it
seemed that he held a live creature under his hands, as if the deadness
and the dread apathy had gone away forever with the utterance of that
one syllable. This was a big moment. If only he could make up to her for
what she had lost! He felt his throat swell, and speech was difficult.

"Allie, do you understand me now? You--have something--to live for!...
Do you hear?"

When his ear caught the faint "Yes" he suddenly grew glad and strong
with what he felt to be a victory over her gloom and despair.

"Listen. I'm going to my work," he began, swiftly. "I'll be gone
weeks--maybe more. BUT I'LL COME BACK!... Early in the fall. I'll be
with you all winter. I'm to work here on the pass.... Then--then--Well,
I'll be a big man on the U. P. some day. Chief engineer or
superintendent of maintenance of way.... You're all alone--maybe you'll
care for me some day. I'll work hard. It's a great idea--this railroad.
When it's done--and I've my big job--will you--you'll marry me then?"

Neale heard her gasp and felt her quiver. He let go of her and stood
up, for fear he might suddenly take her in his arms. His words had been
shock enough. He felt remorse, anxiety, tenderness, and yet he was glad.
Some delicate and fine consciousness in him told him he had not done
wrong, even if he had been dominating. She was alone in the world; he
had saved her life. His heart beat quick and heavy.

"Good-by, Allie.... I'll come back. Never forget!"

She stayed motionless on her knees with the mass of hair hiding her
face, and she neither spoke nor made a sign.

Neale went out. The air seemed to wave in his face, cool and relieving.
Larry was there with the horses. Slingerland stood by with troubled
eyes. Both men stared at Neale. He was aware of that, and conscious
of his agitation. And suddenly, as always at a climax of emotion, he
swiftly changed and grew cool.

"Red, old pard, congratulate me! I'm engaged to marry Allie!" he said,
with a low laugh that had pride in it.

"Wal, damn me!" ejaculated Larry King. Then he shot out the hand that
was so quick with rope and gun. "Put her thar! Shore if you hadn't made
up to her I'd have.... An', Neale, if you say Pard, I'm yours till I'm
daid!"

"Pard!" replied Neale, as he met the outstretched hand.

Slingerland's hard and wrinkled face softened.

"Strange how we all cottoned to thet girl! No--I reckon it ain't so
strange. Wal, it's as it oughter be. You saved her. May you both be
happy