I could not be content to sit on my doorstep and smoke my pipe and watch the wheat and corn grow.

And then, this life of the borderman, environed as it is by untold dangers, leads me, fascinates me, and yet appalls me with the fear that here I shall fall a victim to an Indian's bullet or spear, and find a nameless grave." A long silence ensued.

Alfred had spoken quietly, but with an undercurrent of bitterness that saddened Betty.

For the first time she saw a shadow of pain in his eyes.

She looked away down the valley, not seeing the brown and gold hills boldly defined against the blue sky, nor the beauty of the river as the setting sun cast a ruddy glow on the water.