"Oh，bosh，itisn’tcomingtothat;butIwishhewereinbettershape。Heisbrokenupbadlywithoutthisholeinhim。"
HewouldnotleavetillIhadpromisedtotakehimupthenextday，thoughIwasdoubtfulenoughofhisreception。ButnextdayTheDukecamedown，hisblackbronco，Jingo，wetwithhardriding。
"Bettercomeup，Connor，"hesaid，gravely，"andbringyourbromidesalong。HehashadabadnightandmorningandfellasleeponlybeforeIcameaway。Iexpecthe’llwakeindelirium。It’sthewhiskymorethanthebullet。Snakes，youknow。"
Intenminuteswethreewereonthetrail，forMoore，thoughnotinvited，quietlyannouncedhisintentiontogowithus。
"Oh，allright，"saidTheDuke，indifferently，"heprobablywon’trecognizeyouanyway。"
WerodehardforhalfanhourtillwecamewithinsightofBruce’sshack，whichwassetbackintoalittlepoplarbluff。
"Holdup！"saidTheDuke。"Wasthatashot？"Westoodlistening。
Arifle-shotrangout，andwerodehard。AgainTheDukehaltedus，andtherecamefromtheshackthesoundofsinging。ItwasanoldScotchtune。
"Thetwenty-thirdPsalm，"saidMoore，inalowvoice。
Werodeintothebluff，tiedupourhorsesandcrepttothebackoftheshack。Lookingthroughacrackbetweenthelogs，Isawagruesomething。BrucewassittingupinbedwithaWinchesterrifleacrosshiskneesandabeltofcartridgeshangingoverthepost。Hisbandagesweretornoff，thebloodfromhiswoundwassmearedoverhisbarearmsandhispale，ghastlyface;hiseyeswerewildwithmadterror，andhewasshoutingatthetopofhisvoicethewords：
"TheLord’smyshepherd，I’llnotwant，HemakesmedowntolieInpasturesgreen，HeleadethmeThequietwatersby。"
Nowandthenhewouldstoptosayinanawesomewhisper，"Comeouthere，youlittledevils！"andbangwouldgohisrifleatthestovepipe，whichwasriddledwithholes。ThenoncemoreinaloudvoicehewouldhurrytobeginthePsalm，"TheLord’smyShepherd。"
Nothingthatmymemorybringstomemakesmechilllikethatpicture——thelowlogshack，nowincheerlessdisorder;theghastlyobjectuponthebedinthecorner，withblood-smearedfaceandarmsandmadterrorintheeyes;theawfulcursingsandmoreawfulpsalm-singing，punctuatedbythequickreportofthedeadlyrifle。
Forsomemomentswestoodgazingatoneanother;thenTheDukesaid，inalow，fiercetone，moretohimselfthantous：
"Thisisthelast。There’llbenomoreofthiscursedfollyamongtheboys。"
AndIthoughtitawisethinginThePilotthatheanswerednotaword。
CHAPTERVIII
THEPILOT’SGRIP
Thesituationwasoneofextremedanger——amadmanwithaWinchesterrifle。Somethingmustbedoneandquickly。Butwhat？Itwouldbedeathtoanyoneappearingatthedoor。
"I’llspeak;youkeepyoureyesonhim，"saidTheDuke。
"Hello，Bruce！What’stherow？"shoutedTheDuke。
Instantlythesingingstopped。Alookofcunningdelightcameoverhisfaceas，withoutaword，hegothisriflereadypointedatthedoor。
"Comein！"heyelled，afterwaitingforsomemoments。"Comein！
You’rethebiggestofallthedevils。Comeon，I’llsendyoudownwhereyoubelong。Come，what’skeepingyou？"
Overtherifle-barrelhiseyesgleamedwithfrenzieddelight。Weconsultedastoaplan。
"Idon’trelishabulletmuch，"Isaid。
"Therearepleasanterthings，"respondedTheDuke，"andheisafairlygoodshot。"
Meantimethesinginghadstartedagain，and，lookingthroughthechink，IsawthatBrucehadgothiseyeonthestovepipeagain。
WhileIwaslookingThePilotslippedawayfromustowardthedoor。
"Comeback！"saidtheDuke，"don’tbeafool！Comeback，he’llshootyoudead！"
Moorepaidnoheedtohim，butstoodwaitingatthedoor。InafewmomentsBruceblazedawayagainatthestovepipe。ImmediatelythePilotburstin，callingouteagerly：
"Didyougethim？"
"No！"saidBruce，disappointedly，"hedodgedlikethedevil，asofcourseheought，youknow。"
"I’llgethim，"saidMoore。"Smokehimout，"proceedingtoopenthestovedoor。
"Stop！"screamedBruce，"don’topenthatdoor！It’sfull，Itellyou。"Moorepaused。"Besides，"wentonBruce，"smokewon’ttouch’em。"
"Oh，that’sallright，"saidMoore，coollyandwithadmirablequickness，"woodsmoke，youknow——theycan’tstandthat。"
ThiswasapparentlyanewideaindemonologyforBruce，forhesankback，whileMoorelightedthefireandputonthetea-kettle。Helookedroundforthetea-caddy。
"Upthere，"saidBruce，forgettingforthemomenthisdevils，andpointingtoaquaint，old-fashionedtea-caddyupontheshelf。
Mooretookitdown，turneditinhishandsandlookedatBruce。
"Oldcountry，eh？"
"Mymother’s，"saidBruce，soberly。
"Icouldhaveswornitwasmyaunt’sinBalleymena，"saidMoore。
"Myauntlivedinalittlestonecottagewithrosesalloverthefrontofit。"Andonhewentintoanenthusiasticdescriptionofhisearlyhome。Hisvoicewasfullofmusic，softandsoothing，andpoorBrucesankbackandlistened，theglitterfadingfromhiseyes。
TheDukeandIlookedateachother。
"Nottoobad，eh？"saidTheDuke，afterafewmoments’silence。
"Let’sputupthehorses，"Isuggested。"Theywon’twantusforhalfanhour。"
Whenwecamein，theroomhadbeensetinorder，thetea-kettlewassinging，thebedclothesstraightenedout，andMoorehadjustfinishedwashingthebloodstainsfromBruce’sarmsandneck。
"Justintime，"hesaid。"Ididn’tliketotacklethese，"pointingtothebandages。
AllnightlongMooresoothedandtendedthesickman，nowsingingsoftlytohim，andagainbeguilinghimwithtalesthatmeantnothing，butthathadastrangepowertoquietthenervousrestlessness，duepartlytothepainofthewoundedarmandpartlytothenerve-wreckingfromhismonthsofdissipation。TheDukeseemeduncomfortableenough。HespoketoBruceonceortwice，buttheonlyanswerwasagroanorcursewithanincreaseofrestlessness。
"He’llhaveaclosesqueak，"saidTheDuke。Thecarelessnessofthetonewasalittleoverdone，butThePilotwasstirredupbyit。
"Hehasnotbeenfortunateinhisfriends，"hesaid，lookingstraightintohiseyes。
"Amanoughttoknowhimselfwhenthepaceistooswift，"saidTheDuke，alittlemorequicklythanwashiswont。
"Youmighthavedoneanythingwithhim。Whydidn’tyouhelphim？"
Moore’stonesweresternandverysteady，andhenevermovedhiseyesfromtheotherman’sface，buttheonlyreplyhegotwasashrugoftheshoulders。
WhenthegrayofthemorningwascominginatthewindowTheDukeroseup，gavehimself，alittleshake，andsaid：
"Iamnotofanyservicehere。Ishallcomebackintheevening。"
Hewentandstoodforafewmomentslookingdownuponthehot，feveredface;then，turningtome，heasked：
"Whatdoyouthink？"
"Can’tsay！Thebromideisholdinghimdownjustnow。Hisbloodisbadforthatwound。"
"CanIgetanything？"Iknewhimwellenoughtorecognizetheanxietyunderhisindifferentmanner。
"TheFortdoctoroughttobegot。"
Henoddedandwentout。
"Havebreakfast？"calledoutMoorefromthedoor。
"IshallgetsomeattheFort，thanks。Theywon’ttakeanyhurtfrommethere，"hesaid，smilinghiscynicalsmile。
Mooreopenedhiseyesinsurprise。
