Transcriber's note Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printererrors have been changed and are listed at the end. All otherinconsistencies are as in the original. A MAN OF TWO COUNTRIES A MAN _of_ TWO COUNTRIES BY ALICE HARRIMAN Author of SONGS O' THE SOUND, CHAPERONING ADRIENNE THROUGH THE YELLOWSTONE, SONGS O' THE OLYMPICS, etc. Chapter Headings by C. M. DOWLING 1910 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY NEW YORK & SEATTLE COPYRIGHT 1910, BY THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY All rights reserved PRINTED BY THE PREMIER PRESS NEW YORK U. S. A. TO THE READER Prior to the days of the cowboy and the range, the settler andirrigation, the State and the Province, an ebb and flow of Indians, traders, trappers, wolfers, buffalo-hunters, whiskey smugglers, missionaries, prospectors, United States soldiery and newly organizedNorth West Mounted Police crossed and recrossed the internationalboundary between the American Northwest and what was then known as the"Whoop Up Country. " This heterogeneous flotsam and jetsam held some ofthe material from which Montana evolved its later statehood. To one who came to know and to love the region after the surging tidehad exterminated the buffalo and worse than exterminated the Indian, --toone who appreciates the limitless possibilities of the splendidCommonwealth of Montana on the one side and the great Province ofAlberta on the other of that invisible line which now draws togetherinstead of separating men of a common tongue, this period seemstremendously interesting. The "local color" has, perhaps, not beensqueezed from too many tubes. Types stand out; never individuals. As types, therefore, the characters of this book weave their story asthe shuttle of time, filled with the woof of hidden purpose and opendeed, runs through the warp of their friendships and enmities. And with the less attractive strands the shifting harness of place andcircumstance enmeshes a thread of Love's gold. BOOK I. THE RIVER BOOK II. THE PRAIRIE BOOK III. THE STATE TABLE OF CONTENTS BOOK I I. Twisting the Lion's Tail 15 II. The Girl on the Fontenelle 30 BOOK II I. Under the Union Jack 47 II. Hate 58 III. The Hot Blood of Youth 72 IV. The Return to Fort Benton 88 BOOK III I. Visitors from Helena 107 II. Charlie Blair's Sister 125 III. A Man of Two Countries 141 IV. The State Republican Convention 155 V. Despair 165 VI. Il Trovatore 180 VII. Debauching a Legislature 196 VIII. Danvers' Discouragement 211 IX. A Frontier Knock 219 X. Wheels Within Wheels 226 XI. The Chinese Legend 241 XII. Recognition 251 XIII. The Lobbyist 257 XIV. The Keystone 268 XV. An Unpremeditated Speech 281 XVI. The Election 291 [Illustration] BOOK I _THE RIVER_ _"I beheld the westward marches Of the . . . Nations, Restless, struggling, toiling, striving. "_ --_Longfellow_ [Illustration] Chapter I Twisting the Lion's Tail Philip Danvers, heading a small party of horsemen, galloped around thecorner of a warehouse and pulled up on the levee at Bismarck as the mateof the _Far West_ bellowed, "Let 'er go!" "Hold on!" he shouted, leaping from his mount. "Why in blazes!" The mate's impatience flared luridly as he ordered thegang-plank replaced. His heat ignited the smouldering resentment of thepassengers, and they, too, exploded. "We're loaded to the guards now!" yelled one. "Yeh can't come aboard!" threatened another. "Haven't yeh got a full passenger list a'ready, Captain?" demanded ablustering, heavy-set man with beetling eyebrows, as he pushed himselfangrily through the crowding men to the deck-rail. "Can't help it if I have, Burroughs, " retorted the autocrat of theriver-boat. "These troopers are recruits for the North West MountedPolice----" "The hell yeh say!" Philip Danvers noted the unfriendly eye, and realized that this burlyfellow dominated even the captain. "Their passage was engaged three months ago, " went on the officer. "It's nothing to me, " affirmed Burroughs, reddening in his effort toregain his surface amenity. The young trooper, superintending the loading of the horses, resentedthe manifest unfriendliness toward the English recruits. A dreary rainadded discomfort, and the passengers growled at the slow progresshitherto made against the spring floods of the turbulent Missouri andthis prolonged delay at Bismarck. As he went up the gang-plank and walked along the deck, bits ofconversation came to him. "He looks like an officer, " said one, with a jerk of his thumb in hisdirection. "An officer! Where? D'yeh mean the dark-haired one?" The voice was thatof Burroughs again, and as Danvers met his insolent eye an instantantagonism flashed between the roughly dressed frontiersman and thelean-flanked, broad-shouldered English youth. "Hello! 'F there ain't Toe String Joe!" continued Burroughs, recognizingthe last to come on board, as the line was cast off and the steamerbacked into the stream. "What you doin' here, Joe?" "I met up with these here Britishers when they came in on the train fromthe East, an' I'm goin' t' enlist, " admitted the shambling Joe, hisbreath confirming his appearance. "Where you been?" "Back to the States to get my outfit. I'm goin' ter start in fer myselfup to Fort Macleod. So you've decided to be a damned Britisher, eh?"Burroughs reverted to Joe's statement. "Yeh'll have to take the oath ofallegiance fer three years of enlistment. Did yeh know that?" He closedone eye, as if speculating how this might further his own interests. "You'll make a fine police, Joe, you will!" he jeered in conclusion. "You goin' to Fort Macleod?" questioned Joe. "You'll git no trade inCanada!" "Don't yeh ever think it!" returned Burroughs, with a look that Danverssub-consciously noted. Beyond the crowd he saw a child, held by a man with a scarred face. Hisinvoluntary look of amazement changed the pensiveness of her delicateface to animation, and she returned his smile. This unexpected exchangeof friendship restored his self-respect and his anger evaporated. Herecalled the childhood spent in English lanes with his only sister. Hebeckoned enticingly, and soon she came near, shy and lovely. "What's your name, little girl?" "Winifred. " "That's a pretty name, " said the young trooper. "Are you going to FortBenton with your papa?" "No. Papa's dead--and--mamma. That's my brother, " indicating the man whohad held her. "He came to get me. His name is Charlie. " "Dear little girl!" thought Philip Danvers, as the child ran tobrotherly arms. "Howdy!" Charlie gave unconventional greeting as he took a bench nearby. "I've been getting acquainted with your sister, " explained theEnglishman. "Glad of it. Winnie's afraid of most o' the men, an' there aren't more'nthree white women up the river. I've had to bring her back with me, andI don't know much about children. But there's one good old lady atBenton, " the frontiersman proceeded, cheerfully. "She'll look after her. You see, I'm away most of the time. I'm a freighter between the head ofnavigation and the Whoop Up Country--Fort Macleod. " "Oh!" "I got the contract to haul the supplies for the North West MountedPolice this spring. I'll be in Fort Macleod 'most as soon as you, Ireckon. What is it, Winnie?" he questioned, as the child drew shrinkingcloser to him. "I don't like that man, " asserted Winifred, as Robert Burroughs passed. "You mustn't say that, Winnie, " reproved Charlie. "Burroughs"--addressing Philip--"Sweet Oil Bob, we call him, is goin' tostart a new tradin' post at Macleod. He's clerked at Fort Benton till heknows more about the profits of an Injun tradin' post than any man onthe river! Yeh'll likely see quite a little o' him. Most of the Canadiantraders 'd rather he stayed this side o' the line. " "Surely there are other American traders in this Whoop Up Country, asyou call it. " "Not so many--no. But Sweet Oil Bob is shrewd, an' the Canadians areafraid he'll get the biggest share o' the Injun trade. You know how itis. " Before Danvers could answer, his attention was caught by: "The ambition of my life is to sit on the supreme bench of some State, "spoken by a fair-haired young man as he passed with a taller, older one. "Montana will be a State, some day, " the would-be judge went on, eagerlyboyish. "Hello, Doc, " called Charlie, as he sighted the elder pedestrian. "Stopa minute. " Before the invitation was accepted the physician gave impetus to theother's desire. "Hope your hopes, Latimer. Honorable and honest endeavor will reach themost exalted position. " Then he put out his hand to the child, whoclasped it affectionately. "Well, Charlie, " he smiled genially at the English lad as well as on hisformer river travelers. "How goes it?" "All right, " returned Charlie, amiably. "So Latimer wants to dabble interritorial politics, eh?" "I didn't say so, " flushed the embryonic lawyer. "I said I'd like to bea judge on the supreme bench, some day. I'm going to settle in Montana, and----" "What do you think about politics?" suddenly quizzed Charlie, turning toDanvers. "I'd not risk losing your friendship, " smiled Philip, "by stating whatan Englishman's opinion of American politics are. " "Better not, " laughed the doctor, with a keen glance of appraisal. "I'll admit they're rotten, " Latimer hastened to add. "But I'd love toplay the game. No political affiliations should bias my decision. " "Bet you'll be glad to get home, Doc. " Charlie changed the subject, soforeign to his out-of-door interests. "You can't keep the doctor awayfrom Fort Benton, " he explained to the two strangers. "He thinks she'sgot a big future, don't you, Doc?" "To be sure! To be sure!" corroborated the physician, as his arm wentaround the little girl. "Fort Benton will be a second St. Louis! Mark mywords, Latimer. " He turned to his companion, whose charm of mannerappealed unconsciously to the reserved Danvers. "I hope your predictions may prove correct, since I am to set up a lawoffice there, " replied Latimer. "And you?" He turned to include PhilipDanvers in a smile which the lonely Englishman never forgot. "He an' I 's for Fort Macleod, " explained Scar Faced Charlie, beforePhilip could speak. These ready frontiersmen had a way of taking thewords out of his mouth. "He's for the Mounted Police, yeh know, an' I'm freightin' in thesupplies. An' what d'yeh think, Doc? Toe String Joe says he's goin' toenlist when we get to Fort Benton. Burroughs won't mind havin' him inthe Force. " "Isn't it unusual for Canadian troopers to come through the UnitedStates?" inquired Arthur Latimer. This time it was the doctor who answered the question directed towardthe silent Danvers. "The first companies marched overland from Winnipeg two years ago, whenthe North West Mounted Police was organized, and a tough time they had. They were six months making it, what with hostile Indians and one thingand another, and at last they got lost in an awful snowstorm (winter setin early that year), and they nearly died of cold and starvation--mostof their horses did. An Indian brought word to one of the trading posts. Remember that rescue, Charlie?" He turned for corroboration to thefreighter, but continued, without waiting for an answer that was quiteunnecessary to prod the reminiscent doctor. "Fort Macleod is only two hundred miles north of Fort Benton, " heconcluded, "and I understand the recruits will hereafter be taken intothe Whoop Up Country by way of the Missouri. " The blue eyes of the lawyer instinctively sought the dark ones of theyoung trooper in a bond of subtle feeling at this recital of pioneerlife. It was all in the future for them. "We came from Ottawa by rail to Bismarck, " explained Danvers at theunspoken question, "and brought our horses. " "They are a civil force under military discipline, " added the doctor toLatimer's questioning eyes. As they talked, the steamboat came to a series of rapids, and Danversand Latimer went to the prow to watch the warping of the boat over theobstruction. Burroughs stood near, and took no pains to lower his voiceas he remarked to the mate: "Jes' watch my smoke. I'm goin' to twist thelion's tail. " "Meanin' the feller with the black hair?" The mate looked critically atDanvers. "Better leave him alone, Burroughs, " he advised. "Yeh've beenachin' to git at him ever since yeh set eyes on him. What's eatin' yeh?" "Yeh talk too much with yer mouth, " flung back Burroughs, as he movedtoward the Englishman. "Ever been up the river before?" he demanded ofDanvers. "No. " Philip barely glanced away from the lusty roustabouts working thedonkey engines. "Are yeh a 'non-com' or a commissioned officer?" The young recruit turned stiffly, surprised at the persistence. "Neither, " he answered, laconically, returning to the survey of theswearing, sweating crew. Several bystanders laughed, and the materemarked: "You'll git nothin' outer that pilgrim that's enlightenin', Bob. He'stoo clost mouthed. " "Some say 'neether' an' some say 'nayther, ' but 'nyther' is right, "sneered Burroughs, "fer the Prince o' Wales says 'nyther. '" Danvers, disdaining to notice the cheap wit, watched the brilliantsunshine struggling through the lessening rain as it danced from eddy tosand-bar, from rapids to half-submerged snags. The boiling riverwhitened as the steamboat labored to deeper water above the rapids. Theislands, flushed with the fresh growth of a Northern spring, and thenewly formed shore-line where the capricious Missouri had recentlyundermined a stretch of bank, gave character to the scene, as did thedelicately virent leaves of swirling willow, quaking aspens andcottonwoods loosened from their place on shore to float in midstream. A party of yelling Crees attracted their attention, and the stranger'sindifference gave a combative twist to Burroughs' remark: "Them's Canadian Injuns. " Something in his tone made the men draw nearer. Was it a sneer? A sluron all things English? A challenge to resent the statement, andresenting, to show one's mettle? Frontiersmen on the upper Missourifought at a word in the early seventies. No need for cause. Men had beenshot for less animus than Burroughs displayed. "A fight?" asked Scar Faced Charlie, drawn from the cabin. "No; a prayer-meeting, " Toe String Joe gave facetious answer. "Run back to our stateroom, Winnie, " said Charlie, as he glanced atBurroughs' face. "What's the matter?" he inquired as she obeyed. "Search me. " Joe still acted as fourth dimension. "Bob and Danvers seemto hate each other on sight. " Burroughs moved nearer the quiet trooper. "The Mounted Police think they're goin' to stop whiskey sellin' to theInjuns, " he began. "But they can't. I know----" A meaning wink at hisfriends implied disloyalty even in the Force. The baited youth faced the trader, his countenance darkening. But hishand unclasped as he started for the cabin with Latimer. Why notice thisloud talk? Why debase himself by fighting this unknown bully? Hisbearing voiced his thoughts. The expectant crowd looked noncommittallyat the tall smokestacks, at the snags. Burroughs laughed noisily. "'The widdy at Windsor' 's got another pretty!" he taunted. Hate flaredsuddenly from his deep-set eyes; he could not have analyzed its cause. "Jes' cut loose from home an' mammy, " he continued, intemperately. "Perhaps he's the queen's latest favorite, boys. We all know what womenare!" What was it? A crash of thunder? A living bolt of fire? Something threwthe intervening men violently to the deck. The stripling who hadaccepted the traditional shilling brushed the crowd aside and knockeddown the slanderer of all women--and of his queen! "Take that back!" Philip breathed, not shouted, as one less angry mighthave done. "You will not? You shall!" Burroughs sprang to his feet instantly and returned the blow valiantly. He did not draw his Colt's as frontiersmen were prone to do, for hethought that a knock-down fight would show that a man must not stand toomuch on dignity on the upper Missouri. Besides, the lad was English, therefore to be punished. At once the trifling affair widened into a promiscuous scrimmage ofrecruits against civilians. In the excitement Winifred, frightened atthe uproar, came searching for her brother, just as Danvers againdelivered a blow that sent Burroughs reeling against the deck railing. It was not strong enough to withstand the collision and the aggressor inthe fight barely kept his balance as the wood broke. But Winifred, pushed forward by the struggling men, clutched at the air and droppedinto the whirling yellow river far below. "My God!" groaned Charlie, springing after her. But his leap waspreceded by that of Philip Danvers. The alarm was given; the engines reversed. As the roustabouts jumped tolower the boats the men pressed forward, but the mate beat them backand got the crew to work. Nowhere could the soft curls be seen. Charlie, nearly drawn into therevolving paddles, was taken into the boat. Presently the watchers sawWinifred's little red dress caught on an uprooted sapling. Tree andchild were in the center of the current. While so much debris stayednear the shore or drifted on the shallow sand-bars, this one tree withits human freight hurried on. "Save her! Save her!" sobbed Scar Faced Charlie, kept by force fromjumping again into the stream. "_Let me go!_" he roared. "No, Charlie, " said the mate firmly. "We're goin' to pick up yer sisteran' Danvers. No need fer yeh to risk yer life again. That English lad isgoin' to turn the trick. " Philip swam on, strongly, while vociferous ejaculations reached him. "That feller's got sand!" he heard Joe say, as he dexterously avoided awhirlpool and dodged a snag. "He's a fool!" "He'll drown, an' the girl, too!" "It's caught--he'll overtake her!" A devilfish-like snag held tree and burden. With a burst of speed Philipswam alongside. Winifred? Thank God! Still alive, although unconscious;face white, eyes closed. As he grasped her, her eyes opened. * * * * * After the excitement, the shouts and the cursings, the crashing of woodand the fighting, quiet reigned on the _Far West_. Robert Burroughs, sitting in the long northern twilight, rubbed his soremuscles while Scar Faced Charlie and the doctor paced the deck. "Danvers did a big thing. He saved my sister's life. I'll never forgetit. If the time ever comes I'll do as much for him, " declared Charlie. "Perhaps you may, " mused the doctor. "We can never tell what the futureholds. Perhaps you'll not save his life, but life isn't everything. Hemay ask you to do something that you won't want to do. " The grating of the steamer on a sand-bar interrupted him. Brought into high relief by the rising moon, the lead-man stationedforward called: "Four feet scant--four feet--by the lead five n' a half! No bottom!"Then came: "Three--t-h-r-e-e--f-e-e-t--scant!" Again the boat scraped the sand. As the pilot shouted down the tube to the engineers to pile on moresteam Charlie reverted to the rescue. "Danvers looked pretty well used up when he was brought aboard. Butdarned if he yipped. He was all for lookin' after Winnie. " "I like the lad, " nodded the doctor approvingly. "He has the gift ofsilence. Shakespeare says: 'Give thy thoughts no tongue. '" In their next turn they saw Burroughs. "It'll never do for you to locate at Macleod, Bob, 'f you're goin' toaggravate every recruit you don't happen to like, " suggested Charlie, with the privilege of friendship. "I was a fool!" Burroughs confessed. "But somehow that youngster----" "You an' he'll always be like two bull buffalo in a herd, " said Charlie, wisely. "I'll do him yet, " snarled Burroughs, as he rose to go to the cabin. [Illustration] Chapter II The Girl on the _Fontenelle_ The passengers on the _Far West_ rose early. Danvers stood watching theslow sun uplift from the gently undulating prairie. He threw back hishead, his lungs expanded as though he could not get enough of the air. He did not know why, but he suddenly felt himself a part of thecountry--felt that this great, open country was his. The banks of theMissouri were not high and he had an unobstructed view of the vast, grassy sea rolling uncounted miles away to where the sky came down tothe edge of the world. The song of the meadow lark, sweet and incessant as it balanced on arosin-weed, of the lark bunting and lark finch, poured forthmelodiously; twittering blue-birds looked into the air and back totheir perch atop the dead cottonwood as they gathered luckless insects;the brown thrush, which sings the night through in the bright starlight, rivaled the robin and grosbeak as Philip gazed over the blue-skyed, green-grassed land. The blue-green of the ocean had not so fascinated asthe mysticism of this broad view. He was glad to be alive, and anxiousto be in the riot of life on the plains, where trappers, traders andsoldiers moved in the strenuous game of making a new world. His abounding vitality had recouped itself after the strain of yesterdayand he forgot its unpleasantness in the glorious morning; yet at thesight of Burroughs coming from his cabin, the sunlight dulled andinvoluntarily he felt himself grow tense. "I didn't mean a damn thing, " began Burroughs awkwardly. "That's all right, " broke in Philip, as uncomfortable as the other. Just then the doctor, with Joe and Charlie, came on the upper deck. "What 'd I tell you, Charlie?" triumphantly asked the physician, as hesaw the trader and trooper shaking hands. "What 'd you tell us?" repeated the man with the scarred face, in doubt, as Burroughs moved away and Danvers turned toward the prow of the boatstaring, with eyes that saw not, into the western unknown. "Didn't I tell you that Bob would do the right thing?" asked thecharitable surgeon impatiently, unconscious that he had voiced no suchsentiment. The three looked at the river and at the long lances of light streamingfrom the East, then at the English youth, abstracted, aloof. "Perhaps yeh did, " assented Joe, easily. "But I know one thing. It'llstick in Bob's crop that he craw-fished----. " A nod indicated hismeaning. "Somehow Danvers strikes me as a stuck-up Britisher. " "A man shouldn't be damned for his look or his manner, " exploded thedoctor, although he recognized the truth of the criticism. "He's youngand self-conscious. A year or two in the Whoop Up Country will seasonhim and be the making of him. " "He'll not always stay in the Whoop Up Country, " Charlie said, presciently. "I wish I could do something for him, " he added. "He'llmake his mark--somehow--somewhere. " "Prophesying, eh?" smiled the doctor. "All right; we'll see. " The light-draft, flat-bottomed _Far West_ made slow progress. The deadand broken snags, the "sawyers" of river parlance, fast in thesand-bars, seemed waiting to impale the steamboat. The lead-man calledunceasingly from his position. One bluff yielded to another, a flatsucceeded to a grove where wild roses burst into riotous bloom, and overall lay the enchantment of the gay, palpitant, young summer. The journey was monotonous until, with a bend of the river, they sightedanother steamer, the _Fontenelle_, stuck fast on Spread Eagle Bar--theworst bar of the Missouri. Among the passengers at the rail PhilipDanvers saw--could it be? a woman--a white woman, young and beautiful. What could be her mission in that far country which seemed so vast tothe young Englishman that each day's journey put years of civilizationbehind him? The girl on the _Fontenelle_ was evidently enjoying the situation, andDanvers discovered at once that she was holding court on her own boat aswell as commanding tribute from the _Far West_. The men about him staredeagerly at the slender, imperious figure, while Burroughs procured aglass from the mate and feasted his eyes. "I'm goin' to see her at closer range, " he declared, and soon hadpersuaded the captain to let him have a rowboat. Philip and Latimer, by this time good friends, watched the trader go onboard and disappear into the cabin. "The nerve of that man amazes me!" declared Latimer. "What can he bethinking of?" "Of the girl, and the first chance at Fort Benton!" answered the doctor, who joined the two in time to catch the remark. "If you'd known BobBurroughs as long as I have at Fort Benton, you wouldn't be surprised atanything. He's determined to win, wherever you put him, and he'll makemoney easy enough. " "But his eagerness and offensiveness----" began Danvers. "It isn't so much ignorance, " explained the doctor, always ready to givecredit wherever due. "He can talk English well enough when he thinksthere is any occasion. He's one of the self-made sort, you know. But hedoesn't estimate men correctly--puts them all a little too low--andthat's where he's going to lose the game. " When Burroughs came back he was met with a fusillade of questions. "Who is she, Bob?" "Major Thornhill's daughter, Eva Thornhill. " "Didn't know he had a daughter, " quoth Joe. "He never tol' me----" This created a laugh, as Joe meant it should. "The major hasn't been so social since he was stationed at Fort Benton, as to tell us his family affairs, " reminded Charlie. "Bob's thinkin' o' that girl, " surmised the mate, openly, as Burroughslooked longingly toward the _Fontenelle_. The boats, obstructed by the bar, were delayed the better part of twodays, and came to feel quite neighborly. The enamoured Burroughs madeanother call, but he came back with a grievance. "She wanted to know who the fellow was with the complexion like agirl's. I told her that if she meant Danvers, " here he turned toward theobject of his comment, "that he was nothin' but a private in theCanadian North West Mounted Police. She wasn't interested then, "maliciously. "Army girls don't look at anything under a lieutenant, you bet!"seconded Toe String Joe. "She probably won't even take any notice ofme!" "She'd heard, through the captain, about the 'hero' who saved Charlie'ssister, and she wanted to know all about it, " sneered Burroughs. "Did you tell her how the railin' happened to break?" insinuatedCharlie. Philip Danvers remembered the fling. However, what did it matter whatMiss Thornhill thought of him or his position? He would probably nevermeet her. Yet as the _Far West_ followed the _Fontenelle_ up the river, he watched the girl's face turned, seemingly, toward him; and as thefirst steamer disappeared around a bend, the alluring eyes seemed likewill-o'-the-wisps drawing him on. As he turned, other eyes, soft andaffectionate, were upraised to his, and a child's hand crept into hiswith mute sympathy. And thus by following the endless turn and twist of the erraticMissouri; warping over rapids and sticking on sand-bars; running bybanks undermined by the flood; shaving here a shore and hugging there abar; after the tie-ups to clean the boilers, or to get wood, or to waitfor the high winds to abate; after perils by water and danger fromroving Indians, the _Far West_ swung around the last curve of the riverand behold--Fort Benton. The passengers cheered; the crowds on thelevees answered, while fluttering flags blossomed from boat and adobefort and trading posts as wild roses blossom in spring. "Whew!" whistled the doctor, wiping his forehead as he joined Philip andLatimer on the prow of the steamer. "It's warm. Here we are, at last. Iwish, " turning to Danvers, "that you were going to stay here. Latimerand I will miss you. " "Indeed we shall!" echoed the young lawyer. "Here we've just gotten tobe friends and you must leave us. But you must write, old boy, and if Idon't make a success of the law business at Fort Benton, I'll run up toFort Macleod and make you a visit, while I look over the situation. " The Americanism of the phrase "law business" struck oddly on Britishears, as lacking in dignity. Philip thought of "doctor business, ""artist business, " and wondered if Americans spoke thus of allprofessions. Latimer changed the subject. "Is this all there is to Fort Benton?" with a wave of his hand. "Sure, " answered the doctor, offended, "what did you expect--a St. Louis?" "N-o, " hesitated the lawyer, divided between a desire to gird at thedoctor, or to soothe his civic pride. "But I'll confess I expected atown somewhat larger, for the port of entry of the territory ofMontana. " "Thirty years from now Fort Benton will be a second St. Louis, " affirmedthe doctor, oracularly. "The river traffic will be enormous by thattime. " The physician's faith in the ultimate settlement of the Northwest andFort Benton's consequent growth was shared, Danvers knew, by manyanother enthusiast; but as he looked back, mentally, over the lonely, wind-swept miles through which the Missouri flowed, uninhabited save bya few adventurers, trappers and Indians, the prediction seemedpreposterous. "So the town looks small to you, eh?" asked the doctor, returning toLatimer's comment. "But let me tell you, Fort Benton does the business!Our boats bring in the year's supply for the mining camps, for theIndian agencies, for the military posts and for the Canadian MountedPolice. No other town in the West has its future. " The three were silent for a time. The little town was very attractive, nestling in the bend of the Missouri and protected by the bluffs intheir springtime tints. Several stern-wheelers, many mackinaws, and smaller boats lay along thewater front. The _Fontenelle_, first to arrive, was discharging her cargo. Danvers, boy-like, took a certain pride in knowing that even the Canadians, through the establishment of the North West Mounted Police and theirimmediate needs, were adding to the prosperity of this Northwesterncenter. Much sectional talk among the passengers had strengthened hisopinion that Americans were unfair and unjust to their brothers of acommon language, though when it came to business, he noticed that theloudest talkers were the most anxious to secure Canadian trade. The longer Philip looked at Fort Benton the more he was attracted. Decisions about places are as intuitive as convictions about people. Oneplace is liked, another disliked, and no logical reason can be given foreither. Fort Benton, that blue and golden day, touched his heart sodeeply that the sentiment never left him. Others might see only a raw, rough frontier trading post; but for the trooper, the glamour of theWest was mingled with the faint, curling smoke dissolving into theclear atmosphere. He had been right in his strong impulse to cross theseas! Never had he been more sure. By this time the steamer had cautiously nosed its way to its mooringsand tied up to a snubbing post. An officer from Fort Macleod came onboard to look after his recruits, and in the bustle of landing Philipsaw Scar Faced Charlie and little Winifred but a moment. Soon the doctorand Latimer disappeared around the end of a long warehouse on their wayto the hotel, after a promise to look him up on the morrow. The captain was ordering his men, and presently Burroughs saunterednear. "Well, here we are! I wonder 'f I'll see Miss Thornhill again?" AsDanvers made no reply. Burroughs smiled heavily. "I'll see yeh agin. Likely I'll pull m' freight soon after you do and we'll meet atMacleod. " * * * * * "G'bow thar! ye cussed, Texas horned toad! Haw, thar! ye bull-headed sonof a gun, pull ahead! Whoa! Haw! Ye long-horned, mackerel-back crossbetween a shanghai rooster an' a mud-hen, I'll skin ye alive in about aminute!" The pop of a bull-whip followed like a pistol shot. These vibrating adjurations, rending the balmy Sunday air, would haveamazed and shocked the citizens of a more cultured community, butserved in Fort Benton merely to start Scar Faced Charlie's bull-team, loaded almost beyond hauling. Charlie's shouts, delivered in the vernacular which he avoided when hissmall kin was near, waked Philip Danvers, and soon he was outside thewalls of the 'dobe fort which Major Thornhill had courteously placed atthe service of the Canadian officer and his recruits. He called to thedriver and fell into step beside the bull-team heading for the westernbluffs, while the bull-whacker told him that little Winifred was beingcared for by "a real nice old lady. " As he returned to town, after a pleasant good-by, he turned more thanonce to note the slow, swinging plod of the bulls. Finally he walkedmore briskly, and, finding the doctor and Latimer, they sought thelevees, where the bustle and hustle of the frontier town were mostapparent. Early as it was, the river-front was thronged with river-men, American and English soldiers; traders, busy, preoccupied and alert;clerks, examining and checking off goods; bull-whackers andmule-skinners; wolfers and trappers, half-breeds and Indians, gamblersand squaws--all constantly shifting and reforming into kaleidoscopicgroups and jovial comradeship. Everywhere he encountered the covert hostility toward the English, butit was not until late in the afternoon that it became openly manifest. "Hi there!" a staggering man hiccoughed as he turned to follow Philipand his American friends. "Go slow, so's folks c'n take yeh in. I'm goin' to kick yeh off'n theface of the earth, " he continued, prodding uncertainly at Danvers. "Stop, I tell yeh! Why do I want yeh to walk slow? 'Cos (hic) I want towipe the road up with yer English hide. Yeh think yeh're all ri', butyeh ain't. Yeh look's if yeh owned the town, an' yeh're walk'sconvincin', yeh----" "That's Wild Cat Bill, " said the kindly man of drugs, seeking to removethe sting whose effect Danvers only partially succeeded in concealing, as they outdistanced the drunken man. "He's ostensibly a wolfer, a manwho kills wolves by scattering poisoned buffalo meat on the prairies inwinter, you know, " he interjected, "and then makes his rounds later togather up the dead wolves which have feasted not wisely, but too well. He's a great friend of Sweet Oil Bob's. " Before Danvers had time to speak they passed Burroughs in closeconversation with Toe String Joe. "Those three! Bob and Joe and Bill!" snorted the doctor contemptuously. "You'll likely see considerable of Bob's friends if he goes to Macleod. He might be 'most anything he liked--he's clever enough, butunscrupulous. He's crafty enough to get the most of his work done by hisconfreres. He can speak English as well as I can, but he thinks badgrammar will give him a stand-in with the frontiersmen. And it's easyfor a man to live on a lower level. He'll be sorry some day to findhimself out of practice, when the right girl comes along. " "Here he comes--he's behind us, " warned Latimer. As Burroughs passed them he threw a glance of triumph that wasunexplainable until a corner turned brought to view Major Thornhill, also walking abroad, accompanied by his daughter. Burroughs, smooth, ingratiating, joined them as if by appointment. After Philip retired that night the monotone of the soldiers' talkmerged into confused and indistinct recollections of his first Sunday atFort Benton. Eva Thornhill's scornful yet inviting face seemed drawinghim through deep waters, to be replaced by the face of the childWinifred, terror-stricken as when she was in the river. Then came thememory of the even-song at home, threading its sweetly haunting waythrough the wild shouts of a frontier town that continued joyously itsnight of revelry, until, at last, he fell asleep. [Illustration] BOOK II _THE PRAIRIE_ _"On Darden plain The fresh and yet unbruised Greeks do pitch Their brave pavilions. " --Troilus and Cressida_ [Illustration] Chapter I Under the Union Jack The arrival of the troopers at Fort Macleod, after the long journey onhorseback over the prairie, was a relief to Philip Danvers, and theweeks that followed were full of interest. Nevertheless, he felt aloneliness which was all the greater when he remembered his new-foundfriends at Fort Benton. The two hundred miles that separated him fromthe doctor and Arthur Latimer might have been two thousand for all hesaw of them, and save for an occasional letter from the hopefulSoutherner he had little that could be called companionship. Among allthe troopers and traders there were none that appealed to Danvers, andhad it not been for the devotion of O'Dwyer he would have been aloneindeed. This gay Irish trooper had come out the year previous, and when therecruits arrived from Fort Benton had been the first to welcome them, "from the owld counthry. " There was nothing in common between the silentEnglishman and this son of Erin, but from the night when Danvers haddiscovered him, some miles from the Fort, deserted by his two convivialcompanions, and had assisted him to the barracks, O'Dwyer had been hisloyal subject and devoted slave. Now, after three months, his zeal had not abated, and while Danvers laystretched on the bank of the wide slough, O'Dwyer could be seen, not fardistant, sunning himself like a contented dog at his master's feet. Long the English lad lay looking over the infinite reaches of tranquilprairie, domed with a cloudless September sky. This island in Old Man's River had become the little world in which helived. To the right was the Fort--a square stockade of cottonwood logs, enclosing the low, mud-roofed officers' quarters, the barracks, thequartermaster's stores, and the stables. To the left, and separated fromthe fort by a gully, straggled the village of Fort Macleod. Conspicuous, with its new board front, loomed the trading post of Robert Burroughs. These beginnings of civilization seemed out of place in the splendid, supreme calm of nature. Against the space and stillness it appearedcrude and impertinent. Across the river he saw the Indian lodges, and heard the distant hallofrom rollicking comrades, swimming on the opposite side of the island. The troopers, the traders and the 'breeds were as dependent upon oneanother as if they were a colony upon an island in mid-ocean. He did notcare to be with these men, but he desired comradeship. How could heovercome his natural reserve, make friends, yet not sacrifice hisindividuality and family traditions? He recalled his father's haughty:"Associate with your own kind, or walk the path alone. " But he was tooyoung to find joy in aloofness. The facility of speech, the adaptivemoulding to another's mood was not in him! "I'll have to be myself, " he concluded. "I never cared before for men'sgood-will; but Arthur Latimer's camaraderie has made me see thingsdifferently. " O'Dwyer slept peacefully in the late afternoon, and Danvers envied himthe contentment of his simple nature. He drew a package of letters fromhis red tunic and fingered them idly as he read the addresses. Heselected the last from Arthur Latimer and read again the alreadyfamiliar lines: _I am coming to the Whoop Up Country with Scar Faced Charlie. He leaves again for Fort Macleod in about a week. The doctor says that office work is bad for me and that I ought to get out in the open for a year or two. Really I am curious to see you in your giddy uniform, and shall enjoy a visit, though if I could get work I might stay permanently. _ _How is Burroughs progressing? Is he selling beads and tea to the Indians at a thousand per cent. Profit, or selling them whisky on the Q. T. At fifty thousand per cent. Profit? How are you and he hitting it off?