下载辰思小说免费APP
Dunnlookedatherinsurprisenotunmixedwithadmiration。"IfNellie，"hethought，"couldbutloveMElikethat！"Butheonlysaid：
"Forallthat，he’sanInjin。Why，lookathisname。Itain’tLow。It’sL’EauDormante，SleepingWater，anInjinname。"
"Andwhatdoesthatprove？"returnedTeresa。"OnlythatIndiansclapanick-nameonanystranger，whiteorred，whomaycampwiththem。Why，evenhisownfather，awhiteman，thewretchwhobegothimandabandonedhim，——HEhadanIndianname——LoupNoir。"
"Whatnamedidyousay？"
"LeLoupNoir，theBlackWolf。Isupposeyou’dcallhimanIndian，too？Eh！What’sthematter？We’rewalkingtoofast。
Stopamomentandrest。There——there，leanonme！"
Shewasnonetoosoon;for，afterholdinghimuprightamoment，hislimbsfailed，andstoopinggentlyshewasobligedtosupporthimhalfrecliningagainstatree。
"Itstheheat！"hesaid。"Givemesomewhiskyfrommyflask。
Nevermindthewater，"headdedfaintly，withaforcedlaugh，afterhehadtakenadraughtatthestrongspirit。"Tellmemoreabouttheotherwater——theSleepingWater——youknow。Howdoyouknowallthisabouthimandhis——father？"
"PartlyfromhimandpartlyfromCurson，whowrotetomeabouthim，"sheansweredwithsomehesitation。
ButDunndidnotseemtonoticethisincongruityofcorrespondencewithaformerlover。"AndHEtoldyou？"
"Yes;andIsawthenameonanoldmemorandumbookhehas，whichhesaysbelongedtohisfather。It’sfullofoldaccountsofsometradingpostonthefrontier。It’sbeenmissingforadayortwo，butitwillturnup。ButIcanswearIsawit。"
Dunnattemptedtorisetohisfeet。"Putyourhandinmypocket，"hesaidinahurriedwhisper。"No，there！——bringoutabook。There，Ihaven’tlookedatityet。Isthatit？"headded，handingherthebookBracehadgivenhimafewhoursbefore。
"Yes，"saidTeresa，insurprise。"Wheredidyoufindit？"
"Nevermind！Nowletmeseeit，quick。Openit，formysightisfailing。There——thankyou——that’sall！"
"Takemorewhisky，"saidTeresa，withastrangeanxietycreepingoverher。"Youarefaintagain。"
"Wait！Listen，Teresa——lower——putyourearlower。Listen！I
camenearkillingthatchapLowto-day。Wouldn’tithavebeenridiculous？"
Hetriedtosmile，buthisheadfellback。Hehadfainted。
CHAPTERIX
ForthefirsttimeinherlifeTeresalostherpresenceofmindinanemergency。Shecouldonlysitstaringatthehelplessman，scarcelyconsciousofhiscondition，hermindfilledwithasuddenpropheticintuitionofthesignificanceofhislastwords。
Inthelightofthatnewrevelationshelookedintohispale，haggardfaceforsomeresemblancetoLow，butinvain。Yetherswiftfeminineinstinctmettheobjection。"It’sthemother’sbloodthatwouldshow，"shemurmured，"notthisman’s。"
Recoveringherself，shebegantochafehishandsandtemples，andmoistenedhislipswiththespirit。Whenhisrespirationreturnedwithafaintcolortohischeeks，shepressedhishandseagerlyandleanedoverhim。
"Areyousure？"sheasked。
"Ofwhat？"hewhisperedfaintly。
"ThatLowisreallyyourson？"
"Whosaidso？"heasked，openinghisroundeyesuponher。
"Youdidyourself，amomentago，"shesaidquickly。"Don’tyouremember？"
"DidI？"
"Youdid。Isitnotso？"
Hesmiledfaintly。"Ireckon。"
Sheheldherbreathinexpectation。Butonlytheludicrousnessofthediscoveryseemedparamounttohisweakenedfaculties。
"Isn’titjustabouttheridiculousestthingallround？"hesaid，withafeeblechuckle。"FirstYOUnearlykillmebeforeyouknowIamLow’sfather;thenI’mjustspoilin’tokillhimbeforeI
knowhe’smyson;thenthatgod-forsakenfoolJackBracemistakesyouforNellieandNellieforyou。Ain’titjustthebiggestthingfortheboystogetholdof？ButwemustkeepitdarkuntilafterImarryNellie，don’tyousee？Thenwe’llhaveagoodtimeallround，andI’llstandthedrinks。Thinkofit，Teresha！Youdon’nome，Ido’noyou，nobodyknowshanybodyelsh。ItrykillLo’。Lo’wantskillNellie。Nothathnori——’"
butthepotentliquor，overtakinghisexhaustedsenses，thickened，impeded，andatlaststoppedhisspeech。Hisheadslippedtohershoulder，andhebecameoncemoreunconscious。
Teresabreathedagain。Inthatbriefmomentshehadabandonedherselftoawildinspirationofhopewhichshecouldscarcelydefine。Notthatitwasentirelyawildinspiration;shetriedtoreasoncalmly。Whatifsherevealedthetruthtohim？Whatifshetoldthewretchedmanbeforeherthatshehaddeceivedhim;thatshehadoverheardhisconversationwithBrace;thatshehadstolenBrace’shorsetobringLowwarning;that，failingtofindLowinhisaccustomedhaunts，oratthecampfire，shehadleftanoteforhimpinnedtotheherbarium，imploringhimtoflywithhiscompanionfromthedangerthatwascoming;andthat，remainingonwatch，shehadseenthemboth——BraceandDunn——
approaching，andhadpreparedtomeetthematthecabin？Wouldthismiserableandmaddenedmanunderstandherself-abnegation？
WouldheforgiveLowandNellie？——shedidnotaskforherself。
Orwouldtherevelationturnhisbrain，ifitdidnotkillhimoutright？Shelookedatthesunkenorbitsofhiseyesandhecticonhischeek，andshuddered。
Whywasthisaddedtotheagonyshealreadysuffered？Shehadbeenwillingtostandbetweenthemwithherlife，herliberty，andeven——thehotblooddyedhercheekatthethought——withtheaddedshameofbeingthoughtthecast-offmistressofthatman’sson。Yetallthisshehadtakenuponherselfinexpiationofsomething——sheknewnotclearlywhat;no，fornothing——onlyforHIM。Andyetthisverysituationofferedherthatgleamofhopewhichhadthrilledher;ahopesowildinitsimprobability，sodegradinginitspossibility，thatatfirstsheknewnotwhetherdespairwasnotpreferabletoitsshame。Andyetwasitunreasonable？Shewasnolongerpassionate;shewouldbecalmandthinkitoutfairly。
ShewouldgotoLowatonce。Shewouldfindhimsomewhere——andevenifwiththatgirl，whatmattered？——andshewouldtellhimall。Whenheknewthatthelifeanddeathofhisfatherlayinthescale，wouldhelethisbrief，foolishpassionforNelliestandintheway？Evenifhewerenotinfluencedbyfilialaffectionormerecompassion，wouldhispridelethimstooptoarivalrywiththemanwhohaddesertedhisyouth？CouldhetakeDunn’spromisedbride，whomusthavecoquettedwithhimtohavebroughthimtothismiserableplight？Wasthislikethecalm，proudyounggodsheknew？Yetshehadanuneasyinstinctthatcalm，proudyounggodsandgoddessesdidthingslikethis，andfelttheweaknessofherreasoningflushherownconsciouscheek。
