"Oh，thedistancemakesitmoreimproper，then，"hesaidabstractedly;butafteramoment’scontemplationofherhalf-
avertedface，heaskedgravely，"Hasanyonetalkedtoyouaboutme？"
Tenminutesbefore，Nelliehadbeenburningtounburthenherselfofherfather’swarning，butnowshefeltshewouldnot。"Iwishyouwouldn’tcallyourselfLow，"shesaidatlast。
"Butit’smyname，"herepliedquietly。
"Nonsense！It’sonlyastupidtranslationofastupidnickname。
Theymightaswellcallyou’Water’atonce。"
"Butyousaidyoulikedit。"
"Well，soIdo。Butdon’tyousee——I——ohdear！youdon’tunderstand。"
Lowdidnotreply，butturnedhisheadwithresignedgravitytowardsthedeeperwoods。Graspingthebarrelofhisriflewithhislefthand，hethrewhisrightarmacrosshisleftwristandleanedslightlyuponitwiththehabitualeaseofaWesternhunter——doublypicturesqueinhisownlithe，youthfulsymmetry。
MissNellielookedathimfromunderhereyelids，andthenhalfdefiantlyraisedherheadandherdarklashes。Graduallyanalmostmagicalchangecameoverherfeatures;hereyesgrewlargerandmoreandmoreyearning，untiltheyseemedtodrawandabsorbintheirliquiddepthsthefigureoftheyoungmanbeforeher;hercoldfacebrokeintoanecstasyoflightandcolor;herhumidlipspartedinabright，welcomingsmile，until，withanirresistibleimpulse，shearose，andthrowingbackherheadstretchedtowardshimtwohandsfullofvagueandtremblingpassion。
Inanothermomenthehadseizedthem，kissedthem，and，ashedrewherclosertohisembrace，feltthemtightenaroundhisneck。"Butwhatnamedoyouwishtocallme？"heasked，lookingdownintohereyes。
MissNelliemurmuredsomethingconfidentiallytothethirdbuttonofhishuntingshirt。"Butthat，"hereplied，withasmile，"THATwouldn’tbeanymorepractical，andyouwouldn’twantotherstocallmedar——"Herfingersloosenedaroundhisneck，shedrewherheadback，andasingularexpressionpassedoverherface，whichtoanycalmerobserverthanaloverwouldhaveseemed，however，toindicatemorecuriositythanjealousy。
"WhoelseDOEScallyouso？"sheaddedearnestly。"Howmany，forinstance？"
Low’sreplywasaddressednottoherear，butherlips。Shedidnotavoidit，butadded，"Anddoyoukissthemalllikethat？"
Takinghimbytheshoulders，sheheldhimalittlewayfromher，andgazedathimfromheadtofoot。Thendrawinghimagaintoherembrace，shesaid，"Idon’tcare，atleastnowomanhaskissedyoulikethat。"Happy，dazzled，andembarrassed，hewasbeginningtostammerthetruthfulprotestationthatrosetohislips，butshestoppedhim："No，don’tprotest！saynothing！LetMEloveYOU——thatisall。Itisenough。"Hewouldhavecaughtherinhisarmsagain，butshedrewback。"Weareneartheroad，"shesaidquietly。"Come！Youpromisedtoshowmewhereyoucamped。LetUSmakethemostofourholiday。InanhourI
mustleavethewoods。"
"ButIshallaccompanyyou，dearest。"
"No，ImustgoasIcame——alone。"
"ButNellie——"
"Itellyouno，"shesaid，withanalmostharshpracticaldecision，incompatiblewithherpreviousabandonment。"Wemightbeseentogether。"
"Well，supposeweare;wemustbeseentogethereventually，"heremonstrated。
Theyounggirlmadeaninvoluntarygestureofimpatientnegation，butcheckedherself。"Don’tletustalkofthatnow。Come，whileIamhereunderyourownroof——"shepointedtothehighinterlacedboughsabovethem——"youmustbehospitable。Showmeyourhome;tellme，isn’titalittlegloomysometimes？"
"Itneverhasbeen;IneverthoughtitWOULDbeuntilthemomentyouleaveitto-day。"
Shepressedhishandbrieflyandinahalf-perfunctoryway，asifhervanityhadacceptedanddismissedthecompliment。"Takemesomewhere，"shesaidinquisitively，"whereyoustaymost;IdonotseemtoseeyouHERE，"sheadded，lookingaroundherwithaslightshiver。"Itissobigandsohigh。Haveyounoplacewhereyoueatandrestandsleep？"
"Exceptintherainyseason，Icampallovertheplace——atanyspotwhereImayhavebeenshootingorcollecting。"
"Collecting？"queriedNellie。
"Yes;withtheherbarium，youknow。"
"Yes，"saidNelliedubiously。"Butyoutoldmeonce——thefirsttimeweevertalkedtogether，"sheadded，lookinginhiseyes——
"somethingaboutyourkeepingyourthingslikeasquirrelinatree。Couldwenotgothere？Istherenotroomforustositandtalkwithoutbeingbrow-beatenandlookeddownuponbythesesupercilioustrees？"
"It’stoofaraway，"saidLowtruthfully，butwithasomewhatpronouncedemphasis，"muchtoofarforyoujustnow;anditliesonanothertrailthatentersthewoodbeyond。Butcome，Iwillshowyouaspringknownonlytomyself，thewoodducks，andthesquirrels。IdiscovereditthefirstdayIsawyou，andgaveityourname。Butyoushallchristenityourself。Itwillbeallyours，andyoursalone，foritissohiddenandsecludedthatI
defyanyfeetbutmyownorwhososhallkeepstepwithminetofindit。Shallthatfootbeyours，Nellie？"
Herfacebeamedwithabrightassent。"Itmaybedifficulttotrackitfromhere，"hesaid，"butstandwhereyouareamoment，anddon’tmove，rustle，noragitatetheairinanyway。Thewoodsarestillnow。"Heturnedatrightangleswiththetrail，movedafewpacesintothefernsandunderbrush，andthenstoppedwithhisfingeronhislips。Foraninstantbothremainedmotionless;thenwithhisintentfacebentforwardandbotharmsextended，hebegantosinkslowlyupononekneeandoneside，inclininghisbodywithagentle，perfectly-graduatedmovementuntilhisearalmosttouchedtheground。Nelliewatchedhisgracefulfigurebreathlessly，until，likeabowunbent，hestoodsuddenlyerectagain，andbeckonedtoherwithoutchangingthedirectionofhisface。
"Whatisit？"sheaskedeagerly。
"Allright;Ihavefoundit，"hecontinued，movingforwardwithoutturninghishead。
"Buthow？Whatdidyoukneelfor？"Hedidnotreply，buttakingherhandinhiscontinuedtomoveslowlyonthroughtheunderbrush，asifobeyingsomemagneticattraction。"Howdidyoufindit？"againaskedthehalf-awedgirl，hervoiceunconsciouslyfallingtoawhisper。Stillsilent，Lowkepthisrigidfaceandforwardtreadfortwentyyardsfurther;thenhestoppedandreleasedthegirl’shalf-impatienthand。"Howdidyoufindit？"
sherepeatedsharply。
"Withmyearsandnose，"repliedLowgravely。
"Withyournose？"