_ _I saw Miss Thornhill last week, but, between you and me, poor devils of lawyers are not what my lady wants. _ As Danvers folded the letter and replaced it, he felt a thrill ofgladness at the thought of the meeting. There would be some one to sharehis joy in the sunsets and the prairie distances. Then the future swept toward him; he wondered if this companionship withhis friend would be all that he should ever know. The intangible, divineunderstanding that others knew--the possibility of an appreciation thatwould be sweet, came vaguely into his awakening heart. He took anewspaper clipping from his notebook and read: _There is an interesting old Chinese legend which relates how an angel sits with a long pole which he dips into the Sea of Love and lifts a drop of shining water. With an expert motion he turns one-half of this drop to the right, the other half to the left, where each is immediately transformed into a soul, a male and a female; and these souls go seeking each other forever. _ _The angel is so constantly occupied that he keeps no track of the souls that he separates, and they must depend on their own intuition to recognize each other. _ The golden haze of the setting sun was not more glorious than the dreamsthat came of a loved one ever near, of a son to perpetuate his name; butthe trumpet's brazen call sounding retreat, and its echoingreverberations, made Danvers spring to his feet, romance and sentimentlaid aside. The present satisfied. Soldiering was good. O'Dwyer sat up rubbing his eyes, with an exclamation of surprise at thelate hour. As they ran through the big, open gate with its guard-room and sentry, they saw Burroughs moving toward the lodges near the timber on theeastern side of the island, while Toe String Joe, leaving his crony, came to the fort. "Sweet Oil Bob's a favorite in the lodges all roight, " remarked O'Dwyer. "There'll be trouble if he don't let Scar Faced Charlie's squaw alone. " "Pine Coulee?" questioned Danvers. "The same!" said O'Dwyer, and with a salute prompted by affection andnot military compulsion he left Danvers at the barracks. The arrival of Arthur Latimer with Scar Faced Charlie, making his secondtrip since Danvers came to Macleod, unexpectedly settled most of theproblems baffling the silent and lonely Danvers. Charlie's freightingoutfit pulled into Macleod when the troops were drilling, and Philip, though attentive to the commands of his superior, looked across thegully and watched the gate-framed picture of the arrival of supplies. The lurching wagons, the bulls, the men and dogs, loomed large as theirslow movements brought them into the one street of Fort Macleod. Thoughthere were two outfits, Danvers instantly recognized Scar Faced Charlie, and saw Latimer run across the dry gully. He warmed with delight as thetroops swept along in their evolutions, for he knew his friend waswatching, and he smiled a welcome as Arthur's cap rose high in happysalute. After the parade Philip joined Latimer. The clasp of their hands toldmore than the conventional greetings. They leaned on the rail fence ofthe reservation and Latimer looked round eagerly. "I like it up here!"he cried. "Better than Fort Benton?" questioned Danvers hopefully. "You are here, Phil, " came the quick answer from the Southerner, withhis old, appealing charm of voice and smile. Night fell as they surveyed the scene. The freighters had builtcamp-fires and the flare lighted the scene weirdly as they walked towardBurroughs' trading-post. Latimer greeted all as comrades, even theofficers in mufti, and Danvers, seeing the responsive smiles, realizedhow a sunny nature receives what it sheds. "Whose outfit came in with Charlie's?" inquired Danvers, as they nearedthe store. "The mule teams? Oh, that was McDevitt--an odd character, from all Ihear; Charlie gave me his version on the way up. " Danvers waited for the narrator to continue. "He is what they call a missionary-trader--though evidently there islittle difference in the varieties in this country. He's supposed, however, to be an example to the Indians, and to furnish them withmaterial supplies, as well as spiritual food. " As they entered Burroughs' store, the trader met them cordially. "Glad to see yeh, Latimer, " he said, grasping the outstretched hands. "I'spose yeh've seen that pretty Miss Thornhill every day since we leftFort Benton, " he went on. "That's a girl for yeh!" Danvers felt his face change. He had not yet ventured to broach MissThornhill's name. This loud mention of her in the rough crowd wasunbearable. Latimer made a vague reply. He sympathized with Danvers' involuntarystiffening. "Well, glad to see yeh!" repeated Burroughs, after more questions andanswers. "Make yerself to home. Guess yer glad to see yer friend, " hesaid, turning to Danvers. "Yeh ain't seemed to take up with any of usfellers, " and he passed on to other arrivals. It was not long before McDevitt entered, having come, evidently, toprovoke a quarrel with Burroughs. While argument waxed hot between therival traders over the respective shipping points for furs and thetariff on buffalo robes, Danvers and Latimer looked around the longbuilding lined with cotton sheeting not yet stained or grimed. Blankets, beads, bright cloth, guns, bright ribbons, scalping-knives, shot, powderand flints (the Indians had not seen many matches), stood out againstthe light background. The bizarre effect was heightened by the garb ofthe men. Suits of buckskin, gay sashes, blankets and buffalo robesdecked traders, scouts or Indians, as the case might be, while thetrooper costume--red tunics, tiny forage caps, and blue trousers withyellow stripes--accentuated the riot of color. A few bales of furs, oflittle value, were on the high counters. In the warehouse in the rear, however, hanging from unhewn beams or piled in heaps, were buffalo robesand skins of all the fur-bearing animals, awaiting shipment to FortBenton. The babel of tongues grew louder. Burroughs' quick temper suffered fromMcDevitt's repeated assertion that Americans were ruining the fur tradeby paying the Indians more than the Canadian traders. "I'm losing money right along, " McDevitt affirmed. "Th' hell yeh are!" sneered Burroughs. "Yeh preach an' then rob; rob an'preach. _I_ pay a fair price an' don't invite the Injuns to git religionin the same breath that I offer 'em a drink o' smuggled whiskey. " "You! _You_--talking! You sell more whiskey than any other trader in theWhoop Up Country, right here under the noses of the Police!" "Prove it!" taunted Burroughs provokingly. "'F the Police ever suspectme an' make a search, they'll not fin' me holdin' a prayer-meetin', same's they did you not so very long ago. Le'me see--how much was yerfine, anyway?" with a laugh. "Is that so? Think yeh're smart, don' yeh?" snarled McDevitt, furious. "Look here, Bob Burroughs, come out an' we'll settle this right here an'now! No? Well, let me tell yeh this! Yeh'll be sorry yeh said that. Bygones is bygones, an' I don't want that fine throwed up in my faceagain!" "Did yeh say just the exact amount of the fine?" repeated Burroughs, disdaining to fight either in or out of his trading-post. McDevitt's voice shook with vehemence as he strode from the crowdedroom. "I'll have something to throw up to you, Bob Burroughs, some o' thesedays. I'm like a Injun, I furgive 'n furgit, but I'm campin' on yertrail! Yeh won't be so smilin' then--le'me tell yeh!" "An' the fine?" once more insisted Burroughs, as McDevitt vanished, amida roar of laughter at the American's persistence. The moon was rising when Danvers wended his way to the barracks an hourlater, Arthur walking to the reservation fence with him. "I wish we could prove where the Indians and 'breeds get their whiskey, "said Danvers. "Haven't you any idea?" "Suspicion is not certainty, " dryly. "It's a queer world, " thought Latimer aloud. "But we're 'pioneers of a glorious future, '" quoted Danvers, lightly. "It will all come out right. " He longed to hear of Eva Thornhill, hesitated, then inquired: "Was Miss Thornhill at Fort Benton when youleft?" "Yes. She asked several times about you. " Danvers took off his cap. Soshe remembered him. "But she asked for Bob, too. " The cap went on. "We'll all make a try for her heart, old man, " laughed Latimer. "By theway, " he added, as they paused before separating for the night, "thatwasn't a bad looking squaw I saw just as we left Bob's. What is hername?" "The one to our right, as we struck the trail? That was Pine Coulee. She's Scar Faced Charlie's squaw, but Burroughs is trying to get heraway from him. However, one of her own tribe, Me-Casto, or Red Crow, will steal her some of these days. He hates the white men because theytake the likely squaws. " "Whew!" whistled the visitor. [Illustration] Chapter II Hate A day or two after Christmas, O'Dwyer, a lonely sentinel on his midnightbeat, strode with measured step, alert, on duty. Outside the town, Robert Burroughs skulked toward the lodge, while Me-Casto followedcovertly. An hour afterward O'Dwyer heard moccasined feet approaching the stockadegate. Challenging quickly, his "Halt, who goes there?" was answered byMe-Casto. As that Indian had done some scouting for the Police, thepostern gate was unlocked, after some delay, and Me-Casto admitted tothe Colonel's presence. When Me-Casto left the fort, Danvers, lying deep in sleep, with othersof his troop, felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Don't speak, " whispered the orderly sergeant, who roused them. "Get upand dress for special duty. Report at stables at once, armed. " The men knew what was before them. They had been so roused before, whenit was expedient to have some party leave the fort with secrecy, and itwas not long before the chill water of the ford splashed them as theyrode away from the sleeping town and garrison. Almost before the sound of carefully led horses had died away, ToeString Joe was dressing, and soon was making his way through a secretopening in the stockade where he had sawed off a log near the ground andhung it with wooden pins to each adjoining post in such a manner that itwould easily swing. As he lay on his cot of woven willows, he had watched, with narrowedeyelids, his comrades leave the troop room. Now he must report to hischief. The fort was soon behind him. Arriving at Burroughs' store, hepassed to the rear and tapped on the small pane of glass doing duty as awindow. He tapped again, again; then turned, cursing, to find Burroughsat his elbow. "What's up?" Burroughs interrupted Joe's blasphemy. "A party went out from the fort. " "M-m-m! Who was at the fort before you turned in?" "Nobody. " "Who was ordered out?" Joe told him. "Danvers was one, " he concluded. "Always that black-haired Englishman! I hate him!" "What yeh goin' to do? Ain't them goods comin' this week? Somebody'sblabbed. Me-Casto's been watchin' yeh mighty clost, lately. Perhaps itwas him. " "Perhaps, " concurred the trader, looking at the disloyal trooperthoughtfully. "We kin only hope fer the best. Wild Cat Bill is bringin'it in, an' Scar Faced Charlie is drivin'. 'F they git a chance to_cache_ the stuff they will. Maybe, " he concluded hopefully, "thedetachment won't run across 'em, an' they'll fool the Police, with theirlittle pill boxes stuck on three hairs. " Meantime the mounted detail, with Me-Casto as scout, galloped past thelodge fires of the outlying Indians and pressed their way through afalling sleet with not a sound but the muffled thud of the horses' hoofsand the moan of the wind. The stars dimmed; the east lightened. In the early morning the trooperscame to a small trading-post, where they saw a group of men awaitingtheir arrival. "I thought it was you, Danvers, the minute I piped yeh off!" Wild CatBill stepped forward as he spoke, and shook hands with the youngtrooper as cordially as if they were old friends. Bill breathed asthough he had been running, but went on immediately: "We've come up here to see what the chances were fer wolfin' thiswinter. Here's Charlie, yeh see. What yeh out fer? Horse thieves?" Philip did not answer, as the officer in charge, singularly lacking inperspicacity, took it upon himself. "We are looking for smugglers, " he frowned. "You haven't seen any loadedoutfits headed this way from Fort Benton, have you?" "Nope!" Bill promptly answered. "We've been here two days, and nobodypassed here--has they, Charlie?" The freighter confirmed Bill'sassertion and the troopers were then ordered to stable their horses foran hour. "How is your sister, Charlie?" Danvers asked at his earliestopportunity. He was sorry to see the freighter, feeling something wasamiss. "She's in the East, at boarding-school, " answered Charlie. "I couldn'tdo by her as I should, " he went on. "Fort Benton's no place to bring upWinnie. " "Remember me to her when you write, " said Danvers, walking his horseaway as Charlie passed inside the trading-post. "What are yeh thinkin'?" whispered one of the detail in the dark of thestables as the horses were being fed. "Not much of anything, " Danvers whispered back. "Yes, yeh are. Yeh know they's _cached_ whiskey somewhere around. " Coming from the stables, Danvers passed the conspicuously empty wagonsbelonging to the Americans. He noticed that the pile of refuse near bywas not covered with snow, although the stables had not been cleaned. Walking nearer, he detected a strong odor of whiskey rising from thewagon boxes. He remembered the sweat on the men's foreheads. Getting astable fork he struck sharply into the compost. Something clinked. Aquick throwing of the litter uncovered a case, such as was commonly usedto convey liquor. As it was his duty, Danvers walked to the captain and saluted. "I've found a _cache_ of whiskey, sir, " he answered, respectfully. The captain investigated. Then he opened the door of the shack andsurprised the Americans eating breakfast. When placed under arrest, they seemed stunned, submitting without demur. "I bet Danvers found that _cache_!" muttered Bill. "He's too foxy ferme!" On the return trip to Fort Macleod, Me-Casto began to fear that the menwould attempt to prove that the whiskey was not Burroughs'. He knew whathe had heard in the lodges; but what would his word be, as against thesedefiant men? He pondered for many miles, then thought of another way tobring disgrace on Burroughs. He would yet have Pine Coulee, himself!Riding close to the wagon where the morose Charlie sat, Me-Castocraftily engaged in conversation. "_Kitzi-nan-nappi-ekki?_" (your whiskey?) he asked. The Blackfeet wouldmake no effort to learn English, although they understood a little; butmost white men had a fair knowledge of the Indian dialects. "No, " answered Charlie. "_Nee-a-poos?_" (Burroughs?) "No. " "Whose?" was the next question in Blackfoot. "I don't know. " "You'll get six months in the guard-room if they get you. " "I s'pose so, " was the reluctant admission. The prospect was notpleasing. "Then Burroughs have Pine Coulee all time!" "What'd you mean?" thundered Charlie, effectually interested. "Burroughs give Pine Coulee a new dress--new beads--new blanket, " wasthe candid reply. The teamster was stricken dumb. He made no comment on the gossip, butwhen it came his turn to be examined before Colonel Macleod, he sworethat Burroughs was the owner of the seized liquor and that he had beenemployed to drive these men North. In every way he could, he offset theperjured testimony of Bill, who posed as the victim of circumstantialevidence. The commandant-magistrate was puzzled. Me-Casto had testified that hehad heard Burroughs in one of the lodges, arranging for the _caching_ ofexpected whiskey, in one of the cut banks of the river. The teamstercorroborated the Indian. Wild Cat Bill and Burroughs swore that neitherowned the confiscated liquor. Colonel Macleod knew nothing of Charlie orBill; but he considered the standing of Burroughs, also theunreliability of most Indians' testimony, and finally acquittedBurroughs unconditionally, while declaring Bill and Charlie guilty ofsmuggling, and he sentenced them accordingly. Burroughs promptlyfurnished the money for the payment of Bill's fine, and Latimer, believing Charlie's tale, loaned him money to escape the guard-room. * * * * * Great was the rejoicing in Burroughs' post that night. Long aftermidnight Bill waited for a moment with his chief. "I done the best I could, Bob, " he said dejectedly, when they were atlast alone. "'F Phil Danvers hadn't been along I'd 'a' made it. " "I'll get even with him, " growled Burroughs. "The Police mos' caught us red-handed, " explained Bill. "We hadn'tmore'n got the pitchforks back in the stable when they rode up. " "Say no more about it, Bill, " suggested Bob. The smuggler lookedcomforted. "Danvers is all right, " mused Bill, while his friend prepared a drink. "Is that so?" queried Bob with unpleasant emphasis. "You're as cocky as a rooster, " expostulated the other. "Phil Danvershas swore to do his duty--an' he does it. The most of us is on the makeup here, an' the Police've got their traitors, as you know. Danvers issort of unusual, that's all. " "He ain't my style!" was the retort. "No, " was the dry comment, "I shouldn't presume he was. " But the sarcasmwas lost on his hearer. "What was eatin' Scar Faced Charlie, anyway?" "He's squiffy. " Bill had heard the conversation between Me-Casto andCharlie on the trail, but was in no mind to retail it. "I'm goin' out, " said Burroughs, presently, and at this broad hint Billrose. "I'm in yer debt, " he began awkwardly. "That's all right. " The trader knew and Bill knew that the paid fine wasanother cord to bind him. "An' now we'll make a pile o' money 'f we'recareful. Joe's inside the fort an' you an' me are outside, an' theInjuns are always dry--see? This deal's goin' to be pretty hard on me, what with the government confiscatin' all them nine hundred gallons ofwhiskey; but we've got more comin', an' we'll have to mix it a littlethinner, that's all. " Burroughs went toward the Indian lodges and soon discovered Charlie alsosneaking thither. No superfluous words were spoken. "What'd yeh do it fer?" The angrytrader whirled, the teamster facing him. "You let Pine Coulee alone!" mumbled Charlie, far gone in liquor. "That's it, eh?" commented the enlightened Burroughs, turning awaycontemptuously. "Like hell I will!" Not long after Arthur Latimer answered a recent letter from the doctorin Fort Benton. He gave a vivid account of recent events and of a dinnerthat had been given at the military post on Christmas day to which hehad been invited. _"After the dinner, " he continued, "the boys sang for an hour or more. They have good voices, and it was worth a long journey to hear them sing 'The Wearing of the Green. '_ _"Colonel Macleod seemed to enjoy the music immensely, and (I don't see how he happened to think of it) he called Danvers up and asked him if he knew anything from 'Il Trovatore. ' Phil saluted and said that he had heard it in London. Thereupon the colonel asked him if he could sing any of the airs. Phil hesitated, but the commanding officer's request is tantamount to a command, and after a moment he began the 'Miserere. ' The men were still as death. Probably they had never heard it before. You, of course, remember that superb tenor solo--the haunting misery, the despair! And what do you think? When he got to the duet I took Leonora's part. Phil gave a little start, but kept on singing, and we carried the duet through. My! but the men nearly tore us to shreds. O'Dwyer fairly lifted Phil off his feet, at this triumph of his hero, for he has taken a great liking to our silent Englishman. The colonel thanked us with delightful appreciation and soon after went out--more quiet than ever. I reckon he was homesick. We all were--a bit. Sweethearts and wives seemed very far away that night. _ _"You speak of Scar Faced Charlie's avowed intention of abandoning his freighting. He'll probably never come up here again. He recently sent me some cash I'd loaned him, and he intimated as much. Before he left here he returned his squaw, Pine Coulee, to her father; then Burroughs bought her for a bunch of ponies. _ _"Me-Casto couldn't compete--poor devil. He, like all Indians, had gambled away his small stock of ponies early in the fall--as Burroughs well knew. "_ "Come on, Arthur, " called Danvers, cheerily, as he stuck his head intothe room. "There's a dance on at Bob's trading-post. " "All right. " Latimer hurriedly put away his writing and soon they ranalong the trail to the rendezvous. "Look, there is Me-Casto!" exclaimed Philip. "Where?" "Skulking in the shadows back of Bob's place. " "Bob better look out, " said Arthur, as they pushed open the store door. "Me-Casto is not here for any good. " The candle-lighted room was well filled with traders, troopers, trappersand squaws. No buck ever participated in a white man's dance, butseveral stood by the door and looked on. Every one was in high spirits, and when the fiddler, a French 'breed, struck up, stamping hismoccasined feet to keep time, each man secured a squaw and took hisplace. A brazen-lunged 'breed shouted, "Alleman' lef'! Swing yerpartners!" and the couples swung giddily around. Danvers joined in with right good-will. Occasionally he danced; moreoften he sat on the long trade counter and kept time to the emphaticmusic by beating his spurs heavily against the boards behind his feet. Latimer and O'Dwyer danced joyously; but Burroughs, apparently uneasy, as the evening wore on, kept a watchful eye on the outer door. Philipnoticed, too, that Pine Coulee was less phlegmatic than usual, althoughshe danced faithfully at the command of her lord and master. Presently Me-Casto came in and stood by the door. With blanket mufflingthe lower part of his face, he looked piercingly at Pine Coulee--atRobert Burroughs. The trader caught Me-Casto's eye, and, ostentatiouslyclasping Pine Coulee's hand as he swung her in the dance, he smiled fullin the Blackfoot's face, purposely flaunting his ownership of the squaw. Me-Casto turned and left the room. "'On wid the dance, let j'y be unconfined!'" yelled O'Dwyer, as hecombined an Irish jig and a Red River reel. He had not noticed Me-Casto, but Latimer and Danvers exchanged glances. Just then Pine Coulee lookedwistfully toward the opening door. Burroughs, ever watchful, caught aglimpse of Me-Casto as his lips gave an almost imperceptible signal toPine Coulee. The trader's anger was quick; his discretion slight. Hestruck the girl flat on the cheek. "Take that!" he said savagely. "I'll teach yeh to hanker after thatlousy buck!" The words and the blow were simultaneous. So was the leap of theindignant Danvers. "You coward!" he cried, "to strike a woman!" He took the trader by thenape of the neck and shook him soundly. Before Burroughs could close with the trooper there came three rifleshots. Each time a singing bullet whizzed by a dodging form. Only one ofthe shots took effect. Pine Coulee sank to the floor, blood flowing fromher bosom. Screams, oaths and shouts mingled as Danvers raised the squaw. Latimerassisted him in placing her on a counter, while Burroughs, certain ofthe would-be murderer, ran outside for the assailant, the crowdfollowing. A head pushed past the half-opened side door. "Didn't I kill Burroughs?" The question was in Blackfoot. "You shot Pine Coulee!" replied Danvers, sternly. In an instant renewedshouting indicated that the men had tracked the Indian. A moment laterthe sound of fleeing hoofs told that Me-Casto had made a get-away. Thetrot of other horses followed, but soon the eternal silence of theprairie reigned alone. By the time Burroughs returned to the store Pine Coulee had revived. As the trader was dragging the squaw to his near-by house, he paused onthe threshold. "Phil Danvers, " he said, moistening his dry lips as his rage increased, "as true as they's a God above I'll pay yeh back for interferin'to-night. I've hated yeh from the first time I set eyes on yeh! 'F Ilive I'll make yeh feel what hate'll do! Yeh're too good fer the WhoopUp Country, an' I've got a long score to settle with yeh! 'F ever whitewomen come to this country an' yeh git a sweetheart I'll do my best toseparate yeh! 'F yeh've got a sister I'll have her! I'll--I'll--God! ButI hate yeh!" [Illustration] Chapter III. The Hot Blood of Youth The spring warmed into summer, the summer melted into autumn. Autumn, inturn, chilled into the white world of winter. All thoughts of the littlegirl on the _Far West_ had slipped from the mind of Danvers, and eventhe memory of Miss Thornhill became faint--obliterated by the strenuouslife of the service. Promotion came in his third year of service as areward for intelligence and efficiency. Danvers was offered and accepteda commission. He felt that life was good. Fears and homesickness hadlong since disappeared; the longings for other and more congenial, refined and feminine associates came but seldom; still, the desire forthe understanding of one alone, for a loved wife and a son to bear hisname was not dead--it was simply dormant in that womanless land. "The doctor will be here next week, " announced Arthur Latimer, who hadbeen bookkeeper in one of the trading-posts ever since he had come toMacleod, soon after Danvers was made a second lieutenant. "ColonelMacleod, I hear, has invited quite a party to visit him from FortBenton. " "Yes. I heard from the doctor, too. " Philip smiled at thought of hisfriend's surprise at his new rank. It was not long before the visitors arrived, and, greatly to Danvers'surprise, Miss Thornhill, accompanied by her father, the major, wasamong them. The first white woman that he had seen for three years! He had neverbefore realized how dainty a lady is in comparison with her sisters ofthe lodges. They may be kin in the world relationship, but, oh! thedifference one from the other. The squaws, standing stolidly by, wereintolerable. As Eva walked consciously past with Colonel Macleod, attended by the staff officers, she gave no sign of recognition otherthan a heightened color and lowered eye-lashes; but Philip felt that sherecognized him. Before the girl reached the barracks Mr. Burroughsentered the stockade. With the assurance of a favored acquaintance, headvanced and pressed the hand of Miss Thornhill. Danvers turned away. So new a mood assailed him that he went outside thestockade and prowled along the outer wall, not waiting to do more thangreet the doctor. How he longed for a touch of that dainty hand, for aword from Eva--from _any_ young woman of his own race! All the manhood, all the heart-hunger of the isolated years, surged within him. He smiledrather piteously. He had not realized that he was starving for the sightof fair skin, sunny hair and slender hands; for a bonny whiteface--white--white! That was it! A white face, a womanly face! He hardlynoticed the muttered "How" of Pine Coulee as she passed, her young babeslung over her back. But he returned her salutation, and after theypassed each other he recalled a look on her usually expressionless facethat he had never seen there before. "Here, Phil! Wait for us!" Latimer was calling, and Danvers soon forgothis perturbation in the pleasure of the doctor's presence andcongratulations, as he came up with Arthur. "Got so you can talk, eh?" asked the doctor, noting how the young menvied in their efforts to entertain him. "I told the colonel that I wascoming up here to see you, fully as much as him--good friends as we are. You are good to look at, both of you. " "Arthur always could talk, " smiled Danvers, "and I can--with myfriends. " "How is Burroughs getting along?" asked the doctor, as the trader passedthem, too absorbed, apparently, in the recollection of his meeting withMiss Thornhill to note either them or Pine Coulee, who followed him. "Remarkably well, from a financial standpoint. His living with a squawmakes him popular with the Indians, and the colonel swears byhim--thinks he's perfect. " "And the trade in whiskey?" Latimer shrugged his shoulders expressively. "That's Bob's squaw, " said Arthur, after an awkward pause. "She's asproud as a peacock of that papoose. She rather lords it over her formerassociates of the lodges. " The doctor whistled. He knew Pine Coulee's story, but had not heard ofthe child. "Bob will want to marry some day, " was his sole comment. "HasMe-Casto ever been caught?" "No. When he does turn up, Robert Burroughs may look out for trouble. " "Why did Toe String Joe leave the Force?" asked the doctor presently. "He has been in Fort Benton for some little time. " "Drummed out of the service. But he wouldn't tell who supplied him withthe whiskey. What is he doing now?" "Joe is mining. He declares he will be a millionaire. " "He'll be a millionaire when Danvers turns American and runs foroffice, " scoffed Latimer, remembering Joe's shiftless disposition andmaking the most improbable comparison that he could think of. "He will never be one, then, " said Philip, quietly. "I cannot think ofanything that would make me break my allegiance to England. I am goingto stay in the service--I like it! And as for American politics!. . . Youknow what I think of them. " He smiled affectionately to atone for thewords. The glimpses that the troopers and younger officers caught of EvaThornhill in the following week were few. Nevertheless a gust oflove-madness swept through the ranks, from the officer commanding to thenewest recruit. Nor were the townsmen behind in their attempts to win apart of the girl's time and thoughts--if not herself. Burroughs easilyled in favor, and Lieutenant Danvers effaced himself. So rigidly did hedo so that it was not long before Miss Thornhill found the flavor of ruein her Canadian visit. The smart lieutenant had made no advances, hadsought no introduction. Eva demanded the homage of all, accustomed asshe was to the frontier life where women were too rare to be neglected. No chaperon was thought of in the freedom of the frontier, and, indeed, none was needed among the innately chivalrous Westerners. This littleworld of Macleod revolved around her--all but the silent, unobtrusiveDanvers, whose acquaintance seemed the more desirable in direct ratio tohis aloofness. Eva resolved to win him, and Arthur Latimer was artfullysounded for the cause of his friend's indifference. The Southerner, already playing at love with the fair-haired belle, and at no pains toconceal it, readily undertook to find out. "Why don't you meet Miss Thornhill?" he asked. "I am very busy these days, " interrupted the lieutenant, giving hisexcuse hastily. Not even to his friend could he disclose how he wasdrawn toward the only white representative of her sex at Macleod. "But she wants to know you. She wants to meet you, " insisted the loyalArthur, who had sung Danvers' praises industriously and unselfishly. "Why, Arthur!" Philip cried, gaily, to cover the tremor in his voicethat would not be subdued when he learned that this haughty maid hadthought of him. "If you are as much in love with Miss Thornhill as youpretend to be, you want to speak for yourself. But she evidentlyprefers Bob Burroughs, and I, for one, think I'll keep out oftemptation. " He slapped the ardent Southerner affectionately on theback. "No chance for either of us, old man! Don't talk of me to her! Shewill think us asses--amiable idiots!" "I know there's no chance for me, " replied Latimer, aggrieved. "Whathave I to offer a wife--I'm poor as the proverbial church mouse. " "Anyway, leave me out of your conversations. " "I'll see that you do not meet her!" returned the Missourian, in mockalarm. Then they laughed light-heartedly. "I know whom she'd choose--ifshe had the opportunity. Burroughs wouldn't stand a show, nor I either. " "There she is now. " Danvers nodded toward the ford, where he had seen, for several moments, the trader and Eva riding easily. "Bob's got his nerve! How about Pine Coulee and the child?" explodedLatimer. "S-sh!" warned Philip, seeing a movement of the bullberry bushes nearthem. As the young men looked toward the riders, whose mounts were closetogether and walking slowly, a dark face, with passionate eyes gleaming, pushed cautiously out from the sheltering branches, and Pine Coulee alsowatched the unconscious maid and the trader. * * * * * When Colonel Macleod, wishing to impress his American visitors, orderedthe troops under his command to go through their cavalry exercises, MissThornhill sat on a glossy mare beside him, while troopers passed at awalk or trot, and wondered why she had found it so difficult to meetLieutenant Danvers. As the lines of superb and faultlessly groomed menand horses swept past on the last mad gallop she forgot her brooding andclapped her hands enthusiastically. "Oh, Colonel Macleod! That was splendid! Make them go on, and on!" shecried. "Why, of course, if you wish, " assented the gallant Macleod, forgettingthat the rise of ground directly in front of him had the river on itsfarther slope. "Phat's the colonel thinkin' of?" growled O'Dwyer, as no halt sounded. "He's not thinkin' at all!" responded the man next in alignment, sourly. "A man can't think when a slip of a girl's near by. " "He's forgot the river!" groaned the fleshy Irishman, dreading thecertain plunge. Into the stream they dashed, many of the men over their heads, for therewas no turning back. As the horses balked, Lieutenant Danvers' stallion threshed viciously, hitting O'Dwyer, and then ceased to swim. O'Dwyer groaned, "Me a-r-rm!" It was over in an instant. Those on shore assisted Danvers and theIrishman to land. O'Dwyer was left in Philip's care, while the rest ofthe men rode back, as the review must not be interrupted. Eva saw the break in the ranks. "Lieutenant Danvers has dropped out, " she exclaimed, and straightway bither lip. "Philip?" hastily asked the Fort Benton doctor, on a horse near by. "Then there has been an accident!" The sergeant-major rode up to report, but the impulsive Eva did not waitfor details. She touched her mare and was after the doctor. "I'm so sorry!" cried the girl, as she met Danvers and O'Dwyerreturning. "It's all my fault that you are wet--and hurt! Which one ishurt?" She turned provocative eyes to the dripping lieutenant. "O'Dwyer has a sprained elbow, " answered Philip, his heart dancing ather solicitude. "It was through my carelessness. " "Don't ye be belavin' a wor-rd he says, miss!" burst out O'Dwyer. "Thatis (beggin' yer pardon fer spakin' to the loikes of yez, an' me aprivate!), don't ye belave 'tis his fault. He kep' me from drownin', that's what he did!" O'Dwyer had noted his idol's preoccupation since Miss Thornhill'sadvent, the self-imposed aloofness, and had drawn his own shrewdconclusions. He determined, here and now, to do Danvers a good turn, despite the frown on the doctor's face and Philip's frantic signaling. "Lieutenant Danvers is the finest feller God ever made!" he blurted, regardless. "Oh, keep still! _Keep still!_" cried the exasperated Englishman. Thismisplaced loquacity! Eva reached out suddenly, frankly. "I think it's time we knew each other, " she said, sweetly, and theirhands met. That touch! Never had the unsophisticated youth felt such a touch! Athrill of exquisite life went from her hand to his; from his hand to hisfeet and the vibrations went tingling back to the girl. For the firsttime Philip looked full into the blue eyes of Eva Thornhill. "You're a fool, O'Dwyer!" Danvers heard the doctor remark, as theyproceeded toward the fort. The humbled trooper, hitching his arm in theimprovised sling which Philip had made, groaned doleful assent. Too latehe remembered the barrack-room decision that Miss Thornhill was afterevery scalp in the Whoop Up Country. And Eva Thornhill? Her opportunity had come, and she had taken it as agift from the gods. Suddenly she knew that Philip was merged in herpersonality, and she reveled in the bloom of quickly grown, fullydeveloped passion. By the time the lieutenant assisted her from hermare at the colonel's headquarters she was ready to think that there wasnothing to keep them apart. So quickly, hotly, does young blood run! Her answer to the question that was ready to slip from his tongue--whatwould it be? As Danvers lifted the flushing girl from her mount, hereyes gave promise beneath their long-lashed veiling that the answerwould not be "no. " It was not many days before Major Thornhill took his daughter to taskfor her neglect of Mr. Burroughs. "Don't you let go of Burroughs, " he counseled, with brutal sordidness. "These young lawyers and lieutenants haven't a cent, so far as I canfind out. Burroughs has money and will have more. Remember that an armyofficer never has anything to leave to his mourners. " Eva shrugged her shoulders; but her training showed her the wisdom ofher father's advice, and she bestowed more favor on the trader than hehad received for several days. However, she decided that one more ridewith the lieutenant she must have, and so impetuous was Philip that sheallowed him to say more than she intended he should. His wooing waseager, headlong. As they drew near the town on their return from their long ride, thegirl saw a squaw peering from the bushes beside the trail. "Who is that squaw?" she asked, petulantly. "It seems to me that I nevergo out but she is near me!" "Oh--er----" he stammered, losing, for a moment, his self-possession ashe recognized Burroughs' property. He knew that the trader had pledgedhis intimates to secrecy as to his relations with Pine Coulee while MissThornhill was a visitor at Macleod, and he, while not pledged, would bethe last one to bring her in any way to Eva's notice. "Oh, " he beganagain, "she's a Blackfoot. " "That is evasion, pure and simple!" retorted his companion. "She wantseither to speak to me--or to kill me, I've not decided which. Wait here!I am going to speak to her!" "You are probably the first white woman she ever saw, " Philip triedvainly to make a satisfactory explanation; but, to his consternation, Eva was gone. Pine Coulee stood motionless as the fair-haired girl drew rein besideher. Never had she shown her Indian blood more clearly than in thestolid awaiting of her rival. Danvers drew nearer, fearing results. "Do you speak English?" Pine Coulee was asked. "I think that you want tospeak to me. What is it? What can I do for you?" The look of dejectionon the dark face touched even Miss Thornhill. Silence. "What a big baby!" was Eva's next effort to gain good-will. She was sure that the squaw could, at least, understand English; and thegleam of motherhood, kindling at her praise, confirmed her belief. Silence. "What is the baby's name?" Silence prolonged. Eva turned away, impatient that her advances shouldbe met so churlishly. Then, swift, malignant, Pine Coulee spoke: "Him name Robert Burroughs! _Robert Burroughs!