"Now, miss, I've supper ready," he said, "an' I was reckonin' you'd
like me to fetch yours."
"Yes, thank you, I would," replied Joan.
In a few moments Wood returned carrying the top of a box upon which
were steaming pans and cups. He handed this rude tray up to Joan.
"Shore I'm a first-rate cook, miss, when I've somethin' to cook," he
said with a smile that changed his hard face.
She returned the smile with her thanks. Evidently Kells had a well-
filled larder, and as Joan had fared on coarse and hard food for
long, this supper was a luxury and exceedingly appetizing. While she
was eating, the blanket curtain moved aside and Kells appeared. He
dropped it behind him, but did not step up into the room. He was in
his shirt-sleeves, had been clean shaven, and looked a different
man.
"How do you like your--home?" he inquired, with a hint of his former
mockery.
"I'm grateful for the privacy," she replied.
"You think you could be worse off, then?"
"I know it."
"Suppose Gulden kills me--and rules the gang--and takes you? ...
There's a story about him, the worst I've heard on this border. I'll
tell you some day when I want to scare you bad."
"Gulden!" Joan shivered as she pronounced the name. "Are you and he
enemies?"
"No man can have a friend on this border. We flock together like
buzzards. There's safety in numbers, but we fight together, like
buzzards over carrion."
"Kells, you hate this life?"
"I've always hated my life, everywhere. The only life I ever loved
was adventure. ... I'm willing to try a new one, if you'll go with
me."
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."