第3章

Boessayedtodismount，andfinallyfelloff，andwhenshedidgettothegroundherlegsappearedtorefusetheirnaturalfunction，andshefellflat。Dalehelpedherup。

"What\'swrongwithme，anyhow？"shedemanded，ingreatamaze。

"Juststiff，Ireckon，"repliedDale，asheledherafewawkwardsteps。

"Bo，haveyouanyhurts？"queriedHelen，whostillsatherhorse，loathtotrydismounting，yetwantingtobeyondallwords。

Bogaveheraneloquentglance。

"Nell，didyouhaveoneinyourside，likeawicked，longdarning-needle，punchingdeepwhenyouweren\'tready？"

"ThatoneI\'llnevergetover！"exclaimedHelen，softly。

Then，profitingbyBo\'sexperience，shedismountedcautiously，andmanagedtokeepupright。Herlegsfeltlikewoodenthings。

Presentlythegirlswenttowardthespring。

"Drinkslow，"calledoutDale。

BigSpringhaditssourcesomewheredeepunderthegray，weatheredbluff，fromwhichcameahollowsubterraneangurgleandroarofwater。Itsfountainheadmusthavebeenagreatwellrushingupthroughthecoldstone。

HelenandBolayflatonamossybank，seeingtheirfacesastheybentover，andtheysippedamouthful，byDale\'sadvice，andbecausetheyweresohotandparchedandburningtheywantedtotarryamomentwithapreciousopportunity。

ThewaterwassocoldthatitsentashockoverHelen，madeherteethache，andasingular，revivifyingcurrentstealallthroughher，wonderfulinitscoolabsorptionofthatdryheatofflesh，irresistibleinitsappealtothirst。

Helenraisedherheadtolookatthiswater。Itwascolorlessasshehadfoundittasteless。

"Nell——drink！"pantedBo。"Thinkofour——oldspring——

intheorchard——fullofpollywogs！"

AndthenHelendrankthirstily，withclosedeyes，whileamemoryofhomestirredfromBo\'sgiftofpoignantspeech。

CHAPTERVII

ThefirstcampdutyDaleperformedwastothrowapackoffoneofthehorses，and，openingit，hetookouttarpaulinandblankets，whichhearrangedonthegroundunderapine-tree。

"Yougirlsrest，"hesaid，briefly。

"Can\'twehelp？"askedHelen，thoughshecouldscarcelystand。

"You\'llbewelcometodoallyoulikeafteryou\'rebrokein。"

"Brokein！"ejaculatedBo，withalittlelaugh。"I\'mallbrokeUPnow。"

"Bo，itlooksasifMr。Daleexpectsustohavequiteastaywithhiminthewoods。"

"Itdoes，"repliedBo，asslowlyshesatdownupontheblankets，stretchedoutwithalongsigh，andlaidherheadonasaddle。"Nell，didn\'thesaynottocallhimMister？"

Dalewasthrowingthepacksofftheotherhorses。

HelenlaydownbesideBo，andthenforonceinherlifesheexperiencedthesweetnessofrest。

"Well，sister，whatdoyouintendtocallhim？"queriedHelen，curiously。

"Milt，ofcourse，"repliedBo。

Helenhadtolaughdespiteherwearinessandaches。

"Isuppose，then，whenyourLasVegascowboycomesalongyouwillcallhimwhathecalledyou。"

Boblushed，whichwasaratherunusualthingforher。

"IwillifIlike，"sheretorted。"Nell，eversinceIcouldrememberyou\'veravedabouttheWest。Nowyou\'reOUTWest，rightinitgoodanddeep。Sowakeup！"

ThatwasBo\'sbluntandcharacteristicwayofadvisingtheeliminationofHelen\'ssuperficialities。Itsankdeep。Helenhadnoretort。Herambition，asfarastheWestwasconcerned，hadmostassuredlynotbeenforsuchawild，unheard-ofjauntasthis。ButpossiblytheWest——alivingfromdaytoday——wasonesuccessionofadventures，trials，tests，troubles，andachievements。Tomakeaplaceforotherstolivecomfortablysomeday！ThatmightbeBo\'smeaning，embodiedinherforcefulhint。ButHelenwastootiredtothinkitoutthen。ShefounditinterestingandvaguelypleasanttowatchDale。

Hehobbledthehorsesandturnedthemloose。Thenwithaxinhandheapproachedashort，deadtree，standingamongafewwhite-barkedaspens。Daleappearedtoadvantageswingingtheax。Withhiscoatoff，displayinghiswideshoulders，straightback，andlong，powerfularms，helookedayounggiant。Hewaslitheandsupple，brawnybutnotbulky。Theaxrangonthehardwood，reverberatingthroughtheforest。A

fewstrokessufficedtobringdownthestub。Thenhesplititup。Helenwascurioustoseehowhekindledafire。Firstherippedsplintersoutoftheheartofthelog，andlaidthemwithcoarserpiecesontheground。Thenfromasaddlebagwhichhungonanear-bybranchhetookflintandsteelandapieceofwhatHelensupposedwasragorbuckskin，uponwhichpowderhadbeenrubbed。Atanyrate，thefirststrikeofthesteelbroughtsparks，ablaze，andburningsplinters。Instantlytheflameleapedafoothigh。

Heputonlargerpiecesofwoodcrosswise，andthefireroared。

Thatdone，hestooderect，and，facingthenorth，helistened。HelenrememberednowthatshehadseenhimdothesamethingtwicebeforesincethearrivalatBigSpring。ItwasRoyforwhomhewaslisteningandwatching。Thesunhadsetandacrosstheopenspacethetipsofthepineswerelosingtheirbrightness。

Thecamputensils，whichthehunteremptiedoutofasack，gaveforthajangleofironandtin。Nextheunrolledalargepack，thecontentsofwhichappearedtobenumeroussacksofallsizes。Theseevidentlycontainedfoodsupplies。

Thebucketlookedasifahorsehadrolledoverit，packandall。Dalefilleditatthespring。Uponreturningtothecamp-firehepouredwaterintoawashbasin，and，gettingdowntohisknees，proceededtowashhishandsthoroughly。

Theactseemedahabit，forHelensawthatwhilehewasdoingithegazedoffintothewoodsandlistened。Thenhedriedhishandsoverthefire，and，turningtothespread-outpack，hebeganpreparationsforthemeal。

SuddenlyHelenthoughtofthemanandallthathisactionsimplied。AtMagdalena，onthestage-ride，andlastnight，shehadtrustedthisstranger，ahunteroftheWhiteMountains，whoappearedreadytobefriendher。Andshehadfeltanexceedinggratitude。Still，shehadlookedathimimpersonally。Butitbegantodawnuponherthatchancehadthrownherinthecompanyofaremarkableman。Thatimpressionbaffledher。Itdidnotspringfromthefactthathewasbraveandkindtohelpayoungwomaninperil，orthatheappeareddeftandquickatcamp-firechores。MostWesternmenwerebrave，herunclehadtoldher，andmanywereroughlykind，andallofthemcouldcook。Thishunterwasphysicallyawonderfulspecimenofmanhood，withsomethingleonineabouthisstature。Butthatdidnotgiverisetoherimpression。Helenhadbeenaschool-teacherandusedtoboys，andshesensedaboyishsimplicityorvigororfreshnessinthishunter。Shebelieved，however，thatitwasamentalandspiritualforceinDalewhichhaddrawnhertothinkofit。

"Nell，I\'vespokentoyouthreetimes，"protestedBo，petulantly。"What\'reyoumooningover？"

"I\'mprettytired——andfaraway，Bo，"repliedHelen。"Whatdidyousay？"

"IsaidIhadane-normousappetite。"

"Really。That\'snotremarkableforyou。I\'mtootiredtoeat。Andafraidtoshutmyeyes。They\'dnevercomeopen。

Whendidwesleeplast，Bo？"

"Secondnightbeforewelefthome，"declaredBo。

"Fournights！Oh，we\'vesleptsome。"

"I\'llbetImakemineupinthiswoods。Doyousupposewe\'llsleeprighthere——underthistree——withnocovering？"

"Itlooksso，"repliedHelen，dubiously。

"Howperfectlylovely！"exclaimedBo，indelight。"We\'llseethestarsthroughthepines。"

"Seemstobecloudingover。Wouldn\'titbeawfulifwehadastorm？"

"Why，Idon\'tknow，"answeredBo，thoughtfully。"ItmuststormoutWest。"

AgainHelenfeltaqualityofinevitablenessinBo。ItwassomethingthathadappearedonlypracticalinthehumdrumhomelifeinSt。Joseph。AllofasuddenHelenreceivedaflashofwonderingthought——athrillingconsciousnessthatsheandBohadbeguntodevelopinanewandwildenvironment。Howstrange，andfearful，perhaps，towatchthatgrowth！Bo，beingyounger，moreimpressionable，withelementalratherthanintellectualinstincts，wouldgrowstrongermoreswiftly。Helenwonderedifshecouldyieldtoherownleaningtotheprimitive。Buthowcouldanyonewithathoughtfulandgraspingmindyieldthatway？Itwasthesavagewhodidnotthink。

HelensawDalestanderectoncemoreandgazeintotheforest。

"ReckonRoyain\'tcomin\'，"hesoliloquized。"An\'that\'sgood。"Thenheturnedtothegirls。"Supper\'sready。"

Thegirlsrespondedwithaspiritgreaterthantheiractivity。Andtheyatelikefamishedchildrenthathadbeenlostinthewoods。Daleattendedthemwithapleasantlightuponhisstillface。