_" The words came withstartling distinctness. Eva's surprise was great. She shuddered uncontrollably. Pine Coulee understood the incredulity in the girl's eyes, and rushedon, bitterly, in broken English: "Yes. Robert Burroughs! Ask him!" pointing to Danvers with her lips, asIndians will. "Burroughs mine! You not have him! You take this man! Youhave everything--Pine Coulee have nothing but Bob and his baby! Yousha'n't have him! No! No!" The squaw, crazed with jealousy, startedtowards Burroughs' house, but turned back with real dignity. "I hateyou! Why you come to steal my man?" Then she abruptly took her bitter way along the trail till--Burroughsblocked her. He gave her one look and rode forward. "Your father sent me to look for you, Miss Thornhill, " he began, as hedrew rein. He resolved to carry the matter off boldly, if Eva referredto the Indian woman. "If you like, we will ride back together, " headded, nodding to Danvers. "No, no, no!" cried Eva, hysterically. "I'm afraid of--of that--squaw!"She pointed to Pine Coulee, who had followed Burroughs like a blightingshadow. "Git out of here!" Burroughs emphasized his command to the squaw with avicious kick. Not realizing how much the words would reveal, he added:"I tol' yeh ter stay in the house!" "I'll care for Miss Thornhill, Burroughs, " interrupted Danvers. "Let uspass, please! Take Pine Coulee back and leave decent white women toothers. " "To you?" sneered the trader, with suddenly loosened rage at maid andman. "Yes, to me!" proudly answered Philip, drawing closer to Eva's mount. The girl was scarlet with rage. "Oh, it's that way, is it?" snarled Bob. "You told MissThornhill--that's plain to be seen!" "He did not tell!" Eva slipped from her lover's protection and reinedher horse toward Burroughs. "Lieutenant Danvers tried to shield you. She--she----" Eva looked at Pine Coulee, nursing her bruised forehead(for Burroughs had kicked to hurt) and changed her words. "Thelieutenant never--he never intimated--such--a--horrid--thing. Of courseyou will understand that I no longer care for your acquaintance!" Thereaction came and she begged: "Oh, Lieutenant Danvers, take me tofather!" "Oh, you don't, eh?" sneered the trader. "There are many years ahead ofus both, and the time may come when you will want my help! And you, "turning to Danvers, "I'll get even with you! If I can't win EvaThornhill, you never shall, mark my words! I'll----" "You dare to threaten--us? Get out of our way!" With a touch Danvers quickly started both his horse and MissThornhill's. After a brief interval he slowed the pace. "And now, darling, you must let me care for you always, " urged Philip, after he had restored Eva to some semblance of calm. "Let me speak toyour father to-night!" He talked on, encouraged by the girl's silentyielding and the long kiss he laid on her willing lips. She was told ofhis prospects, both in the army and in England, where his father andsister lived. He told her of his lovely American mother, who had died soyoung. He had enlisted, he said, for sheer love of a military life. "Father wanted to buy a commission for me, but I knew I could getone--without money!" was the modest close. The afternoon together ended by Philip's putting his mother's engagementring on Eva's hand for their plighted troth. She looked at it a moment. "I cannot wear this now, " she said. "If we are engaged, I want it to bekept secret until next spring. Don't you see, dear, " she rubbed her facecaressingly on Philip's impatient hand, "that it will be better so?Father will be furious when he knows that I've given Mr. Burroughs hiscongé, and you'll come into your fortune when you are twenty-one nextJune. Father'll never consent until then. He'll make me miserable allwinter!" [Illustration] Chapter IV The Return to Fort Benton That autumn visit of Eva Thornhill glowed in Danvers' heart like theriotous colors in the gray landscape that precedes the frost of winter;for winter was coming, her visit was over, and Eva and her father wereto leave for Fort Benton on the morrow. Danvers inwardly chafed underthe secrecy imposed upon their engagement, and yet it would have beenhard for him to have spoken of his love for Eva, even to the sympatheticLatimer. But he longed to see more of her, to drink his fill of her beauty andfix her image in his memory that he might not famish in his lonelinessduring the dreary winter months when they should be separated. Though it was hard to evade her father, Eva Thornhill granted her lovera last interview. His reserve, now softened by his love, fascinated thegirl, and the element of secrecy lent a romantic touch that did notlessen her enjoyment of the situation. Yet it was a relief to return toFort Benton, where she could think it all over and avoid her father'sanger at a possible discovery. "You will write to me?" said Danvers eagerly, as he held her hands, inparting. "There are few mails in the winter, but some one will be comingup. " He looked imploringly into her eyes, as she hesitated. "Of course I'll answer your letters--Philip, " she spoke the namedeliberately, as though enjoying her right to the familiarity of itsuse. "And when shall I hear from _you_?" "_Always_; whenever you will close your eyes and listen! It may be weeksbefore a freighter makes the trip; but without a written message youwill know that I am thinking of you, loving you! Remember it, Eva!" His arm drew her close, and the girl caught his ardor as she returnedhis good-bye kiss. "I will, dear; oh, I will!" She clung to him and for a moment caught theglory of his vision. Real tears dimmed her eyes as her lover tenderlyreleased her, and the man was satisfied. That night Latimer had a long talk with his friend. "You see, old man, I may as well go now, when the doctor and theThornhills are returning to Fort Benton. It may be weeks before I haveanother chance. " Latimer, too! The thought sent a chill to the heart of the lieutenant, now doubly sensitive to the love of this only friend! He had long knownthat Latimer would return to his law practice in Fort Benton, but thetime had never been set for his going. "The years of outdoor life, " continued Latimer, "have made a new man ofme!" patting his chest, not yet so broad as Danvers'. "And if I am everto go back to the law I must get about it before I forget all I everknew. " He gave his arguments with a half apology as if to soften thesharpness of his decision, which to his loyal heart seemed like adesertion of his friend. Danvers was silent. He saw, more clearly than his companion, that thedoctor's visit, the presence of Major Thornhill and his daughter, andthe association with those of his own class, had roused in theSoutherner a longing for the old life of civic usefulness, had drawn himback to his office, to his books and civilized associations. "And if I get away to-morrow, " went on Latimer, "I must pack up my fewbelongings in the morning, and shall not have time for much of agood-bye--you will understand, Phil?" "Yes, indeed!" said Danvers, realizing that he had been too long silent. "Write to me when you can, Arthur. You know what the winters are up inthis country. " They smoked in silence for an hour or more--that strange communion thatmen find gives greater sympathy than any speech. Then Danvers wrung thehand of his friend, and set out for the barracks. Many sober faces clustered around Eva when she said good-bye nextmorning, but Burroughs' was not among them. He had said nothing of hishumiliation, but had avoided meeting Miss Thornhill again. Her fatherwas greatly dissatisfied; he thought that Eva's reception of theattention of other men had offended the trader, and he did not spare hisblame for such a condition of things. Eva maintained her equanimity, feeling that she had done well to preserve the secret of her engagement, and to win Philip's pledge to silence. Two months later Robert Burroughs sold out his trading-post, and he, too, prepared to return to the States. When he told Pine Coulee that shewas to return to her father's lodge with the boy, he was, for the firsttime, afraid of the woman. All her savage blood surged in protest; hisoffers to support their child were spurned. He was glad when the squawwas sullenly silent in the lodges of her tribe, and he determined neverto come again to Macleod--to leave the past behind him. That was hisdominant thought as he started out for Fort Benton, accompanied by hisfamiliar, Wild Cat Bill. Their life at Fort Macleod had been in many ways one of jeopardy. He hadrun incredible risks of exposure and ruin, but he had won, through sheeraudacity and bravado. He smiled covertly as he recalled the fact thathe, the greatest whiskey smuggler in the Whoop Up Country, was also theprivileged friend of an unsuspecting, honorable, uprightofficer--Colonel Macleod. Even his hardened conscience pricked as hethought how he had deceived one who, with somewhat more of acumen, andsomewhat less of belief in men, would have been most severe on hiswrong-doing. But that was over. To turn to less reprehensible and underhand wayswould be easy, he was sure. Or, if he found that the old ways ofaccomplishing his purpose were more profitable, he would exercise themon bigger projects in Montana. He had made a fortune in the Whoop UpCountry. Now he intended to increase it in the development of Montana'sresources. He proposed to marry and rear a family, as became aprosperous and respected citizen. Dreams of statehood were beginning to waken into hope of reality amongthe sturdy men who dwelt in the territory, and during this journey southBurroughs confided to Bill his ambition to sit in the United StatesSenate. Fortune had favored him so far. All that was necessary tofurther his ambitions was to be as shrewd and cautious as he had beenhitherto, and all things should be his--with Bill's help. Billlistened--that was his rôle for the time being. But he thought well ofthe plans, and said so before his chief referred to quite anothersubject--Pine Coulee and the boy. Here Bill found no words. Burroughs opined that the episode with Pine Coulee was nothing. She wasa fool to expect him to continue their relations simply because therewas a child. He would see that they did not suffer. Really Sweet Oil Bobfelt a glow of self-approval as he talked. But few men in the Whoop UpCountry gave a thought to the comfort of the squaws when they left them. And as for the children--let them go with their mothers! It was theeasiest thing imaginable. To Danvers it seemed that half the population of Fort Macleod wasleaving, since Scar Faced Charlie had departed months before, and ToeString Joe had been dishonorably discharged and gone out of thecountry. Only the loyal O'Dwyer remained, and to him he sometimes spokeof Fort Benton friends. To Eva he wrote with every outgoing mail, andwatched eagerly for a sign from her when a chance freighter should bringthe Fort Benton mail. Then fever broke out in the barracks and Danversspent his nights caring for the others and had little time for thought. His splendid constitution seemed able to bear any amount of fatigue, andhe boasted that the loss of sleep was nothing--that he preferred to talkto some one--he had not enough to do to keep busy! But he overestimated his strength, and when a mail was brought with noletter from Eva the disappointment and anxiety told on his alreadyovertaxed constitution. O'Dwyer was the last to convalesce, and even hewas no longer in need of constant attention. With the relaxing of thestrain came Philip's utter collapse. The fever was on him, and for weekshe talked deliriously of English lanes, of his sister Kate, of his risein the service, but never of Eva Thornhill. It was as if some psychicpower guarded his lips and loyally preserved his secret. The spring flowers were budding when he again breathed the outer air, and it was a gaunt figure which sat in the lee of the stockade one dayin May and took the package of letters brought from Fort Benton. At last! Eva's first letter lay in his hand. He forgave her the longsilence. The winter had been unusually severe and to the irregularity ofthe mails he ascribed his love's apparent defection. With tremblingfingers he opened the thin envelope. The letter had no heading. _"I have told father of my promise to you. He refuses absolutely to sanction it and declares I shall never marry an Englishman. I now agree with father that it would be very unwise. I hate the army, and you say you will never leave it. It is best that we understand each other at once, and very fortunate that we agreed not to speak of our engagement. I have not heard from you in three months, and so I presume you are tired of it and as glad to break as I am. "_ That was all. The dazed convalescent remembered that his letter wasmailed the very day that he went to the hospital, and his promise ofsilence made it impossible to ask another to notify her of hiscondition. Fate's cruelty bit deep. The heartlessness of Eva's dismissalpierced his soul. Mechanically he took up a letter from his sister. "_Dear brother Philip_, " her letter began. _"We have written and written. What has become of you these last months? Haven't you received the solicitor's letters or mine, telling you of father's sudden death, and the discovery that we are almost penniless--all the fortune gone?"_ Danvers gasped, weakly, at the wealth of disaster. He had alwaysregarded his father as an exceptionally acute man of business. Andnow. . . . The letters of which his sister Kate wrote had never reachedhim. The mail service was wretched, he knew; but it seemed incrediblethat such important letters should be lost. He turned to the otherenvelopes just received. Yes, there were three from the familysolicitors, and one from Arthur Latimer. These from England had probablylain at Fort Benton all winter. Presently he read on: _"However, you no doubt have received them all by this time. I write this, in haste, to ask you to meet me at Fort Benton by the middle of June, as I shall come to America in time to take the first boat leaving Bismarck. I shall have about a hundred pounds when I start. I am determined to come to you. "_ With some expression of grief at their bereavement, and anticipation ofseeing her brother, the letter closed. Come up to the Whoop Up Country! His young, unsophisticated sister? Shemust not! He started up, thinking to send a rider to Fort Benton with amessage to cable to London. But she would already have started. And howcould he support her in England? How support her in any country on hissmall income, used as she was to every luxury? It was horrible! What todo! What to do! At last he took up Latimer's letter. At least here wouldbe something to put heart into a fellow, he thought, hopefully. The boldhandwriting seemed so like the light-hearted Southerner that a wan smileplayed over Philip's ghastly face. The smile faded to be replaced byagony as the sense of the words was absorbed--words leaping at him, fiendishly: _"Dear Old Chum--I am the happiest fellow alive. Eva Thornhill and I were married last week, and our only regret was that you could not be my best man. I spoke of it several times. How did this happen, you ask? Why, I was fortunate enough to fall heir to something like twenty-five thousand dollars this winter, and, after settling the question whether there was any understanding between you and Eva (she assured me there never had been) I sailed right in--and she is mine. _ _"Old boy! Eva's the dearest little piece of guilelessness in the world. She's told me all about Burroughs, and even confessed that she used to admire you; but she thought you very reserved. I have told how companionable you really are and how she should have captured you. But she shakes her pretty head and says that she is jealous of you--that I am fonder of you than of her! She's a rogue! I used to be dumbly jealous of the other fellows, knowing how poor I was. I had to keep myself well in hand, I tell you, especially when I used to see you two together. But if Eva had cared for you (how could she help it?) I'd have been the first one to congratulate you. We could not be rivals, could we, dear old man?_ _"We are going East for the summer, and the doctor goes with us as far as St. Louis. Wish us well, Phil! Why haven't you written? I know it has been a bad winter and only two mails from Macleod, but I expected to hear at least once. _ _"I wish that you could find so ideal a wife as mine. Dear, innocent, truthful--what more can man ask?"_ Danvers pulled himself up from the bench, wondering why the day hadgrown so cold, where the sunshine had gone. He replaced Latimer's letterin its envelope, dully, slowly: "'Truthful--innocent!'" he quoted. "Poor Arthur!" He laughed--a dreadfulsound. Then he fell face downward--and so they found him. * * * * * A pale-faced youth looked with dilated eyes on the nearing town of FortBenton. It was Philip Danvers, late second lieutenant of the North WestMounted Police of Canada. He had lived through the shock which the threeletters had brought on his fever-weakened frame, and during hisconvalescence determined to leave the service and seek employment atFort Benton. To his colonel alone he gave his reasons. His sister Katewas a delicate girl, unused to adversity. His pay was insufficient tosupport her, even if she could have lived at Fort Macleod. She must besafe-guarded. For three long, hard, lonely years he had dreamed of acommission, and now that he had secured it he must give it up, togetherwith hope of further advancement. There was no alternative. As the band played "The Girl I Left Behind Me" (invariably rendered whenmen in the English service change garrison), O'Dwyer stepped forward tosay good-bye. "Sure, Phil, " he blubbered, "I'll lave the service 's soon's me time'sup, now ye're gone! I'll folley ye to Fort Benton!" Danvers turned tear-dimmed eyes away from his friend, from the low fortand the weather-beaten stockade, and resolutely denied himself the painof looking back to catch the last flutter of the Union Jack as the longrise of land dipped toward the south. How often had he strained his eyesto see that symbol of his country as he returned from the various foraysand hunting trips! But duty called! This was the only thought that hedared allow himself--and his sister, his sister! She had no one but himto look to, and in his loneliness she was a comforting thought, andworth all the sacrifice of his life's ambitions. While he had lain unconscious, in his illness, she had arrived at thehead of navigation, and had written him girlish, impatient letters. Heknew that Latimer would look out for her if he and Eva had returned fromtheir wedding trip, but he was sure they had not, and felt an equalrelief that he need offer no congratulations. The doctor, too, Arthurhad told him, was in St. Louis. He wondered how his sister had passedthe time. Once she had mentioned meeting Burroughs, and he knew that shewas living at the little hotel that he remembered. He was frantic toreach his destination and assume a brother's responsibility for thesimple-hearted, yielding, young English girl, brought abruptly into therough Western life. As he drew near the growing town of Fort Benton he was astounded at thesight of what seemed quite a metropolis to his eyes, so long accustomedto the log buildings and the scant population of Fort Macleod. As the road dipped over the bench and led into town he saw, riding tomeet him--was it his sister?--and with her, Robert Burroughs! But Danvers was on his feet, and as he assisted the girl to dismount sheslid into his arms and put up her lips for a kiss. When something like coherence was evolved from the rush of questions andanswers, Kate turned shyly toward Burroughs, who still sat upon hishorse. She took her brother by the hand. "Phil, dear, you have not spoken to Mr. Burroughs. He has told me somuch of your life together in the Whoop Up Country, and what friends youare. He has been most kind to me. When I learned that you were ill, Iwas so alarmed--alone! But he--that is--I----" "Why, it's this way, Danvers, " interrupted Burroughs, speaking with morecorrectness than Phil had before heard him, and willingly taking theonus of explanation--his hour had come. "Your sister couldn't go toMacleod, of course. She couldn't stay here, alone. You'll stay with thePolice, no doubt; and, as Latimer and his wife are away, it fitted rightin with my plans"--he paused to enjoy the dismay on Danvers' face--"toask Kate to do me the honor of marrying me. You remember, " he hastenedto add, "don't you, that I once told you that you'd not only never marryEva Thornhill, but that I'd marry your sister?" The dark, exultant face flashed the same look of hate that greetedPhilip on the _Far West_, and later gloomed through the dimly lightedtrading-post on the night of the dance! With a groan Danvers realized, as he looked at his suddenly shrinking sister, that the sacrifice of hislife's ambition had been in vain. [Illustration] BOOK III _THE STATE_ "_What constitutes a state?_ * * * * * _Men who their duty know. _" [Illustration] Chapter I Visitors from Helena Philip Danvers, cattleman, nearing Fort Benton on his return from around-up, found his thoughts reverting to the past. The spring day waslike another that he remembered when he first caught sight of thefrontier town more than a dozen years before. He noted the smoke of arailroad locomotive as it trailed into nothingness, and involuntarily helooked toward the Missouri River; but there was no boat steaming up theriver, and the unfurrowed water brought a sadness to his face. He recalled the doctor's vigorous opposition a few years previous, whenthe question of a railroad came before the residents of Fort Benton. Perhaps the doctor had been right in thinking that the river trafficwould be destroyed, and with it the future of the town. Certainly hisderided prophecy had been most literally fulfilled. Instead of becominga second St. Louis, the village lay in undisturbed tranquillity, butlittle larger than when the _Far West_ had brought the first recruits ofthe North West Mounted Police to its levees. To those who loved theplace, who believed in it, the result caused by the changing conditionsof Western life was well-nigh heartbreaking. Instead of the terminus of a great waterway--the port where gold wasbrought by the ton to be shipped East from the territorial diggings; thestage where moved explorer, trader, miner and soldier--instead of beingthe logical metropolis of the entire Northwest, Fort Benton lay a drowsylittle village, embowered in cottonwoods and dependent upon thecattlemen who made it their headquarters for shipping. The lusty bull-whacker's yell, the mule-skinner's cry and the pop oflong, biting whips were heard no more in the broad, sweeping curve ofthe Missouri. The levees were no longer crowded with bales ofmerchandise, piles of buffalo hides and boxes of gold. No steamers tiedup to the rotting snubbing-posts; the bustle of the roustabouts, theoaths of the mates, the trader's activity had vanished forever, asirrevocably as the buffalo on the plains. Nothing in the prospectbefore him suggested to Danvers the well-remembered past except the oldadobe fort on the water's edge. One bastion and a part of a wallrecalled to the Anglo-American his first homesick night in theNorthwest. Even the trading-posts on the river between Bismarck and FortBenton were abandoned. The man had altered as well. It was evident that the shy reserve of theKentish youth had changed to the dignity of the reticent man. Themilitary bearing remained; the eyes were steady and observant, as ofold; but the youthful red and white of his face had been replaced by aclear tan, marked by lines of thought. In a country of bearded andseldom-shaved men, Philip's clean face added not a little to that lookof distinction which had impressed the passengers on the _Far West_ andgained the first enmity of Robert Burroughs. Danvers was still unmarried. At rare intervals he read the old clippingof the two souls separated and seeking each other, but the legend hadgrown dim. The romantic dreams of boyhood were gone. He doubted that hisheart would ever be roused again; that the phoenix flame of love wouldrise from the ashes of what he knew had been but the stirring ofadolescent blood when he fancied that he loved Eva Thornhill. The homelife of others had not impressed him as a dream fulfilled. The gradualdisillusionment of the many was disheartening, and Latimer's worn, unhappy face was a constant reminder. Arthur Latimer! That blitheSoutherner--believer in men--and women! Philip knew what had made himseek forgetfulness in the law and politics. The success of his friend, who had reached his goal, on the supreme bench, had gratified Danvers, and Latimer's enthusiasm and persistent belief in the ultimate good, when the builders and founders of the newly formed State should mergepersonal desires into one--one that had the best good of all for itsincentive, tempered his dislike for American politics. Not long after the round-up, Philip Danvers received a call from WildCat Bill, now known in Montana as the Honorable William Moore. Hisability to promote big enterprises, whether floating a mining company orelecting a friend to the legislature, was publicly known, and Danverswondered silently what had brought the politician from Helena to thesemi-deserted town of Fort Benton, and induced him to favor him with acall. "Yes, Danvers, " volunteered the affable Moore, "I just thought I'd takea few days off and see what the old place looked like. " Danvers noticed that he had dropped the vernacular, though his speechwas characteristic of the West. "It's always a pleasure to go back to the early days, when we roughed ittogether, " Bill went on. Philip doubted the pleasure. He recognized this sentiment as a veryrecent acquisition in the Honorable William Moore, and waited forfurther enlightenment as to the real purpose of the visit. "The old bunch turned out pretty well, after all, " Moore commented. "Robert Burroughs is a millionaire! Your sister was in luck, all right!And Bob was tickled to death when a baby came. A big girl by this time!" A dangerous look--a look that made Wild Cat Bill remember the night ofthe dance at the trading-post--warned the Honorable William to droppersonalities. The one fact that made the position of his sistertolerable to Danvers was the knowledge that Burroughs took pride in hiswife and child and lavished his wealth upon them. "And you and the doctor still cling to Fort Benton!" The next remark ofthe caller was spoken with commiseration. "Is the doctor still preachingits future?" Danvers winced at what seemed a thrust at an old friend. "My cattle makeit necessary for me to ship from Fort Benton and--I like the place, " heacknowledged without apology. "And Joe Hall--you recall Toe String Joe?" There was ample reason why Philip Danvers should remember the disloyaltrooper, dishonorably discharged. "Queer idea of Joe's to enlist in the first place, " continued Moore. "Hemade a much better miner. You're following his case in court, Isuppose?" A subtle change in expression made the cattleman aware that all hisvisitor's remarks had been preliminary to this one. It was, then, thefamous case of Hall vs. Burroughs that for some reason Bill Moorethought worth a trip from Helena to discuss. "Burroughs can't afford to lose that case, " declared Moore. "He'll lose it if Joe has fair play!" cried Danvers. Philip felt no love for the recruit of early days, but his sense ofjustice asserted itself when he recalled the years that Burroughs hadmade a tool of Toe String Joe at Fort Macleod, and later robbed him ofhis mining claim at Helena. Burroughs had grub-staked him and secured ahalf interest. At a time when Joe was down sick, and hard pressed withdebts, Burroughs rushed a sale with Eastern capitalists and forced JoeHall to relinquish the claim for $25, 000. When Joe discovered that ithad brought $125, 000, and that Burroughs had pocketed the difference, he went to law and won his suit. Burroughs had appealed, and now thecase was before the Supreme Court. "There are politics in the Supreme Court as well as elsewhere, " venturedMoore, with a meaning look. "It is usually thought otherwise, I believe. " "I don't know what's usually thought. I know it's a fact. " "Perhaps corruption can be found----" "Perhaps!" sneered the caller. "I tell you politics is a matter ofa-gittin' plenty while you're gittin'. " "I was not speaking of politics, but of corruption. " "What's the difference?" cynically. "Now, I say that Judge Latimer canbe influenced. " "Indeed!" "I'm thinking that it would be safe to approach him in this case ofBob's. " "Are you going to try it?" Danvers' tone continued impersonal. The Honorable William Moore hurried on. He breathed as one having putforth more strength than was required--breathed as he had breathed whenthe detachment of Mounted Police rode up to the small trading-post wherehe had barely succeeded in concealing his smuggled whiskey. He laugheda little, threw his cigar away and put his thumbs firmly together withfingers clasped--a familiar mannerism. "See here, Danvers! This case mustn't go against Burroughs. Bob's a goodfellow. He did what any one else would have done. He wasn't looking outfor Joe Hall. He did all the head-work, and at the time Joe wassatisfied with the price. Of course you know that Bob's going to run forUnited States Senator next winter. And he's not over popular in Montana;you know how it is, moneyed interest against labor (so the common herdthink), and this case has made more talk than everything else puttogether that Bob ever did. " "Well?" Philip's eyes had a gleam that Moore did not care to meet. Perhaps he had been too confidential. He walked about the room, nervously, his right hand grasping the rear of his coat. At last heforced himself to say bluntly: "If you'll go to Judge Latimer and tell him how you feel--that Burroughsis your brother-in-law--that sort of talk, and that if the case goesagainst Bob, Latimer'll never get re-elected to the supreme bench--oh, you know what to say. Anyway, if you'll do this you'll be twenty-fivethousand dollars better off--that's all; and I tell you, you'll need themoney before next winter is over if this drouth continues. Your cattlemust be in bad shape now. Just tell Latimer how you feel. " "How do you know how I feel about this case?" Danvers kept himself wellunder control, though he felt his blood pounding. "It isn't so much what you feel as what you say. " Philip looked at the man. "You haven't got the money, Bill. " "Haven't I?" boasted Moore. "Look at this!" He made a quick dive insidehis coat. "Three packages of twenty-five thousand each!" He exulted ashe displayed the bills. "They were handed to me just before I took thetrain, and----" "Bill Moore, " said the cattleman curiously, "did you think for a momentthat I could be purchased?" The Honorable Mr. Moore sparred. "Or Arthur Latimer?" continued Danvers. "What else am I here for?" cried Moore in a rage. "Every man's got hisprice. Latimer's poor as a church mouse. He's got a wife like a vampire. And as for you--I know cattle raising isn't all profit!" "The trouble with you, Bill, " said Danvers, dispassionately, "is thatyou judge every man by yourself. You can't understand a man like JudgeLatimer--the thing would be impossible!" "It's you who are judging by yourself! We all know you're a fanatic--orused to be. I thought perhaps you'd gotten over some of those notions. Iknow Judge Latimer as well as you do. If we don't get him one way, we'lltake another. We're goin' to win!" Danvers made no reply. The Honorable William waited for a moment, andthen put back the packages he had flung on the table. He looked hissurprise; he could not understand how he had been foiled with no anger. "You say you know my standards, " began Danvers, slowly. "Then why didyou come to me?" "We had to make the try; nobody could influence Judge Latimer like you. " "But what good would the money do him?" questioned Danvers, unable tofollow the reasoning of the politician. "It would be found out andLatimer would be ruined. " "Oh, no, it wouldn't. " Moore was hopeful again. "Why didn't you approach him yourself?" It was an afterthought. "It looks more natural for you to be interested in your brother-in-law. Bob said to see you. " "So this is his method of beginning a campaign for a seat in the UnitedStates Senate!" "We knew we could trust you!" replied Moore. And Danvers knew that the man believed he was paying a sincere tribute. More than a month after this conversation Judge Latimer also paid avisit to Fort Benton and straightway sought his dearest friend. "I wanted to get away from business, from--everything that distractsone, " he explained, "and I wanted to see you, Phil, and the doctor, anddear old sleepy Fort Benton again. " He looked worn and distracted--thinner than Philip remembered him, andin need of something more than physical relaxation. "Are you quite well, Arthur?" asked Danvers solicitously. "I'm going tohave the doctor over to give you a thorough examination, and I'll seethat you carry out all his directions. You don't take a bit of care ofyourself!" But in the evening, after a day in the open air, he brightened, andunder the old spell of comradeship he took on the boyish manner that hadbeen so marked a characteristic. "And how are all our friends at Helena?" inquired the doctor, after hehad secured a favorable report of Eva and the baby. "All well, ofcourse, or I should have heard from them!" he went on, with thegeniality that Latimer remembered so well. "And little Arthur--he mustbe quite a lad now----" "Six--and so proud of his new sister, " replied the father, with a noteof pride that Danvers marked with thankfulness. The tenderness in theman's eyes told him that this little son was the sole balm of aharrassed life, and he wondered if even this great compensation wasadequate for all the man had given--and lost. "Why didn't you bring the little chap with you?" questioned the doctor. "I did think of it, " confessed Latimer, "but this is a business tripchiefly, if I must own up to it. I want to talk over the situation withsomeone I know--someone I can trust. " "Anything special?" asked the doctor. "Politics!" replied the judge. "The political pot is beginning to get ascum on the top, preparatory to boiling. " "How domestic a simile!" jeered the doctor. Latimer laughed. "We've been without a maid lately, and I've had achance to see the inside workings of a kitchen. Not that it's Eva'sfault, " he added hastily. "Maids are hard to get. " "H-m-m, " assented the doctor, judicially, and soon the three were deepin Montana politics. The probable nominees for state officials were gone over, and Danversremarked: "You are sure of re-election, Arthur. " "No, I'm not; not even of nomination, " objected the judge. "TheHonorable William Moore has been to see me----" Danvers shot him a keen glance, and the doctor listened curiously. "He was interested in the Hall and Burroughs case. " Latimer hesitated, and a spot of color suddenly burned in his cheeks. "Moore evidentlythought it necessary to come to me and ask that Burroughs have _fairplay_!" The doctor laughed. It was an opportunity to tease the boy he loved; nota serious impeachment of the character of the judge of the SupremeCourt. "He offered me a hundred thousand dollars if I'd take a rest! SuggestedEurope!" The judge's voice trembled. "The devil he did!" burst from the physician. "He raised his price by the time he got to you, " commented Danvers. "What?" Latimer whirled, amazed, toward the speaker. "When Moore asked me to intercede with you for Burroughs he had onlytwenty-five thousand for each of us. " "What does Burroughs think I am?" groaned the judge. "He should know mebetter than to send Moore on his dirty business, but nothing I could saymade any impression. He left, telling me to think it over. " "Do you know if he tried the others?" "No. I've not mentioned the matter to anyone--except Eva. I was sooutraged that I had to speak to someone. And she--she doesn'tunderstand. She would enjoy a trip to Europe, and I--I can't give it toher. " His two friends were silent, and presently Latimer went on. "And all this means that when it comes time to go before the conventionthis fall I shall have Burroughs and his cohorts against me. " "You seem sure of his opposition, " remarked Danvers. "The case isn'tdecided yet. If it is in favor of Burroughs----" "The decision was handed down this morning. It was in favor of Hall. " "Good!" chorused Danvers and the doctor. "The election will turn out all right for you, too, " prophesied thedoctor, "and especially with Danvers to help. The judge and I have beenplotting against you for some time, Phil, " he explained. "We want you togo into politics. " Danvers shook his head. "Wait a minute, " urged the doctor. "It's like this, Danvers. You're anAmerican, as much as we are. You have taken out your naturalizationpapers. You never think of leaving Montana. You have a splendid cattlebusiness, and you love Fort Benton almost as much as I do. " The cattleman smiled as the doctor outlined his position, and owned thathe did love the country of his adoption. "And here's poor Latimer struggling on alone up there at Helena, whileyou and I devote our time to making a fortune----" "What are you offered for lots in Fort Benton now, Doctor?" teasedLatimer, with a flash of his old humor. "Let me explain, Phil, " he said. "I know it would be a sacrifice for you to leave your business here;you've made a success with your cattle, and I envy you the independent, care-free existence. " "You don't appreciate the difficulties with drouths and blizzards, " putin Danvers, "to say nothing of competition and low prices. " "Nothing!" exclaimed Latimer, with a gesture of his hand that swept awaysuch trivialities like mere cobwebs that annoy but do not obstruct thevision. "All this is nothing! It is the complications with men--therelations with people--that weary and sicken and break the heart! I'vetried to put up a clean record, a straight fight; I've tried to givehonest service, and it seems as if the odds were all against me!" "What do you want?" asked Danvers, more moved at the sight of hisfriend's distress than the need of his country. "We want to put you in the Legislature as the senator from ChouteauCounty!" cried Latimer, flushed and eager. "If only a better class ofmen would go into politics! I can't blame them for wanting to keep out, and yet what is our country coming to? What can one man do alone? If youor the doctor or men of that character were in office, it wouldn't be sohard a fight. And with you in Helena, Phil----" The familiar name, in the soft voice of the Southerner, stirred theheart of Danvers like a caress. He was lonely, too--he had not realizedhow much so, till the hand of his friend was stretched out to him, notonly for aid, but for companionship. His heart throbbed as it had notdone since a woman fired his boyish imagination. In the long years onthe range he had grown indifferent, and rejoiced in his lack of feeling. Now he was waking, he was ready to take up his work in the world of men, ready to open his heart at the call of one who would be his mate. "I might be induced to run, since you put it so strongly, " said Danvers, with a lightness that did not conceal from either of his friends thedepth of his feeling. "Thank you, Phil. " Danvers took the thin, nervous hand extended to him, and held it with agrasp that sent courage into the heart of Judge Latimer. It was a handthat had guided bucking bronchos and held lassoed steers, and the manweary with life's battles knew that a friend had come to his aid whowould blench at no enemy. "Do you need any more men?" inquired Danvers, with a tone of assuranceand natural leadership that amazed them both. "Do we _need_ them? Can you produce any more? That is the question, "said Latimer. "There's always O'Dwyer, of course!" laughed Danvers. "Is he as devoted as ever?" inquired Latimer. "The same old worshipper, " declared the doctor. "And, by George! now youspeak of it, he wouldn't make a bad representative!" The three men talked over the situation and planned a brief campaign, sending Arthur Latimer home, cheered and strengthened. Nevertheless, after they had said good-bye at the station, the doctor turned toDanvers with a heavy sigh. "Latimer's heart is in bad condition. He's going to have trouble withit. And the nervous strain he lives under so constantly is more than Ican reckon with. If he could rest at home--but I know how it was whenthey lived at Fort Benton!" "Arthur has changed, " said Danvers, sadly. "I'll never forget, " said the doctor, speaking more freely than everbefore, "the time when Latimer first discovered that Eva did not carefor him. He took it all to himself, and was broken-hearted because hehad failed to keep her affections. Think of it!" "Did she ever care for him?" Danvers could not resist asking. "I hardly think so. I always had an idea that her heart--what there isof it--was captured by an army officer. " He looked slyly at hiscompanion as they walked through the gloom. "Nothing so low in rank as a second lieutenant!" evaded Danvers. "You were fortunate, after all, Philip, though it would have been betterfor Eva. She needed a master--and she took our gentle, sensitive, chivalrous Arthur! He will break; break like fine tempered steel whenthe strain becomes too great. " [Illustration] Chapter II Charlie Blair's Sister The summer sped hot and with but little rain. Some ten days before thestate convention, the Doctor and Danvers went to Helena. A strongopposition to Judge Latimer's renomination had developed, which was nottraceable to any definite source. Although Danvers avowed a dislike forpolitics, in reality he had the inherent instinct for political lifecharacteristic of the upper-class Englishman, and he threw himself intothe maelstrom with all his forces well in hand. Office-seeking wasdisgusting to him, but the fight for his friend seemed worth the effort. In the midst of the political excitement, Mrs. Latimer gave adinner-party, and Philip Danvers could not refuse his invitationwithout causing comment, and, what was of more consequence to hisindependent nature, wounding his friend Arthur. He had met Eva Latimeroccasionally when they lived at Fort Benton, but had preferred to lureArthur to his own quarters, or the doctor's office, for an old-timevisit, rather than invade the formalities of the Latimer residence. Since his friend had been on the supreme bench Danvers had not oftenseen Eva, and now the great house in the suburbs of Helena--so much moreelaborate than Latimer could afford, impressed him, as it had onprevious calls, unpleasantly. It was not a home for Arthur; it was anestablishment for social functions, and a burden of expense; yet Danversknew it was the goal of Arthur's thoughts, where his little son awaitedhim at the close of the day. Danvers rang the bell, not a moment too early; nevertheless he found theWestern men standing self-conscious and ill at ease, waiting for theannouncement of dinner. Arthur greeted him warmly, and Eva sparkled, smiled and chatted, moving among her guests and tactfully putting eachat his best, while they waited for the last arrival--a Miss Blair, whowas to be, so Philip learned, his own partner at dinner. Presently the tardy one arrived, beautiful in her serene, straightforward gaze from under fine brows and a wealth of dark hairthat caught threads of light even under the gas-jets, and made hurriedlybreathless excuses to her hostess. Danvers was introduced to herimmediately, and the dining-room was invaded. "So awkward of me, " she explained in an undertone. "I turned my ankle asI came across the lawn, and had to wait quite a bit before I could move. I was afraid at first I couldn't come to dinner, but I hated todisappoint Eva. Little Arthur must have left his hoop on the lawn, and Itripped on it. We live in the next house, and always come across lots. Doesn't that sound New England-y?" She laughed softly. "My brother saysI'll never drop our Yankee phrases. I say pail for bucket, and path fortrail, and the other day I said farm for ranch. " "Your voice has more of _Old_ England than of New England, " saidDanvers, appreciatively. He had not spoken before