rning. He had grown a little overnight. Nas Ta
Bega's deep "Bi Nai" rang in his ears, and the smiles of Withers and
Joe were greetings. He had friends; he had work; and there was rich,
strange, and helpful life to live. There was even a difference in
the mustang Nack-yal. He came readily; he did not look wild; he had a
friendly eye; and Shefford liked him more.

"What is there to do?" asked Shefford, feeling equal to a hundred tasks.

"No work," replied the trader, with a laugh, and he drew Shefford aside,
"I'm in no hurry. I like it here. And Joe never wants to leave. To-day
you can meet the women. Make yourself popular. I've already made you
that. These women are most all young and lonesome. Talk to them. Make
them like you. Then some day you may be safe to ask questions. Last
night I wanted to ask old Mother Smith if she ever heard the name
Fay Larkin. But I thought better of it. If there's a girl here or at
Stonebridge of that name we'll learn it. If there's mystery we'd better
go slow. Mormons are hell on secret and mystery, and to pry into their
affairs is to queer yourself. My advice is--just be as nice as you can
be, and let things happen."

Fay Larkin! All in a night Shefford had forgotten her. Why? He pondered
over the matter, and then the old thrill, the old desire, came back.

"Shefford, what do you think Nas Ta Bega said to me last night?" asked
Withers in lower voice.

"Haven't any idea," replied Shefford, curiously.

"We were sitting beside the fire. I saw you walking under the cedars.
You seemed thoughtful. That keen Indian watched you, and he said to me
in Navajo, 'Bi Nai has lost his God. He has come far to find a wife. Nas
Ta Bega is his brother.'... He meant he'll find both God and wife for
you. I don't know about that, but I say take the Indian as he thinks he
is--your brother. Long before I knew Nas Ta Bega well my wife used
to tell me about him. He's a sage and a poet--the very spirit of this
desert. He's worth cultivating for his own sake. But more--remember,
if Fay Larkin is still shut in that valley the Navajo will find her for
you."

"I shall take Nas Ta Bega as my brother--and be proud," replied
Shefford.

"There's another thing. Do you intend to confide in Joe?"

"I hadn't thought of that."

"Well, it might be a good plan. But wait until you know him better and
he knows you. He's ready to fight for you now. He's taken your trouble
to heart. You wouldn't think Joe is deeply religi