conclusion: When two people love each other as we
do, neither poverty nor riches--nothing but duty, should
separate them. Your wealth troubled me at first. I knew I could
not give you the comforts--not to say luxuries--you were
accustomed to, and I knew that my life as a soldier would
always make even a barrack a place of uncertain residence. I
must stand to my guns here till I have won my fight; then I may
ask for a transfer to some field where life would not be so
hard. If only there were ways to use your great wealth in
helping these people I would rejoice to be your agent in the
matter.

"I am a penniless suitor, but a good soldier. I can say that
without egotism. I think I could have acquired money had I
started out that way; of course I cannot do it now. Perhaps my
knowledge and training will come to supplement and give power
to your wealth. I must work. I am not one to be idle. If I go
on working--devising--in my own way, then my self-respect would
not be daunted, even though you were worth ten millions instead
of one. I am fitted to be the head of a department--like that
of Forestry, or Civil Engineering. After my work here is
finished I may ask for something of that kind, but I am
resolved to do my duty here first. I like your suggestion about
the water-gate. I hold you to that word, my lady. One year from
now, when my gardens are ready for the sickle, I will have the
criers announce a harvest-home festival, and you must come and
dance with me among my people, and then, perhaps, I will take a
little vacation, and return with you to the East, and be happy
with you among the joyous of the earth for a little season.
Beyond that I dare not plan."

The administration was sustained, and Brisbane's forces were beaten
back. The better elements of the State, long scattered, disintegrated,
and without voice, spoke, and with majesty, rebuking the cruelty, the
barbarism, and the blatant assertion of men like Musgrove and Streeter,
who had made the State odious. Even Winters, the sheriff, was defeated,
and a fairly humane and decent citizen put in his place, and this
change, close down to the people, was most significant of all. "Now I
have hope of the courts," said Curtis to Maynard.

If the Tetongs did not at once apprehend the peace and comfort which the
defeat of Brisbane's gang