"What’sthatfor？"heaskedme。
"Well，heisrathercutup，andyouratherrubbeditintohim，youknow，"Isaid，forIthoughtMoorealittlehard。
"DidIsayanythinguntrue？"
"Well，notuntrue，perhaps;buttruthislikemedicine——notalwaysgoodtotake。"AtwhichMoorewassilenttillhispatientneededhimagain。
Itwasawearyday。Theintensepainfromthewound，andthehighfeverfromthepoisoninhisbloodkeptthepoorfellowindeliriumtillevening，whenTheDukerodeupwiththeFortdoctor。Jingoappearedasnearlyplayedoutasahorseofhisspiriteverallowedhimselftobecome。
"Seventymiles，"saidTheDuke，swinginghimselfoffthesaddle。
"Thedoctorwastenmilesout。Howishe？"
Ishookmyhead，andheledawayhishorsetogivehimarubandafeed。
Meantimethedoctor，whowasofthearmyandhadseenservice，wasexamininghispatient。Hegrewmoreandmorepuzzledashenotedthevarioussymptoms。Finallyhebrokeout：
"Whathaveyoubeendoingtohim？Whyisheinthiscondition？
Thisfleabitedoesn’taccountforall，"pointingtothewound。
Westoodlikechildrenreproved。ThenTheDukesaid，hesitatingly：
"Ifear，doctor，thelifehasbeenalittletoohardforhim。Hehadaseverenervousattack——seeingthings，youknow。"
"Yes，Iknow，"stormedtheolddoctor。"Iknowyouwellenough，withyourheadofcast-ironandnonervestospeakof。Iknowthecrowdandhowyouleadthem。Infernalfools！You’llgetyourturnsomeday。I’vewarnedyoubefore。"
TheDukewasstandingupbeforethedoctorduringthisstorm，smilingslightly。Allatoncethesmilefadedoutandhepointedtothebed。Brucewassittingupquietandsteady。HestretchedouthishandtoTheDuke。
"Don’tmindtheoldfool，"hesaid，holdingTheDuke’shandandlookingupathimasfondlyasifhewereagirl。"It’smyownfuneral——funeral？"hepaused——"Perhapsitmaybe——whoknows？——feelqueerenough——butremember，Duke——it’smyownfault——don’tlistentothoseballyfools，"lookingtowardsMooreandthedoctor。"Myownfault"——hisvoicedieddown——"myownfault。"
TheDukebentoverhimandlaidhimbackonthepillow，saying，"Thanks，oldchap，you’regoodstuff。I’llnotforget。Justkeepquietandyou’llbeallright。"Hepassedhiscool，firmhandoverthehotbrowofthemanlookingupathimwithloveinhiseyes，andinafewmomentsBrucefellasleep。ThenTheDukeliftedhimselfup，andfacingthedoctor，saidinhiscoolesttone：
"Yourwordsaremoretruethanopportune，doctor。Yourpatientwillneedallyourattention。Asformymorals，Mr。Moorekindlyentrustshimselfwiththecareofthem。"ThiswithabowtowardThePilot。
"Iwishhimjoyofhischarge，"snortedthedoctor，turningagaintothebed，whereBrucehadalreadypassedintodelirium。
Thememoryofthatvigilwaslikeahorriblenightmareformonths。
Moorelayonthefloorandslept。TheDukerodeoffsomewhither。
TheolddoctorandIkeptwatch。AllnightpoorBruceravedinthewildestdelirium，singing，nowpsalms，nowsongs，swearingatthecattleorhispokerpartners，andnowandthen，inquietermoments，hewasbackinhisoldhome，aboy，withaboy’sfriendsandsports。Nothingcouldcheckthefever。Itbaffledthedoctor，whooften，duringthenight，declaredthattherewas"nosenseinawoundlikethatworkingupsuchafever，"addingcursesuponthefollyofTheDukeandhisCompany。
"Youdon’tthinkhewillnotgetbetter，doctor？"Iasked，inanswertooneofhisoutbreaks。
"Heoughttogetoverthis，"heanswered，impatiently，"butI
believe，"headded，deliberately，"he’llhavetogo。"
Everythingstoodstillforamoment。Itseemedimpossible。Twodaysagofulloflife，nowonthewayout。Therecrowdedinuponmethoughtsofhishome;hismother，whoselettersheusedtoshowmefullofanxiouslove;hiswildlifehere，withallitsgenerousimpulses，itsmistakes，itsfolly。
"Howlongwillhelast？"Iasked，andmylipsweredryandnumb。
"Perhapstwenty-fourhours，perhapslonger。Hecan’tthrowoffthepoison。"
Theolddoctorprovedatrueprophet。Afteranotherdayofagonizeddeliriumhesankintoastuporwhichlastedthroughthenight。
Thenthechangecame。Asthelightbegantogrowattheeasternrimoftheprairieandupthefarmountainsinthewest，Bruceopenedhiseyesandlookedaboutuponus。Thedoctorhadgone;TheDukehadnotcomeback;MooreandIwerealone。Hegazedatussteadilyforsomemoments;readourfaces;alookofwondercameintohiseyes。
"Isitcoming？"heaskedinafaint，awedvoice。"DoyoureallythinkImustgo？"
Theeagerappealinhisvoiceandthewistfullonginginthewide-
open，startledeyesweretoomuchforMoore。HebackedbehindmeandIcouldhearhimweepinglikeababy。Bruceheardhim，too。
"IsthatThePilot？"heasked。InstantlyMoorepulledhimselfup，wipedhiseyesandcameroundtotheothersideofthebedandlookeddown，smiling。
"DoYOUsayIamdying？"Thevoicewasstrainedinitsearnestness。
IfeltathrillofadmirationgothroughmeasthePilotansweredinasweet，clearvoice："Theysayso，Bruce。Butyouarenotafraid？"
Brucekepthiseyesonhisfaceandansweredwithgravehesitation：
"No——not——afraid——butI’dliketolivealittlelonger。I’vemadesuchamessofit，I’dliketotryagain。"Thenhepaused，andhislipsquiveredalittle。"There’smymother，youknow，"headded，apologetically，"andJim。"Jimwashisyoungerbrotherandswornchum。
"Yes，Iknow，Bruce，butitwon’tbeverylongforthem，too，andit’sagoodplace。"
"Yes，Ibelieveitall——alwaysdid——talkedrot——you’llforgivemethat？"
"Don’t;don’t，"saidMoorequickly，withsharppaininhisvoice，andBrucesmiledalittleandclosedhiseyes，saying："I’mtired。"
Butheimmediatelyopenedthemagainandlookedup。
"Whatisit？"askedMoore，smilingdownintohiseyes。
"TheDuke，"thepoorlipswhispered。
"Heiscoming，"saidMoore，confidently，thoughhowheknewIcouldnottell。Butevenashespoke，lookingoutofthewindow，IsawJingocomeswingingroundthebluff。Bruceheardthebeatofhishoofs，smiled，openedhiseyesandwaited。TheleapofjoyinhiseyesasTheDukecamein，clean，coolandfreshasthemorning，wenttomyheart。
Neithermansaidaword，butBrucetookholdofTheDuke’shandinbothofhis。Hewasfastgrowingweaker。Igavehimbrandy，andherecoveredalittlestrength。
"Iamdying，Duke，"hesaid，quietly。"Promiseyouwon’tblameyourself。"
"Ican’t，oldman，"saidTheDuke，withashudder。"WouldtoheavenIcould。"
"Youweretoostrongforme，andyoudidn’tthink，didyou？"andtheweakvoicehadacaressinit。
"No，no！Godknows，"saidTheDuke，hurriedly。
Therewasalongsilence，andagainBruceopenedhiseyesandwhispered：
"ThePilot。"
Moorecametohim。
"Read’TheProdigal，’"hesaidfaintly，andinMoore’sclear，sweetvoicethemusicofthatmatchlessstoryfelluponourears。
AgainBruce’seyessummonedme。Ibentoverhim。
"Myletter，"hesaid，faintly，"inmycoat——"
Ibroughttohimthelastletterfromhismother。Heheldtheenvelopebeforehiseyes，thenhandedittome，whispering：
"Read。"
Iopenedtheletterandlookedatthewords，"MydarlingDavie。"