"To-morrownightwe\'llhavemeat，"hesaid。

"Whatkind？"askedBo。

"Wildturkeyordeer。Maybeboth，ifyoulike。Butit\'swelltotakewildmeatslow。An\'turkey——that\'llmeltinyourmouth。"

"Uummm！"murmuredBo，greedily。"I\'veheardofwildturkey。"

WhentheyhadfinishedDaleatehismeal，listeningtothetalkofthegirls，andoccasionallyreplyingbrieflytosomequeryofBo\'s。Itwastwilightwhenhebegantowashthepotsandpans，andalmostdarkbythetimehisdutiesappearedended。Thenhereplenishedthecampfireandsatdownonalogtogazeintothefire。Thegirlsleanedcomfortablyproppedagainstthesaddles。

"Nell，I\'llkeeloverinaminute，"saidBo。"AndIoughtn\'t——rightonsuchabigsupper。"

"Idon\'tseehowIcansleep，andIknowIcan\'tstayawake，"rejoinedHelen。

Daleliftedhisheadalertly。

"Listen。"

Thegirlsgrewtenseandstill。Helencouldnothearasound，unlessitwasalowthudofhoofoutinthegloom。

Theforestseemedsleeping。SheknewfromBo\'seyes，wideandshininginthecamp-firelight，thatshe，too，hadfailedtocatchwhateveritwasDalemeant。

"Bunchofcoyotescomin\'，"heexplained。

Suddenlythequietnesssplittoachorusofsnappy，high-strung，strangebarks。Theysoundedwild，yettheyheldsomethingofafriendlyorinquisitivenote。Presentlygrayformscouldbedescriedjustattheedgeofthecircleoflight。Softrustlingsofstealthyfeetsurrounded。thecamp，andthenbarksandyelpsbrokeoutallaround。Itwasarestlessandsneakingpackofanimals，thoughtHelen；shewasgladafterthechorusendedandwithafewdesultory，spitefulyelpsthecoyoteswentaway。

Silenceagainsettleddown。IfithadnotbeenfortheanxietyalwayspresentinHelen\'smindshewouldhavethoughtthissilencesweetandunfamiliarlybeautiful。

"Ah！Listentothatfellow，"spokeupDale。Hisvoicewasthrilling。

Againthegirlsstrainedtheirears。Thatwasnotnecessary，forpresently，clearandcoldoutofthesilence，pealedamournfulhowl，longdrawn，strangeandfullandwild。

"Oh！What\'sthat？"whisperedBo。

"That\'sabiggraywolf——atimber-wolf，orlofer，ashe\'ssometimescalled，"repliedDale。"He\'shighonsomerockyridgebackthere。Hescentsus，an\'hedoesn\'tlikeit……Therehegoesagain。Listen！Ah，he\'shungry。"

WhileHelenlistenedtothisexceedinglywildcry——sowildthatitmadeherfleshcreepandthemostindescribablesensationsoflonelinesscomeoverher——shekeptherglanceuponDale。

"Youlovehim？"shemurmuredinvoluntarily，quitewithoutunderstandingthemotiveofherquery。

AssuredlyDalehadneverhadthatquestionaskedofhimbefore，anditseemedtoHelen，ashepondered，thathehadneverevenaskeditofhimself。

"Ireckonso，"hereplied，presently。

"Butwolveskilldeer，andlittlefawns，andeverythinghelplessintheforest，"expostulatedBo。

Thehunternoddedhishead。

"Why，then，canyoulovehim？"repeatedHelen。

"Cometothinkofit，Ireckonit\'sbecauseoflotsofreasons，"returnedDale。"Hekillsclean。Heeatsnocarrion。He\'snocoward。Hefights。Hediesgame……An\'

helikestobealone。"

"Killsclean。Whatdoyoumeanbythat？"

"Acougar，now，hemanglesadeer。An\'asilvertip，whenkillin\'acoworcolt，hemakesamessofit。Butawolfkillsclean，withsharpsnaps。"

"Whatareacougarandasilvertip？"

"Cougarmeansmountain-lionorpanther，an\'asilvertipisagrizzlybear。"

"Oh，they\'reallcruel！"exclaimedHelen，shrinking。

"Ireckon。OftenI\'veshotwolvesforrelayin\'adeer。"

"What\'sthat？"

"Sometimestwoormorewolveswillrunadeer，an\'whileoneofthemreststheotherwilldrivethedeeraroundtohispardner，who\'ll，takeupthechase。Thatwaytheyrunthedeerdown。Cruelitis，butnature，an\'noworsethansnowan\'icethatstarvedeer，orafoxthatkillsturkey-chicksbreakin\'outoftheegg，orravensthatpicktheeyesoutofnew-bornlambsan\'waittilltheydie。An\'forthatmatter，menarecruelerthanbeastsofprey，formenaddtonature，an\'havemorethaninstincts。"

Helenwassilenced，aswellasshocked。Shehadnotonlylearnedanewandstrikingviewpointinnaturalhistory，butaclearintimationtothereasonwhyshehadvaguelyimaginedordivinedaremarkablecharacterinthisman。A

hunterwasonewhokilledanimalsfortheirfur，fortheirmeatorhorns，orforsomelustforblood——thatwasHelen\'sdefinitionofahunter，andshebelieveditwasheldbythemajorityofpeoplelivinginsettledstates。Butthemajoritymightbewrong。Ahuntermightbevastlydifferent，andvastlymorethanatrackerandslayerofgame。Themountainworldofforestwasamysterytoalmostallmen。

PerhapsDaleknewitssecrets，itslife，itsterror，itsbeauty，itssadness，anditsjoy；andifso，howfull，howwonderfulmustbehismind！Hespokeofmenasnobetterthanwolves。Couldalonelylifeinthewildernessteachamanthat？Bitterness，envy，jealousy，spite，greed，andhate——thesehadnoplaceinthishunter\'sheart。ItwasnotHelen\'sshrewdness，butawoman\'sintuition，whichdivinedthat。

Dalerosetohisfeetand，turninghiseartothenorth，listenedoncemore。

"AreyouexpectingRoystill？"inquiredHelen。

"No，itain\'tlikelyhe\'llturnupto-night，"repliedDale，andthenhestrodeovertoputahandonthepine-treethatsoaredabovewherethegirlslay。Hisaction，andthewayhelookedupatthetree-topandthenatadjacenttrees，heldmoreofthatsignificancewhichsointerestedHelen。

"Ireckonhe\'sstoodtheresomefivehundredyearsan\'willstandthroughto-night，"mutteredDale。

Thispinewasthemonarchofthatwide-spreadgroup。

"Listenagain，"saidDale。

Bowasasleep。AndHelen，listening，atoncecaughtlow，distantroar。

"Wind。It\'sgoin\'tostorm，"explainedDale。"You\'llhearsomethin\'worthwhile。Butdon\'tbescared。Reckonwe\'llbesafe。Pinesblowdownoften。Butthisfellowwillstandanyfallwindthateverwas……BetterslipundertheblanketssoIcanpullthetarpup。"

Helensliddown，justasshewas，fullydressedexceptforboots，whichsheandBohadremoved；andshelaidherheadclosetoBo\'s。Dalepulledthetarpaulinupandfoldeditbackjustbelowtheirheads。

"Whenitrainsyou\'llwake，an\'thenjustpullthetarpupoveryou，"hesaid。

"Willitrain？"Helenasked。Butshewasthinkingthatthismomentwasthestrangestthathadeverhappenedtoher。Bythelightofthecamp-fireshesawDale\'sface，justasusual，still，darklyserene，expressingnothought。Hewaskind，buthewasnotthinkingofthesesistersasgirls，alonewithhiminapitch-blackforest，helplessanddefenseless。Hedidnotseemtobethinkingatall。ButHelenhadneverbeforeinherlifebeensokeenlysusceptibletoexperience。

"I\'llbeclosebyan\'keepthefiregoin\'allnight，"hesaid。

Sheheardhimstrideoffintothedarkness。Presentlytherecameadragging，bumpingsound，thenacrashofalogdroppeduponthefire。Acloudofsparksshotup，andmanypattereddowntohissuponthedampground。Smokeagaincurledupwardalongthegreat，seamedtree-trunk，andflamessputteredandcrackled。

Helenlistenedagainfortheroarofwind。ItseemedtocomeonabreathofairthatfannedhercheekandsoftlyblewBo\'scurls，anditwasstronger。Butitdiedoutpresently，onlytocomeagain，andstillstronger。Helenrealizedthenthatthesoundwasthatofanapproachingstorm。Herheavyeyelidsalmostrefusedtostayopen，andsheknewifsheletthemcloseshewouldinstantlydroptosleep。Andshewantedtohearthestorm-windinthepines。

Afewdropsofcoldrainfelluponherface，thrillingherwiththeproofthatnoroofstoodbetweenherandtheelements。Thenabreezeborethesmellofburntwoodintoherface，andsomehowherquickmindflewtogirlhooddayswhensheburnedbrushandleaveswithherlittlebrothers。

Thememoryfaded。Theroarthathadseemeddistantwasnowbackintheforest，comingswiftly，increasinginvolume。

Likeastreaminflooditboredown。Helengrewamazed，startled。Howrushing，oncoming，andheavythisstorm-wind！

Shelikeneditsapproachtothetreadofanarmy。Thentheroarfilledtheforest，yetitwasbacktherebehindher。

