ing emotion that was realization of loss in a moment when she
learned the supreme and imperious sweetness of love.

"Kiss me, Columbine," he demanded.

Through blurred eyes she saw his face, white and rapt, and she bent to
it, meeting his lips with her first kiss which was her last.

"Again, Collie--again!" he begged.

"No--no more," she whispered, very low, and encircling his neck with her
arms she hid her face and held him convulsively, and stifled the sobs
that shook her.

Then Moore was silent, holding her with his free hand, breathing hard,
and slowly quieting down. Columbine felt then that he knew that there
was something terribly wrong, and that perhaps he dared not voice his
fear. At any rate, he silently held her, waiting. That silent wait grew
unendurable for Columbine. She wanted to prolong this moment that was to
be all she could ever surrender. But she dared not do so, for she knew
if he ever kissed her again her duty to Belllounds would vanish like
mist in the sun.

To release her hold upon him seemed like a tearing of her heartstrings.
She sat up, she wiped the tears from her eyes, she rose to her feet, all
the time striving for strength to face him again.

A loud voice ringing from the cliffs outside, startled Columbine. It
came from Wade calling the hounds. He had returned, and the fact
stirred her.

"I'm to marry Jack Belllounds on October first."

The cowboy raised himself up as far as he was able. It was agonizing for
Columbine to watch the changing and whitening of his face!

"No--no!" he gasped.

"Yes, it's true," she replied, hopelessly.

"_No!_" he exclaimed, hoarsely.

"But, Wilson, I tell you yes. I came to tell you. It's true--oh, it's
true!"

"But, girl, you said you love me," he declared, transfixing her with
dark, accusing eyes.

"That's just as terribly true."

He softened a little, and something of terror and horror took the place
of anger.

Just then Wade entered the cabin with his soft tread, hesitated, and
then came to Columbine's side. She could not unrivet her gaze from Moore
to look at her friend, but she reached out with trembling hand to him.
Wade clasped it in a horny palm.

Wilson fought for self-control in vain.

"Collie, if you love me, how can you marry Jack Belllounds?" he
demanded.

"I must."

"Why must you?"

"I owe my life and my bringing up to his father. He wants me to do it.
His heart is set upon my helping Jack to become a man.... Dad lo