"Teresa！"
Shestarted。Dunnwasawake，andwasgazingathercuriously。
"IwasreckoningitwastheonlysquarethingforLowtostopthispromiscuouspicnickinghereandmarryyououtandout。"
"Marryme！"saidTeresainavoicethat，withallherefforts，shecouldnotmakecynical。
"Yes，"herepeated，"afterI’vemarriedNellie;toteyoudowntoSanAngeles，andtheretakemynamelikeaman，andgiveittoyou。Nobody’llaskafterTERESA，sure——youbetyourlife。Andiftheydo，andhecan’tstoptheirjaw，justyoucallontheoldman。It’smightyqueer，ain’tit，Teresa，tothinkofyourbeingmydaughter-in-law？"
Itseemedhereasifhewasabouttolapseagainintounconsciousnessoverthepurelyludicrousaspectofthesubject，buthehaplyrecoveredhisseriousness。"He’llhaveasmuchmoneyfrommeashewantstogointobusinesswith。What’shislineofbusiness，Teresa？"askedthisprospectivefather-in-law，inalarge，liberalway。
"Heisabotanist！"saidTeresa，withasuddenchildishanimationthatseemedtokeepupthegrimhumorofthepaternalsuggestion;
"andoh，heistoopoortobuybooks！Isentforoneortwoforhimmyself，theotherday——"shehesitated——"itwasallthemoneyIhad，butitwasn’tenoughforhimtogoonwithhisstudies。"
Dunnlookedathersparklingeyesandglowingcheeks，andbecamethoughtful。"Cursonmusthavebeenad——dfool，"hesaidfinally。
Teresaremainedsilent。Shewasbeginningtobeimpatientanduneasy，fearingsomemischancethatmightdelayherdreaded，yetlonged-formeetingwithLow。Yetshecouldnotleavethissickandexhaustedman，HISFATHER，nowboundtoherbymorethanmerehumanity。
"Couldn’tyoumanage，"shesaidgently，"toleanonmeafewstepsfurther，untilIcouldbringyoutoacoolerspotandnearerassistance？"
Henodded。Sheliftedhimalmostlikeachildtohisfeet。A
spasmofpainpassedoverhisface。"Howfarisit？"heasked。
"Notmorethantenminutes，"shereplied。
"Icanmakeaspurtforthattime，"hesaidcoolly，andbegantowalkslowlybutsteadilyon。Onlyhisface，whichwaswhiteandset，andtheconvulsivegripofhishandonherarmbetrayedtheeffort。Attheendoftenminutesshestopped。Theystoodbeforethesplintered，lightning-scarredshaftintheopeningofthewoods，whereLowhadbuiltherfirstcamp-fire。Shecarefullypickeduptheherbarium，butherquickeyehadalreadydetectedinthedistance，beforeshehadallowedDunntoentertheopeningwithher，thathernotewasgone。Lowhadbeentherebeforethem;hehadbeenwarned，ashisabsencefromthecabinshowed;hewouldnotreturnthere。Theywerefreefrominterruption——butwherehadhegone？
Thesickmandrewalongbreathofreliefassheseatedhimintheclover-grownhollowwhereshehadsleptthesecondnightofherstay。"It’scoolerthanthosecursedwoods，"hesaid。"I
supposeit’sbecauseit’salittlelikeagrave。Whatareyougoingtodonow？"headded，asshebroughtacupofwaterandplaceditathisside。
"Iamgoingtoleaveyouhereforalittlewhile，"shesaidcheerfully，butwithapalefaceandnervoushands。"I’mgoingtoleaveyouwhileIseekLow。"
Thesickmanraisedhishead。"I’mgoodforaspurt，Teresa，likethatI’vejustgotthrough，butIdon’tthinkI’muptoafamilyparty。Couldn’tyouissuecardslateron？"
"Youdon’tunderstand，"shesaid。"I’mgoingtogetLowtosendsomeoneofyourfriendstoyouhere。Idon’tthinkhe’llbegrudgeleavingHERamomentforthat，"sheaddedtoherselfbitterly。
"What’sthatyou’resaying？"hequeried，withthenervousquicknessofaninvalid。
"Nothing——butthatI’mgoingnow。"Sheturnedherfaceasidetohidehermoistenedeyes。"Wishmegoodluck，won’tyou？"sheasked，halfsadly，halfpettishly。
"Comehere！"
Shecameandbentoverhim。Hesuddenlyraisedhishands，and，drawingherfacedowntohisown，kissedherforehead。
"GivethattoHIM，"hewhispered，"fromME。"
Sheturnedandfled，happilyforhersentiment，nothearingthefeeblelaughthatfollowed，asDunn，insheerimbecility，againreferredtotheextravagantludicrousnessofthesituation。"Itisaboutthebiggestthinginthewayofasellallround，"herepeated，lyingonhisback，confidentiallytothespeckofsmoke-obscuredskyabovehim。Hepicturedhimselfrepeatingit，nottoNellie——hersevereproprietymightatlastoverlookthefact，butwouldnottoleratethejoke——buttoherfather！ItwouldbeoneofthosecharacteristicCalifornianjokesFatherWynnwouldadmire。
Tohisexhaustionfeverpresentlysucceeded，andhebegantogrowrestless。Theheattooseemedtoinvadehisretreat，andfromtimetotimethelittlepatchofblueskywastotallyobscuredbycloudsofsmoke。Heamusedhimselfwithwatchingalizardwhowasinvestigatingafoldedpieceofpaper，whoseelasticitygavethelittlecreaturelivelyapprehensionsofitsvitality。Atlasthecouldstandthestillnessofhisretreatandhissupinepositionnolonger，androlledhimselfoutofthebedofleavesthatTeresahadsocarefullypreparedforhim。Herosetohisfeetstiffandsore，and，supportinghimselfbythenearesttree，movedafewstepsfromthedeadashesofthecamp-fire。Themovementfrightenedthelizard，whoabandonedthepaperandfled。
WithasatiricalrecollectionofBraceandhis"ridiculous"
discoverythroughthemediumofthisanimal，hestoopedandpickedupthepaper。"Likeasnot，"hesaidtohimself，withgrimirony，"theseyerlizardsareinthediscoverybusiness。
P’r’apsthismayleadtoanothermystery，"andhebegantounfoldthepaperwithasmile。Butthesmileceasedashiseyesuddenlycaughthisownname。
Adozenlineswerewritteninpencilonwhatseemedtobeablankleaforiginallytornfromsomebook。Hetrembledsothathewasobligedtositdowntoreadthesewords：——
"Whenyougetthiskeepawayfromthewoods。Dunnandanothermanareindeadlypursuitofyouandyourcompanion。Ioverheardtheirplantosurpriseyouinourcabin。DON’TGOTHERE，andI
