That was strange to me, for
he never cared for gold or money. I learned that he was often
gone in the desert for weeks, once for months. Then the time came
when he never came back. That was years before I reached the
southwest border and heard of him. Even then I did not for long
give up hope of his coming back, I know now--something tells
me--indeed, it seems his spirit tells me--he was lost. But I don't
have that feeling for Yaqui and his party. Yaqui has given Rojas
the slip or has ambushed him in some trap. Probably that took
time and a long journey into Sonora. The Indian is too wise to
start back now over dry trails. He'll curb the rangers; he'll wait.
I seem to know this, dear Nell, so be brave, patient. Dick Gale
will come back to you."
"Oh, mother!" cried Nell. "I can't give up hope while I have you."
That talk with the strong mother worked a change in Nell
and Belding. Nell, who had done little but brood and watch
the west and take violent rides, seemed to settle into a
waiting patience that was sad, yet serene. She helped her mother
more than ever; she was a comfort to Belding; she began to take
active interest in the affairs of the growing village. Belding, who
had been breaking under the strain of worry, recovered himself
so that to outward appearance he was his old self. He alone knew,
however, that his humor was forced, and that the slow burning
wrath he felt for the Chases was flaming into hate.
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