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As he spoke the ind softly blew in his face It seemed to soothe his passion That as fresh, cool, fragrant, and it carried a sweet, strange burden of far-off things--tidings of life in other climes, of sunshine asleep on other walls--of other places where reigned peace It carried, too, sad truth of human hearts and mystery--of promise and hope unquenchable Surprise Valley was only a little niche in the orld whence blew that burdened wind Bess was only one of millions at the mercy of unknown motive in nature and life Content had come to Venters in the valley; happiness had breathed in the sloarht had hovered over the walls and descended to him; and now on the ind came a whisper of the eternal triumph of faith over doubt
"How much better I am for what has come to me!" he exclaimed
"I'll let the future take care of itself Whatever falls, I'll be ready"
Venters retraced his steps along the terrace back to ca and watching for his return
"I went off by myself to think a little," he explained
"You never looked that way before What--what is it? Won't you tella lot This valley makes a fellow dream So I forced er Soon I'll sio to Cottonwoods
We need a whole pack train of supplies I can get--"
"Can you go safely?" she interrupted
"Why, I'ht I haven't any fear that Wrangle isn't where I left him And once on him--Bess, just wait till you see that horse!"
"Oh, I want to see him--to ride him But--but, Bern, this is what troubles me," she said "Will--will you come back?"
"Give me four days If I'm not back in four days you'll know I'm dead For that only shall keep er--I wouldn't lie to you--but I can take care of myself"
"Bern, I'm sure--oh, I'm sure of it! All my life I've watched hunted men I can tell what's in them And I believe you can ride and shoot and see with any rider of the sage It's not--not that I--fear"
"Well, what is it, then?"
"Why--hy should you come back at all?"
"I couldn't leave you here alone"
"Youold friends--"
"I won't change my mind As for old friends--" He uttered a short, expressive laugh