willdelaythemandputthemoffthescent。Don’tmindme。Godblessyou，andifyouneverseemeagainthinksometimesof"TERESA。"
Histremblingceased;hedidnotstart，butroseinanabstractedway，andmadeafewdeliberatestepsinthedirectionTeresahadgone。Eventhenhewassoconfusedthathewasobligedtorefertothepaperagain，butwithsolittleeffectthathecouldonlyrepeatthelastwords，"thinksometimesofTeresa。"Hewasconsciousthatthiswasnotall;hehadafullconvictionofbeingdeceived，andknewthatheheldtheproofinhishand，buthecouldnotformulateitbeyondthatsentence。"Teresa"——yes，hewouldthinkofher。Shewouldexplainit。Andhereshewasreturning。
Inthatbriefintervalherfaceandmannerhadagainchanged。
Herfacewaspaleandquitebreathless。ShecastaswiftglanceatDunnandthepaperhemechanicallyheldout，walkeduptohim，andtoreitfromhishand。
"Well，"shesaidhoarsely，"whatareyougoingtodoaboutit？"
Heattemptedtospeak，buthisvoicefailedhim。Eventhenhewasconsciousthatifhehadspokenhewouldhaveonlyrepeated，"thinksometimesofTeresa。"Helookedlonginglybuthelplesslyatthespotwhereshehadthrownthepaper，asifithadcontainedhisunutteredwords。
"Yes，"shewentontoherself，asifhewasamute，indifferentspectator——"yes，they’regone。Thatendsitall。Thegame’splayedout。Well！"suddenlyturninguponhim，"nowyouknowitall。YourNellieWASherewithhim，andiswithhimnow。Doyouhear？Makethemostofit;you’velostthem——buthereIam。"
"Yes，"hesaideagerly——"yes，Teresa。"
Shestopped，staredathim;thentakinghimbythehandledhimlikeachildbacktohiscouch。"Well，"shesaid，inhalf-savageexplanation，"ItoldyouthetruthwhenIsaidthegirlwasn’tatthecabinlastnight，andthatIdidn’tknowher。Whatareyouglowerin’at？No！Ihaven’tliedtoyou，IsweartoGod，exceptinonething。Didyouknowwhatthatwas？TosavehimItookuponmeashameIdon’tdeserve。IletyouthinkIwashismistress。Youthinksonow，don’tyou？Well，beforeGodto-day——
andHemaytakemewhenHelikes——I’mnomoretohimthanasister！IreckonyourNelliecan’tsayasmuch。"
Sheturnedaway，andwiththequick，impatientstrideofsomecagedanimalmadethenarrowcircuitoftheopening，stoppingamomentmechanicallybeforethesickman，andagain，withoutlookingathim，continuinghermonotonousround。Theheathadbecomeexcessive，butsheheldhershawlwithbothhandsdrawntightlyoverhershoulders。Suddenlyawood-duckdartedoutofthecovertblindlyintotheopening，struckagainsttheblastedtrunk，fellhalfstunnednearherfeet，andthen，recovering，flutteredaway。Shehadscarcelycompletedanothercircuitbeforetheirruptionwasfollowedbyawhirringbevyofquail，aflightofjays，andasuddentumultofwingssweptthroughthewoodlikeatornado。SheturnedinquiringlytoDunn，whohadrisentohisfeet，butthenextmomentshecaughtconvulsivelyathiswrist;awolfhadjustdashedthroughtheunderbrushnotadozenyardsaway，andoneithersideofthemtheycouldhearthescamperandrustleofhurryingfeetliketheoutburstofasummershower。Acoldwindarosefromtheoppositedirection，asiftocontestthiswildexodus，butitwasfollowedbyablastofsickeningheat。TeresasankatDunn’sfeetinanagonyofterror。
"Don’tletthemtouchme！"shegasped;"keepthemoff！Tellme，forGod’ssake，whathashappened！"
Helaidhishandfirmlyonherarm，andliftedherinhisturntoherfeetlikeachild。Inthatsuprememomentofphysicaldanger，hisstrength，reason，andmanhoodreturnedintheirplenitudeofpower。Hepointedcoollytothetrailshehadquitted，andsaid，"TheCarquinezWoodsareonfire！"
CHAPTERX
ThenestofthetunefulBurnhams，althoughinthesuburbsofIndianSpring，wasnotinordinaryweatherandseasonshiddenfromthelongingeyesoftheyouthofthatsettlement。Thatnight，however，itwasveiledinthesmokethatencompassedthegreathighwayleadingtoExcelsior。ItispresumedthattheBurnhambroodhadlongsincefoldedtheirwings，fortherewasnosignoflifenormovementinthehouseasarapidly-drivenhorseandbuggypulledupbeforeit。Fortunately，thepaternalBurnhamwasanearlybird，inthehabitofpickingupthefirststirringminingworm，andaresoundingknockbroughthimhalfdressedtothestreetdoor。HewasstartledatseeingFatherWynnbeforehim，atrifleflushedandabstracted。
"Ahha！upbetimes，Isee，andready。Nosluggardshere——ha，ha！"hesaidheartily，slammingthedoorbehindhim，andbyaseriesofpokesintheribsgeniallybackinghishostintohisownsitting-room。"I’mup，too，andamheretoseeNellie。
She’shere，eh——ofcourse？"headded，dartingaquicklookatBurnham。
ButMr。Burnhamwasoneofthoselarge，liberalWesternhusbandswhoclassifiedhishouseholdunderthegeneraltitleof"womanfolk，"fortheintegersofwhichhewasnotresponsible。Hehesitated，andthenpropoundedoverthebalusterstotheupperstorythedirectquery——
"Youdon’thappentohaveNellieWynnupthere，doye？"
Therewasanintervalofinquiryproceedingfromhalfadozenreluctantthroats，moreorlesscottonyandmuffled，inthosevariousdegreesofgrievanceandmentaldistresswhichindicatetooearlyrousedyoungwomanhood。Theeventualreplyseemedtobeaffirmative，albeitaccompaniedwithasuppressedgiggle，asiftheyoungladyhadjustbeendiscoveredasananswertoanamusingconundrum。
"Allright，"saidWynn，withanapparentaccessionofboisterousgeniality。"TellherImustseeher，andI’veonlygotafewminutestospare。Tellhertosliponanythingandcomedown;
there’snooneherebutmyself，andI’veshutthefrontdooronBrotherBurnham。Ha，ha！"andsuitingtheactiontotheword，heactuallybundledtheadmiringBrotherBurnhamoutonhisowndoorstep。Therewasalightpatteringonthestaircase，andNellieWynn，pinkwithsleep，verytall，veryslim，hastilydrapedinawhitecounterpanewithablueborderandageneralclassicsuggestion，slippedintotheparlor。Atthesamemomentherfathershutthedoorbehindher，placedonehandontheknob，andwiththeotherseizedherwrist。
"Wherewereyouyesterday？"heasked。
Nellielookedathim，shruggedhershoulders，andsaid，"Here。"
