He mounted his horse and, followed joyfully by Prince, turned down the
trail. Peter did not stir. For a long time he sat with his arm around
Sister. The moon was high over the valley before he said aloud:

"O Esther! Esther! The years are long!" Then he too mounted and rode
away.

As Doug trotted through Rodman's door-yard, Inez crossed toward the
corral.

"Hello, Doug! Where've you been? What's the matter with Buster?"

Douglas drew up. "I gave him to Judith."

"Why, you blank little fool! It must have hurt you deep!"

"I guess Judith's worth it! Say, Inez, is there anything I can do for you
to get you to keep Judith away from here?"

"I won't hurt her, Doug."

"Aw, Inez, what's the use of saying that! Make out you're sore at her."

"I could, but that won't do so much for her. Judith ought to have
something to look forward to beside breeding calves and wrangling
firewood for some lazy dog of a rancher, before she or any other Lost
Chief girl will think keeping away from here is worth while."

There was a depth of bitterness in the woman's voice which Douglas felt