, was whether or no 
 Henry West would be home in time to attend 
 the ceremony. Two days before he had received 
 word from a distant part of the range that some 
 trouble among the stock demanded his immedi- 
 ate attention. As he hastily bade her good-bye, 
 he said he hoped to be back on the fifteenth, or 
 at least in time to say good-bye before she and 
 Berenice should take their departure. 
 
 234 
 
CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 A WEDDING DAY 
 
 At last the morning dawned. Berenice Mor- 
 ton sprang out of bed and hastened to scan the 
 sky. Eoseate beauty, softened by a line of tinted 
 clouds, gladdened all the east. The rugged out- 
 line of the mountains lay clear-cut against the 
 flaming sky. The sun heralded the new-born day 
 with wondrous grandeur. The entranced spec- 
 tator turned with an exclamation of joy, but 
 discovered that Bess was still in profound sleep. 
 She took a step forward to awaken her, but re- 
 frained, as she thought how worn out the girl 
 must be after all the strenuous labor of decorat- 
 ing the rooms the day before. 
 
 So soundly had she herself slept that she did 
 not know that Bess had not closed her eyes until 
 dawn. All through the night her mind ran from 
 one thing to another. Once she was seized by 
 the same pain, grown so frequent of late, which 
 filled her with fear, but fear for what she could 
 not analyze. 
 
 Berenice quietly drew the shades and, hastily 
 dressing, left the room. Mrs. West also thought 
 it wise to let the sleeper rest as long as she 
 could, that she might be able to meet the strain 
 of the day. At the first stir she heard, Berenice 
 ran upstairs with a dainty breakfast. It was 
 
 235 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 late, dreadfully so nine o'clock, Bess noticed, 
 as she stretched and yawned with no apparent 
 concern. 
 
 "Come, Old Sleepy ! You better hurry, or 
 Mr. Davis will have to be entertained by me 
 when he arrives!" 
 
 "Berenice, please find James and tell him 
 that he must receive and entertain a Mr. Da- 
 vis, as I shall be too busy getting into my 'gorde- 
 ous' robes, as 'Peter Pan' would say," said Bess, 
 half jestingly, as she began to make her toilet. 
 "Hurry back, dear, as I cannot dress without 
 you," she called from the banister as Berenice 
 ran down the steps. 
 
 Presently Mrs. West came into the girl's 
 room with the announcement that everything 
 was ready, the luncheon table, the salad, the 
 dessert, everything. Father Damien had come 
 an hour ago and was resting in the library. 
 
 "Now, all we are waiting for is the bride- 
 groom and the hour of noon," laughed Mrs. 
 West, as she took Bess into her motherly arms 
 and held her tightly for a moment. 
 
 Bess snuggled close and said, with half a 
 sigh, "Oh h little Mother; I half wish he 
 would not come ! I am afraid, I dread assuming 
 this awful responsibility!" 
 
 "Why child how strangely you talk! 
 Surely, you are not in earnest!" 
 
 "I have had the strangest feeling in regard to 
 to my going away ever since I promised to go. 
 
 236 
 
A WEDDING DAY 
 
 I cannot bear to leave you my home, this hap- 
 piness, these hills all " The girl buried her 
 face against the woman's neck and burst into 
 tears. 
 
 "Bess, dear, no more tears today. Here comes 
 Berenice; don't let her see!" 
 
 But the eyes were not dried quickly enough, 
 for as Berenice came hurrying into the room she 
 exclaimed: "So you're like all the other brides; 
 they all have to have a weep, I'm told," and she 
 gave Bess a vigorous shake as she continued: 
 "Cheer up, dearie for 'behold, the bridegroom 
 co-om-eth.' " She sang the familiar air in closing 
 her adjuration. 
 
 Berenice hastened about, putting on the last 
 few touches, and then quickly made her own 
 toilet. 
 
 "How are you impressed with my 'man'?" 
 asked Bess. 
 
 "James did not give me an opportunity to see 
 him, but hurried him off to make his own 'gorde- 
 ous' toilet. We shall have to wait now until you 
 are Mr. and Mrs. Davis." 
 
 "Oh!" came from Bess' lips in a startled 
 breath, as again she felt a sharp pain at her 
 heart. 
 
 James had been instructed that exactly at 
 twelve o'clock he, with Mr. Davis, should pro- 
 ceed to the tree and wait for Bess and her 
 bridesmaid there at the rock. Mrs. West had 
 watched until the last moment for her son's re- 
 turn, but he had not come, although one of the 
 
 237 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 cowboys said he thought he had seen hiin early 
 in the morning. She decided it must have been 
 one of the other men passing through the yards. 
 
 Bess heard the stroke of twelve, then she lis- 
 tened until the two men had passed down the 
 steps. Mrs. West, dressed in soft white, met the 
 two young women as they reached the foot of the 
 stairs. 
 
 Berenice wore a pale pink gown and carried 
 a bunch of autumn leaves and flowers. The sim- 
 ple dress which Bess wore made her look more 
 girlish than ever. About her soft, brown hair 
 was entwined the waxen leaves of the kinnik- 
 inick with its scarlet drops, while long, tendril 
 branches of the same were fastened from her 
 shoulder to her waist. Somehow it seemed more 
 fitting for an autumn bride than June roses, and 
 Bess had insisted upon wearing the kinnikinick 
 in preference to anything else. Half in earnest, 
 she said she wished she might also wear her 
 "precious" beaded belt! As she stopped a mo- 
 ment before going out of doors, Mrs. West kissed 
 her tenderly and gave her hand a pressure of 
 love and strength, then led the way to where the 
 others, together with Father Damien, stood 
 waiting. 
 
 "The birds are the orchestra ! See that beau- 
 tiful leaf ! Hear that saucy squirrel !" said Bess, 
 disconnectedly, as she walked slowly forward, 
 clinging to her friend's arm. 
 
 Berenice's attention was fixed in wonderment 
 upon several Indians with squaws standing 
 
 238 
 
A WEDDING DAY 
 
 about among the trees. They had heard of the 
 agent's prospective marriage and decided to at- 
 tend, in hopes of receiving some of the "muck-a- 
 muck" and participating in the "big eat." 
 
 As Bess lifted her eyes to Dave Davis' face 
 when she took his extended hand and was assist- 
 ed upon the broad surface of the rock, she won- 
 dered at the deep love it revealed. 
 