Notapine-needlequiveredinthelightofthecamp-fire。

Buttheairseemedtobeoppressedwithaterriblecharge。

Theroaraugmentedtillitwasnolongeraroar，butanon-sweepingcrash，likeanoceantorrentengulfingtheearth。BoawoketoclingtoHelenwithfright。Thedeafeningstorm-blastwasuponthem。Helenfeltthesaddle-pillowmoveunderherhead。Thegiantpinehadtrembledtoitsveryroots。Thatmightyfuryofwindwasallaloft，inthetree-tops。Andforalongmomentitbowedtheforestunderitstremendouspower。Thenthedeafeningcrashpassedtoroar，andthatsweptonandon，lesseninginvolume，deepeninginlowdetonation，atlasttodieinthedistance。

Nosoonerhaditdiedthanbacktothenorthanotherlowroarroseandceasedandroseagain。Helenlaythere，whisperingtoBo，andheardagainthegreatwaveofwindcomeandcrashandcease。Thatwasthewayofthisstorm-windofthemountainforest。

AsoftpatterofrainonthetarpaulinwarnedHelentorememberDale\'sdirections，and，pullinguptheheavycovering，shearrangedithoodlikeoverthesaddle。Then，withBocloseandwarmbesideher，sheclosedhereyes，andthesenseoftheblackforestandthewindandrainfaded。

Lastofallsensationswasthesmellofsmokethatblewunderthetarpaulin。

Whensheopenedhereyessherememberedeverything，asifonlyamomenthadelapsed。Butitwasdaylight，thoughgrayandcloudy。Thepinesweredrippingmist。Afirecrackledcheerilyandbluesmokecurledupwardandasavoryodorofhotcoffeehungintheair。Horseswerestandingnearby，bitingandkickingatoneanother。Bowassoundasleep。Daleappearedbusyaroundthecamp-fire。AsHelenwatchedthehuntershesawhimpauseinhistask，turnhiseartolisten，andthenlookexpectantly。Andatthatjunctureashoutpealedfromtheforest。HelenrecognizedRoy\'svoice。

Thensheheardasplashingofwater，andhoof-beatscomingcloser。Withthatthebuckskinmustangtrottedintocamp，carryingRoy。

"Badmornin\'forducks，butgoodforus，"hecalled。

"Howdy，Roy！"greetedDale，andhisgladnesswasunmistakable。"Iwaslookin\'foryou。"

Royappearedtoslideoffthemustangwithouteffort，andhisswifthandsslappedthestrapsasheunsaddled。Buckskinwaswetwithsweatandfoammixedwithrain。Heheaved。Andsteamrosefromhim。

"Musthaverodehard，"observedDale。

"Ishoredid，"repliedRoy。ThenheespiedHelen，whohadsatup，withhandstoherhair，andeyesstaringathim。

"Mornin\'，miss。It\'sgoodnews。"

"ThankHeaven！"murmuredHelen，andthensheshookBo。Thatyoungladyawoke，butwasloathtogiveupslumber。"Bo！Bo！

Wakeup！Mr。Royisback。"

WhereuponBosatup，disheveledandsleepy-eyed。

"Oh-h，butIache！"shemoaned。Buthereyestookinthecampscenetotheeffectthatsheadded，"Isbreakfastready？"

"Almost。An\'flapjacksthismornin\'，"repliedDale。

Bomanifestedactivesymptomsofhealthinthemannerwithwhichshelacedherboots。Helengottheirtraveling-bag，andwiththistheyrepairedtoaflatstonebesidethespring，not，however，outofearshotofthemen。

"Howlongareyougoin\'tohangaroundcampbeforetellin\'

me？"inquiredDale。

"JestasIfiggered，Milt，"repliedRoy。"ThetriderwhopassedyouwasamessengertoAnson。Hean\'hisganggotonourtrailquick。Aboutteno\'clockIseenthemcomin\'。ThenIlitoutforthewoods。Istayedoffinthewoodscloseenoughtoseewheretheycomein。An\'shoretheylostyourtrail。Thentheyspreadthroughthewoods，workin\'offtothesouth，thinkin\'，ofcourse，thetyouwouldcircleroundtoPineonthesouthsideofOldBaldy。Thereain\'tahoss-trackerinSnakeAnson\'sgang，thet\'sshore。Wal，I

folleredthemforanhourtillthey\'drustledsomemilesoffourtrail。ThenIwentbacktowhereyoustruckintothewoods。An\'Iwaitedthereallafternoontilldark，expectin\'

mebbethey\'dback-trail。Buttheydidn\'t。Irodeonawaysan\'campedinthewoodstilljestbeforedaylight。"

"Sofarsogood，"declaredDale。

"Shore。There\'sroughcountrysouthofBaldyan\'alongthetwoorthreetrailsAnsonan\'hisoutfitwillcamp，youbet。"

"Itain\'ttobethoughtof，"mutteredDale，atsomeideathathadstruckhim。

"Whatain\'t？"

"Goin\'roundthenorthsideofBaldy。"

"Itshoreain\'t，"rejoinedRoy，bluntly。

"ThenI\'vegottohidetrackscertain——rustletomycampan\'staytheretillyousayit\'ssafetorisktakin\'thegirlstoPine。"

"Milt，you\'retalkin\'thewisdomoftheprophets。"

"Iain\'tsosurewecanhidetracksaltogether。IfAnsonhadanyeyesforthewoodshe\'dnothavelostmesosoon。

"No。But，yousee，he\'sfiggerin\'tocrossyourtrail。"

"IfIcouldgetfifteenortwentymilefartheronan\'hidetrackscertain，I\'dfeelsafefrompursuit，anyway，"saidthehunter，reflectively。

"Shorean\'easy，"respondedRoy，quickly。"Ijestmetupwithsomegreasersheep-herdersdrivin\'abigflock。They\'vecomeupfromthesouthan\'aregoin\'tofattenupatTurkeySenacas。Thenthey\'lldrivebacksouthan\'goontoPhenix。

Wal，it\'smuddyweather。Nowyoubreakcampquickan\'makeaplaintrailouttothetsheeptrail，asifyouwastravelin\'

south。But，instead，yourideroundaheadofthetflockofsheep。They\'llkeeptotheopenparksan\'thetrailsthroughthemnecksofwoodsouthere。An\'，passin\'overyourtracks，they\'llhide\'em。"

"Butsupposin\'Ansoncirclesan\'hitsthiscamp？He\'lltrackmeeasyouttothatsheeptrail。Whatthen？"

"Jestwhatyouwant。Goin\'souththetsheeptrailisdownhillan\'muddy。It\'sgoin\'torainhard。Yourtrackswouldgetwashedoutevenifyoudidgosouth。An\'Ansonwouldkeeponthetwaytillhewasclearoffthescent。

Leaveittome，Milt。You\'reahunter。ButI\'mahoss-tracker。"

"Allright。We\'llrustle。"

Thenhecalledthegirlstohurry。

CHAPTERVIII

Onceastridethehorseagain，Helenhadtocongratulateherselfuponnotbeingsocrippledasshehadimagined。

Indeed，Bomadealltheaudiblecomplaints。

Bothgirlshadlongwater-proofcoats，brand-new，andofwhichtheywereconsiderablyproud。Newclotheshadnotbeenacommoneventintheirlives。

"ReckonI\'llhavetoslitthese，"Dalehadsaid，whippingoutahugeknife。

"Whatfor？"hadbeenBo\'sfeebleprotest。

"Theywasn\'tmadeforridin\'。An\'you\'llgetwetenoughevenifIdocutthem。An\'ifIdon\'t，you\'llgetsoaked。"

"Goahead，"hadbeenHelen\'sreluctantpermission。

Sotheirlongnewcoatswereslithalf-wayuptheback。TheexigencyofthecasewasmanifesttoHelen，whenshesawhowtheycamedownoverthecantlesofthesaddlesandtotheirboot-tops。

Themorningwasgrayandcold。Afine，mistyrainfellandthetreesdrippedsteadily。Helenwassurprisedtoseetheopencountryagainandthatapparentlytheyweretoleavetheforestbehindforawhile。Thecountrywaswideandflatontheright，andtotheleftitrolledandheavedalongablack，scallopedtimber-line。Abovethisborderingoftheforestlow，driftingcloudsobscuredthemountains。ThewindwasatHelen\'sbackandseemedtobegrowingstronger。DaleandRoywereahead，travelingatagoodtrot，withthepack-animalsbunchedbeforethem。HelenandBohadenoughtodotokeepup。

Thefirsthour\'sridebroughtlittlechangeinweatherorscenery，butitgaveHelenaninklingofwhatshemustendureiftheykeptthatupallday。Shebegantowelcometheplaceswherethehorseswalked，butshedislikedthelevels。Asforthedescents，shehatedthose。Rangerwouldnotgodownslowlyandtheshake-upshereceivedwasunpleasant。Moreover，thespiritedblackhorseinsistedonjumpingtheditchesandwashes。Hesailedoverthemlikeabird。Helencouldnotacquiretheknackofsittingthesaddleproperly，andso，notonlywasherpersonbruisedontheseoccasions，butherfeelingswerehurt。Helenhadneverbeforebeenconsciousofvanity。Still，shehadneverrejoicedinlookingatadisadvantage，andherexhibitionsheremusthavebeenfrightful。Boalwayswouldforgetothefront，andsheseldomlookedback，forwhichHelenwasgrateful。

Beforelongtheystruckintoabroad，muddybelt，fullofinnumerablesmallhooftracks。This，then，wasthesheeptrailRoyhadadvisedfollowing。Theyrodeonitforthreeorfourmiles，andatlength，comingtoagray-greenvalley，theysawahugeflockofsheep。Soontheairwasfullofbleatsandbaasaswellastheodorofsheep，andalow，softroarofpatteringhoofs。Theflockheldacompactformation，coveringseveralacres，andgrazedalongrapidly。

