As he spoke they reached the end of the canyon and firm ground simultaneously.Helen saw that her rescuer had now a revolver in his hand, and that he was firing in such a way as to deflect the leaders to the left.At first the change in course was hardly perceptible, but presently she noticed that they were getting closer to the outskirts of the herd, working gradually to the extreme right, edging inch by inch, ever so warily, toward safety.Going parallel to their course, running neck and neck with the cow pony, lumbered a great dun steer.Unconsciously it blocked every effort of the horseman to escape.He had one shot left in his revolver, and this time he did not fire into the air.It was a mighty risk, for the animal in falling might stagger against the horse and hunt them all down to death.But the mantook it without apparent hesitation.Into the ear of the bullock he sent the lead crashing.The brute stumbled and went down head over heels.Its flying hoofs struck the flanks of the pony, but the bronco stuck to its feet, and next moment staggered out from among the herd stragglers and came to halt.
The man slid from its back and lifted down the half-fainting girl.She clung to him, white a trembling."Oh, it was horrible, Ned!" She could still look down in imagination upon the sea of dun backs that swayed and surged about them like storm-tossed waves.
"It was a near thing, but we made it, girl.So did Jim.He got out before we did.It's all past now.You can remember it as the most exciting experience of your life."She shuddered."I don't want to remember it at all." And so shaken was she that she did not realize that his arm was about her the while she sobbed on his shoulder.
"A cattle stampede is a nasty thing to get in front of.Never mind.It's done with now and everybody's safe."She drew a long breath."Yes, everybody's safe and you are back home.Why didn't you come after your cousin was killed?""I had to finish my work." "And DID you finish it?""I think we did.There will be no more Shoshone gang.It's members have scatted in all directions.""I'm glad you stayed, then.We can live at peace now." And presently she added: "I knew you would not come back until you had done what you set out to do.You're very obstinate, sir.Do you know that?""Perseverance, I call it," he smiled, glad to see that she was recovering her lightness of tone.
"You don't always insist on putting your actions in the most favorable light.Do you remember the first day I ever saw you?""Am I likely ever to forget it?" he smiled fondly.
"I didn't mean THAT.What I was getting at was that you let me go away from you thinking you were 'the king.' I haven't forgiven you entirely for that.""I expect y'u'll always have to be forgiving me things.""If you valued my good opinion I don't see how you could let me go without telling me.Was it fair or kind?""If y'u come to that, was it so fair and kind to convict me so promptly on suspicion?" he retaliated with a smile.
"No, it wasn't.But--" She flushed with a divine shyness."But I loved you all the time, even when they said you were a villain.""Even while y'u believed me one?"
"I didn't.I never would believe you one--not deep in my heart.I wouldn't let myself.I made excuses for you--explained everything to myself.""Yet your reason told y'u I was guilty "
"Yes, I think my mind hated you and my heart loved you."He adored her for the frank simplicity of her confession, that out of the greatness of her love she dared to make no secret of it to him.Direct as a boy, she was yet as wholly sweet as the most retiring girl could be.
"Y'u always swamp my vocabulary, sweetheart.I can't ever tell y'u-- life wouldn't be long enough--how much I care for you.""I'm glad," she said simply.
They stood looking at each other, palms pressed to palms in meeting hands, supremely happy in this miracle of love that had befallen them.They were alone--for Nora and Jim had gone into temporary eclipse behind a hill and seemed in no hurry to emerge--alone in the sunshine with this wonder that flowed from one to another by shining eyes, by finger touch, and then by meeting lips.He held her close, knew the sweet delight of contact with the supple, surrendered figure, then released her as she drew away in maidenly reserve.
"When shall we be married, Helen? Is the early part of next week too late?" he asked.
Still blushing, she straightened her hat."That's ridiculous, sir.I haven't got used to the thought of you yet.""Plenty of time for that afterward.Then we'll say next week if that suits y'u.""But it doesn't.Don't you know that it is the lady's privilege to namethe day? Besides, I want time to change my mind if I should decide to." "That's what I'm afraid of," he laughed joyfully."So I have to insist onan early marriage." "Insist?" she demurred.
"I've been told on the best of authority that I'm very obstinate," he gayly answered.
"I have a mind of my own myself.If I ever marry you be sure I shall name the day, sir.""Will y'u marry me the day Nora does Jim?""We'll see." The eyes slanted at him under the curved lashes, teased him delightfully."Did Nora tell you she was going to marry Jim?"Bannister looked mildly hurt."My common sense has been telling it to me a month.""How long has your common sense been telling you about us?" "I didn't use it when I fell in love with y'u," he boldly laughed."Of all things to say!"