except to acknowledgeMrs. Latimer's hurried introduction. "Oh, thank you!" Miss Blair smiled, frankly pleased. "Not that I'm a bitof an Anglo-maniac, " she hastened to affirm, "but, do you know, " sheleaned toward Danvers in an amusingly confidential way, "I've alwaysfelt mortified over my throaty voice--that is, I used to be. " Philip smiled, a smile that but few had ever seen. He listened withenjoyment. Something in his companion's tacit belief that he wouldunderstand her feeling was wonderfully pleasing. He seemed taken intoher confidence at once as being worthy, and it did not lessen hispleasure to observe that the Honorable William Moore, who sat at theleft of Miss Blair, received only the most formal recognition, despitehis effort at conversation, to the neglect of his own dinner partner. Wit and merriment flashed from one to another, and all but the hostseemed overflowing with animation. Although Latimer looked after theneeds of his guests, he was often preoccupied. "Why so silent, judge?" asked the doctor in a lull of conversation. "I beg your pardon, " Arthur apologized. "I fear I was rude. Perhaps Iwas trying to work out the salvation of my country--from my own point ofview. " "Planning for re-nomination?" asked Moore, innocently. "And your ankle?" asked Danvers of Miss Blair, under cover of the laughthat followed Moore's attempt at wit. "I hope that you are not sufferingfrom it. " His observant eye had noted the smooth contour of the girl'sface, but as the moments passed the natural lack of high coloring seemedto grow more colorless. "It hurts--a little, " confessed the girl. "But it is of no consequence. Mrs. Latimer's dinner must not be marred by my blundering in the dark. Ishould have come by the walk. " "You are thoughtful. " Danvers looked again at the girl, and wished forthe first time that he could use the small talk of society. Politics wasdebarred from the table conversation, but when they were again in theparlors Miss Blair turned to Danvers. "Aren't you the senator from Chouteau?" "Not yet, " smiled Philip. "Oh, but you will be. My brother says so. " "I'm glad some one is optimistic. I'm afraid I shall not be the decidingparty. " "Who will be our United States senator?" "That is hard to tell. So many straws sticking out of the tangle make itdifficult to prophesy which will be pulled out. " "Your party is so split up this year, " said the girl. "Which wing areyou affiliated with?" This was not "small talk, " as Danvers recognized with an amused feelingthat he had not expected a lady to know anything outside hispreconceived idea of feminine chat. "Montana politics have no wings, " he quibbled. Miss Blair laughed. "Really, haven't you decided which of the candidatesyou'll support for United States senator?" She ran over the names. "That's rather a leading question, isn't it?" evaded Philip. "If a _man_asked me, I'd give him no satisfaction. I will say to you, though, thatI am going to do my best to send some one to Washington who is pledgedto place community interests before his own. " "I did not mean to ask impertinent questions, or to cross-examine, "quavered Miss Blair. "One who finds out anything from you must havetaken his thirty-third degree in Masonry. I am not trying my hand atlobbying, " she added as an afterthought. "You mustn't think that. I'mjust interested in the political situation. And brother Charlie won'ttalk politics with me any more than he'll recount his experiences as afreighter. " "Charlie? Brother Charlie?" A dim memory revived. "I beg your pardon! IsScar Faced Charlie your brother?" "Yes. Didn't you know?" "Then you are the little girl----" "Winifred. I thought you didn't recognize me, though I knew you at once. But you would scarcely remember me, while I--you know you saved mylife. " "And to think that you have so changed--grown up! And that you are here!I remember asking for you when Charlie was in Fort Benton, shortly afterI went there to live; but you were away at school. I don't recall everhearing your brother called Blair, though as a matter of fact I wasn'tthinking of your name. I was thinking of you!" "What a pretty speech! And Mrs. Latimer is always telling what awoman-hater you are!" "I was not aware that I was of enough importance to be the subject ofMrs. Latimer's strictures, " replied Danvers, his brow contracting. "ButI believe I do have that reputation, " he added, and smiled into herunbelieving brown eyes. "Moore is not running for office this year, " said Danvers presently, finding it easier to talk of matters politic. "No. Charlie wants a place in the Senate--perhaps you know. " She changedthe subject by asking, "Do you think that a man should ever vote for acandidate not in his own party?" "If he votes for the better man--especially in local politics--yes. Isit a political crime in your eyes?" "I believe most politicians think so. " Miss Blair also resorted toevasion. They were joined by other guests, and the conversation became general. The Honorable Mr. Moore, resplendent in a new dress suit, was sayingpleasant things to his hostess. "What a lucky dog the judge is, my dear Mrs. Latimer! You would carryoff any situation. You deserve a wider field than this small Westerncity. " "Really?" cooed the flattered lady. As she moved away, Moore's glance followed her, and a look of suddeninspiration illumined his shiny face. Wild Cat Bill, with his rotundform, resembled a domesticated house cat far more than the agilecreature which had given him his frontier title. The incongruity struckDanvers, and he smiled at Winifred Blair as she drifted to another partof the room--a smile that she returned with a friendly nod of farewell. He did not see her again that evening, and not long afterward he and thedoctor bade their hostess good-night. "Not sorry you went, are you, Phil?" asked the doctor, as they walked totheir hotel. "Goodness knows, Arthur and I labored hard enough to getyou there. " "I have always disliked dinner parties. " The observant doctor noticedthe wording of the reply and drew his own conclusions. "Come in and have a smoke with me, " said the doctor, as they reached hisroom, and he bent over to insert the key. For years it had been Danvers'habit to drop into the physician's office during the late afternoon orevening, to talk or smoke in silence, as the case may be. To-night hefollowed the doctor, and sat down for a half-hour's chat. "That was a fetching gown that Mrs. Latimer wore; I don't envy Arthurthe bills!" remarked the astute doctor, as he filled his pipe. "I didn't notice, " was Philip's indifferent reply. "I never know whatwomen have on. " "And how lovely Miss Blair looked in blue!" "Soft rose!" came the correction from the man who never noticed. The doctor's mouth twitched, but he smoked on in silence, and when hebade Philip good-night he gave him a God-bless-you pat on the shoulder, which the coming senator from Chouteau interpreted solely as due to hislong friendship. Danvers was wakeful that night, and a name sang through his drowsy brainuntil he roused, impatient. "It was only her voice that interested me!" he exclaimed aloud. "She'sprobably like the rest of them. " The nettle of one woman's ficklenesshad stung so deeply when he first took to the primrose path of love thathe had never gone farther along the road leading to the solving oflife's enigma, and now the overgrowth of other interests had almostobliterated the trail. Although the days at Helena were busy ones for Philip Danvers, he foundtime before the convention to make his dinner call at the Latimer's. Onthe shaded lawn before the house he found Miss Blair entertaining littleArthur while she kept watch over the baby asleep in its carriage. "Mrs. Latimer is away for the afternoon. She will be sorry to havemissed you, " exclaimed the girl, as Arthur ran to greet the visitor, always a favorite. "You called on Aunt Winnie and me! Didn't you? Didn't you?" chanted theboy, tugging at the hand of the visitor. "May I stay?" asked Danvers, smiling at the eager little man. "And howis the sprain?" "Of course you may, " assented Winifred brightly. "And as for thesprained ankle, wicked and deceitful creature that I am, I made it theexcuse for not going with Mrs. Latimer. Good people, really good people, would think that I merited punishment for not doing my duty in my smallsphere of life. Yet see! Instead of that I'm rewarded--here _you_ cometo entertain Arthur and me!" "It is a bad example!" decided Danvers, with a stern eye that did notdeceive anyone. He was amused at her naïveté, and had no wish to decrysuch open good-will. "But I do limp! Don't I, Arthur?" Miss Blair appealed to the child, gravely. He nodded and stooped to examine the low, narrow shoe, peeping from hersheer summer gown. Winifred pulled the foot back with a sudden flush. "Iam, perhaps, helping along in this world as much as though I wereplaying cards, by staying with the children instead of their being withthe maid, " she said hastily. Philip leaned over to look at the baby. Arthur pulled the parasol to oneside proudly. "Her name is Winifred, " he announced. "I believe I never saw a really little baby before, " said Danvers, looking with awe at the tiny sleeper. "My sister and I were near of anage; we grew up together. How _little_ babies are!" Miss Blair laughed. "Winifred is a very nice baby--big for her fewmonths of life. I'm very proud to be her godmother. " Danvers watched asshe pulled the fleecy covering around the sleeping child. With the act amaternal look came into her lovely face, unconscious as she was ofscrutiny, and a thrill of manhood shook him deeply. "So you did not care for the party?" inquired the caller, presently. "Ithought all ladies adored card parties and enjoyed fighting for theprizes. " "Play cards when the mountains look like that?" Winifred rejoined. "Itwould be a sacrilege!" "I do not care for cards myself, " agreed Danvers. "Wouldn't you like to be out there?" Winifred seemed scarcely to haveheard him. Following the direction of her gaze, he thought her wide-flung gesture adeserved tribute to the view. The Prickly Pear Valley lay before them, checkered in vivid green or sage-drab as water had been given orwithheld. The Scratch Gravel Hills jutted impertinently into the middledistance; while on the far western side of the plain the Jefferson Rangerose, tier on tier, the distances shading the climbing foothills, untilthe Bear's Tooth, a prominent, jagged peak, cleft the azure sky. Astretch of darker blue showed where the Missouri River, itself unseen, broke through the Gate of the Mountains. The view took one away from theaffairs of men. On their side of the valley towered Mount Helena andMount Ascension with auriferous gulches separating and leading up to themain range of the Rockies. As the foothills sank into the valley thegulches, washed of their golden treasure, were transformed into thestreets of Helena--irregular, uneven, unpaved often; in the residencepart of the town young trees ambitiously spread their slender branches;the main street and intersecting steeper ones were bordered withbusiness blocks as ambitious, in their way, as the transplanted trees. "'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, '" quoted Winifred, softly. "What a singer David was. But these mountains seem worthy of the grandold psalms. " "Yes, " assented Danvers, simply; and he liked her better on this secondmeeting than he had at the dinner party--a crucial test where a woman isconcerned. "I never weary of looking, " she breathed. "I think--I never should, either, " he declared, and looked--at her! Unconscious of his gaze, she absently jogged the carriage while the babyslept, and Arthur, holding Danvers' hand, waited his turn. "Mamma hates Helena, " was his contribution. "Sh-h-h!" warned Winifred. "Then if I can't talk, make Uncle Phil show us a good time. " The ladturned appealing, beautiful eyes toward Danvers, so like his father'sthat Philip drew him closer. "Tell us about the Crow Indians stealingthe Blackfeet ponies. " This was a favorite story. "Not to-day, laddie, " refused Philip, gently. "Miss Blair would not----" "Yes, I should, " contradicted Winifred. "Aunt Winnie will just love to hear that story, " affirmed Arthur. "_I_do! She tells me lots of stories. She was telling one when you came--theone I like the best of all. It had a be-u-ti-ful trooper in it whorescued her from a water-y grave!" The child's recital was asmelodramatic as his words. "He held her just so!" Arthur illustrated bya tight clasp of the embarrassed girl. "Now, you tell one. " Philip saw that Winifred had a real interest in the old days, and whilerelieving her embarrassment by gratifying the little story-teller, hespoke of the Whoop Up Country. Winifred had the rare gift of bringing out the best in people. Danversneeded such incentive; although denying it, he was a goodconversationalist. Now his whole being responded to this clear-eyed, pleasant-voiced girl who sat in the low rocker beside him. She wouldunderstand. The few times he had essayed to speak to others of hisservice in the Mounted Police, he had met with such indifference thatthe words were killed; and with the exception of the Doctor, Danvers hadnever shared his experiences with any one. To the women he had met inHelena and Fort Benton that lonely life had brought a shudder, and tothe men unpleasant reminiscences. So far as his associates of the earlydays were concerned it was a closed chapter. To the child Winifred, Danvers had been a hero--handsome, debonair; tothe woman Winifred, he found himself talking as easily as to the littlegirl who listened years before. The life at Fort Macleod was the onesubject that would win Danvers from his silence, and in the next hourMiss Blair had good reason to think that she would not exchange thiscall for all the card parties in the world. Presently he challenged, "You are bored?" "I've been delightfully entertained. It is all fascinating to me. Charlie will seldom speak of the freighting days, and I remember verylittle of Fort Benton. " "The old place isn't big enough for most of us. The Macleod men arescattered, too. " "Have you ever been back?" "Never! I could not bear to see the country fenced in, the oldcottonwood barracks replaced, the railroad screaming in the silence, andColonel Macleod dead. No, I shall never go back. " The baby awoke and diverted them, and soon the maid came for bothchildren. Half-way to the house little Arthur ran back. "I'm going to be a Police when I grow up, " he announced. "I prayed aboutit last night. I know God'll fix it. I put it right to Him. It waspeachy!" "Arthur is always saying the drollest things, " remarked Miss Blair asthe child ran out of hearing distance. "Yesterday he told me that whenhe went fishing with his papa his fish wouldn't hook on tight. " "I'm afraid he'll find the same difficulty later in life, " laughedPhilip, and rose to say good-afternoon. "I will not wait longer for Mrs. Latimer, but leave my card, " hedecided. "The doctor will be wondering what has become of me. " But the doctor found him very silent over his pipe that evening. Thesight of Arthur Latimer's little son had wakened the old longing, theinborn desire of every Englishman to bestow the ancestral name upon theheir of his house. Philip Danvers! For eight generations a son had bornethe name. Would he be the last to inherit it in this far country thathad come to be his own? [Illustration] Chapter III A Man of Two Countries On the Sunday spent in Helena the doctor proposed to Danvers that theygive over politics and call at the Blairs. "They won't stand onformalities, and we both need to get our minds out of this politicalstruggle. I'll be glad when I can go home to Fort Benton!" "Charlie seems to be doing well in Helena, " remarked Philip, as theyapproached the house next Judge Latimer's. "He's up, then down. He isn't much of a business man, and hasn't headenough to keep in the swim. He worships that sister of his, and just nowhe's doing pretty well. I fancy that she knows nothing of his financialstanding. " "I imagine Miss Blair knows more about Charlie's difficulties thaneither you or he give her credit for. She sees more than she tells. " The callers found brother and sister on the wide porch, and after thegreetings and a half-hour of general conversation, Charlie Blair askedthe doctor if he would come inside and give a little advice on a privatematter. "Good, " cried Winifred. "For once I'm glad that Charlie can think ofnothing but business. Now I can talk to Mr. Danvers. " "See that you do!" commanded Philip. "Yesterday I went away feeling likea garrulous dame; it is your turn to-day. " Winifred affected to reflect. "What shall be my theme--art, music, literature or our mutual friends?" "Tell me of yourself. " "As a subject of conversation, that would be soon exhausted. Women, youknow, are too idle to be good; too conventional to be bad. " "Indeed!" returned the cattleman, catching her mood. "I have known manywomen of that description. Pardon me, but I had imagined you were adifferent type. " "You say the nicest things! I feel that we are going to be very goodfriends. " Danvers bowed. "Thank you. I think we are. " She returned his frank gaze, and settled herself comfortably for anafternoon's enjoyment. "Now talk!" she in turn commanded, with the sweeping imperialism shesometimes manifested toward a chance companion. "I refuse. It is your turn. " "How you like to put on the mask of silence! Do you bolt the door toeveryone but the doctor and Judge Latimer?" "Thoughts are hard things to express, unless one forgets himself, andthey come spontaneously. " "Go ahead and forget yourself, then!" "You are inexorable, " laughing. "Your demand makes me think of an IndianCouncil. Of course, you know that when they meet to discuss problems, they sit silent for hours. The avowed purpose of conferring paralyzestheir tongues, apparently, as you have paralyzed mine. If I ever had anidea I could not produce it now. " "The Quakers have a prettier custom. They sit in silence till the spiritmoves. I will be the spirit that moves you;" and so adroitly did shecontinue that unconsciously the man spoke of more serious things--hislikings, his beliefs. "Why did you become an American?" she asked at length, the question thathad often puzzled her. "My mother was an American. " His voice took a note of tenderness whichWinifred remembered long. "But when I left the service it was with nothought of choosing this as my country. I had no desire to return toEngland, however, and the chances for business seemed greater on thisside of the line. " The girl's deep eyes gazed directly into his with flattering intentness. "And so the years slipped by until I found that my interests were allhere, and I could not leave, even if I had cared to. Isn't that true, judge?" he remarked, as Arthur Latimer came across the lawn. "You wantedto make a voter of me, for your own dark purposes----" "Philip always hits the bull's-eye, " admitted the judge, interruptingwith a menacing gesture of affection at the implication. "You would notleave the State. That's just it. The most of us came into the Northwest, as we thought, to make a fortune and go back East or South to enjoy it. But whether we have made money or not, we discovered that we are here tostay. The old ties in other communities are gone. Old friends are dead. Old memories faded. We aren't all such enthusiasts as the doctor, wholives at Fort Benton for sheer love of the place, but----" "I know just how he feels, " cried Winifred, quick to defend her oldfriend. "I could go back there myself to live. We have a love-feastevery time we speak of the dear old town, and that's every time I seehim. " "I think, " said Danvers, slowly, making sure of his words, "that I havecome to love Montana more than my native land, though that was certainlyvery far from my feeling when I came back to Fort Benton as a civilian, and asked for work. I told the man that I was an Englishman, but I madea mistake. There was a long list of applicants ahead ofme--Americans--to whom preference would be given. I thanked the manager, but from that day I determined to succeed without being forced intocitizenship. I did succeed, and of my own choice I became an American!" "Words, words! What are you talking about?" the doctor asked, breezily, as he appeared with Blair. "Let us into your charmed circle. I, for one, promise to be silent. Any occasion gains dignity by having an audience, and I'll promise not to be critical. I will consider your youth. " After a general laugh, the judge gave the trend of the conversation, andthe doctor quite forgot his promise. The discussion of good citizenshipbecame general, and presently Philip was appealed to for testimony onthe subject of foreigners becoming naturalized. "I hardly think I can tell you much that you do not already know, " hesaid, "concerning Englishmen becoming American citizens. We must givethe inhabitants of every great European country the credit for believingtheir own country to be the greatest. With the possible exception ofRussia and Turkey, I am inclined to the opinion that they think theirliberty is not infringed upon, any more than it should be; and they are, I suppose, contented with their lot. John Bull has every reason to thinkhimself a favored being. He is proud of the institutions of hiscountry--royalty, aristocracy. The knight, the 'squire, the merchant, manufacturer, skilled workman and laborer--each has his place. Thelaborer, cap in hand, bows to his master. So, too, aristocracy bends theknee to royalty--being taught to keep allotted rank in society, and todefer to those above. What is more, all have a supreme regard for thelaw itself, as well as for those who administer it. " Winifred listened. Her bright, upturned face was an incentive forDanvers to continue. "When we Englishmen come to this country, " he said, "knowing but littleof the government, we care nothing for it. We generally come to betterour condition financially, not politically. When we see the actions ofpolitical heelers at elections we are often astounded. We hear of Tweed, of Tammany, and it is not surprising that we have a certain contempt forAmerican politics. If we watch very closely we see men elected tooffice who are entirely incompetent, and we even have suspicions oftheir honesty. " The girl laughed lightly. "You choose to be very sarcastic, " she commented. But Danvers had moreto say. "As time goes on we watch events, comparing the government of thiscountry with that of our own. Little by little we are brought to feelthat these States are being fairly well governed, after all. In my owncase, when Judge Latimer asked me to take an active part in politics, Ihesitated. But I had cast my lot in Fort Benton, and it seemed wrong toaccept all that America had to give with no return from myself. " The Anglo-American looked around his circle of friends. Never before hadhe expressed himself so fully. He could not understand how he had beenbeguiled. But never before had he felt that a woman's brain would graspevery reason adduced, and understand--that was it; he felt that he wasunderstood! "Montana politics are like an Englishman's game--high. They smell toheaven, " said Charlie Blair, after the men had further discussed thepolitical situation. "I don't believe that Montana is any worse than many other States, "defended Winifred, quickly. "We are building history, " said the doctor, dreamily, "and historyrepeats itself. As the powerful nobles of Greece and Rome dictated harshterms to the common people and ruined their nations, so it will be withus. Machine politics, money and whiskey, millionaires andmonopolies--truly the outlook is depressing. " "You are not usually so pessimistic, doctor, " reproached Winifred. "Well"--Blair's contented philosophy was refreshing--"politicians seldomget more than one-fourth their money's worth, when they use itunlawfully. Three-quarters of it is wasted by giving it to hangers-on. " "Public men should be unhampered by demands for spoils. " "They invite the demands, Phil, " replied the doctor, dryly. "If it werenot openly known that a man could get a position as a corporationlawyer, or timekeeper in a big mine, or some other inducement, do youthink any would-be senator, for instance, would be troubled bydistributing 'spoils of office'?" "He would not be troubled with superfluous votes, either, " remarked thejudge, caustically. "Oh, " cried Winifred, with a vision of what might be, "if only thecandidates and the voters could be brought to see that public office isa public trust; that the honor of election is enough!" "That is the way it is in England, " answered Danvers. "There, forinstance, a man is elected to a city council for his personal fitnessand ability to hold office. No questioning of his politicalaffiliations. No perquisites--no privileges. Only the honor of hisfellow citizens, which is enough. It is the same in other positions, even in Parliament. " "Here comes Mrs. Latimer. " Miss Blair rose and advanced to meet herfriend. "I see by your eyes, Eva, " she said gaily, "that I have toplacate you for monopolizing all the men in sight. " Mrs. Latimer laughed, and the circle widened to admit her. "You are talking of politics, " she accused, lazily. "Either that or ofFort Macleod. " "Madam, " the doctor affected remorse, "we were talking of politics. Butwhen you burst upon our enchanted vision, as beautiful as when youdazzled us sixteen----" "Oh, don't!" shuddered Eva. "Why--why will men be so exact as to dates?Why not say 'some years ago'?" She looked around rebelliously. "I willnot grow old, even if you, dear doctor, have silvery hair, and Arthur'sis growing thin, and Mr. Blair--well, I'll admit the years have dealtkindly with Charlie and Mr. Danvers. " "And with you, dear, " added her husband, loyally. "How do you like my gown?" asked Eva, turning to Miss Blair as the menbegan to talk of other subjects. "It's lovely! You are so artistic! It must please your husband to haveyou so perfectly gowned. " "Oh, Arthur--as for one's husband, I simply can't imagine dressing forone man. " "I can, " breathed the girl, her thoughts afield. But the sentiment waslost upon Eva. "If I lived nine miles from nowhere I would dress and walk among the cowcorrals or on the range for the cowboys--if there were no other men toadmire me!" "You say such dreadful things, " Winifred answered, gently, "but I knowyou do not mean them. " "But I do!" wilfully. "I have grown away from the East, " the doctor was saying, when theladies again listened. "I want more room than the crowded cities cangive. "'Room, room to turn 'round in, To breathe and be free. ' "I fancy the Puritans wanted physical as well as religious freedom, ifthe truth were known. " He mused; then suddenly: "How can you make one who has never experienced it _feel the West_?" "You can't, " laughed Latimer. "I tried once, but my companion lookedbored, and I stopped. 'Oh, go on, ' he said, politely; '_you_ areinterested!'" When the merriment had subsided, Eva exclaimed: "I'm sick and tired of the West! I want to live in New York, Washington, abroad--anywhere but Montana!" "I wish that we might, dear, " said the judge, patiently; "perhaps we cansome day. " "By the way, " remarked Eva, her thoughts flying inconsequently toanother subject, "I've promised to read a paper on 'The Judiciary ofMontana' before our club to-morrow. Tell me all about it, Arthur, andI'll write the essay this evening. " She looked at the group in surprise. What had she said to raise such shouts? As soon as her husband could speak he wiped his eyes. "It's a pretty big subject for me to discuss now, " he said; "but I'llwrite something. That will be better than confusing your mind with it. These club-women, " he went on indulgently, addressing the others, "areso fervid--so much in earnest. " "Are you a club-woman, too?" the doctor asked Winifred, and Danverswaited her reply. "I used to be, " dolefully. "But I am a renegade, or a degenerate. I wasallowed to join the classic circle of a Dante Club, and for two yearswe (perhaps I'd better say I) agonized over the prescribed study--thecourse was sent out by the university. But when the third year arrived Iwearied of well-doing. I was horrid, I know; but the subject was remoteas to time, and dead as to issues. I like live topics, realissues--Montana politics, for instance. " "You might have joined the Current Events Club, " reproached Mrs. Latimer. "To be sure, it's sometimes hard to find topics for the nextmeeting, but we get along. Club work broadens our minds and widens oursphere, " she concluded, with a pretty air of triumph. "And when topics fail--to write about, " put in Blair, "you can talk. Youladies always find enough to talk about!" "Why, Charlie Blair! You're just as horrid as you used to be!" respondedEva, hotly. "Didn't I hear something about one lady's stabbing to death anotherlady's imported hat, just on account of too much talk at one of the clubmeetings?" Blair was persistent. "That story about the hat has been grossly exaggerated! It is nothingbut gossip. " "'Current Events, ' too, " murmured Charlie, properly deprecatory. Not long afterwards Danvers made the first move toward breaking up thegroup. "Must you be going?" Winifred rose also. "I suppose I shall not see youagain before the Assembly meets. You'll be sure to be here then, assenator from Chouteau. " "Thank you for your optimism. May I call?" "Certainly. I should feel hurt if you didn't. We are friends of manyyears' standing, you know. " Never before had he asked to call upon a lady. The importunity hadalways been on the other side. Late in the evening the doctor came to Danvers' room for the good-nightcall; but the talk was wholly of Judge Latimer's interests. "I'm afraid that Arthur will have a hard pull, " regretted the oldfriend, "but we will do all we can for him. I've had a telegram callingme back to Fort Benton, and must leave on the midnight train. " Danvers walked to the little depot, a mile from the city proper, withhis friend, and after the train pulled out he again thought of Winifred. As he passed, on his way back to town, the huge piles of loose rock thatthe miners had left in their sluicing for gold in bygone days, histhoughts followed the girl back into the long years since he had firstmet her on the _Far West_--a child eager for sympathy. It was odd thathe had never seen her in all that time--the years when he hadunconsciously longed for friendship, and the sight of a woman's face--awhite face. The rings from his cigar melted around him, softening hisface until it took on the boyish fairness of youth. [Illustration] Chapter IV The State Republican Convention The evening before the convention found Judge Latimer at the club inconference with his friends. His nomination seemed doubtful, yet therewas a possibility that he might win, and Danvers was working hard andhopefully. The Honorable William Moore had arrived from Butte that day, and as hegreeted various members of the club, watched for a chance to approachJudge Latimer. "What are the prospects?" he inquired, after a chat on politics ingeneral. "I calculate you'll need the support of Silver Bow County, andwe'd like to help you out. " "Of course, I shall be glad of your support, " responded Latimer, whoknew it would be impossible to win without this important section ofMontana. "Very well. What can you do for us--that is, for Burroughs?" The judge moved uneasily. "It doesn't seem to me that I can do very muchfor a man who has practically the whole State at his command. " "You know what we want!" scowlingly. "I shall have no influence. " "Bah! What's the use talking? He'll make it worth your while. GetDanvers to vote for Burroughs when it comes time to elect United Statessenator. He never will unless you can persuade him. You know his feelingtoward Burroughs, although Bob's been a good husband and father. Andthere's Charlie Blair, get him pledged and he'll be elected; and----" "Hold on, Moore!" Latimer's voice trembled with anger. "Why should youoppose me? Haven't my decisions always been just and----" "I'm not saying anything about your decisions, " broke in Moore, "although it would have paid you to be amenable. I knew the time wouldcome when you'd want our political help. " "I _don't_ want your help!" cried the judge, passionately. "If I shouldbe elected through your instrumentality I should feel as though everyman in the State believed that a decision handed down by the SupremeCourt was tainted with your money. As yet the Supreme Court of Montanahas been above suspicion, and so far as it is in my power, it shallremain so!" He struck out, his slight form quivering righteously. Across the room Danvers saw him, and walked quickly toward the men. "I want to speak to you, Arthur, " he said, and drew the judge into thestreet. "The elephant and the gazelle are trotting together, " said Latimer, presently, trying to be facetious in an effort to regain control ofhimself. He looked up at his stalwart companion. "Yes, and the gazelle is always looking for trouble when the elephant isaround, so he can be pulled out!" returned Danvers, in the same strain;yet with the undercurrent of affection that always crept into his tonewhen speaking to Latimer. Words failed the harassed judge as he attempted to reply. This friend ofhis! This dear friend! "It is just as I thought, Phil, " he remarked, after they had walked fora time in silence. "Burroughs will block me. " "That's bad; but it might be worse. Let me see. Who are the delegatesfrom Silver Bow?" "Bill Moore is the chairman. No need to specify the individual men, forevery one of them will vote as instructed. Oh, Burroughs has thatcounty well organized!" "H-m-m!" mused Danvers, nodding affirmation. "Silver Bow is not the onlycounty, and Moore is not the only chairman. I am chairman of theChouteau County delegation, and we are solid for you. I have more orless influence in other counties, " modestly. As they walked theycanvassed the situation. Without Silver Bow it did look dubious. Turning a corner they met O'Dwyer, ruddy and smiling as ever. "Here's O'Dwyer!" cried Danvers. "He is always good in an emergency. Hisfertile brain will contrive some method of procedure that will land yousafely on the bench for a second term. " A conference ensued. O'Dwyer shook his head doubtfully when he learnedof Burroughs' strong following, but said nothing until the three were inDanvers' room. "I heard Wild Cat Bill talking to yeh, " he acknowledged, "and I thinkI've got something up my sleeve. " But he refused to disclose his plans, only warning Danvers not to be surprised if he was late to theconvention, and they separated. * * * * * The convention was called to order. Campaign issues did not appear to beof great moment; but when the chairman announced that the candidatesfor chief justice would now be considered, there suddenly arose so muchcontroversy and ill-feeling that the meeting was adjourned untilevening. An active canvass was begun by Danvers for Judge Latimer, andby Moore for his candidate. O'Dwyer of Chouteau County, seemingly not somuch interested in the business in hand as in looking up old friendswhom he had known at Fort Macleod, circulated joyously among the men. Itwas not long before he was cheek by jowl at the hotel bar with Wild CatBill (Moore never objected to the old nickname), and after sundryrefreshments and their accompanying chasers, he proposed that they dinetogether. Mr. Moore was agreeable, and suggested a private room for themeal, being under the impression that O'Dwyer would look favorably on aneffort to turn his allegiance from Latimer's candidacy. As the dinner progressed he told O'Dwyer that he had in mind a lucrativeposition which Mr. Burroughs would gladly bestow on an old friend, ifthe Irishman saw fit to accept. Moore carefully explained, as theglasses were filled and emptied, that he had no ulterior motive. Oh, certainly not! O'Dwyer must not think that Burroughs ever offered abribe, even in so small a matter as this of defeating Judge Latimer instate convention! "Of course not!" agreed O'Dwyer, and surreptitiously glanced at hiswatch. He redoubled his efforts to be the good fellow, and apparentlycoincided with Moore's views on politics. The clock in the court house struck half after eight. The convention wascalled to order, and Mrs. Latimer, thrilling with the sense of unknownpossibilities, sat in the crowded gallery, and settled expectantly tothe excitement of the balloting. Strong and spicy speeches wereanticipated. Silver Bow, notoriously the hotbed of political agitationin the State, possessed in Mr. Moore a star speaker. He always hadsomething to say, and was the chief factor in filling the ladies'gallery. His fiery remarks and impassioned appeals were as exhilaratingas cocktails. Full well did Mr. Burroughs know the value of his trustedhenchman, both in caucus and on the floor, and he had left his causeagainst Judge Latimer wholly in Moore's hands, with no understudy. Hehad made the trip over from Butte the day before, and now expectantlyawaited the appearance of the Honorable William. As the delegates and spectators listened to the blaring band theywatched the rapidly filling seats and noted the tall staffs and placardsindicating the various counties. Danvers looked in vain for Latimer;Burroughs for Moore. O'Dwyer had not appeared, and the chairman of the Chouteau Countydelegation smiled as he thought of the Irishman's devotion to hisfriends, and the possible discomfiture of their common enemy. ButLatimer's absence was disquieting. He had said something about littleArthur's having a cold, but surely that would not keep him from soimportant an occasion. Nine o'clock. The chairman declared the convention ready to proceed. Burroughs, hovering near the doors of the auditorium, looked anxious ashe saw Danvers rise to make his nomination speech for Judge Latimer. Moore--the invaluable Moore--was not in the hall. The moments wereslipping by, and Burroughs hastily dispatched a messenger to his hoteland to the club. As Danvers gave a simple, earnest recital of Judge Latimer'squalifications and the need for such men in the State of Montana, he sawthe judge enter. He spoke of his devotion to his family, his businessintegrity, his high ideals; and ended with the plea that in this day ofcorruption in high places, his own State preserve her prestige bymaintaining in office one who had been found able and incorruptible indischarging his duties as judge of the Supreme Court of the State ofMontana. As Danvers returned to his seat he was met by the recalcitrant Moore, walking carefully, and blandly indifferent to Burroughs' angry oath withwhich he had been greeted at the door. Danvers tried to avoid the wavering path, but the Honorable William hada set purpose in his muddled brain. He fell upon the neck of thedelegate from Chouteau, and his arms met around Danvers' neck. "I d'know yer name, " he hiccoughed, enthusiastically, "but I know yeh'rea gen'lmun. " The unexpected followed. Holding himself upright by theembarrassed Danvers, he bellowed: "Mishter Chairman! I seconsh thenomination!" Pandemonium ensued--laughter in the galleries, drowned by the roar ofdisapproval from Burroughs' candidate and his following. O'Dwyer hastilygained the recognition of the chairman and again seconded the nominationof Latimer, and the balloting began. Burroughs, not being a delegate, had no place on the floor, and waspowerless. The leaderless flock from Silver Bow made weak efforts toassert themselves, but O'Dwyer saw to it that Moore did not get to themuntil affairs were well settled. The first ballot was taken, and Latimerhad a majority. He had received the nomination! There were cheers and loud calls for Latimer, and he responded briefly. In the excitement Burroughs succeeded in enticing the torpid Bill intothe lobby, and so effective were his words, emphasized by his fists, that Moore returned to the hall a chastened man, and demanded that thenomination be set aside. In the uproar Burroughs ventured onto the floorand yelled to the cheering delegation from Chouteau County, "Howl, yehirelings!" He violently accused Danvers of collusion with O'Dwyer indetaining Mr. Moore. O'Dwyer was in no mood to permit this. For years he had idolized theEnglishman. In a moment he placed himself in front of the ex-trader, andreaching, grabbed for Burroughs' nose. "Do I understand yeh're talkin' agin me friend, Philip Danvers?" heshouted, with a twist of the olfactory member. "If I hear anitherwhimper out of yez, I'll smash yeh one! I got Bill Moore drunk--I! Yehcan settle wid mesilf!" In the tumult the meeting adjourned, and Danvers