 "It has been so very long, dear," he whis- 
 pered, as his lips brushed her hair. 
 
 The priest had opened his prayer book, and, 
 waiting an instant for the pair to face about, be- 
 gan : "In nomine patris, et filii, et " 
 
 A smothered cry came from Bess' lips the 
 next moment, as she looked at the face of Beren- 
 ice Morton. The visitor was still clinging to the 
 hand James had given her to lead her to her 
 position near Bess. Great veins throbbed at her 
 temples, her mouth was opened wide, while hor- 
 ror-stricken eyes stared directly at Dave Davis. 
 Mrs. West sprang quickly to the girl's side and 
 assisted James in supporting her quavering 
 form. 
 
 "Go on !" commanded Davis to the disturbed 
 priest, with asperity. 
 
 "Wait!" came the countermand from a reso- 
 lute voice by his side. 
 
 With supreme effort Berenice Morton 
 straightened to her full height, flung her arm, 
 with wide extended fingers, directly at the scar- 
 let, angry face of Dave Davis. For a single 
 
 239 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 brief instant there was an awful silence. All 
 seemed suddenly turned into insensible stone! 
 
 "You Dayton Davies! My own sister's be- 
 trayer!" came in a shriek. 
 
 Suddenly an ashen grey spread over the ac- 
 cused man's countenance, while Bess Fletcher, 
 as the dreadful denouement forced itself into 
 her soul, reeled back against the tree. 
 
 As she clutched at her heart the scarlet ber- 
 ries of the kinnikinick squeezed through her 
 fingers, like huge drops of bright blood. Her 
 face was as white as her gown; her lips were 
 rigid and pale. She saw, with impassive con- 
 cern, Berenice's fainting form supported by 
 James and Mrs. West, placed upon the carpet 
 of pine needles. It had been scarcely a moment 
 since the terrible words had stunned them all, 
 and yet it seemed hours. 
 
 "A mistake, Father Damien, continue!" said 
 Davis, with a voice hoarse with anger. 
 
 Bess raised her hand with a forbidding ges- 
 ture, and the priest, seeing the look of determin- 
 ation upon the girl's face, needed no words to 
 tell him that his services were not needed. 
 
 He softly closed his book and moved silently 
 away. 
 
 Dave Davis stepped doggedly from the rock 
 and turned with parted lips. 
 
 "Go go now !" cried Bess. "Atone, if you 
 can, for that other woman's living death! Re- 
 store, if you can, her loved ones' broken hearts ! 
 
 240 
 
A WEDDING DAY 
 
 Recall from that grave out yonder the victim of 
 your perfidy! Smile, too if you will, at how 
 nearly " but her throat closed convulsively. 
 
 As soon as he had placed Berenice Morton 
 on the ground, with Mrs. West administering to 
 her, James rose to come to his sister's aid. He 
 was held spellbound by her tragic attitude, until 
 the storm of censure which she hurled at the 
 passive man had spent its fury. Springing to 
 the rock he placed a protecting arm about his 
 sister. In a flash he had divined the reason of 
 Henry West's bitter enmity, and wondered how 
 he had refrained from shooting the betrayer of 
 girls. 
 
 Dave Davis tried in vain again to speak, but 
 at the first words he uttered he was silenced by 
 James saying hotly: 
 
 "You better go quickly before I before 
 Henry West returns or take the consequences !" 
 
 "Tell that Indian for me, please," Davis 
 sneered, as he turned to leave, "that this is his 
 doing ; that the score shall not remain unsettled 
 -long!" 
 
 Without even glancing again at Bess, he 
 strode forward and motioned to one of the per- 
 plexed Indians, who, after a few brief instruc- 
 tions, hastened toward the stables. 
 
 Bess aided Mrs. West and James in resusci- 
 tating the unconscious girl, and by the time she 
 could walk and was removed to the house, all 
 sign of Dave Davis had vanished. 
 
 241 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 Leaving James with her friend, Bess hurried 
 up to her room, where no one might witness her 
 uncontrollable passion. Not a tear came to 
 moisten her burning eyes, not a sob to stifle the 
 pounding blood at her temples. For several mo- 
 ments she paced rapidly back and forth, her 
 hands shut tight, her nostrils wide with heavy 
 breathing; then, falling upon her knees beside 
 the bed, she buried her face in her arms. 
 
 Mrs. West cautiously opened the door and 
 was about to enter to comfort the girl, when she 
 paused as the words of a prayer faintly reached 
 her : "Oh ! My God, I thank Thee for preserving 
 me this day from danger worse than death! 
 Grant peace to those tender souls who guarded 
 me from a fate like their own. Keep me always 
 near Thee; help me to solace those who suffer." 
 She did not enter the room, for she knew the 
 Great Comforter was there before her. 
 
 It was fully an hour when those in the living- 
 room heard Bess descending the stairs. James 
 hurried anxiously forward as she entered the 
 room dressed for riding. 
 
 "There James, please do not look so. See! 
 I even I am smiling! I do not need sympa- 
 thy I want congratulations. Think how much 
 worse it might have been ! Will you get Mau- 
 chacho for me, please? Do you mind, Bee, if I 
 go for a ride? Please, little Mother, do not grow 
 anxious, for I shall not return until I am feeling 
 feeling rested. No, I am not hungry I could 
 not eat," she added, in response to Mrs. West's 
 
 242 
 
A WEDDING DAT 
 
 request that she first partake of luncheon. Press- 
 ing her lips to the still pallid brow on the pillow, 
 and holding Mrs. West in her arms as she kissed 
 her, she hastened out of the house. Presently 
 James brought her horse and watched her silent- 
 ly as she rode out of sight toward the north, and 
 as he turned with a sigh to re-enter the house he 
 thought : "I wish I had as much of the Fletcher 
 grit as she has." 
 
 243 
 
CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 "i AM BUT AN INDIAN" 
 
 Mauchacho was permitted to choose his own 
 trail and pace. His rider did not notice when he 
 stopped to nibble at some tempting grass, or 
 stretched his neck for a few remaining green 
 leaves. 
 