"YouwereintheCarquinezWoodswithLowDorman;youwentthereindisguise;you’vemethimtherebefore。Heisyourclandestinelover;youhavetakenpledgesofaffectionfromhim;youhave——"
"Stop！"shesaid。
Hestopped。
"Didhetellyouthis？"sheasked，withanexpressionofdisdain。
"No;Ioverheardit。DunnandBracewereatthehousewaitingforyou。Whenthecoachdidnotbringyou，Iwenttotheofficetoinquire。AsIleftourdoorIthoughtIsawsomebodylisteningattheparlorwindows。ItwasonlyadrunkenMexicanmuleteerleaningagainstthehouse;butifHEheardnothing，I
did。Nellie，IheardBracetellDunnthathehadtrackedyouinyourdisguisetothewoods——doyouhear？thatwhenyoupretendedtobeherewiththegirlsyouwerewithLow——alone;thatyouweararingthatLowgotofatraderhere;thattherewasacabininthewoods——"
"Stop！"sherepeated。
Wynnagainpaused。
"AndwhatdidYOUdo？"sheasked。
"Iheardtheywerestartingdowntheretosurpriseyouandhimtogether，andIharnessedupandgotaheadoftheminmybuggy。"
"Andfoundmehere，"shesaid，lookingfullintohiseyes。
Heunderstoodherandreturnedthelook。Herecognizedthefullimportanceoftheculminatingfactconveyedinherwords，andwasobligedtocontenthimselfwithitslogicalandworldlysignificance。Itwastoolatenowtotakehertotaskformerefilialdisobedience;theymustbecomeallies。
"Yes，"hesaidhurriedly;"butifyouvalueyourreputation，ifyouwishtosilenceboththesemen，answermefully。"
"Goon，"shesaid。
"Didyougotothecabininthewoodsyesterday？"
"No。"
"DidyouevergotherewithLow？"
"No;Idonotknowevenwhereitis。"
Wynnfeltthatshewastellingthetruth。Nellieknewit;butasshewouldhavebeenequallysatisfiedwithanequallyefficaciousfalsehood，herfaceremainedunchanged。
"Andwhendidheleaveyou？"
"Atnineo’clock，here。Hewenttothehotel。"
"Hesavedhislife，then，forDunnisonhiswaytothewoodstokillhim。"
Thejeopardyofherloverdidnotseemtoaffecttheyounggirlwithalarm，althoughhereyesbetrayedsomeinterest。
"ThenDunnhasgonetothewoods？"shesaidthoughtfully。
"Hehas，"repliedWynn。
"Isthatall？"sheasked。
"Iwanttoknowwhatyouaregoingtodo？"
"IWASgoingbacktobed。"
"Thisisnotimefortrifling，girl。"
"Ishouldthinknot，"shesaid，withayawn;"it’stooearly，ortoolate。"
Wynngraspedherwristmoretightly。"Hearme！Putwhateverfaceyoulikeonthisaffair，youarecompromised——andcompromisedwithamanyoucan’tmarry。"
"Idon’tknowthatIeverwantedtomarryLow，ifyoumeanhim，"
shesaidquietly。
"AndDunnwouldn’tmarryyounow。"
"I’mnotsosureofthat，either。"
"Nellie，"saidWynnexcitedly，"doyouwanttodrivememad？
Haveyounothingtosay——nothingtosuggest？"
"Oh，youwantmetohelpyou，doyou！Whydidn’tyousaythatfirst？Well，goandbringDunnhere。"
"Areyoumad？Themanhasgonealreadyinpursuitofyourlover，believingyouwithhim。"
"Thenhewillthemorereadilycomeandtalkwithmewithouthim。
Willyoutaketheinvitation——yesorno？"
"Yes，but——"
"Enough。OnyourwaythereyouwillstopatthehotelandgiveLowaletterfromme。"
"Nellie！"
"Youshallreadit，ofcourse，"shesaidscornfully，"foritwillbeyourtextfortheconversationyouwillhavewithhim。Willyoupleasetakeyourhandfromthelockandopenthedoor？"
Wynnmechanicallyopenedthedoor。Theyounggirlflewup-
stairs。Inaveryfewmomentsshereturnedwithtwonotes：onecontainedafewlinesofformalinvitationtoDunn;theotherreadasfollows：
"DEARMR。DORMAN，——MyfatherwilltellyouhowdeeplyIregretthatourrecentbotanicalexcursionsintheCarquinezWoodshavebeenasourceofseriousmisapprehensionstothosewhohadaclaimtomyconsideration，andthatIshallbeobligedtodiscontinuethemforthefuture。Atthesametimehewishesmetoexpressmygratitudeforyourvaluableinstructionandassistanceinthatpleasingstudy，eventhoughapproachingeventsmaycompelmetorelinquishitforotherduties。MayIbegyoutoaccepttheinclosedringasaslightrecognitionofmyobligationstoyou？
"Yourgratefulpupil，"NELLIEWYNN。"
Whenhehadfinishedreadingtheletter，shehandedhimaring，whichhetookmechanically。Heraisedhiseyestoherswithperfectlygenuineadmiration。"You’reagoodgirl，Nellie，"hesaid，and，inamomentofparentalforgetfulness，unconsciouslyadvancedhislipstowardshercheek。Butshedrewbackintimetorecallhimtoasenseofthathumanweakness。
"IsupposeI’llhavetimeforanapyet，"shesaid，asagentlehinttoherembarrassedparent。Henoddedandturnedtowardsthedoor。
"IfIwereyou，"shecontinued，repressingayawn，"I’dmanagetobeseenongoodtermswithLowatthehotel;soperhapsyouneednotgivethelettertohimuntilthelastthing。Good-by。"
Thesitting-roomdooropenedandclosedbehindherassheslippedup-stairs，andherfather，withouttheformalityofleave-taking，quietlylethimselfoutbythefrontdoor。
Whenhedroveintothehighroadagain，however，anoverlookedpossibilitythreatenedforamomenttoindefinitelypostponehisamiableintentionsregardingLow。ThehotelwasatthefurtherendofthesettlementtowardstheCarquinezWoods，andasWynnhadnearlyreachedithewasrecalledtohimselfbythesoundsofhoofsandwheelsrapidlyapproachingfromthedirectionoftheExcelsiorturnpike。WynnmadenodoubtitwasthesheriffandBrace。Toavoidrecognitionatthatmoment，hewhippeduphishorse，intendingtokeeptheleaduntilhecouldturnintothefirstcross-road。Butthecomingtravelershadthefleetesthorse，andfindingitimpossibletodistancethemhedroveclosetotheditch，pullingupsuddenlyasthestrangevehiclewasabreastofhim，andforcingthemtopasshimatfullspeed，withtheresultalreadychronicled。Whentheyhadvanishedinthedarkness，Mr。Wynn，withaheartoverflowingwithChristianthankfulnessanduniversalbenevolence，wheeledround，anddrovebacktothehotelhehadalreadypassed。Topullupattheverandawithastentorianshout，tothumploudlyatthedesertedbar，tohilariouslybeatthepanelsofthelandlord’sdoor，andcommitajocoseassaultandbatteryuponthathalf-dresssedandhalf-awakenedman，waseminentlycharacteristicofWynn，andpartofhisamiableplansthatmorning。