MytonguestuckandnotasoundcouldImake。Mooreputouthishandandtookitfromme。TheDukerosetogoout，callingmewithhiseyes，butBrucemotionedhimtostay，andhesatdownandbowedhishead，whileMoorereadtheletter。
Histoneswereclearandsteadytillhecametothelastwords，whenhisvoicebrokeandendedinasob：
"Andoh，Davie，laddie，ifeveryourheartturnshomeagain，rememberthedoorisayeopen，andit’sjoyyou’llbringwithyoutousall。"
Brucelayquitestill，and，fromhisclosedeyes，bigtearsrandownhischeeks。Itwashislastfarewelltoherwhoselovehadbeentohimtheanchortoallthingspurehereandtoheavenbeyond。
HetooktheletterfromMoore’shand，putitwithdifficultytohislips，andthen，touchingtheopenBible，hesaid，betweenhisbreaths：
"It’s——verylike——there’sreally——nofear，isthere？"
"No，no！"saidMoore，withcheerful，confidentvoice，thoughhis，tearswereflowing。"Nofearofyourwelcome。"
Hiseyesmetmine。Ibentoverhim。"Tellher——"andhisvoicefadedaway。
"WhatshallItellher？"Iasked，tryingtorecallhim。Butthemessagewasnevergiven。HemovedonehandslowlytowardTheDuketillittouchedhishead。TheDukeliftedhisfaceandlookeddownathim，andthenhedidabeautifulthingforwhichIforgavehimmuch。Hestoopedoverandkissedthelipsgrownsowhite，andthenthebrow。Thelightcamebackintotheeyesofthedyingman，hesmiledoncemore，andsmilinglyfacedtowardtheGreatBeyond。Andthemorningair，freshfromthesun-tippedmountainsandsweetwiththescentoftheJuneroses，cameblowingsoftandcoolthroughtheopenwindowuponthedead，smilingface。Anditseemedfittingso。
ItcamefromthelandoftheMorning。
AgainTheDukedidabeautifulthing;for，reachingacrosshisdeadfriend，heofferedhishandtoThePilot。"Mr。Moore，"hesaid，withfinecourtesy，"youareabravemanandagoodman;Iaskyourforgivenessformuchrudeness。"
ButMooreonlyshookhisheadwhilehetooktheoutstretchedhand，andsaid，brokenly：
"Don’t！Ican’tstandit。"
"TheCompanyoftheNobleSevenwillmeetnomore，"saidTheDuke，withafaintsmile。
Theydidmeet，however;butwhentheydid，ThePilotwasinthechair，anditwasnotforpoker。
ThePilothad"gothisgrip，"asBillsaid。
CHAPTERIX
GWEN
ItwasnotmanydaysaftermyarrivalintheFoothillcountrythatIbegantohearofGwen。Theyallhadstoriesofher。Thedetailswerenotmany，buttheimpressionwasvivid。ShelivedremotefromthatcentreofcivilizationknownasSwanCreekinthepostalguide，butlocallyasOldLatour’s，farupamongthehillsneartheDevil’sLake，andfromherfather’sranchsheneverventured。Butsomeofthemenhadhadglimpsesofherandhadcometodefiniteopinionsregardingher。
"Whatisshelike？"IaskedBilloneday，tryingtopinhimdowntosomethinglikeadescriptiveaccountofher。
"Like！She’saterrer，"hesaid，withslowemphasis，"aholyterrer。"
"Butwhatisshelike？Whatdoesshelooklike？"Iaskedimpatiently。
"Looklike？"Heconsideredamoment，lookedslowlyroundasifsearchingforasimile，thenanswered："Idunno。"
"Don’tknow？Whatdoyoumean？Haven’tyouseenher？"
"Yeh！Butsheain’tlikenothin’。"
Billwasquitedecideduponthispoint。
Itriedagain。
"Well，whatsortofhairhasshegot？She’sgothair，Isuppose？"
"Hayer！Well，afew！"saidBill，withsomechoicecombinationsofprofanityinrepudiationofmysuggestion。"Yardsofit！Red！"
"Gitout！"contradictedHi。"Red！Tain’tnomoreredthanmine！"
BillregardedHi’shaircritically。
"Whatcolordoyouputontoyouroldbrush？"heaskedcautiously。
"’Tain’tnodifference。’Tain’tred，anyhow。"
"Red！Well，notquiteexactly，"andBillwentoffintoalow，long，chokingchuckle，ejaculatingnowandthen，"Red！Jee-mi-nyAnn！Red！"
"No，Hi，"hewenton，recoveringhimselfwiththesameabruptnessasheusedwithhisbronco，andlookingathisfriendwithafaceevenmorethanusuallysolemn，"yourhayerain’tred，Hi;don’tletanyofyourrelativespersuadeyoutothat。’Tain’tred！"andhethreatenedtogooffagain，butpulledhimselfupwithdangeroussuddenness。"Itmaybeblue，cerulyumblueorevenpurple，butred——！"Hepausedviolently，lookingathisfriendasifhefoundhimanewandinterestingobjectofstudyuponwhichhecouldnottrusthimselftospeak。Norcouldhebeinducedtoproceedwiththedescriptionhehadbegun。
ButHi，payingnoattentiontoBill’soration，tookupthesubjectwithenthusiasm。
"Shekinride——she’sareg’larbustertoride，ain’tshe，Bill？"
Billnodded。"Shekinbunchcattlean’cutoutan’yankasteeruptoanycowboyontherange。"
"Why，howbigisshe？"
"Big？Why，she’sjustakid！’Tain’tthebignessofher，it’sthenerve。She’sgotthecoldestkindofnerveyoueverseen。Hain’tshe，Bill？"AndagainBillnodded。
"’Memberthedayshedroppedthatsteer，Bill？"wentonHi。
"Whatwasthat？"Iasked，eagerforayarn。
"Oh，nuthin’，"saidBill。
"Nuthin’！"retortedHi。"Prettybignuthin’！"
"Whatwasit？"Iurged。
"Oh，BillheredidsomefunnyworkatoldMeredith’sround-up，buthedon’tspeakofit。He’sshy，yousee，"andHigrinned。
"Well，thereain’tnooccasionforyourproceedin’ontothattact，"
saidBilldisgustedly，andHiloyallyrefrained，soIhaveneveryetgottherightsofthestory。ButfromwhatIdidhearI
gatheredthatBill，attheriskofhislife，hadpulledTheDukefromunderthehoofsofamadsteer，andthatlittleGwenhad，inthecoolestpossiblemanner，"sailedinonherbronco"and，byputtingtwobulletsintothesteer’shead，hadsavedthembothfromgreatdanger，perhapsfromdeath，fortherestofthecattlewerecrowdingnear。OfcourseBillcouldneverbepersuadedtospeakoftheincident。Atruewesternmanwillneverhesitatetotellyouwhathecando，butofwhathehasdonehedoesnotreadilyspeak。
TheonlyotheritemthatHicontributedtothesketchofGwenwasthathertempercouldblazeiftheoccasiondemanded。
"’MemberyoungHill，Bill？"
Bill"’membered。"
"Didn’tshecutintohimsudden？Sarvedhimright，too。"
"Whatdidshedo？"
"Cuthimacrossthefacewithherquirtingoodstyle。"
"Whatfor？"
"Knockin’aboutherIndianJoe。"
Joewas，asIcametolearn，Ponka’ssonandGwen’smostdevotedslave。
"Oh，sheain’tnorefrigerator。"
"Yes，"assentedBill。"She’saleetleswift。"Then，asiffearinghehadbeenapologizingforher，headded，withtheairofonesettlingthequestion："Butshe’sgoodstock！Shesuitsme！"
TheDukehelpedmetoanothersideofhercharacter。
"Sheisaremarkablechild，"hesaid，oneday。"Wildandshyasacoyote，butfearless，quite;andwithaheartfullofpassions。
Meredith，theOldTimer，youknow，haskeptherupthereamongthehills。SheseesnoonebuthimselfandPonka’sBlackfeetrelations，whotreatherlikeagoddessandhelptospoilherutterly。Sheknowstheirlingoandtheirways——goesoffwiththemforaweekatatime。"
"What！WiththeBlackfeet？"
"PonkaandJoe，ofcourse，goalong;butevenwithoutthemsheisassafeasifsurroundedbytheColdstreamGuards，butshehasgiventhemupforsometimenow。"
