CHAPTERXII
GWEN’SCANYON
Gwen’shopeandbrightcourage，inspiteofallherpain，werewonderfultowitness。Butallthischeeryhopeandcourageandpatiencesnuffedoutasacandle，leavingnoisomedarknesstosettledowninthatsick-roomfromthedayofthedoctor’sconsultation。
Theverdictwasclearandfinal。Theolddoctor，wholovedGwenashisown，wasinclinedtohopeagainsthope，butFawcett，thecleveryoungdoctorfromthedistanttown，waspositiveinhisopinion。
Thesceneiscleartomenow，aftermanyyears。Wethreestoodintheouterroom;TheDukeandherfatherwerewithGwen。SoearnestwasthediscussionthatnoneofusheardthedooropenjustasyoungFawcettwassayinginincisivetones：
"No！Icanseenohope。Thechildcanneverwalkagain。"
Therewasacrybehindus。
"What！Neverwalkagain！It’salie！"TherestoodtheOldTimer，white，fierce，shaking。
"Hush！"saidtheolddoctor，pointingattheopendoor。Hewastoolate。Evenashespoke，therecamefromtheinnerroomawild，unearthlycryasofsomedyingthingand，aswestoodgazingatoneanotherwithawe-strickenfaces，weheardGwen’svoiceasinquick，sharppain。
"Daddy！daddy！come！Whatdotheysay？Tellme，daddy。Itisnottrue！Itisnottrue！Lookatme，daddy！"
Shepulledupherfather’shaggardfacefromthebed。
"Oh，daddy，daddy，youknowit’strue。Neverwalkagain！"
SheturnedwithapitifulcrytoTheDuke，whostoodwhiteandstiffwitharmsdrawntightacrosshisbreastontheothersideofthebed。
"Oh，Duke，didyouhearthem？Youtoldmetobebrave，andItriednottocrywhentheyhurtme。ButIcan’tbebrave！CanI，Duke？
Oh，Duke！Nevertorideagain！"
Shestretchedoutherhandstohim。ButTheDuke，leaningoverherandholdingherhandsfastinhis，couldonlysaybrokenlyoverandover："Don’t，Gwen！Don’t，Gwendear！"
Butthepitiful，pleadingvoicewenton。
"Oh，Duke！MustIalwaysliehere？Must，I？WhymustI？"
"Godknows，"answeredTheDukebitterly，underhisbreath，"I
don’t！"
Shecaughtattheword。
"DoesHe？"shecried，eagerly。Thenshepausedsuddenly，turnedtomeandsaid："DoyourememberhesaidsomedayIcouldnotdoasI
liked？"
Iwaspuzzled。
"ThePilot，"shecried，impatiently，"don’tyouremember？AndI
saidIshoulddoasIlikedtillIdied。"
Inoddedmyheadandsaid："Butyouknowyoudidn’tmeanit。"
"ButIdid，andIdo，"shecried，withpassionatevehemence，"andI
willdoasIlike！Iwillnotliehere！Iwillride！Iwill！I
will！Iwill！"andshestruggledup，clenchedherfists，andsankbackfaintandweak。Itwasnotapleasantsight，butgruesome。
HerrageagainstthatUnseenOmnipotencewassodefiantandsohelpless。
ThoseweredreadfulweekstoGwenandtoallabouther。Theconstantpaincouldnotbreakherproudspirit;sheshednotears;
butshefrettedandchafedandgrewmoreimperiouslyexactingeveryday。PonkaandJoeshedrovelikeaslavemaster，andevenherfather，whenhecouldnotunderstandherwishes，sheimpatientlybanishedfromherroom。OnlyTheDukecouldpleaseorbringheranycheer，andevenTheDukebegantofeelthatthedaywasnotfaroffwhenhe，too，wouldfail，andthethoughtmadehimdespair。
Herpainwashardtobear，butharderthanthepainwasherlongingfortheopenairandthefree，flower-strewn，breeze-sweptprairie。
Butmostpitifulofallwerethedayswhen，inherutterwearinessanduncontrollableunrest，shewouldpraytobetakendownintothecanyon。
"Oh，itissocoolandshady，"shewouldplead，"andtheflowersupintherocksandthevinesandthingsareallsolovely。Iamalwaysbetterthere。IknowIshouldbebetter，"tillTheDukewouldbedistractedandwouldcometomeandwonderwhattheendwouldbe。
Oneday，whenthestrainhadbeenmoreterriblethanusual，TheDukerodedowntomeandsaid：
"Lookhere，thisthingcan’tgoon。WhereisThePilotgone？Whydoesn’thestaywherehebelongs？IwishtoHeavenhewouldgetthroughwithhisabsurdrambling。"
"He’sgonewherehewassent，"Irepliedshortly。"Youdon’tsetmuchstorebyhimwhenhedoescomeround。HeisgoneonanexploringtripthroughtheDogLakecountry。He’llbebackbytheendofnextweek。"
"Isay，bringhimup，forHeaven’ssake，"saidTheDuke，"hemaybeofsomeuse，andanywayitwillbeanewfaceforher，poorchild。"
Thenheadded，ratherpenitently："Ifearthisthingisgettingontomynerves。Shealmostdrovemeoutto-day。Don’tlayitupagainstme，oldchap。"
ItwasanewthingtohearTheDukeconfesshisneedofanyman，muchlesspenitenceforafault。Ifeltmyeyesgrowingdim，butI
said，roughly：
"Youbehanged！I’llbringThePilotupwhenhecomes。"
ItwaswonderfulhowwehadallcometoconfideinThePilotduringhisyearofmissionaryworkamongus。Somehowthecowboy’snameof"SkyPilot"seemedtoexpressbetterthananythingelsetheplaceheheldwithus。Certainitis，thatwhen，intheirdarkhours，anyofthefellowsfeltinneedofhelptostrikethe"upwardtrail，"theywenttoThePilot;andsothenamefirstgiveninchaffcametobethenamethatexpressedmosttrulythedeepandtenderfeelingtheserough，big-heartedmencherishedforhim。
WhenThePilotcamehomeIcarefullypreparedhimforhistrial，tellingallthatGwenhadsufferedandstrivingtomakehimfeelhowdesperatewashercasewhenevenTheDukehadtoconfesshimselfbeaten。Hedidnotseemsufficientlyimpressed。ThenI
picturedforhimallherfiercewilfulnessandherfretfulhumors，herimpatiencewiththosewholovedherandwerewearingouttheirsoulsandbodiesforher。"Inshort，"Iconcluded，"shedoesn’tcarearushforanythinginheavenorearth，andwillyieldtoneithermannorGod。"
ThePilot’seyeshadbeenkindlingasItalked，butheonlyanswered，quietly：
"Whatcouldyouexpect？"
"Well，Idothinkshemightshowsomesignsofgratitudeandsomegentlenesstowardsthosereadytodieforher。"
"Oh，youdo！"saidhe，withhighscorn。"Youallcombinetoruinhertemperanddispositionwithfoolishflatteryandweakyieldingtoherwhims，rightorwrong;yousmileatherimperiousprideandencourageherwilfulness，andthennotonlywonderattheresults，butblameher，poorchild，forall。Oh，youareafinelot，TheDukeandallofyou！"
Hehadamostexasperatingabilityforputtingoneinthewrong，andIcouldonlythinkoftheproperandsufficientreplylongaftertheopportunityformakingithadpassed。IwonderedwhatTheDukewouldsaytothisdoctrine。Allthefollowingday，whichwasSunday，IcouldseethatGwenwasonThePilot’smind。Hewasstrugglingwiththeproblemofpain。
MondaymorningfoundusonthewaytotheOldTimer’sranch。Andwhatamorningitwas！Howbeautifulourworldseemed！Aboutusrolledtheround-topped，velvethills，brownandyelloworfaintlygreen，spreadingoutbehindustothebroadprairie，andbefore，clamberingupanduptomeetthepurplebasesofthegreatmountainsthatlaytheirmightylengthalongthehorizonandthrustupwhite，sunlitpeaksintothebluesky。Onthehillsidesanddownintheshelteringhollowswecouldseethebunchesofcattleandhorsesfeedingupontherichgrasses。Highabove，thesky，cloudlessandblue，archeditsgreatkindlyrooffromprairietomountainpeaks，andoverall，above，below，uponprairie，hillsidesandmountains，thesunpouredhisfloodsofradiantyellowlight。