 A loud neigh startled the girl from her leth- 
 argy, and she discovered a saddled horse stand- 
 ing near the entrance to her "den." At first she 
 felt a slight alarm, then saw that it was one of 
 the ranch horses. Dismounting, and leaving her 
 horse with trailing reins, she hurried to learn 
 the cause of the empty saddle. A cry escaped 
 her, as directly at the opening of the tiny cavern 
 she came face to face with Henry West. 
 
 At first she scarcely believed it was he, so 
 changed did he seem. His straight, black hair 
 was in matted disorder; great seams lined his 
 brow and chin; the erstwhile white silken shirt 
 lay torn back from his throat, soiled and be- 
 grimed; his sombrero, twisted into a shapeless 
 mass, was clutched in his hands, while the great, 
 black, shaggy "chapps" made him seem like some 
 formidable creature. 
 
 He stared at Bess benumbed and uncompre- 
 hending. Why was she here? Why had she not 
 gone with him whom she had wedded? Was it a 
 
 244 
 
"I AM BUT AN INDIAN" 
 
 ghost come to bring still greater agony? Slowly 
 stretching forth his hand, fearful lest the appar- 
 ition should vanish, he felt it grasped eagerly by 
 one pulsating with warm, pulsing life. She lift- 
 ed her eyes to his with an assuring gaze as she 
 spoke : 
 
 "It is really I Bess Fletcher! I have been 
 saved from ignominy by Grace Morton's living 
 death by the broken heart of Helen West." 
 
 "You knew!" gasped Henry West, stepping 
 back abruptly. 
 
 "How could I have known? Fate, at an al- 
 most fatal moment, disclosed the perfidy which 
 you had so cowardly concealed." 
 
 "Yes, a coward a damned coward, who 
 could not tell of his only sister's dishonor to save 
 you even you, from a life of misery! Since 
 early dawn have I fought here for the courage 
 to go to you, to tell you, but I dared not ; had I 
 seen that that dog again, he would have been 
 killed," came in a frenzied outburst, as Henry 
 clasped his hand over his holster. "This same 
 bullet has been waiting for nearly two years," 
 he said, as he withdrew the gun and held it in 
 his palm. 
 
 Bess reached out her hand. Taking the 
 treacherous weapon and emptying the chambers, 
 she gave it back to West. "There, Henry, you 
 will not need it now ; he has gone." 
 
 "Gone! Yes, I was told yesterday that his 
 resignation was not voluntary; another man is 
 already at the agency to fill the position." 
 
 245 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 "Where are you going alone?" asked Henry 
 West, as the girl remounted and turned Mau- 
 chacho's head toward the rugged north shore of 
 the lake. 
 
 "Where my horse may take me. Your mother 
 is looking for you at home," answered Miss 
 Fletcher, in a hard voice, as she bent her head 
 beneath the branches of a small pine and rode 
 away. 
 
 West stood watching her as she now and 
 again came into view from behind a clump of 
 bushes or around some jagged rocks, trying to 
 clear the mist from his brain and eyes, and as- 
 suring himself that she was not an hallucination. 
 At length he took the reins from the ground and 
 led his horse back to the ranch. No one saw him 
 enter the house nor go to his room; and when 
 he joined the others late in the afternoon no one 
 dreamed that the tall, dark man, so immacu- 
 lately dressed, so calm and quiet, had a moment 
 of anguish. 
 
 James was seated near the couch when Henry 
 West entered the room. He arose quickly, words 
 of explanation ready upon his lips, but he was 
 silenced by a gently upraised hand. Mrs. West 
 had also hastened to her son's side with a glad 
 smile of welcome upon her face. 
 
 Placing his arm tenderly about her, West 
 said: "James I know. I saw Bess with her 
 horse riding " and he swept his hand toward 
 the northward as he bent and kissed the soft, 
 white head against his shoulder. The mother 
 
 246 
 
"I AM BUT AN INDIAN" 
 
 felt the tremor in his voice and the quiver in his 
 heart, and she knew then the secret which his 
 soul could no longer conceal. This was a trag- 
 edy! Her son, with the blood of red-skinned 
 warriors in his veins, loved loved hopelessly! 
 She dared not lift her face from the shelter of 
 his breast. Seeing that his mother was con- 
 cerned, he led her gently into her room. Here 
 she told him the details of the affair, and when 
 she had finished he knew that she was still ignor- 
 ant of the true cause of her daughter's death. 
 
 A great sigh of relief escaped him. He could 
 not bear that the trusting mother should now, 
 after the sharp edge of her grief had been dulled, 
 have her heart break anew. 
 
 "James was saying just before you came, 
 Henry, that he should take Bess back to New 
 York with him. He thinks possibly they will be 
 ready to go when Miss Morton leaves. Oh! it 
 seems as if I cannot have her go, Henry ! She 
 has grown into my life so fully that if she goes 
 away it will be like pulling out my heart !" 
 
 "I think, mother I I feel that it is the 
 only thing for her to do. I cannot persuade 
 James to remain, even as half owner of the HW 
 ranch and stock. Perhaps we may go away, too, 
 mother, away from here; away from these 
 hills, these scenes ; away from the West and our 
 people. Mother mother !" he cried, "the sun 
 will no longer bring the daylight and warmth 
 when she is gone !" 
 
 For several moments neither said a word, so 
 247 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 overwhelmed was each with hopelessness. Then 
 a gentle touch upon the arm caused Henry West 
 to lift his face and reply to the question which 
 his mother scarcely breathed loud enough for 
 him to hear. 
 
 "Have I told her of my love?" He repeated 
 her question. "I could not. Now I am only sad 
 with longing; I am not crushed with cruel cer- 
 tainty. I am but an Indian insensible to 
 love, incapable of feeling; unfit for any place; 
 disqualified, alone! An Indian!" 
 
 Never before had she heard such bitter words 
 from her son. Tears filled her eyes. 
 
 "Forgive me, my mother!" came in a voice 
 full of tenderness and love. 
 
 The sun had set, leaving a crimson glow on 
 the hills, which swiftly faded into the early 
 gloom. James, hearing a horse, hurried to as- 
 sist his sister, but met instead a man who had 
 brought a message for Berenice Morton. She 
 tore the envelope open hastily and read its con- 
 tents at a glance. 
 
 "My sister is dead," she said in a whisper, 
 with a face even more pale than it had been dur- 
 ing the long afternoon. "I must go at once; my 
 father needs me. If he had only called me soon- 
 er. No no, I am glad he did not for Bess' 
 sake," she added hurriedly. 
 
