They yelled like maniacs and fired their revolvers in the air.

It was the wildest outbreak that Barren Valley had ever heard, and to the girl who watched it, it was the most marvellous revelation of a man's magnetism that she had ever beheld.
Alone he had faced and conquered a multitude.
It pierced her strangely, that fierce enthusiasm, stirring her as personal danger had failed to stir.

She turned with the tears running down her face and found Fletcher Hill standing unnoticed behind her, silently looking on.
"Oh, isn't he great?
Isn't he great ?" she said.
He took her arm and led her within.

His touch was kind, but wholly without warmth.

"There's not much doubt as to who is the boss of Barren Valley," he said.
And with the words he smiled--a smile that was sadder than her tears..