he's mine. I'll fight to keep her safe from that old life. I've
already seen her forget it. I love her. And if a beast ever rises in me
I'll burn my hand off before I lay it on her with shameful intent. And,
by God! sooner or later I'll kill the man who hid her and kept her in
Deception Pass!"

As he spoke the west wind softly blew in his face. It seemed to soothe
his passion. That west wind was fresh, cool, fragrant, and it carried
a sweet, strange burden of far-off things--tidings of life in other
climes, of sunshine asleep on other walls--of other places where reigned
peace. It carried, too, sad truth of human hearts and mystery--of
promise and hope unquenchable. Surprise Valley was only a little niche
in the wide world whence blew that burdened wind. Bess was only one of
millions at the mercy of unknown motive in nature and life. Content had
come to Venters in the valley; happiness had breathed in the slow, warm
air; love as bright as light had hovered over the walls and descended to
him; and now on the west wind came a whisper of the eternal triumph of
faith over doubt.

"How much better I am for what has come to me!" he exclaimed. "I'll let
the future take care of itself. Whatever falls, I'll be ready."

Venters retraced his steps along the terrace back to camp, and found
Bess in the old familiar seat, waiting and watching for his return.

"I went off by myself to think a little," he explained.

"You never looked that way before. What--what is it? Won't you tell me?"

"Well, Bess, the fact is I've been dreaming a lot. This valley makes a
fellow dream. So I forced myself to think. We can't live this way much
longer. Soon I'll simply have to go to Cottonwoods. We need a whole pack
train of supplies. I can get--"

"Can you go safely?" she interrupted.

"Why, I'm sure of it. I'll ride through the Pass at night. I haven't any
fear that Wrangle isn't where I left him. And once on him--Bess, just
wait till you see that horse!"

"Oh, I want to see him--to ride him. But--but, Bern, this is what
troubles me," she said. "Will--will you come back?"

"Give me four days. If I'm not back in four days you'll know I'm dead.
For that only shall keep me."

"Oh!"

"Bess, I'll come back. There's danger--I wouldn't lie to you--but I can
take care of myself."

"Bern, I'm sure--oh, I'm sure of it! All my life I've watched hunted
men. I can tell what's in them. And I believe you can ride and shoot and
see with any rider of