that Fisher, who was a man of but little
education, himself stood silent with wonder. "Too early, I think. I told
you how it would be, Nell. I believed in you, Nell, so help me God,
I did, but I saw you this afternoon with that man, and now you have
betrayed me. You will have it then," and before Fisher could stop him
or shield her, he had drawn a pistol from his belt and shot her in the
breast. So close she was there was not a chance of missing, and she fell
backwards and lay there in the dusty track, the pale moonlight lighting
up her fair hair, and the dark stain widening, widening, on the bosom of
her dress.

Fisher's first thought was for vengeance, but his hand shook and his
shot flew wide, and the other man, apparently giving no heed to him,
flung himself from his saddle on to the ground beside the girl.

"Oh, Nell, Nell, little girl, and I trusted you."

She put her little bloodstained hand on his arm, and smiled up into his
face with such a world of love in the dying eyes, that Fisher looking on
dared not for very pity mar her last moments by word or sigh.

Time enough when she was gone, for the two men to settle accounts.

"Jes' so," she gasped, her one idea strong in death; "I was--near,
too late--don'--go--nigh the camp. Ben Fisher--will--shoot the
ghost--on--sight."

"But--but--"

Pity for the girl, dying misjudged by the hand she loved, impelled
Fisher to speak.

How great had been his share in the tragedy he hardly as yet realized;
that would come later.

"It wasn't her fault this afternoon," he said roughly; "it was mine, and
this evening she never knew I followed her."

"Oh, my God--my little girl, my poor little girl."

He lifted her up in his arms and made a half effort to staunch the
wound, but she was evidently dying fast--past all human aid.

"Jim--you--won't--go--anigh--the--camp?"

"Nellie, Nellie, don't die, my darling--don't leave me; don't let me
have this on my conscience. I love you, Nellie--you are all there is to
live for. I love you."

"Better 'n _her_?" she gasped.

He looked down at her in wonder, then covered the white face with
kisses.

"Better a thousand times--better than any woman that ever lived. Forgive
me, Nell, forgive me."

She was going fast, but she understood him, and the man looking on saw
peace and happiness on her face.

"I love you, Jim."

"There never was a daughter of Eve, but once ere the tale of her years be done,
Shall know the scent