Therewerethreeherdersonhorsesand。severalpack-burros。

DaleengagedoneoftheMexicansinconversation，andpassedsomethingtohim，thenpointednorthwardanddownalongthetrail。TheMexicangrinnedfromeartoear，andHelencaughtthequick"SI，SENYOR！GRACIAS，SENYOR！"Itwasaprettysight，thatflockofsheep，asitrolledalonglikearoundedwoollystreamofgraysandbrownsandhereandthereablack。Theywerekeepingtoatrailovertheflats。Daleheadedintothistrailand，ifanything，trottedalittlefaster。

Presentlythecloudsliftedandbroke，showingblueskyandonestreakofsunshine。Buttheaugurywaswithoutwarrant。

Thewindincreased。Ahugeblackpallboredownfromthemountainsanditbroughtrainthatcouldbeseenfallinginsheetsfromaboveandapproachinglikeaswiftlymovingwall。Soonitenvelopedthefugitives。

Withheadbowed，Helenrodealongforwhatseemedagesinacold，grayrainthatblewalmostonalevel。Finallytheheavydownpourpassed，leavingafinemist。Thecloudsscurriedlowanddark，hidingthemountainsaltogetherandmakingthegray，wetplainadrearysight。Helen\'sfeetandkneeswereaswetasifshehadwadedinwater。Andtheywerecold。Hergloves，too，hadnotbeenintendedforrain，andtheywerewetthrough。Thecoldbitatherfingerssothatshehadtobeatherhandstogether。Rangermisunderstoodthistomeanthathewastotrotfaster，whicheventwasworseforHelenthanfreezing。

Shesawanotherblack，scuddingmassofcloudsbearingdownwithitstrailingsheetsofrain，andthisoneappearedstreakedwithwhite。Snow！Thewindwasnowpiercinglycold。

Helen\'sbodykeptwarm，butherextremitiesandearsbegantosufferexceedingly。Shegazedaheadgrimly。Therewasnohelp；shehadtogoon。DaleandRoywerehuncheddownintheirsaddles，probablywetthrough，fortheyworenorain-proofcoats。Bokeptclosebehindthem，andplainitwasthatshefeltthecold。

Thissecondstormwasnotsobadasthefirst，becausetherewaslessrain。Still，theicykeennessofthewindbitintothemarrow。Itlastedforanhour，duringwhichthehorsestrottedon，trottedon。Againthegraytorrentroaredaway，thefinemistblew，thecloudsliftedandseparated，and，closingagain，darkenedforanotheronslaught。Thisonebroughtsleet。ThedrivingpelletsstungHelen\'sneckandcheeks，andforawhiletheyfellsothickandsoharduponherbackthatshewasafraidshecouldnotholdupunderthem。Thebareplacesonthegroundshowedasparklingcoverletofmarblesofice。

Thus，stormafterstormrolledoverHelen\'shead。Herfeetgrewnumbandceasedtohurt。Butherfingers，becauseofherceaselesseffortstokeepupthecirculation，retainedthestingingpain。Andnowthewindpiercedrightthroughher。Shemarveledatherendurance，andthereweremanytimesthatshebelievedshecouldnotridefarther。Yetshekepton。Allthewintersshehadeverlivedhadnotbroughtsuchadayasthis。Hardandcold，wetandwindy，atanincreasingelevation——thatwastheexplanation。Theairdidnothavesufficientoxygenforherblood。

Still，duringallthoseinterminablehours，Helenwatchedwhereshewastraveling，andifsheeverreturnedoverthattrailshewouldrecognizeit。TheafternoonappearedfaradvancedwhenDaleandRoyleddownintoanimmensebasinwhereareedylakespreadovertheflats。Theyrodealongitsmargin，splashinguptothekneesofthehorses。Cranesandheronsflewonwithlumberingmotion；flocksofduckswingedswiftflightfromonesidetotheother。Beyondthisdepressionthelandslopedratherabruptly；outcroppingsofrockcircledalongtheedgeofthehighestground，andagainadarkfringeoftreesappeared。

Howmanymiles！wonderedHelen。Theyseemedasmanyandaslongasthehours。Butatlast，justasanotherhardraincame，thepineswerereached。Theyprovedtobewidelyscatteredandaffordedlittleprotectionfromthestorm。

Helensathersaddle，adeadweight。WheneverRangerquickenedhisgaitorcrossedaditchsheheldontothepommeltokeepfromfallingoff。Hermindharboredonlysensationsofmisery，andapersistentthought——whydidsheeverleavehomefortheWest？HersolicitudeforBohadbeenforgotten。Nevertheless，anymarkedchangeinthetopographyofthecountrywasregistered，perhapsphotographedonhermemorybythetorturingvividnessofherexperience。

Theforestgrewmorelevelanddenser。Shadowsoftwilightorgloomlayunderthetrees。PresentlyDaleandRoy，disappeared，goingdownhill，andlikewiseBo。ThenHelen\'searssuddenlyfilledwitharoarofrapidwater。Rangertrottedfaster。SoonHelencametotheedgeofagreatvalley，blackandgray，sofullofobscuritythatshecouldnotseeacrossordownintoit。Butsheknewtherewasarushingriveratthebottom。Thesoundwasdeep，continuous，aheavy，murmuringroar，singularlymusical。Thetrailwassteep。Helenhadnotlostallfeeling，asshehadbelievedandhoped。Herpoor，mistreatedbodystillrespondedexcruciatinglytoconcussions，jars，wrenches，andalltheotherhorriblemovementsmakingupahorse-trot。

ForlongHelendidnotlookup。Whenshedidsotherelayagreen，willow-bordered，treelessspaceatthebottomofthevalley，throughwhichabrown-whitestreamrushedwithsteady，ear-fillingroar。

DaleandRoydrovethepack-animalsacrossthestream，andfollowed，goingdeeptotheflanksoftheirhorses。Borodeintothefoamingwaterasifshehadbeenusedtoitallherdays。Aslip，afall，wouldhavemeantthatBomustdrowninthatmountaintorrent。

Rangertrottedstraighttotheedge，andthere，obedienttoHelen\'sclutchonthebridle，hehalted。Thestreamwasfiftyfeetwide，shallowonthenearside，deepontheopposite，withfastcurrentandbigwaves。Helenwassimplytoofrightenedtofollow。

"Lethimcome！"yelledDale。"Stickonnow！……Ranger！"

Thebigblackplungedin，makingthewaterfly。Thatstreamwasnothingforhim，thoughitseemedimpassabletoHelen。

Shehadnotthestrengthlefttoliftherstirrupsandthewatersurgedoverthem。Ranger，intwomoreplunges，surmountedthebank，andthen，trottingacrossthegreentowheretheotherhorsesstoodsteamingundersomepines，hegaveagreatheaveandhalted。

Royreacheduptohelpheroff。

"Thirtymiles，MissHelen，"hesaid，andthewayhespokewasacompliment。

HehadtoliftheroffandhelphertothetreewhereBoleaned。Dalehadrippedoffasaddleandwasspreadingsaddle-blanketsonthegroundunderthepine。

"Nell——youswore——youlovedme！"wasBo\'smournfulgreeting。Thegirlwaspale，drawn，blue-lipped，andshecouldnotstandup。

"Bo，Ineverdid——orI\'dneverhavebroughtyoutothis——

wretchthatIam！"criedHelen。"Oh，whatahorribleride！"

Rainwasfalling，thetreesweredripping，theskywaslowering。Allthegroundwassoakingwet，withpoolsandpuddleseverywhere。Helencouldimaginenothingbutaheartless，dreary，coldprospect。Justthenhomewasvividandpoignantinherthoughts。Indeed，soutterlymiserablewasshethattheexquisitereliefofsittingdown，ofacessationofmovement，ofareleasefromthatinfernalperpetual-trottinghorse，seemedonlyamockery。Itcouldnotbetruethatthetimehadcomeforrest。

Evidentlythisplacehadbeenacampsiteforhuntersorsheep-herders，fortherewereremainsofafire。Daleliftedtheburntendofalogandbroughtitdownhardupontheground，splittingoffpieces。Severaltimeshedidthis。Itwasamazingtoseehisstrength，hisfacility，ashesplitoffhandfulsofsplinters。Hecollectedabundleofthem，and，layingthemdown，hebentoverthem。Roywieldedtheaxonanotherlog，andeachstrokesplitoffalongstrip。ThenatinycolumnofsmokedriftedupoverDale\'sshoulderasheleaned，bareheaded，shelteringthesplinterswithhishat。A

blazeleapedup。Roycamewithanarmfulofstripsallwhiteanddry，outoftheinsideofalog。Crosswisethesewerelaidovertheblaze，anditbegantoroar。Thenpiecebypiecethemenbuiltupaframeuponwhichtheyaddedheavierwoods，branchesandstumpsandlogs，erectingapyramidthroughwhichflamesandsmokeroaredupward。Ithadnottakentwominutes。AlreadyHelenfeltthewarmthonhericyface。Sheheldupherbare，numbhands。

BothDaleandRoywerewetthroughtotheskin，yettheydidnottarrybesidethefire。Theyrelievedthehorses。Alassowentupbetweentwopines，andatarpaulinoverit，V-shapedandpeggeddownatthefourends。Thepackscontainingthebaggageofthegirlsandthesuppliesandbeddingwereplacedunderthisshelter。

Helenthoughtthismighthavetakenfiveminutesmore。Inthisshortspaceoftimethefirehadleapedandflameduntilitwashugeandhot。Rainwasfallingsteadilyallaround，butoverandnearthatroaringblaze，tenfeethigh，nowaterfell。Itevaporated。Thegroundbegantosteamandtodry。Helensufferedatfirstwhiletheheatwasdrivingoutthecold。Butpresentlythepainceased。

