"Right, you have. But them was particular bad cases. I'm not advisin'
thet way.... Son, it's close to my heart--this hope I have
thet you'll--"

The full voice quavered and broke. It would indeed have been a hardened
youth who could not have felt something of the deep and unutterable
affection in the old man. Jack Belllounds put an arm around his
father's shoulder.

"Dad, I'll make you proud of me yet. Give me a chance. And don't be sore
if I can't do wonders right at first."

"Son, you shall have every chance. An' thet reminds me. Do you remember
Columbine?"

"I should say so," replied Jack, eagerly. "They spoke of her in
Kremmling. Where is she?"

"I reckon somewheres about. Jack, you an' Columbine are to marry."

"Marry! Columbine and me?" he ejaculated.

"Yes. You're my son an' she's my adopted daughter. I won't split my
property. An' it's right she had a share. A fine, strong, quiet, pretty
lass, Jack, an' she'll make a good wife. I've set my heart on the idee."

"But Columbine always hated me."

"Wal, she was a kid then an' you teased her. Now she's a woman, an'