Joan shook her head.

"Why not? I'll marry you," he went on, speaking lower. "I've got
gold; I'll get more."

"Where did you get the gold?" she asked

"I've relieved a good many overburdened travelers and prospectors,"
he replied.

"Kells, you're a--a villain!" exclaimed Joan, unable to contain her
sudden heat. "You must be utterly mad--to ask me to marry you."

"No, I'm not mad," he rejoined, with a laugh. "Gulden's the mad one.
He's crazy. He's got a twist in his brain. I'm no fool. ... I've
only lost my head over you. But compare marrying me, living and
traveling among decent people and comfort, to camps like this. If I
don't get drunk I'll be half decent to you. But I'll get shot sooner
or later. Then you'll be left to Gulden."

"Why do you say HIM?" she queried, in a shudder of curiosity.

"Well, Gulden haunts me."

"He does me, too. He makes me lose my sense of proportion. Beside
him you and the others seem good. But you ARE wicked."

"Then you won't marry me and go away somewhere? ... Your choice is
strange. Because I tell you the truth."