had the idea
that June would come back."

"Maybe she will."

"Not on your life. She might if you went out there for her."

Hale looked up quickly and slowly shook his head.

"Look here, Jack, you're seein' things wrong. You can't blame that girl
for losing her head after you spoiled and pampered her the way you did.
And with all her sense it was mighty hard for her to understand your
being arrayed against her flesh and blood--law or no law. That's
mountain nature pure and simple, and it comes mighty near bein' human
nature the world over. You never gave her a square chance."

"You know what Uncle Billy said?"

"Yes, an' I know Uncle Billy changed his mind. Go after her."

"No," said Hale firmly. "It'll take me ten years to get out of debt. I
wouldn't now if I could--on her account."

"Nonsense." Hale rose.

"I'm going over to take a look around and get some things I left at
Uncle Billy's and then--me for the wide, wide world again."

The Hon. Sam took off his spectacles to wipe them, but when Bale's back
was turned, his handkerchief went to his eyes:

"Don't you worry, Jack."

"All right, Sam."

An hour later Hale was at the livery stable for a horse to ride to
Lonesome Cove, for he had sold his big black to help out expenses for
the trip to England. Old Dan Harris, the stableman, stood in the door
and silently he pointed to a gray horse in the barn-yard.

"You know that hoss?"

"Yes."

"You know whut's he here fer?"

"I've heard."

"Well, I'm lookin' fer Dave every day now."

"Well, maybe I'd better ride Dave's horse now," said Hale jestingly.

"I wish you would," said old Dan.

"No," said Hale, "if he's coming, I'll leave the horse so that he can
get to me as quickly as possible. You might send me word, Uncle Dan,
ahead, so that he can't waylay me."

"I'll do that very thing," said the old man seriously.

"I was joking, Uncle Dan."

"But I ain't."

The matter was out of Hale's head before he got through the great Gap.
How the memories thronged of June--June--June!

"YOU DIDN'T GIVE HER A CHANCE."

That was what Budd said. Well, had he given her a chance? Why shouldn't
he go to her and give her the chance now? He shook his shoulders at the
thought and laughed with some bitterness. He hadn't the car-fare for
half-way across the continent--and even if he had, he was a promising
candidate for matrimony!--and again he shook his shoulders and settled
his soul for his purpose. He would g