 Just then Bess came, filling the room with 
 the perfume of fresh air. Her face was still pale 
 and drawn, although she tried to assume an air 
 of serenity. She was immediately apprised of 
 
 248 
 
"I AM BUT AN INDIAN" 
 
 the message, and began at once to plan for her 
 friend's hasty departure. 
 
 Berenice was sent to bed to rest and sleep, 
 while the others packed her trunk and made all 
 the preparations to drive to Selish at midnight. 
 Bess tried to persuade her brother to accompany 
 Miss Morton, as she ought not to go on such a 
 long journey alone. "I will finish your packing 
 and send your trunks later on," she argued when 
 he said he could not leave so suddenly. 
 
 "We planned this afternoon while you were 
 gone to go all at the same time," said James. 
 
 "I do not wish to go now, James. I feel I 
 wish to stay here where it is quiet, to rest." 
 
 At last, when Bess had consented to come 
 very soon, at least as quickly as she should feel 
 herself again, James decided to go on to New 
 York with Berenice Morton. 
 
 249 
 
CHAPTEE XXVIII 
 A WINTER'S VIGIL 
 
 Everything was ready for the long drive 
 shortly after midnight. As Bess stepped out of 
 doors and beheld the glorious moonlight making 
 everything as bright as gold, she wished she were 
 being tucked snugly into the seat beside her 
 friend, that she might enjoy the drive over the 
 hard, smooth road. 
 
 The good-byes had all been said, but Bess 
 climbed up beside Berenice Morton to give her 
 one more farewell kiss, then ran quickly into the 
 house. She flung herself upon the couch and 
 burst into passionate, burning tears, the first 
 which had come to release the tension upon the 
 overwrought nerves. 
 
 Mrs. West sat quietly beside her, soothing 
 her, gently touching her brow and hands. At 
 length the quiet, regular respirations told her 
 that Bess had fallen asleep. She softly folded 
 a blanket about the girl; then, replenishing the 
 fire in the grate, sat down to watch and wait un- 
 til she should awaken. Once, when she could not 
 hear a breath nor see the slight movement of the 
 blanket, she hastily touched the unconscious 
 form. The eyes opened for a moment, then, with 
 a smile upon her lips Bess immediately relapsed 
 into sleep. All night the woman watched, heed- 
 
 250 
 
A WINTER'S VIGIL 
 
 less of the chill creeping upon her, disregardful 
 of her own great weariness. The dawn crept in 
 at the window and peered into her white, care- 
 worn face, pointing a warning finger; then lifted 
 it toward the mountain-tops and behold 'twas 
 morning ! 
 
 With stiffened limbs Mrs. West arose, and 
 leaving a tender kiss upon the girl's hand, turned 
 to leave the room. With the flash of a sun-beam 
 shining into her eyes, Bess sprang to her feet just 
 as Mrs. West reached the door. 
 
 "Little Mother! Is it late? Why! I have 
 not been in bed!" she exclaimed with bewilder- 
 ment, as she saw that she was still dressed. 
 
 "Do not hurry, dear. I I just came in to 
 make a fire, and to to see if you were 
 warm," came with effort, as the woman held onto 
 the door for support. Bess ran quickly to her. 
 
 "Mother Mother, what is it? See! you are 
 cold, you? hands, your face! You have been 
 here with me all night? Oh! why why?" cried 
 Bess, half beside herself. She almost carried 
 Mrs. West across the hall into her room. Quick- 
 ly she disrobed the shaking form and placed it 
 in bed. She worked with all her strength, now 
 hurrying with hot water, now rubbing and chaf- 
 ing the rigid limbs. For hours she labored un- 
 ceasingly, but no relief came to the stricken 
 woman. Mrs. White had been summoned, and 
 together they worked, doing everything within 
 their power and knowledge to relieve the suf- 
 ferer. 
 
 251 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 A physician could not reach the ranch before 
 the next day, and Bess feared that he might then 
 be too late. Oh, if Henry had only sent one of 
 the men to make the drive to Selish instead of in- 
 sisting upon going himself, she thought, as she 
 went to the door at frequent intervals to see if he 
 were coming. 
 
 When he came and saw how ill his mother 
 was, dire forebodings filled his mind. She did 
 not know him as he sat by her side and spoke her 
 name, but kept calling "Helen." Bess would re- 
 spond to the call and at once the woman would 
 be pacified. 
 
 For days Henry West and Bess attended the 
 sick woman, relieving each other, that a few 
 hours' sleep might be snatched. Once when she 
 called her son's name Henry answered eagerly, 
 "I'm near, Mother dear ! Don't you know me?" 
 
 With great effort she lifted her pale, wan 
 hand and gently touched his cheek with her fin- 
 gers. Tears of joy that she knew him rushed to 
 his eyes, but in a moment more she was again 
 calling hopelessly for her son to come. 
 
 Pneumonia, the physician had named the ill- 
 ness. He came often by boat from Kalispell and 
 remained for several hours each time. Bess 
 would not permit her place to be supplanted by a 
 nurse so long as the physician approved of her 
 work. In fact, he told Henry West, that no one 
 could do better nor more than Miss Fletcher. 
 Yet, when he saw that the girl was growing thin 
 and pale, tired from the hard work of nursing, 
 
 252 
 
A WINTER'8 VIGIL 
 
 and worn because of the mental strain, he tried 
 to force her to desist lest she should become ill. 
 With a look of entreaty in her brown eyes and a 
 determined smile upon her firm lips she said that 
 no one could attend a Mother like a daughter. 
 
 When the first snow came late one November 
 day, filling all the land with purity, crowning 
 every rock with softness, clothing each out- 
 stretched limb on pine and fir with a garment of 
 whitest down, there also came a change in the 
 sick-room. Mrs. West had lain in a profound 
 slumber for several hours, and when she awoke 
 her mind was cleared of the mist. She was too 
 weak to move and very faintly came the words, 
 "Henry Bess," as her eyes moved to the two 
 silent watchers on either side of the bed. Oh, the 
 joyous looks of understanding which these two 
 exchanged, to know that after all, their care and 
 watching and waiting had been rewarded ! 
 
