t. He denied the genius attributed to him, but not the
inspiring power of bright eyes. And he paid a fine tribute to Baxter.

Through all this gaiety and earnestness Allie's lips were mute, and
her cheeks flushed and paled by turns. It was an ordeal for her, both
confusing and poignant. At last she and Neale got away alone to the
cabin room where they had met earlier in the day.

They stood at the open window, close together, hands locked, gazing
out over the quiet valley. The moon was full, and broad belts of silver
light lay in strong contrast to black shadows. The hour was late. The
sentries paced their beats.

Allie stirred and lifted her face to Neale's. "What they said about you
makes me almost as happy as to see you again," she said.

"They said! Who? What?" asked Neale, dreamily.

"Oh, I heard, I remember!... For instance, Mr. Baxter said you had
genius."

"He was just eulogizing me," replied Neale. "What he said about your
bright eyes was more to the point, I think."

"It's sweet to believe I could inspire you. But I know--and you
know--that if I had not been here you would have seen through the
engineering problem just the same... Now, be honest."

"Yes, I would," replied Neale, frankly. "Though perhaps not so swiftly.
I could see through stone today."

"And that proves your worth. Your duty it always has been--to stand by
your chief. Oh, I love him!... He seems so much younger today. You have
encouraged them all... Oh, dear Neale, there is something noble in what
you can do for him. Can't you see it?"

"Yes, Allie, indeed I do."

"Promise me--never to fail him again."

"I promise."

"No matter what happens to me. I am alive, safe, well... and I'm yours.
But something might happen--you can never tell, and I don't refer
particularly to Durade and his gang. I mean, life and everything is
uncertain out here. So promise me, no matter what happens, that you'll
stand by your work."

"I promise that, too," replied Neale, huskily. "But you frighten me. You
fear--for yourself?"

"No, I don't," she protested.

"Fate could not be so brutal--to take you from me. Anyway, I'll not
think of it."

"Do not. Nor will I... I wouldn't have asked you--only this night has
shown me your opportunity. I'm so proud--so proud. You'll be great some
day."

"Well, if you're so proud--if you think I'm so wonderful--why haven't
you rewarded me for that little job today?"

"Reward you!... How?"

"How do you suppose