“When I looked at dad I was surprised.  He seemed cool and bright, with the self-contained force usual for him when something critical is about to happen.

“‘Ahuh!  So you come back,’ he said.

“‘Yes, I’m home,’ replied Jack.

“‘Wal, it took you quite a spell to get hyar.’

“‘Do you want me to stay?’

“This question from Jack seemed to stump dad.  He stared.  Jack had appeared suddenly, and his manner was different from that with which he used to face dad.  He had something up his sleeve, as the cowboys say.  He wore an air of defiance and indifference.

“‘I reckon I do,’ replied dad, deliberately.  ‘What do you mean by askin’ me thet?’

“’I’m of age, long ago.  You can’t make me stay home.  I can do as I like.’

“’Ahuh!  I reckon you think you can.  But not hyar at White Slides.  If you ever expect to get this property you’ll not do as you like.’

“‘To hell with that.  I don’t care whether I ever get it or not.’

“Dad’s face went as white as a sheet.  He seemed shocked.  After a moment he told me I’d better go to my room.  I was about to go when Jack said:  ’No, let her stay.  She’d best hear now what I’ve got to say.  It concerns her.’

“‘So ho!  Then you’ve got a heap to say?’ exclaimed dad, queerly.  ’All right, you have your say first.’

“Jack then began to talk in a level and monotonous voice, so unlike him that I sat there amazed.  He told how early in the winter, before he left the ranch, he had found out that he was honestly in love with me.  That it had changed him—­made him see he had never been any good—­and inflamed him with the resolve to be better.  He had tried.  He had succeeded.  For six weeks he had been all that could have been asked of any young man.  I am bound to confess that he was!...  Well, he went on to say how he had fought it out with himself until he absolutely knew he could control himself.  The courage and inspiration had come from his love for me.  That was the only good thing he’d ever felt.  He wanted dad and he wanted me to understand absolutely, without any doubt, that he had found a way to hold on to his good intentions and good feelings.  And that was for me!...  I was struck all a-tremble at the truth.  It was true!  Well, then he forced me to a decision.  Forced me, without ever hinting of this change, this possibility in him.  I had told him I couldn’t love him.  Never!  Then he said I could go to hell and he gave up.  Failing to get money from dad he stole it, without compunction and without regret!  He had gone to Kremmling, then to Elgeria.