Aswefollowedthetrailthatwoundupandintotheheartoftheseroundedhillsandevernearertothepurplemountains，themorningbreezesweptdowntomeetus，bearingathousandscents，andfillinguswithitsownfreshlife。OnecanknowthequickeningjoyousnessoftheseFoothillbreezesonlyafterhehasdrunkwithwide-openmouth，deepandfullofthem。
Throughallthisminglingbeautyofsunlithillsandshadyhollowsandpurple，snow-peakedmountains，werodewithhardlyaword，everyminuteaddingtoourheart-fillingdelight，buteverwiththethoughtofthelittleroomwhere，shutinfromallthisoutsideglory，layGwen，heart-sorewithfrettingandlonging。ThismusthavebeeninThePilot’smind，forhesuddenlyhelduphishorseandburstout：
"PoorGwen，howshelovesallthis！——itisherverylife。Howcanshehelpfrettingtheheartoutofher？Toseethisnomore！"Heflunghimselfoffhisbroncoandsaid，asifthinkingaloud："Itistooawful！Oh，itiscruel！Idon’twonderather！Godhelpme，whatcanIsaytoher？"
Hethrewhimselfdownuponthegrassandturnedoveronhisface。
Afterafewminutesheappealedtome，andhisfacewassorelytroubled。
"Howcanonegotoher？Itseemstomesheerestmockerytospeakofpatienceandsubmissiontoawildyoungthingfromwhomallthisissuddenlysnatchedforever——andthiswasverylifetoher，too，remember。"
Thenhesprangupandwerodehardforanhour，tillwecametothemouthofthecanyon。Herethetrailgrewdifficultandwecametoawalk。AswewentdownintothecooldepthsthespiritofthecanyoncametomeetusandtookThePilotinitsgrip。Herodeinfront，feastinghiseyesonallthewondersinthatstorehouseofbeauty。Treesofmanykindsdeepenedtheshadowsofthecanyon。
Overuswavedthebigelmsthatgrewuphereandthereoutofthebottom，andaroundtheirfeetclusteredlowcedarsandhemlocksandbalsams，whilethesturdy，ruggedoaksanddelicate，tremblingpoplarsclungtotherockysidesandclamberedupandouttothecanyon’ssunnylips。Backofall，thegreatblackrocks，deckedwithmossybitsandclingingthings，glistenedcoolandmoistbetweenthepartingtrees。Frommanyanoozynookthedaintyclematisandcolumbineshookouttheirbells，and，lowerdown，frombedsofmany-coloredmossthelatewind-flowerandmaiden-hairandtinyvioletliftedupbrave，sweetfaces。AndthroughthecanyontheLittleSwansangitssongtorocksandflowersandoverhangingtrees，asongofmanytones，deep-boomingwhereittookitsfirstsheerplunge，gay-chatteringwhereitthrewitselfdowntheraggedrocks，andsoft-murmuringwhereitlingeredabouttherootsoftheloving，listeningelms。Acool，sweet，soothingplaceitwas，withallitsshadesandsoundsandsilences，and，lestitshouldbesadtoany，thesharp，quicksunbeamsdancedandlaugheddownthroughallitsleavesuponmosses，flowersandrocks。NowonderthatThePilot，drawingadeepbreathashetouchedtheprairiesodagain，said：
"Thatdoesmegood。Itisbetterattimeseventhanthesunnyhills。ThiswasGwen’sbestspot。"
Isawthatthecanyonhaddoneitsworkwithhim。Hisfacewasstrongandcalmasthehillsonasummermorning，andwiththisfacehelookedinuponGwen。Itwasoneofherbaddaysandoneofherbadmoods，butlikeasummerbreezeheburstintothelittleroom。
"Oh，Gwen！"hecried，withoutawordofgreeting，muchlessofCommiseration，"wehavehadsucharide！"Andhespreadoutthesunlit，round-toppedhillsbeforeher，tillIcouldfeeltheirverybreezesinmyface。ThisTheDukehadneverdaredtodo，fearingtogrieveherwithpicturesofwhatsheshouldlookuponnomore。
But，asThePilottalked，beforesheknew，Gwenwasoutagainuponherbelovedhills，breathingtheirfresh，sunnyair，fillingherheartwiththeirmultitudinousdelights，tillhereyesgrewbrightandthelinesoffrettingsmoothedoutofherfaceandsheforgotherpain。Then，beforeshecouldremember，hehadherdownintothecanyon，feastingherheartwithitsairsandsightsandsounds。
Theblack，glisteningrocks，trickedoutwithmossandtrailingvines，thegreatelmsandlowgreencedars，theoaksandshiveringpoplars，theclematisandcolumbinehangingfromtherockynooks，andthevioletsandmaiden-hairdeepbeddedintheirmosses。Allthisandfarmoreheshowedherwithatouchsolightasnottoshakethemorningdewfrombellorleaforfrond，andwithavoicesosoftandfullofmusicastofillourheartswiththecanyon’sminglingsounds，and，asIlookeduponherface，Isaidtomyself：
"DearoldPilot！forthisIshallalwaysloveyouwell。"AspoorGwenlistened，theraptureofitdrewthebigtearsdownhercheeks——alas！nolongerbrown，butwhite，andforthatdayatleastthedull，deadwearinesswasliftedfromherheart。
CHAPTERXIII
THECANYONFLOWERS
ThePilot’sfirstvisittoGwenhadbeenatriumph。Butnoneknewbetterthanhethatthefightwasstilltocome，fordeepinGwen’sheartwerethoughtswhosepainmadeherforgetallother。
"WasitGodletmefall？"sheaskedabruptlyoneday，andThePilotknewthefightwason;butheonlyanswered，lookingfearlesslyintohereyes：
"Yes，Gwendear。"
"WhydidHeletmefall？"andhervoicewasverydeliberate。
"Idon’tknow，Gwendear，"saidThePilotsteadily。"Heknows。"
"AnddoesHeknowIshallneverrideagain？DoesHeknowhowlongthedaysare，andthenightswhenIcan’tsleep？DoesHeknow？"
"Yes，Gwendear，"saidThePilot，andthetearswerestandinginhiseyes，thoughhisvoicewasstillsteadyenough。
"AreyousureHeknows？"Thevoicewaspainfullyintense。
"Listentome，Gwen，"beganThePilot，ingreatdistress，butshecuthimshort。
"AreyouquitesureHeknows？Answerme！"shecried，withheroldimperiousness。
"Yes，Gwen，Heknowsallaboutyou。"
"ThenwhatdoyouthinkofHim，justbecauseHe’sbigandstrong，treatingalittlegirlthatway？"Thensheadded，viciously："I
hateHim！Idon’tcare！IhateHim！"
ButThePilotdidnotwince。Iwonderedhowhewouldsolvethatproblemthatwaspuzzling，notonlyGwen，butherfatherandTheDuke，andallofus——theWHYofhumanpain。
"Gwen，"saidThePilot，asifchangingthesubject，"didithurttoputontheplasterjacket？"
"Youjustbet！"saidGwen，lapsinginherEnglish，asTheDukewasnotpresent;"itwasworsethananything——awful！Theyhadtostraightenmeout，youknow，"andsheshudderedatthememoryofthatpain。
"WhatapityyourfatherorTheDukewasnothere！"saidThePilot，earnestly。
"Why，theywerebothhere！"
"Whatacruelshame！"burstoutThePilot。"Don’ttheycareforyouanymore？"
"Ofcoursetheydo，"saidGwen，indignantly。
"Whydidn’ttheystopthedoctorsfromhurtingyousocruelly？"
"Why，theyletthedoctors。Itisgoingtohelpmetositupandperhapstowalkaboutalittle，"answeredGwen，withblue-grayeyesopenwide。
"Oh，"saidThePilot，"itwasverymeantostandbyandseeyouhurtlikethat。"