 Weeks followed. Mrs. West was propped up 
 against her pillow for a short time on Christmas 
 day, when the Yuletide was marked with decora- 
 tions of beautiful Oregon grape and long sprays 
 of kinnikinick which Bess had dug from beneath 
 the snow and placed artistically in the sick-room. 
 Bess sang, at her request, one of her beautiful 
 songs. Tokens of remembrance came from James 
 and Berenice Morton, which filled the girl with 
 sadness and loneliness. Toward evening, as she 
 went out to refresh herself with a short ride, she 
 discovered a beautiful, new saddle and bridle 
 upon her horse. 
 
 253 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 When at last the long, anxious winter gave 
 place to promising springtime, Mrs. West slowly 
 convalesced from her tedious illness. May came 
 with calling birds, the tender greens, the soft air 
 at noon-day, bringing strength to her each day. 
 Bess, too, was growing rosy cheeked and strong 
 from her long rides in the fresh, pure air. She 
 seemed to be as happy and vivacious as when she 
 had come to HW Eanch a year before. The or- 
 deal of Mrs. West's illness had crowded out her 
 own painful experience and had made her sweet- 
 er, stronger, better than she ever had been before. 
 When bitter moments of remembrance occurred 
 to her she fought out her misery alone, and no 
 other eyes ever saw her pain or knew that the 
 sting was not wholly gone. Once James had 
 written her that he had seen Dave Davis or 
 rather Dayton Davies in New York; that at 
 first he had not recognized him so changed and 
 dissolute was his appearance. 
 
 Now that Mrs. West was fully recovered, Bess 
 had written to her brother that she would soon 
 rejoin him in New York. She had wished first to 
 spend a few days in witnessing the round-up of 
 horses in June. Bess had been anxious to attend 
 one of the round-ups, and now she decided to 
 avail herself of the opportunity of witnessing 
 some of the marvelous exhibitions of which she 
 had heard so much. 
 
 254 
 
CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 THE BRAND HIV 
 
 Henry West had been gone upon the round-up 
 for a week before Bess Fletcher and Mrs. White 
 started. The plan was for them to ride to the 
 west shore of the Big Arm of the lake upon the 
 appointed day, where Henry West would meet 
 them and accompany them to the camp. The 
 two women were ready for the long ride early in 
 the morning, and as they proceeded along the 
 road they chatted and laughed like happy, care- 
 less children. 
 
 As they neared the vicinity where Bess had 
 spent the happy, pleasant days in camp the au- 
 tumn before, she felt conflicting emotions of 
 pleasure and pain. Swerving from the road she 
 led the way along the path to the deserted camp 
 ground. The winter had not destroyed every tok- 
 en, for there were still the stakes where rested 
 the dining- table ; the five, large cotton woods still 
 bore evidences of convenient shelves and towel 
 racks, of gun supports and where the hammock 
 had been fastened. A faded ribbon which lay 
 partly concealed by fallen leaves was lifted ten- 
 derly by Bess, as it recalled to her the dear lit- 
 tle girl who had worn it. Mrs. White, one of the 
 group, heard her give a sigh as she placed the rib- 
 
 255 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 bon in her bosom and hurried Mauchacho out 
 onto the main road again. 
 
 In the distance Bess could discern Henry 
 West awaiting their coming. When they reached 
 him he made them dismount and rest, as Mrs. 
 White, who was not accustomed to such long 
 rides, was plainly becoming fatigued. They en- 
 joyed their lunch, and after becoming completely 
 refreshed proceeded to the camp which Henry 
 told them was at the extreme end of the Big 
 Draw. 
 
 What a marvelous and strange place the Big 
 Draw seemed to Bess ! A perfectly level stretch 
 of nine miles which looked like only one; high, 
 sloping hills lined both sides, which made it seem 
 like some mighty river-bed run dry. No cattle 
 were grazing upon the succulent grass, because, 
 as Bess learned from Henry West, it was too far 
 for them to go to water. He pointed out to them, 
 up in a gulch to the left of the draw, a deserted 
 cabin, near which trickled a tiny spring. Bess 
 wished a drink, but when he told them the place 
 was called Kattlesnake Gulch and that the 
 Frenchman and his squaw had been forced to 
 leave the place because of the venomous in- 
 trusions, she hastily recovered from her thirst 
 and hurried on. 
 
 At last the glow of the camp-fires was seen; 
 the numerous tents gave assurance of a good 
 night's rest, while the delicious aroma of coffee 
 told the weary visitors that supper was ready. 
 
 Bess and Mrs. White were greeted and made 
 256 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 welcome by the several other women in camp. 
 Seeing that the little woman was almost ready 
 to drop, Bess asked if she might remove her to 
 their tent. Here she was made comfortable and 
 was soon enjoying the tea and toast which one of 
 the women brought to her. 
 
 During the night the new, strange noises, as 
 well as the brilliant moonlight made sleep im- 
 possible to Bess. She crept quietly out of bed 
 and wrapping a huge blanket around her, 
 stepped out before the tent. How wondrous 
 was the night! In the distant moon-light she 
 could see the wranglers who were guarding the 
 restless herd of horses, riding slowly back and 
 forth. She heard a boyish voice singing softly 
 as he rode about the cavie. Just now she discov- 
 ered quite near the tent, a man rolled in a blan- 
 ket and asleep upon the ground, his head resting 
 upon a saddle. With a startled movement she 
 turned to re-enter her shelter, when a deep, low 
 voice said, "Do not be afraid Bess. I am sleeping 
 here that you that the ladies may feel secure." 
 It was Henry West. 
 
 The grey dawn came creeping up through the 
 long draw and peered into Bess' tent before she 
 could close her eyes and lose herself in sleep. 
 When the first pale ray of morning broke, she 
 saw the man who had kept vigil during the night, 
 arise hastily from his impromptu bed and hurry 
 away. She then fell asleep, dreaming of flight 
 before the mad rush of wild horses, and again 
 seemed to feel an iron hold grasping her arm and 
 
 257 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 lifting her high out of danger's path. With a be- 
 wildered start she awoke to discover that Mrs. 
 White was clasping her arm and shaking her vig- 
 orously. 
 
 "Hurry and get up ! W T hat in the world were 
 you dreaming of? I could scarcely arouse you! 
 See, breakfast is over and the men have all gone 
 after the horses. If you expect to see the brand- 
 ing you will have to hurry," said Mrs. White, as 
 her busy fingers assisted Bess in making her 
 hasty toilet. 
 