"Yes;Ismeltit。"
Stillfreshwiththememoryofhispicturesqueattitude，theyoungman’sreplyseemedtoinvolvesomethingmoreirritatingtoherfeelingsthaneventhatabsurdanticlimax。Shelookedathimcoldlyandcritically，andappearedtohesitatewhethertoproceed。"Isitfar？"sheasked。
"Notmorethantenminutesnow，asIshallgo。"
"Andyouwon’thavetosmellyourwayagain？"
"No;itisquiteplainnow，"heansweredseriously，theyounggirl’ssarcasmslippingharmlesslyfromhisIndianstolidity。
"Don’tyousmellityourself？"
ButMissNellie’sthin，coldnostrilsrefusedtotakethatvulgarinterest。
"Norhearit？Listen！"
"YouforgetIsufferthemisfortuneofhavingbeenbroughtupunderaroof，"sherepliedcoldly。
"That’strue，"repeatedLow，inallseriousness;"it’snotyourfault。Butdoyouknow，IsometimesthinkIampeculiarlysensitivetowater;Ifeelitmilesaway。Atnight，thoughImaynotseeitorevenknowwhereitis，Iamconsciousofit。ItiscompanytomewhenIamalone，andIseemtohearitinmydreams。Thereisnomusicassweettomeasitssong。Whenyousangwithmethatdayinchurch，Iseemedtohearitrippleinyourvoice。Itsaystomemorethanthebirdsdo，morethantherarestplantsIfind。Itseemstolivewithmeandforme。Itismyearliestrecollection;Iknowitwillbemylast，forI
shalldieinitsembrace。Doyouthink，Nellie，"hecontinued，stoppingshortandgazingearnestlyinherface——"doyouthinkthatthechiefsknewthiswhentheycalledme’SleepingWater’？"
ToMissNellie’sseveralgiftsIfearthegodshadnotaddedpoetry。AslightknowledgeofEnglishverseofaselectcharacter，unfortunately，didnotassistherintheinterpretationoftheyoungman’sspeech，norrelieveherfromthemomentaryfeelingthathewasattimesdeficientinintellect。Shepreferred，however，totakeapersonalviewofthequestion，andexpressedhersarcasticregretthatshehadnotknownbeforethatshehadbeenindebtedtothegreatflumeandditchatExcelsiorforthepleasureofhisacquaintance。Thispertremarkoccasionedsomeexplanation，whichendedinthegirl’sacceptingakissinlieuofmorelogicalargument。
Nevertheless，shewasstillconsciousofaninwardirritation——
alwaysdistinctfromhersingularandperfectlymaterialpassion——
whichfoundventasthedifficultiesoftheirundeviatingprogressthroughtheunderbrushincreased。Atlastshelosthershoeagain，andstoppedshort。"It’sapityyourIndianfriendsdidnotchristenyou’WildMustard’or’Clover，’"shesaidsatirically，"thatyoumighthavehadsomesympathiesandlongingsfortheopenfieldsinsteadofthesehorridjungles！I
knowwewillnotgetbackintime。"
Unfortunately，Lowacceptedthisspeechliterallyandwithhisremorselessgravity。"Ifmynameannoysyou，Icangetitchangedbythelegislature，youknow，andIcanfindoutwhatmyfather’snamewas，andtakethat。Mymother，whodiedingivingmebirth，wasthedaughterofachief。"
"ThenyourmotherwasreallyanIndian？"saidNellie，"andyouare——"Shestoppedshort。
"ButItoldyouallthisthedaywefirstmet，"saidLow，withgraveastonishment。"Don’tyourememberourlongtalkcomingfromchurch？"
"No，"saidNelliecoldly，"youdidn’ttellme。"Butshewasobligedtodrophereyesbeforetheunwavering，undeniabletruthfulnessofhis。
"Youhaveforgotten，"hesaidcalmly;"butitisonlyrightyoushouldhaveyourownwayindisposingofanamethatIhavecaredlittlefor;andasyou’retohaveashareofit——"
"Yes，butit’sgettinglate，andifwearenotgoingforward——"
interruptedthegirlimpatiently。
"WeAREgoingforward，"saidLowimperturbably;"butIwantedtotellyou，aswewerespeakingonTHATsubject"（Nellielookedatherwatch），"I’vebeenofferedtheplaceofbotanistandnaturalistinProfessorGrant’ssurveyofMountShasta，andifI
takeit——why，whenIcomeback，darling——well——"
"Butyou’renotgoingjustyet，"brokeinNellie，withanewexpressioninherface。
"No。"
"Thenweneednottalkofitnow，"shesaid，withanimation。
Hersuddenvivacityrelievedhim。"Iseewhat’sthematter，"hesaidgently，lookingdownatherfeet;"theselittleshoeswerenotmadetokeepstepwithamoccasin。Wemusttryanotherway。"
Hestoopedasiftosecuretheerringbuskin，butsuddenlyliftedherlikeachildtohisshoulder。"There，"hecontinued，placingherarmroundhisneck，"youareclearofthefernsandbramblesnow，andwecangoon。Areyoucomfortable？"Helookedup，readheranswerinherburningeyesandthewarmlipspressedtohisforeheadattherootsofhisstraightdarkhair，andagainmovedonwardasinamesmericdream。Buthedidnotswervefromhisdirectcourse，andwithafinaldashthroughtheundergrowthpartedtheleafycurtainbeforethespring。
Atfirsttheyounggirlwasdazzledbythestronglightthatcamefromarentintheinterwovenarchesofthewood。Thebreachhadbeencausedbythehugebulkofoneofthegreatgiantsthathadhalffallen，andwaslyingatasteepangleagainstoneofitsmightiestbrethren，havingbornedownalessertreeinthearcofitsdownwardpath。Twooftheroots，aslargeasyoungertrees，tossedtheirblackenedandbarelimbshighintheair。Thespring——theinsignificantcauseofthisvastdisruption——gurgled，flashed，andsparkledatthebase;thelimpidbabyfingersthathadlaidbarethefoundationsofthatfallencolumnplayedwiththestillclingingrootlets，lavedthefracturedandtwistedlimbs，and，widening，filledwithsleepingwaterthegravesfromwhichtheyhadbeentorn。
"Ithadbeengoingonforyears，downthere，"saidLow，pointingtoacavityfromwhichthefreshwaternowslowlywelled，"butithadbeenquickenedbytherisingofthesubterraneanspringsandriverswhichalwaysoccursatacertainstageofthedryseason。
Irememberthatonthatverynight——forithappenedalittleaftermidnight，whenallsoundsaremoreaudible——Iwastroubledandoppressedinmysleepbywhatyouwouldcallanightmare;afeelingasifIwaskeptdownbybondsandpinionsthatIlongedtobreak。AndthenIheardacrashinthisdirection，andthefirststreakofmorningbroughtmethesoundandscentofwater。
SixmonthsafterwardsIchancedtofindmywayhere，asItoldyou，andgaveityourname。IdidnotdreamthatIshouldeverstandbesideitwithyou，andhaveyouchristenityourself。"
