But I've given my word, and I must keep it. Do
y'u want me to be a quitter, and y'u so game yourself? Do y'u
want it to go all over this cattle country that I gave my word
and took it back because I lost my nerve?"
"The boy that takes a dare isn't a hero, is he! There's a higher
courage that refuses to be drawn into such foolishness, that
doesn't give way to the jeers of the empty headed."
"I don't think that is a parallel case. I'm sorry, we can't see
this alike, but I've got to go ahead the way that seems to me
right."
"You're going to leave me, then, to go with that man?"
"Yes, if that's the way y'u have to put it." He looked at her
sorrowfully, and added gently: "I thought you would see it. I
thought sure you would."
But she could not bear that he should leave her so, and she cried
out after him. "Oh, I see it. I know you must go; but I can't
bear it." Her head buried itself in his coat. "It isn't right--it
isn't a--a square deal that you should go away now, the very
minute you belong to me."
A happy smile shone in his eyes. "I belong to you, do I? That's
good hearing, girl o' mine." His arm went round her and he
stroked the black head softly. "I'll not be gone long, dear.
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