n was excessive, almost reverential, at times. Yet, it was
altogether impersonal. They came eventually to know that this
mountaineer regarded them with warm friendliness, with a lively
gratitude, with a devoted respect, with a certain veneration. But that
was all. No dart from their quiver of charms touched to the passionate
heart of him--nor ever could. From whichever side the shafts were
thrown, always they were shattered against a white shield, and fell
harmless. That shield was Plutina.

One night, as the yacht neared New York, Josephine and Zeke sat
together, watching the scud of clouds across the moon. The mountaineer
spoke softly, after an interval of silence.

"The clouds is runnin' thar jest as I've seen 'em lookin' out across
the valley from Stone Mounting--with Plutiny." There was a caress in
his voice.

Josephine checked an ejaculation of impatience. The savage was
incorrigible--quite! Him, and his everlasting Plutina! Perverse
curiosity overcame discretion. Perhaps, too, after all, he only needed
guidance. She tried to believe, though vainly, that only shyness
prevented him from improving an opportunity any other man would have
coveted.

"Tell me," she said softly, with a sympathetic lure in her tones, "is
Plutina so very beautiful?"

The lure was effective. Zeke turned to her with the hazel eyes darkly
luminous in the moonlight.

"Tiny's beautiful," he answered tenderly; and there was music now in
the slow drawl. "I 'low she's the most beautiful woman in the world."

"I'm afraid you're prejudiced," Josephine objected, with a disarming
laugh. "Of course, you ought to think so, but, really you know, you
haven't quite seen all the beautiful women in the world. Now, have
you?"

"All I need to," was the confident assurance. "Why," he continued with
an apologetic smile for his boldness. "I done seen you-all, Miss
Blaise, an' I reckon you-all are about as beautiful as a woman kin
be--'ceptin' Plutina."

The tribute was potent from its very unexpectedness. It eased the
chagrin from which vanity had suffered. Evidently, her charms were not
disregarded. It was simply that this lover had given his heart, and
that he was loyal. The girl sighed a little enviously at the
realization. She knew too well that many, perhaps most, in her world
were not loyal, even when their hearts were given. She wondered if, in
truth, there awaited her the boon of a like faithfulness. Yet she
persevered in her probing.

"Out