"Nell，Ineverknewbeforehowgoodafirecouldfeel，"

declaredBo。

AndthereinlaymorefoodforHelen\'sreflection。

IntenminutesHelenwasdryandhot。Darknesscamedownuponthedreary，soddenforest，butthatgreatcamp-firemadeitadifferentworldfromtheoneHelenhadanticipated。Itblazedandroared，crackedlikeapistol，hissedandsputtered，shotsparkseverywhere，andsentaloftadense，yellow，whirlingcolumnofsmoke。Itbegantohaveaheartofgold。

Daletookalongpoleandrakedoutapileofredembersuponwhichthecoffee-potandovensoonbegantosteam。

"Roy，Ipromisedthegirlsturkeyto-night，"saidthehunter。

"Mebbeto-morrow，ifthewindshifts。This\'sturkeycountry。"

"Roy，apotatowilldome！"exclaimedBo。

"NeveragainwillIaskforcakeandpie！Ineverappreciatedgoodthingstoeat。AndI\'vebeenalittlepig，always。Inever——neverknewwhatitwastobehungry——

untilnow。"

Daleglancedupquickly。

"Lass，it\'sworthlearnin\'，"hesaid。

Helen\'sthoughtwastoodeepforwords。Insuchbriefspacehadshebeentransformedfrommiserytocomfort！

Therainkeptonfalling，thoughitappearedtogrowsofterasnightsettleddownblack。Thewinddiedawayandtheforestwasstill，exceptforthesteadyroarofthestream。

Afoldedtarpaulinwaslaidbetweenthepineandthefire，wellinthelightandwarmth，anduponitthemensetsteamingpotsandplatesandcups，thefragrancefromwhichwasstrongandinviting。

"Fetchthesaddle-blanketan\'setwithyourbackstothefire，"saidRoy。

Later，whenthegirlsweretuckedawaysnuglyintheirblanketsandshelteredfromtherain，HelenremainedawakeafterBohadfallenasleep。Thebigblazemadetheimprovisedtentasbrightasday。Shecouldseethesmoke，thetrunkofthebigpinetoweringaloft，andablankspaceofsky。Thestreamhummedasong，seeminglymusicalattimes，andthendiscordantanddull，nowlow，nowroaring，andalwaysrushing，gurgling，babbling，flowing，chafinginitshurry。

Presentlythehunterandhisfriendreturnedfromhobblingthehorses，andbesidethefiretheyconversedinlowtones。

"Wal，thettrailwemadeto-daywillbehid，Ireckon，"saidRoy，withsatisfaction。

"Whatwasn\'tsheepedoverwouldbewashedout。We\'vehadluck。An\'nowIain\'tworryin\'，"returnedDale。

"Worryin\'？Thenit\'sthefirstIeverknowedyoutodo。"

"Man，Ineverhadajoblikethis，"protestedthehunter。

"Wal，thet\'sso。"

"Now，Roy，whenoldAlAuchinclossfindsoutaboutthisdeal，ashe\'sboundtowhenyouortheboysgetbacktoPine，he\'sgoin\'toroar。"

"DoyoureckonfolkswillsidewithhimagainstBeasley？"

"Someofthem。ButAl，likeasnot，willtellfolkstogowhereit\'shot。He\'llbunchhismenan\'strikeforthemountainstofindhisnieces。"

"Wal，allyou\'vegottodoistokeepthegirlshidtillI

canguidehimuptoyourcamp。Or，failin\'thet，tillyoucanslipthegirlsdowntoPine。"

"Noonebutyouan\'yourbrotherseverseenmysenaca。Butitcouldbefoundeasyenough。"

"Ansonmightblunderonit。Butthetain\'tlikely。"

"Whyain\'tit？"

"BecauseI\'llsticktothetsheep-thief\'strackslikeawolfafterableedin\'deer。An\'ifheevergetsnearyourcampI\'llrideinaheadofhim。"

"Good！"declaredDale。"Iwascalculatin\'you\'dgodowntoPine，soonerorlater。"

"NotunlessAnsongoes。ItoldJohnthetincasetherewasnofightonthestagetomakeabee-linebacktoPine。HewastotellAlan\'offerhisservicesalongwithJoean\'

Hal。"

"Onewayoranother，then，there\'sboundtobebloodspilledoverthis。"

"Shore！An\'hightime。IjesthopeIgetalookdownmyold\'forty-four\'atthetBeasley。"

"InthatcaseIhopeyouholdstraighterthantimesI\'veseenyou。"

"MiltDale，I\'magoodshot，"declaredRoy，stoutly。

"You\'renogoodonmovin\'targets。"

"Wal，mebbeso。ButI\'mnotlookin\'foramovin\'targetwhenImeetupwithBeasley。I\'mahossman，notahunter。You\'reusedtoshootin\'fliesoffdeer\'shorns，jestforpractice。"

"Roy，canwemakemycampbyto-morrownight？"queriedDale，moreseriously。

"Wewill，ifeachofushastocarryoneofthegirls。Butthey\'lldoitordie。Dale，didyoueverseeagamergirlthanthetkidBo？"

"Me！Where\'dIeverseeanygirls？"ejaculatedDale。"I

remembersomewhenIwasaboy，butIwasonlyfourteenthen。Neverhadmuchuseforgirls。"

"I\'dliketohaveawifelikethatBo，"declaredRoy，fervidly。

Thereensuedamoment\'ssilence。

"Roy，you\'reaMormonan\'youalreadygotawife，"wasDale\'sreply。

"Now，Milt，haveyoulivedsolonginthewoodsthetyouneverheardofaMormonwithtwowives？"returnedRoy，andthenhelaughedheartily。

"InevercouldstomachwhatIdidhearpertainin\'tomorethanonewifeforaman。"

"Wal，myfriend，yougoan\'getyourselfONE。An\'seethenifyouwouldn\'tliketohaveTWO。"

"Ireckonone\'dbemorethanenoughforMiltDale。"

"Milt，oldman，letmetellyouthetIalwaysenviedyouyourfreedom，"saidRoy，earnestly。"Butitain\'tlife。"

"Youmeanlifeisloveofawoman？"

"No。Thet\'sonlypart。Imeanason——aboythet\'slikeyou——thetyoufeelwillgoonwithyourlifeafteryou\'regone。"

"I\'vethoughtofthat——thoughtitallout，watchin\'thebirdsan\'animalsmateinthewoods……IfIhavenosonI\'llneverlivehereafter。"

"Wal，"repliedRoy，hesitatingly，"Idon\'tgoinsodeepasthet。Imeanasongoesonwithyourbloodan\'yourwork。"

"Exactly……An\'，Roy，Ienvyyouwhatyouvegot，becauseit\'soutofallboundsforMiltDale。"

Thosewords，sadanddeep，endedtheconversation。Againtherumbling，rushingstreamdominatedtheforest。Anowlhooteddismally。Ahorsetrodthuddinglynearbyandfromthatdirectioncameacuttingtearofteethongrass。

AvoicepiercedHelen\'sdeepdreamsand，awaking，shefoundBoshakingandcallingher。

"Areyoudead？"camethegayvoice。

"Almost。Oh，myback\'sbroken，"repliedHelen。Thedesiretomoveseemedclampedinavise，andevenifthatcameshebelievedtheeffortwouldbeimpossible。

"Roycalledus，"saidBo。"Hesaidhurry。IthoughtI\'ddiejustsittingup，andI\'dgiveyouamilliondollarstolacemyboots。Wait，sister，tillyoutrytopullononeofthosestiffboots！"

WithheroicandviolentspiritHelensatuptofindthatintheactherachesandpainsappearedbeyondnumber。Reachingforherboots，shefoundthemcoldandstiff。Helenunlacedoneand，openingitwide，essayedtogethersorefootdownintoit。Butherfootappearedswollenandthebootappearedshrunken。Shecouldnotgetithalfon，thoughsheexpendedwhatlittlestrengthseemedleftinherachingarms。Shegroaned。

Bolaughedwickedly。Herhairwastousled，hereyesdancing，hercheeksred。

"Begame！"shesaid。"StanduplikearealWesterngirlandPULLyourbooton。"

WhetherBo\'sscornoradvicemadethetaskeasierdidnotoccurtoHelen，butthefactwasthatshegotintoherboots。Walkingandmovingalittleappearedtoloosenthestiffjointsandeasethattiredfeeling。ThewaterofthestreamwherethegirlswashedwascolderthananyiceHelenhadeverfelt。Italmostparalyzedherhands。Bomumbled，andblewlikeaporpoise。Theyhadtoruntothefirebeforebeingabletocombtheirhair。Theairwaswonderfullykeen。

Thedawnwasclear，bright，witharedglowintheeastwherethesunwasabouttorise。

"Allready，girls，"calledRoy。"Reckonyoucanhelpyourselves。Miltain\'tcomin\'inveryfastwiththehosses。

I\'llrustleofftohelphim。We\'vegotaharddaybeforeus。

Yesterdaywasn\'tnowheretowhatto-day\'llbe。"

"Butthesun\'sgoingtoshine？"imploredBo。

"Wal，youbet，"rejoinedRoy，ashestrodeoff。

HelenandBoatebreakfastandhadthecamptothemselvesforperhapshalfanhour；thenthehorsescamethuddingdown，withDaleandRoyridingbareback。

Bythetimeallwasinreadinesstostartthesunwasup，meltingthefrostandice，sothatadazzling，brightmist，fullofrainbows，shoneunderthetrees。