"Why，yousilly，"repliedOwen，impatiently，"theywantmybacktogetstraightandstrong。"
"Oh，thentheydidn’tdoitjustforfunorfornothing？"saidThePilot，innocently。
Gwengazedathiminamazedandspeechlesswrath，andhewenton：
"Imeantheyloveyouthoughtheyletyoubehurt;orrathertheyletthedoctorshurtyouBECAUSEtheylovedyouandwantedtomakeyoubetter。"
Gwenkepthereyesfixedwithcuriousearnestnessuponhisfacetillthelightbegantodawn。
"Doyoumean，"shebeganslowly，"thatthoughGodletmefall，Helovesme？"
ThePilotnodded;hecouldnottrusthisvoice。
"Iwonderifthatcanbetrue，"shesaid，asiftoherself;andsoonwesaidgood-byandcameaway——ThePilot，limpandvoiceless，butItriumphant，forIbegantoseealittlelightforGwen。
Butthefightwasbynomeansover;indeed，itwashardlywellbegun。Forwhentheautumncame，withitsmisty，purpledays，mostgloriousofalldaysinthecattlecountry，theoldrestlessnesscamebackandthefiercerefusalofherlot。Thencamethedayoftheround-up。Whyshouldshehavetostaywhileallwentafterthecattle？TheDukewouldhaveremained，butsheimpatientlysenthimaway。Shewaswearyandheart-sick，and，worstofall，shebegantofeelthatmostterribleofburdens，theburdenofherlifetoothers。IwasmuchrelievedwhenThePilotcameinfreshandbright，wavingabunchofwild-flowersinhishand。
"Ithoughttheywereallgone，"hecried。"WheredoyouthinkI
foundthem？Rightdownbythebigelmroot，"and，thoughhesawbythesettledgloomofherfacethatthestormwascoming，hewentbravelyonpicturingthecanyoninallthesplendorofitsautumndress。Butthespellwouldnotwork。Herheartwasoutontheslopinghills，wherethecattlewerebunchingandcrowdingwithtossingheadsandrattlinghorns，anditwasinavoiceverybitterandimpatientthatshecried：
"Oh，Iamsickofallthis！Iwanttoride！Iwanttoseethecattleandthemenand——and——andallthethingsoutside。"ThePilotwascowboyenoughtoknowthelongingthattuggedatherheartforonewildraceafterthecalvesorsteers，buthecouldonlysay：
"Wait，Gwen。Trytobepatient。"
"Iampatient;atleastIhavebeenpatientfortwowholemonths，andit’snouse，andIdon’tbelieveGodcaresonebit！"
"Yes，Hedoes，Gwen，morethananyofus，"repliedThePilot，earnestly。
"No，Hedoesnotcare，"sheanswered，withangryemphasis，andThePilotmadenoreply。
"Perhaps，"shewenton，hesitatingly，"He’sangrybecauseIsaidI
didn’tcareforHim，youremember？Thatwasverywicked。Butdon’tyouthinkI’mpunishednearlyenoughnow？Youmademeveryangry，andIdidn’treallymeanit。"
PoorGwen！Godhadgrowntobeveryrealtoherduringtheseweeksofpain，andveryterrible。ThePilotlookeddownamomentintotheblue-grayeyes，grownsobigandsopitiful，andhurriedlydroppingonhiskneesbesidethebedhesaid，inaveryunsteadyvoice：
"Oh，Gwen，Gwen，He’snotlikethat。Don’tyourememberhowJesuswaswiththepoorsickpeople？That’swhatHe’slike。"
"CouldJesusmakemewell？"
"Yes，Gwen。"
"Thenwhydoesn’tHe？"sheasked;andtherewasnoimpatiencenow，butonlytremblinganxietyasshewentoninatimidvoice："I
askedHimto，overandover，andsaidIwouldwaittwomonths，andnowit’smorethanthree。AreyouquitesureHehearsnow？"SheraisedherselfonherelbowandgazedsearchinglyintoThePilot’sface。Iwasgladitwasnotintomine。Assheutteredthewords，"Areyouquitesure？"onefeltthatthingswereinthebalance。I
couldnothelplookingatThePilotwithintenseanxiety。Whatwouldheanswer？ThePilotgazedoutofthewindowuponthehillsforafewmoments。Howlongthesilenceseemed！Then，turning，lookedintotheeyesthatsearchedhissosteadilyandansweredsimply：
"Yes，Gwen，Iamquitesure！"Then，withquickinspiration，hegothermother’sBibleandsaid："Now，Gwen，trytoseeitasIread。"
But，beforeheread，withthetrueartist’sinstincthecreatedtheproperatmosphere。ByafewvividwordshemadeusfeelthepatheticlonelinessoftheManofSorrowsinHislastsaddays。
Thenhereadthatmasterpieceofalltragicpicturing，thestoryofGethsemane。Andashereadwesawitall。Thegardenandthetreesandthesorrow-strickenManalonewithHismysteriousagony。
Weheardtheprayersopatheticallysubmissiveandthen，foranswer，therabbleandthetraitor。
Gwenwasfartooquicktoneedexplanation，andThePilotonlysaid，"Yousee，Gwen，Godgavenothingbutthebest——toHisownSononlythebest。"
"Thebest？TheytookHimaway，didn’tthey？"Sheknewthestorywell。
"Yes，butlisten。"Heturnedtheleavesrapidlyandread："’WeseeJesusforthesufferingofdeathcrownedwithgloryandhonor。’
ThatishowHegotHisKingdom。"
Gwenlistenedsilentbutunconvinced，andthensaidslowly：
"Buthowcanthisbebestforme？Iamnousetoanyone。Itcan’tbebesttojustliehereandmakethemallwaitonme，and——and——I
didwanttohelpdaddy——and——oh——Iknowtheywillgettiredofme！
Theyaregettingtiredalready——I——I——can’thelpbeinghateful。"
ShewasbythistimesobbingasIhadneverheardherbefore——deep，passionatesobs。ThenagainthePilothadaninspiration。
"Now，Gwen，"hesaidseverely，"youknowwe’renotasmeanasthat，andthatyouarejusttalkingnonsense，everyword。NowI’mgoingtosmoothoutyourredhairandtellyouastory。"
"It’sNOTred，"shecried，betweenhersobs。Thiswashersorepoint。
"Itisred，asredcanbe;abeautiful，shiningpurpleRED，"saidThePilotemphatically，beginningtobrush。
"Purple！"criedGwen，scornfully。
"Yes，I’veseenitinthesun，purple。Haven’tyou？"saidThePilot，appealingtome。"Andmystoryisaboutthecanyon，ourcanyon，yourcanyon，downthere。"
"Isittrue？"askedGwen，alreadysoothedbythecool，quick-movinghands。
"True？It’sastrueas——as——"heglancedroundtheroom，"asthePilgrim’sProgress。"Thiswassatisfactory，andthestorywenton。
"Atfirsttherewerenocanyons，butonlythebroad，openprairie。
OnedaytheMasterofthePrairie，walkingoutoverhisgreatlawns，wherewereonlygrasses，askedthePrairie，’Whereareyourflowers？’andthePrairiesaid，’Master，Ihavenoseeds。’Thenhespoketothebirds，andtheycarriedseedsofeverykindofflowerandstrewedthemfarandwide，andsoonthePrairiebloomedwithcrocusesandrosesandbuffalobeansandtheyellowcrowfootandthewildsunflowersandtheredliliesallthesummerlong。ThentheMastercameandwaswellpleased;buthemissedtheflowershelovedbestofall，andhesaidtothePrairie：’Wherearetheclematisandthecolumbine，thesweetvioletsandwindflowers，andallthefernsandfloweringshrubs？’Andagainhespoketothebirds，andagaintheycarriedalltheseedsandstrewedthemfarandwide。But，again，whentheMastercame，hecouldnotfindtheflowershelovedbestofall，andhesaid：’Wherearethose，mysweetestflowers？’andthePrairiecriedsorrowfully：’Oh，Master，Icannotkeeptheflowers，forthewindssweepfiercely，andthesunbeatsuponmybreast，andtheywitherupandflyaway。’ThentheMasterspoketotheLightning，andwithoneswiftblowtheLightningcleftthePrairietotheheart。AndthePrairierockedandgroanedinagony，andformanyadaymoanedbitterlyoveritsblack，jagged，gapingwound。ButtheLittleSwanpoureditswatersthroughthecleft，andcarrieddowndeepblackmould，andoncemorethebirdscarriedseedsandstrewedtheminthecanyon。Andafteralongtimetheroughrocksweredeckedoutwithsoftmossesandtrailingvines，andallthenookswerehungwithclematisandcolumbine，andgreatelmsliftedtheirhugetopshighupintothesunlight，anddownabouttheirfeetclusteredthelowcedarsandbalsams，andeverywherethevioletsandwind-flowerandmaiden-hairgrewandbloomed，tillthecanyonbecametheMastersplaceforrestandpeaceandjoy。"
