thrust it in her dress; and he argued well
from the act.

Rina turned to go without a word; but Natalie called her softly. In her
hand she was holding a round silver locket, in which she had put a tiny
picture of herself. She held it out to Rina with a wistful smile.

"For you," she murmured. "Keep it because I love you."

Rina looked at the little picture, struggling to maintain her parade of
unconcern. But suddenly she snatched it out of Natalie's hand; and
thrust it in her own bosom. Her face worked with the pain of those who
weep with difficulty; her eyes filled and overflowed at last. With a
wild, brusque abandon, she flung herself at Natalie's feet and pressed
the hem of her dress to her trembling lips.

"You good! You good!" she sobbed. Then springing to her feet as abruptly
as she had fallen, she flew away among the trees.

Half an hour later they heard the two horses passing the trail behind
their camp; the same trail by which they had all first entered the
valley; and the way to Spirit River Crossing.

At first they dared not believe they could really be free of their enemy
so easily; and they continually found themselves listening for the sound
of their return. Garth saddled Cy at last; and rode along the trail to
the top of the bench. He saw Mabyn and Rina two specks in the distance;
and still travelling south. When he returned with the news to Natalie,
they allowed themselves to rejoice at last; and they were filled with a
great peace.

Going home! was the burden of their happy speech; home to the land of
friendly faces, the urbane land, the place of comfortable little things,
where life was lapped in ease, sane and well-ordered! How their ears
ached for a human noise again! the bustle of crowded sidewalks, the
clang of gongs, the fall of hoofs on asphalt! How their flesh yearned
for the creature comforts! delicate feasting and good clothes to wear!
One must be plunged into the wilderness for a while to sense the gifts
of civilization at their true value.

"I can understand now why men are so crazy to be explorers and things,"
said Natalie. "They go away just for the tremendous fun of coming back
to it all! Oh-h! Think of dances--and even despised tea-parties now!
Think of theatres and restaurants and going to the races!"

"And wouldn't I like to take you straight through to New York, though!"
sang Garth. "Oh! Broadway and the Avenue in September! Everything
getting under way again! And Coney Isla