was glad to get out ofthe hall and have a word with his friend. "Why were you so late, Arthur?" questioned Danvers, as soon as they hada moment together. "My boy is not well, " Arthur explained, as his eye roved anxiouslyaround the circling balcony. "Eva had set her heart on hearing thenomination speeches, and so I stayed with the laddie until the lastminute. I couldn't bear to leave him alone with the nurse-girl. " "Let me go for a doctor!" begged Danvers, anxious to be of some help. "No, he isn't sick enough for that--I did call a physician about dinnertime. Perhaps I'm foolish, " he smiled wanly, "but if anything shouldhappen----" "Tut! tut!" Danvers put his hand on the stooping shoulders. "I'm goinghome on the midnight train, and I'll send the old doctor up to see thelad; or, " with a sudden thought, "why not wire him? I will do it as I goto the station. " "Perhaps you'd better, " agreed Latimer. "I wish he had remained here forthe convention; but I know he will be glad to make the trip for the sakeof the boy, and the sight of his face will do me good. " "You've been working too hard. Take it easy now and don't worry, "counseled Danvers. "I shall be up again in a few weeks, and in themeantime write to me, Arthur. " He stood a moment as Judge Latimer waited for Eva. He felt, somehow, that his friend needed him. But his train would soon be due, and with ahearty hand-clasp he said good-night and hurried away for the FortBenton express. [Illustration] Chapter V Despair The days that followed the convention were like a dream to Danvers whenhe remembered them afterwards. He had scarcely picked up the old life atFort Benton--looked over his cattle and gone over his neglectedcorrespondence, when a telegram from the old doctor recalled him toHelena. Arthur Latimer's tragedy had come, and Danvers, unfamiliar with death, knew no words of consolation for the father bereft of his firstborn. Anumbness mercifully comes during those first hours, which makes itpossible to move about and go through strange, meaningless ceremonieswith a calm that surprises those who have not known the searing touch ofthe death angel. A few days later he and the doctor were back at Fort Benton again, andlife moved on as before. Only there was always the memory of Latimer'sdrawn face that no laddie's voice would lighten, no little hand caress. The doctor hoped that the political campaign would occupy his thoughtsfor the present, but when the election went against Latimer he shook hishead. "Read this letter, " he said to Danvers one evening. "It came to-day, andI should have sent for you if I hadn't felt so certain you would dropin. You're the one to go. " It was a letter from Winifred, and Danvers felt a peculiar sensation ofsatisfaction in seeing her handwriting, as if it gave him an added bondto their friendship. But he forgot Winifred in his anxiety over the message her letterconveyed. _"I wish that you or Mr. Danvers could come to Helena, " she wrote. "Judge Latimer is so changed since little Arthur's death that we sometimes fear for his reason. Since the election has gone against him there is no direct interest to take his attention and he has sunk into a deep melancholy. You could rouse him as no one else could. Please come--one or both of you. "_ Danvers read no further, but looked up to catch the doctor's eye. Henodded. "All right, doctor. I'll go to-night. " His heart was drawn still more closely to the stricken man. He longed tobring back to that sad face the smile that he remembered on the _FarWest_, when Latimer's buoyancy had been like wine to his lonely heart. He felt confident that the friendship of one man for another could reachthe heart of his friend, now closing against all human sympathy. It was noon before Danvers reached Helena and made his way to JudgeLatimer's residence. He was startled by the absence of life, the silenceand drawn shades. Turning, he saw Miss Blair entering her own gate. "I'm so glad you've come!" cried the girl, with unaffected pleasure, ashe hastened towards her. "But didn't you know that the Latimers had goneto the hotel for the winter?" Danvers had not known. "Come in and have lunch with Charlie and me, " she urged; "it will beready in just a minute. Charlie will be here soon and will want tocongratulate you on your majority. " "But Arthur--I feel I must get to him. " "Come in and telephone. He has opened offices down town and you may findhim there. I call up Eva every morning, but Judge Latimer is out agreat deal. " While she was speaking Danvers had followed her into the house. It was ahomelike room; a canary's trill greeted them, and a glimpse ofold-fashioned plants in the bay-window wakened memories of Englishhomes. How different it was from his rooms at Fort Benton! Winifred smiled brightly as she made him at home, and excused herselffor a moment. "And how is Judge Latimer?" questioned Danvers, as she reappeared fromthe dining-room with a big apron, which she fastened about her waist ina most businesslike manner. "He needs cheering--needs loving! With the old routine of officesuddenly lacking, and little Arthur gone, the man is lost--aimless. There seems to be nothing worth while--nothing to keep him with us! Andthere are other troubles--I don't understand them myself, but you willknow how to help him. I'm so glad you have come!" she repeated, with awarmth that made his heart beat faster. What would it be like to findsuch a welcome for his own sake--and every night when he came home! "Did you 'phone the office?" The words recalled him. "Yes. He is down in the valley; the clerk didn't know when he wouldreturn. " "We won't wait for Charlie. He's often late, and I know you are anxiousto find the judge. " After a few minutes' absence Winifred announced that luncheon was ready. As Philip held the curtains for her to precede him to the dining-room helooked longingly at the sweet-scented blossoms in the window. "I have seen nothing more delightful in years, " he explained. "I amold-fashioned enough not to care for palms or rubber plants. " "Another bond of friendship, " smiled Winifred, lightly. "Shall I makethe salad dressing, or would you prefer to mix it yourself?" she asked, after she had persuaded him to take the head of the table. "I make a dressing that is the despair of my friends, " she continued. "So I make them shut their eyes when I mix it, else my oneaccomplishment would be mine no longer. " Philip promised, with a smile, to "play fair. " He delighted in thehousewifely nonsense, and ate the salad, though he hated olive oil. "Salads are a woman's folly, " he had once said. But he did not repeatit. "How do you like it?" Her mood suited the visitor. The lightconversation took his mind from the more serious purpose of his visit, and Winifred's accent implied accepted friendship. He needed thisrelaxation. "I never cared for salads, before, " he replied truthfully. "Why did you eat it?" "I ate it, and I liked it because you made it for me. I am not used tobeing waited upon, and I rather like the experience. " "You poor man!" Winifred sympathized without reflection. "It must behorrid not to have anyone to do things for you. I should think--Imean----" she colored as she met Philip's eyes, "I mean--Charlie saysthat I have spoiled him completely. " The advent of Blair relieved the girl from her condition of fragmentaryspeech, and they talked of the Latimers and the political outlook forthe coming winter. Danvers took his leave with a feeling of regret at parting fromunexpectedly congenial friends. How little he had known of Blair--thegood fellow. How cheery and unaffected Winifred was! The years werebridged which had separated him from his kind, and as he walked down thestreet he felt a glow of kindness toward all the world. He called at the hotel, thinking Latimer might have returned, but Mrs. Latimer pettishly denied any knowledge of his whereabouts. He often wentfor long walks, she said, and seldom returned until late. "Won't youstay until he returns?" she invited, but Danvers pleaded business. Twice during the afternoon Danvers ran up to the judge's office, butfailed to find him until evening. Seeing a light in the inner office, heopened the door and entered. The judge did not look up. He sat with his back to the door, and gazedintently at a revolver, while his hand played idly with the trigger. Danvers stepped forward and silently reached for the weapon. "No, no, Arthur! Not that!" "Phil! You?" Latimer sprang from his chair. "Why--why----" Danvers was shocked at the haggard face. "I ran up from Fort Benton, Arthur, just to see you. I've been lookingfor you all the afternoon. " He gently pushed the trembling man back intohis chair. "Why--why did you stop me? It would have been over--now--if----" "Life is not so bad as that, old friend. " "Isn't it?" bitterly. "If you----" "I can understand--I know. But you must promise me that you will notattempt this--again. " Danvers spoke firmly, feeling that he could neverleave his friend if he were not given a pledge. The broken man looked into the kind eyes opposite. "You think me acoward, don't you? I promise. " "No, " refuted Danvers, warmly. "You are worn out, mentally andphysically; that is all. Take a run to the coast with me for a month ortwo----" Latimer began to laugh, mirthlessly. "I couldn't take a run to FortBenton, Phil. I haven't a dollar--not a dollar. I'm a ruined man!" "Arthur!" Latimer took a paper-knife and checked off his sentence. His voice wasimpersonal. "You made a mistake, Phil, when you interrupted me. No, do not speak, "he raised his hand. "I was in possession of what sanity I've had sinceArthur----" He did not complete the sentence. "I've deliberately decidedthat a quick shot was the only solution of my problem. Boy gone; homegone; my dearest ambition frustrated; hopelessly in debt----" "I can help you in that. " "And disbarment proceedings about to be instituted, " finished Latimer. "What!" ejaculated Danvers. "Who will institute them? On what grounds?" "Burroughs. He has trumped up some infamous charge. I got a hint of itonly this morning--a straight tip. " "He shall not do it! I shall have something to say to him--to thepapers. He would not like to have them get hold of Moore's interviewswith you and me on the matter of that Supreme Court decision. I----" "Papers!" Latimer threw out his hands with a helpless gesture. "Burroughs _owns_ every paper in the State!" "Well, then, I have another card to play. You leave this matter to me. You are not going under, and you are not going to--die--not yet! Bobwill drop the disbarment proceedings, I promise you; and if he is notamenable to reason--why--he does not own the Associated Press!" grimly. "N-no. But I'm broke--ruined. " "What do you think a friend is for, Arthur?" said Danvers, reproachfully. "If I had had any idea that financial matters weretroubling you, I would have fixed you out in short order!" "I can't accept favors. " "Favors!" slightingly, to cover his feeling. "I shall be aShylock--never you fear!" Then a hand, heavy with love, fell onLatimer's shoulder. "What is mine is yours, Arthur. " Within a week, not only were the judge's difficulties relieved, but theproposed disbarment proceedings were dropped. "I had means, " said Danvers, sternly, when pressed for details by thegrateful judge, and none but Burroughs ever knew of the threatenedexposure. Before Danvers returned to Fort Benton, he had the pleasure of seeingJudge Latimer off for the East on legal work and knew that his lowmental condition was replaced by a more healthy one. Mrs. Latimer heavoided. The gratitude of Winifred Blair came as a surprise, andstrengthened their sympathy in this common cause. He called to saygood-bye, but found her not at home, and he left Helena with a distinctfeeling of disappointment. * * * * * The state election in November gave Danvers a handsome majority, and itwas as the senator from Chouteau County that, early in the new year, heattended the governor's reception to the legislators. He came in late, and after paying his respects to the governor and his wife, wanderedrather helplessly toward the hall, seeing many whom he knew, but findinglittle pleasure in their casual greetings. Mr. And Mrs. Burroughs, as well as the Hon. William Moore, had come fromButte to attend the brilliant society function. Other acquaintances whonow lived at the capital were among the guests whom Danvers recognized. His sister he seldom saw, and the lack of any common interest betweenthem made it possible to meet her husband in only the most formal way. Presently he saw Winifred Blair at the salad table, who, chancing tolook up from her task, smiled invitingly. "May I not serve you with salad?" she asked, as he approached. "If you will make the dressing, " recalling their lunch of the latesummer. "It is already dressed, " laughed the girl. "Then you will let me get you some punch; come with me for it. " She was perishing of thirst (by her own statement), and Danvers findingsome one to take her place for a time, discovered a quiet corner of thelibrary past which swept the tide of callers. Hither he enticed MissBlair, and soon brought the refreshing drink. She sank on the windowcouch. "How nice to be looked after, " she said, gratefully. "I believe that youknew I was tired of the silly things one must say to men whom one neverexpects--or wants--to meet again. " "Never say silly things to me or I shall think I am in the category. " "Very well, I will not. I've always had to be to other people what theywanted me to be--what they expected. Somehow, with you--I am myself. " "You could not pay me a higher compliment. " For some minutes they chatted of the coming assembly and then wanderedto the discussion of a book which denied love to be the greatest thingin the world. By that instinct which prompts men and women to talk ofthis one subject they enlarged on the topic, impersonally at first, asif it were a matter of the price of cattle. "Then you do believe in the great passion?" "Certainly; don't you?" "I used to think that I did--years ago. But one sees the counterfeit sooften. " "There could be no counterfeit unless the real existed. " "You are right. The real is so rare, then, that one despairs of knowingit. " The subject grew more personal. "But we all want the genuine. " "I don't care for paste diamonds myself, no matter how well theyimitate. " "You have had opportunity to discriminate?" tentatively. "I--think so, " Winifred replied, reflectively, as if he had askedwhether she liked cucumbers, and his face clouded, for no reason. "Vicarious experience, " she added, mischievously. "Oh!" "I have admired men; liked a few immensely, " she admitted, frankly. "Butthe mysterious glow which comes--it has never enveloped me, " she endedabruptly. "Since we are getting so personal, how about yourself?" "I----" he hesitated. "You needn't finish!" Winifred nodded, laughing. "Other men swear by thelittle god that they have never loved--never--until----" Once moreWinifred found her facile tongue had led her into difficulties. "Other men lie--I do not; yet you evidently do not believe me. " "Yes, I do! That is what I so like about you. People believe you, trustyou, know where you are to be found. " "I know no other way, " replied the Senator. "It is no merit. I simplyfind it awkward and inconvenient to prevaricate. " "You are to be congratulated, " murmured the girl, ransacking her memoryfor another man who could say as much. An eddy of the flowing stream of guests brought Mrs. Burroughs towardsthem. Mrs. Latimer, too, came into the deep window space, the ladiestalking animatedly. "Am I not right, Winnie?" appealed Mrs. Latimer, after the felicitationsof the day had been exchanged. "I say that a woman has never had a loveaffair worthy of the name who hasn't had a lover called 'Jack. 'Jack--the care-free; Jack--the debonair; Jack--the dare-devil! It's allin the name, Jack. " "Alas!" moaned Winifred, entering into the gay spirit of the moment. "Alack, woe is me! That I must confess my poverty before woman"--sheglanced at Danvers--"and man! I've had lovers of many names--Henry andJim and--and--Bi----" she seemed out of names--"and of many hues--Brownand Green and Black; but never a Jack for me!" "If you haven't had an adorer by that name, " laughed Mrs. Latimer, "it'sbecause no man in the state answers to the name of Jack!" They alljoined in the merriment, to Winifred's confusion. "'Thou, too, Brutus!'" she quoted reproachfully. "What will SenatorDanvers think of me, with such a reputation as you give. " "Suppose I have my name changed, " suggested Danvers. "Philip suits you very well, " Miss Blair answered, sedately. "Youintimated a few minutes ago that you were rather inexperienced, " shewent on daringly. "If this winter you will try for such a reputation asMrs. Latimer gave me, I'll agree to meet you on the field of battle. " Asshe concluded the doctor came up and the joke was explained to him. Heturned to the Senator. "_You're_ too old to have your name changed, or to affect the tenderpassion, Phil. Leave that to younger men--to me! I'll have my namechanged to Jack, right away; and as for loving, I have always lovedthee!" bowing to Winifred. A chorus of shrieks greeted the doctor's declaration. "No, " insisted Philip, when his voice could be heard, "I am going toenter the lists, inexperienced as I am. " The challenge in his eyes was good to see, but Winifred could not meetthem. Delighted at the sight, the doctor changed the subject, and soonthe group broke up. As Danvers greeted others, he noticed Eva Latimer in earnestconversation with Mr. William Moore. He bowed in passing, but theirlowered voices paused only long enough for the conventional greeting. After making the round of the parlors, Danvers found the doctor and soonafterward they returned to their hotel. [Illustration] Chapter VI Il Trovatore The next morning Judge Latimer was surprised to find his wife taking asudden interest in politics. "Why is there so much opposition to Mr. Burroughs for United Statessenator?" she inquired. "Several reasons, " he answered, evasively, thinking she would not beinterested to pursue the subject. "But he will be elected. " "That remains to be seen. " "He has thirty pledged out of the whole ninety-four, and several----" "How do you know? Where did you get your information?" Latimer spokesharply. "Mr. Moore--nobody talked of anything else, it seems to me, " amendedMrs. Latimer, with what carelessness she could assume. "Since thelegislators have been arriving I have heard nothing discussed so much asMr. Burroughs' chances of winning the election. " "That comes of living in a hotel, " said the judge, bitterly. "Burroughs'headquarters are on this floor, too, confound it! I wish we had notgiven up our home. " "I don't, " cried Eva. "Politics are lots of fun! I had no idea how muchuntil this winter. It's so exciting!" She did not tell her husband that the Honorable William Moore had beenat considerable pains to interest her in the coming struggle, evenprolonging his frequent calls unduly, in giving her an insight (so faras he thought necessary) into the workings of practical politics asexpounded and promulgated by Mr. Burroughs and himself. So delicatelyhad he broached what had been in his mind since the night of Eva'sdinner party that before she was aware she had promised that she woulddo what she could to forward Burroughs' cause with recalcitrant members. The political manager had assured her that his patron, in his gratitude, would make the reward for her services magnificently great. Mrs. Latimer had not been cajoled into this without some scruples, forshe well knew what her husband would think. She remembered, too, certain interviews of her own with Burroughs, which she would have likedto forget; but it was many years ago that he had made love to her, andshe succeeded in allaying the troublesome reproaches of conscience bythe justification of the urgent need of retrieving their fortunes. IfArthur could be made minister to some foreign capital (her ambition hadvaulted to Berlin) he need never suspect her share in its offer. Mr. Moore had told her that only a rich man could afford to be at thehead of one of the larger legations, and had most thoughtfully placedcertain mining shares in her name, whose value had already increasedgratifyingly. When Arthur should ask her how he could accept such aposition, she would triumphantly produce the fortune made from theseshares, and explain that she had judiciously invested the smallpatrimony from her father's estate. It all seemed easy to the ambitiouswoman. Only a little effort to interest certain men--could anything beeasier? And the gold which she had found after Moore's last call! When she hadsent him word he told her that he had its duplicate; to use the money, since she had found it. The temptation was great. Arthur was alwayscomplaining of unpaid accounts. She settled certain debts with a lightheart. He would never think to inquire about them. So now she merely looked misunderstood as she continued: "It is nothingto us, of course, whether Mr. Burroughs is elected; but"--she hesitated, not knowing how best to proceed--"I'm sure a word from you would havegreat influence with the members. " Latimer was dumfounded. Then he began to laugh. "You would make a first-class lobbyist!" he said lightly. "Have a care!A word from you would be worth ten of mine. " Then, more seriously:"Don't talk too much of this, Eva. It is going to be a bad businessbefore a senator is elected. Ugly rumors are heard already. I knowof----" He changed his words. "Mr. Burroughs is not respected among menof integrity. Not even among men of low standards. His wealth is hisonly asset. Unscrupulous, defying investigation----" He pulled himselfup. Never before had he expressed so definite a judgment on themillionaire. But though he cautioned his wife, Latimer had no suspicion that it mightbe necessary. She had lived purely on the surface, showing no interestin anything but dress, society, herself. It did not occur to him thatambition might render her something more than a butterfly. In thisrespect Moore read the woman more accurately. That week Helena was billed for Italian opera. The announcement of _IlTrovatore_ made Danvers' heart leap with desire to hear it once more. Heknew it was doubtful whether the company could sing, but it could not bewholly bad. When he first heard the opera, during a boyish holiday in London, it wasat the height of its popularity, and every evening of his vacation foundhim enthralled in the boxes. The isolation of the frontier had but madethe old music more loved, and Philip decided to make up a box party ofhis friends. Miss Blair had told him that she had never heard it in itsentirety. She should be the guest of honor. Judge and Mrs. Latimer, Blair, the doctor from Fort Benton and O'Dwyer should complete theparty. "The opera has been given for the last twenty years, " said SenatorDanvers to Miss Blair, as she expressed herself delighted to accept hisinvitation. "You could hardly get a corporal's guard to go across thestreet to hear it in New York, I fancy; but it was the first opera Iever heard, and I love the old airs. " The theater was filling fast as Danvers held the curtain aside for hisguests to enter the box. The distractions of the opposing forces at thecapitol were, for the time, dismissed, and he listened with amusementto Miss Blair as he assisted to remove her light opera cloak. "I've never been in a theater box before, " she confessed. "It makes onefeel exclusive, doesn't it? And, oh, dear! dreadfully self-conscious. Suppose I fall out--over the railing? I'm sure I shall bring disgraceupon us!" She looked gaily at her host. "Suppose I should fall over?"she repeated, her eyes wide with pretense. "Somebody would catch you, " said matter-of-fact Eva. "If you think that you are growing dizzy from looking over that fearful, two-foot precipice, " said Danvers, adopting Winifred's tone, "I'm goingto be the one to save you from a tragic death! I'll go around now, andget ready to be a hero!" "Don't! A lady in an opera box is worth two in the orchestra seats, "paraphrased Winifred, blithely. "I will not fall out. " As Danvers pulled her chair a little further from the low rail, Winifrednoticed his face change. "What is it?" she asked, in quick response. Philip smiled a little sadly. "'My heart is on the ground, '" heanswered, using an expressive Indian phrase. "I cannot be light andwitty. I am cursed with seriousness. " "Your friends like you just as you are. " But in this frank avowal thesenator found no consolation. Danvers' enjoyment of the familiar opera was augmented by theappreciation shown on Winifred's earnest, mobile face. The companyproved to be exceptionally good, the voices above the average, theacting intelligent and _con amore_. The passionate intensity of theItalians soon enthused Miss Blair into forgetfulness of those aroundher. While her brother and O'Dwyer sat stoically, the doctorcontentedly, and Mrs. Latimer indifferent in her secret musing, Arthurand Philip followed, with her, the fortunes of _Leonora_. Not until thecurtain fell on act three did she readily join in the chatter of herfriends, and then only when Judge Latimer said to his wife: "You shouldhave heard Phil sing '_Di quella pira_' when we were at Fort Macleod. Hereached that high note quite as easily as this Italian. " "Don't you believe him, Mrs. Latimer, " besought Danvers. "Make allowancefor his well-known partiality. " "Certainly, " responded Eva, trying to make her tone indifferent. Shenever was quite sure of her voice when speaking directly to this man whoignored the past. "Do you sing?" Winifred turned with a quick motion which wascharacteristic. "Do you, Senator Danvers?" "I do not. " "But you did?" "You bet he did!" blurted out O'Dwyer, ever ready to recite the goodqualities of Danvers. Thereupon he told of the Christmas supper, ColonelMacleod's request, and the duet. "But they sang in English, so aChristian could understand--not this Dago lingo, " he concluded. TheIrishman's contempt for the soft Italian syllables was irresistible. "Oh, " sighed Winifred, after the laugh had died away, "I wish that Icould have been at Fort Macleod that Christmas night!" she includedJudge Latimer in her friendly glance. "Mr. O'Dwyer did not tell you that he could sing!" chortled Latimer. ButO'Dwyer begged to be spared, and after some good-natured raillery thejudge acquiesced. "Has that particular duet already been sung?" Winifred's eyes shone asshe leaned toward her host. "If it has I shall insist upon its beingrepeated. " "You are so used to having people do as you ask that I believe youwould, " volunteered Eva. "Of course I would. Everybody does as I wish. " "Perhaps that is because you do not ask impossible things, " put inSenator Danvers. "But to relieve your anxiety, and to prevent yourrising and asking for something that might be refused, I hasten toassure you that the duet has not been sung. Mr. O'Dwyer forgot to saythat it was the _Miserere_ that we tried to sing for dear old ColonelMacleod. I'm afraid we did it pretty poorly. " From this the conversation drifted to other matters. "I don't see Mr. Burroughs, Senator Danvers, although your sister andniece are in one of the opposite boxes, " said Eva, sweeping the housewith her glasses. "Nor Mr. Moore, nor Senator Hall--although his wife ishere, " she added. "Politics are more exciting than Italian opera, I fancy, " said Winifred. "The politicians are pretty busy, " confirmed the judge. "Whom do you think I saw on the street to-day, Danvers?" asked Blair, suddenly. "McDevitt!" he announced, waiting for no speculations. "No!" The men were surprised, for McDevitt, the missionary-trader, had longsince been forgotten. "He says that he lives in Montana now, somewhere near the Canadianline. " Just then a messenger boy brought a telegram for Danvers, who excusedhimself to read and answer it. As he returned the opening bars of_Leonora's_ florid song sounded, and under cover of the music the doctorwhispered to O'Dwyer: "You did better to-night in your whole-souledpraise than when your elbow was sprained at Fort Macleod. _This_ is thegirl!" "Betcher life she is! An' what's more, she's on!" The Irishman revertedto trooper slang in his ardor, and got a sharp nudge from the doctor inconsequence. The beautiful melodies followed in swift succession. Miss Blair gave asigh of appreciation as the _Miserere_ "_Ah che la mort_" was sung, andunconsciously put out her hand. The sleeve of her soft evening gownbrushed Danvers' arm, and instantly his heart began to sing. Not so hadhe been stirred by Eva's conscious touch, years before. Eva had notstruck the chord divine--this thrill revealed it. "I want to live, " breathed Winifred, "while there is such music and suchlove in the world. I don't care if it is old--the opera. Music and lovenever grow old. " As the duet ended, Winifred and Philip, each in the thrall of the divinesong, looked deep into each other's eyes. Confused, startled, the spellwas broken, and Winifred turned again to the stage. * * * * * When the Latimers were alone in their apartments the judge remarked onDanvers' generosity. "I never knew a man who so delighted in givingpleasure to other people. He sent tickets to a family of four to-nightbecause he heard me speak of their love for music; and they'll neverknow their benefactor. " "You're always ready to sing the praises of Senator Danvers!" Mrs. Latimer stifled a yawn. "I really get tired of hearing his goodqualities enumerated. " * * * * * While Danvers and his friends were enjoying the opera Joseph Hall sat ina hotel office in Helena, watching the crowd and grumbling at theexcitement and bustle of the politicians and hangers-on. He was something of a power in the political affairs of the State, butto-night the swarming activity of the candidates for the appointiveoffices displeased him mightily. So did the well-organized methods ofone man who wanted to go to Congress--Robert Burroughs. Hall did notbelong to the party in power, although he had been elected from hiscounty. As he saw Burroughs' friends hobnobbing with the countrylegislators he shut his eyes, cursing all men impartially. Like a thornin the flesh the memory of Burroughs' trick and the resultant lawsuitpricked his anger into poisonous hate. Outwardly he showed no enmity, but revenge would be sweet. To be sure, he had won his suit andrecovered his share of the proceeds from the sale of the mine, but thecause rankled, and had become a mania, not the less dangerous because itwas nursed secretly. In the jostling, good-natured throng of senators, representatives, boyswho wanted to be pages, and girls who boldly or coyly tried to interestunintroduced men in their clerical abilities, Joe Hall saw no one withwhom he cared to speak. Montana was not yet populous enough to make itsleading men unknown to each other, especially the old-timers. As he roseto go he heard his name spoken, and turned to face a man whom he couldnot for the moment place. "McDevitt!" he finally exclaimed. "To command, " was the fawning response. "May I speak to you for amoment?" Hall hesitated; he thought that the man would hardly be seeking anoffice at the capital, and he motioned the Canadian to follow. Theypassed into a small room reserved for semi-private conversations. "What shall it be?" he asked as they took seats at a small table. "Lemonade. " McDevitt had never drunk openly. Joe smiled grimly at thecall-boy's amazement. Lemonade was not often called for at that hotel. Hall's own order was gin. "Well?" McDevitt was disconcerted. He had thought to receive a cordial greeting, forgetting that Joseph Hall had left the North West Mounted Police indisgrace, and might wish to ignore his past. He hesitated; then, seeingthat there were to be no questionings, he began autobiographically: "I've been living in Montana for some time. I run a little store. Say, look here, " his voice changed to anxiety as he breathed his desire, "I'mhere looking for a job. I'm no lobbyist, but I want a position at thecapital. " "Oh, you do?" "Yes. I thought maybe you could give me a good word. I know you're aleading light in Montana politics. I seen by the papers that you wasState senator. " "Oh, you did?" Little encouragement could be gathered from thenoncommittal responses. Hall's restless, drumming fingers and loweredgaze threw the suppliant out of countenance. McDevitt, in turn, grewsilent and drank the last of his mild refreshment. Hall looked up, withshifty eyes. "Can you pray?" "Now?" gasped the startled ex-preacher. Joe relaxed in spite of himself. "Well, not just now. This is not achurch. " The jingle of glasses in the adjoining bar corroborated hisstatement. "When were you in Macleod last?" The question came suddenly, with intent to surprise truth. "Oh, some little time ago, " evaded McDevitt, deftly. Why tell that hehad been caught smuggling whiskey, and after serving his sentence hadleft Canada? Hall looked at him, thoughtfully, with a curious cunning in his eyes. "Then you don't happen to know where Bob Burroughs' squaw is?" "Pine Coulee? Why--she's--that is--perhaps I could find out? What do youwant to know for?" The caution of a possible bargain appeared. Hall did not answer immediately, but went back to McDevitt's request. "So you want a job? Why don't you go to Burroughs? He isn't in theLegislature, but he seems to be promising 'most everything to 'mosteverybody these days. " Joe spoke bitterly, and light dawned on the notover acute McDevitt. "H-m-m! _Me_ asking Bob Burroughs for anything! I see myself!" "Or him giving it!" supplemented Hall, remembering the rivalry of thetraders. Again he did deliberate thinking. If he should place McDevittit would be a small but irritating way to annoy Burroughs. He was notabove seeking even infinitesimal means of stinging, and this chanceencounter might lead to something more to his set purpose. So he wenton: "Get you a job, eh? Se-ve-ri-al others want sinecures. " He grewfacetious as his thought took shape. "I'm out of it this year, Mac. Still, I think I've influence enough to help an old friend if----" Hislook suggested an exchange of favors. McDevitt was shrewd enough to wait. Joe mused an appreciable time, beating his tattoo on the table. "Yes, " he finally said, "they've got togive the minority something, and I know one of the members who can getwhat I want. He's owing me a little favor--see? I needn't figure in thedeal at all, and Burroughs will be mad as thunder. " Again he thrummed, decisively this time. "If I get you on the pay-roll as chaplain at fiveper (or whatever the legislators pay for prayers which, if answered, would put 'em out of business), I'll expect you to find Pine Coulee andBurroughs' half-breed brat. He must be a chunk of a youngster now, ifhe's alive. And, " impressively, "after that I'll expect you to keep yourmouth shut--see?" "Oh, the 'breed's alive, all right, " threw out the ex-preacher in theexpansion of his soul at the thought of a comfortable per diem. "Thehour I sign the pay-roll I'll tell yeh several surprisin' things. I'dlike to get even, too. And as for talking too much with my mouth, Ireckon selling whiskey in the Whoop Up Country after the Police came intaught me the necessity of occasionally being a mute. " [Illustration] Chapter VII Debauching a Legislature The rumors of vote-buying before the Legislature convened were forgottenin the facts of the days following. The first ballot for United Statessenator, as provided for by the Federal statutes, was cast in eachbranch of the Assembly separately on the second Tuesday afterorganization; and it was, as usual, scattered by honoring different menof State repute. The next day, and the next, the ballot was taken injoint session. The first test of each candidate's strength showed thatRobert Burroughs had but thirty of the entire ninety-four. Thereafterbegan a systematized demoralization of the men of all parties whoconstituted the legislative assembly. Sumptuous headquarters weremaintained at the leading hotel by Mr. Burroughs, and the HonorableWilliam Moore, past master in chicanery and rascality, extended awell-filled hand to all who entered the spider's parlor. Burroughs wasseldom in evidence. In fact, he was not often in the city. "My friends are working for me, " he would explain, nonchalantly. "I haveplaced myself in their hands completely. It is not necessary for me totrouble about the minor details. They have urged me to allow my name tobe used; but, really, it is immaterial to me--I have other interests tolook after. " Then, plaintively, "I am far from well. " This last statement was a self-evident fact. Years of crafty plottinghad seamed Burroughs' face with lines that come from secretconnivings--an offer here, a lure there; a sword of Damocles held low;an iron hand and a velvet glove--all these things made for age in heavyretribution. He complained of the heat, of the cold; of his breathingand of his digestion. A sense of suffocating fullness oppressed him ashe climbed the steep incline of the streets of the capital. Yet heretained his pride in the English girl whom he had married, as heavowed, to vent malice on her brother. His family affection was the oneredeeming sentiment of his life. When he was away from Butte not a daypassed that he did not communicate with his wife, either by post ortelegraph. He took pains that no newspapers speaking ill of him shouldgain admittance to his house--a superfluous task, since politics were ofno interest to his home-loving wife. William Moore sometimes looked meditatively at his old friend as hefumed over trifles. Invariably after such reflection he saw to it thathis own private exchequer was bettered from the flow of gold streamingfrom the millionaire's store. It was well to be on the safe side, thought the ex-wolfer, sagely. Yet on the whole his arduous work asBurroughs' manager was conscientiously done. These men had workedtogether too long for Moore not to feel a personal pride in his work ofdebauching a Legislature. Other candidates there were, too, who used illegal methods to obtainvotes. Not that no reputable man was a candidate; not that honest, incorruptible men could not be found in the legislative halls ofMontana; but Moore's extravagance in behalf of his chief shattered allprecedents, defied integrity and exposure and eclipsed the good thatwould not be submerged. In fact, his prodigality defeated its purpose;when men found that they could get five thousand dollars for a vote aseasily as one thousand, they held their decision in abeyance until theconsideration was increased fourfold. This not once, nor twice; not byone man, but by the indefinite many, until it was current talk thatcertain men had received one, five, ten, even fifteen thousand dollarsfor their votes. Why should legislators talk of "their duty, " or "theprinciple of the thing, " when a lifetime of ordinary business methodsand dealings would bring but little more than might be obtained byspeaking a man's name in joint assembly? To listen to any group of mendiscussing the political situation one unacquainted with the law wouldnever mistrust that bribery in legislatures was a state's prisonoffense. So wary did members become that Burroughs, possessing small faith in theimpeccability of his fellow men, grew peevish at the delay in securingthe requisite majority, while those who held Montana's best interests atheart breasted the tidal wave of corruption with sinking hearts. As in every contest of its kind, the full vote for Burroughs was notcast at any joint assembly until Moore knew he had the number requiredto elect. In this way no legislator was sure from day to day of the mansitting beside him; some one known to be pledged to another candidate, or professing himself under no obligations to any man, wouldswaggeringly or shamefacedly, as the case might be, announce as his namewas called from the alphabetical list by the brazen-voiced reader infront of the speaker's desk that his choice for a United States senatorwas Robert Burroughs. Days went by, with no decisive vote; there was less good-fellowship, more caution; less talking, more secrecy; each member looking askance athis neighbor, wondering if he was or would be bought. Lobbies and hallsof capitol, hotels, saloons and offices swarmed with men talking ofBurroughs. O'Dwyer, member from Chouteau County, took to walking in the middle ofthe streets to ward off Burroughs' emissaries--greatly to the amusementof his friends, in days when amusement was seldom indulged in by thesmall band of honest men in the Legislature. State Senator Danvers grewmore grave as time went on. The onus