 At several different points she could see the 
 smoke arising from the branding fires and the 
 men riding unceasingly to cut out the victims of 
 the red-hot irons. 
 
 The women had started out to watch the per- 
 formance, when a great cry of pain and the smell 
 of burning flesh reached Bess. For an instant 
 she stood frozen with horror, then without a 
 word to her companions turned and fled back to 
 her tent. Here she sat in a huddled heap with 
 her fingers thrust into her ears. Here the other 
 women discovered her, but no word of coaxing 
 or joking derision succeeded in drawing her out 
 again to watch the nauseous spectacle of brand- 
 ing. At noon -time, when all the others were hun- 
 gry and enjoying the delicious roast, Bess felt 
 sick at the very mention of food. All she wanted 
 was her horse so that she might ride far away 
 from all the confusion and heart-rending sounds. 
 
 Henry West asked Bess if she would ride part 
 way with one of the women who was returning to 
 
 258 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 her home at Dayton Creek. "By the time you re- 
 turn the branding will be over for today, and 
 then tomorrow T will accompany you and Mrs. 
 White part of the way home. I cannot tell you 
 how sorry I am that you are feeling so dis- 
 turbed/' said West. 
 
 "I am ashamed of being such a a baby, but 
 the sight of pain or suffering always fills me with 
 horror. I cannot bear it," answered Bess, put- 
 ting on her gloves and sombrero preparatory to 
 accompanying the woman on her long ride. 
 
 How glad she was to leave the camp behind 
 and to ride out into the clear, bright air! The 
 gentle slopes on either side of the Big Draw were 
 soft with the delicate green of the tamaracks, 
 whose vivid verdure was enhanced by the dark 
 branches of the pines and fir trees. Great rocks 
 of varied hues jutted forth in places as if they 
 concealed the den of some formidable mountain 
 lion. 
 
 So impressed was Bess at the sublime gran- 
 deur and beauty of the scene that she was obliv- 
 ious of her companion. 
 
 "You are enjoying the view, also, Miss Fletch- 
 er?" asked the woman. 
 
 "I beg your pardon for being so rude. Some- 
 how, words always spoil this for me," answered 
 the abstracted girl, as she drew herself together 
 and made a sweeping gesture toward the border- 
 ing hills and distant mountains. Presently they 
 neared the gulch with its deserted cabin, and 
 Bess gave an involuntary shudder at the sight of 
 
 259 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 its isolated loneliness. They started their horses 
 into a swift gallop, and before long came in sight 
 of the great, high cliff near Dayton Creek. 
 
 "There, Miss Fletcher, I think you have come 
 far enough. Fll take the trail across to the cliff 
 and will soon be home. I fear you have come too 
 far. A storm seems to be coming." 
 
 Bess scanned the sky and saw dark clouds 
 rapidly rising from the south-west. A sharp flash 
 of lightning, unusual for June in the mountains, 
 gave them both warning to hurry. The one 
 turned her horse toward the cliff, while the other 
 reined Mauchacho about to re-enter the Big 
 Draw. The swift beating of a horse's hoofs be- 
 hind her made her give a swift glance over her 
 shoulder. She caught a glimpse of some man, 
 probably one of the round-up men, riding hurried- 
 ly in the direction of the camp. She felt glad 
 that she would not have to go on alone, for now 
 the warning flashes were growing more frequent, 
 while the wind was gradually increasing. She 
 noticed the horse's speed slacken, heard a com- 
 manding voice speak to the animal, then felt the 
 breath from its nostrils as it reached her side. 
 She waited an instant for the man to speak, then 
 lifted her face abruptly to look at the one so near 
 her, a smile of salutation parting her lips. For 
 the flash of an instant the smile lasted, then a 
 look of incredulity crept into her eyes and 
 stopped her heart-beats. Mauchacho had instant- 
 ly responded to the tight, resisting hand upon 
 the bridle and stood taut as a cow-horse. Deep, 
 
 260 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 glowing eyes held her fascinated so that she could 
 scarcely catch her breath ! What phantom was 
 this, so like yet so different from the man who 
 passed out of her life! A face thin and worn, 
 with great, burning, piercing eyes ; lips thick and 
 distended above a quivering chin ! Could such a 
 transformation be wrought? 
 
 With a sob she recovered her senses as the 
 man grasped her hand in his own. "Why are 
 you here?" she cried, trying in vain to extricate 
 her hand from his loathsome grasp. 
 
 "Why? Because because I had to see you 
 again," replied the man with a voice still deep 
 and low, yet hard. "Yes look at me look well 
 at the result of your faithlessness! Do I seem 
 like the Dave Davis whom you knew a year ago?" 
 and he clutched her hand with a grasp that made 
 her cry out in pain. 
 
 A strange, loud laugh burst from him as he 
 nearly pulled her out of her saddle toward him. 
 
 "Release me, you you " 
 
 "Say it ! Brute ! God, yes a damned brute, 
 and all because I loved you !" 
 
 A vivid flash made the already frightened girl 
 tremble still more. She begged the man to allow 
 her to proceed. 
 
 "You are going over to that cow-camp where 
 that Indian is. I heard you were there and was 
 even willing to risk my precious head for just 
 one glimpse of you. Come ! If you must go, I 
 shall go with you." 
 
 Bess knew that it was useless to try to escape, 
 261 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 so she hurried her horse on as swiftly as she 
 dared. The wind had now risen to its height and 
 was blowing a gale. The lightning brought a sin- 
 gle drop of rain from the great, fleeing clouds 
 which hid the sky and filled the land with oppres- 
 sive, early darkness. Great trees swayed against 
 each other and loud crashes told of a mighty mon- 
 arch which could not resist the strength of the 
 storm. 
 
 "Come, we must seek shelter from these fall- 
 ing trees," said the man, whose worn face was 
 pale in the fury of the storm. 
 
 Taking Mauchacho by the bit he turned into 
 Kattlesnake Gulch and hastened toward the old 
 cabin. 
 