"Somethingtowashthiswoodsmokefrommythroat，BrotherCarter，andaboutasmuchagaintopropopenyoureyes，"hesaid，draggingCarterbeforethebar，"andglassesroundforasmanyoftheboysasareupandstirringafterahard-workingChristian’srest。Howgoesthehonestpublican’strade，andwhohavewehere？"
"Thar’sJudgeRobinsonandtwolawyersfromSacramento，DickCursonoverfromYolo，"saidCarter，"andthataryoungInjinyarbdoctorfromtheCarquinezWoods。Ireckonhe’sjistup——I
noticedalightunderhisdoorasIpassed。"
"He’smymanforafriendlychatbeforebreakfast，"saidWynn。
"Youneedn’tcomeup。I’llfindtheway。Idon’twantalight;
Ireckonmyeyesain’tasbrightnorasyoungashis，butthey’llseealmostasfarinthedark——he！he！"And，noddingtoBrotherCarter，hestrodealongthepassage，andwithnootherintroductionthanaplayfulandpreliminary"Boo！"burstintooneoftherooms。
Low，whobythelightofasinglecandlewasbendingovertheplatesofalargequarto，merelyraisedhiseyesandlookedattheintruder。
Theyoungman’snaturalimperturbability，alwaysexasperatingtoWynn，seemedaccentedthatmorningbycontrastwithhisownover-actedanimation。
"Ahha！——wastingthemidnightoilinsteadofimbibingthemorningdews，"saidFatherWynnarchly，illustratinghismetaphorwithamovementofhishandtohislips。"Whathavewehere？"
"Ananonymousgift，"repliedLowsimply，recognizingthefatherofNelliebyrisingfromhischair。"It’savolumeI’velongedtopossess，butnevercouldaffordtobuy。Icannotimaginewhosentittome。"
Wynnwasforamomentstartledbythethoughtthatthisrecipientofvaluablegiftsmighthaveinfluentialfriends。Butaglanceatthebareroom，whichlookedlikeacamp，andthestrange，unconventionalgarbofitsoccupant，restoredhisformerconvictions。Theremightbeapromiseofintelligence，butscarcelyofprosperity，inthefigurebeforehim。
"Ah！Wemustnotforgetthatwearewatchedoverinthenightseason，"hesaid，layinghishandonLow’sshoulder，withanillustrationofcelestialguardianshipthatwouldhavebeenimpiousbutforitspalpablegrotesqueness。"No，sir，weknownotwhatadaymaybringforth。"
Unfortunately，Low’spracticalminddidnotgobeyondamerehumaninterpretation。Itwasenough，however，toputanewlightinhiseyeandafaintcolorinhischeek。
"CouldithavebeenMissNellie？"heasked，withhalf-boyishhesitation。
Mr。WynnwastoomuchofaChristiannottobowbeforewhatappearedtohimthepurelyprovidentialinterpositionofthissuggestion。SeizingitandLowatthesamemoment，heplayfullyforcedhimdownagaininhischair。
"Ah，yourascal！"hesaid，withinfinitearchness;"that’syourgame，isit？YouwanttotrappoorFatherWynn。Youwanttomakehimsay’No。’Youwanttotempthimtocommithimself。No，sir！——never，sir！——no，no！"
FirmlyconvincedthatthepresentwasNellie’s，andthatherfatheronlygood-humoredlyguessedit，theyoungman’ssimple，truthfulnaturewasembarrassed。Helongedtoexpresshisgratitude，butfearedtobetraytheyounggirl’strust。TheReverendMr。Wynnspeedilyrelievedhismind。
"No"hecontinued，bestridingachair，andfamiliarlyconfrontingLowoveritsback。"No，sir——no！Andyouwantmetosay’No，’
don’tyou，regardingthelittlewalksofNellieandacertainyoungmanintheCarquinezWoods？——ha，ha！You’dlikemetosaythatIknewnothingofthebotanizings，andtheherbcollectings，andthepicknickingsthere——he，he！——youslydog！Perhapsyou’dliketotemptFatherWynnfurther，andmakehimswearheknowsnothingofhisdaughterdisguisingherselfinadusterandmeetinganotheryoungman——isn’titanotheryoungman？——allalone，eh？PerhapsyouwantpooroldFatherWynntosayNo。No，sir，nothingofthekindeveroccurred。Ah，youyoungrascal！"
Slightlytroubled，inspiteofWynn’sheartymanner，Low，withhisusualdirectness，however，said，"IdonotwantanyonetodenythatIhaveseenMissNellie。"
"Certainly，certainly，"saidWynn，abandoninghismethod，considerablydisconcertedbyLow’ssimplicity，andacertainnaturalreservethatshookoffhisfamiliarity。"Certainlyit’sanoblethingtobeabletoputyourhandonyourheartandsaytotheworld，’Comeon，allofyou！Observeme;Ihavenothingtoconceal。IwalkwithMissWynninthewoodsasherinstructor——herteacher，infact。Wecullaflowerhereandthere;wepluckanherbfreshfromthehandsoftheCreator。Welook，sotospeak，fromNaturetoNature’sGod。’Yes，myyoungfriend，weshouldbethefirsttorepelthefoulcalumnythatcouldmisinterpretourmostinnocentactions。"
"Calumny？"repeatedLow，startingtohisfeet。"Whatcalumny？"
"Myfriend，mynobleyoungfriend，Irecognizeyourindignation。
Iknowyourworth。WhenIsaidtoNellie，myonlychild，myperhapstoosimpleoffspring——amerewildflowerlikeyourself——
whenIsaidtoher，’Go，mychild，walkinthewoodswiththisyoungman，handinhand。Lethiminstructyoufromthehumblestroots，forhehastroddeninthewaysoftheAlmighty。Gatherwisdomfromhislips，andknowledgefromhissimplewoodman’scraft。Make，infact，acollectionnotonlyofherbs，butofmoralaxiomsandexperience’——IknewIcouldtrustyou，and，trustingyou，myyoungfriend，IfeltIcouldtrusttheworld。
PerhapsIwasweak，foolish。ButIthoughtonlyofherwelfare。
Ievenrecallhowthattopreservethepurityofhergarments，I
badeherdonasimpleduster;that，tosecureherfromthetriflingcompanionshipofothers，Ibadeherkeepherowncounsel，andseekyouatseasonsknownbuttoyourselves。"
"But……didNellie……understandyou？"interruptedLowhastily。
"Iseeyoureadhersimplenature。Understandme？No，notatfirst！Hermaidenlyinstinct——perhapsherdutytoanother——tookthealarm。Irememberherwords。’ButwhatwillDunnsay？’sheasked。’Willhenotbejealous？’"
"Dunn！jealous！Idon’tunderstand，"saidLow，fixinghiseyesonWynn。
"That’sjustwhatIsaidtoNellie。’Jealous！’Isaid。’What，Dunn，youraffiancedhusband，jealousofamerefriend——ateacher，aguide，aphilosopher。Itisimpossible。’Well，sir，shewasright。Heisjealous。And，morethanthat，hehasimpartedhisjealousytoothers！Inotherwords，hehasmadeascandal！"
