Columbine put a hand over Moore's lips.

"The man I must marry," she said, solemnly.

"You must--you will?" he demanded.

"Of course. What else could I do? I never thought of refusing."

"Columbine!" Wilson's cry was so poignant, his gesture so violent, his
dark eyes so piercing that Columbine sustained a shock that held her
trembling and mute. "How can you love Jack Belllounds? You were twelve
years old when you saw him last. How can you love him?"

"I don't" replied Columbine.

"Then how could you marry him?"

"I owe dad obedience. It's his hope that I can steady Jack."

"_Steady Jack!_" exclaimed Moore, passionately. "Why, you girl--you
white-faced flower! _You_ with your innocence and sweetness steady that
damned pup! My Heavens! He was a gambler and a drunkard. He--"

"Hush!" implored Columbine.

"He cheated at cards," declared the cowboy, with a scorn that placed
that vice as utterly base.

"But Jack was only a wild boy," replied Columbine, trying with brave
words to champion the son of the man she loved as her father. "He has