 "Stop! I am not afraid of the storm. You 
 shall let me go on alone," cried the terrified girl, 
 as she pulled in vain at the horse's bridle. See- 
 ing that her efforts were useless, she sprang from 
 the saddle, half falling to the ground. By the 
 time she had recovered her footing, Davis had 
 also dismounted and had reached her side. As 
 he did so his horse gave an alarmed bound and 
 tore away at full speed. With an oath at his loss 
 the man turned to secure Mauchacho, who was 
 standing with trailing reins and dejected head 
 near his mistress. Just then a great tree snapped 
 and fell crashing to the ground. Taking Bess by 
 the arm the determined man carried her into the 
 cabin. How dark and gloomy was the place ! A 
 mountain rat scurried out of sight at the intru- 
 sion. Eeleasing his hold the man walked sullenly 
 
 262 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 across the room and stood watching the fury of 
 the storm from the open doorway. 
 
 Bess half crouched against the logs of the 
 wall, almost frenzied with fear. The howling, 
 shrieking wind; the crashing trees, the awful 
 lightning without. Within, a danger greater and 
 more terrible than any storm could be! Her 
 hand, which had clutched at her heart, fell slowly 
 by her side. What was that her fingers touched 
 that instantly filled her heart with hope and sent 
 the blood throbbing through the congealed veins ! 
 She closed her hand firmly over the handle of her 
 Smith and Wesson, the gun which had so long 
 lain in its hidden pocket all unneeded. But now, 
 now ! Could it be that even the shadow of love 
 for this man had ever possessed her? Had she 
 not long ago seen and felt the latent repulsion? 
 Was this transformation made by just retribu- 
 tion or an avenging God? A feeling almost of 
 pity swept over her at the horrible change which 
 she beheld in the man. Tears of sadness at the 
 sight of the wreck filled her eyes and made her 
 lips tremble. The man slowly turned and looked 
 at Bess before she realized that he had stirred, so 
 deeply was she engrossed. 
 
 "Ah little girl, you are sorry for me ; you do 
 still care for me; I see it I feel it, know it," 
 came in a voice at first soft and caressing in its 
 tenderness, then swelling with a crescendo of 
 hope till it fairly shouted in its intensity. 
 
 He made a swift, decisive step toward her, but 
 was checked as suddenly by her firm, hard out- 
 
 263 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 burst. "Stop do not come one step nearer! 
 You once saw me kill a rattlesnake ! I can do 
 it again !" Her teeth shut hard and her wondrous 
 eyes narrowed to tiny slits, as Avith a steady, de- 
 termined movement she drew the pistol from its 
 pocket and rested her hand deliberately across 
 her left arm. So she stood, fearlessly, confident- 
 ly. No words were needed for the man to know 
 how utterly lost was his recrudescent hope. 
 
 "Bess Fletcher, I am not unarmed/' he said 
 threateningly. "I could kill you !" Not even 
 her eyelash quivered as her steady gaze held his 
 own. A faint, scornful smile played for an in- 
 stant upon her lips. Nor yet did she move when 
 she heard from out the storm Mauchacho's loud 
 neigh in response to another horse's call. Davis 
 suddenly turned to the window and his face grew 
 dark. "West !" he cried hoarsely, and wrenched 
 the door open, attempting to escape under cover 
 of the small firs. He was too late. In the dim 
 light of the swiftly abating storm Bess saw a 
 wide, swaying rope suddenly descend and curl 
 its quivering folds securely about the fugitive's 
 body, pinioning him within its tightening hold. 
 
 West leaped from his horse. Without a word 
 he secured the lariat about his captive. Bess 
 came hurrying to him, her pistol still in her 
 hand. 
 
 He caught sight of the weapon. 
 
 "I came too soon," he said. "You would have 
 used my gift." 
 
 "Oh Henry you came just in time," sobbed 
 264 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 the girl. "What are you going to do," she de- 
 manded as West told her to get on her horse, at 
 the same time lifting the helpless man with super- 
 human strength and thrusting him into his own 
 saddle. 
 
 The new-comer grasped his horse by the bridle 
 and started with long, rapid strides down the 
 gulch, followed by Mauchacho and his helpless 
 rider. The strain of the past hour had completely 
 unnerved the girl, who with difficulty held her 
 seat in the saddle. On walked the determined 
 man leading the way. On rode the captive in 
 dogged silence, while Bess followed scarcely 
 knowing whither nor why. 
 
 The storm with all its fury and havoc had 
 passed. Faint flashes beyond the distant moun- 
 tains showed where its wrath was weakening. 
 Twilight, soft and mystical was settling on the 
 hills and weirdly filling the expanse of the Big 
 Draw. Like the gleam of a great evil eye shone 
 in the distance the fire of the branders, which the 
 wind had fanned into glowing coals. As they 
 neared this spot Davis spoke for the first time. 
 
 "What are you going to do with me?" 
 
 Bess waited with bated breath for West's 
 
 reply. For a full moment he walked on as if he 
 
 had not heard. Then he said undecisively, "The 
 
 boys in camp shall decide." 
 
 "Look hpre, West, this a damned mean way to 
 
 treat any man. I demand that you release me 
 
 you cowardly Indian!" 
 
 265 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 The Indian walked taciturnly on, swiftly, 
 steadily. As he neared the glowing fire, its ruddy 
 light painted his face as red as a warrior's. Sev- 
 eral of the irons were still sticking in the fire 
 where the boys had forgotten them as they hast- 
 ened from the storm. Mauchacho shied when he 
 passed the fire with its irons, as if the sting of 
 their torture was still fresh in his mind. 
 
 "Say West this has gone far enough. Be- 
 sides I Miss Fletcher accompanied me into 
 that cabin because she wished to freely " 
 
 But before he could utter another single word 
 of the cowardly lie, West sprang at him and 
 dragged him from the horse. Grasping the rope 
 firmly he drew the resisting man directly toward 
 the fire and flung him mercilessly to the ground. 
 With one hand he snatched a red-hot iron from 
 the fire; with the other he tore open the man's 
 shirt and despite the restraining hold of a 
 woman's hand upon his arm he seared the bared 
 breast with the scorching brand! 
 
 "You dog," he roared, "read that burning 
 brand ! Know that HW means Honor Women ! 
 Honor ! Learn if you can what it means ! When 
 again you try to destroy a woman's life let your 
 fingers seek this everlasting seal; and for God's 
 sake, if not your own and her's, let the purport of 
 the brand restrain you !" 
 