Thequainttalewasended，andGwenlayquietforsomemoments，thensaidgently：
"Yes！Thecanyonflowersaremuchthebest。Tellmewhatitmeans。"
ThenThePilotreadtoher："Thefruits——I’llread’flowers’——
oftheSpiritarelove，joy，peace，long-suffering，gentleness，goodness，faith，meekness，self-control，andsomeofthesegrowonlyinthecanyon。"
"Whicharethecanyonflowers？"askedGwensoftly，andThePilotanswered：
"Gentleness，meekness，self-control;butthoughtheothers，love，joy，peace，bloomintheopen，yetneverwithsorichabloomandsosweetaperfumeasinthecanyon。"
ForalongtimeGwenlayquitestill，andthensaidwistfully，whileherliptrembled：
"Therearenoflowersinmycanyon，butonlyraggedrocks。"
"Somedaytheywillbloom，Gwendear;Hewillfindthem，andwe，too，shallseethem。"
Thenhesaidgood-byandtookmeaway。Hehaddonehisworkthatday。
Werodethroughthebiggate，downtheslopinghill，pastthesmiling，twinklinglittlelake，anddownagainoutofthebroadsunshineintotheshadowsandsoftlightsofthecanyon。Aswefollowedthetrailthatwoundamongtheelmsandcedars，theveryairwasfullofgentlestillness;andaswemovedweseemedtofeelthetouchoflovinghandsthatlingeredwhiletheyleftus，andeveryflowerandtreeandvineandshrubandthesoftmossesandthedeep-beddedfernswhispered，aswepassed，ofloveandpeaceandjoy。
ToTheDukeitwasallawonder，forasthedaysshortenedoutsidetheybrightenedinside;andeveryday，andmoreandmoreGwen’sroombecamethebrightestspotinallthehouse，andwhenheaskedThePilot：
"WhatdidyoudototheLittlePrincess，andwhat’sallthisaboutthecanyonanditsflowers？"ThePilotsaid，lookingwistfullyintoTheDuke’seyes：
"ThefruitsoftheSpiritarelove，peace，long-suffering，gentleness，goodness，faith，meekness，self-control，andsomeofthesearefoundonlyinthecanyon，"andTheDuke，standingupstraight，handsomeandstrong，lookedbackatThePilotandsaid，puttingouthishand：
"Doyouknow，Ibelieveyou’reright。"
"Yes，I’mquitesure，"answeredThePilot，simply。Then，holdingTheDuke’shandaslongasonemandareholdanother’s，headded：
"Whenyoucometoyourcanyon，remember。"
"WhenIcome！"saidTheDuke，andaquickspasmofpainpassedoverhishandsomeface——"Godhelpme，it’snottoofarawaynow。"Thenhesmiledagainhisold，sweetsmile，andsaid：
"Yes，youareallright，for，ofallflowersIhaveseen，nonearefairerorsweeterthanthosethatarewavinginGwen’sCanyon。"
CHAPTERXIV
BILL’SBLUFF
ThePilothadsethisheartuponthebuildingofachurchintheSwanCreekdistrict，partlybecausehewashumanandwishedtosetamarkofremembranceuponthecountry，butmorebecauseheheldthesensibleopinion，thatacongregation，asaman，musthaveahomeifitistostay。
Allthroughthesummerhekeptsettingthisasanobjectatoncedesirableandpossibletoachieve。Butfewwerefoundtoagreewithhim。
LittleMrs。Muirwasofthefew，andshewasnottobedespised，butherinfluencewasneutralizedbythesolidimmobilityofherhusband。Hehadneverdoneanythingsuddeninhislife。Everyresolvewastheresultofalongprocessofmind，andeveryactofimportancehadtobepreviewedfromallpossiblepoints。Anhonestman，stronglyreligious，andagreatadmirerofThePilot，butslow-movingasaglacier，althoughwithplentyoffireinhimdeepdown。
"He’ssoondatthehairt，mamanRobbie，"hiswifesaidtoThePilot，whowasfumingandfrettingattheblockingofhisplans，"buthe’sterribledeleeberate。Bideyeabit，laddie。He’llcometae。"
"Butmeantimethesummer’sgoingandnothingwillbedone，"wasThePilot’sdistressedandimpatientanswer。
Soameetingwascalledtodiscussthequestionofbuildingachurch，withtheresultthatthefivemenandthreewomenpresentdecidedthatforthepresentnothingcouldbedone。ThiswasreallyRobbie’sopinion，thoughherefusedtodoorsayanythingbutgrunt，asThePilotsaidtomeafterwards，inarage。Itistrue，Williams，thestorekeeperjustcomefrom"acrosstheline，"
didallthetalking，butnoonepaidmuchattentiontohisfluentfatuitiesexceptastheyrepresentedtheunexpressedmindofthedour，exasperatinglittleScotchman，whosatsilentbutforan"ay"
nowandthen，soexpressiveandconclusivethateveryoneknewwhathemeant，andthatdiscussionwasatanend。Theschoolhousewasquitesufficientforthepresent;thepeopleweretoofewandtoopoorandtheyweregettingonwellundertheleadershipoftheirpresentminister。TheseweretheargumentswhichRobbie’s"ay"
stampedasquiteunanswerable。
ItwasasoreblowtoThePilot，whohadsethisheartuponachurch，andneitherMrs;Muir’s"hoots"atherhusband’sslownessnorherpromisesthatshe"wadmakhimhearit"couldbringcomfortorrelievehisgloom。
Inthisstateofmindherodeupwithmetopayourweeklyvisittothelittlegirlshutupinherlonelyhouseamongthehills。
IthadbecomeThePilot’scustomduringtheseweekstoturnforcheertothatlittleroom，andseldomwashedisappointed。Shewassobright，sobrave，socheery，andsofulloffun，thatgloomfadedfromherpresenceasmistbeforethesun，andimpatiencewasshamedintocontent。
Gwen’sbrightface——itwasalmostalwaysbrightnow——andherbrightwelcomedidsomethingforThePilot，butthefeelingoffailurewasuponhim，andfailuretohisenthusiasticnaturewasworsethanpain。Notthatheconfessedeithertofailureorgloom;hewasfartootrueamanforthat;butGwenfelthisdepressioninspiteofallhisbraveattemptsatbrightness，andinsistedthathewasill，appealingtome。
"Oh，it’sonlyhischurch，"Isaid，proceedingtogiveheranaccountofRobbieMuir’ssilent，solidinertness，andhowhehadblockedThePilot’sscheme。
"Whatashame！"criedGwen，indignantly。"Whatabadmanhemustbe！"
ThePilotsmiled。"No，indeed，"heanswered;"why，he’sthebestmanintheplace，butIwishhewouldsayordosomething。IfhewouldonlygetmadandswearIthinkIshouldfeelhappier。"
Gwenlookedquitemystified。
"Yousee，hesitsthereinsolemnsilencelookingsotremendouslywisethatmostmenfeelfoolishiftheyspeak，whileasfordoinganythingtheideaappearspreposterous，inthefaceofhisimmovableness。"
"Ican’tbearhim！"criedGwen。"Ishouldliketostickpinsinhim。"