"Andathome？"Iasked。"Hassheanyeducation？Canshereadorwrite？"
"Notshe。Shecanmakeherowndresses，moccasinsandleggings。
Shecancookandwash——thatis，whenshefeelsinthemood。Andsheknowsallaboutthebirdsandbeastsandflowersandthatsortofthing，but——education！Why，sheishardlycivilized！"
"Whatashame！"Isaid。"Howoldisshe？"
"Oh，amerechild;fourteenorfifteen，Iimagine;butawomaninmanythings。"
"Andwhatdoesherfathersaytoallthis？Canhecontrolher？"
"Control！"saidTheDuke，inutterastonishment。"Why，blessyoursoul，nothinginheavenorearthcouldcontrolHER。Waittillyouseeherstandwithherproudlittleheadthrownback，givingorderstoJoe，andyouwillneveragainconnecttheideaofcontrolwithGwen。Shemightbeaprincessfortheprideofher。I’veseensome，too，inmyday，butnonetotouchherforsheer，imperialpride，littleLuciferthatsheis。"
"Andhowdoesherfatherstandhernonsense？"Iasked，forI
confessIwasnotmuchtakenwiththepictureTheDukehaddrawn。
"Herfathersimplyfollowsbehindherandadores，asdoallthingsthatcomenearher，down，orup，perhaps，tohertwodogs——WolfandLoo——foreitherofwhichshewouldreadilydieifneedbe。Still，"
headded，afterapause，"itISashame，asyousay。Sheoughttoknowsomethingoftherefinementsofcivilization，towhich，afterall，shebelongs，andfromwhichnoneofuscanhopetoescape。"
TheDukewassilentforafewmoments，andthenadded，withsomehesitation："Then，too，sheisquiteapagan;neversawaprayer-
book，youknow。"
Andsoitcameabout，chieflythroughTheDuke’sinfluence，I
imagine，thatIwasengagedbytheOldTimertogouptohisrancheveryweekandteachhisdaughtersomethingoftheelementariesofalady’seducation。
MyintroductionwasominousofthemanythingsIwastosufferofthatsameyoungmaidenbeforeIhadfinishedmycoursewithher。
TheOldTimerhadgivencarefuldirectionsastothetrailthatwouldleadmetothecanyonwherehewastomeetme。UptheSwanwentthetrail，windingeverdownwardintodeeperandnarrowercouleesanduptohigheropensunlitslopes，tillsuddenlyitsettledintoavalleywhichbeganwithgreatwidthandnarrowedtoacanyonwhoserockysidesweredressedoutwithshrubsandtrailingvinesandwetwithtricklingrivuletsfromthenumerousspringsthatoozedandgushedfromtheblack，glisteningrocks。
ThiscanyonwasaneerieplaceofwhichghostlytalesweretoldfromtheoldBlackfeettimes。AndtothisdaynoBlackfootwilldaretopassthroughthisblack-walled，oozy，glisteningcanyonafterthemoonhaspassedthewesternlip。Butinthewarmlightofbroaddaythecanyonwasagoodenoughplace;coolandsweet，andIlingeredthrough，waitingfortheOldTimer，whofailedtoappeartilltheshadowsbegantodarkenitswesternblacksides。
OutofthemouthofthecanyonthetrailclimbedtoawidestretchofprairiethatsweptupoversofthillstotheleftanddowntothebrightgleamingwatersoftheDevil’sLakeontheright。Inthesunlightthelakelaylikeagemradiantwithmanycolors，thefarsideblackintheshadowofthecrowdingpines，theninthemiddledeep，blueandpurple，andnearer，manyshadesofemeraldthatranquitetothewhite，sandybeach。Rightinfrontstoodtheranchbuildings，uponaslightrisinggroundandsurroundedbyasturdypalisadeofuprightpointedpoles。Thiswasthecastleoftheprincess。Irodeuptotheopengate，thenturnedandstoodtolookdownuponthemarvellouslakeshiningandshimmeringwithitsmanyradiantcolors。Suddenlytherewasanawfulroar，myponyshotrounduponhishindlegsafterhisbeastlycayusemanner，depositedmesittinguponthegroundandfleddownthetrail，pursuedbytwohugedogsthatbrushedpastmeasIfell。Iwasarousedfrommyamazementbyapealoflaughter，shrillbutfullofmusic。Turning，Isawmypupil，asIguessed，standingattheheadofamostbeautifulpinto（spotted）ponywithaheavycattlequirtinherhand。Iscrambledtomyfeetandsaid，somewhatangrily，I
fear：
"Whatareyoulaughingat？Whydon’tyoucallbackyourdogs？
Theywillchasemyponybeyondallreach。"
Sheliftedherlittlehead，shookbackhermassesofbrown-redhair，lookedatmeasifIwerequitebeneathcontemptandsaid：
"No，theywillkillhim。"
"Then，"saidI，forIwasveryangry，"Iwillkillthem，"pullingattherevolverinmybelt。
"Then，"shesaid，andforthefirsttimeInoticedhereyesblue-
black，withgrayrims，"Iwillkillyou，"andshewhippedoutanugly-lookingrevolver。FromherfaceIhadnodoubtthatshewouldnothesitatetodoasshehadsaid。Ichangedmytactics，forI
wasanxiousaboutmypony，andsaid，withmybestsmile：
"Can’tyoucallthemback？Won’ttheyobeyyou？"
Herfacechangedinamoment。
"Isityourpony？Doyoulovehimverymuch？"
"Dearly！"Isaid，persuadingmyselfofasuddenaffectionforthecrankylittlebrute。
Shespranguponherpintoandsetoffdownthetrail。Theponywasnowcoursingupanddowntheslopes，doublinglikeahare，instinctivelyavoidingthecanyonwherehewouldbecornered。Hewasmadwithterroratthehugebrutesthatweresilentlybutwithawfulandsureswiftnessrunninghimdown。
Thegirlonthepintowhistledshrilly，andcalledtoherdogs：
"Down，Wolf！Back，Loo！"but，runninglow，withlong，stretchedbodies，theyheedednot，butspedon，evergainingupontheponythatnowcircledtowardthepinto。Astheydrewnearintheircircling，thegirlurgedherpintotomeetthem，looseningherlariatasshewent。Astheponynearedthepintoheslackenedhisspeed;immediatelythenearerdoggatheredherselfintwoshortjumpsandsprangforthepony’sthroat。But，evenasshesprang，thelariatwhirledroundthegirl’sheadandfellswiftandsureaboutthedog’sneck，andnextmomentshelaychokingupontheprairie。Hermatepaused，lookedback，andgaveupthechase。Butdirevengeanceovertookthem，for，likeonepossessed，thegirlfelluponthemwithherquirtandbeatthemoneaftertheothertill，inpityforthebrutes，Iinterposed。
"TheyshalldoasIsayorIshallkillthem！Ishallkillthem！"
shecried，ragingandstamping。
"Bettershootthem，"Isuggested，pullingoutmypistol。
Immediatelysheflungherselfupontheonethatmoanedandwhinedatherfeet，crying：
"Ifyoudare！Ifyoudare！"Thensheburstintopassionatesobbing。"YoubadLoo！Youbad，dearoldLoo！ButyouWEREbad——
youKNOWyouwerebad！"andsoshewentonwithherarmsaboutLoo’snecktillLoo，whiningandquiveringwithloveanddelight，threatenedtogoquitemad，andWolf，standingmajesticallynear，brokeintoshorthowlsofimpatienceforhisturnofcaressing。
Theymadeastrangegroup，thosethreewildthings，equallyfierceandpassionateinhateandinlove。
Suddenlythegirlrememberedme，andstandingupshesaid，halfashamed：
"TheyalwaysobeyME。TheyareMINE，buttheykillanystrangethingthatcomesinthroughthegate。Theyareallowedto。"
"Itisapleasantwhim。"
"What？"
"Imean，isn’tthatdangeroustostrangers？"
"Oh，nooneevercomesalone，exceptTheDuke。Andtheykeepoffthewolves。"
"TheDukecomes，doeshe？"
