She found Red Jim kneeling beside the
chair with his arms around her and her head on his shoulder, wet with
her tears. For the first time she could hear and really understand
what he had been saying over and over again. He was telling her that
he loved her, would always love her, that he could forgive Lew Hervey,
even, because of the message which he had brought.
Had she confessed everything, then, in the hysteria? Had she confirmed
what Lew Hervey said? Yes, for the voice of Red Jim was unquestioning,
cherishing as men will the thing which they love and own.
"You're better now?" he asked at length.
"Yes," she answered, "I'm weak--and ashamed--and--what have I said to
you?"
"Something that's made me happier than a king. And I'll make it a
thing you'll never have to regret, so help me God!"
He raised her to her feet.
"Now you have to go home--at once."
"And you?"
"Hervey will come hunting me again tomorrow, and he'll have his men
with him. He doesn't know I've forgotten him. He thinks it's his life
or mine, and he'll try to run me down."
"The sheriff--" she cried fiercely.
"That's where I'm going. To Glosterville to hide like a coward where
the sheriff can look out for me.
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