Low’seyesflashed。"Whereisyourdaughternow？"hesaidsternly。
"Atpresentinbed，sufferingfromanervousattackbroughtonbytheseunjustsuspicions。Sheappreciatesyouranxiety，and，knowingthatyoucouldnotseeher，toldmetogiveyouthis。"
HehandedLowtheringandtheletter。
Theclimaxhadbeenforced，and，itmustbeconfessed，wasbynomeanstheoneMr。Wynnhadfullyarrangedinhisowninnerconsciousness。HehadintendedtotakeanostentatiousleaveofLowinthebar-room，delivertheletterwitharchness，andescapebeforeapossibleexplosion。Heconsequentlybackedtowardsthedoorforanemergency。Buthewasagainatfault。Thatunaffectedstoicalfortitudeinacutesuffering，whichwastheoneremainingprideandgloryofLow’srace，wasyettoberevealedtoWynn’scivilizedeyes。
Theyoungmantooktheletter，andreaditwithoutchangingamuscle，foldedtheringinit，anddroppeditintohishaversack。
Thenhepickeduphisblanket，threwitoverhisshoulder，tookhistrustyrifleinhishand，andturnedtowardsWynnasifcoldlysurprisedthathewasstillstandingthere。
"Areyou——areyou——going？"stammeredWynn。
"AreyouNOT？"repliedLowdryly，leaningonhisrifleforamomentasifwaitingforWynntoprecedehim。Thepreacherlookedathimamoment，mumbledsomething，andthenshambledfeeblyandineffectivelydownthestaircasebeforeLow，withapainfulsuggestiontotheordinaryobserverofbeingoccasionallyurgedtheretobythemoccasinoftheyoungmanbehindhim。
Onreachingthelowerhall，however，heendeavoredtocreateadiversioninhisfavorbydashingintothebar-roomandclappingtheoccupantsonthebackwithindiscriminateplayfulness。Buthereagainheseemedtobedisappointed。Tohisgreatdiscomfiture，alargemannotonlyreturnedhissalutationwithpowerfullevity，butwithequalplayfulnessseizedhiminhisarms，andafteraningenioussimulationofdepositinghiminthehorse-troughsethimdowninaffectedamazement。"Bleth’tifI
didn’tthinkfromtheweightofyourhanditwathmyoldfriend，ThacramentoBill，"saidCursonapologetically，withawinkatthebystanders。"That’ththewayBillalwaythuthedtotacklehithfriendth，tillhewathonedaybounthedbyaprithe-fighterinFrithco，whomhehadmithtakenforamithionary。"AsMr。
Curson’sreputationwasofaqualitythatmadeanyformofapologyfromhiminstantlyacceptable，theamusedspectatorsmadewayforhimas，recognizingLow，whowasjustleavingthehotel，heturnedcoollyfromthemandwalkedtowardshim。
"Halloo！"hesaid，extendinghishand。"You’rethemanI’mwaitingfor。Didyougetabookfromtheexthprethoffithelathtnight？"
"Idid。Why？"
"It’thallright。AthI’mrethponthibleforit，Ionlywantedtoknow。"
"DidYOUsendit？"askedLow，quicklyfixinghiseyesonhisface。
"Well，notexactlyME。Butit’thnotworthmakingamythteryofit。Terethagavemeacommithiontobuyitandthendittoyouanonymouthly。That’thawoman’thnonthenth，forhowcouldtheegetaretheiptforit？"
"ThenitwasHERpresent，"saidLowgloomily。
"Ofcourthe。Itwathn’tmine，myboy。I’dhavethentyouaTharp’thrifleinplatheofthatmuthleloaderyoucarry，orthomethingthenthible。But，Ithay！what’thup？Youlookathifyouhadbeenrunningallnight。"
Lowgraspedhishand。"Thankyou，"hesaidhurriedly;"butit’snothing。OnlyImustbebacktothewoodsearly。Good-by。"
ButCursonretainedLow’shandinhisownpowerfulgrip。
"I’llgowithyouabitfurther，"hesaid。"Infact，I’vegotthomethingtothaytoyou;onlydon’tbeinthuchahurry;thewoodthcanwaittillyougetthere。"QuietlycompellingLowtoalterhisowncharacteristicIndianstridetokeeppacewithhis，hewenton："Idon’tmindthayingIrathercottonedtoyoufromthetimeyouactedlikeawhiteman——nooffenthe——toTeretha。
Shethaythyouwereleftwhenachildlyinground，juthtathpromithcuouthlyathshewath;andifIcandoanythingtowardthputtingyouonthetrailofyourpeople，I’lldoit。IknowthomeofthevoyageurthwhotradedwiththeCherokeeth，andyourfatherwathone-wathn’the？"HeglancedatLow’sutterlyabstractedandimmobileface。"Ithay，youdon’ttheemtotakeahandinthithgame，pardner。What’ththerow？Ithanythingwrongoverthere？"andhepointedtotheCarquinezWoods，whichwerejustloomingoutofthemorninghorizoninthedistance。
Lowstopped。Thelastwordsofhiscompanionseemedtorecallhimtohimself。Heraisedhiseyesautomaticallytothewoodsandstarted。
"ThereISsomethingwrongoverthere，"hesaidbreathlessly。
"Look！"
"Itheenothing，"saidCurson，beginningtodoubtLow’ssanity;
"nothingmorethanIthawanhourago。"
"Lookagain。Don’tyouseethatsmokerisingstraightup？Itisn’tblownovertherefromtheDivide;it’snewsmoke！Thefireisinthewoods！"
"Ireckonthat’thso，"mutteredCurson，shadinghiseyeswithhishand。"But，hullo！waitaminute！We’llgethortheth。Isay！"
heshouted，forgettinghislispinhisexcitement——"stop！"ButLowhadalreadyloweredhisheadanddartedforwardlikeanarrow。
Inafewmomentshehadleftnotonlyhiscompanionbutthelaststragglinghousesoftheoutskirtsfarbehindhim，andhadstruckoutinalong，swingingtrotforthedisused"cut-off。"AlreadyhefanciedheheardthenoteofclamorinIndianSpring，andthoughthedistinguishedthesoundofhurryinghoofsonthegreathighway。Butthesunkentrailhiditfromhisview。Fromthecolumnofsmokenowplainlyvisibleinthegrowingmorninglighthetriedtolocatethesceneoftheconflagration。Itwasevidentlynotafireadvancingregularlyfromtheouterskirtofthewood，communicatedtoitfromtheDivide;itwasalocaloutburstnearitscentre。Itwasnotinthedirectionofhiscabininthetree。TherewasnoimmediatedangertoTeresa，unlessfeardroveherbeyondtheconfinesofthewoodintothehandsofthosewhomightrecognizeher。Thescreamingofjaysandravensabovehisheadquickenedhisspeed，asitheraldedtherapidadvanceoftheflames;andtheunexpectedapparitionofaboundingbody，flattenedandflyingovertheyellowplain，toldhimthateventhesecureretreatofthemountainwild-cathadbeeninvaded。AsuddenrecollectionofTeresa’suncontrollableterrorthatfirstnightsmotehimwithremorseandredoubledhisefforts。Aloneinthetrackofthesefranticandbewilderedbeasts，towhatmadnessmightshenotbedriven！