Heunloosenedthecupfromhisflask，andfillingitatthespringhandedittoher。Buttheyounggirlleantoverthepool，andpouringthewateridlybacksaid，"I’dratherputmyfeetinit。Mayn’tI？"
"Idon’tunderstandyou，"hesaidwonderingly。
"MyfeetareSOhotanddusty。Thewaterlooksdeliciouslycool。
MayI？"
"Certainly。"
HeturnedawayasNellie，withapparentunconsciousness，seatedherselfonthebank，andremovedhershoesandstockings。Whenshehaddabbledherfeetafewmomentsinthepool，shesaidoverhershoulder——
"Wecantalkjustaswell，can’twe？"
"Certainly。"
"Well，then，whydidn’tyoucometochurchmoreoften，andwhydidn’tyouthinkoftellingfatherthatyouwereconvictedofsinandwantedtobebaptized？"
"Idon’tknow，"hesitatedtheyoungman。
"Well，youlostthechanceofhavingfatherconvertyou，baptizeyou，andtakeyouintofullchurchfellowship。"
"Ineverthought——"hebegan。
"Youneverthought。Aren’tyouaChristian？"
"Isupposeso。"
"Hesupposesso！Haveyounoconvictions——noprofession？"
"But，Nellie，Ineverthoughtthatyou——"
"NeverthoughtthatI——what？DoyouthinkthatIcouldeverbeanythingtoamanwhodidnotbelieveinjustificationbyfaith，orinthecovenantofchurchfellowship？Doyouthinkfatherwouldletme？"
Inhiseagernesstodefendhimselfhesteppedtoherside。Butseeingherlittlefeetshiningthroughthedarkwater，likeoutcroppingsofdelicatelyveinedquartz，hestoppedembarrassed。
MissNellie，however，leapedtoonefoot，and，shakingtheotheroverthepool，putherhandonhisshouldertosteadyherself。
"Youhaven’tgotatowel——or，"shesaiddubiously，lookingathersmallhandkerchief，"anythingtodrythemon？"
ButLowdidnot，assheperhapsexpected，offerhisownhandkerchief。
"Ifyoutakeabathafterourfashion，"hesaidgravely，"youmustlearntodryyourselfafterourfashion。"
Liftingheragainlightlyinhisarms，hecarriedherafewstepstothesunnyopening，andbadeherburyherfeetinthedriedmossesandbakedwitheredgrassesthatwerebleachinginahollow。Theyounggirlutteredacryofchildishdelight，asthesoftciliatedfibrestouchedhersensitiveskin。
"Itishealing，too，"continuedLow;"amoccasinfilledwithitafteradayonthetrailmakesyouallrightagain。"
ButMissNellieseemedtobethinkingofsomethingelse。
"Isthatthewaythesquawsbatheanddrythemselves？"
"Idon’tknow;youforgetIwasaboywhenIleftthem。"
"Andyou’resureyouneverknewany？"
"None。"
Theyounggirlseemedtoderivesomesatisfactioninmovingherfeetupanddownforseveralminutesamongthegrassesinthehollow;then，afterapause，said，"YouarequitecertainIamthefirstwomanthatevertouchedthisspring？"
"Notonlythefirstwoman，butthefirsthumanbeing，exceptmyself。"
"Hownice！"
Theyhadtakeneachother’shands;seatedsidebyside，theyleanedagainstacurvingelasticrootthathalfsupported，halfencompassed，them。Thegirl’scapricious，fitfulmannersuccumbedasbeforetothenearcontactofhercompanion。
Lookingintohereyes，Lowfellintoasweet，selfishlover’smonologue，descriptiveofhispastandpresentfeelingstowardsher，whichsheacceptedwithaheightenedcolor，aslightexchangeofsentiment，andastrangecuriosity。Thesunhadpaintedtheirhalf-embracedsilhouettesagainsttheslantingtree-trunk，andbegantodeclineunnoticed;therippleofthewaterminglingwiththeirwhisperscameasonesoundtothelisteningear;eventheireloquentsilenceswereasdeep，and，I
wot，perhapsasdangerous，asthedarkenedpoolthatfilledsonoiselesslyadozenyardsaway。Soquietweretheythatthetremorofinvadingwingsonceortwiceshookthesilence，orthequickscamperoffrightenedfeetrustledthedeadgrass。ButinthemidstofaprolongedstillnesstheyoungmansprangupsosuddenlythatNelliewasstillhalfclingingtohisneckashestooderect。"Hush！"hewhispered;"someoneisnear！"
Hedisengagedheranxioushandsgently，leapedupontheslantingtree-trunk，andrunninghalf-wayupitsinclinewiththeagilityofasquirrel，stretchedhimselfatfulllengthuponitandlistened。
Totheimpatient，inexplicablystartledgirl，itseemedanagebeforeherejoinedher。
"Youaresafe，"hesaid;"heisgoingbythewesterntrailtowardsIndianSpring。"
"WhoisHE？"sheasked，bitingherlipswithapoorlyrestrainedgestureofmortificationanddisappointment。
"Somestranger，"repliedLow。
"Aslongashewasn’tcominghere，whydidyougivemesuchafright？"shesaidpettishly。"Areyounervousbecauseasinglewayfarerhappenstostrayhere？"
"Itwasnowayfarer，forhetriedtokeepnearthetrail，"saidLow。"Hewasastrangertothewood，forhelosthiswayeverynowandthen。Hewasseekingorexpectingsomeone，forhestoppedfrequentlyandwaitedorlistened。Hehadnotwalkedfar，forheworespursthattinkledandcaughtinthebrush;andyethehadnotriddenhere，fornohorse’shoofspassedtheroadsincewehavebeenhere。HemusthavecomefromIndianSpring。"
"Andyouheardallthatwhenyoulistenedjustnow？"askedNellie，halfdisdainfully。
ImpervioustoherincredulityLowturnedhiscalmeyesonherface。"Certainly，I’llbetmylifeonwhatIsay。Tellme：doyouknowanybodyinIndianSpringwhowouldlikelyspyuponyou？"
Theyounggirlwasconsciousofacertainill-defineduneasiness，butanswered，"No。"
"ThenitwasnotYOUhewasseeking，"saidLowthoughtfully。
MissNelliehadnottimetonoticetheemphasis，forheadded，"Youmustgoatonce，andlestyouhavebeenfollowedIwillshowyouanotherwaybacktoIndianSpring。Itislonger，andyoumusthasten。Takeyourshoesandstockingswithyouuntilweareoutofthebush。"
Heraisedheragaininhisarmsandstrodeoncemoreoutthroughthecovertintothedimaislesofthewood。Theyspokebutlittle;shecouldnothelpfeelingthatsomeotherdiscordantelement，affectinghimmorestronglythanitdidher，hadcomebetweenthem，andwashalfperplexedandhalffrightened。Attheendoftenminutesheseatedheruponafallenbranch，andtellingherhewouldreturnbythetimeshehadresumedhershoesandstockingsglidedfromherlikeashadow。Shewouldhaveutteredanindignantprotestatbeingleftalone，buthewasgoneereshecoulddetainhim。Foramomentshethoughtshehatedhim。Butwhenshehadmechanicallyshodherselfoncemore，notwithoutnervousshiversateveryfallingneedle，hewasatherside。
