d to me, for
we both were in plain sight from the camp. Certainly I could not turn off,
nor turn back. Not now. It was make or break. Hesitate I did, with
involuntary action of muscles; I thought that she momentarily hesitated;
then I drove on, defiant, and so did she. The fates were resolved that
there should be no dilly-dallying by the principals chosen for this drama
that they had staged.

Our obstinate paths met at the base of a small point white with alkali,
running shortly into the sedges. Had we timed by agreement beforehand we
could not have acted with more precision. So here we halted, in narrow
quarters, either willing but unable to yield to the other.

She smiled. I thought that she looked thinner.

"An unexpected pleasure, Mr. Beeson. At least, for me. It has been some
days."

"I believe it has," I granted. "Shall I pass on?"

"You might have turned aside."

"And so," I reminded, "might you."

"But I didn't care to."

"Neither did I, madam. The pond is free to all."

I was conscious that a hush seemed to have gripped the whole camp, so that
even the animals had ceased bawling. The children near us stared, eyes and
mouths open.

"You have kept away from me purposely?" she asked. "I do not blame your
discretion."

"I am not courting trouble. And as long as you are contented yonder----"

"I contented?" She drew up, paling. "Why do you say that, when you must
know." She laughed weakly. "I am still for the Lion's den."

"You have become more reconciled--I've been requested not to interfere."

"You? Without doubt. By Daniel, by Captain Adams, likely by others. More
than requested, I fancy. And you do perfectly right to avoid trouble if
possible. In fact, you can leave me now and continue your walk, sir, with
no reproaches. Believe me, I shall not drag you farther into my affairs."

"Daniel and Captain Adams have no weight with me, madam," I stammered.
"But when you yourself requested----"

"That was merely for the time being. I asked you to leave me at the fire
because I felt sure that Daniel would kill you."

"But yesterday evening--I refer to yesterday," I corrected. "You sent me
word, following my talk with Hyrum."

"I did not."

"Not by Rachael?"

"No, sir."

"I so understood. I thought that she intimated as much. She said that you
were to be happy; were already content. And that I would only be making
you trouble if I continued our acquaintance."

"Oh! Rachael." She smiled with su