"Iwishsomeonewould，"answeredThePilot。"Itwouldmakehimseemmorehumanifhecouldbemadetojump。"
"Tryagain，"saidGwen，"andgetsomeonetomakehimjump。"
"Itwouldbeeasiertobuildthechurch，"saidThePilot，gloomily。
"Icouldmakehimjump，"saidGwen，viciously，"andIWILL，"sheadded，afterapause。
"You！"answeredThePilot，openinghiseyes。"How？"
"I’llfindsomeway，"shereplied，resolutely。
Andsoshedid，forwhenthenextmeetingwascalledtoconsultastothebuildingofachurch，thecongregation，chieflyoffarmersandtheirwives，withWilliams，thestorekeeper，weregreatlysurprisedtoseeBroncoBill，Hi，andhalfadozenranchersandcowboyswalkinatintervalsandsolemnlyseatthemselves。Robbielookedatthemwithsurpriseandalittlesuspicion。InchurchmattershehadnodealingswiththeSamaritansfromthehills，andwhile，intheirunregeneratecondition，theymightberegardedassuitableobjectsofmissionaryeffort，astotheirhavinganypartinthedirection，muchlesscontrol，ofthechurchpolicy——fromsuchanotionRobbiewasdeliveredbyhisloyaladherencetothescripturalinjunctionthatheshouldnotcastpearlsbeforeswine。
ThePilot，thoughsurprisedtoseeBillandthecattlemen，wasnonethelessdelighted，andfacedthemeetingwithmoreconfidence。
Hestatedthequestionfordiscussion：ShouldachurchbuildingbeerectedthissummerinSwanCreek？andheputhiscasewell。Heshowedtheneedofachurchforthesakeofthecongregation，forthesakeofthemeninthedistrict，thefamiliesgrowingup，theincomingsettlers，andforthesakeofthecountryanditsfuture。
Hecalleduponallwholovedtheirchurchandtheircountrytouniteinthiseffort。Itwasanenthusiasticappealandallthewomenandsomeofthemenwereatonceuponhisside。
Thenfolloweddead，solemnsilence。Robbiewascontenttowaittilltheeffectofthespeechshouldbedissipatedinsmallertalk。
Thenhegravelysaid：
"Thekirkwadbeagran’thing，naedoot，an’theywada’
dootless"——withasuspiciousglancetowardBill——"rejoiceinitserection。Butwemaunbecautious，an’Iwadliketoenquirehoomuchmoneyakirkcudbebuiltfor，andwhaurthemoneywadcomefrae？"
ThePilotwasreadywithhisanswer。Thecostwouldbe$1，200。
TheChurchBuildingFundwouldcontribute$200，thepeoplecouldgive$300inlabor，andtheremaining$700hethoughtcouldberaisedinthedistrictintwoyears’time。
"Ay，"saidRobbie，andthetoneandmannerweresufficienttodrenchanyenthusiasmwiththechilliestofwater。Somuchwasthisthecasethatthechairman，Williams，seemedquitejustifiedinsaying：
"Itisquiteevidentthattheopinionofthemeetingisadversetoanyattempttoloadthecommunitywithadebtofonethousanddollars，"andheproceededwithaverycompletestatementofthemanyandvariousobjectionstoanyattemptatbuildingachurchthisyear。Thepeoplewereveryfew，theyweredispersedoveralargearea，theywerenotinterestedsufficiently，theywereallspendingmoneyandmakinglittleinreturn;hesupposed，therefore，thatthemeetingmightadjourn。
Robbiesatsilentandexpressionlessinspiteofhislittlewife’sanxiouswhispersandnudges。ThePilotlookedthepictureofwoe，andwasonthepointofburstingforth，whenthemeetingwasstartledbyBill。
"Say，boys！theyhain’tmuchstuckontheirshop，heh？"Thelow，drawlingvoicewasperfectlydistinctandarresting。
"Hain’tgotnouseforit，seemingly，"wastheanswerfromthedarkcorner。
"OldScotchietakeshisreligionoutinprayin’，Iguess，"drawledinBill，"butwantstospongeforhisplant。"
ThisreferencetoRobbie’sproposaltousetheschoolmovedtheyoungsterstotitteringandmadethelittleScotchmansquirm，forhepridedhimselfuponhisindependence。
"Thereain’t$700inthehullblankedoutfit。"Thiswasastranger’svoice，andagainRobbiesquirmed，forheratherpridedhimselfalsoonhisabilitytopayhisway。
"Nogood！"saidanotheremphaticvoice。"Ablankedloto’psalm-
singingsnipes。"
"Order，order！"criedthechairman。
"OldWindbagtheredon’tseeanyshowforswipin’thecollection，withScotchieround，"saidHi，withafollowingrippleofquietlaughter，forWilliams’reputationwasnonetoosecure。
Robbiewasinamostuncomfortablestateofmind。Sounusuallystirredwashethatforthefirsttimeinhishistoryhemadeamotion。
"Imoveweadjourn，Mr。Chairman，"hesaid，inavoicewhichactuallyvibratedwithemotion。
"Differenthere！eh，boys？"drawledBill。
"Youbet，"saidHi，inhugedelight。"Themeetin’ain’toutyit。"
"Yecanbidetillmor-r-nin’，"saidRobbie，angrily。"A’mgaenhame，"beginningtoputonhiscoat。
"Seemsasifheortergivethepassword，"drawledBill。
"Rightyouare，pardner，"saidHi，springingtothedoorandwaitingindelightedexpectationforhisfriend’slead。
Robbielookedatthedoor，thenathiswife，hesitatedamoment，I
havenodoubtwishingherhome。ThenBillstoodupandbegantospeak。
"Mr。Chairman，Ihain’tbeencalledonforanyremarks——"
"Goon！"yelledhisfriendsfromthedarkcorner。"Hear！hear！"
"An’Ididn’tfeelasifthiswarhardlymygame，thoughThePilotain’tmeanaboutinvitin’afelleronSundayafternoons。Butthemasrunstheshopdon’tseemtowantusfellersroundtoomuch。"
RobbiewasgazingkeenlyatBill，andhereshookhishead，mutteringangrily："Hoots，nonsense！ye’rewelcomeeneuch。"
"But，"wentonBill，slowly，"IguessI’vebeenonthewrongtrack。
I’vebeena-cherishin’theopinion"["Hear！hear！"yelledhisadmirers]，"cherishin’theopinion，"repeatedBill，"thatthesefellers，"pointingtoRobbie，"wasstuckonreligion，whichIain’tmuchmyself，andreelyconsarnedabouttheblockingovthedevil，whichThePilotsayscan’tbedidwithoutaregularGospelfactory。
O’course，ittain’tanybiznisovmine，butifusfellerswasreelyonlysotonanythingcondoocin’，"["Hear！hear！"yelledHi，inecstasy]，"condoocin’，"repeatedBillslowlyandwithrelish，"tothegoodovtheOrder"（Billwasabrotherhoodman），"Ib’lieveIknowwharfivehundreddollarsmebbecudper’apsbegot。"
"Youbetyoursox，"yelledthestrangevoice，inchoruswithothershoutsofapproval。
"O’course，Iain’tnobettin’man，"wentonBill，insinuatingly，"asaregularthing，butI’dgambleafewjisthereonthispint;
iftheboyswasstuckonanythin’costin’aboutsevenhundreddollars，itseemstomelikelythey’dgititinabouttwodays，per’aps。"
HereRobbiegruntedoutan"ay"ofsuchfulnessofcontemptuousunbeliefthatBillpaused，and，lookingoverRobbie’shead，hedrawledout，evenmoreslowlyandmildly：
"Iain’tmuchgiventobettin’，asIremarkedbefore，but，ifamanshakesmoneyatmeonthatproposition，I’daccommodatehimtoalimitedextent。"["Hear！hear！Bullyboy！"yelledHiagain，fromthedoor。]"Notbein’toobold，Icherishtheopinion"[againyellsofapprovalfromthecorner]，"thatevenforthishereGospelplant，seein’ThePilot’srathersotontoit，Ib’lievetheboyscouldfindfivehundreddollarsinsideovamonth，ifperhapsthesefellerscudwiggletherestoutovtheirpants。"