of his party's opposition hadfallen on him, for he was working for the governor's election as UnitedStates senator as against Burroughs, also a Republican. He felt morealone than at any time since he had lived in the Northwest, for thedoctor was back at Fort Benton, and Judge Latimer away on professionalmatters. Hall grew unctuous, and had many a sly wink with Chaplain McDevitt. Senator Blair was moody, restless and irritable, except in the hourswhich he spent with Mrs. Latimer. Winifred, in her anxiety, became astranger to sleep, but she made no complaint of her haunting fear. Areserve, unnatural to her, became apparent. With Eva Latimer it was different. She was intoxicated with theexcitement, and missed no noon hour when the senate marched in, two bytwo, to the representatives' chamber for the daily balloting. With alist of the members of both houses in hand, she sat watching theproceedings and checking off each name on the roll-call. Her absorptionin the varying sum totals for Burroughs made her unconscious of theglances in her direction; and Moore, secluded in his retreat, knewnothing of her open interest in the capitol. Often Senator Blair was ather side at the convening of the Legislature, or provided her a seatnear his own, and in the intervals of routine work they would chat inlow tones. She often cast furtive eyes at Danvers, eyes that revealed somuch that those who watched her smiled meaningly. But Danvers, absorbedin his arduous duties, saw nothing personal in her self-revealingglance; he resented only her carelessness in protecting her absenthusband's interests. The contest was not without its amusing features. A nervousrepresentative shied violently at a piece of writing paper one nightwhich had been left on his floor by a careless chambermaid; for themember rooming next him had the night before opened his innocent eyes ona thousand-dollar bill miraculously floating through the transom. Ifbills of such denomination materialized as cleverly as roses at amedium's seance, what might not develop at any moment? It wasdisquieting! Beds were feverishly ripped open instead of being slept in;mattresses were overhauled and pillows uncased; chiffoniers were turnedupside down in hope that bills were tacked on the bottom; envelopes inunfamiliar handwriting were opened cautiously, with no witnesses; paperswere signed making one legislator an Indian agent, another a doctor in acoal camp, another a lawyer in a large corporation--all positionscontingent on Burroughs' election. The list of pledged men grew, yetstill Moore's outlay did not buy the United States senatorship forRobert Burroughs. "Yes, the whole number of ninety-four, " confided Moore, patiently, asBurroughs asked for the hundredth time how many members were in theAssembly. They were sitting before a large desk in the inner room ofBurroughs' suite, and the Assembly had been in session nearly six weeks. "I surely have forty-five of 'em now?" anxiously. "That's the way I've got it figured, " soothingly. "Good men? Men who would vote for me anyway?" Burroughs had latelydeveloped an exasperating desire to believe that some man was hisfriend with no thought of reward. Mr. Moore, knowing the aspirant'srecord and reputation, thought that this portended senility. "Yes--I suppose so. Thirty of 'em, anyway. " "And the others?" "Oh, so-so, " indifferently. What did it matter? "How many are there who can't be approached?" "It's pretty hard to tell who can and who can't, " parried Moore, cautiously, and lighted a cigar. "I fancy the lantern business wouldexperience a gigantic boom if one went hunting for an honest man inpolitics. " "In Montana, " supplemented Burroughs, smiling at his pleasantry. "In Montana, " acquiesced the arch-briber, suavely. "How many more must I get?" This was a question that any child couldanswer, but Burroughs had a nervous desire to talk which irritated hiscompanion almost beyond endurance. The day had been a trying one, andBurroughs asked for repetitions of statements and figures unceasingly. "Three or four, to make certain, " answered Moore, with what urbanity hecould command at the moment. "How much have you paid out already?" The change in subject was not sounexpected as might appear. Like most millionaires, the magnate keptcloser account of his expenditures than many a working man. "I haven't the exact figures. Men often come in and ask for money togrease their gabbers with, and I give it to them without making a noteof the item. " "I wouldn't believe you under oath--unless I chose, " Burroughs said, equably. Moore shrugged his shoulders. It was all a matter of a day's exigencies. "Seems to me we've got a lot of bribe-brokers who are earning easymoney, " continued the candidate for Congress. "That's no dream. But the saloons must be worked, and the men who aretalking for you all the time seem to think it is worth cash money rightalong. They've cultivated the politician's faculty of making themselvesindispensable. " "Oh, well, that's all right. I'll go to Congress if it costs me--no oneknows what it costs to buy a Legislature, but I'm going to find out thiswinter. " Burroughs looked thoughtfully at a slip of paper on the desk, then raised his eyes. "Haven't got O'Dwyer, I see. " "No. " "What do you think he'll do?" "I'm no mind reader. " "Can't get Danvers?" "What are you thinking of? Of course we can't get him. He's the head ofthe opposition. We won't even try. I've had one experience with him inthat Hall case. That's enough for me, and, " defiantly, "I rather admirehim. " Burroughs lifted his eyebrows. "Besides----" "How about Joe Hall?" Burroughs interrupted. "Joe will be in this evening. First time I've been able to get him topromise to come here. He's sore yet, Bob. " "That's all right. Better be liberal with him. I always liked Joe wellenough. But he's sold out so often in politics that he's a little risky, after all. Weren't you out with him last night?" Moore laughed admiringly. So Burroughs knew of a drive to a roadhouseand a convivial night. His chief kept an omniscient eye on everybodywith whom he was dealing. "Well, yes. I thought that I'd jolly him up a little without any hint oftrying to get his vote. I had half a mind to commit suicide thismorning, but my head was so sore that I hated to shoot a hole in it. " Burroughs grinned. "Joe's always telling of what he's done. According tohis talk he's developed the State from cattle to copper--from sheep tosapphires. A man who's always telling what he's done isn't doing verymuch now. I'll bet he'll be the easiest in the bunch if you tackle himright. " "Don't be too sure. A man that's been everything from a Populist to ajustice of the peace is likely to be hard to convince. Queer howMcDevitt turned up this winter, " Moore went on, after a drink. "Chaplainof the House, too!" "I don't much like that!" "Oh, we must throw something overboard to the sharks, " said Moore, carelessly. "A member asked me to see that McDevitt got the job, and Ithought it an easy way to get the member--see? Quite a number of the oldWhoop Up crowd here this winter. " "Yes. Got Blair yet?" "No. He'll be the toughest nut of all. He's hard up, but he's a prettydecent sort of man these days, and his sister has considerable influenceover him. Besides, he feels in duty bound to stick to Danvers--the oldstory of Danvers saving his sister's life, you know. " "I suppose so, " admitted Burroughs. "Get a woman after him. " "I have. Mrs. Latimer is interesting him in your behalf. But the idiothas lost his head over her, instead of taking her advice and voting foryou. " "He's a fool!" snarled Burroughs, remembering Eva's dismissal ofhimself. "I thought the time would come when she'd be anxious to get myhelp--in some way! But get Blair--get him!" he repeated. "He'll do totake along as a political exhibit. I've never forgiven him for squealingin the matter of that whiskey in the Whoop Up Country. Fix it so hischange of face will smirch Eva Latimer. That'll hurt her virtuous andlaw-upholding husband more than anything I can do to get even with thatdecision _in re_ Hall. Offer him--anything in reason. He's probablybanking on a big haul. Give it to him, and I'll see that his sisterknows that he was bought like a steer in open market. Her scorn will belike hell for him. I can see that Danvers is gone on her. She'll sendhim flying if her brother gets bit--mark my words. Or, rather, Danverswould hardly want to marry her--the sister of a bribe-taker!" "I hate to touch Charlie, or to offer him more than any of the others, "objected Moore. "I'll try to get you elected without him. I will if Ican, and in the meantime I don't give a hang if Mrs. Latimer'sreputation is scorched. " "I know why you don't want to touch Blair. That sister of his is whatyou're after. Look out for Danvers if you undertake to stick your brandon _her_! But my interests must come first--remember. And as forEva----" Bill let no smile indicate his mental amusement. Mr. Burroughs had not been gone long before Senator Hall looked into thehospitably open door of the outer room. "You here, Bill?" "Yes. Walk right in. " Moore stepped forward and stood aside for Hall toprecede him to the inner room, closing and locking the door. "We'll notbe interrupted here. I've been wanting to see you for six weeks--nevermade it until last night. " After a little talk of the weather and of the political outlook, Moorethought best to approach his subject boldly. "How are you feeling towards Burroughs, Joe?" "Just like a kitten--a soft, purry kitten. " Hall was heartilymetaphorical, as he opened his pocket knife mechanically. "If you wantto feel my claws, just ask me to vote for that damn thief! You'll thinkthat I live in four different atmospheres. You and Bob Burroughs may beable to buy the rest of the Legislature, but you can't buy me--so don'task my price!" Senator Hall had thought long on what he should say whensolicited by the Honorable William, and he had his bluster volublyperfect. "Any man but Burroughs may go to Congress, but he nevershall!" He continued to pare his nails. Moore was not at all deceived. He had heard men talk before, and hedetected the false ring of Hall's words. Herein Joe miscalculated. Hethought to deceive a man steeped in conspiracy and deceit. Nevertheless, Moore was politic, and made no haste. "Why not forget bygones, Joe? You would have done the same thingyourself in your deal with Burroughs if you had had the first chance atthose Easterners. " "Would I?" snorted Hall. "Isn't there any inducement that we can offer you to support Burroughs?" "None whatever. My constituents would hang me in effigy if I voted forhim. I was on the stump last fall and went on record. " "Your constituents! The voters! What are they? Cattle driven into achute! They don't know the true inwardness of State politics. Therearen't six men who do. " "Politics must be purified, " Hall announced, solemnly. "That's so, " acquiesced Moore. "Every politician I know, nearly, is sodesirous of being purified that he steps right up here, as though thiswas the disinfecting vat! Our legislators seem to think that Burroughsis the Chief Purifier, and that I am the one who cares for the shornlambs!" "Well, I can't change now. " "You're mighty conscientious. If you had been as much so at Fort Macleodyou probably wouldn't have been run out of the police for----" "I'm as conscientious as most office-holders, " Hall interrupted. Something in the twist given the words inspired Moore with renewedcourage to press his point. After he had talked earnestly for severalmoments, his guest interrupted: "Where is Bob to-night? You said lastnight that he would be here. " "He's instructing the conscientious legislator. " Hall laughed, and it was not long before he allowed himself to say: "Of course, if there's any money going, I want to get my share. I'd doas much for Burroughs' money as anybody. " After a guarantee of good faith had passed from a safe to his pocket heleft. "What do I care whether Bob Burroughs goes to Congress or goes tohell?" he muttered delightedly, as he felt the roll of bills in hispocket. "I've got a pricker coming that will sting his rhinoceros hide!This money ain't half what's coming to me from that mining deal; take itall in all, I'll even up with him before the session closes. Just youwait, Joe, " he apostrophized, as he entered the elevator; "just you waituntil the time comes!" [Illustration] Chapter VIII Danvers' Discouragement "Good evening, Senator!" Danvers was waiting at the elevator door asHall stepped through it on the ground floor. "Good evening, Senator, " returned Joe, thinking how little Danvers hadchanged in appearance since he first came to Fort Benton. The Senator from Chouteau County took the lift to the third floor. Hewent to the doctor's room, for he knew that his old friend from FortBenton, who had but just come to the capital, would be waiting for theevening call and friendly smoke on the first day of his arrival. To-night the younger man was unusually silent, and after the firstgreetings nearly an hour passed before a word was spoken. But thedoctor felt the silence--pregnant with the heart-ache of his friend, andat last he spoke. "How goes it, Phil?" "Pretty heavy luggage. " "He'll get it?" No need to be more specific. "I'm afraid so, " soberly. "I never dreamed it could be possible to mowdown an Assembly as Burroughs is doing. " "He would sell his soul for the senatorship, " affirmed the doctor, "andyet he pretends that he doesn't want the office. He would have peoplethink that he is in mortal fear of being politically ravished, and allthe while he, and every man that he can control, are actively engaged inpromoting a campaign of ravishment. " "And Bill Moore is his chief procurer, " added Danvers. "But the whole Legislature can't be bought. " "Every one!" "You include yourself there, Phil, " smiled the doctor. "But I know whatyou mean. It's damnable!" The believer in mankind felt the foundationsof the State totter. "I did not mean to be quite so bitter, but I am sick of the lack ofprinciple that I find in the men sent to Helena. Burroughs has a longstring of men who are now scattering their votes, on the pretext thatour Republican caucuses do not pledge them clearly to any onecandidate. This split in the party is bad for Burroughs, of course, andhe is not only trying to get my men away from the Governor, but isangling for members of the Democratic party. " After a moment he smiled. "Of course we are sure of O'Dwyer!" He then named several others whocould be depended upon not to enter Burroughs' camp, either by reason oftheir own integrity or the pledges they had given to other candidates. "So many in the field scatters the vote, " he continued, "and that givesus a chance to work. " "How about Hall?" asked the doctor. "Senator Hall seems safe. He is one enemy whom Bob cannot buy. I neversaw a man hold the idea of revenge as Hall does. " "If Joe Hall doesn't vote for Burroughs it is the first time that heever resisted easy money, " quoth the doctor. "However, hate will makeeven money seem of small account. But Hall will do some dirty trick, oneof these days, to get even on that mining deal. Those two are a goodpair to draw to. " "As politics now are it would not be hard to find three of a kind, "added Danvers. The old man took up the evening paper, containing the list of thelegislators and their city addresses. He checked off the names as heread, and presently looked up. "As far as we can tell Burroughs is shy several votes for a majority. " "Looks that way. " "We don't know who Moore's holding back--worse luck! But we do know whoare solid against Burroughs. By the way, what's Charlie Blair up to?" "Politically or personally?" "I think one means the other these days, according to all I hear. " "Possibly. " After a moment Danvers added: "Blair has promised me on hishonor not to vote for Burroughs. I do not think that he willdeliberately go back on his word. As for--I can't speak of it, doctor!Poor Arthur!" "Eva's not a bad woman--she's only an ambitious fool, " asserted thedoctor, touching one of the sore spots in Danvers' aching heart. "I canoverlook a woman's folly if it is the result of an overwhelmingpassion--some women are as intense as men. But to play with fire--whileshe is as cold as ice--as calculating as a machine----" The speaker madea gesture of disgust. "Be sure that she is promised something she thinksworth her while, by Bob or by Moore, for her sudden interest in politicsand--Charlie Blair. She is a good catspaw. I thought she was making eyesat Charlie at the opera, but I couldn't believe my own. She and Mooreare working the members of this Legislature by concerted action, or Iam very much mistaken. " "You haven't heard any open talk of Mrs. Latimer--Arthur would--I shouldfear for his reason--for his life--if scandal----" "Well, I can't say there hasn't been any, " compromised the doctor. "Butthere'll be more if she doesn't turn Blair down pretty quick. He'sdrinking, too; something he hasn't done since his sister came back fromschool to live with him. He could always stand liquor in abnormalquantities; but he can't stand"--abruptly he blurted it out--"first Evaknows there will be hell to pay--and I doubt if her credit is good. " "She doesn't care for him, then?" "Nah!" The negative was drawn out contemptuously. "All she wants ofCharlie is his vote for Burroughs. She never loved but one man in herlife. " A glance went to the senator, but he did not apply the words. "Poor Winifred!" sighed the young man. The doctor caught the baptismalname. "Winifred's a plucky woman. I'll wager she knows practically every movebeing made in all this rotten business--all, " the old man addedsignificantly. "Yet you would never mistrust it to see her. It is wellto put on the cheerful face and tone, yet when in trouble is it best? Itis deceiving to one's best friends, robbing them of the opportunity toextend sympathy. Winifred Blair is worrying over Charlie, yet she keepsher troubles to herself and cheats her friends of a just privilege. " "I wish, " began Danvers, then closed his lips. No one should see hisheart. "I wish she would give you the right to protect her, " said the doctor, heartily. "What has come between you two? I had thought----" "I do not know, " acknowledged the disconsolate lover. "She was friendly. We've seen each other quite a good deal. I thought she was one tounderstand. I cannot talk as most men do--I am aware of my failing. " His eyes were more eloquent than words, as he paused. "And now shehardly speaks to me--makes some trivial excuse to leave me with Charliewhen I call; or if he is not there she pleads an engagement. You havenoticed how Moore has been paying her marked attention? It is for her tochoose----" When Danvers began again it was of another phase of his trouble. "MissBlair has doubtless heard of my financial loss, caused by that earlysnowstorm and later rain, which crusted the snow until my cattle werealmost wiped out. My foreman wired me the night of the opera, youremember. Those that were not frozen were starved to death. Mypolitical life here in Helena is costing me a fortune. " Danvers rose and paced the floor. "It gives me the jigs, even to thinkof those cattle, " he burst out. "Not the financial loss, you understand, but the suffering of dumb animals!" "You did all you could, Phil. " "Yes. But what with a three years' drouth and no hay in the country, andthe railroads blocked so that no feed could be shipped in, even if wecould have gotten to the cattle on the range--oh, well----" Thecattleman dropped to his chair with a sigh of helplessness. The doctor took a new turn. "I have known you for fifteen years or more, my boy, and I never knewyou to be jealous before, much less unjust. " "I--unjust!" Danvers was startled. Never before had he faced suchaccusations. "Yes, you. You should know Winifred Blair better than to think suchthoughts as you are harboring. " "My experience with women has been unfortunate, probably; I do notpretend to understand them--they are too complex for me. " "Tut, tut!" The gentle friend tried to turn the tide. "Not Winnie. Sheis a woman to trust. " "But how can she have anything to do with Bill Moore? That is what Ican't get over. " "You shouldn't speak so of Moore. It shows a spirit I'm sorry to see youcultivate. Go in and win. You have probably told Winifred something ofyour standards of public morality and the sacredness of the ballot, andshe fears that Charlie will disgrace both himself and her. She perhapsfears your disgust if----" "She is mistaken if she thinks so poorly of me. Her brother's conductcould never change my feeling for her; rather, pity would come to pleadfor love. Do you think she does care for me?" "Do I? You had better ask her--not go tilting at political windmillswhen more important matters should be----" "If Charlie's foolishness is the only thing in my way, I'll force him tobe a man if I have to gag him in joint assembly!" cried the lover, joyously. "What transformations love will work!" sighed the matchmaker after hehad bidden the light-hearted Danvers good-night. "Standing practicallyalone against the might of Burroughs' millions--holding his scant forcesby sheer force of character, yet downed by the mistaken attitude of amere slip of a girl!" [Illustration] Chapter IX A Frontier Knock The next afternoon Winifred lay back in a low chair before a leapingwood fire. She wanted to think, to puzzle out all that was taking placearound her. She recognized, yet refused to accept the verdict of hercommon sense. She was no unsophisticated school girl; she was a woman ofthe world. The social and political atmosphere in which she moved seemedcharged with dynamic possibilities. Her closed eyes suddenly brimmedwith tears. Winifred let them fall unheeded, feeling miserableconsolation in her self-pity, as women will. Apart from the senatorial contest lay her personal interest in the gamebeing played by the scheming Burroughs, the unscrupulous Moore and theambitious Eva, on the one side, and her brother on the other. Whatchance had Charlie against such a combination? Robert Burroughs hadjudged truly; Blair's degradation would hurt Winifred inexpressibly. Hehad chuckled as he had watched the growing attachment between hisbrother-in-law and the girl, and thought of his vow. He realized thathere was a way to bring vicarious suffering upon the man whosedistinction had first roused his envy and whose rectitude had won hishatred. As Winifred groped in the tangle of State and private intrigues thatenmeshed her, the fire burned low and the snapping of an occasionalspark checked and soothed until her mind slipped into more peacefulchannels. She looked about the quiet room. The firelight threw her faceinto relief and accentuated the faint lines of pain that had come duringthe last few weeks; a pensive touch had been added to a countenance thatcombined loveliness with strength. The yellow puff-ball in the gildedcage by the window stirred drowsily, with a faint, comforting chirp. Thewhite and gold of blossoming narcissi, rising from their sheaths ofgreen, gleamed purely from a tabouret, and their incense filled theroom. Presently she took up events of recent occurrence with clearer mind. Shehad probably exaggerated the seeming coherence of disconnectedhappenings. She longed to think so. Eva took great interest in thesenatorial contest. Should that be an indictment? She cravedexcitement--expected to hold the stage in any episode; her position asthe wife of an eminent jurist gave her a certain prestige in thepolitical arena where pretty women were not unwelcome. The power theywielded, whether consciously or not, was almost unlimited--Winifred hadseen enough of the average legislator to appreciate that fact. In thinking it over, Winifred admitted that Mrs. Latimer had known formany years Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Moore, Mr. Danvers and her brotherCharlie--four of the men who were playing their part in the drama fastdrawing to its climax. What cause for apprehension in this? Ever sincethe Latimers' marriage their home had been a rendezvous for thepoliticians of the State--at least, of Arthur's party. Surely Mrs. Latimer could receive the same guests, even if the judge was away--evenif some among her satellites were men whose reputations excluded themfrom all but the very smartest set. If she talked politics she did so inthe pursuit of her affirmed desire to learn of politics at first hand. It could not be that she would descend to the plane of a lobbyist! Butwhat would Judge Latimer think of this surprising fervor? He would notcare to express himself as opposed to Burroughs. Did not Eva care forher husband's opinions--for his reputation? Winifred did not feel calledupon to judge her friend; she was only trying to account for thecircumstantial evidence accumulating against Eva. When the girl turned her thoughts to her brother, she was sucked into awhirling maelstrom. The doctor's opinion of her had been correct. Sheknew her brother and his fluctuating fortunes as only a sister ofinfinite love and infinite tact could know. But she never had dreamedthat he could be enmeshed by the wiles of the wife of his friend. Thecrux of the whole matter lay in the possibility of saving him, not onlyfrom Eva's hypnotic charm, but from the less intricate and more thinlyconcealed machinations of Mr. Moore. Winifred felt her first smart ofanger revive toward Mrs. Latimer as she recalled how ingenuously Charliehad been led to the juggernaut of Burroughs' ambition. It was horrible--horrible! Afresh came the intolerable loathing of itall--this overshadowing political machine, that could scatter ruin inits wake even if it did not obtain control. Winifred knew that Danvers was studying every move and checkmating wherehe could. She felt that if possible he would prevent this crime ofbuying a United States senatorship. He would protect Charlie. Throughthe doctor she learned how strong a bulwark of the State the senatorfrom Chouteau County was proving to be. She gloried in these recitals, and longed to confide in her old friend, but always the woman'sreticence withheld her. Presently a tap came at the door, and Mrs. Latimer appeared onWinifred's invitation to enter. "How fortunate, " she said, "that you came to the hotel for the winter!It's not only more convenient for you and Charlie, but for me. Would yousit by baby for a half hour, Winnie, dear?" she entreated. "The nurse isout, and I must run downtown before six. " "Yes, indeed! I'd love to. " They passed into the Latimers' apartments, and when Eva finally left, Winifred sat down beside the crib where the child slept. Heavy portiereshung behind her, evidently covering the double doors leading into otherrooms beyond. In the stillness she heard a voice. "I tell you I don't want any paltry thousand dollars! I know of threemen who've got five thousand. You promised----" The rest was indistinct. A soothing voice followed that Winifred recognized; then: "I don't carea damn if everybody can hear. I want what you promised if I votefor----" The speaker must have walked from the dividing wall, for thegirl heard no more. After a time an almost inaudible scratch, scratchcame from behind the draperies. Winifred rose in dismay, throwing downthe book she was reading. Who was seeking entrance through this privatedoor? It was evidently a preconcerted signal, for it came again, impatiently; then cautious footsteps retreated. Winifred choked theshudder that swept over her. Mr. Burroughs' headquarters took all therooms on that side of the hall except those occupied by Judge Latimerand his family. She had heard the unmistakable voice of Mr. Moore. Hadhe used that frontier knock--a scratch on the door as he might scratchon the flap of a tent? In a frenzy the girl walked through the suite. "I will not believe--I will not!" she said to herself. "I do notunderstand; but it is all right--I'm sure it is. I'll stand by Eva--sheshall not be talked about--shall not do foolish things. Oh, thiscontest! And poor Judge Latimer!" Her thoughts raced on. "How much worseif someone else had heard that signal! But it meant nothing--of course, it meant nothing!" She smiled, with a conscious effort, when Mrs. Latimer returned, withapologies for delay; and resolved again not to abandon Eva to theinnuendos that were already circulating. "Shall we go down to dinner together, Eva?" she asked, gently. "I'malone to-night; Charlie is dining at the club. " "Thank you, dear. I believe I'll have my dinner sent up. Thank you somuch!" After her lonely meal Winifred remembered her unfinished book, andthought to get it as she stepped from the elevator. She knocked lightlyat Mrs. Latimer's door. She heard a faint rustle inside, then all wasstill. Again she gave a soft, playful battering of open palms on thepanels; then she fled to her own apartments, and flung herself facedownward on the pillowed couch, weeping as though her heart wouldbreak. [Illustration] Chapter X Wheels within Wheels On the other side of the closed door stood Eva Latimer, lips parted, hands clasped on her breast in terror. The Honorable William Moore came from between the portieres over thedoor which he had used for entrance from Burroughs' apartments into theLatimer suite. "That's just like a woman!" he grumbled, as he returned to the Morrischair. "Fly to open a door!" "But I didn't open it!" "No, but you meant to, " severely. "I was frightened, " pleaded Eva. "No, you were not, " contradicted Moore. "You wanted to get that dooropen. It wasn't necessary that it be opened at once. You should havegiven me time to get out of here into those rooms that Burroughsreserved for just such emergencies. It would never do for me to be foundhere. But, no! That door must be opened! I've noticed that trait inother women. They don't reason; they don't think. But they must have adoor opened the moment there is a knock. " "It might have been Winnie. After you told me that you gave oursignal--that you wanted to go over this list before dinner--I've beensick with fear that she heard your scratch. But evidently she didn't, for she asked no questions when I returned. I don't want her to suspectanything. I never wanted you to come through those connecting doors, anyway. Why not come openly, as everyone else does?" "I tell you it would never do!" angrily. "Miss Blair had bettersuspect--than know, " grimly. "What people don't see they can't prove. " "It might have been Arthur, " still seeking justification. "Well, it wasn't, " replied the political manager, coolly. "Besides, hehas a latch-key, and we should have heard its click. Now, let's get towork. I've got a dinner engagement with Charlie Blair to-night ateight-thirty. Here's the list. Let's check up. " The Honorable was very methodical, very systematic. He called offsenators and representatives in alphabetical order, and checked or drewa line through their names as Eva told of her efforts in Burroughs'behalf. "How do you do it?" asked the man with admiration, as she reported thatone particularly obdurate senator, too rich to be influenced by money, had promised his vote. "I told him frankly that it was a personal affair, " admitted the fairlobbyist. "He knows women well enough to understand why I have neverbeen satisfied to live in this little hill city----" "And he thought it his duty to see that your brilliancy lighted widerdomains--I see. " Moore finished the sentence to suit himself. "He was very nice about it, " returned Eva, haughtily. "He thinks thatArthur should have some recognition from the government for all that hehas done for the party; and he added that Arthur was too big a legallight to be eclipsed by the shadow of Mount Helena. " She paused, evidently hesitating to speak further. "Can't you get the others on thelist yourself? I'm getting tired of----" She was shaken by theunexpected knock; suddenly, but too late, she was afraid of what herhusband would think--would say. Her aspirations seemed of small accountafter that tap that could not be answered. "Get Charlie Blair's promise, and we'll be satisfied, " said Moore, notunkindly. "You have done very well. " "Will Mr. Burroughs keep his promise? He knows that I----" Eva could notspeak to Moore of her fear of the man whose money she would accept. "Burroughs is all right. Words don't count, these days; it's money thatturns the trick. " "But I want more than money. I want that place for Arthur. " "My dear lady, " urbane William rose and bowed. "If Robert Burroughs iselected to the United States Senate, the judge shall be Minister toBerlin. It is practically arranged already. Bob's a big man in hisparty. What he asks for he'll get, never you fear. That is--inWashington. " "I'm glad to be assured. " Mrs. Latimer intimated by a look that theinterview was over, and rose. But Moore did not choose to go. "When do you think that you can get Senator Blair? Heaven knows you'vespent more time on him than on all the rest put together. " "I begin to wish that I had never seen Charlie Blair, " petulantly. "Oh-h! It's that way, eh? He's getting a little--a lit----" "Don't you dare!" flashed Mrs. Latimer. "You promised to ask noquestions. " "Pardon me. I said I didn't care what means you used, " corrected Moore, with delicate emphasis. He added, reflectively: "Blair has always beensomething of a recluse; but I've noticed that when a Puritan once feelsa little of the warmth of the devil's presence that he's rather loath tostep out into the cold again. " The look of anger from Mrs. Latimer madehim change both tone and words. "We have depended on you to getCharlie, " he said, reproachfully. "I never wanted to tackle him. Youknow how it is? I've never had but one weakness----" "Yes. She was here this afternoon when you signaled, " interrupted Eva, glad to repay him in ever so little for his insult. "What a pity thatyou could not have known it. You might have come in. " "Thank God I didn't!" "Winifred is too good for you. Senator Danvers is the sort she willmarry. " Not relishing the information, Moore turned to go. But he had one moresting. "It'll be pretty hard for you to see Danvers married, won't it?"Then, satisfied to see the quick flush on Eva's cheeks, he addedcasually: "I'll talk with Blair to-night. You needn't bother with himfurther. " He knew how to frighten the woman. It was understood that shemust follow instructions or receive no pay. "Give me one more chance, " begged Eva, trembling. As Mr. Moore walked briskly toward the club where he was to have dinnerwith Blair he thought of all that underlay this winter's work, and itseemed but a continuance of the days of fur and whiskey smuggling in theWhoop Up Country. It was a series of wheels within wheels--this work ofelecting a man to Congress; and the man's soul reveled in the intrigueof it. He was quite content to be the one to superintend theirrevolutions and to watch the havoc which they might cause. Burroughs'vaulting ambition was the greatest need of all, but revolving around itwere the triple, lesser desires of the ex-trader; of wreaking vengeanceon Judge Latimer through his wife's folly; of causing Charlie Blair'sdownfall, to repay the old grudge of the Queen's evidence; and ofwounding the hated Danvers through his friends, as well as separatinghim from Winifred. And now but one vote was needed to give Burroughs his heart's desire. Moore had not told Eva this. But if Charlie could be secured to-night, to-morrow or the next day he would give the signal, and the men, boughtbut not yet delivered, would vote for Burroughs--and the battle be won!Oh, it was glorious! Bob _was_ lucky. How often he had said it ofhimself. Yet sudden fear came. A certain Corsican had thought that hewas the darling of the gods, and confused his luck with destiny. HadBurroughs made the same mistake? Certainly not. Moore's habitualconfidence returned manifold. The opposition was divided among too manymen to amount to anything more than to keep Burroughs in uncertainty, and no stretching of his imagination could conceive any one man fusingtheir warring elements. Moore already saw his winter's work crowned withsuccess. Blair was waiting on the club steps for his host, and the dinner wasready. They were unusually silent until the black coffee and the cigarswere brought. Then Moore leaned forward to reach the cognac for hiscoffee and asked: "How much does it cost you a year to live, Charlie? Expenses run prettyhigh?" The questions were unexpected. Blair knew the motive of his host ingiving a dinner, for Moore seldom entertained without an underlyingreason. Certainly he never spent his own or Burroughs' money withoutexpecting fair returns. But Charlie had thought the attack would be moredirect. Therefore he answered lightly: "I might reply as a colored man did who was asked how little he couldlive on. 