f you, here's your chance this minute! I
believe way down in my heart that things come to us so that we can show
what's really in us--how--how far down we've been putting our roots into
good soil, you know. Now this has come to you! There isn't a thing to be
afraid of except just Fear, which I admit is a monster; but if you let
that control you, you'll spoil your whole life. Jim used to teach me that.
Siwash wouldn't hurt a baby! I rode him when I was four years old. We're
just going to trail up the mountain as slowly as can be, and Don will ride
with you every minute. When there are really things to be afraid of,
people excuse a coward; but when there isn't a thing in this world, they
don't! So if you don't come, Vivian, and show us what you are made of,
you're a _coward inside_, that's all!"

It was hard, blunt doctrine, built on seventeen years of wholesome life in
a land where cowardice has found no room; but at that moment it was just
what Vivian Winters needed. From her frightened heart the fear of Siwash
fled only to give place to a more dreadful fear, the contempt and scorn of
the Vigilantes. Better be thrown by Siwash than despised by Virginia and
Priscilla, Mary and the far-away Dorothy. She had no time to tell Virginia
that she would go after all, and to ask her to try to forget her
cowardice, for the boys called just then that all was ready. But Virginia
understood, for as they hurried toward the corral she held Vivian's hand
closely in her own, and gave it a final, encouraging squeeze, as Vivian
edged a cautious way toward Siwash and the faithful Donald.

After all, it was not so hard. Donald allowed the others to go ahead--the
two pack-horses first with tents and provisions, for they were to camp
for the night, then Malcolm, Aunt Nan and the others. He and Vivian,
riding slowly, brought up the rear. Vivian, determination rising in her
soul, was firmly seated and clutching the saddle-horn. She might be
thrown, but she would never, never fall again! But old Siwash was faithful
to his trust, and Donald was close at hand. Vivian vowed inwardly that she
would always bless Donald. Under his calm assurance, her fear gradually
went away, and in fifteen minutes she was willing to let go her hold upon
the saddle-horn, and to try to follow his instructions. He taught her how
to place her feet in the stirrups, how to clutch with her knees, how to
rise in the saddle for a trot, how to sit back for a canter; until at
le