"Doyouknowanyonewhowearsafriezecoatlikethat？"heasked，handingherafewtornshredsofwoolaffixedtoasplinterofbark。
MissNellieinstantlyrecognizedthematerialofacertainsportingcoatwornbyMr。JackBraceonfestiveoccasions，butastrangeyetinfallibleinstinctthatwaspartofhernaturemadeherinstantlydisclaimallknowledgeofit。
"No，"shesaid。
"Notanyonewhoscentshimselfwithsomedoctor’sstufflikecologne？"continuedLow，withthedisgustofkeenolfactorysensibilities。
AgainMissNellierecognizedtheperfumewithwhichthegallantexpressmanwaswonttomakeredolentherlittleparlor，butagainsheavowednoknowledgeofitspossessor。"Well，"returnedLowwithsomedisappointment，"suchamanhasbeenhere。Beonyourguard。Letusgoatonce。"
Sherequirednourgingtohastenhersteps，buthurriedbreathlesslyathisside。Hehadtakenanewtrailbywhichtheyleftthewoodatrightangleswiththehighway，twomilesaway。
Followinganalmosteffacedmuletrackalongaslightdepressionoftheplain，deepenough，however，tohidethemfromview，heaccompaniedher，until，risingtothelevelagain，shesawtheywerebeginningtoapproachthehighwayandthedistantroofsofIndianSpring。"Nobodymeetingyounow，"hewhispered，"wouldsuspectwhereyouhadbeen。Goodnight！untilnextweek——remember。"
Theypressedeachother’shands，andstandingontheslightridgeoutlinedagainstthepalingsky，infullviewofthehighway，partingcarelessly，asiftheyhadbeenchancemettravelers。
ButNelliecouldnotrestrainapartingbackwardglanceasshelefttheridge。Lowhaddescendedtothedesertedtrail，andwasrunningswiftlyinthedirectionoftheCarquinezWoods。
CHAPTERIV
Teresaawokewithastart。Itwasdayalready，buthowfaradvancedtheeven，unchanging，softtwilightofthewoodsgavenoindication。Hercompanionhadvanished，andtoherbewilderedsensessohadthecamp-fire，eventoitsembersandashes。Wassheawake，orhadshewanderedawayunconsciouslyinthenight？
Oneglanceatthetreeaboveherdissipatedthefancy。Therewastheopeningofherquaintretreatandthehangingstripsofbark，andatthefootoftheoppositetreelaythecarcassofthebear。
Ithadbeenskinned，and，asTeresathoughtwithaninwardshiver，alreadylookedhalfitsformersize。
Notyetaccustomedtothefactthatafewstepsineitherdirectionaroundthecircumferenceofthosegreattrunksproducedthesuddenappearanceordisappearanceofanyfigure，Teresautteredaslightscreamasheryoungcompanionunexpectedlysteppedtoherside。"Youseeachangehere，"hesaid;"thestamped-outashesofthecamp-firelieunderthebrush，"andhepointedtosomecleverlyscatteredboughsandstripsofbarkwhichcompletelyeffacedthetracesoflastnight’sbivouac。"Wecan’taffordtocalltheattentionofanypackerorhunterwhomightstragglethiswaytothisparticularspotandthisparticulartree;themorenaturally，"headded，"astheyalwaysprefertocampoveranoldfire。"Acceptingthisexplanationmeekly，aspartlyareproachforhercapriceofthepreviousnight，Teresahungherhead。
"I’mverysorry，"shesaid，"butwouldn’tthat，"pointingtothecarcassofthebear，"havemadethemcurious？"
ButLow’slogicwasrelentless。
"Bythistimetherewouldhavebeenlittlelefttoexcitecuriosity，ifyouhadbeenwillingtoleavethosebeaststotheirwork。"
"I’mverysorry，"repeatedthewoman，herlipsquivering。
"Theyarethescavengersofthewood，"hecontinuedinalightertone;"ifyoustayhereyoumusttrytousethemtokeepyourhouseclean。"
Teresasmilednervously。
"Imeanthattheyshallfinishtheirworkto-night，"headded，"andIshallbuildanothercamp-fireforusamilefromhereuntiltheydo。"
ButTeresacaughthissleeve。
"No，"shesaidhurriedly，"don’t，please，forme。Youmustnottakethetrouble，northerisk。Hearme;do，please。Icanbearit，IWILLbearit——to-night。Iwouldhaveborneitlastnight，butitwassostrange——and"——shepassedherhandsoverherforehead——"IthinkImusthavebeenhalfmad。ButIamnotsofoolishnow。"
Sheseemedsobrokenanddespondentthatherepliedreassuringly：
"PerhapsitwouldbebetterthatIshouldfindanotherhiding-
placeforyou，untilIcandisposeofthatcarcasssothatitwillnotdrawdogsafterthewolves，andmenafterTHEM。
Besides，yourfriendthesheriffwillprobablyrememberthebearwhenheremembersanything，andtrytogetonitstrackagain。"
"He’saconceitedfool，"brokeinTeresainahighvoice，withaslightreturnofheroldfury，"orhe’dhaveguessedwherethatshotcamefrom;and，"sheaddedinalowertone，lookingdownatherlimpandnervelessfingers，"hewouldn’thaveletapoor，weak，nervouswretchlikemegetaway。"
"Buthisdeputymayputtwoandtwotogether，andconnectyourescapewithit。"
Teresa’seyesflashed。"Itwouldbelikethedog，justtosavehispride，toswearitwasanambushofmyfriends，andthathewasoverpoweredbynumbers。Ohyes！Iseeitall！"shealmostscreamed，lashingherselfintoarageatthebarecontemplationofthisdiminutionofherglory。"That’sthedirtyliehetellseverywhere，andistellingnow。"
Shestampedherfeetandglancedsavagelyaround，asifatanyrisktoproclaimthefalsehood。Lowturnedhisimpassive，truthfulfacetowardsher。
"SheriffDunn，"hebegangravely，"isapolitician，andafoolwhenhetakestothetrailasahunterofmanorbeast。Butheisnotacowardnoraliar。Yourchanceswouldbebetterifhewere——ifhelaidyourescapetoanambushofyourfriends，thanifhisprideheldyoualoneresponsible。"
"Ifhe’ssuchagoodman，whydoyouhesitate？"sherepliedbitterly。"Whydon’tyougivemeupatonce，anddoaservicetooneofyourfriends？"
"Idonotevenknowhim，"returnedLowopeninghiscleareyesuponher。"I’vepromisedtohideyouhere，andIshallhideyouaswellfromhimasfromanybody。"
Teresadidnotreply，butsuddenlydroppingdownuponthegroundburiedherfaceinherhandsandbegantosobconvulsively。Lowturnedimpassivelyaway，andputtingasidethebarkcurtainclimbedintothehollowtree。Inafewmomentshereappeared，ladenwithprovisionsandafewsimplecookingutensils，andtouchedherlightlyontheshoulder。Shelookeduptimidly;theparoxysmhadpassed，butherlashesyetglittered。