ThenRobbiewasingreatwrathand，stungbythetaunting，drawlingvoicebeyondallself-command，hebrokeoutsuddenly：
"Ye’llnocanmakthatguid，Idoot。"
"D’yemeanIain’tpreparedtobackitup？"
"Ay，"saidRobbie，grimly。
’Tain’tlikelyI’llbecalledon;Iguess$500issafeenough，"
drawledBill，cunninglydrawinghimon。ThenRobbiebit。
"Ooay！"saidhe，inavoiceofquietcontempt，"thetwahunnerwullbehereand’twullwaityelongeneuch，I’sewarrantye。"
ThenBillnailedhim。
"Ihain’tgotmycardcaseonmyperson，"hesaid，withaslightgrin。
"Leftitonthepianner，"suggestedHi，whowasinastateofgreathilarityatBill’ssuccessindrawingtheScottie。
"But，"Billproceeded，recoveringhimself，andwithincreasingsuavity，"ifsomegentlemanwouldmarkdownthedateofthealmanacIcherishtheopinion"[cheersfromthecorner]"thatinonemonthfromto-daytherewillbefivehundreddollarslookin’roundfortwohundredonthattheredeskmebbe，orp’rapsyouwouldinclinetotwofifty，"hedrawled，inhismostwinningtonetoRobbie，whowasgrowingmoreimpatienteverymoment。
"Naemattertaeme。Ye’rehaverin’likeadaftloon，onyway。"
"Youwillmakeamementoofthisslighttransaction，boys，andper’apstheschoolmasterwillwriteitdown，"saidBill。
Itwasallcarefullytakendown，andamidmuchenthusiasticconfusiontheranchersandtheirgangcarriedBillofftoOldLatour’sto"lickerup，"whileRobbie，indeepwrathbutindoursilence，wentoffthroughthedarkwithhislittlewifefollowingsomepacesbehindhim。Hischiefgrievance，however，wasagainstthechairmanfor"allooin’sicadisorderlypacko’loonstaedisturbrespectablefowk，"forhecouldnothidethefactthathehadbeenmadetobreakthroughhisaccustomeddefencelineofimmovablesilence。Isuggested，conversingwithhimnextdayuponthematter，thatBillwasprobablyonlychaffing。
"Ay，"saidRobbie，ingreatdisgust，"thedafteejut，hewadmakafuleo’onythingoronybuddie。"
ThatwasthesorestpointwithpoorRobbie。Billhadnotonlycastdoubtsuponhisreligioussincerity，whichthelittlemancouldnotendure，buthehadalsoheldhimuptotheridiculeofthecommunity，whichwaspainfultohispride。Butwhenheunderstood，somedayslater，thatBillwastakingstepstobackuphisofferandhadbeenheardtodeclarethat"he’dmakethempiousduckstakewaterifhehadtoputupayear’spay，"Robbiewentquietlytoworktomakegoodhispartofthebargain。ForhisScotchpridewouldnotsufferhimtorefuseachallengefromsuchaquarter。
CHAPTERXV
BILL’SPARTNER
ThenextdayeveryonewastalkingofBill’sbluffingthechurchpeople，andtherewasmuchquietchucklingoverthediscomfitureofRobbieMuirandhisparty。
ThePilotwasequallydistressedandbewildered，forBill’sconduct，soveryunusual，hadonlyoneexplanation——theusualoneforanyfollyinthatcountry。
"IwishhehadwaitedtillafterthemeetingtogotoLatour’s。HespoiledthelastchanceIhad。There’snousenow，"hesaid，sadly。
"Buthemaydosomething，"Isuggested。
"Oh，fiddle！"saidThePilot，contemptuously。"HewasonlygivingMuir’asonganddance，’ashewouldsay。Thewholethingisoff。"
ButwhenItoldGwenthestoryofthenight’sproceedings，shewentintorapturesoverBill’sgravespeechandhissuccessindrawingthecannyScotchman。
"Oh，lovely！dearoldBillandhis’cherishedopinion。’Isn’thejustlovely？Nowhe’lldosomething。"
"Who，Bill？"
"No，thatstupidScottie。"ThiswashernamefortheimmovableRobbie。
"Nothe，I’mafraid。OfcourseBillwasjustbluffinghim。Butitwasgoodsport。"
"Oh，lovely！Iknewhe’ddosomething。"
"Who？Scottie？"Iasked，forherpronounswereperplexing。
"No！"shecried，"Bill！Hepromisedhewould，youknow，"sheadded。
"Soyouwereatthebottomofit？"Isaid，amazed。
"Oh，dear！Oh，dear！"shekeptcrying，shriekingwithlaughteroverBill’scherishingopinionsanddesires。"Ishallbeill。DearoldBill。Hesaidhe’d’trytogetamoveontohim。’"
BeforeIleftthatday，BillhimselfcametotheOldTimer’sranch，inquiringinacasualway"ifthe’boss’wasin。"
"Oh，Bill！"calledoutGwen，"comeinhereatonce;Iwantyou。"
Aftersomedelayandsomeshufflingwithhatandspurs，Billloungedinandsethislankformupontheextremeendofabenchatthedoor，tryingtolookunconcernedasheremarked："Gittin’cold。
Shouldn’twonderifwe’dhavealittlesnow。"
"Oh，comehere，"criedGwen，impatiently，holdingoutherhand。
"Comehereandshakehands。"
Billhesitated，spatoutintotheotherroomhisquidoftobacco，andswayedawkwardlyacrosstheroomtowardthebed，and，takingGwen’shand，heshookitupanddown，andhurriedlysaid：
"Fineday，ma’am;hopeIseeyouquitewell。"
"No;youdon’t，"criedGwen，laughingimmoderately，butkeepingholdofBill’shand，tohisgreatconfusion。"I’mnotwellabit，butI’magreatdealbettersincehearingofyourmeeting，Bill。"
TothisBillmadenoreply，beingentirelyengrossedingettinghishard，bony，brownhandoutofthegraspofthewhite，clingingfingers。
"Oh，Bill，"wentonGwen，"itwasdelightful！Howdidyoudoit？"
ButBill，whohadbythistimegotbacktohisseatatthedoor，pretendedignoranceofanyachievementcallingforremark。He"hadn’tdonenothin’moreoutovthewaythanusual。"
"Oh，don’ttalknonsense！"criedGwen，impatiently。"TellmehowyougotScottietolayyoutwohundredandfiftydollars。"
"Oh，that！"saidBill，ingreatsurprise;"thatain’tnuthin’much。
Scottierizslickenough。"
"Buthowdidyougethim？"persistedGwen。"Tellme，Bill，"sheadded，inhermostcoaxingvoice。
"Well，"saidBill，"itwaseasyasrollin’offalog。Imadetheremarkashowtheboysginerallyputupforwhattheywantedwithoutnofuss，andthatiftheywassotonhavin’aGospelshackIcherishedtheopinion"——hereGwenwentoffintoasmotheredshriek，whichmadeBillpauseandlookatherinalarm。
"Goon，"shegasped。
"Icherishedtheopinion，"drawledonBill，whileGwenstuckherhandkerchiefintohermouth，"thatmebbethey’dputupforitthesevenhundreddollars，and，evenasitwas，seein’asThePilotappearedtobesotontoit，ifthemfellerswouldfindtwohundredandfiftyIcher——"anothershriekfromGwencuthimsuddenlyshort。
"It’stherheumaticks，mebbe，"saidBill，anxiously。"Terriblebadweatherfor’em。Iget’emmyself。"
"No，no，"saidGwen，wipingawayhertearsandsubduingherlaughter。"Goon，Bill。"
"Thereain’tnomore，"saidBill。"Hebit，andthemasterhereputitdown。"
"Yes，it’shererightenough，"Isaid，"butIdon’tsupposeyoumeantofollowitup，doyou？"
"Youdon’t，eh？Well，Iamnotresponsibleforyoursupposin’，butthemthatisfamiliarwithBroncoBillgenerallyexpectshimtobackuphisundertakin’s。"
"Buthowintheworldcanyougetfivehundreddollarsfromthecowboysforachurch？"
"Ihain’tdonethearithmeticyet，butit’ssafeenough。Yousee，itain’tthechurchaltogether，it’sthereputationoftheboys。"
