y didn't happen simultaneous."

This affected Sam more than the first item. In spite of him, a red
tide surged up from his neck. He scowled angrily at having to betray
himself before them. They laughed derisively.

"I suppose you mean Bela," he said stiffly. "The settlement is free to
her, I guess. She's no more mine than the other."

"Opened a resteraw in the shack below the company store," Big Jack
went on. "We had our dinner there. Six bits a man. Better drop in to
supper."

"Not by a damn sight!" muttered Sam.

He shook his reins, and drove on to the tune of their laughter.

His feelings were much mixed. He felt that he ought in decency to be
chiefly concerned on Jennie Mackall's account, but he could not drive
Bela out of his head. He was both angry and terrified at her coming.
Just when he was beginning to feel free and easy she had to come and
start up the old trouble in his breast. Just when men were beginning
to forget the story which humiliated him, she came along and gave it
new point!

Sam had to get mad at something, and, like young persons generally, he
concentrated on a side issue. By the time he got into the settlement
he had succeeded in working himself up to a great pitch of indignation
against the Beatties, who, he told himself, had sent Jennie Mackall
home to part her from him.

Reaching the company reservation, he drove boldly up the hill to ask
for an explanation. Mrs. Beattie was on the porch sewing, as ever her
bland, capable self.

"They tell me Miss Mackall has gone away," said Sam stiffly.

"She was taken sick last night," replied Mrs. Beattie. "We all thought
it best for her to go when she had a good chance."

Sam stood undecided.

Mrs. Beattie arose.

"She left a note to bid you good-bye. I'll get it."

This was what Sam read, written in a well nigh illegible scrawl:

DEAR BOY,

I cannot stay here. I am sick. I can't explain further. Can
scarcely hold a pen. It's dreadful to have to go without
seeing you. But don't try to follow me. I will write you from
outside, when I can think more calmly. Oh, it's horrible! Oh,
be careful of yourself! Don't let yourself be deceived. I
would say more if I dared. Tear this up instantly. Don't
forget me.

Ever thine,

JENNIE.

Sam bowed stiffly to Mrs. Beattie, and turned away. The letter
mystified and exasperated him. The emotion it