"Come，"hesaid，"comeandgetsomebreakfast。Ifindyouhaveeatennothingsinceyouhavebeenhere——twenty-fourhours。"
"Ididn’tknowit，"shesaid，withafaintsmile。Thenseeinghisburden，andpossessedbyanewandstrangedesireforsomemenialemployment，shesaidhurriedly，"Letmecarrysomething——
do，please，"andeventriedtodisencumberhim。
Halfannoyed，Lowatlastyielded，andhandinghisriflesaid，"There，then，takethat;butbecareful——it’sloaded！"
Acruelblushburntthewoman’sfacetotherootsofherhairasshetooktheweaponhesitatinglyinherhand。
"No！"shestammered，hurriedlyliftinghershame-suffusedeyestohis;"no！no！"
Heturnedawaywithanimpatiencewhichshowedherhowcompletelygratuitoushadbeenheragitationanditssignificance，andsaid，"Well，then，giveitbackifyouareafraidofit。"Butsheassuddenlydeclinedtoreturnit;andshoulderingitdeftly，tookherplacebyhisside。Silentlytheymovedfromthehollowtreetogether。
Duringtheirwalkshedidnotattempttoinvadehistaciturnity。
Neverthelessshewasaskeenlyaliveandwatchfulofhiseverymovementandgestureasifshehadhungenchantedonhislips。
Theunerringwaywithwhichhepursuedaviewless，undeviatingpaththroughthosetracklesswoods，hisquickreconnaissanceofcertaintreesoropenings，hismuteinspectionofsomealmostimperceptiblefootprintofbirdorbeast，hiscriticalexaminationofcertainplantswhichhepluckedanddepositedinhisdeerskinhaversack，werenotlostonthequick-wittedwoman。
Astheygraduallychangedtheclear，unencumberedaislesofthecentralwoodsforamoretangledundergrowth，Teresafeltthatsubtleadmirationwhichculminatesinimitation，andsimulatingperfectlythestep，tread，andeasyswingofhercompanion，followedsoaccuratelyhisleadthatshewonagratifiedexclamationfromhimwhentheirgoalwasreached——abroken，blackenedshaft，splinteredbylong-forgottenlightning，inthecentreofatangledcarpetofwood-clover。
"Idon’twonderyoudistancedthedeputy，"hesaidcheerfully，throwingdownhisburden，"ifyoucantakethehunting-pathlikethat。Inafewdays，ifyoustayhere，Icanventuretotrustyoualoneforalittlepasearwhenyouaretiredofthetree。"
Teresalookedpleased，butbusiedherselfwitharrangementsforthebreakfast，whilehegatheredthefuelfortheroaringfirewhichsoonblazedbesidetheshatteredtree。
Teresa’sbreakfastwasasuccess。Itwasarevelationtotheyoungnomad，whoseascetichabitsandsimpletasteswereusuallycontentwiththemostprimitiveformsoffrontiercookery。Itwasatleastasurprisetohimtoknowthatwithoutextratroublekneadedflour，water，andsaleratusneednotbeessentiallyheavy;thatcoffeeneednotbeboiledwithsugartotheconsistencyofsyrup;thateventhatrarestdelicacy，smallshredsofvenisoncoveredwithashesandbroiledupontheendofaramrodboldlythrustintotheflames，wouldbebetterandevenmoreexpeditiouslycookeduponburningcoals。Movedinhispracticalnature，hewassurprisedtofindthiscuriouscreatureofdisorganizednervesanduselessimpulsesinformedwithanintelligencethatdidnotprecludethewelfareofhumanityortheexistenceofasoul。Herespectedherforsomeminutes，untilinthemidstofaculinarytriumphabigteardroppedandsplutteredinthesaucepan。Butheforgavetheirrelevancybytakingnonoticeofit，andbydoingfulljusticetothatparticulardish。
Nevertheless，heaskedseveralquestionsbasedupontheserecentlydiscoveredqualities。Itappearedthatintheolddaysofherwanderingswiththecircustroupeshehadoftenbeenforcedtoundertakethisnomadichousekeeping。Butshe"despisedit，"hadneverdoneitsince，andalwayshadrefusedtodoitfor"him"——thepersonalpronounreferring，asLowunderstood，toherlover，Curson。Notcaringtorevivethesememoriesfurther，Lowbrieflyconcluded："Idon’tknowwhatyouwere，orwhatyoumaybe，butfromwhatIseeofyouyou’vegotallthesabeofafrontierman’swife。"
Shestoppedandlookedathim，andthenwithanimpulseofimprudencethatonlyhalfconcealedamoreseriousvanity，asked，"DoyouthinkImighthavemadeagoodsquaw？"
"Idon’tknow，"herepliedquietly。"Ineversawenoughofthemtoknow。"
Teresa，confidentfromhiscleareyesthathespokethetruth，buthavingnothingreadytofollowthiscalmdisposalofhercuriosity，relapsedintosilence。
Themealfinished，Teresawashedtheirscanttableequipageinalittlespringnearthecamp-fire;where，catchingsightofherdisordereddressandcollar，sherapidlythrewhershawl，afterthenationalfashion，overhershoulderandpinneditquickly。
Lowcachedtheremainingprovisionsandthefewcookingutensilsunderthedeadembersandashes，obliteratingallsuperficialindicationoftheircamp-fireasdeftlyandartisticallyashehadbefore。
"Thereisn’ttheghostofachance，"hesaidinexplanation，"thatanybodybutyouorIwillsetfootherebeforewecomebacktosupper，butit’swelltobeonguard。I’lltakeyoubacktothecabinnow，thoughIbetyoucouldfindyourwaythereaswellasIcan。"
OntheirwaybackTeresaranaheadofhercompanion，andpluckingafewtinyleavesfromahiddenoasisinthebark-strewntrailbroughtthemtohim。
"That’sthekindyou’relookingfor，isn’tit？"shesaid，halftimidly。
"Itis，"respondedLow，ingratifiedsurprise;"buthowdidyouknowit？You’renotabotanist，areyou？"
"Ireckonnot，"saidTeresa;"butyoupickedsomewhenwecame，andInoticedwhattheywere。"
Herewasindeedanotherrevelation。Lowstoppedandgazedatherwithsuchfrank，open，utterlyunabashedcuriositythatherblackeyesfellbeforehim。
"Anddoyouthink，"heaskedwithlogicaldeliberation，"thatyoucouldfindanyplantfromanotherIshouldgiveyou？"
"Yes。"
"Orfromadrawingofit"
"Yes;perhapsevenifyoudescribedittome。"
Ahalf-confidential，half-fraternalsilencefollowed。
"Itellyouwhat。I’vegotabook——"
"Iknowit，"interruptedTeresa;"fullofthesethings。"
"Yes。Doyouthinkyoucould——"
"OfcourseIcould，"brokeinTeresa，again。
"Butyoudon’tknowwhatImean，"saidtheimperturbableLow。
"CertainlyIdo。Why，find’em，andpreserveallthedifferentonesforyoutowriteunder——that’sit，isn’tit？"
Lownoddedhishead，gratifiedbutnotentirelyconvincedthatshehadfullyestimatedthemagnitudeoftheendeavor。
