Kane had
become a much-prized possession of Columbine's and lived at the house,
where he had things his own way, and always greeted Wade with a look of
disdain and distrust. Kane would never forgive the hand that had hurt
him. Sampson and Jim and Fox, of course, shared Wade's cabin, and
vociferously announced his return.

Early in the afternoon Wade went down to the ranch-house. The snow was
not so deep there, having blown considerably in the open places. Some
one was pounding iron in the blacksmith shop; horses were cavorting in
the corrals; cattle were bawling round the hay-ricks in the barn-yard.

The hunter knocked on Columbine's door.

"Come in," she called.

Wade entered, to find her alone. She was sitting up in bed, propped up
with pillows, and she wore a warm, woolly jacket or dressing-gown. Her
paleness was now marked, and the shadows under her eyes made them appear
large and mournful.

"Ben Wade, you don't care for me any more!" she exclaimed,
reproachfully.

"Why not, lass?" he asked.

"You were so long in coming," she replied, now with petulance. "I guess
now I don't want you at all."

"Ahuh! That's the reward of people who worry an' work for others. Well,
then, I reckon I'll go back an' not give you what I brought."

He made a pretense of leaving, and he put a hand to his pocket as if to
insure the safety of some article. Columbine blushed. She held out her
hands. She was repentant of her words and curious as to his.

"Why, Ben Wade, I count the minutes before you come," she said. "What'd
you bring me?"

"Who's been in here?" he asked, going forward. "That's a poor fire. I'll
have to fix it."

"Mrs. Andrews just left. It was good of her to drive up. She came in the
sled, she said. Oh, Ben, it's winter. There was snow on my bed when I
woke up. I think I am better to-day. Jack hasn't been in here yet!"

At this Wade laughed, and Columbine followed suit.

"Well, you look a little sassy to-day, which I take is a good sign,"
said Wade. "I've got some news that will come near to makin' you well."

"Oh, tell it quick!" she cried.

"Wils won't lose his leg. It's gettin' well. An' there was a letter from
his father, forgivin' him for somethin' he never told me."

"My prayers were answered!" whispered Columbine, and she closed her eyes
tight.

"An' his father wants him to come home to run the ranch," went on Wade.

"Oh!" Her eyes popped open with sudden fright. "But he can't--he won't
go?"