"Yes！"andhereyeslitup。"Heismyfriend。Hecallsmehis’princess，’andheteachesmetotalkandtellsmestories——oh，wonderfulstories！"
Ilookedinwonderatherface，sogentle，sogirlish，andtriedtothinkbacktothepictureofthegirlwhoafewmomentsbeforehadsocoollythreatenedtoshootmeandhadsofuriouslybeatenherdogs。
IkepthertalkingofTheDukeaswewalkedbacktothegate，watchingherfacethewhile。Itwasnotbeautiful;itwastoothin，andthemouthwastoolarge。Buttheteethweregood，andtheeyes，blue-blackwithgrayrims，lookedstraightatyou;trueeyesandbrave，whetherinloveorinwar。Herhairwasherglory。
Reditwas，inspiteofHi’sdenial，butofsuchmarvellous，indescribableshadethatincertainlights，assherodeovertheprairie，itstreamedbehindherlikeapurplebanner。Amostconfusingandbewilderingcolor，butquiteinkeepingwiththenatureoftheowner。
ShegaveherpintotoJoeand，standingatthedoor，welcomedmewithadignityandgraciousnessthatmademethinkthatTheDukewasnotfarwrongwhenhenamedher"Princess。"
Thedooropeneduponthemainorlivingroom。Itwasalong，apartment，withlowceilingandwallsofhewnlogschinkedandplasteredandallbeautifullywhitewashedandclean。Thetables，chairsandbencheswereallhome-made。Onthefloorweremagnificentskinsofwolf，bear，muskoxandmountaingoat。Thewallsweredecoratedwithheadsandhornsofdeerandmountainsheep，eagles’wingsandabeautifulbreastofaloon，whichGwenhadshotandofwhichshewasveryproud。Atoneendoftheroomahugestonefireplacestoodradiantinitssummerdecorationsoffernsandgrassesandwild-flowers。Attheotherendadooropenedintoanotherroom，smallerandrichlyfurnishedwithrelicsofformergrandeur。
Everythingwascleanandwellkept。Everynook，shelfandcornerwasdeckedwithflowersandfernsfromthecanyon。
Astrangehouseitwas，fullofcuriouscontrasts，butitfittedthisquaintchildthatwelcomedmewithsuchgraciouscourtesy。
CHAPTERX
GWEN’SFIRSTPRAYERS
Itwaswithhesitation，almostwithfear，thatIbeganwithGwen;
butevenhadIbeenabletoforeseetheendlessseriesofexasperationsthroughwhichshewasdestinedtoconductme，stillwouldIhaveundertakenmytask。Forthechild，withallherwilfulness，hertempersandherpride，mademe，asshedidallothers，herwillingslave。
Herlessonswenton，brilliantlyornotatall，accordingtohersweetwill。Shelearnedtoreadwithextraordinaryrapidity，forshewaseagertoknowmoreofthatgreatworldofwhichTheDukehadtoldhersuchthrillingtales。Writingsheabhorred。Shehadnoonetowriteto。Whyshouldshecrampherfingersoverthesecrookedlittlemarks？Butshemasteredwithhardlyastrugglethemysteriesoffigures，forshewouldhavetosellhercattle，and"daddoesn’tknowwhentheyarecheating。"Herideasofeducationwerepurelyutilitarian，andwhatdidnotappearimmediatelyusefulsherefusedtotriflewith。Andsoallthroughthefollowinglongwintershevexedmyrighteoussoulwithherwilfulnessandpride。
Anappealtoherfatherwasidle。Shewouldwindherlong，thinarmsabouthisneckandletherwavingredhairfloatoverhimuntiltheoldmanwasquitehelplesstoexertauthority。TheDukecoulddomostwithher。Topleasehimshewouldstrugglewithhercrookedlettersforanhouratatime，butevenhisinfluenceandauthorityhaditslimits。
"MustI？"shesaidoneday，inanswertoademandofhisformorefaithfulstudy;"mustI？"Andthrowingupherproudlittlehead，andshakingbackwithatrickshehadherstreamingredhair，shelookedstraightathimfromherblue-grayeyesandaskedthemonosyllabicquestion，"Why？"AndTheDukelookedbackatherwithhisslightsmileforafewmomentsandthensaidincold，eventones：
"Ireallydon’tknowwhy，"andturnedhisbackonher。Immediatelyshesprangathim，shookhimbythearm，and，quiveringwithpassion，cried：
"Youarenottospeaktomelikethat，andyouarenottoturnyourbackthatway！"
"Whatalittleprincessitis，"hesaidadmiringly，"andwhatatimeshewillgiveherselfsomeday！"Thenheadded，smilingsadly："WasIrude，Gwen？ThenIamsorry。"Herragewasgone，andshelookedasifshecouldhaveheldhimbythefeet。Asitwas，tooproudtoshowherfeelings，shejustlookedathimwithsofteningeyes，andthensatdowntotheworkshehadrefused。
ThiswasaftertheadventofThePilotatSwanCreek，and，asTheDukerodehomewithmethatnight，afterlongmusinghesaidwithhesitation："Sheoughttohavesomereligion，poorchild;shewillgrowupaperfectlittledevil。ThePilotmightbeofserviceifyoucouldbringhimup。Womenneedthatsortofthing;itrefines，youknow。"
"Wouldshehavehim？"Iasked。
"Question，"hereplied，doubtfully。"Youmightsuggestit。"
WhichIdid，introducingsomewhatclumsily，Ifear，TheDuke’sname。
"TheDukesaysheistomakemegood！"shecried。"Iwon’thavehim，Ihatehimandyoutoo！"Andforthatdayshedisdainedalllessons，andwhenTheDukenextappearedshegreetedhimwiththeexclamation，"Iwon’thaveyouroldPilot，andIdon’twanttobegood，and——and——youthinkhe’snogoodyourself，"atwhichtheDukeopenedhiseyes。
"Howdoyouknow？Ineversaidso！"
"Youlaughedathimtodadoneday。"
"DidI？"saidTheDuke，gravely。"ThenIhastentoassure，youthatIhavechangedmymind。Heisagood，braveman。"
"Hefallsoffhishorse，"shesaid，withcontempt。
"Iratherthinkhesticksonnow，"repliedTheDuke，repressingasmile。
"Besides，"shewenton，"he’sjustakid;Billsaidso。"
"Well，hemightbemoreancient，"acknowledgedTheDuke，"butinthatheissteadilyimproving。"
"Anyway，"withanairoffinality，"heisnottocomehere。"
Buthedidcome，andunderherownescort，onethreateningAugustevening。
"Ifoundhiminthecreek，"sheannounced，withdefiantshamefacedness，marchinginThePilothalfdrowned。
"IthinkIcouldhavecrossed，"hesaid，apologetically，"forLouiswasgettingonhisfeetagain。"
"No，youwouldn’t，"sheprotested。"Youwouldhavebeendownintothecanyonbynow，andyououghttobethankful。"
"SoIam，"hehastenedtosay，"very！But，"headded，unwillingtogiveuphiscontention，"IhavecrossedtheSwanbefore。"
"Notwhenitwasinflood。"
"Yes，whenitwasinflood，higherthannow。"
"Notwherethebanksarerocky。"
"No-o！"hehesitated。
"There，then，youWOULDhavebeendrownedbutformylariat！"shecried，triumphantly。
Tothishedoubtfullyassented。
Theyweremuchalike，inhightemper，inenthusiasm，invividimagination，andinsensitivefeeling。WhentheOldTimercameinGwentriumphantlyintroducedThePilotashavingbeenrescuedfromawaterygravebyherlariat，andagaintheyfoughtoutthepossibilitiesofdrowningandofescapetillGwenalmostlosthertemper，andwasappeasedonlybythemostprofuseexpressionsofgratitudeonthepartofThePilotforhertimelyassistance。TheOldTimerwasperplexed。HewasafraidtooffendGwenandyetunwillingtobecordialtoherguest。ThePilotwasquicktofeelthis，and，soonaftertea，rosetogo。Gwen’sdisappointmentshowedinherface。