'I live and work on three cents' worth of peanuts a day, butI'm a little hungry sometimes. '" Mr. Moore smiled perfunctorily. He had no sense of humor. "What have you been doing all summer?" "Prospecting. " "Prospecting is like trying to raise money without security. Neitherpans out. " "Precious little you know about either, " retorted Blair. "You're a poor man, " said Moore, abruptly. The announcement struck thesenator as superfluous. He nodded. "I am familiar with the fact. " The Honorable William resolved to strike. He had never thought to speakto Charlie, but if Mrs. Latimer could not bring him to the point hewould have to do it himself. One more member must be secured, and Blairwas the only possible man. The other legislators who had not alreadysuccumbed seemed impregnable. Moore became impatient as he remembered how easy it had seemed at firstto secure enough votes to elect his chief. "Charlie, " he began, clearing his throat, "we want you in this fight weare making, and we want you hard. We are going to win. We are going toget the votes; if we don't get them one way, we're going to get themanother. " "So I've understood. " The host felt on unstable ground at the noncommittal answer, but heboldly pushed ahead. No time to fear quicksands--the end of the sessionwas too near! He dwelt on the good that Burroughs could do the State ifhe went to Congress, and finally repeated: "Bob's going to be elected. He's gaining votes every day. But we need toget the thing over with, and--it will be to your financial interest towork with us. " Moore played nervously with his teaspoon. Senator Blair watched his smoke rings fade, and made no response. Bothmen were silent for a time. Moore occupied himself by placing, withinfinite exactness, three cubes of sugar on his spoon and pouring brandyover them. When the liquor was fired the blue flame lighted his faceweirdly. So might _Mephistopheles_ have looked when tempting _Faust_. Hewas thinking that Blair had always been a failure, and always wouldbe--slow, methodical, too dull to see his best interests. He was aplodder, content with moderate means, when infinite opportunities inMontana waited a man's grasp--if he was sharp enough. But silent Charlie was thinking that his opportunity had come. Duringthe past weeks he had observed, with his usual calm, the trend ofevents. He had been inclined to promise Mrs. Latimer the boon she asked, for he would be glad to promote Judge Latimer's advancement(remembering the fine that Latimer had paid at Fort Macleod), even ifin doing so he should aid the man he hated for stealing his squaw. ButCharlie was beginning to forget the judge's kindness in his passion forthe judge's wife. He realized that as soon as he cast his vote forBurroughs all the advances and marks of favor which stamp a lobbyist ofthe sex without a franchise would be a thing of the past--an episode tobe forgotten. He had quite lost sight of the commandment, "Thou shaltnot covet thy neighbor's wife. " Instead, he was dreaming over the factof a possible possession. Knowing too well the paucity of his bank account, he was tempted to playboth sides--to make a big strike with Moore, and to press hishalf-repulsed, half-accepted passion until Eva Latimer should consent tohis plans for the future. To sum the matter up: He meant to get morethan anyone else from this business of electing a United States senator. Never mind Winifred. The lure of inviting eyes had so completelyensnared him that during these days of intrigue he had almost forgottenthe existence of his sister in the alternate intoxication of Eva'scompanionship and the less dangerous one of liquor. The host grew impatient as his guest made no effort to reopen theconversation. He drank his coffee with a jerk and drew an envelope fromhis pocket. It was stuffed with bills, and a torn corner showed thefigures "1000. " Moore pulled it out and threw it across the table. "There! That's what Burroughs and I do business with, " he exclaimed. "'Tisn't so heavy as gold, nor as pretty; but it's a pretty goodsubstitute. It's not intended to influence your vote, " he hastened toadd, as he noted the senator's expression; "it just shows you that myfeelings are agreeable toward you--and that pretty sister of yours. " "Leave my sister out of it, please, " commanded Blair, with dignity. "Ican't use a thousand-dollar bank note. I'm not in the habit of flashingbills of that denomination. " "You will be if you tie to us, " suggested the tempter. "Thousand-dollarbills will be as common in Helena in a few days as nickels in acontribution box. I'm about out of 'em myself, but the old man'sbringing in a stack to-night. They come in right handy for contingentexpenses. " "I suppose so, " assented Blair, pocketing the money with a fine air ofpreoccupation that made the Honorable William smile the smile of thecanary-nourished cat. "If there's any money going I'd like to get myshare of it, of course, if it could be done without my sister knowingit. But I'll not vote for Burroughs until the last one. Perhaps thenI'll see about changing if you are sure that you have a majority. " Moore rapidly ran over a list of names. "Will that satisfy you?" hedemanded. "You see, I trust you. Every man I have named will vote forBurroughs whenever I say so. I may never call on them all--I won'tunless I have to. But"--the pause was purposely impressive--"they are tohave their money whether they are called upon or not, and so will you, provided that Burroughs is elected. " "You'll never make me believe that Joe Hall can be bought--not until Ihear him give his vote for Robert Burroughs. I notice you have himlisted. He hates Bob more than I do, and that's saying a good deal. " "He was the easiest one of the whole bunch. He was the cheapest, andhe's afraid he won't earn his money. " "Does Burroughs sanction all this?" Senator Blair was amazed, not somuch at the men bought as at the sum total that must have been expended. Why was Burroughs so anxious to go to Congress? He did not need themoney that was popularly supposed to accrue to senators in Washingtonfrom land grants, timber lands and other large steals; he had millionsalready. "Well, he's putting up the dough, but I don't trouble him with all theminor details, " admitted Moore. "Bob's not the only one who's offering good money for votes, " saidBlair. "Who has approached you?" "That's like asking who yelled fire at a theater. There are some sevencandidates, and a thousand workers--I can't name them all. " "We expect to pay every member who votes for Burroughs--of his own partyor not. The man who votes for him without being paid is a fool. " "Might as well have a red flag of auction placed on the speaker's desk. "Senator Blair was inclined to moralize. "Money is a legitimate source of influence in a Legislature. " Moore wason the defensive. "I judge that you think so, if no one else. But, see here! I can't votefor Burroughs, any way I see it!" (Moore thought of his vanishedthousand-dollar bill!) "I've promised Danvers to vote for the Governor. My friendship for Phil--you know he saved my sister's life----" "Friendship be damned! What difference does it make when you can getcash and get it easy? Say!" Moore leaned forward in his earnestness. "Ifyou've been approached before, let me get my work in. " He held up tenfingers as indicative of what he would pay. "Ten thousand dollars doesn't make much of a stir in Montana, " spokeBlair, scornfully. "Fifteen, then!" The senator's eyes narrowed. "Twenty? Come, now! How'sthat? Burroughs will pay it. No one else has got that, Charlie. " "If Burroughs is good for twenty thousand, he's good for more. " "How much do you want? Spit it out!" The briber was disgusted. This wasnot the Blair whom he had known in Fort Benton days. "I'm not soliciting nor making a proposition. But if my vote is worthanything it's worth twenty-five thousand--yes, thirty thousand dollars!"Blair, for the first time, looked Burroughs' manager in the eye. If hegot that sum he could leave Montana--and not alone! "Are you mad?" Moore was aghast. Even his own rapacity had not thoughtto hold up Burroughs for such a sum. Thirty thousand dollars forspeaking a man's name in joint assembly! Thus he interpreted selling avote. "No, I'm not mad. But that is my price. " Blair also rose, unexpectedlycommitted to a fixed statement. "You'll never get it!" roared Moore. "I'll see you damned first! We'llfind others who aren't so high-priced! You have over-reached this time, Charlie Blair!" And they parted in unfriendly fashion. The next day the Honorable Mr. Moore notified Mrs. Latimer that all shehad done for Mr. Burroughs would avail nothing if she failed to securethe vote of Senator Blair. [Illustration] Chapter XI The Chinese Legend "Well, well, well! What does this mean?" The doctor looked in amazementat Miss Blair as she opened the door to his rap, the same evening thatMoore gave his dinner to her brother. Traces of tears were to be seen;indeed, more tears seemed ready to fall, despite her effort to restrainthem. "Come right in, doctor!" Winifred made no pretense of answering hisquestion, but busily engaged herself in pulling the easiest chair to thecheerful grate fire. "I believe that I am more glad to see you thananyone else in the world, " she added, affectionately, as she motionedher caller to the comfortable corner. "Now we'll have a nice, long, cozyevening. " "What does this mean?" repeated the doctor, with the privilege offriendship, not to be put off. "You should know better than to ask a woman why her eyes are red--itisn't polite! Are mine very red?" she asked, ruefully. Before he couldanswer: "Let us talk of Fort Benton, and of what good times we'll havewhen we are there again to live happy ever after. Really, I mean it, "she said, earnestly, seeing his questioning face. "I want toforget--everything but Fort Benton. " Still her visitor looked at her keenly, until she sat silent under hisscrutiny. He was not deceived. Nevertheless he humored her for themoment, knowing that she was no match for his astuteness when the timecame to probe her hurt. "Fort Benton, eh? You know the weak spot of the old doctor, you'rastical', " whimsically. Then, more seriously: "I, too, wish we werethere. Like you, I am sick of Helena. We were all happier, better off, in the little old trading-post--before--the railroads came. " He ascribedall evils to the course of empire as exemplified in the steel rails ofcommerce. "The Latimers, the Burroughs, the Halls, Bill Moore, you andCharlie--every one of you moved away. Phil and I are the only ones left;and since he is in the Legislature I spend almost as much time in Helenaas at Fort Benton. " "There's Mr. O'Dwyer. " "I forgot him. Yes, O'Dwyer stays near Danvers--he left the Police to goto him, you know. " As he looked around the room he asked, "Where'sCharlie to-night?" "He's dining with Mr. Moore at the club. " "With Moore?" The doctor, surprised, repeated her words. "Yes. I--didn't know--they weren't friends. " Something in her hesitation gave her visitor an opportunity to ask: "Youdo not care very much for the Honorable William?" "No, I do not!" came the quick response. "Yet he is accounted quite a ladies' man; and, " tentatively, "I can seethat he is quite infatuated. " "He can get un-infatuated, " interrupted Winifred, with no pretense ofmisunderstanding. The doctor was pleased at this outburst. He had been an observer ofadvances and repulses between these two. Now he was thinking of anotheraffair whose recent complications were giving him much concern. "You wouldn't call him a gentleman?" "Oh, no. He's a politician. " "That's rather hard on the rest of us who are dabbling in politics. " "You know what I mean!" Winifred made a pretty _moue_, her chinupturned, showing clear against the leaping flame. As her companionnoted her sweetness he almost longed for his bygone youth. "I sometimes think I have missed a good deal by not marrying, " mused thedoctor, with seeming irrevelance. "But the rôle of husband was tooexacting a one for me!" Miss Blair gave his hand a gentle pressure which conveyed her disbelief. "We bachelors are rather a forlorn class, when the years begin to countup; and as for the women who do not marry----" He left her to completethe observation. "They are not all forlorn, " defended Winifred. "But I will admit thatthe unsuspected longings of some of them are pathetic. Here is a case inpoint. I had a caller this very afternoon--a woman of middle age whoused to work for us. She was in distress because she had received anoffer of marriage. From a worldly standpoint she is foolish not toaccept the man, for he is worthy of her, and could provide a home. WhenI ventured to say as much she cried, and showed me this clipping fromsome old paper. Shall I read it?" The doctor assented, and Winifred rose and took a slip from the mantel. "'_There is an interesting old Chinese legend_, '" she read, "'_which relates how an angel sits with a long pole which he dips into the Sea of Love and lifts a drop of shining water. With an expert motion he turns one-half of this drop to the right, where it is immediately transformed into a soul; the other half to the left--a male and a female; and these two souls go seeking each other forever. The angel is so constantly occupied that he keeps no track of the souls that he separates, and they must depend upon their own intuition to recognize each other. _'" The old man reached for the paper as Winifred ceased. She was silent ashe glanced it over. "That old legend did not seem trite to her; it does not to me, " said thegirl, as the doctor looked up. "I asked her to leave it for me to copy. " "And the woman?" reminded the doctor. "She stood before me, gaunt, unlovely, growing old. As I read herclipping she clasped her hands tensely. 'Don't you see why I don't marryhim?' she cried, and all the romance and persistent hope of her lifetimecame to her faded eyes. 'Because I want to find my other half. Because Iwant--Love. '" "She is all right, and I respect her, " said the doctor. "Too many womensacrifice their personality in loveless marriages. " "I am in doubt, " speculated Winifred, "whether the women who leadcolorless, unloved and unloving lives are not happier after all. Theyhave fewer troubles. Men are very interesting, but they can make awoman's life so miserable, too. " More than a hint of pathos in this, thought the listener. "How about agirl making a man miserable?" he inquired. "A girl who has love--deep, sincere love waiting her recognition?" The surgeon took the kniferesolutely. "I don't know what you--I was speaking in general----" "Somewhere in the Bible, I think, somebody goes about seeking whom hemay devour. Nowadays women go about looking for trouble. I've known thatkind before, Winnie, but I never saw anyone fairly gallop after it asyou do. " "Why, doctor!" "My dear, " the friend put his hand caressingly on her own, "why do yourepulse Danvers' love? Do not be offended, " he said gently, as shepulled away. She hid her face in her upturned hands. Suddenly it was sweet to feelthe solicitude of a love so like what she had dreamed a father's mightbe. "I can see, dear child. I know Philip as I know my own heart. I think Iknow you (so far as a man can understand a woman), " he stroked her hairfondly, "and you are making a mistake. " "No, I'm not, " came in a whisper. "I--you don'tknow--about--Charlie----" Tears fell fast, relieving the suppressedanguish of weeks. "Oh, yes, I do. " His words fell like balm. "Charlie has been so good to me all these years. I can't bear to seehim--drift. You know--I can't say it----" "Don't say it, " counseled the doctor. "I understand perfectly. " "And yet, " with quivering voice, "you ask me why I turn Mr. Danversaway! Can't you understand--knowing his love for Judge Latimer? Oh, whatshall I do? What shall I do?" she gasped; but soon controlled herself. "And I'm afraid Charlie will vote for Mr. Burroughs because----" "Exactly!" The doctor used the truth unsparingly. "Eva has secured manyvotes for Burroughs. But we'll hope that Charlie can be held in line. Hehas promised Danvers to vote for his candidate--the governor. " "Oh, but I'm afraid!" wailed the girl. "And if--oh, he would despise usboth--we are of the same blood! If it were not for this dreadful contestI might be so happy!" Confession shone in her eyes. "Thank God!" said the old man, reverently. "He has been good toyou--both. " He kissed the hand that trembled in his. "You have made mehappy, too. " They sat in silent communion, the old man watching the play of emotionon the girl's sensitive face, now free from the look of anxiety that hadbeen so apparent. "Love is one long heartache, " said the girl, plaintively. "Wouldn't youthink, doctor, that if a man cared----" "If that isn't just like a woman!" interrupted her companion, thinkinghe knew what Winifred was trying to say. "Women must have it in words. You want Philip to chatter away like a society man. He will talk fastenough when you quit your foolishness and give him a chance. " "I only wanted to say that he is undemonstrative, " explained the girl, flaming red. "I should think that if he--oh, but I am glad he does notspeak!" she interrupted herself, vehemently, remembering her brother'speril. "He must not speak!" "Don't allow any false pride to come between you, " urged the doctor. "Nothing kills a man's love so quickly as indifference, real orfeigned. " "Do you think so?" She was glad to be impersonal again. "I imagined alittle indifference piqued a man to further effort. " "The heat of propinquity feeds the flame of love, " oracularly. "I do not agree with you there, Doctor. I think men grow tired ofwomen's solicitude and company. " "Of their wives?" Winifred nodded. "Precious few have the experience! But I agree with you that mostmarried people see too much of each other. Men seem to realize the fact. That is why they go on hunting and fishing trips. Do they hunt? A few ofthe party, but the rest sit around and enjoy themselves, because theyare a party of _men_. Women will never understand this feeling--thisinsulation, so to speak; it is the cause of much of the unhappiness wesee. Most men fall short of the standard a woman demands from herhusband. The first rapturous love, with its utterance and reciprocity, is expected to last after years of intimacy. In love, as in a dinner, comes the gradual relaxation, the ease of well-being, which is thegreatest compliment (if she but knew it) to a woman's power to evoke andto hold love. She has not lost it; to reiterate what is a self-evidentfact seems to the man unnecessary. A happy married life is one ofcontent, comradeship, loyalty. Words are not needed where suchconditions exist. " "I'll remember all you have said, " sighed the girl, "but I shall neverhave an opportunity to prove it!" "Nonsense, girl!" The comforter rose as he heard Charlie's voice in theouter hall. "You are depressed to-night. Life will look brighterto-morrow. These tangled trails are going to be straightened--I'm sureof it! Love will crystallize that Chinese legend into reality--for youand for Phil. Good-night! Good-night!" [Illustration] Chapter XII Recognition For years Danvers had shunned women. Yet he had not spent his life inmelancholy over Eva's defection; known to many, but understood by few, his real nature withdrew from the light. His intuitive attitude towardstrangers of either sex was a negative indifference that gave him timeto estimate their character or their motives--a habit desirable enoughin business, but unsatisfactory in social life. The growth of his regard for Winifred had been so gradual that he hadnot thought it might prove to be love. Her unaffected interest in theonly life he had enjoyed--the old days at Fort Macleod--had roused himfrom apathy, and her comprehension of his motives and activitiesexhilarated him. He delighted in her intelligent comradeship whendiscussing the real world. One subject, only, did she avoid, and that but recently. State politicswere never mentioned after her brother became the keystone to thesituation. Though she had no proof that Charlie's vote was the one votenecessary to Burroughs' election, she had no doubt that it was a fact. When this shadow of another's crime crept over the brightness of theirfriendship, Danvers was bewildered--repulsed by her unusual reserve. Thedoctor's explanation gave him somewhat of courage, and he had the fineperseverance that conquers. A few days after he had talked with the doctor Danvers saw Miss Blaircrossing the street just ahead of him. He hastened to overtake her--hewould put an end to her coldness and her repulses. As he dodged a car, he noted in her walk the pride and courage that had recently been addedto her bearing. He thought he understood her attitude toward him--towardthe whole world; and a flood of loving pity swept over him. Reaching theother side of the street, he found that she had disappeared. He lookedup and down in the dusk, but caught no further sight of the elusive MissBlair; and after lingering on the street for a half hour, he returned tothe hotel. As he ascended the stairs to the first floor he caught a glimpse ofCharlie Blair, just entering the Latimers' apartments. His vexation atWinifred's avoidance was a small matter to the anger that now flamedwithin. Small wonder that Miss Blair wished to meet no one while thisfolly was unchecked! Yet he felt that he must share her trouble, andresolved to make one more attempt to see her that evening. She opened the door in response to his firm knock after dinner, hesitating perceptibly when she saw him. But Philip would not be denied, and entered with a determined resolution. The girl's heart rose high--fluttered, and almost ceased to beat. He wasgoing to speak; she must not allow it. "Where did you go to-night?" he asked, as he put his hat and stick onthe table. "I saw you on Warren street and tried to overtake you, butyou disappeared. I prowled around hoping to find you again; and I had mynew shoes on, too, and they hurt me. " The whimsical gaiety of the complaint took away Winifred's reserve, andwithout attempting to explain her disappearance, she smiled a welcome, though she soon fell silent under the burden of her heart. Philip had called with a set purpose, yet he found no words as he satbefore the smouldering fire. He had time, waiting for the moment ofspeech, to note the pathetic droop of her shoulders and the weariness ofher beautiful eyes. Evidently the courage and strength of the day hadbeen exhausted. She played idly with a book, but laid it aside while she roused thehalf-burned wood into a shower of sparks. Philip reached and took up the book abstractedly, and carelessly turnedthe leaves, wondering how he should say what was in his heart. A loosepaper fluttered to the floor. He picked it up. It was the newspapercutting that Winifred had saved, but had forgotten to copy, in thestress of her anxieties. Danvers was about to replace it when something familiar made him scan iteagerly. Radiant with joy, he glanced at his companion, but Winifredstood at the mantel with averted face. He took out his note-book, founda little, old, yellow scrap, and held both slips in his hand as he rose. He drew the girl to him, startled, resisting. "Haven't we found each other?" he asked, simply, showing her the twincopies of the legend, old, yet ever new. "This little clipping has beenclose to my heart for years--waiting for you, dear. Won't you take itsplace?" Winifred was silent. She had guarded against all ordinary appeals, butthis--how could she answer him? To refuse this tender sympathy, thisyearning love, when she most needed it--the thought was bitterness! Still silent she drew away from him, and lifted a face so drawn withsuffering that Danvers was startled at the change. "You do not love me?" he questioned, more to himself than to theshrinking woman. "You do not understand?" He stood before her struggling with his disappointment--that she shouldfail to understand--she who had always felt his thought so subtly; itwas this, almost as much as her lack of response to his love, that hurthim. They stood before each other, separated by a thing which the woman wouldnot put into words, and the man dared not question. "Mr. Danvers--Philip, " said the girl, gently, "I am sorry----" Shehesitated at the trite words, her voice faltering as she looked up intohis sad face; it had grown thin and tired these last days. She longed togo to him, to tell him that he should find rest at last. "No, " she wenton, finally, "I am not sorry that you found the clipping, " she alteredher words; "why should I not be honest with myself--and you?" She spoke so simply, so easily, that Danvers almost believed that shedid not care. "You saved my life once, dear friend, " she said, "and that makes medare to ask you to be generous now. Do not judge me! Wait a little. Forget this evening, and let us go back to the old days. Will you?" She smiled into his face, so sad a little smile in its evident effort atbravery, that he responded to her mood, eager to help her keep themastery over her heart, that she might fight her battle in her own proudway. Almost, he was reconciled to her woman's judgment; and he sat downand talked of Fort Benton days. For that hour Winifred was grateful to Danvers all her life; and when herose to say good-night she was quite herself again. "You will understand if I tell you that I must go now?" inquiredDanvers. "Judge Latimer was to come in on Number Four, and I must seehim to-night. " Winifred met his look with comprehension, and gave him her hand. A faint sound reached them from the Latimer's apartment across the wayas Danvers opened the door. He listened, then ran across the hall. "What's that?" cried Winifred, startled. [Illustration] Chapter XIII The Lobbyist Fate, woman-like, cares not what means she employs to hurt. She takeswhat comes first to hand. Sometimes the more unlikely the weapon, themore effective is its use. The same afternoon that Danvers tried to overtake Miss Blair, twotalkative drummers boarded the west-bound train at a small Montanastation, doubling back to Helena. As they entered the smokingcompartment of a sleeper they found it empty save for a slight, weary-looking man who was gazing abstractedly at the wintry plains. "Here, don't sit that side, " said one; "the sun glares on the snow toomuch. " As the drummer spoke to his friend he gave a passing glance at thepreoccupied stranger, and chanced to take the seat directly in front ofhim. The other followed his advice, facing him. "What's doing in Helena? I've been gone a week, but I see by the paperyou haven't elected a senator yet. " "Naw, " returned his companion; "hadn't yesterday, when I took thetrain. " "Pretty stiff contest. " "Pretty slick man bound to win out. " "Wish I was a member, with all the swag there is floating 'round. " "Wish I was a member with a right pretty woman coaxing for my vote!" "What's that? I hadn't heard of that yet. " The speaker leaned forward, scenting scandal. "Aw! It's no secret in Helena. It's the talk of the town. " "I never heard a word. I thought politics was free from petticoats outhere. " "They never are--anywhere. You know Charlie Blair?" The drummer interrogated shook his head. "Well, he's a Helena man, and one of the State senators. There's a womanlobbyin' for Burroughs, so they say, and she's got Blair batty! Last manin the world you'd expect to be caught by a woman. They say he's a greatfriend of her husband's, too--Judge Latimer. " A stifled moan came from the seat behind the drummers. "You don't say! Any talk about her before?" "Search me!" "Probably there's nothing in it, " concluded the other, with unexpectedcharity. "You know how people surmise the worst. She doesn't care forhim, I take it. " "Naw! At least, not if I size her up correct. She's a good-looker, allright; she was pointed out to me one night in the hotel dining-room. Itwas easy to see where _she_ was stuck! She couldn't keep her eyes off atall, good-looking fellow, that I was told was the senator from ChouteauCounty. " The other nodded. "I've heard of him. He's the head of the opposition toBurroughs in the Republican party. Danvers, his name is--Englishman--inthe cattle business. " "I saw the situation right away. Bill Moore, Burroughs' political boss, you know, says that years ago they had an affair over in the Whoop UpCountry--wherever that is, and----" "Bozeman!" said the porter, interrupting the conversation. "I got to see a man here, " said one of the drummers. "Come along. Itwon't take but a minute. He'll be waiting on the platform; I wiredhim. " "That man looked bad, " commented the other, jerking his thumb backwardas they stepped from the car. "Did you notice how ghastly his face was?I thought for a moment he was going to speak to you. " They passed on, and the conductor, who followed a moment later, stoppedabruptly at sight of the limp figure, and hurried into the next coach. "Is there a doctor on board?" he asked. "A man has fainted--or had astroke. It's Judge Latimer, of Helena. " And the instruments of fate never knew what a deadly blow they haddelivered. * * * * * That evening Mrs. Latimer, exquisitely gowned and radiating magnetism, was again trying to persuade Senator Blair to vote for Mr. Burroughs. "Burroughs is capable of more skulduggery than any man in the State, "declared her caller, after they had talked somewhat of the senatorialcandidate. "I can't see why you keep on harping on his fitness for theplace. " "Do you know, I admire him, " responded Mrs. Latimer, with apparentfrankness. "He may be unscrupulous; but he has been successful. The endjustifies the means, I think. " "I've promised Senator Danvers that I would not vote for Burroughs, "affirmed Blair, stubbornly. Eva had treated him coolly for a few days, and he had practically decided that he wanted neither Judge Latimer'swife nor Burroughs' money. But as he gazed at the lady's ripe beauty hebecame more infatuated than before. He changed the subject abruptly. "Imust go down to the valley to-morrow, after the session adjourns. Willyou come with me for a ride?" "Are you crazy?" Mrs. Latimer spoke with scorn. "No one will see us, " he pleaded. "I can pick you up where you used tolive. You can wear a veil if you like. What do we care if we do meetsomebody we know? You belong to the smart set--you can do anything youlike. " Charlie laughed loud. "My dear friend, " Eva began, cynically, believing that her position hadso far made her exempt from comment, "the world is too suspicious. Noman and woman can foregather without some pure soul interpreting thatcompanionship to its own satisfaction. Besides, I expect Arthur any daynow. He neither writes nor wires me just when he can come. " "You'll never do a thing to please me!" cried Blair, hotly. "I am theone who must grant favors. I----" "Aren't you a man, and therefore to be compliant?" returned Eva, hersmile tempering her insolence. Then, pleading, although her eyes grewno softer: "Only one thing do I ask, Senator. Please, please grant methat! Don't you care for me more than for Senator Danvers? Break yourpromise to him--for me. " She was very enticing as she bent towards him, and he was conscious of the faint perfume about her. "Mr. Burroughs needs your vote, " she went on, persuasively; "and if yougive it to him--as I've told you a hundred times--he has promised thathe will provide for Arthur; and you like Arthur. " "And what do _I_ get out of it?" "You'll please _me_, " was the caressing answer. "And--I never thought ofit before, " she hastened to add, as the scar grew more conspicuous--asure register of his emotions--"why not ask Mr. Burroughs to get you toBerlin, too--as first secretary or something, if we go there?" She mustthrow him some encouragement. "I hate Helena. You do yourself. If wewere in Berlin, we'd be where life is--a whirl of----" "Madness, " Senator Blair finished her sentence for her, thickly. "I donot have to go away from Helena for that sensation!" He lost control ofhimself. "You drive me mad, Eva! You are more tempting than ever! Giveme one kiss--one--and I'll vote for Burroughs till hell freezes over!"The language of the frontier returned, in his abandon. "Not now!" The temptress was thoroughly alarmed. She had thought tocontrol any situation, but--Charlie's eyes--so near her own!"Perhaps--when you have voted for----" She must secure this man's votefor Burroughs, even if she bartered her self-respect. "Now, by God! Now!" "No! No!" In terror Eva gave a suppressed cry and turned to escape thearms of the man she had maddened. With his hot lips brushing her own sheturned away her face in impotent writhing, and saw her husband standingin the doorway. "Pardon me, " apologized Latimer, courteously, as though in a trance. Hestepped forward, closed the door and took off his coat and hat. He satdown absently, as if he had returned after only a few hours' absence. Hetook no notice of the presence of Senator Blair nor of his hasty exit. The scene he had interrupted seemed to have no meaning for him. He couldnot have told how he reached home, and his one thought was ofDanvers--his supposed Judas--and of the wife who had lived a lie evenwhile bearing his children. But Eva could not know this, and strove hurriedly to form some excusefor her predicament. Latimer made no response to her explanations. Instead he said, quitegently: "I'll go and see if little Arthur is asleep. I want to kiss himgood-night, " and disappeared through the portieres. Eva stood motionless, voiceless, in chill terror at her husband'ssolicitude for the dead child! Had he forgotten--or was he going mad?What had happened? What was to happen? When Latimer returned, his eyes had lost their dazed expression. "Myname is a reproach--it is handed around by coarse gossips!" he said, hoarsely. His look went beyond accusation. Eva suddenly sank to her knees in mortal fear. The tones were not loud, but she never could have believed that those mild, blue eyes would flashat her such a menace of death. "Arthur!" she wailed; "what have you heard? Why have you come home likethis? I have not been untrue? Who said so? I have not! I have lied toyou sometimes about little things--but not now!" The silence was terrible! She began again, miserably: "I've beenhelping Mr. Burroughs; but surely that's not--it was for youradvancement--Arthur!--speak to me!" She broke into gasping sobs. The pale, emaciated face above her never softened; the eyes neverwavered. Yet a reasoning anguish crept into the insane glare. After all, nothing mattered except this one great pain in his heart. What was ithe wanted to know? Yes--he remembered! The truth!--the truth! "And Philip Danvers?" The change in tone gave so great relief that Eva became hysterical, notunderstanding the obscure connection. "Oh, Senator Danvers? He has had nothing to do with the lobbying. Youknow he is against Mr. Burroughs. " She rose, again self-possessed, feeling herself able to explain all untoward circumstances. "Come, you are worn from your journey. Lie here on the couch and I'llget you some wine. " But her husband resisted, dumbly, looking at her as a starving dog mightlook at the hand that had enticed him by pretending to offer food. Wordscame, at last, while he beat his hands together in agony. "I cannot bear it--I cannot! They said you and Phil had an affair in theWhoop Up Country----" "What are you saying?" came from Eva, sharply. She went from fear tofury. "You've been listening to some malicious gossip, " she screamed;"and now you come home to frighten me into spasms!" The rage covered herfright. "There's not a word of truth in it!" "Tell me the truth!" The God on high could not have been moremandatory. The woman dared not lie again. Her anger, rather than her self-respect, brought the truth like a charge of dynamite from the muddy waters of hersoul. "Well, then, it _is_ the truth! I was engaged to Philip Danvers at FortMacleod. I threw him over afterwards, because he had no money and youhad. Now are you satisfied?" The cruel desire to hurt gave this addedthrust. "No? Then let me tell you that I have never loved you, never!I've always loved Philip Danvers--always--always--always!" Her voicerose in crescendo. At last it was spoken. Eva stood at bay, her jewels glittering on bareshoulders and arms as balefully as her eyes flashed hate. "God!" Latimer reeled, and put his hand on his heart, but recoveredhimself. "And Philip"--the words came in a chill whisper--"did helove--you?" "You'd better ask him!" Eva was wholly beside herself, in the reactionof a weak woman's fear. "Phil--my friend!" he choked, started and winced, putting his hand againover his heart; then fell heavily. The woman screamed in fright and knelt beside him. "Arthur, he never cared--after I dismissed him. He despised me. Hedespises me now--more than you ever can. Oh, God in heaven! What have Idone?" Remorse followed swiftly on her anger. Latimer was conscious as his wife raised his head. He had understood herconfession, and although he could not speak he motioned for her to seekassistance; but the effort was too much, and he again sank back, moaning. Eva laid him gently down, and flew to the door. As she opened it shefell against Danvers, coming from Winifred's side. "You've killed him, at last!" Philip flayed her with word and look asshe sped for other help; but he forgot her as he knelt and raisedLatimer's head to his knee. He would have carried him to a couch, butArthur motioned that he could not endure that pain. The look of trustthat greeted Danvers was returned with one of love and fidelity. With a sigh of utter content Latimer, by a supreme effort, raised hishands to Philip's shoulders. "Arthur!" Danvers groaned, holding him close as he looked into theglazing eyes. "Did I doubt you?" whispered the judge. "Forgive me--mydear--friend--Phil!" [Illustration] Chapter XIV The Keystone When Senator Blair learned of Judge Latimer's death he thought himselfits prime cause and suffered as only a man can who is not whollyheartless. How poorly he had rewarded the friendship which had relievedhim in his need at Fort Macleod! All his passion for Mrs. Latimer haddied in that fearful moment when he looked on the curiously passivehusband in the doorway; remorse bit like acid into the depths of hisheart. The meaning glances and the interrupted conversations that methim everywhere the morning after the judge's death drove him tosolitude. He even avoided his sister, Danvers and the doctor; but mostof all he shunned the Honorable Mr. Moore. He had had enough oftemptation! He would not allow himself again to be approached! His belief that in the sight of God he was a murderer made Blaircollapse during the day. He was confined to his room; and it was thenthat he told the Fort Benton physician all that was haunting him, hourby hour. Blair did not attempt to palliate his sin, and although thedoctor had known much and suspected more, he could hardly find it in hisheart to forgive either Winifred's brother or the woman who had led himon. The only ray of mercy he felt was that matters were not so bad as hehad feared between these old friends of his; but in his bitterness atArthur's death, he would not give Blair the consolation of knowing thatit was only a question of a short time, at best, when the judge's weakheart must have failed. Let him suffer! Arthur had! For the first timethe lenient doctor did not want to relieve pain. Neither he nor Blairknew of what had taken place between Eva and her husband after Charliehad left their rooms. The doctor's bitterness, however, was as nothing to the inward stormwhich shook Danvers when Eva, in the height of her hysterical remorseand fear of exposure, told him the sorry tale of her first flutteringsaround the arc-light of Mr. Burroughs' ambition; of her consent to aidMr. Moore in his efforts to influence uncertain legislators to vote forBurroughs, and that gentleman's acceptance thereof; of the clandestinemeetings in her apartments with the Honorable William, and of the moreopen but far less harmless friendship with Senator Blair, pursued untilshe was singed with the flame of her own kindling and nearly consumed byits fires. And lastly, her husband's reproaches; her miserable evasionsand the hurt that she had deliberately given him. When she told hersilent listener of that last half hour Danvers held himself forcibly inhis fear of doing the woman bodily harm. That she should have done thiscruel thing! Her indiscretions had been bad enough, but they had beenprompted by an ambition second only to Mr. Burroughs'. But to turn theknife wantonly in Arthur's heart of gold!. . . How nearly his friend hadgone from him, believing that he was false!. . . And now he was dead!. . . Dead! Philip's agony broke its restraint, and Mrs. Latimer never forgot hisscathing denunciation. "You killed Arthur, " he concluded, white to the lips, "as surely as ifyou used a stiletto! So that was what Arthur meant. " For a few momentsDanvers could not speak as the recollection of that look of love andtrust came surging back. "No one must ever know the truth, " he went on, huskily. "Let it be buried with poor Arthur. There will be more or lessgossip; but we will stand by you for the judge's sake--and for MissBlair's as well. She, of all persons, must know nothing of what you havetold me. " Mrs. Latimer's sobs only roused his wrath at all the misery she hadwrought. He knew her tears were for herself, not for her husband. As heturned to leave the room she caught at his hand. "I did not mean----" she began in weak defense. "You are too hard, " sheprotested, feeling him recoil. "Hard!" Philip laughed harshly in his pain. "You did not expect me tocondole with you on the outcome of your folly? All that I can say is, may God forgive you!" and he was gone. So resolutely did Latimer's friends ignore all previous conditions thatthe ready tongue of rumor was silenced immediately. Surely if SenatorDanvers and the doctor from Fort Benton, as well as Miss Blair, wereever at Mrs. Latimer's side, there could have been no breath of wrong inher sudden cultivation of Senator Blair. Only three persons--Danvers, the doctor and Moore--knew of the hiddenoctopus of Burroughs' insatiable vindictiveness, whose tentacles, firstfastening on Eva, had finally crushed Latimer. Moore knew, if the othersdid not, that Blair was doomed if he once again came within its radius. Then for the others! But he made no immediate move, and decorously gaveregard to the proprieties, both for himself and as a substitute for Mr. Burroughs. His chief was almost as hysterical as Eva herself over thejudge's untimely death, for he thought his prospects endangered thereby. His panic made him hasten to leave Helena for a few days. Moore had tried to secure some other man to change to Burroughs, someonewho did not hold himself as high as Blair had done on the night of theclub dinner; but he had finally been obliged to report his non-success. He suggested to Burroughs that he approach Senator Blair once more, offering twenty thousand dollars. He felt sure that Charlie would takeless--now! Just before Burroughs ordered a special train to hurry him away from theprevailing gloom, the two conspirators had their final word on thesubject of Senator Blair. "We've got to get this thing over, " said Burroughs, savagely. "There'stoo much talk. We'll be hung as high as Haman or sent to the pen fortwenty years if we don't get a move on. And there are but six days moreof the session. Give Charlie Blair his price--and be damned to him!" "That's all right, Bob, " retorted Moore, angrily. "I'll give him themoney if you say so. But I don't think the whole business of being aUnited States senator is worth thirty thousand dollars. And if I do getit to him (and the Lord knows how I can)--what then? He is sick in bed, and who can tell when he can get to the capitol?" "_Get_? We'll _take_ him, alive or dying! Thirty thousand! It's mymoney, isn't it? You are nothing out of pocket. Get it to him while therest of his folks are at the--the funeral!" The word chilled them both. Were they responsible for this death? "Get it to him! He'll keep it!Montana'll be too hot for him from now on, let me tell you! He'll takethe money, vote for me, and skip--all in the same day. There's been toomuch talk to be agreeable to a man who's never before been mixed up witha woman--except that squaw!" Burroughs walked nervously back and forth, then: "You wire me when you've given the money to him and I'll comeback. It'll all be clear sailing