d of late cracked from
different parts of the grove--spies taking snap-shots at Lassiter from
a cowardly distance! But a rifle report meant more. Riders seldom used
rifles. Judkins and Venters were the exceptions she called to mind. Had
the men who hounded her hidden in her grove, taken to the rifle to rid
her of Lassiter, her last friend? It was probable--it was likely. And
she did not share his cool assumption that his death would never come at
the hands of a Mormon. Long had she expected it. His constancy to
her, his singular reluctance to use the fatal skill for which he was
famed--both now plain to all Mormons--laid him open to inevitable
assassination. Yet what charm against ambush and aim and enemy he
seemed to bear about him! No, Jane reflected, it was not charm; only
a wonderful training of eye and ear, and sense of impending peril.
Nevertheless that could not forever avail against secret attack.

That moment a rustling of leaves attracted her attention; then the
familiar clinking accompaniment of a slow, soft, measured step, and
Lassiter walked into the court.

"Jane, there's a fellow out there with a long gun," he said, and,
removing his sombrero, showed his head bound in a bloody scarf.

"I heard the shot; I knew it was meant for you. Let me see--you can't be
badly injured?"

"I reckon not. But mebbe it wasn't a close call!... I'll sit here in this
corner where nobody can see me from the grove." He untied the scarf and
removed it to show a long, bleeding furrow above his left temple.

"It's only a cut," said Jane. "But how it bleeds! Hold your scarf over
it just a moment till I come back."

She ran into the house and returned with bandages; and while she bathed
and dressed the wound Lassiter talked.

"That fellow had a good chance to get me. But he must have flinched when
he pulled the trigger. As I dodged down I saw him run through the trees.
He had a rifle. I've been expectin' that kind of gun play. I reckon now
I'll have to keep a little closer hid myself. These fellers all seem to
get chilly or shaky when they draw a bead on me, but one of them might
jest happen to hit me."

"Won't you go away--leave Cottonwoods as I've begged you to--before some
one does happen to hit you?" she appealed to him.

"I reckon I'll stay."

"But, oh, Lassiter--your blood will be on my hands!"

"See here, lady, look at your hands now, right now. Aren't they fine,
firm, white hands? Aren't they bloody now? Lassiter