"Askhimtostay，dad，"shesaid，inawhisper。Butthehalf-
heartedinvitationactedlikeaspur，andThePilotwasdeterminedtosetoff。
"There’sabadstormcoming，"shesaid;"andbesides，"sheadded，triumphantly"youcan’tcrosstheSwan。"
Thissettledit，andthemostearnestprayersoftheOldTimercouldnothaveheldhimback。
Weallwentdowntoseehimcross，Gwenleadingherpinto。TheSwanwasfaroveritsbanks，andinthemiddlerunningswiftandstrong。Louissnorted，refusedandfinallyplunged。Bravelyheswam，tilltheswift-runningwaterstruckhim，andoverhewentonhisside，throwinghisriderintothewater。ButThePilotkepthishead，and，holdingbythestirrups，paddledalongbyLouis’
side。Whentheywerehalf-wayacrossLouissawthathehadnochanceofmakingthelanding;so，likeasensiblehorse，heturnedandmadefortheshore。Here，too，thebankswerehigh，andtheponybegantogrowdiscouraged。
"Lethimfloatdownfurther！"shriekedGwen，inanxiousexcitement;
and，urgingherpintodownthebank，shecoaxedthestrugglingponydownthestreamtilloppositeashelfofrocklevelwiththehighwater。Thenshethrewherlariat，and，catchingLouisabouttheneckandthehornofhissaddle，sheheldtaut，till，halfdrowned，hescrambledupthebank，draggingThePilotwithhim。
"Oh，I’msoglad！"shesaid，almosttearfully。"Yousee，youcouldn’tgetacross。"
ThePilotstaggeredtohisfeet，tookasteptowardher，gaspedout：
"Ican！"andpitchedheadlong。Withalittlecrysheflewtohim，andturnedhimoveronhisback。Inafewmomentsherevived，satup，andlookedaboutstupidly。
"Where’sLouis？"hesaid，withhisfacetowardtheswollenstream。
"Safeenough，"sheanswered;"butyoumustcomein，therainisjustgoingtopour。"
ButThePilotseemedpossessed。
"No，I’mgoingacross，"hesaid，rising。
Gwenwasgreatlydistressed。
"Butyourpoorhorse，"shesaid，cleverlychangingherground;"heisquitetiredout。"
TheOldTimernowjoinedearnestlyinurginghimtostaytillthestormwaspast。So，withafinallookatthestream，ThePilotturnedtowardthehouse。
OfcourseIknewwhatwouldhappen。Beforetheeveningwasoverhehadcapturedthehousehold。Themomentheappearedwithdrythingsonherantotheorgan，thathadstoodfortenyearsclosedandsilent，openeditandbegantoplay。Asheplayedandsangsongaftersong，theOldTimer’seyesbegantoglistenunderhisshaggybrows。ButwhenhedroppedintotheexquisiteIrishmelody，"OftintheStillyNight，"theoldmandrewahardbreathandgroanedouttome：
"Itwashermother’ssong，"andfromthattimeThePilothadhimfast。Itwaseasytopasstotheoldhymn，"Nearer，MyGod，toThee，"andthenThePilotsaidsimply，"Maywehaveprayers？"HelookedatGwen，butshegazedblanklyathimandthenatherfather。
"Whatdoeshesay，dad？"
Itwaspitifultoseetheoldman’sfacegrowslowlyredunderthedeeptan，ashesaid：
"Youmay，sir。There’sbeennonehereformanyyears，andtheworseforus。"Heroseslowly，wentintotheinnerroomandreturnedwithaBible。
"It’shermother’s，"hesaid，inavoicedeepwithemotion。"IputitinhertrunkthedayIlaidheroutyonderunderthepines。"
ThePilot，withoutlookingathim，roseandreverentlytookthebookinbothhishandsandsaidgently：
"Itwasasaddayforyou，butforher——"Hepaused。"Youdidnotgrudgeittoher？"
"Notnow，butthen，yes！Iwantedher，weneededher。"TheOldTimer’stearswereflowing。
ThePilotputhishandcaressinglyupontheoldman’sshoulderasifhehadbeenhisfather，andsaidinhisclear，sweetvoice，"Somedayyouwillgotoher。"
UponthisscenepoorGwengazedwitheyeswideopenwithamazementandakindoffear。Shehadneverseenherfatherweepsincetheawfuldaythatshecouldneverforget，whenhehadkneltindumbagonybesidethebedonwhichhermotherlaywhiteandstill;norwouldheheedhertill，climbingup，shetriedtomakehermotherwakenandhearhercries。Thenhehadcaughtherupinhisarms，pressingherwithtearsandgreatsobstohisheart。To-nightsheseemedtofeelthatsomethingwaswrong。Shewentandstoodbyherfather，and，strokinghisgrayhairkindly，shesaid：
"Whatishesaying，daddy？Ishemakingyoucry？"ShelookedatThePilotdefiantly。
"No，no，child，"saidtheoldman，hastily，"sithereandlisten。"
Andwhilethestormravedoutsidewethreesatlisteningtothatancientstoryofloveineffable。And，asthewordsfelllikesweetmusicuponourears，theoldmansatwitheyesthatlookedfaraway，whilethechildlistenedwithdevouringeagerness。
"Isitafairytale，daddy？"sheasked，asThePilotpaused。"Itisn’ttrue，isit？"andhervoicehadapleadingnotehardfortheoldmantobear。
"Yes，yes，mychild，"saidhe，brokenly。"Godforgiveme！"
"Ofcourseit’strue，"saidThePilot，quickly。"I’llreaditalltoyouto-morrow。It’sabeautifulstory！"
"No，"shesaid，imperiously，"to-night。Readitnow！Goon！"shesaid，stampingherfoot，"don’tyouhearme？"
ThePilotgazedinsurpriseather，andthenturningtotheoldman，said：
"ShallI？"
TheOldTimersimplynoddedandthereadingwenton。Thosewerenotmybestdays，andthefaithofmychildhoodwasnotasithadbeen;but，asThePilotcarriedusthroughthosematchlessscenesofself-forgettingloveandservicetheraptwonderinthechild’sfaceasshelistened，theappealinhervoiceas，nowtoherfather，andnowtome，shecried："IsTHATtrue，too？IsitALL
true？"madeitimpossibleformetohesitateinmyanswer。AndI
wasgladtofinditeasytogivemyfirmadherencetothetruthofallthattaleofwonder。And，asmoreandmoreitgrewuponThePilotthatthestoryhewasreading，sooldtohimandtoallhehadevermet，wasnewtooneinthatlisteninggroup，hisfacebegantoglowandhiseyestoblaze，andhesawandshowedmethingsthatnightIhadneverseenbefore，norhaveIseenthemsince。ThegreatfigureoftheGospelslived，movedbeforeoureyes。WesawHimbendtotouchtheblind，weheardHimspeakHismarvellousteaching，wefeltthethrobbingexcitementofthecrowdsthatpressedagainstHim。
SuddenlyThePilotstopped，turnedovertheleavesandbeganagain：
"AndHeledthemoutasfarastoBethany。AndHeliftedupHishandsandblessedthem。AnditcametopassasHeblessedthemHewaspartedfromthemandacloudreceivedHimoutoftheirsight。"
Therewassilenceforsomeminutes，thenGwensaid：
"WheredidHego？"
"UpintoHeaven，"answeredThePilot，simply。
"That’swheremotheris，"shesaidtoherfather，whonoddedinreply。
"DoesHeknow？"sheasked。Theoldmanlookeddistressed。
"OfcourseHedoes，"saidThePilot，"andsheseesHimallthetime。"
"Oh，daddy！"shecried，"isn’tthatgood？"
Buttheoldmanonlyhidhisfaceinhishandsandgroaned。
"Yes，"wentonThePilot，"andHeseesus，too，andhearsusspeak，andknowsourthoughts。"
Againthelookofwonderandfearcameintohereyes，butshesaidnoword。Theexperiencesoftheeveninghadmadetheworldnewtoher。Itcouldneverbethesametoheragain。Itgavemeaqueerfeelingtoseeher，whenwethreekneeledtopray，standhelplesslylookingon，notknowingwhattodo，thensinkbesideherfather，and，windingherarmsabouthisneck，clingtohimasthewordsofprayerwerespokenintotheearofHimwhomnomancansee，butwhowebelieveisneartoallthatcalluponHim。