DalelookedRangerover，andtriedthecinchesofBo\'shorse。

"What\'syourchoice——alongridebehindthepackswithme——orashortcutoverthehillswithRoy？"heasked。

"Ichoosethelesseroftworides，"repliedHelen，smiling。

"Reckonthat\'llbeeasier，butyou\'llknowyou\'vehadaride，"saidDale，significantly。

"Whatwasthatwehadyesterday？"askedBo，archly。

"Onlythirtymiles，butcoldan\'wet。To-daywillbefineforridin\'。"

"Milt，I\'lltakeablanketan\'somegrubincaseyoudon\'tmeetusto-night，"saidRoy。"An\'Ireckonwe\'llsplitupherewhereI\'llhavetostrikeoutonthetshortcut。"

Bomountedwithoutahelpinghand，butHelen\'slimbsweresostiffthatshecouldnotgetastridethehighRangerwithoutassistance。Thehunterheadeduptheslopeofthecanuon，whichonthatsidewasnotsteep。Itwasbrownpineforest，withhereandthereaclumpofdark，silver-pointedevergreensthatRoycalledspruce。BythetimethisslopewassurmountedHelen\'sacheswerenotsobad。Thesaddleappearedtofitherbetter，andthegaitofthehorsewasnotsounfamiliar。Shereflected，however，thatshealwayshaddoneprettywelluphill。Hereitwasbeautifulforest-land，unevenandwilder。Theyrodeforatimealongtherim，withthewhiterushingstreaminplainsightfarbelow，withitsmelodiousroareverthrummingintheear。

Dalereinedinandpeereddownatthepine-mat。

"Freshdeersignallalonghere，"hesaid，pointing。

"Wal，Iseenthetlongago，"rejoinedRoy。

Helen\'sscrutinywasrewardedbydescryingseveraltinydepressionsinthepine-needles，darkincolorandsharplydefined。

"Wemaynevergetabetterchance，"saidDale。"Thosedeerareworkin\'upourway。Getyourrifleout。"

Travelwasresumedthen，withRoyalittleinadvanceofthepack-train。Presentlyhedismounted，threwhisbridle，andcautiouslypeeredahead。Then，turning，hewavedhissombrero。Thepack-animalshaltedinabunch。DalebeckonedforthegirlstofollowandrodeuptoRoy\'shorse。Thispoint，Helensaw，wasatthetopofanintersectingcanuon。

Daledismounted，withoutdrawinghisriflefromitssaddle-sheath，andapproachedRoy。

"Buckan\'twodoes，"hesaid，low-voiced。"An\'they\'vewindedus，butdon\'tseeusyet……Girls，rideupcloser。"

FollowingthedirectionsindicatedbyDale\'slongarm，Helenlookeddowntheslope。Itwasopen，withtallpineshereandthere，andclumpsofsilverspruce，andaspensshininglikegoldinthemorningsunlight。PresentlyBoexclaimed："Oh，look！Isee！Isee！"ThenHelen\'srovingglancepassedsomethingdifferentfromgreenandgoldandbrown。Shiftingbacktoitshesawamagnificentstag，withnoblespreadingantlers，standinglikeastatue，hisheadupinalertandwildposture。Hiscolorwasgray。Besidehimgrazedtwodeerofslighterandmoregracefulbuild，withouthorns。

"It\'sdownhill，"whisperedDale。"An\'you\'regoin\'toovershoot。"

ThenHelensawthatRoyhadhisrifleleveled。

"Oh，don\'t！"shecried。

Dale\'sremarkevidentlynettledRoy。Heloweredtherifle。

"Milt，it\'smelookin\'overthisgun。Howcanyoustandtherean\'tellmeI\'mgoin\'toshoothigh？Ihadadeadbeadonhim。"

"Roy，youdidn\'tallowfordownhill……Hurry。Heseesusnow。"

Royleveledtherifleand，takingaimasbefore，hefired。

Thebuckstoodperfectlymotionless，asifhehadindeedbeenstone。Thedoes，however，jumpedwithastart，andgazedinfrightineverydirection。

"Toldyou！Iseenwhereyourbullethitthetpine——halfafootoverhisshoulder。Tryagainan\'aimathislegs。"

Roynowtookaquickeraimandpulledtrigger。ApuffofdustrightatthefeetofthebuckshowedwhereRoy\'sleadhadstruckthistime。Withasinglebound，wonderfultosee，thebigdeerwasoutofsightbehindtreesandbrush。Thedoesleapedafterhim。

"Doggonetheluck！"ejaculatedRoy，redintheface，asheworkedtheleverofhisrifle。"Nevercouldshootdownhill，nohow！"

HisruefulapologytothegirlsformissingbroughtamerrylaughfromBo。

"NotforworldswouldIhavehadyoukillthatbeautifuldeer！"sheexclaimed。

"Wewon\'thavevenisonsteakoffhim，that\'scertain，"

remarkedDale，dryly。"An\'maybenoneoffanydeer，ifRoydoestheshootin\'。"

Theyresumedtravel，sheeringofftotherightandkeepingtotheedgeoftheintersectingcanuon。Atlengththeyrodedowntothebottom，whereatinybrookbabbledthroughwillows，andtheyfollowedthisforamileorsodowntowhereitflowedintothelargerstream。Adimtrailovergrownwithgrassshowedatthispoint。

"Here\'swherewepart，"saidDale。"You\'llbeatmeintomycamp，butI\'llgettheresometimeafterdark。"

"Hey，Milt，Iforgotaboutthetdarnedpetcougarofyoursan\'therestofyourmenagerie。Reckontheywon\'tscarethegirls？EspeciallyoldTom？"

"Youwon\'tseeTomtillIgethome，"repliedDale。

"Ain\'thecorralledortiedup？"

"No。Hehastherunoftheplace。"

"Wal，good-by，then，an\'rustlealong。"

Dalenoddedtothegirls，and，turninghishorse，hedrovethepack-trainbeforehimuptheopenspacebetweenthestreamandthewoodedslope。

RoysteppedoffhishorsewiththatsingleactionwhichappearedsuchafeattoHelen。

"GuessI\'dbettercinchup，"hesaid，ashethrewastirrupupoverthepommelofhissaddle。"Yougirlsaregoin\'toseewildcountry。"

"Who\'soldTom？"queriedBo，curiously。

"Why，he\'sMilt\'spetcougar。"

"Cougar？That\'sapanther——amountain-lion，didn\'thesay？"

"Shoreis。Tomisabeauty。An\'ifhetakesalikin\'toyouhe\'llloveyou，playwithyou，maulyouhalftodeath。"

Bowasalleyes。

"Dalehasotherpets，too？"shequestioned，eagerly。

"Ineverwasuptohiscampbutwhatitwasoverrunwithbirdsan\'squirrelsan\'verminofallkinds，astameastameascows。Toodarntame，Miltsays。ButIcan\'tfiggerthet。

Yougirlswillneverwanttoleavethetsenacaofhis。"

"What\'sasenaca？"askedHelen，assheshiftedherfoottolethimtightenthecinchesonhersaddle。

"Thet\'sMexicanforpark，Iguess，"hereplied。"Thesemountainsarefullofparks；an\'，say，Idon\'teverwanttoseenoprettierplacetillIgettoheaven……There，Ranger，oldboy，thet\'stight。"

Heslappedthehorseaffectionately，and，turningtohisown，hesteppedandswunghislonglengthup。

"Itain\'tdeepcrossin\'here。Comeon，"hecalled，andspurredhisbay。

Thestreamherewaswideanditlookeddeep，butturnedouttobedeceptive。

"Wal，girls，herebeginneththesecondlesson，"hedrawled，cheerily。"Rideonebehindtheother——stickclosetome——

dowhatIdo——an\'hollerwhenyouwanttorestorifsomethin\'goesbad。"

Withthathespurredintothethicket。BowentnextandHelenfollowed。ThewillowsdraggedathersohardthatshewasunabletowatchRoy，andtheresultwasthatalow-sweepingbranchofatreeknockedherhardonthehead。

Ithurtandstartledher，androusedhermettle。Roywaskeepingtotheeasytrotthatcoveredgroundsowell，andheledupaslopetotheopenpineforest。Heretherideforseveralmileswasstraight，level，andopen。Helenlikedtheforestto-day。Itwasbrownandgreen，withpatchesofgoldwherethesunstruck。Shesawherfirstbird——bigbluegrousethatwhirredupfromunderherhorse，andlittlecheckeredgrayquailthatappearedawkwardonthewing。

SeveraltimesRoypointedoutdeerflashinggrayacrosssomeforestaisle，andoftenwhenhepointedHelenwasnotquickenoughtosee。

Helenrealizedthatthisridewouldmakeupforthehideousoneofyesterday。Sofarshehadbeenonlybarelyconsciousofsoreplacesandachingbones。Theseshewouldbearwith。

Shelovedthewildandthebeautiful，bothofwhichincreasedmanifestlywitheverymile。Thesunwaswarm，theairfragrantandcool，theskyblueasazureandsodeepthatsheimaginedthatshecouldlookfarupintoit。

SuddenlyRoyreinedinsosharplythathepulledthebayupshort。

"Look！"hecalled，sharply。

Boscreamed。

"Notthetway！Here！Aw，he\'sgone！"

"Nell！Itwasabear！Isawit！Oh！notlikecircusbearsatall！"criedBo。

Helenhadmissedheropportunity。

"Reckonhewasagrizzly，an\'I\'mjestaswellpleasedthethelopedoff，"saidRoy。Alteringhiscoursesomewhat，heledtoanoldrottenlogthatthebearhadbeendiggingin。

