to me, but it makes me feel taller. Folks
always called me Sim."

She heard him turn, hesitant. "You'll not be gone long?" said she.

"I reckon not."

"Then bring me the pan of potatoes in here, so that I can peel them."

"You're mighty helpful, ma'am. I don't see how I kept house here at
all without you.

"Ma'am," he went on, presently, hesitating, after his bashful fashion.
"This here is a right strange place, way you and me is throwed in here
together. I only wish't you wouldn't git scared about anything, and
you'd sort of--_believe_ in me, till we can shape things out somehow,
fairer to you. Don't be scared, please. I'll take care of you the
best I can. The only trouble is I'm afraid about folks, that's all."

"What do you mean--about folks?"

"If there was a woman within fifty miles of you knowed you wasn't
married to me, she'd raise hell sure. All women is that way, and some
men is, too. There ain't been no room for talk--yet."

"Yet?" she said. "What do you mean?"

But this was carrying Sim Gage into water too deep for him. He only
stepped closer to the door. "Don't you be scared to be alone a little
while. So long," he added, and so he left her.

She heard his hobbling footfalls across the boards at the end of the
house, heard them pass into silence on the turf. What had he meant?
How long could she maintain her supremacy over him, here alone in the
wilderness, helpless, blind? And those other women? What, indeed, was
her status to be here? When would he tire of this? When would he
change?

Questions came to Sim Gage's mind also. Now and again he paused and
leaned against the fence. He was in much pain alike of body and of
mind.

He saw Wid himself turn out at his gate and approach him; dreaded the
grin on Wid's face even before he saw it.

"Well, there, neighbor," said the oncomer. "You're out at last. How's
everything?"

Sim looked down at his bandaged leg with a gesture.

"How come that?"

"One of them damn broncs cut me with his forefoot when I was
unhitching. Did you git track of them anywhere? They run off."

"They're hanging around here," said Wid indifferently. He bent over
the wounded member. "So struck you with his front hoof? That's a bad
leg, Sim. It's getting black; and here's some red streaks."

"I'm some scared about it," said Sim. "Seems to me I'd better get to a
doctor. I got to get me a dog first, and some hens."

Wid Gardner took a hasty b