"I’llhelp，Bill，"saidGwen。
Billnoddedhisheadslowlyandsaid："Proudtohaveyou，"tryinghardtolookenthusiastic。
"Youdon’tthinkIcan，"saidGwen。Billprotestedagainstsuchanimputation。"ButIcan。I’llgetdaddyandTheDuke，too。"
"Goodline！"saidBill，slappinghisknee。
"AndI’llgiveallmymoney，too，butitisn’tverymuch，"sheadded，sadly。
"Much！"saidBill，"iftherestofthefellowsplayuptothatleadtherewon’tbeanytroubleaboutthatfivehundred。"
Gwenwassilentforsometime，thensaidwithanairofresolve：
"I’llgivemypinto！"
"Nonsense！"Iexclaimed，whileBilldeclared"therewarn’tnocall。"
"Yes。I’llgivethePinto！"saidGwen，decidedly。"I’llnotneedhimanymore，"herlipsquivered，andBillcoughedandspatintothenextroom，"andbesides，IwanttogivesomethingIlike。AndBillwillsellhimforme！"
"Well，"saidBill，slowly，"nowcometothink，it’llbepurtyhardtosellthattherepinto。"Gwenbegantoexclaimindignantly，andBillhurriedontosay，"Notbutwhatheain’tagoodleetlehorseforhisweight，goodleetlehorse，butforcattle——"
"Why，Bill，thereisn’tabettercattlehorseanywhere！"
"Yes，that’sso，"assentedBill。"That’sso，ifyou’vegottherider，butputoneofthemrangersontohimanditwouldn’tbenofairshow。"Billwasgrowingmoreconvincedeverymomentthatthepintowouldn’tselltoanyadvantage。"Yesee，"heexplainedcarefullyandcunningly，"heain’tahorseyoucouldyankroundandslamintoabunchofsteersregardless。"
Gwenshuddered。"Oh，Iwouldn’tthinkofsellinghimtoanyofthosecowboys。"Billcrossedhislegsandhitchedrounduncomfortablyonhisbench。"Imeanoneofthoseroughfellowsthatdon’tknowhowtotreatahorse。"Billnodded，lookingrelieved。"Ithoughtthatsomeonelikeyou，Bill，whoknewhowtohandleahorse——"
Gwenpaused，andthenadded："I’llaskTheDuke。"
"Nocallforthat，"saidBill，hastily，"notbutwhatTheDookain’tallrightasajedgeofahorse，butTheDookain’tgottheconnection，itain’thisline。"Billhesitated。"But，ifyouarerealsotontosellin’thatpinto，cometothinkIguessIcouldfindasaleforhim，though，ofcourse，Ithinkperhapsthefiggerwon’tbehigh。"
AndsoitwasarrangedthatthepintoshouldbesoldandthatBillshouldhavethesellingofit。
ItwascharacteristicofGwenthatshewouldnottakefarewelloftheponyonwhosebackshehadspentsomanyhoursoffreedomanddelight。Whenonceshegavehimupsherefusedtoallowherhearttoclingtohimanymore。
Itwascharacteristic，too，ofBillthatheledoffthepintoafternighthadfallen，sothat"hispardner"mightbesavedthepainoftheparting。
"Thishere’sratheranewgameforme，butwhenmypardner，"herehejerkedhisheadtowardsGwen’swindow，"callsfortrumps，I’mblankedifIdon’tthrowmyhighest，ifitcostsaleg。"
CHAPTERXVI
BILL’SFINANCING
Bill’smethodofconductingthesaleofthepintowaseminentlysuccessfulasafinancialoperation，buttherearethoseintheSwanCreekcountrywhohaveneverbeenabletofathomthemysteryattachingtotheaffair。Itwasatthefallround-up，thebeefround-up，asitiscalled，whichthisyearendedattheAshleyRanch。Therewererepresentativesfromalltheranchesandsomecattle-menfromacrosstheline。ThehospitalityoftheAshleyRanchwasuptoitsownloftystandard，and，aftersupper，themenwereinastateofhighexhilaration。TheHon。Fredandhiswife，LadyCharlotte，gavethemselvestothedutiesoftheirpositionashostsforthedaywithaheartinessandgracebeyondpraise。Aftersupperthemengatheredroundthebigfire，whichwaspiledupbeforethelong，lowshed，whichstoodopeninfront。Itwasasceneofsuchwildandpicturesqueinterestascanonlybewitnessedinthewesternranchingcountry。Aboutthefire，mostofthemwearing"shaps"andallofthemwide，hard-brimmedcowboyhats，themengroupedthemselves，somereclininguponskinsthrownupontheground，somestanding，somesitting，smoking，laughing，chatting，allinhighestspiritsandhumor。Theyhadjustgotthroughwiththeirseasonofarduousand，attimes，dangeroustoil。
Theirmindswerefulloftheirlong，hardrides，theirwildandvaryingexperienceswithmadcattleandbuckingbroncos，theiranxiouswatchingsthroughhotnights，whenabreathofwindoracoyote’showlmightsettheherdoffinafranticstampede，theirwolfhuntsandbadgerfightsandallthemarvellousadventuresthatfillupacowboy’ssummer。Nowthesewereallbehindthem。
To-nighttheywerefreemenandofindependentmeans，fortheirseason’spaywasintheirpockets。Theday’sexcitement，too，wasstillintheirblood，andtheywerereadyforanything。
Bill，askingofthebronco-busters，movedaboutwiththeslow，carelessindifferenceofamansureofhispositionandsureofhisabilitytomaintainit。
Hespokeseldomandslowly，wasnotasready-wittedashispartner，HiKendal，butinacthewasswiftandsure，and"introuble"hecouldbecountedon。Hewas，astheysaid，"awhiteman;whitetotheback，"whichwasunderstoodtosumupthetruecattleman’svirtues。
"Hello，Bill，"saidafriend，"where’sHi？Hain’tseenhimaround！"
"Well，don’tjestknow。Hewasgoingtobringupmypinto。"
"Yourpinto？Whatpinto’sthat？Youhain’tgotnopinto！"
"Mebbenot，"saidBill，slowly，"butIhadtheideebeforeyouspokethatIhad。"
"Thatso？Whar’dyegithim？Goodforcattle？"Thecrowdbegantogather。
Billgrewmysterious，andevenmorethanusuallyreserved。
"Goodfercattle！Well，Iain’tmuchongamblin’，butI’vegotaleetleinmypantsthatsaysthattherepintokinoutworkanyblankedbroncointhisoutfit，givin’himafairshowafterthecattle。"
Themenbecameinterested。
"Wharwasheraised？"
"Dunno。"
"Whar’dyegithim？Acrosstheline？"
"No，"saidBillstoutly，"rightinthisherecountry。TheDookthereknowshim。"
Thisatonceraisedthepintoseveralpoints。Tobeknown，and，asBill’stoneindicated，favorablyknownbyTheDuke，wasatestimonialtowhichanyhorsemightaspire。
"Whar’dyegithim，Bill？Don’tbesoblankedoncommunicatin’！"
saidanimpatientvoice。
Billhesitated;then，withanapparentburstofconfidence，heassumedhisfrankestmannerandvoice，andtoldhistale。
"Well，"hesaid，takingafreshchewandofferinghisplugtohisneighbor，whopasseditonafterhelpinghimself，"yesee，itwaslikethis。YeknowthatlittleMeredithgel？"
Chorusofanswers："Yes！Thered-headedone。Iknow！She’sadaisy！——reg’larblizzard！——lightnin’conductor！"
Billpaused，stiffenedhimselfalittle，droppedhisfrankairanddrawledoutincool，hardtones："Imightremarkthatthatyoungladyis，Imightpersoomtosay，afriendofmine，whichI’mpreparedtobackupinmybeststyle，andifanyblankedblankedsonofastreetsweeperhasanyremarktomake，here’shistimenow！"