Thesharpcrackofariflefromthehighroadturnedhiscoursemomentarilyinthatdirection。Thesmokewascurlinglazilyovertheheadsofthepartyofmenintheroad，whilethehugehulkofagrizzlywasdisappearinginthedistance。Abattueoftheescapinganimalshadcommenced！Inthebitternessofhishearthecaughtatthehorriblesuggestion，andresolvedtosaveherfromthemordiewithherthere。
Howfastheran，orthetimeittookhimtoreachthewoods，hasneverbeenknown。Theiroutlineswerealreadyhiddenwhenheenteredthem。Toasenselesskeen，acouragelessdesperate，andapurposelessunalteredthanLow’s，thewoodwouldhavebeenimpenetrable。Thecentralfirewasstillconfinedtotheloftytreetops，butthedownwardrushofwindfromtimetotimedrovethesmokeintotheaislesinblindingandsuffocatingvolumes。
Tosimulatethecreepinganimals，andfalltothegroundonhandsandknees，feelhiswaythroughtheunderbrushwhenthesmokewasdensest，ortakeadvantageofitsmomentarylifting，andwithoutuncertainty，mistake，orhesitationglidefromtreetotreeinoneundeviatingcourse，waspossibleonlytoanexperiencedwoodsman。Tokeephisreasonandinsightsoclearastobeableinthemidstofthisbewilderingconfusiontoshapethatcoursesoastointersectthewildandunknowntractofaninexperienced，frightenedwandererbelongedtoLow，andLowalone。Hewasmakinghiswayagainstthewindtowardsthefire。Hehadreasonedthatshewaseitherincomparativesafetytowindwardofit，orheshouldmeetherbeingdriventowardshimbyit，orfindhersuccumbedandfaintingatitsfeet。Todothishemustpenetratetheburningbelt，andthenpassundertheblazingdome。Hewasalreadyuponit;hecouldseethefallingfiredroppinglikerainorblownlikegorgeousblossomsoftheconflagrationacrosshispath。Thespacewaslitupbrilliantly。Thevastshaftsofdullcoppercastnoshadowbelow，buttherewasnosignnortokenofanyhumanbeing。Foramomenttheyoungmanwasatfault。Itwastruethishiddenheartoftheforestborenoundergrowth;thecoolmattedcarpetoftheaislesseemedtoquenchtheglowingfragmentsastheyfell。Escapemightbedifficult，butnotimpossible，yeteverymomentwasprecious。Heleanedagainstatree，andsenthisvoicelikeaclarionbeforehim："Teresa！"Therewasnoreply。Hecalledagain。Afaintcryathisbackfromthetrailhehadjusttraversedmadehimturn。Onlyafewpacesbehindhim，blindedandstaggering，butfollowinglikeabeatenandwoundedanimal，Teresa，halted，knelt，claspedherhands，anddumblyheldthemoutbeforeher。
"Teresa！"hecriedagain，andsprangtoherside。
Shecaughthimbytheknees，andliftedherfaceimploringlytohis。
"Saythatagain！"shecried，passionately。"TellmeitwasTeresayoucalled，andnoother！Youhavecomebackforme！Youwouldnotletmedieherealone！"
Heliftedhertenderlyinhisarms，andcastarapidglancearoundhim。Itmighthavebeenhisfancy，butthereseemedadullglowinthedirectionhehadcome。
"Youdonotspeak！"shesaid。"Tellme！Youdidnotcomeheretoseekher？"
"Whom？"hesaidquickly。
"Nellie！"
Withasharpcryhelethersliptotheground。Allthepent-upagony，rage，andmortificationofthelasthourbrokefromhiminthatinarticulateoutburst。Then，catchingherhandsagain，hedraggedhertohislevel。
"Hearme！"hecried，disregardingthewhirlingsmokeandthefierybaptismthatsprinkledthem——"hearme！Ifyouvalueyourlife，ifyouvalueyoursoul，andifyoudonotwantmetocastyoutothebeastslikeJezebelofold，never——nevertakethataccursednameagainuponyourlips。Seekher——HER？Yes！Seekhertotieherlikeawitch’sdaughterofhelltothatblazingtree！"Hestopped。"Forgiveme，"hesaidinachangedvoice。
"I’mmad，andforgettingmyselfandyou。Come。"
Withoutnoticingtheexpressionofhalf-savagedelightthathadpassedacrossherface，heliftedherinhisarms。
"Whichwayareyougoing？"sheasked，passingherhandsvaguelyacrosshisbreast，asiftoreassureherselfofhisidentity。
"Toourcampbythescarredtree，"hereplied。
"Notthere，notthere，"shesaid，hurriedly。"Iwasdrivenfromtherejustnow。IthoughtthefirebeganthereuntilIcamehere。"
Thenitwasashefeared。ObeyingthesamemysteriouslawthathadlaunchedthisfatalfirelikeathunderboltfromtheburningmountaincrestfivemilesawayintotheheartoftheCarquinezWoods，ithadagainleapedamilebeyond，andwashemmingthembetweentwonarrowinglinesoffire。ButLowwasnotdaunted。
Retracinghisstepsthroughtheblindingsmoke，hestrodeoffatrightanglestothetrailnearthepointwherehehadenteredthewood。ItwasthespotwherehehadfirstliftedNellieinhisarmstocarryhertothehiddenspring。Ifanyrecollectionofitcrossedhismindatthatmoment，itwasonlyshowninhisredoubledenergy。Hedidnotglidethroughthethickunderbrush，asonthatday，butseemedtotakeasavagepleasureinbreakingthroughitwithsheerbruteforce。OnceTeresainsisteduponrelievinghimoftheburdenofherweight，butafterafewstepsshestaggeredblindlyagainsthim，andwouldfainhaverecourseoncemoretohisstrongarms。Andso，alternatelystaggering，bending，crouching，orboundingandcrashingon，butalwaysinonedirection，theyburstthroughthejealousrampart，andcameuponthesylvanhauntofthehiddenspring。Thegreatangleofthehalf-fallentreeactedasaharriertothewindanddriftingsmoke，andthecoolspringsparkledandbubbledinthealmosttranslucentair。Helaidherdownbesidethewater，andbathedherfaceandhands。Ashedidsohisquickeyecaughtsightofawoman’shandkerchieflyingatthefootofthedisruptedroot。
DroppingTeresa’shand，hewalkedtowardsit，andwiththetoeofhismoccasingaveitonevigorouskickintotheoozeattheoverflowofthespring。HeturnedtoTeresa，butsheevidentlyhadnotnoticedtheact。
"Whereareyou？"sheasked，withasmile。
Somethinginhermovementstruckhim！Hecametowardsher，andbendingdownlookedintoherface。"Teresa！GoodGod！——lookatme！Whathashappened？"