ThosewereGwen’sfirst"prayers，"andinthemGwen’spartwassmall，forfearandwonderfilledherheart;butthedaywastocome，andalltoosoon，whensheshouldhavetopourouthersoulwithstrongcryingandtears。Thatdaycameandpassed，butthestoryofitisnottobetoldhere。
CHAPTERXI
GWEN’SCHALLENGE
Gwenwasundoubtedlywildand，asTheSkyPilotsaid，wilfulandwicked。EvenBroncoBillandHiKendalwouldsayso，without，ofcourse，abatingonejotoftheiradmirationforher。Forfourteenyearsshehadlivedchieflywithwildthings。Thecattleontherange，wildasdeer，thecoyotes，thejack-rabbitsandthetimberwolveswerehermatesandherinstructors。Fromtheseshelearnedherwildways。TherollingprairieoftheFoothillcountrywasherhome。Sheloveditandallthingsthatmoveduponitwithpassionatelove，theonlykindshewascapableof。Andallsummerlongshespentherdaysridingupanddowntherangealone，orwithherfather，orwithJoe，or，bestofall，withTheDuke，herheroandherfriend。Soshegrewupstrong，wholesomeandself-reliant，fearingnothingaliveandasuntamedasayearlingrangecolt。
Shewasnotbeautiful。Thewindsandsunhadlefthernocomplexiontospeakof，butthegloryofherredhair，gold-red，withpurplesheen，nothingcouldtarnish。Hereyes，too，deepbluewithrimsofgray，thatflashedwiththeglintofsteelorshonewithmeltinglightasofthestars，accordingtohermood——thoseIrish，warm，deepeyesofherswereworthaman’slookingat。
Ofcourse，allspoiledher。PonkaandhersonJoegrovelledinabjectestadoration，whileherfatherandallwhocamewithintouchofhersimplydidherwill。EvenTheDuke，wholovedherbetterthananythingelse，yieldedlazy，admiringhomagetohisLittlePrincess，andcertainly，whenshestoodstraightupwithherproudlittlegold-crownedheadthrownback，flashingforthwrathorissuingimperiouscommands，shelookedaprincess，allofher。
ItwasagreatdayandagooddayforherwhenshefishedTheSkyPilotoutoftheSwanandbroughthimhome，andthenightofGwen’sfirst"prayers，"whensheheardforthefirsttimethestoryoftheManofNazareth，wasthebestofallhernightsuptothattime。
Allthroughthewinter，underThePilot’sguidance，she，withherfather，theOldTimer，listeningnear，wentoverandoverthatstorysooldnowtomany，buteverbecomingnew，tillawholenewworldofmysteriousPowersandPresenceslayopentoherimaginationandbecamethehomeofgreatrealities。Shewasrichinimaginationand，whenThePilotreadBunyan’simmortalpoem，hermother’sold"Pilgrim’sProgress，"shemovedandlivedbesidetheheroofthattale，backinghimupinhisfightsandconsumedwithanxietyoverhismanyimpendingperils，tillshehadhimsafelyacrosstheriveranddeliveredintothechargeoftheshiningones。
ThePilothimself，too，wasanewandwholesomeexperience。Hewasthefirstthingshehadyetencounteredthatrefusedsubmission，andthefirsthumanbeingthathadfailedtofalldownandworship。
TherewassomethinginhimthatwouldnotALWAYSyield，and，indeed，herprideandherimperioustempershemetwithsurpriseandsometimeswithapitythatvergedtowardcontempt。Withthisshewasnotwellpleasedandnotinfrequentlyshebrokeforthuponhim。Oneoftheseoutburstsisstampeduponmymind，notonlybecauseofitsunusualviolence，butchieflybecauseoftheeventswhichfollowed。TheoriginalcauseofherragewassometriflingmisdeedoftheunfortunateJoe;butwhenIcameuponthesceneitwasThePilotwhowasoccupyingherattention。Theexpressionofsurpriseandpityonhisfaceappearedtostirherup。
"Howdareyoulookatmelikethat？"shecried。
"Howveryextraordinarythatyoucan’tkeepholdofyourselfbetter！"heanswered。
"Ican！"shestamped，"andIshalldoasIlike！"
"Itisagreatpity，"hesaid，withprovokingcalm，"andbesides，itisweakandsilly。"Hiswordswereunfortunate。
"Weak！"shegasped，whenherbreathcamebacktoher。"Weak！"
"Yes，"hesaid，"veryweakandchildish。"
Thenshecouldhavecheerfullyputhimtoaslowandcrueldeath。
Whenshehadrecoveredalittleshecriedvehemently：
"I’mnotweak！I’mstrong！I’mstrongerthanyouare！I’mstrongas——as——aman！"
Idonotsupposeshemeanttheinsinuation;atanyrateThePilotignoreditandwenton。
"You’renotstrongenoughtokeepyourtemperdown。"Andthen，asshehadnoreplyready，hewenton，"Andreally，Gwen，itisnotright。Youmustnotgooninthisway。"
Againhiswordswereunfortunate。
"MUSTNOT！"shecried，addinganinchtoherheight。"Whosaysso？"
"God！"wasthesimple，shortanswer。
Shewasgreatlytakenback，andgaveaquickglanceoverhershoulderasiftoseeHim，whowoulddaretosayMUSTNOTtoher;
but，recovering，sheansweredsullenly：
"Idon’tcare！"
"Don’tcareforGod？"ThePilot’svoicewasquietandsolemn，butsomethinginhismannerangeredher，andsheblazedforthagain。
"Idon’tcareforanyone，andISHALLdoasIlike。"
ThePilotlookedathersadlyforamoment，andthensaidslowly：
"Someday，Gwen，youwillnotbeabletodoasyoulike。"
Irememberwellthesettleddefianceinhertoneandmannerasshetookastepnearerhimandansweredinavoicetremblingwithpassion：
"Listen！IhavealwaysdoneasIlike，andIshalldoasIliketillIdie！"Andsherushedforthfromthehouseanddowntowardthecanyon，herrefugefromalldisturbingthings，andchieflyfromherself。
Icouldnotshakeofftheimpressionherwordsmadeuponme。
"Prettydirect，that，"IsaidtoThePilot，aswerodeaway。"Thedeclarationmaybephilosophicallycorrect，butitringsuncommonlylikeachallengetotheAlmighty。Throwsdownthegauntlet，sotospeak。"
ButThePilotonlysaid，"Don’t！Howcanyou？"
Withinaweekherchallengewasaccepted，andhowfiercelyandhowgallantlydidshestruggletomakeitgood！
ItwasTheDukethatbroughtmethenews，andashetoldmethestoryhisgay，carelessself-commandforoncewasgone。ForinthegloomofthecanyonwhereheovertookmeIcouldseehisfacegleamingoutghastlywhite，andevenhisironnervecouldnotkeepthetremorfromhisvoice。
"I’vejustsentupthedoctor，"washisanswertomygreeting。"I
lookedforyoulastnight，couldn’tfindyou，andsorodeofftotheFort。"
"What’sup？"Isaid，withfearinmyheart，fornolightthingmovedTheDuke。
"Haven’tyouheard？It’sGwen，"hesaid，andthenextminuteortwohegavetoJingo，whowasindulginginaseriesofunexpectedplunges。WhenJingowasbroughtdown，TheDukewasmasterofhimselfandtoldhistalewithcarefulself-control。
Gwen，onherfather’sbuckskinbronco，hadgonewithTheDuketothebigplainabovethecut-bankwhereJoewasherdingthecattle。