"Isuppose，"saidTeresa，inthefemininepostscriptumvoicewhichitwouldseementeredeventhephilosophicalcalmoftheaislestheyweretreading——"IsupposethatSHEplacesgreatvalueonthem？"
LowhadindeedheardSciencepersonifiedbefore，norwasitatallimpossiblethatthesingularwomanwalkingbyhissidehadalso。Hesaid"Yes;"butadded，inmentalreferencetotheLinneanSocietyofSanFrancisco，that"THEYwereratherparticularabouttherarerkinds。"
ContentasTeresahadbeentobelieveinLow’stenderrelationswithsomefavoredONEofhersex，thisfrankconfessionofapluraldevotionstaggeredher。
"They？"sherepeated。
"Yes，"hecontinuedcalmly。"TheBotanicalSocietyIcorrespondwitharemoreparticularthantheGovernmentSurvey。"
"Thenyouaredoingthisforasociety？"demandedTeresa，withastare。
"Certainly。I’mmakingacollectionandclassificationofspecimens。Iintend——butwhatareyoulookingat？"
Teresahadsuddenlyturnedaway。Puttinghishandlightlyonhershoulder，theyoungmanbroughtherfacetofacehimagain。
Shewaslaughing。
"Ithoughtallthewhileitwasforagirl，"shesaid;"and——"
Butherethemereeffortofspeechsentheroffintoanaudibleandgenuineoutburstoflaughter。Itwasthefirsttimehehadseenherevensmileotherthanbitterly。Characteristicallyunconsciousofanyhumorinhererror，heremainedunembarrassed。
Buthecouldnothelpnoticingachangeintheexpressionofherface，hervoice，andevenherintonation。Itseemedasifthatfitoflaughterhadloosedthelasttiesthatboundhertoaself-imposedcharacter，hadsweptawaythelastbarrierbetweenherandherhealthiernature，haddispossessedapainfulunreality，andrelievedthemorbidtensionofapurelynervousattitude。ThechangeinherutteranceandtheresumptionofhersofterSpanishaccentseemedtohavecomewithherconfidences，andLowtookleaveofherbeforetheirsylvancabinwithacomrade’sheartiness，andacompleteforgetfulnessthathervoicehadeverirritatedhim。
Whenhereturnedthatafternoonhewasstartledtofindthecabinempty。Butinsteadofbearinganyappearanceofdisturbanceorhurriedflight，therudeinteriorseemedtohavemagicallyassumedadecorousorderandcleanlinessunknownbefore。Freshbarkhidtheinequalitiesofthefloor。Theskinsandblanketswerefoldedinthecorners，therudeshelveswerecarefullyarranged，evenafewtallfernsandbrightbutquicklyfadingflowersweredisposedaroundtheblackenedchimney。Shehadevidentlyavailedherselfofthechangeofclothinghehadbroughther，forherlategarmentswerehangingfromthehastily-
devisedwoodenpegsdriveninthewall。Theyoungmangazedaroundhimwithmixedfeelingsofgratificationanduneasiness。
Hispresencehadbeendispossessedinasinglehour;histenyearsoflonelyhabitationhadleftnotracethatthiswomanhadnoteffacedwithadeftmoveofherhand。Morethanthat，itlookedasifshehadalwaysoccupiedit;anditwaswithasingularconvictionthatevenwhensheshouldoccupyitnolongeritwouldonlyreverttohimasherdwellingthathedroppedthebarkshuttersathwarttheopening，andleftittofollowher。
Tohisquickear，fineeye，andabnormalsenses，thiswaseasyenough。Shehadgoneinthedirectionofthismorning’scamp。
Onceortwicehepausedwithahalf-gestureofrecognitionandacharacteristic"Good！"attheplacewhereshehadstopped，butwassurprisedtofindthathermaincoursehadbeenasdirectashisown。DeviatingfromthisdirectlinewithIndianprecaution，hefirstmadeacircuitofthecamp，andapproachedtheshatteredtrunkfromtheoppositedirection。HeconsequentlycameuponTeresaunawares。Butthemomentaryastonishmentandembarrassmentwerehisalone。
Hescarcelyrecognizedher。Shewaswearingthegarmentshehadbroughtherthedaybefore——acertaindiscardedgownofMissNellieWynn，whichhehadhurriedlybeggedfromherunderthepretextofclothingthewifeofadistressedoverlandemigrantthenonthewaytothemines。AlthoughhehadsatisfiedhisconsciencewiththeintentionofconfessingthepiousfraudtoherwhenTeresawasgoneandsafefrompursuit，itwasnotwithoutasenseofremorsethathewitnessedthesacrilegioustransformation。Thetwowomenwerenearlythesameheightandsize;andalthoughTeresa’smaturerfigureaccentedtheoutlinesmorestrongly，itwasstillbecomingenoughtoincreasehisirritation。
Ofthisbecomingnessshewasdoubtlessunawareatthemomentthathesurprisedher。Shewasconsciousofhaving"achange，"andthishademboldenedherto"doherhair"andotherwisecomposeherself。Aftertheirgreetingshewasthefirsttoalludetothedress，regrettingthatitwasnotmoreofaroughdisguise，andthat，asshemustnowdiscardthenationalhabitofwearinghershawl"manta"fashionoverherhead，shewantedahat。"Butyoumustnot，"shesaid，"borrowanymoredressesformefromyouryoungwoman。Buythemformeatsomeshop。Theyleftmeenoughmoneyforthat。"Lowgentlyputasidethefewpiecesofgoldshehaddrawnfromherpocket，andbrieflyremindedherofthesuspicionsuchapurchasebyhimwouldproduce。"That’sso，"shesaid，withalaugh。"Caramba！whatamuleI’mbecoming！Ah！
waitamoment。Ihaveit！Buymeacommonfelthat——aman’shat——asifforyourself，asachangetothatanimal，"pointingtothefox-tailedcapheworesummerandwinter，"andI’llshowyouatrick。Ihaven’trunatheatricalwardrobefornothing。"Norhadshe，forthehatthusprocured，afewdayslater，became，bytheaidofasilkhandkerchiefandabluejay’sfeather，afascinating"porkpie。"
WhatevercauseofannoyancetoLowstilllingeredinTeresa’sdress，itwassoonforgotteninapalpableevidenceofTeresa’svalueasabotanicalassistant。Itappearedthatduringtheafternoonshehadnotonlyduplicatedhisspecimens，buthaddiscoverdoneortworareplantsasyetunclassifiedinthefloraoftheCarquinezWoods。Hewasdelighted，andinturn，overthecampfire，yieldedupsomedetailsofhispresentlifeandsomeofhisearlierrecollections。
"Youdon’trememberanythingofyourfather？"sheasked。"Didheevertrytoseekyouout？"
"No！Whyshouldhe？"repliedtheimperturbableLow;"hewasnotaCherokee。"
"No，hewasabeast，"respondedTeresapromptly。"Andyourmother——doyourememberher？"