"Aftergrubs。There，seehistrack。Hewasawhoppershoreenough。"

Theyrodeon，outtoahighpointthatoverlookedcanuonandrange，gorgeandridge，greenandblackasfarasHelencouldsee。Therangeswereboldandlong，climbingtothecentraluplift，whereanumberoffringedpeaksraisedtheirheadstothevastbaredomeofOldBaldy。Farasvisioncouldsee，totherightlayonerollingforestofpine，beautifulandserene。Somewheredownbeyondmusthavelainthedesert，butitwasnotinsight。

"Iseeturkeys\'waydownthere，"saidRoy，backingaway。

"We\'llgodownandaroundan\'mebbeI\'llgetashot。"

Descentbeyondarockypointwasmadethroughthickbrush。

Thisslopeconsistedofwidebenchescoveredwithcopsesandscatteredpinesandmanyoaks。Helenwasdelightedtoseethefamiliartrees，althoughtheseweredifferentfromMissourioaks。Ruggedandgnarled，butnottall，thesetreesspreadwidebranches，theleavesofwhichwereyellowing。

Royledintoagrassyglade，and，leapingoffhishorse，rifleinhand，hepreparedtoshootatsomething。AgainBocriedout，butthistimeitwasindelight。ThenHelensawanimmenseflockofturkeys，apparentlyliketheturkeyssheknewathome，butthesehadbronzeandchecksofwhite，andtheylookedwild。Theremusthavebeenahundredintheflock，mostofthemhens。Afewgobblersonthefarsidebegantheflight，runningswiftlyoff。Helenplainlyheardthethudoftheirfeet。Royshotonce——twice——threetimes。Thenroseagreatcommotion。andthumping，andaloudroarofmanywings。Dustandleaveswhirlingintheairwereleftwheretheturkeyshadbeen。

"Wal，Igottwo，"saidRoy，andhestrodeforwardtopickuphisgame。Returning，hetiedtwoshiny，plumpgobblersbackofhissaddleandremountedhishorse。"We\'llhaveturkeyto-night，ifMiltgetstocampintime。"

Theridewasresumed。Helenneverwouldhavetiredridingthroughthoseoakgroves，brownandsearandyellow，withleavesandacornsfalling。

"Bearshavebeenworkin\'inherealready，"saidRoy。"Iseetracksallover。Theyeatacornsinthefall。An\'mebbewe\'llrunintooneyet。"

Thefartherdownheledthewilderandthickergrewthetrees，sothatdodgingbrancheswasnolighttask。Rangerdidnotseemtocarehowclosehepassedatreeorunderalimb，sothathemissedthemhimself；butHelentherebygotsomeadditionalbruises。Particularlyhardwasit，whenpassingatree，togetherkneeoutofthewayintime。

Royhaltednextatwhatappearedalargegreenpondfullofvegetationandinplacescoveredwithathickscum。Butithadacurrentandanoutlet，provingittobeahuge，spring。Roypointeddownatamuddyplace。

"Bear-wallow。Hehearduscomin\'。Lookatthetlittletrack。

Cubtrack。An\'lookatthesescratchesonthistree，higher\'nmyhead。Anoldshe-bearstoodup，an\'scratchedthem。"

Roysathissaddleandreacheduptotouchfreshmarksonthetree。

"Woods\'sfullofbigbears，"hesaid，grinning。"An\'Itakeitparticularkindofthisoldsherustlin\'offwithhercub。She-bearswithcubsaredangerous。"

ThenextplacetostirHelentoenthusiasmwastheglenatthebottomofthiscanuon。Beech-trees，maples，aspens，overtoppedbyloftypines，madedenseshadeoverabrookwheretroutsplashedonthebrown，swirlingcurrent，andleavesdrifteddown，andstrayflecksofgoldensunlightlightenedthegloom。Herewashardridingtoandfroacrossthebrook，betweenhugemossyboulders，andbetweenaspenssoclosetogetherthatHelencouldscarcesqueezeherkneesthrough。

OncemoreRoyclimbedoutofthatcanuon，overaridgeintoanother，downlongwoodedslopesandthroughscrub-oakthickets，onandontillthesunstoodstraightoverhead。

Thenhehaltedforashortrest，unsaddledthehorsestoletthemroll，andgavethegirlssomecoldlunchthathehadpacked。Hestrolledoffwithhisgun，and，uponreturning，resaddledandgavethewordtostart。

Thatwasthelastofrestandeasytravelingforthegirls。

Theforestthathestruckintoseemedribbedlikeawashboardwithdeepravinessosteepofslopeastomakeprecarioustravel。Mostlyhekepttothebottomwheredrywashesaffordedakindoftrail。Butitwasnecessarytocrosstheseravineswhentheyweretoolongtobeheaded，andthiscrossingwaswork。

Thelocustthicketscharacteristicoftheseslopeswerethornyandcloseknit。Theytoreandscratchedandstungbothhorsesandriders。Rangerappearedtobethemostintelligentofthehorsesandsufferedless。Bo\'swhitemustangdraggedherthroughmorethanonebramblyplace。Ontheotherhand，someofthesesteepslopes，werecomparativelyfreeofunderbrush。Greatfirsandpinesloomeduponallsides。Theearthwassoftandthehoofssankdeep。TowardthebottomofadescentRangerwouldbracehisfrontfeetandthenslidedownonhishaunches。Thismodefacilitatedtravel，butitfrightenedHelen。Theclimboutthenontheothersidehadtobedoneonfoot。

AfterhalfadozenslopessurmountedinthiswayHelen\'sstrengthwasspentandherbreathwasgone。Shefeltlight-headed。Shecouldnotgetenoughair。Herfeetfeltlikelead，andherriding-coatwasaburden。Ahundredtimes，hotandwetandthrobbing，shewascompelledtostop。

Alwaysshehadbeenasplendidwalkerandclimber。Andhere，tobreakupthelongride，shewasgladtobeonherfeet。

Butshecouldonlydragonefootupaftertheother。Then，whenhernosebegantobleed，sherealizedthatitwastheelevationwhichwascausingallthetrouble。Herheart，however，didnothurther，thoughshewasconsciousofanoppressiononherbreast。

AtlastRoyledintoaravinesodeepandwideandfullofforestverdurethatitappearedimpossibletocross。

Nevertheless，hestarteddown，dismountingafteralittleway。HelenfoundthatleadingRangerdownwasworsethanridinghim。Hecamefastandhewouldsteprightinhertracks。Shewasnotquickenoughtoget，awayfromhim。

Twicehesteppedonherfoot，andagainhisbroadchesthithershoulderandthrewherflat。Whenhebegantoslide，nearthebottom，Helenhadtorunforherlife。

"Oh，Nell！Isn\'t——this——great？"pantedBo，fromsomewhereahead。

"Bo——your——mind\'s——gone，"pantedHelen，inreply。

Roytriedseveralplacestoclimbout，andfailedineach。

Leadingdowntheravineforahundredyardsormore，heessayedanotherattempt。Heretherehadbeenaslide，andinparttheearthwasbare。Whenhehadworkedupthis，hehaltedabove，andcalled：

"Badplace！Keepontheupsideofthehosses！"

Thisappearedeasiersaidthandone。HelencouldnotwatchBo，becauseRangerwouldnotwait。Hepulledatthebridleandsnorted。

"Fasteryoucomethebetter，"calledRoy。

Helencouldnotseethesenseofthat，butshetried。RoyandBohaddugadeeptrailzigzagupthattreacherousslide。Helenmadethemistakeofstartingtofollowintheirtracks，andwhensherealizedthisRangerwasclimbingfast，almostdraggingher，anditwastoolatetogetabove。Helenbegantolabor。ShesliddownrightinfrontofRanger。Theintelligentanimal，withasnort，plungedoutofthetrailtokeepfromsteppingonher。Thenhewasaboveher。

"Lookoutdownthere，"yelledRoy，inwarning。"Getontheupside！"

Butthatdidnotappearpossible。TheearthbegantoslideunderRanger，andthatimpededHelen\'sprogress。Hegotinadvanceofher，strainingonthebridle。

"Letgo！"yelledRoy。

HelendroppedthebridlejustasaheavyslidebegantomovewithRanger。Hesnortedfiercely，and，rearinghigh，inamightyplungehegainedsolidground。Helenwasburiedtoherknees，but，extricatingherself，shecrawledtoasafepointandrestedbeforeclimbingfarther。

"Badcave-in，thet，"wasRoy\'scomment，whenatlastshejoinedhimandBoatthetop。

Royappearedatalossastowhichwaytogo。Herodetohighgroundandlookedinalldirections。ToHelen，onewayappearedaswildandroughasanother，andallwasyellow，green，andblackunderthewesteringsun。Royrodeashortdistanceinonedirection，thenchangedforanother。

Presentlyhestopped。

"Wal，I\'mshoreturnedround，"hesaid。

"You\'renotlost？"criedBo。

"ReckonI\'vebeenthetforacoupleofhours，"hereplied，cheerfully。"NeverdidrideacrosshereIhadthedirection，butI\'mblamednowifIcantellwhichwaythetwas。"

Helengazedathiminconsternation。

"Lost！"sheechoed。

CHAPTERIX

Asilenceensued，fraughtwithpoignantfearforHelen，asshegazedintoBo\'swhiteningface。Shereadhersister\'smind。Bowasrememberingtalesoflostpeoplewhoneverwerefound。

"Mean\'Miltgetlosteveryday，"saidRoy。"Youdon\'tsupposeanymancanknowallthisbigcountry。It\'snothin\'

forustobelost。"