Inthepausethatfollowedmurmurswereheardextollingthemanyexcellencesoftheyoungladyinquestion，andBill，appeased，yieldedtotherequestsforthecontinuanceofhisstory，and，ashedescribedGwenandherpintoandherworkontheranch，themen，manyofwhomhadhadglimpsesofher，gaveemphaticapprovalintheirownway。ButashetoldofherrescueofJoeandofthesuddencalamitythathadbefallenheragreatstillnessfelluponthesimple，tender-heartedfellows，andtheylistenedwiththeireyesshininginthefirelightwithgrowingintentness。ThenBillspokeofThePilotandhowhestoodbyherandhelpedherandcheeredhertilltheybegantoswearhewas"allright";"andnow，"
concludedBill，"whenThePilotisinaholeshewantstohelphimout。"
"O’course，"saidone。"Rightenough。How’sshegoingtoworkit？"saidanother。
"Well，he’sdeadsetontobuildin’ameetin’-house，andthemfellowsdownattheCreekthatdoestheprayin’andsuchdon’tseemtobackhimup！"
"Whar’sthekick，Bill？"
"Oh，theydon’twanttogodownintotheirclothesandputupforit。"
"Howmuch？"
"Why，heonlyasked’emforsevenhundredthehulloutfit，andwouldgive’emtwoyears，buttheybucked——wouldn’tlookatit。"
[ChorusofexpletivesdescriptiveofthecharactersandpersonalappearanceandbelongingsofthecongregationofSwanCreek。]
"Wereyouthere，Bill？Whatdidyoudo？"
"Oh，"saidBill，modestly，"Ididn’tdomuch。Gave’emalittlebluff。"
"No！How？What？Goon，Bill。"
ButBillremainedsilent，tillunderstrongpressure，and，asifmakingacleanbreastofeverything，hesaid：
"Well，Ijesttold’emthatifyouboysmadesuchafussaboutanythin’liketheydidabouttheirGospeloutfit，an’Iain’tsayin’anythin’aginit，you’dputupsevenhundredwithoutturnin’
ahair。"
"You’rethestuff，Bill！Goodman！You’retalkin’now！Whatdidtheysaytothat，eh，Bill？"
"Well，"saidBill，slowly，"theyCALLEDme！"
"No！Thatso？An’whatdidyoudo，Bill？"
"Gave’emadeadstraightbluff！"
[Yellsofenthusiasticapproval。]
"Didtheytakeyou，Bill？"
"Well，Ireckontheydid。Themaster，here，putitdown。"
WhereuponIreadthetermsofBill’sbluff。
TherewasachorusofveryheartyapprovalsofBill’scoursein"nottakinganywater"fromthatvariouslycharacterized"outfit。"
Buttheresponsibilityofthesituationbegantodawnuponthemwhensomeoneasked：
"Howareyougoingaboutit，Bill？"
"Well，"drawledBill，withatouchofsarcasminhisvoice，"there’sthatpinto。"
"Pintobeblanked！"saidyoungHill。"Say，boys，isthatlittlegirlgoingtolosethatoneponyofherstohelpoutherfriendThePilot？Goodfellow，too，heis！Weknowhe’stherightsort。"
[Chorusof，"Notbyalongsight;notmuch;we’llputupthestuff！
Pinto！"]
"Then，"wentonBill，evenmoreslowly，"there’sThePilot;he’sgoingfortoanteupamonth’spay;’taintmuch，o’course——twenty-
eightamonthandgrubhimself。Hemightmakeittwo，"headded，thoughtfully。ButBill’sproposalwasscornedwithcontemptuousgroans。"Twenty-eightamonthandgrubhimselfo’courseain’tmuchforamantosavemoneyoutovtoeddicatehimself。"Billcontinued，asifthinkingaloud，"O’coursehe’sgothismotherathome，butshecan’tmakemuchmorethanherownlivin’，butshemighthelphimsome。"
Thiswasaltogethertoomuchforthecrowd。TheyconsignedBillandhisplanstounutterabledepthsofwoe。
"O’course，"Billexplained，"it’sjestasyouboysfeelaboutit。
MebbeIwas，bein’hot，alittleswiftingivin’’emthebluff。"
"Notmuch，youwasn’t！We’llseeyouout！That’sthetalk！
There’sbetweentwentyandthirtyofushere。"
"Ishouldbegladtocontributethirtyorfortyifneedbe，"saidTheDuke，whowasstandingnotfaroff，"toassistinthebuildingofachurch。Itwouldbeagoodthing，andIthinktheparsonshouldbeencouraged。He’stherightsort。"
"I’llcoveryourthirty，"saidyoungHill;andsoitwentfromonetoanotherintensandfifteensandtwenties，tillwithinhalfanhourIhadenteredthreehundredandfiftydollarsinmybook，withAshleyyettohearfrom，whichmeantfiftymore。ItwasBill’shouroftriumph。
"Boys，"hesaid，withsolemnemphasis，"ye’reallwhite。Butthatleetlepale-facedgel，that’swhatI’mthinkin’on。Won’tsheopenthembigeyesovhers！Icherishtheopinionthatthis’llticklehersome。"
ThemenweregreatlypleasedwithBillandevenmorepleasedwiththemselves。Bill’spictureofthe"leetlegel"andherpatheticallytragiclothadgonerighttotheirheartsand，withmenofthatstamp，itwasoneoftheirfewluxuriestoyieldtotheirgenerousimpulses。Themostofthemhadfewopportunitiesoflavishingloveandsympathyuponworthyobjectsand，whentheopportunitycame，allthatwasbestinthemclamoredforexpression。
CHAPTERXVII
HOWTHEPINTOSOLD
Theglowofvirtuousfeelingfollowingtheperformanceoftheirgenerousactpreparedthemenforakeenerenjoymentthanusualofanight’ssport。TheyhadjustbeguntodisposethemselvesingroupsaboutthefireforpokerandothergameswhenHirodeupintothelightandwithhimastrangeronGwen’sbeautifulpintopony。
Hiwasevidentlyhalfdrunkand，asheswunghimselfofhisbronco，hesalutedthecompanywithawaveofthehandandhopedhesawthem"kickin’。"
Bill，lookingcuriouslyatHi，wentuptothepintoand，takinghimbythehead，ledhimupintothelight，saying：
"Seehere，boys，there’sthatpintoofmineIwastellingyouabout;nofliesonhim，eh？"
"Holdonthere！Excuseme！"saidthestranger，"thisherehossbelongstome，ifpaid-downmoneymeansanythinginthiscountry。"
"Thecountry’sallright，"saidBillinanominouslyquietvoice，"butthisherepinto’sanothertransaction，Ireckon。"
"Thehossismine，Isay，andwhat’smore，I’mgoin’toholdhim，"
saidthestrangerinaloudvoice。
Themenbegantocrowdaroundwithfacesgrowinghard。Itwasdangerousinthatcountrytoplayfastandloosewithhorses。
"Looka-hyar，mates，"saidthestranger，withaYankeedrawl，"I
ain’tnohossthief，andifIhain’tboughtthishossreg’larandpaiddowngoodmoneythenitain’tmine——ifIhaveitis。That’sfair，ain’tit？"
AtthisHipulledhimselftogether，andinahalf-drunkentonedeclaredthatthestrangerwasallright，andthathehadboughtthehorsefairandsquare，and"there’syourdust，"saidHi，handingarolltoBill。ButwithaquickmovementBillcaughtthestrangerbytheleg，and，beforeawordcouldbesaid，hewaslyingflatontheground。
"Yougitoffthatpony，"saidBill，"tillthisthingissettled。"
TherewassomethingsoterribleinBill’smannerthatthemancontentedhimselfwithblusteringandswearing，whileBill，turningtoHi，said：
"Didyousellthispintotohim？"
Hiwasabletoacknowledgethat，beingofferedagoodprice，andknowingthathispartnerwasalwaysreadyforadeal，hehadtransferredthepintotothestrangerforfortydollars。
Billwasindistress，deepandpoignant。"’Taintthehorse，buttheleetlegel，"heexplained;buthispartner’sbargainwashis，andwrathfulashewas，herefusedtoattempttobreakthebargain。
AtthismomenttheHon。Fred，notingtheunusualexcitementaboutthefire，cameup，followedatalittledistancebyhiswifeandTheDuke。
"Perhapshe’llsell，"hesuggested。
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