"No，Ithinkshedied。"
"YouTHINKshedied？Don’tyouknow？"
"No！"
"Thenyou’reanother！"saidTeresa。Notwithstandingthisfrankness，theyshookhandsforthenight：Teresanestlinglikearabbitinahollowbythesideofthecampfire;Lowwithhisfeettowardsit，Indian-wise，andhisheadandshoulderspillowedonhishaversack，onlyhalfdistinguishableinthedarknessbeyond。
Withsuchtrivialdetailsthreeuneventfuldaysslippedby。
Theirretreatwasundisturbed，norcouldLowdetect，bytheleastevidencetohisacuteperceptivefaculties，thatanyintrudingfeethadsincecrossedthebeltofshade。TheechoesofpassingeventsatIndianSpringhadrecordedtheescapeofTeresaasoccurringataremoteandpurelyimaginativedistance，andherprobabledirectionthecountyofYolo。
"Canyouremember，"heonedayaskedher，"whattimeitwaswhenyoucuttheriataandgotaway？"
Teresapressedherhandsuponhereyesandtemples。
"Aboutthree，Ireckon。"
"Andyouwerehereatseven;youcouldhavecoveredsomegroundinfourhours？"
"Perhaps——Idon’tknow，"shesaid，hervoicetakingupitsoldqualityagain。"Don’taskme——Iranalltheway。"
Herfacewasquitepaleassheremovedherhandsfromhereyes，andherbreathcameasquicklyasifshehadjustfinishedthatraceforlife。
"ThenyouthinkIamsafehere？"sheadded，afterapause。
"Perfectly——untiltheyfindyouareNOTinYolo。Thenthey’lllookhere。AndTHAT’SthetimeforyoutogoTHERE。"Teresasmiledtimidly。
"ItwilltakethemsometimetosearchYolo——unless，"sheadded，"you’retiredofmehere。"Thecharmingnonsequiturdidnot，however，seemtostriketheyoungman。"I’vegottimeyettofindafewmoreplantsforyou，"shesuggested。
"Oh，certainly！"
"Andgiveyouafewmorelessonsincooking。"
"Perhaps。"
TheconscientiousandliteralLowwasbeginningtodoubtifshewerereallypractical。Howotherwisecouldshetriflewithsuchasituation？
Itmustbeconfessedthatthatdayandthenextshedidtriflewithit。Shegaveherselfuptoagraveanddeliciouslanguorthatseemedtoflowfromshadowandsilenceandpermeateherentirebeing。Shepassedhoursinathoughtfulreposeofmindandspiritthatseemedtofalllikebalmfromthosesteadfastguardians，anddistilltheirgentleetherinhersoul;orbreathedintoherlisteningearimmunityfromtheforgottenpast，andsecurityforthepresent。Iftherewasnodreamofthefutureinthiscalm，evenrecurrenceofplacidexistence，somuchthebetter。Thesimpledetailsofeachsucceedingday，thequainthousekeeping，thebriefcompanionshipandcomingandgoingofheryounghost——himselfatbestacrystallizedpersonificationofthesedateandhospitablewoods——satisfiedherfeeblecravings。Shenolongerregrettedtheinferiorpositionthatherfearshadobligedhertotakethefirstnightshecame;shebegantolookuptothisyoungman——somuchyoungerthanherself——
withoutknowingwhatitmeant;itwasnotuntilshefoundthatthisattitudedidnotdetractfromhispicturesquenessthatshediscoveredherselfseekingforreasonstodegradehimfromthisseductiveeminence。
Aweekhadelapsedwithlittlechange。Ontwodayshehadbeenabsentallday，returningonlyintimetosupinthehollowtree，which，thankstothefinalremovalofthedeadbearfromitsvicinity，wasnowconsideredasaferretreatthantheexposedcamp-fire。Onthefirstoftheseoccasionsshereceivedhimwithsomepreoccupation，payingbutlittleheedtothescantgossiphebroughtfromIndianSpring，andretiringearlyunderthepleaoffatigue，thathemightseekhisowndistantcamp-fire，which，thankstoherstrongernervesandregainedcourage，shenolongerrequiredsonear。Onthesecondoccasion，hefoundherwritingalettermoreorlessblottedwithhertears。Whenitwasfinished，shebeggedhimtopostitatIndianSpring，whereintwodaysananswerwouldbereturned，undercover，tohim。
"Ihopeyouwillbesatisfiedthen，"sheadded。
"Satisfiedwithwhat？"queriedtheyoungman。
"You’llsee，"shereplied，givinghimhercoldhand。"Good-night。"
"Butcan’tyoutellmenow？"heremonstrated，retainingherhand。
"Waittwodayslonger——itisn’tmuch，"wasallshevouchsafedtoanswer。
Thetwodayspassed。Theirformerconfidenceandgoodfellowshipwerefullyrestoredwhenthemorningcameonwhichhewastobringtheanswerfromthepost-officeatIndianSpring。Hehadtalkedagainofhisfuture，andhadrecordedhisambitiontoprocuretheappointmentofnaturalisttoaGovernmentSurveyingExpedition。Shehadevenjocularlyproposedtodressherselfinman’sattireand"enlist"ashisassistant。
"Butyouwillbesafewithyourfriends，Ihope，bythattime，"
respondedLow。
"Safewithmyfriends，"sherepeatedinalowervoice。"Safewithmyfriends——yes！"Anawkwardsilencefollowed;Teresabrokeitgayly："Butyourgirl，yoursweetheart，mybenefactor——willSHEletyougo？"
"Ihaven’ttoldheryet，"saidLow，gravely，"butIdon’tseewhysheshouldobject。"
"Object，indeed！"interruptedTeresainahighvoiceandasuddenandutterlygratuitousindignation;"howshouldshe？I’dliketoseeherdoit！"
Sheaccompaniedhimsomedistancetotheintersectionofthetrail，wheretheypartedingoodspirits。Onthedustyplainwithoutagalewasblowingthatrockedthehightree-topsaboveher，but，temperedandsubdued，enteredthelowaisleswithaflutteringbreathofmorningandasoundlikethecooingofdoves。Neverhadthewoodbeforeshownsosweetasenseofsecurityfromtheturmoilandtempestoftheworldbeyond;neverbeforehadanintrusionfromtheouterlife——evenintheshapeofaletter——seemedsowickedadesecration。Temptedbythesolicitationofairandshade，shelingered，withLow’sherbariumslungonhershoulder。
Astrangesensation，likeashiver，suddenlypassedacrosshernerves，andlefttheminastateofrigidtension。Witheverysensemorbidlyacute，witheveryfacultystrainedtoitsutmost，thesubtleinstinctsofLow’swoodcrafttransformedandpossessedher。Sheknewitnow！Anewelementwasinthewood——astrangebeing——anotherlife——anothermanapproaching！Shedidnotevenraiseherheadtolookabouther，butdartedwiththeprecisionandfleetnessofanarrowinthedirectionofhertree。Butherfeetwerearrested，herlimbsparalzyed，herveryexistencesuspended，bythesoundofavoice：——
