“‘I let myself go,’ he said, without shame, ’and I drank and gambled.  When I was drunk I didn’t remember Collie.  But when I was sober I did.  And she haunted me.  That grew worse all the time.  So I drank to forget her....  The money lasted a great deal longer than I expected.  But that was because I won as much as I lost, until lately.  Then I borrowed a good deal from those men I gambled with, but mostly from ranchers who knew my father would be responsible....  I had a shooting-scrape with a man named Elbert, in Smith’s place at Elgeria.  We quarreled over cards.  He cheated.  And when I hit him he drew on me.  But he missed.  Then I shot him....  He lived three days—­and died.  That sobered me.  And once more there came to me truth of what I might have been.  I went back to Kremmling.  And I tried myself out again.  I worked awhile for Judson, who was the rancher I had borrowed most from.  At night I went into town and to the saloons, where I met my gambling cronies.  I put myself in the atmosphere of drink and cards.  And I resisted both.  I could make myself indifferent to both.  As soon as I was sure of myself I decided to come home.  And here I am.’

“This long speech of Jack’s had a terrible effect upon me.  I was stunned and sick.  But if it did that to me what did it do to dad?  Heaven knows, I can’t tell you.  Dad gave a lurch, and a great heave, as if at the removal of a rope that had all but strangled him.

“Ahuh-huh!’ he groaned.  ‘An’ now you’re hyar—­what’s thet mean?’

“It means that it’s not yet too late,’ replied Jack.  ’Don’t misunderstand me.  I’m not repenting with that side of me which is bad.  But I’ve sobered up.  I’ve had a shock.  I see my ruin.  I still love you, dad, despite—­the cruel thing you did to me.  I’m your son and I’d like to make up to you for all my shortcomings.  And so help me Heaven!  I can do that, and will do it, if Collie will marry me.  Not only marry me—­that’d not be enough—­but love me—­I’m crazy for her love.  It’s terrible.’

“You spoiled weaklin’!’ thundered dad.  ’How ‘n hell can I believe you?’

“Because I know it,’ declared Jack, standing right up to his father, white and unflinching.

“Then dad broke out in such a rage that I sat there scared so stiff I could not move.  My heart beat thick and heavy.  Dad got livid of face, his hair stood up, his eyes rolled.  He called Jack every name I ever heard any one call him, and then a thousand more.  Then he cursed him.  Such dreadful curses!  Oh, how sad and terrible to hear dad!

“Right you are!’ cried Jack, bitter and hard and ringing of voice.  ’Right, by God!  But am I all to blame?  Did I bring myself here on this earth!...  There’s something wrong in me that’s not all my fault....  You can’t shame me or scare me or hurt me.  I could fling in your face those damned three years of hell you sent me to!  But what’s the use for you to roar at me or for me to reproach you?  I’m