Sheraisedhereyestohis。Therewasaslightfilmacrossthem;
thelidswereblackened;thebeautifullashesgoneforever！
"Iseeyoualittlenow，Ithink，"shesaid，withasmile，passingherhandsvaguelyoverhisface。"Itmusthavehappenedwhenhefainted，andIhadtodraghimthroughtheblazingbrush;
bothmyhandswerefull，andIcouldnotcovermyeyes。"
"Dragwhom？"saidLow，quickly。
"Why，Dunn。"
"Dunn！Hehere？"saidLow，hoarsely。
"Yes;didn’tyoureadthenoteIleftontheherbarium？Didn’tyoucometothecamp-fire？"sheaskedhurriedly，claspinghishands。"Tellmequickly！"
"No！"
"Thenyouwerenotthere——thenyoudidn’tleavemetodie？"
"No！Iswearit，Teresa！"thestoicismthathadupheldhisownagonybreakingdownbeforeherstrongemotion。
"ThankGod！"Shethrewherarmsaroundhim，andhidherachingeyesinhistroubledbreast。
"Tellmeall，Teresa，"hewhisperedinherlisteningear。"Don’tmove;staythere，andtellmeall。"
Withherfaceburiedinhisbosom，asifspeakingtohisheartalone，shetoldhimpart，butnotall。Withhereyesfilledwithtears，butasmileonherlips，radiantwithnew-foundhappiness，shetoldhimhowshehadoverheardtheplansofDunnandBrace，howshehadstolentheirconveyancetowarnhimintime。Buthereshestopped，dreadingtosayawordthatwouldshatterthehopeshewasbuildinguponhissuddenrevulsionoffeelingforNellie。Shecouldnotbringherselftorepeattheirinterview——
thatwouldcomelater，whentheyweresafeandoutofdanger;nownoteventhesecretofhisbirthmustcomebetweenthemwithitsdistraction，tomartheirperfectcommunion。ShefalteredthatDunnhadfaintedfromweakness，andthatshehaddraggedhimoutofdanger。"Hewillneverinterferewithus——Imean，"shesaidsoftly，"withMEagain。Icanpromiseyouthataswellasifhehadswornit。"
"Lethimpass，now，"saidLow;"thatwillcomelateron，"headded，unconsciouslyrepeatingherthoughtinatonethatmadeherheartsick。"Buttellme，Teresa，whydidyougotoExcelsior？"
Sheburiedherheadstilldeeper，asiftohideit。Hefeltherbrokenheartbeatagainsthisown;hewasconsciousofadepthoffeelingherrivalhadneverawakenedinhim。ThepossibilityofTeresalovinghimhadneveroccurredtohissimplenature。Hebenthisheadandkissedher。Shewasfrightened，andunloosedherclingingarms;butheretainedherhand，andsaid，"Wewillleavethisaccursedplace，andyoushallgowithmeasyousaidyouwould;norneedyoueverleaveme，unlessyouwishit。"
Shecouldhearthebeatingofherownheartthroughhiswords;
shelongedtolookattheeyesandlipsthattoldherthis，andreadthemeaninghisvoicealonecouldnotentirelyconvey。Forthefirsttimeshefeltthelossofhersight。Shedidnotknowthatitwas，inthismomentofhappiness，thelastblessingvouchsafedtohermiserablelife。
Afewmomentsofsilencefollowed，brokenonlybythedistantrumoroftheconflagrationandthecrashoffallingboughs。
"Itmaybeanhouryet，"hewhispered，"beforethefirehassweptapathforustotheroadbelow。Wearesafehere，unlesssomesuddencurrentshoulddrawthefiredownuponus。Youarenotfrightened？"Shepressedhishand;shewasthinkingofthepalefaceofDunn，lyinginthesecureretreatshehadpurchasedforhimatsuchasacrifice。Yetthepossibilityofdangertohimnowforamomentmarredherpresenthappinessandsecurity。"Youthinkthefirewillnotgonorthofwhereyoufoundme？"sheaskedsoftly。
"Ithinknot，"hesaid，"butIwillreconnoitre。Staywhereyouare。"
Theypressedhands，andparted。Heleapedupontheslantingtrunkandascendeditrapidly。Shewaitedinmuteexpectation。
Therewasasuddenmovementoftherootonwhichshesat，adeafeningcrash，andshewasthrownforwardonherface。
Thevastbulkoftheleaningtree，dislodgedfromitsaerialsupportbythegradualsappingofthespringatitsroots，orbythecrumblingofthebarkfromtheheat，hadslipped，madeahalfrevolution，and，falling，overborethelessertreesinitspath，andtore，initsresistlessmomentum，abroadopeningtotheunderbrush。
WithacrytoLow，Teresastaggeredtoherfeet。Therewasanintervalofhideoussilence，butnoreply。Shecalledagain。
Therewasasuddendeepeningroar，theblastofafieryfurnacesweptthroughtheopening，athousandluminouspointsaroundherburstintofire，andinaninstantshewaslostinawhirlwindofsmokeandflame！Fromtheonsetofitsfurytoitsculminationtwentyminutesdidnotelapse;butinthatintervalaradiusoftwohundredyardsaroundthehiddenspringwassweptoflifeandlightandmotion。
Fortherestofthatdayandpartofthenightapallofsmokehungabovethesceneofdesolation。Itliftedonlytowardsthemorning，whenthemoon，risinghigh，pickedoutinblackandsilvertheshrunkenandsilentcolumnsofthoserooflessvaults，shornofbaseandcapital。Itflickeredonthestill，overflowingpoolofthehiddenspring，andshoneuponthewhitefaceofLow，who，witharootletofthefallentreeholdinghimdownlikeanarmacrosshisbreast，seemedtobesleepingpeacefullyinthesleepingwater……
Contemporaneoushistorytouchedhimasbriefly，butnotasgently。"Itisnowdefinitelyascertained，"said"TheSlumgullionMirror，""thatSheriffDunnmethisfateintheCarquinezWoodsintheperformanceofhisduty;thatfearlessmanhavingreceivedinformationoftheconcealmentofabandofhorsethievesintheirrecesses。Thedesperadoesarepresumedtohaveescaped，astheonlyremainsfoundarethoseoftwowretchedtramps，oneofwhomissaidtohavebeenadigger，whosupportedhimselfuponrootsandherbs，andtheotheradegradedhalf-whitewoman。Itisnotunreasonabletosupposethatthefireoriginatedthroughtheircarelessness，althoughFatherWynnoftheFirstBaptistChurch，inhispowerfuldiscourseoflastSunday，pointedatthewarningandlessonofsuchcatastrophes。
Itmaynotbeoutofplaceheretosaythattherumorsregardinganengagementbetweenthepastor’saccomplisheddaughterandthelatelamentedsheriffareutterlywithoutfoundation，asithasbeenanonditforsometimeinallwell-informedcirclesthattheindefatigableMr。Brace，ofWells，FargoandCo。’sExpress，willshortlyleadtheladytothehymenealaltar。"