"Teresa！"
Itwasavoicethathadrunginherearsforthelasttwoyearsinallphasesofintensity，passion，tenderness，andanger;avoiceuponwhosemodulations，rudeandunmusicalthoughtheywere，herheartandsoulhadhungintransportoranguish。ButitwasachimethathadrungitslastpealtohersensesassheenteredtheCarquinezWoods，andforthelastweekhadbeenasdeadtoherasavoicefromthegrave。Itwasthevoiceofherlover——DickCurson！
CHAPTERV
Thewindwasblowingtowardsthestranger，sothathewasnearlyuponherwhenTeresafirsttookthealarm。Hewasamanoversixfeetinheight，stronglybuilt，withaslighttendencytoaroundnessofbulkwhichsuggestedreservedratherthanimpededenergy。Histhickbeardandmustachewerecloselycroppedaroundasmallandhandsomemouththatlispedexceptwhenhewasexcited，butalwayskeptfellowshipwithhisblueeyesinaperpetualsmileofhalf-cynicalgood-humor。Hisdresswassuperiortothatofthelocality;hisgeneralexpressionthatofamanoftheworld，albeitaworldofSanFrancisco，Sacramento，andMurderer’sBar。Headvancedtowardsherwithalaughandanoutstretchedhand。
"YOUhere！"shegasped，drawingback。
Apparentlyneithersurprisednormortifiedatthisreception，heansweredfrankly，"Yeth。Youdidn’texpectme，Iknow。ButDolorethshowedmetheletteryouwroteher，and——well——hereI
am，readytohelpyou，withtwomenandathparehorthewaitingoutsidethewoodthontheblindtrail。"
"You——YOU——here？"sheonlyrepeated。
Cursonshruggedhisshoulders。"Yeth。"Ofcourthyouneverexpectedtotheemeagain，andleathtofallHERE。I’lladmitthat;I’llthayIwouldn’tifI’dbeeninyourplathe。I’llgofurther，andthayyoudidn’twanttotheemeagain——anywhere。
Butitallcomethtothethamething;hereIam。IreadtheletteryouwroteDoloreth。Ireadhowyouwerehidinghere，underDunn’thverynothe，withhiswholepotheout，cavortingroundandbarkin’upthewrongtree。ImadeupmymindtocomedownherewithafewnathtyfriendsofmineandcutyououtunderDunn’thnothe，andrunyouoverintoYuba——that’thall。"
"Howdaredsheshowyoumyletter——YOUofallmen？HowdaredsheaskYOURhelp？"continuedTeresa，fiercely。
"Butshedidn’tathkmyhelp，"herespondedcoolly。"D——difI
don’tthinkshejuthtcalculatedI’dbegladtoknowyouwerebeinghunteddownandthtarving，thatImightputDunnonyourtrack。"
"Youlie！"saidTeresa，furiously;"shewasmyfriend。Abetterfriendthanthosewhoprofessed——more，"sheadded，withacontemptuousdrawingawayofherskirtasifshefearedCurson’scontamination。
"Allright。Thettlethatwithherwhenyougoback，"continuedCursonphilosophically。"Wecantalkofthatontheway。Thethingnowithtogetupandgetoutofthethewoods。Come！"
Teresa’sonlyreplywasagestureofscorn。
"Iknowallthat，"continuedCursonhalfsoothingly，"butthey’rewaiting。"
"Letthemwait。Ishallnotgo。"
"Whatwillyoudo？"
"Stayhere——tillthewolveseatme。"
"Teresa，listen。D——-itall——Teresa——Tita！seehere，"hesaidwithsuddenenergy。"IsweartoGodit’sallright。I’mwillingtoletby-gonesbeby-gonesandtakeanewdeal。Youshallcomebackasifnothinghadhappened，andtakeyouroldplaceasbefore。Idon’tminddoingthesquarething，allround。Ifthat’swhatyoumean，ifthat’sallthatstandsintheway，why，lookuponthethingassettled。There，Tita，oldgirl，come。"
Carelessorobliviousofherstonysilenceandstartingeyes，heattemptedtotakeherhand。Butshedisengagedherselfwithaquickmovement，drewback，andsuddenlycrouchedlikeawildanimalabouttospring。Cursonfoldedhisarmsassheleapedtoherfeet;thelittledaggershehaddrawnfromhergarterflashedmenacinglyintheair，butshestopped。
Themanbeforeherremainederect，impassive，andsilent;thegreattreesaroundandbeyondherremainederect，impassive，andsilent;therewasnosoundinthedimaislesbutthequickpantingofhermadpassion，nomovementinthecalm，motionlessshadowbutthetremblingofherupliftedsteel。Herarmbentandslowlysank，herfingersrelaxed，theknifefellfromherhand。
"That’thquiteenoughforathow，"hesaid，withareturntohisformercynicaleaseandaperceptibletoneofreliefinhisvoice。"It’ththethameoldTheretha。Well，then，ifyouwon’tgowithme，gowithoutme;taketheledhortheandcutaway。
DickAthleyandPeterethwillfollowyouoverthecountyline。
Ifyouwantthomemoney，thereitith。"Hetookabuckskinpursefromhispocket。"Ifyouwon’ttakeitfromme——hehesitatedasshemadenoreply——"Athley’thflushandreadytolendyouthome。"
Shehadnotseemedtohearhim，buthadstoopedinsomeembarrassment，pickeduptheknifeandhastilyhidit，thenwithavertedfaceandnervousfingerswasbeginningtotearstripsofloosebarkfromthenearesttrunk。
"Well，whatdoyouthay？"
"Idon’twantanymoney，andIshallstayhere。"Shehesitated，lookedaroundher，andthenadded，withaneffort，"Isupposeyoumeantwell。Beitso！Letby-gonesbeby-gones。Yousaidjustnow，’It’sthesameoldTeresa。’Sosheis，andseeingshe’sthesameshe’sbetterherethananywhereelse。"
TherewasenoughbitternessinhertonetocallforCurson’shalf-perfunctorysympathy。
"Thatbed——d，"herespondedquickly。"Juthtthayyou’llcome，Tita，and——"
Shestoppedhishalf-spokensentencewithanegativegesture。
"Youdon’tunderstand。Ishallstayhere。"
"Buteveniftheydon’ttheekyouhere，youcan’tlivehereforever。Thefriendthatyouwroteaboutwhowaththogoodtoyou，youknow，can’tkeepyouherealwayth;andareyouthureyoucanalwaythtruthther？"
"Itisn’tawoman;it’saman。"Shestoppedshort，andcoloredtothelineofherforehead。"Whosaiditwasawoman？"shecontinuedfiercely，asiftocoverherconfusionwithaburstofgratuitousanger。"Isthatanotherofyourlies？"
Curson’slips，whichforamomenthadcompletelylosttheirsmile，werenowdrawntogetherinaprolongedwhistle。Hegazedcuriouslyathergown，atherhat，atthebowofbrightribbonthattiedherblackhair，andsaid，"Ah！"
"Apoormanwhohaskeptmysecret，"shewentonhurriedly——"amanasfriendlessandlonelyasmyself。Yes，"disregardingCurson’scynicalsmile，"amanwhohassharedeverything——"
"Naturally，"suggestedCurson。
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