"Oh！……IwaslostwhenIwaslittle，"saidBo。

"Wal，Ireckonit\'dbeenbetternottotellyousooffhandlike，"repliedRoy，contritely。"Don\'tfeelbad，now。AllI

needisapeekatOldBaldy。ThenI\'llhavemybearin\'。Comeon。"

Helen\'sconfidencereturnedasRoyledoffatafasttrot。

Herodetowardthewesteringsun，keepingtotheridgetheyhadascended，untiloncemorehecameoutuponapromontory。

OldBaldyloomedthere，blackerandhigherandcloser。Thedarkforestshowedround，yellow，barespotslikeparks。

"Notsofaroffthetrack，"saidRoy，ashewheeledhishorse。"We\'llmakecampinMilt\'ssenacato-night。"

Heleddownofftheridgeintoavalleyandthenuptohigheraltitude，wherethecharacteroftheforestchanged。

Thetreeswerenolongerpines，butfirsandspruce，growingthinandexceedinglytall，withfewbranchesbelowthetopmostfoliage。Sodensewasthisforestthattwilightseemedtohavecome。

Travelwasarduous。Everywherewerewindfallsthathadtobeavoided，andnotarodwastherewithoutafallentree。Thehorses，laboringslowly，sometimessankknee-deepintothebrownduff。Graymossfestoonedthetree-trunksandanamber-greenmossgrewthickontherottinglogs。

Helenlovedthisforestprimeval。Itwassostill，sodark，sogloomy，sofullofshadowsandshade，andadanksmellofrottingwood，andsweetfragranceofspruce。Thegreatwindfalls，wheretreeswerejammedtogetherindozens，showedthesavageryofthestorms。Whereverasinglemonarchlayuprootedtherehadsprungupanumberofambitioussons，jealousofoneanother，fightingforplace。Eventhetreesfoughtoneanother！Theforestwasaplaceofmystery，butitsstrifecouldbereadbyanyeye。Thelightningshadsplitfirscleartotheroots，andothersithadcircledwithrippingtearfromtoptotrunk。

Timecame，however，whentheexceedingwildnessoftheforest，indensityandfallentimber，madeitimperativeforHelentoputallherattentiononthegroundandtreesinherimmediatevicinity。Sothepleasureofgazingaheadatthebeautifulwildernesswasdeniedher。Thereaftertravelbecametoilandthehoursendless。

Royledon，andRangerfollowed，whiletheshadowsdarkenedunderthetrees。Shewasreelinginhersaddle，halfblindandsick，whenRoycalledoutcheerilythattheywerealmostthere。

Whateverhisideawas，toHelenitseemedmanymilesthatshefollowedhimfarther，outoftheheavy-timberedforestdownuponslopesoflowspruce，likeevergreen，whichdescendedsharplytoanotherlevel，wheredark，shallowstreamsflowedgentlyandthesolemnstillnessheldalowmurmuroffallingwater，andatlastthewoodendeduponawonderfulparkfullofathick，rich，goldenlightoffast-fadingsunset。

"Smellthesmoke，"saidRoy。"BySolomon！ifMiltain\'thereaheadofme！"

Herodeon。Helen\'swearygazetookintheroundsenaca，thecirclingblackslopes，leadinguptocraggyrimsallgoldandredinthelastflareofthesun；thenallthespiritleftinherflashedupinthrillingwonderatthisexquisite，wild，andcolorfulspot。

Horsesweregrazingoutinthelonggrassandthereweredeergrazingwiththem。Royledroundacornerofthefringed，borderingwoodland，andthere，underloftytrees，shoneacamp-fire。Hugegrayrocksloomedbeyond，andthencliffsrosestepbysteptoanotchinthemountainwall，overwhichpouredathin，lacywaterfall。AsHelengazedinrapturethesunsetgoldfadedtowhiteandallthewesternslopeoftheamphitheaterdarkened。

Dale\'stallformappeared。

"Reckonyou\'relate，"hesaid，aswithacomprehensiveflashofeyehetookinthethree。

"Milt，Igotlost，"repliedRoy。

"Ifearedasmuch……Yougirlslooklikeyou\'ddonebettertoridewithme，"wentonDale，asheofferedahandtohelpBooff。Shetookit，triedtogetherfootoutofthestirrups，andthensheslidfromthesaddleintoDale\'sarms。Heplacedheronherfeetand，supportingher，said，solicitously："Ahundred-milerideinthreedaysforatenderfootissomethin\'youruncleAlwon\'tbelieve……

Come，walkifitkillsyou！"

WhereuponheledBo，verymuchasifhewereteachingachildtowalk。ThefactthatthevolubleBohadnothingtosaywassignificanttoHelen，whowasfollowing，withtheassistanceofRoy。

Oneofthehugerocksresembledasea-shellinthatitcontainedahollowoverwhichthewide-spreadingshelfflaredout。Itreachedtowardbranchesofgreatpines。A

springburstfromacrackinthesolidrock。Thecampfireblazedunderapine，andthebluecolumnofsmokerosejustinfrontoftheshelvingrock。Packswerelyingonthegrassandsomeofthemwereopen。Therewerenosignshereofapermanenthabitationofthehunter。Butfartheronwereotherhugerocks，leaning，cracked，andformingcaverns，someofwhichperhapsheutilized。

"Mycampisjustback，"saidDale，asifhehadreadHelen\'smind。"To-morrowwe\'llfixupcomfortable-likeroundhereforyougirls。"

HelenandBoweremadeaseasyasblanketsandsaddlescouldmakethem，andthemenwentabouttheirtasks。

"Nell——isn\'tthis——adream？"murmuredBo。

"No，child。It\'sreal——terriblyreal，"repliedHelen。"Nowthatwe\'rehere——withthatawfulrideover——wecanthink。"

"It\'ssopretty——here，"yawnedBo。"I\'djustasliefUncleAldidn\'tfindusverysoon。"

"Bo！He\'sasickman。Thinkwhattheworrywillbetohim。"

"I\'llbetifheknowsDalehewon\'tbesoworried。"

"DaletoldusUncleAldislikedhim。"

"Pooh！Whatdifferencedoesthatmake？……Oh，Idon\'tknowwhichIam——hungrierortireder！"

"Icouldn\'teatto-night，"saidHelen，wearily。

Whenshestretchedoutshehadavague，delicioussensationthatthatwastheendofHelenRayner，andshewasglad。

Aboveher，throughthelacy，fernlikepine-needles，shesawblueskyandapalestarjustshowing。Twilightwasstealingdownswiftly。Thesilencewasbeautiful，seeminglyundisturbedbythesoft，silky，dreamyfallofwater。Helenclosedhereyes，readyforsleep，withthephysicalcommotionwithinherbodygraduallyyielding。Insomeplacesherbonesfeltasiftheyhadcomeoutthroughherflesh；inothersthrobbeddeep-seatedaches；hermusclesappearedslowlytosubside，torelax，withthequiveringtwingesceasingonebyone；throughmuscleandbone，throughallherbody，pulsedaburningcurrent。

Bo\'sheaddroppedonHelen\'sshoulder。SensebecamevaguetoHelen。Shelostthelowmurmurofthewaterfall，andthenthesoundorfeelingofsomeoneatthecampfire。Andherlastconsciousthoughtwasthatshetriedtoopenhereyesandcouldnot。

Whensheawokeallwasbright。Thesunshonealmostdirectlyoverhead。Helenwasastounded。Bolaywrappedindeepsleep，herfaceflushed，withbeadsofperspirationonherbrowandthechestnutcurlsdamp。Helenthrewdowntheblankets，andthen，gatheringcourage——forshefeltasifherbackwasbroken——sheendeavoredtositup。Invain！Herspiritwaswilling，buthermusclesrefusedtoact。Itmusttakeaviolentspasmodiceffort。Shetrieditwithshuteyes，and，succeeding，sattheretrembling。ThecommotionshehadmadeintheblanketsawokeBo，andsheblinkedhersurprisedblueeyesinthesunlight。

"Hello——Nell！doIhaveto——getup？"sheasked，sleepily。

"Canyou？"queriedHelen。

"CanIwhat？"Bowasnowthoroughlyawakeandlaytherestaringathersister。

"Why——getup。"

"I\'dliketoknowwhynot，"retortedBo，asshemadetheeffort。Shegotonearmandshoulderup，onlytoflopbacklikeacrippledthing。Andsheutteredthemostpiteouslittlemoan。"I\'mdead！Iknow——Iam！"

"Well，ifyou\'regoingtobeaWesterngirlyou\'dbetterhavespunkenoughtomove。"

"A-huh！"ejaculatedBo。Thensherolledover，notwithoutgroans，and，onceuponherface，sheraisedherselfonherhandsandturnedtoasittingposture。"Where\'severybody？……Oh，Nell，it\'sperfectlylovelyhere。Paradise！"

Helenlookedaround。Afirewassmoldering。Noonewasinsight。Wonderfuldistantcolorsseemedtostrikeherglanceasshetriedtofixituponnear-byobjects。Abeautifullittlegreententorshackhadbeenerectedoutofspruceboughs。Ithadaslantingroofthatslopedallthewayfromaridge-poletotheground；halfoftheopeninginfrontwasclosed，aswerethesides。Thespruceboughsappearedalltobelaidinthesamedirection，givingitasmooth，compactappearance，actuallyasifithadgrownthere。

"Thatlean-towasn\'ttherelastnight？"inquiredBo。

"Ididn\'tseeit。Lean-to？Where\'dyougetthatname？"

"It\'sWestern，mydear。I\'llbettheyputitupforus……Sure，Iseeourbagsinside。Let\'sgetup。Itmustbelate。"