 Without another word he loosened the man, 
 placed him again in the saddle and turned the 
 horse's head toward the east where already a 
 great, round moon lighted the way. West gave 
 
 266 
 
THE BRAND HW 
 
 the horse a cut with the quirt and soon horse and 
 man were out of sight. 
 
 In an unconscious heap upon the ground lay 
 Bess, where she had fallen as the smoke from the 
 burning flesh filled her nostrils. 
 
 West stood gazing down at the white face and 
 pulseless temples. His own heart had scarcely 
 resumed its beating and was still pounding with 
 choking throbs in his throat. All the love of his 
 heart increased a thousand-fold, all the hopeless- 
 ness of his love grew even more hopeless as the 
 savagery of his recent work forced itself into his 
 soul. With a cry of despair he knelt and lifted 
 the limp form within his arms. 
 
 "Oh, if. you were only dead ! If I too might 
 die now with you so near me! You are dead- 
 dead to me I know! Good-bye!" he said as he 
 tenderly imprinted a kiss upon the silent lips. 
 
 Slowly her large, brown eyes opened and 
 gazed understandingly into the face so near 
 her own. Then a look of horror crept into them, 
 and with a gasp she regained her senses. Thrust- 
 ing out her hands, she repulsed the solicitous 
 man. 
 
 "You Indian/' she cried, with abhorrence. 
 W T ith difficulty she arose and mounted her horse. 
 West did not move nor offer her the slightest as- 
 sistance as he watched her ride away toward 
 camp. 
 
 Long he stood, silent and immovable, gazing 
 into the moon upon whose face he seemed to see 
 in scarlet letters, The Brand. 
 
 267 
 
CHAPTER XXX 
 
 "WHEN YOU CAN FORGET" 
 
 It was nearly a month before Bess Fletcher 
 fully recovered from the shock she had experi- 
 enced. She was now ready to go to New York to 
 rejoin her brother. Whenever she thought of 
 leaving the ranch, of going away from Mrs. West, 
 giving up her horse, of tearing herself away from 
 the wonderful mountains, the lake and all its be- 
 loved haunts, it seemed as if she could not go. 
 Her bitterness toward Henry West had grown 
 less as she analyzed his motive, and from his 
 mother learned what had really prompted him in 
 his impulsive act. She had not seen him during 
 the weeks which followed the tragedy, but now 
 that she was leaving she felt that she must speak 
 to him and say good-bye. 
 
 She was waiting for him in the living-room. 
 Seating herself at the piano her fingers uncon- 
 sciously sought the strain of Mon Desir. and in 
 a soft, tender voice she sang. 
 
 The dark, silent man entered unnoticed and 
 stood in the center of the room, his hands 
 clenched, his eyes half closed, listening. When 
 she finished she brushed away her unbidden tears 
 and turned to discover her listener. Rising 
 abruptly she walked to him extending her hand. 
 "I am sorry for for Can you forgive me for 
 
 268 
 
"WHEN YOU CAN FORGET" 
 
 wounding you so deeply? I did not understand 
 then ; now I do." 
 
 "Never mind little Bess. I richly deserve it 
 all. Let's not say any more about it." Then he 
 added, "If you prefer to ride Mauchacho to Selish 
 I will accompany you. Your trunks can go on 
 the stage. It will be our last ride together, 
 you know." 
 
 "Yes yes one more ride! But we must 
 start within an hour. I'll go and dress," an- 
 swered the girl, and she hurried to her room. 
 
 It seemed when Bess bade Mrs. West good- 
 bye that both their hearts were being wrung 
 asunder. Twice, thrice the girl re-entered the 
 house to kiss the little mother, to feel a mother's 
 embrace again, to know a mother's love once 
 more. Although the little Mother stood at the 
 window, blinding tears hid the departing loved 
 ones long before the turn in the road was reached. 
 
 During the long ride both were silent. Bess 
 was looking with all her eyes at the familiar 
 scenes along the road, as if she would impress 
 them indelibly upon her mind and heart. When- 
 ever West did speak it was to ask some question 
 regarding James, or perhaps to make some sug- 
 gestion concerning her journey. 
 
 At last the summit of the hill near Selish was 
 reached. Bess drew rein and turned in the sad- 
 dle to view again the scene which had first met 
 her gaze more than a year ago. It still lay the 
 same, all unchanged, all inspiring. She gave a 
 
 269 
 
THE BRAND 
 
 sigh as she hurried on to overtake Henry West, 
 nearly at the foot of the hill. When every detail 
 of her journey had been attended to he came to 
 Bess to say good-bye. 
 
 "Oh, let me go to the top of the hill and say 
 good-bye there to you to Mauchacho to the 
 West!" 
 
 Beaching the summit they dismounted. Bess 
 threw her arms about her horse's neck and buried 
 her face against his cheek. What was it she 
 heard what ! 
 
 "Good-bye dear good-bye, hope life 
 love ! Oh ! little one ; if you could have only loved 
 me! Some-day some-time, will you come back 
 when you can forget that tragedy when you 
 can forget that I am an Indian?" 
 
 His voice swayed her soul as a wind sways a 
 fire. He loved her and she had not even dreamed 
 it! How could she have been so blind? She felt 
 her heart fill to bursting with a delicious joy 
 which had never possessed it before. Love it was 
 love she knew now! Lifting her face gently 
 to his, her eyes soft with a new tenderness and 
 lips parted in wonderment at the fullness, the 
 richness of the new sense, she said, "When I 
 can forget forget!" Henry understood. He 
 bowed and turned. 
 
 She stood motionless watching the rider and 
 the empty saddle descend the hill. She stood 
 with the soft light of the evening sky making a 
 halo about her, and saw him ride silently down 
 
 270 
 
"WHEN YOU CAN FORGET" 
 
 into the shadow of the valley. Was it perhaps to 
 him "the valley of the shadow," for what was 
 there left in life for him now except death? 
 
 Once he turned and saw the girl still standing 
 on the crest enfolded in a flood of crimson light. 
 As he looked, it faded swiftly into purple and 
 then to grey. He lifted his sombrero and rode on, 
 on to the foot of the hill, and then turned once 
 more. With an anguished cry she started for- 
 ward. 
 
 "I cannot go I cannot leave all this. I can- 
 not live without you now ! Henry Henry West ! 
 / have forgotten!" 
 
 271 
 
PSuzs 
 BssB