us, and we went our way together. It was well
we could not look back upon the rock. We had hardly left it when two
figures climbed up from the ledge below and stood where we had been--two
for whom the night had no charm and the prairie and valley had no
beauty, a low-browed, black-eyed girl with a heart full of jealousy, and
a tall, graceful, picturesquely handsome young Indian. They had joined
forces, just as I had once felt they would sometime do. As I came
whistling up the street on my way home I paused by the bushes, half
inclined to go beyond them again. I was happy in every fiber of my
being. But duty prodded me sharply to move on. I believe now that Jean
Pahusca would have choked the life out of me had I met him face to face
that moonlit night. Heaven turns our paths away from many an unknown
peril, and we credit it all to our own choice of ways.

* * * * *

Slowly but steadily O'mie came back to us. So far had he gone down the
valley of the shadow, he groped with difficulty up toward the light
again. He slept much, but it was life-giving sleep, and he was not
overcome by delirium after that turning point in his illness. I think I
never fully knew my father's sister till in those weeks beside the
sickbed. It was not the medicine, nor the careful touch, it was
herself--her wholesome, hopeful, trustful spirit--that seemed to enter
into the very life of the sick one, and build him to health. I had
rarely known illness, I who had muscles like iron, and the frame of a
giant. My father was a man of wonderful vigor. It was not until O'mie
was brought to our house that I understood why he should have been
trusted to no one else.

We longed to know his story. The town had settled into its old groove.
The victories of Gettysburg and Vicksburg had thrilled us, as the loss
at Chancellorsville had depressed our spirits; and the war was our
constant theme. And then the coming and going of traders and strangers
on the old trail, the undercurrent of anxiety lest another conspiracy
should gather, the Quantrill raid at Lawrence, all helped to keep us
from lethargy. We had had our surprise, however. Strangers had to give
an account of themselves to the home guard now. But we were softened
toward our own townspeople. They were very discreet, and we must meet
and do business with them daily. For the sake of young Tell and Jim, we
who knew would say nothing. Jean came into town at rare intervals,
mee