Thedaywashotandastormwasintheair。TheyfoundJoeridingupanddown，singingtokeepthecattlequiet，buthavingahardtimetoholdthebunchfrombreaking。WhileTheDukewasridingaroundthefarsideofthebunch，acryfromGwenarrestedhisattention。Joewasintrouble。Hishorse，ahalf-brokencayuse，hadstumbledintoabadger-holeandhadbolted，leavingJoetothemercyofthecattle。Atoncetheybegantosniffsuspiciouslyatthisphenomenon，amanonfoot，andtofollowcautiouslyonhistrack。Joekepthisheadandwalkedslowlyout，tillallatonceayoungcowbegantobawlandtopawtheground。Inanotherminuteone，andthenanotherofthecattlebegantotosstheirheadsandbunchandbellowtillthewholeherdoftwohundredwereafterJoe。
ThenJoelosthisheadandran。Immediatelythewholeherdbrokeintoathunderinggallopwithheadsandtailsaloftandhornsrattlingliketheloadingofaregimentofrifles。
"Twomoreminutes，"saidTheDuke，"wouldhavedoneforJoe，forI
couldneverhavereachedhim;but，inspiteofmymostfranticwarningsandsignalings，rightintothefaceofthatmad，bellowing，thunderingmassofsteersrodethatlittlegirl。Nerve！
Ihavesomemyself，butIcouldn’thavedoneit。SheswungherhorseroundJoeandsailedoutwithhim，withtheherdbellowingatthetailofherbronco。I’veseensomecavalrythingsinmyday，butforsheercoolbraverynothingtouchesthat。"
"Howdiditend？Didtheyrunthemdown？"Iasked，withterroratsucharesult。
"No，theycrowdedhertowardthecut-bank，andshewasedgingthemoffandwasalmostpast，whentheycametoaplacewherethebankbitin，andheriron-mouthedbrutewouldn’tswerve，butwentpoundingon，brokethrough，plunged;shecouldn’tspringfreebecauseofJoe，andpitchedheadlongoverthebank，whilethecattlewentthunderingpast。IflungmyselfoffJingoandsliddownsomehowintothesand，thirtyfeetbelow。HerewasJoesafeenough，butthebroncolaywithabrokenleg，andhalfunderhimwasGwen。Shehardlyknewshewashurt，butwavedherhandtomeandcriedout，’Wasn’tthatarace？Icouldn’tswingthishard-
headedbrute。Getmeout。’Butevenasshespokethelightfadedfromhereyes，shestretchedoutherhandstome，sayingfaintly，’Oh，Duke，’andlaybackwhiteandstill。Weputabulletintothebuckskin’shead，andcarriedherhomeinourjackets，andthereshelieswithoutasoundfromherpoor，whitelips。"
TheDukewasbadlycutup。Ihadneverseenhimshowanysignofgriefbefore，butashefinishedthestoryhestoodghastlyandshaking。Hereadmysurpriseinmyfaceandsaid：
"Lookhere，oldchap，don’tthinkmequiteafool。Youcan’tknowwhatthatlittlegirlhasdoneformetheseyears。Hertrustinme——itisextraordinaryhowutterlyshetrustsme——somehowheldmeuptomybestandbackfromperdition。Itistheonebrightspotinmylifeinthisblessedcountry。Everyoneelsethinksmeapleasantorunpleasantkindoffiend。"
Iprotestedratherfaintly。
"Oh，don’tworryyourconscience，"heanswered，withaslightreturnofhisoldsmile，"afullerknowledgewouldonlyjustifytheopinion。"Then，afterapause，headded："ButifGwengoes，Imustpullout，Icouldnotstandit。"
Aswerodeup，thedoctorcameout。
"Well，whatdoyouthink？"askedTheDuke。
"Can’tsayyet，"repliedtheolddoctor，gruffwithlongarmypractice，"badenough。Goodnight。"
ButTheDuke’shandfelluponhisshoulderwithagripthatmusthavegottothebone，andinahuskyvoiceheasked：
"Willshelive？"
Thedoctorsquirmed，butcouldnotshakeoffthatcrushinggrip。
"Here，youyoungtiger，letgo！WhatdoyouthinkIammadeof？"
hecried，angrily。"Ididn’tsupposeIwascomingtoabear’sden，orIshouldhavebroughtagun。"
ItwasonlybythemostcompleteapologythatTheDukecouldmollifytheolddoctorsufficientlytogethisopinion。
"No，shewillnotdie！Greatbitofstuff！Bettersheshoulddie，perhaps！Butcan’tsayyetfortwoweeks。Nowremember，"headdedsharply，lookingintoTheDuke’swoe-strickenface，"herspiritsmustbekeptup。Ihaveliedmostfullyandcheerfullytotheminside;youmustdothesame，"andthedoctorstrodeaway，callingout：
"Joe！Here，Joe！Whereishegone？Joe，Isay！ExtraordinaryselectionProvidencemakesattimes;wecouldhavesparedthatlazyhalf-breedwithpleasure！Joe！Oh，hereyouare！Whereinthunder——"Butherethedoctorstoppedabruptly。Theagonyinthedarkfacebeforehimwastoomuchevenforthebluffdoctor。
StraightandstiffJoestoodbythehorse’sheadtillthedoctorhadmounted，thenwithagreatefforthesaid：
"Littlemiss，shegodead？"
"Dead！"calledoutthedoctor，glancingattheopenwindow。"Why，blessyouroldcoppercarcass，no！Gwenwillshowyouyethowtoropeasteer。"
Joetookastepnearer，andloweringhistonesaid：
"Youspeakmetrue？Meman，Menopapoose。"Thepiercingblackeyessearchedthedoctor’sface。Thedoctorhesitatedamoment，andthen，withanairofgreatcandor，saidcheerily：
"That’sallright，Joe。MissGwenwillcutcirclesroundyouroldcayuseyet。Butremember，"andthedoctorwasveryimpressive，"youmustmakeherlaugheveryday。"
Joefoldedhisarmsacrosshisbreastandstoodlikeastatuetillthedoctorrodeaway;thenturningtoushegruntedout：
"Himgoodman，eh？"
"Goodman，"answeredTheDuke，adding，"butremember，Joe，whathetoldyoutodo。Mustmakeherlaugheveryday。"
PoorJoe！Humorwasnothisforte，andhisattemptinthisdirectionintheweeksthatfollowedwouldhavebeenhumorousweretheynotsopathetic。HowIdidmypartIcannottell。Thoseweeksaretomenowlikethememoryofanuglynightmare。Theghostlyoldmanmovingoutandinofhislittledaughter’sroominuseless，dumbagony;Ponka’swoe-strickenIndianface;Joe’sextraordinaryandunusualbutloyalattemptsatfun-makinggrotesquelysad，andTheDuke’sunvaryingandinvinciblecheeriness;thesefurnishlightandshadeforthepicturemymemorybringsmeofGweninthosedays。
Forthefirsttwoweeksshewassimplyheroic。Sheboreherpainwithoutagroan，submittedtotheimprisonmentwhichwasharderthanpainwithangelicpatience。Joe，TheDukeandIcarriedoutourinstructionswithcarefulexactnesstotheletter。Sheneverdoubted，andweneverletherdoubtbutthatinafewweeksshewouldbeonthepinto’sbackagainandafterthecattle。Shemadeuspassourwordforthistillitseemedasifshemusthavereadthefalsehoodsonourbrows。
"Toliecheerfullywithhereyesuponone’sfacecallsformorethanIpossess，"saidTheDukeoneday。"Thedoctorshouldsupplyustonics。Itisanarduoustask。"
Andshebelievedusabsolutely，andmadeplansforthefall"round-
up，"andforhuntsandridestillone’sheartgrewsick。Astotheethicalprobleminvolved，Ideclinetoexpressanopinion，butwehadnoneedtowaitforourpunishment。Hertrustinus，hereagerandconfidentexpectationofthereturnofherhappy，free，outdoorlife;thesebroughttous，whoknewhowvaintheywere，theirownadequatepunishmentforeveryfalseassurancewegave。Andhowbrightandbraveshewasthosefirstdays！Howresolutetogetbacktotheworldofairandlightoutside！
Butshehadneedofallherbrightnessandcourageandresolutionbeforeshewasdonewithherlongfight。
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