then. " This delay! As Burroughs reviewed the results of his schemes he feltthat he had been hardly used. Not so had fortune treated him in thepast. Most of all he bewailed the inclusion of a woman in the necessarychicanery of diverting votes. Catch him again being over-persuaded byBill Moore's sophistry! In truth Senator Blair had begun to think that he should have to takeBurroughs' money. How could he ever face his sister, his world again?He made sure that he was not only called a murderer, but that he wasone. He might as well be other things. No appellation could be soterrible as that first. He would take the thirty thousand dollars if itshould be forthcoming, vote and take the first train west the same day. In the Orient he could lose his identity as a bribe-taker and amurderer. The torture never relaxed during the days preceding thejudge's funeral. Late on the afternoon of the day of the burial of the man whom he had sonearly wronged the senator's attention was drawn to a low rustle nearthe door opening from his room to the hall outside. Something white andlong was being cautiously pushed under the door. Charlie was alone, andhe weakly pulled himself to that mysterious package. The soft _feel_ ofit thrilled him like brandy. Burroughs had come to his terms! He couldget away! But he must previously acknowledge before all men that he hadbeen bought at a price. The odium. . . . A flirt of the devil's tailbrought a new thought to his fevered brain--fevered by remorse and theeffects of long-continued and unwonted alcoholic stimulants. Supposethat he did not vote? Suppose that he kept this fortune (he counted itover to assure himself of its reality), pleading his sickness until thelast day of the session, and go . . . Go. . . . The thought swung him touneasy sleep. While he slept the doctor and the senator from Chouteau came into theroom as they returned from the cemetery. Blair had been too muchoccupied in his dizzy thought to remember to hide his ill-gotten money, and on the white counterpane lay those proofs of Burroughs' infamy. "Thirty thousand dollars!" gasped the doctor, in undertones, countingthe large bills and sheafing them in one trembling hand. "What shall wedo?" "Nothing, " responded Danvers, very quietly. "When Charlie wakes I willtalk with him. I do not believe that he will keep that money or vote forBurroughs. " "How fortunate that Winifred did not come in with us!" said the olderman. "You stay here, Phil, and I will keep her away for an hour. He willnot sleep long. He is too feverish. " Danvers nodded acquiescence, andthe physician tiptoed away. Before many minutes the sick man awoke. Danvers sat near the bed, reading the evening paper. Blair looked around with the impersonal eyesof the sick, then saw the pile of bank notes on the stand beside hisbed. He started and gave a furtive look at Philip. Their eyes metsquarely. "You will send that money back, Charlie. " The words were not so muchquery as certainty. Blair, shamed, was long in replying. "I can't afford to, Danvers, " he said finally. "I'm not only a poor man, but a ruined one as well. I may keep it and--get out of the State. " "And vote for Bob Burroughs?" The head of the opposition still kept hiscalm acceptance of his discovery. Curiously enough it threshed the sicksenator, after a few words, into stubborn silence. "Maybe I will and maybe I won't. I have the money, and Bob or Bill willnever dare to ask for it back. If you ever see me in the Assembly againyou'll know that I'm going to vote for Burroughs--curse him!" "Let me have that money, Charlie, " Danvers pleaded. "Think of yoursister. It will break her heart if you do this thing. And, " he continuedhuskily, for he suddenly found that he could not control his voice, "hearts enough have been broken over this business of electing a UnitedStates senator. " He reached out his hand, persuasively, expectantly. "Iwill see that it goes to the men who gave it to you. " But Senator Blair was obdurate; and when Philip left him he felt thathis long fight was to end in defeat, and that Robert Burroughs would beelected by the high-priced vote of Winifred's brother. Senator Danvershad kept in too close touch with the situation not to know that Moorewould never have paid such a sum to Senator Blair if he were not theirlast hope for a majority of even one. The next day of the Legislature Senator Blair was again reported notpresent on account of sickness, and William Moore thought it best not toshow his full strength. The next, and the last day of the session, Blairwas still absent. Ballot after ballot was taken. One by one menresponded to the crack of Moore's whip and changed their votes toBurroughs, while the spectators indulged in significant laughter. One byone the several candidates withdrew their names as their formeradherents shamelessly went over the fast increasing list for Burroughs. Still Senator Danvers held most of his men, and not until long afternightfall did the ballots come within one of electing Burroughs. Thelast man to change, amid hoots of derision, was Joseph Hall. Mr. Burroughs and the Honorable William were both in the rear of theHouse of Representatives, for the first time during the session. "We must get Charlie Blair here!" hissed Burroughs, hearing SenatorDanvers make a motion for a ten minutes' recess. Senator Hall opposedthe motion. He did not know that Senator Blair's vote would electBurroughs, or he would not have tried to block Danvers' desire to speakto some of the turncoats. But the motion prevailed and there was muchseeking of the various places where a man might refresh himself aftersuch arduous toil. "He _shall_ come, " continued the candidate forCongress, "if he dies in the next hour!" Moore, feeling sure of the menhe had already lined up, consented to be the one to bring the sicksenator from the hotel, only five minutes away. In the meantime Senator Danvers was vainly trying to stem the tide. Thedoctor reported that Senator Blair was in bed and apparently sleeping, so Philip was comparatively easy. All that remained for him to do was tosee that no other man went over to the enemy; and it had been agreedthat the Legislature should adjourn at two o'clock that night. Senator Blair, meanwhile, had made up his mind to get away that veryhour. No matter if he were too sick to stand, he would get up and dress, get a carriage and go. . . . It was better than staying and going mad. Thehotel was practically empty, he knew, for everybody who could be at thecapitol was there to witness the closing hours of the Assembly. Word hadspread that Robert Burroughs would surely be elected before midnight. The whole city and most of the State's inhabitants of voting age and sexwere crowded into the capitol. Charlie knew that Winifred was with Mrs. Latimer across the hall. Hurriedly he dressed, trembling with fear andphysical weakness, packed a suit case, felt to see if the thirtythousand dollars was safe, and cautiously opening the outer door, peepedinto the hall to see if the way was clear. But it was not. There stoodthe Honorable William, in the very act of putting his hand on thedoor-knob! "No, you don't, my beauty!" snarled Moore, pushing the sick man back andseeing in a glance what was planned. "You'll not leave Helena untilyou've earned that thirty thousand! Don't you ever think it! You'recoming over to the capitol right now, with me, and vote for Bob! We needyou in the business! And, if you don't, by God I'll make you sorry forit! It's come to a show down. This business has killed Judge Latimer andit may as well kill you--you miserable, white-livered----" Moore'slanguage and voice were raised to the highest power. "Charlie!" At the disturbance, Winifred came from Eva's rooms. "Youup--and out in the hall! What is the trouble? You surely are not goingto the capitol in your condition?" Blair was past all words in his rage, and Moore explained with whatgrace he might that it was imperative for Charlie to cast his vote. Winifred insisted that she accompany them if her brother must go, andMoore did not dare to delay long enough to argue the matter. Everymoment counted now. In the cab Winifred, knowing nothing of the blood-money in herbrother's pocket, begged him not to vote for Mr. Burroughs. She hadheard the last of Moore's tirade. But he would not answer, and she feltMoore's foot seeking Blair's to freshen his resolve. Though her tearswet the hand she held, it did not return her caress. [Illustration] Chapter XV An Unpremeditated Speech As the three entered the crowded chamber where the joint assembly hadbeen once more called to order, they passed Mr. Burroughs, his wife anddaughter. They had come from Butte to witness his triumph. Surely thewife would congratulate, the daughter be proud of her father. Moore was left at the rail which separated the legislators from thespectators, but Senator Blair's sister went with him and found a seat athis side. Charlie's face was ghastly, and the doctor, surprised beyondmeasure at sight of him, kept guard with a watchful eye. Blair's entrance into the chamber with its atmosphere of suspense drewevery nerve taut. Senator Danvers saw him and his heart sank. Hisefforts had been in vain! He bowed to Winifred, though he had not seeneven his own sister, far in the rear of the hall--there were nogalleries for spectators. It was a moment long remembered by that breathless crowd. Men, drowning, see their whole lives as in a flashlight's glare. So did Danvers see hispast. He was again a boy, embarking on the _Far West_, and he breathedthe wet spring air, blowing over prairie and river. He was with the menon the upper deck, and noted their glances of curiosity. Their youthseemed never to have faded, as he remembered the delicate face of thejoyous Latimer, the kind glance of the doctor, the western breeziness ofToe String Joe and the quieter manner of Scar Faced Charlie; while thedebonair arrogance of Sweet Oil Bob stirred his fighting blood afresh. Eva Thornhill's beautiful face came, bewitching in its youth, and littleWinnie's trusting smile again reached his heart. Even Fort Benton, abusy port of entry, as he first saw it, and Wild Cat Bill's drunkenanimosity, leaped out as the searchlight of recollection swept the past. Then Memory's moving picture brought the same faces, shaded or illuminedas each temperament exposed its impulse; changed and moulded by hiddenthoughts, unexploited forces of character and assimilated environment. Came a sigh for Arthur Latimer, asleep after life's bright beginning andshadowed close. A thought of Eva, broken and undone; of Winifred---- Every thought and act of his life led up to this moment. Could he letthis plot be consummated? Not while the blood so pounded in his veins. He must speak--no one else would. Outraged decency demanded. The honorof the state demanded. He forgot that he was an alien by birth--that he must expose many of hisfriends; it did not occur to him that he had never made a public speech, that his denunciation would ruin his political future and would bealtogether futile. The disgraceful contest had killed his dearestfriend--driven the wife into retirement to avoid the glare of scandal, and it was likely to lose him Winifred. His hand went up, and the President of the Senate recognized him. Herose. "Mr. President: I rise to a point of personal privilege. " "The Senator from Chouteau, " announced the presiding officer of thejoint assembly, surprised but courteous. Philip Danvers was not one tobe ignored, no matter how inopportune the time. As he stood there forthe moment silent, he conveyed the impression of perfect poise, and thehonesty and sincerity of his purpose was patent to all. "Mr. President: In the struggle to elect a United States senator whichhas lasted this entire session of our legislative assembly, the partywith which I have the honor to be affiliated, ever since I foresworeallegiance to my native country, has, unfortunately, never been able tofix on a caucus nominee; and I have been forced, unwillingly, to leadthe minority of my party against the man whose name led all others inthe last ballot. As a result of the division, the election of a senatorhas descended to a contest of one individual, with the known antagonismof not only the best element of his party, but the ill will of the wholeState, irrespective of party. "The shameless condition that this has fostered is now familiar to everyman in the United States. When that politician, ravenous for his spoil, could not get enough supporters from his own party, he went into thehighways and byways of Democrats, Populists and Laborites; he gatherednot only the poor and needy, but some few men hitherto possessingapparent respectability, and good standing at home and abroad. "Personal reasons have kept me silent on the floor of this house, however much I may have worked in other ways against this crime. But thetime has come when I must put aside all thought of self in the greaterinterest of the reputation of Montana. "Gentlemen: A most outrageous crime is being committed upon this State!I can keep my seat no longer while the very walls reek with bribery!Yes, bribery! No one has dared to voice that sinister word in thisAssembly, but we all know that in every hotel corridor, on every street, in every home in this State that damnable word is handed from mouth tomouth as claim and counterclaim, that certain men have been purchasedlike cattle in open market, and that they would deliver themselves to acertain candidate when called upon. They have been called upon to-day!That is why this room is filled to overflowing! The curious, thesensation-seeker want to look upon those men, so lost to decency thatthey will rise here, and with no blush of shame, tacitly admit that theyhave been bought with a price. Even the open enemies of this candidatehave voted for him, as the last ballot shamelessly proclaimed. How onesenator, opposed to the candidate in every walk of life, has beendebauched, we can imagine as well as though we saw the thousands countedout to him by the money-changer who has had charge of the bartering ofvotes. " As Danvers looked straight at Senator Hall, the bribe-taker half rose, then sank back in his degradation. One thought sustained him. Hisrevenge on Burroughs was nearing its hour, and he felt that themortification of this bold accusation could be endured, if that othermatter was never traced to him. He knew too well what the enmity ofBurroughs could compass to invite it openly, and he had become fearfulof the results of his long-delayed scheme of vengeance. Meantime the voice of the senator from Chouteau County went on, clearand distinct, creating consternation as might the voice from Sinai. Inhis earnestness he stepped nearer the speaker's desk, and faced thehushed audience, fearlessly. He made no pretence of oratory, but hiswords were terribly effective. "In olden times, bribers were branded on the cheek with the letter B. Ifwe had the time, I would suggest that we pass a law, before this sessionis over, to brand not only the bribers, but the bribed with a white-hotiron, so that the owner might identify his property. This brand shouldbe burned into the political mavericks who, since the convening of thisAssembly, have run with every herd, and openly sought the highest bidderfor their worthless carcasses. For these cattle of unknown pedigree Ihave only words of contempt. "Mr. President: The state in which we find ourselves on this, the lastnight of the session, should make us pause. We are apt to bedim-sighted to our own failings, and clear-sighted to the faults ofothers; but I ask you in all candor, do the men who have so nearlyelected a United States senator believe that he is the choice of theState for that high office, or that he would be considered by thatlegislative body if it were not for the influence of his wealth? Wewould better be unrepresented in Congress than misrepresented, and I askyou, gentlemen, " turning again to the legislators, "if you are going tovote again as you did in the last ballot, and allow a sick man to casthis vote for Robert Burroughs and thus elect him? I know, " he added withimpressive slowness, "whereof I speak! That we are Democrats orRepublicans, Labor or Fusion, should not figure in this contest. Instead, each man should consider whether we, a young State, shall enterWashington tarred with the ineradicable pitch of bribery or shall wesend a man who will show the elder States that Montana is proud of hernewly acquired statehood, and that no star in the Northwest firmamentshines more pure? "To those who have allowed themselves in this fiery ordeal to swervefrom their duty to their State, through the temptation of personal gain, let me say that they will be branded and dishonored, despised at homeand abroad; that they will be political pariahs forever, unless theyreconsider their votes while yet there is time. They have been clay, moulded on the potter's wheel of the political manipulator behind whomthe leading candidate has worked his nefarious will. Because a man isrich shall we condone his base acts? A poor man is as likely to commitcrime as a rich one; but he would do so for very different reasons. Therich man in politics, sins for his own self-gratification; the poor man, to better himself or his family, often not comprehending the enormity ofhis crime. "So long as I possess the faculties of a man, I purpose to fight againstthe election of Robert Burroughs to a seat in Congress. I do not want itsaid that I was a State senator in a Legislature which seated a man sonotoriously lost to a sense of political decency as he. I would rathergo back to the Whoop Up Country to spend my days in toil and obscurity, and be able to hold up my head and look the world in the face. " For a moment he paused. The awed, sullen, furious faces before himseemed individually seared on his soul as he swept the crowded room. Many a man sat in a cold sweat of fear, with haunted eyes and compressedlips that proclaimed his guilt with deadly certainty. For the first time Philip became aware that his sister was present, andhad heard his denunciation of her husband. But it was too late toretract, and he would not if he could. Truth-telling, like thecauterizing of the snake's bite, must sometimes be done, no matter whatthe immediate suffering. His eyes sought Winifred's, misty withapprehension, admiration, love. And Charlie? His temple pulse beatvisibly in his effort to control his nerves. His face was fixed as theface of one dead. Could any appeal snatch him from being the keystone ofthat elaborate structure builded by Burroughs and Moore--so nearlycompleted? If he refused to become that apex, even for this one ballotto be called as soon as Danvers finished speaking, there was a fainthope that the apparently inevitable could be averted. Stepping nearerhis colleagues in his vehemence, Senator Danvers brought hisunpremeditated speech to an end. "For God's sake, are there not men enough in this body to help me todrive out corruption and fraud and dishonor, and establish integrity andjustice? I ask in the name of women and children, wives and sweethearts, pioneers and posterity! Let us not become a disgrace to the nations ofthe world! We can clean these Augean stables by one concentrated effort, even as England cleaned her corrupt borough elections of a century and ahalf ago. Let us fix on one man who will stand for civic purity, virtueand honor, no matter what his party. Let us elect a United Statessenator who is above reproach, above the taint of gaining a victory bythe downfall of his fellow men! In the next ballot, let us each vote ashis conscience dictates!" It was said. Senator Danvers stepped back to his seat amid a buzz ofblended approval and hisses, which came to his brain as the sound ofswarming bees. He felt sick and weak. His appeal seemed hopelesslyfutile. But he sat erect, with no sign of discouragement, and lookedfixedly at Senator Blair in the hope of seeing some inkling of changefrom his declaration that if he came to the capitol he should vote forBurroughs. But Blair would not look his way. [Illustration] Chapter XVI The Election Danvers did not hear the clerk of the Senate as he began the roll-callof the senators after the presiding officer had rapped for order. Thefirst three men in the A's were irrevocably opposed to Burroughs andDanvers concentrated his whole thought on Senator Blair's change ofheart. While the men preceding Charlie were voting, Winifred whispered to herbrother. He did not seem to hear, and his dazed eyes were still fixedstraight ahead. The flaming red of the scar made his face look stillmore ghastly, and at times his form swayed dizzily. "Do not vote for Mr. Burroughs, " Winifred entreated. "For my sake, Charlie. You've always been willing to please me. Vote for any oneelse. Philip expects your loyalty. Vote for him, even. Show him thatyou, if no one else, appreciate his courage in facing these men anddenouncing them before the entire Assembly. " "Blair!" came the stentorian voice from the desk. Necks were craned andmen rose to whisper and to look as this man's name was called. How wouldhe vote? Burroughs' throat grew dry to suffocation. Moore's gaze wasimperturbable, but the muscles in his neck twitched perceptibly, whilesweat beaded his upper lip. Danvers still kept his eye on the miserablyshaken Blair, and still hoped. Suddenly Charlie turned and threw him one look. Then he rose, slowly, with painful effort, holding his sister's supporting arm. He showed theeffect of stormy weeks of passion as he stood a moment, silent. "Vote for Philip, Charlie, " whispered Winifred, under cover of assistinghim. Blair looked around the room. "Mr. President, " he began, in a trembling voice. "Before I cast my votein this ballot, I wish to say that I have listened to my honoredcolleague from Chouteau County with mingled feelings of shame at my ownunworthiness and admiration for the courage which had dared to say whatevery man of us should have said six weeks ago. Senator Danversbeseeches us to send to Washington a man who will guard the fair name ofMontana, who will work for our best interests, and reflect honor onevery inhabitant of the State. He asks us to vote for one abovereproach, one who would accept no position at the expense of hisfellows. I am inclined to give his plea serious consideration. Butbefore I cast my ballot, " his voice gained in strength and firmness, andhe stepped forward with a gesture of irrevocable decision and placedupon the speaker's desk a long white envelope, "I will place here thirtythousand dollars, to be redeemed by the party who shoved it under mydoor two days ago. "And now, " turning to the gasping assembly, "as the senator fromChouteau has unconsciously suggested the very man to represent our Statein Congress--the man on whom, I am sure, we can all agree--I take greatpleasure, Mr. President, in casting my vote, the first vote, for theHonorable Philip Danvers of Fort Benton!" Quick applause rang out as Blair took his seat, and Winifred kissed hishand as it lay trembling on his desk. Danvers gasped in dismay. Had Blair's sickness quite turned his head?But, no! Never had his eye been clearer; never had he looked more theman as he returned full and strong Philip's amazed gaze. Danvers half rose to protest, but the doctor pulled him down. Winifredbegan to cry behind her veil as the applause continued. A responsivenote had been struck. When quiet was somewhat restored, the automaticclerk called the next name--the name of the senator who had promised Evahis vote. Since Latimer's death he had heartily wished for some excuseto be absolved from that promise. Here was his opportunity. "Philip Danvers!" he called loudly, defiantly, perhaps. He owedBurroughs nothing. But as a rolling stone gathers momentum, so did thisunexpected addition to the new name on the list of candidates giveimpetus to a stampede which soon made itself understood, as much to thesurprise of Blair as Danvers. "Never mind, Bob, " whispered Moore, hoarsely. "It's only a spurt thatwill die out. They often run like a flock of sheep. You'll get there onthe next ballot. " When Senator Hall's name was called, he rose airily. He not only wishedto hide his hand, but to get even with Danvers for many an upright actunconsciously done while they two were troopers together at FortMacleod. "I wish to explain my vote, " began the lanky senator. "My esteemedcolleague from Chouteau County has made a very pretty speech, intended, I take it, for the ladies who are honoring us with their fair presence, and also to enhance his own reputation. His accusations can hardly beproven. And while I voted for Burroughs for reasons which no man has aright to question, I wish to state that even if I had not so voted inthe past, I should feel it incumbent on me as a native born American tovote for him at this time. I do not approve of a foreigner, anEnglishman, a man who has been one of that force across our northernborder which has frequently done grave injustice not only to many of ourcitizens, but, I dare say, to Burroughs himself, undertaking to teach usanything in a political way. " O'Dwyer rose at this. His red face was redder than ever, and he shookhis fist at the speaker; but the doctor pulled him down, and hereluctantly subsided. For Hall to speak thus of the North West MountedPolice when he had been drummed out of the force! "I may also say, " went on Hall, "that I believe this thirty thousanddollars (if there is such a sum of money in the envelope which SenatorBlair has just placed on the desk) was put up for the purpose ofstampeding the Assembly for this man who professes to be so honest andso upright--Senator Danvers!" Hisses came from all over the room, but Hall was impervious. "Mr. President: I hereby make my protest against such spectacularperformances by casting my vote, altogether uninfluenced, for theHonorable Robert Burroughs, " he gave a quick glance to the rear of theroom where a new group had just crowded in, "and I defy anyone to detect'a blush of shame' on my brow. " The speech and the bravado fell flat. The crowd was not with thisbribe-taker. The voting proceeded, and Danvers' name was spoken withgusto by many who thought, on the next ballot, to return to theirrespective candidates. "Philip Danvers!" yelled Representative O'Dwyer, hardly waiting for hisname as the representatives were called. "Danvers! Danvers! Danvers!" herepeated, in a frenzy of friendly fervor. Pounding feet and canesaccentuated the Irishman's cry. "You've given him the deciding vote, O'Dwyer!" shouted the doctor, forgetting decorum in the delirium of the moment. He had kept closecheck on the various candidates while the angry Moore and Burroughs, purple and speechless, stood aghast, not believing that this flurrycould abolish the results of their expensive campaign. "Philip Danvers it is!" yelled O'Dwyer, overjoyed, leaping to the topof his desk and jumping madly. "Danvers forever! Hooray!" "Danvers! Danvers! Danvers!" The name was taken up as a slogan by thecheering legislators and citizens--men and women alike. Shouts andhisses, congratulations and curses, laughter and consternation mingledover this unexpected denouement of the long-drawn-out contest. The speaker's gavel came near to breaking, and the desk was crackedbefore the tumult could be quieted sufficiently to proceed with theballoting. The remaining numbers, almost to a man, voted for Danvers; and whenO'Dwyer moved that the vote be made unanimous, the noise and enthusiasmwhich had preceded was as silence to what followed when the motion wasput, seconded and carried, that Philip Danvers of Fort Benton bedeclared unanimously elected as the United States senator from Montanato fill the vacancy for the four years beginning March four, eighteenhundred and ninety----. Even Senator Hall joined the majority--for did he not already have hismoney safely invested? Besides, he could be censured by Burroughs nomore than many others who had taken his money and betrayed him. "Speech! speech!" yelled the crowd. But Danvers could not speak. "Let us go, " whispered Mrs. Burroughs, as the demonstration continued. She looked half in scorn, half in pity, on her husband, frustrated inthe ambition of years by the man he most hated--her brother. "Let us go, Robert, " she repeated. The young daughter crept nearer and clasped her father's icy hand. Shedid not understand the accusations made against a father who had shownher nothing but love. "Better luck next time, Bob, " consoled Moore. "Don't let everybody seehow hard hit you are. Danvers is elected only for the short term, youknow--four years. " Choking, Burroughs attempted to force his way through the cheering, struggling mob, and to clear a path for his wife and daughter. But asthe crowd gave way, in deference to the women, a new obstructionpresented itself. Robert Burroughs did not recognize the slouching, dirty buck blockinghis way as Me-Casto, the once haughty pride of the Blackfeet federation, or the obese, filthy squaw as Pine Coulee. The work of civilization hadobviously been in vain. But this tall, strapping 'breed reaching out hisunwashed hand! Burroughs gazed at a replica of himself as he had been atFort Macleod. "Him you father?" questioned the half-breed, addressing the frighteneddaughter. He had been well coached by the grinning McDevitt, so closebehind him. "She you mother?" He pointed to Kate Danvers, high bred and aristocraticin her scorn. "She _my_ mother, " the 'breed went on, fiendishly, indicating thetoothless, loathsome squaw, whose vindictive eyes never wavered fromBurroughs' craven face. "Him both our father!" The common parent wasgiven a fillip of a contemptuous thumb and finger. Burroughs could not look at his wife, but he threw a furtive glance atthe flower-like face of his daughter. Her look of terror and of shamewas more than he could bear. Before all men he had been confounded;before the wife whose love he had never won, his own passion proving historment; before his daughter, the idol of his heart. As the surge of curious men pressed nearer he saw the malevolent joy ofJoseph Hall and of Chaplain McDevitt, and he knew who had planned hisdisgrace. He saw Danvers, vainly striving to reach his sister. "Let me out!" came in a thick gurgle from his swelling throat. Somethingin his face made the throng give way and Moore quickly pushed himoutside into the midnight cold. "Go back for my wife and daughter, " Burroughs commanded. "Go back!" The street was empty, for everybody had stayed within the capitol tofeast on the sensation of the Indians and the fainting women. Moorehesitated. "They'll be right out, Bob. Let me call a cab. " "Go!" The old, imperious fire came from the deep-set eyes. Moore had no sooner turned his back to obey than a pistol shot broke thestillness. The rabble poured from the capitol at the sound of the shot. Moore, theonly friend that Burroughs ever had, raised his companion. The plottingand planning was over. Robert Burroughs, having forced his way throughlife's stockade, stepped out, alone, into the Dark Trail. In the confusion of that midnight scene Danvers was conscious of but onedesire, held in abeyance by the tragic necessities of the moment. Atlast the surging crowd dispersed, the officers of the law performedtheir hasty duty, and Moore drove away in a closed carriage with Mrs. Burroughs and her daughter. Then Danvers turned wearily, eagerly, like a man famished and athirst, to the woman who meant peace and rest and inspiration. She stood in the dim light, clinging to her brother's arm, while thedoctor waited beside the carriage. Charlie reached out a trembling hand and looked into Philip's face. Thenhe bent and kissed his sister, and gently withdrawing his arm, gave herto Danvers. The doctor hurried the sick man into the carriage, and itdrove into the night. The lovers clung together like tired, frightened children, and walkedsilently. "It is all over, " said Winifred, at last. "No, dear one; it is just begun!" * * * * * TRAILS THROUGH WESTERN WOODS _By_ HELEN FITZGERALD SANDERS The author-artist gives us an idyl of forest trails, cloud-sweptmountains, glacier-born cascades, gentle Selish and heart-broken Indianchiefs, born to learn their day is past. The book will widen the circlesof those who regret the passing of the brave, free life of thewilderness. [Illustration] "The author deserves the gratitude of the American nation for capturing the nebulous star-mist of its beginnings--and that which went before. "--_N. Y. Times. _ _Illustrated by the Author. _ _Colored end sheets. _ _$2. 00 net; postage 16 cents. _ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING THE BRAND _A Story of the Flathead Reservation_ _By_ THERESE BRODERICK This first novel by a new writer is worth reading. One feels, as theyread, as if he, too, were living the untrammeled life of Cattleland. EXTRACTS It is evident the author felt the fascination of the mountains and the wide plains of the west, and most of the best pages of the book are those in which she infuses the written word with their charm. --_N. Y. Times_. The descriptions are seldom equalled and the plot is well developed. "The Brand" will rank as one of the best novels of recent years. --_Western News_. [Illustration] EXTRACTS "The Brand" is instinct with the romantic spirit of the west. It will be read with interest to the end. --_Oregonian_. "The Brand" is splendidly written and is better than "The Virginian. "--_Kalispell Bee_. "The Brand" is good, refreshing and wholesome. It takes me back to God's country. --_B. E. Wiley, M. D. , London, Eng. _ The Indian Agent who "hates Injuns, " and the Scotch Blackfoot hero arenew in fiction but not in the West. Every review has been good. _Illustrated_. $1. 50; _postage_, 10 _cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING _The_ TEMPTATION OF ST. ANTHONY _By_ GUSTAVE FLAUBERT Translated by LAFCADIO HEARN Introduction by ELIZABETH BISLAND This translation of the great French masterpiece, which has been called"The Epic of the Human Soul's Search for Truth, " was recently discoveredamong Lafcadio Hearn's posthumous papers. The whole tendency of Hearn'stastes fitted him especially of all writers to turn that masterpieceinto its true English equivalent. The tortured Saint is whirled by vertiginous visions through cycles ofman's efforts to know why? whence? whither? He assists at the terrifyingrites of Mithra, the prostrations of serpent-worshippers of fire, oflight, of the Greek's deified forces of nature, of the Northernenthronement of brute force and war. Plunges into every heresy andphilosophy, sees the orgies, the flagellations, the self-mutilations, the battles and furies of sects, each convinced it has found the answerto the Great Question. His experiences startlingly reproduce thescientific and spiritual researches of the man of to-day. _$1. 25 net; postage, 10 cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING MARCUS WHITMAN PATHFINDER AND PATRIOT _By_ the late REV. MYRON EELLS, D. D. A calm, judicious statement of _facts_ proving that Whitman savedOregon. [Illustration] The most valuable contribution to American Biography in the last quarter of a century. --_New York Times Book Review_. It is a marvellous book. --W. A. MOWRY, Ph. D. , LL. D. _Profusely illustrated by newly discovered photographs and drawings$2. 50 net; postage 25 cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING CHAPERONING ADRIENNE THROUGH _the_ YELLOWSTONE _By_ ALICE HARRIMAN Particularly appealing to any person who either has been, wants to, or can't go through the famous Yellowstone Park. A gay comedy of vacation happiness and nonsense interspersed with rare descriptions. --_Oregonian_. [Illustration] _Marginal and full-page illustrations by Russell, the Cowboy Artist, $1. 00 net_ * * * * * SONGS O' THE SOUND. By ALICE HARRIMAN. _Illustrated. Hand-paintedleather, $3. 00 net; limp leather, $2. 50_. The book appeals at once as a strikingly beautiful souvenir as well as a remarkable contribution to the literature of the Northwest. --_Seattle Times_. SONGS 'O THE OLYMPICS. By ALICE HARRIMAN. _Illustrated. Boards, artisticIndian head design, $1. 50; leather $2. 00, net; limp leather, $2. 50;Japanese gold and silver art embroidery, $3. 50_. You have here struck several new notes--the rarest thing in American poetry. --Robert Underwood Johnson, Editor of _Century Magazine_. Mrs. Harriman bears the gift of real poetry in her hand. --_Post-Intelligencer_. THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING MRS. FEATHERWEIGHT'S MUSICAL MOMENTS _By_ JOHN BRADY [Illustration] _Illustrated by the Author, . 75 cents net Postage, 10 cents_ A laughter-compelling take-off on musical New York. The unconscioushumour and egotism are delicious, and Mr. Brady's black-and-whitesketches are clever to the point of genius. THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING Lyrics of Fir and Foam _By_ ALICE ROLLIT COE [Illustration] "How desolate it stands upon the slope Of yonder hill. "--_The Deserted Cabin_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING Lyrics of Fir and Foam _By_ ALICE ROLLIT COE A beautiful book in every sense of the word. A most attractive souvenirof the Puget Sound country. The lyrics are destined to a high place inthe literature of the West. THE DESERTED CABIN How desolate it stands upon the slope Of yonder hill; the vacant windows stare; No curtain sways; no eager welcome waits From smiling faces there. The path is overgrown, and through the grass, Self-sown, the pansies from their border stray; And thick athwart the door the ivy shade Grows deeper day by day. And such my life since you have left; the rain Unheeded falls, the sun shines as of old, But lingers not in all the dreary rooms To touch your hair to gold. And yet, a little vine of memory Clings round the doorway where your garments swept;-- Close to the threshold where your footfall passed, Forget-me-nots have crept. _Decorated board, $1. 25. Library edition, cloth, $1. 50. Inlaid leatherand Japanese hand embroidery edition, $3. 50. (Illustrated) Postage 10cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING THE MASTER ROAD _By_ CARLIN EASTWOOD Gratia Drexler, wealthy, socially elect, obeys an impulse towardexpression leading her to active settlement work in the slums. Blindlytreading her sweet way, she set in motion forces whose action andreaction on her and on Hartley Taine is herein told with a repressionadmirable in its resultant heart-grip and dramatic tenseness. The reader will _live every hour_ of happiness and grief, pain and joyportrayed with such sure touch. T H E  M A S T E R  R O A D will be a greater play than "SalvationNell. " Dramatic rights secured by America's leading playwright andproducer. Sure to have a tremendous success. _Illustrated, $1. 35 net; Postage 10 cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING _The_ SUPERINTENDENT _By_ IRENE WELCH GRISSOM _New Characters, Scenes and Theme_ [Illustration] A strong story of the Sawmill Country in Western Washington. Redolent offir, cedar, and hemlock as the whirring saws let loose the storedperfume of the growth of centuries. _$1. 35 net; postage 10 cents_ THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING PIONEER DAYS _on_ PUGET SOUND _By_ ARTHUR A. DENNY (Father of Seattle) The only book by one of Seattle's founders. Absolutely reliable as tofacts and dates. _Edition de luxe, deckle-edge, profusely illustrated with rarephotographs, drawings, maps, $2. 00 net; postage, 10c. Limited edition. _ * * * * * CHRONICLES _of_ OLDFIELDS _By_ THOMAS N. ALLEN A delightfully sympathetic tale of four old ante-bellum Kentuckians. Men's friendship has never before been portrayed with such literarydelicacy and charm. We have printed this charming narrative in clear type, on good paper andbound it artistically. Introduction by John H. McGraw, ex-Governor ofWashington. We have inserted an excellent likeness of Judge Allen, theauthor. You will read these CHRONICLES more than once. It is worthy of a secondreading. _Illustrated. $1. 50 net; postage, 10 cents_ * * * * * T H E  R O A D  _o f_  L I F E A Dramatic Poem, by Marion Couthouy Smith. With shorter poems reprintedby permission from the leading magazines. "Miss Smith's verse rings asclear and true as a clarion call. " _$1. 00 net; postage, 5 cents_. THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 542 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK _and_ SEATTLE 318 DENNY BUILDING * * * * * Transcriber's note The following changes have been made to the text: Page 89: "She clnug to him" changed to "She clung to him". Page 289 "like the the cauterizing" changed to "like the cauterizing".