CHAPTER XXX
TWO ROSES
One morning, some three weeks after the invasion of Gophertown, BudLight, Billy Dime, and Brand Williams appeared at the Moonstone Ranchoffice.
Quite casually they had dismounted, and jingling up had asked for WalterStone. Upon his appearance the younger men applied individually fortheir old places. The room smelled of cigarette smoke and antiseptics.Quite as though nothing unusual had happened the rancher reinstatedthem.
"Have a good time, boys?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. Very good time. Better than we expected," replied Billy Dime.Bud Light nodded.
Stone looked hard at Billy Dime's bandaged arm. "Miguel and Parson Longhave a good time also?"
"Stayed to help Overland Red work the claim. Overland Red got hurt alittle, doin' somethin'. He's all right now."
"None of the Moonstone boys were injured?"
"Nope. Not a one of us," replied Dime blandly.
Walter Stone's eyes twinkled, but he did not smile. "We will call it avacation this time, with pay. Tell Williams to step in here, please."And the rancher dismissed his embarrassed and happy punchers with agesture.
The interview with Williams was not so brief. "The boys came out of itall right?" asked Stone, shaking hands with his old foreman.
"Yes, sir."
"How did you manage that?"
"Didn't. They did."
"Any one--er--of the other side have an accident?"
"Saunders--and six gents got hurt pretty bad."
"Whew! Our boys were lucky."
"It was nothin' but luck that they ain't all back there now--on thesand. You see, the Gophertown outfit are all what you'd call good with agun, but it was kind of a surprise, the spreadin' of the thing fromRed's little private deal to a six-hand game. We sure was lucky."
"And Collie?"
Williams shook his head. "I don't know. We thought he had crossed over.Seems he took a new holt. The doc and Winthrop brung him to Los in theautomobile. He's at the hospital. But they say he don't pick up anysince he come there."
"All right, Brand. I think that is all."
"How about my name goin' back on the books?" asked Williams.
"It hasn't been off the books. You know, Louise attends to thetime-sheet."
Williams nodded. "I expect Miguel and Parson Long will be sniffin'around lookin' for a job before long. They agreed to stay with Red tillhe got on his feet again. But they told him they would go just as soonas he was all right, for you couldn't run your ranch without 'em."
Walter Stone smiled broadly. "You're foreman, Brand."
"They was fightin' just as much for the name of the old Moonstone as forCollie, or for fun," said Williams.
"I know it. But I don't believe in such methods. That sort of thing isabout done with," said Stone.
"I was readin' about the old days in the Panamint, not long ago," saidWilliams, gazing at a corner of the office. "I--they was a list of namesof the ranchers that cleaned up the rustlers over there, back in '86. Itwas interestin'--some of them names."
Walter Stone coughed and turned in his chair. He gazed out of thewindow. Finally he faced Williams again. "We had to do it," he said,smiling.
Williams nodded. They understood each other.
* * * * *
The Marshalls, delighted with Los Angeles, had taken apartments in thecity. Dr. Marshall, at the urgent request of Walter Stone, had called atthe hospital to see Collie. The wound had healed slowly. Collie gainedno strength. He seemed indifferent as to whether he recovered or not.Dr. Marshall, consulting with the surgeon, agreed that the young man'srecovery was still doubtful. His vitality was extremely low. His usualoptimism had stagnated.
Later, when Walter Stone, Mrs. Stone, and Louise visited the hospital,Collie had smiled wanly and said but little, thanking them for theirvisit with a word.
Louise returned home, heartsick and haunted by Collie's eyes that hadseemed so listless, so indifferent, so weary. She had hoped to cheerhim. His indifference affected her more than his actual physicalcondition, which seemed to be the cause of it. Louise recognized inherself a species of selfishness in feeling as she did. Like most folkof superabundant health she was unable to realize the possibilities ofsickness. She longed for his companionship. She had not dared to askherself whether or not she loved him. She was glad that he should loveher--and yet she was not altogether happy. She had sent him her token,the little gray riding-gauntlet. He had in no way acknowledged it.
The sentiment incident to Collie's almost fatal misfortune did not blindher in the least. She told herself frankly that she missed him. At theranch he had been with her much. From her he had gleaned of books andpeople. The actual advantage to him was not in the quantity of knowledgehe had gained, but in the quality and direction suggested by herattitude toward all things. The advantage to her in his companionshiphad been the joy of giving, of shaping his thought, of seeing him slowlyand unconsciously differentiate himself--stand apart from his fellows assomething she had helped to create. This much of him she possessedthrough conscious effort.
Then to have seen him in the hospital, helpless, seemingly beyond anynoticeable influence of her presence, stirred in her a kind of maternaljealousy. Straightway she visited Anne Marshall, who kissed her, heldher at arms' length, saw the soft rose glow in her face, and spoke tothe point, albeit in parables. Dr. Marshall had been very poor--a doctorin the slums--just before _they_ were married. People had _said_ thingsand had _looked_ things, which was even worse. They subtly intimatedthat the doctor was marrying her for her money. She was the happiestwoman in the world. She thought Collie was the manliest and moststriking figure she had ever seen.
To all of which Louise listened quietly, blushing a little. "And he iswealthy," concluded Anne. "For so young a man, he is wealthy. The RoseGirl Mining Company, Incorporated, my dear, pays well. Collie is one ofthe three largest stockholders. You see, Billy and Overland Red havedecided to turn the claim into a corporation."
"Don't you contradict your--your theory a little, Anne?" asked Louise.
"No, indeed! It doesn't matter in the least who has the money, so longas the man is the right one."
And Louise was silent, and a bit happier.
The little parcel that came to the hospital, directed to Collie, wasfrom Overland. It was accompanied by a vividly worded note and a small,stained, and wrinkled glove, at once familiar.
Overland's note explained the delay in forwarding the glove. "It's somemussed up," he wrote, "because I had it in my shirt when I was hit. Iwas some mussed up likewise, or I would not 'a' forgot it so long. Thelittle Rose Girl sent it to you by Brand when she thinks you was goingto cross over on the last sunset limited. And I am feeling Fine,thanks. Do not rite to me if it gives you cramps.--Youres verryfathefuly, Jack."
Collie turned the gauntlet over in his trembling fingers. His eyesglowed. He called the nurse, telling her he was hungry.
Anne Marshall's visits were always refreshing. Well-gowned, cool,fragrant, she came, next afternoon, to Collie's bedside.
"You _must_ get well," she said, smiling. "The doctor will be terriblydisappointed if you don't. Isn't that coldly encouraging? What a thingto say!"
"I don't want to disappoint anybody," said Collie.
"Well, you will if you don't get better right away, sir! I wish I coulddo something to help. I can only sympathize and encourage the doctor."
"I know he's doing a whole lot for me. I think mebby you could help--alittle--if you wanted to."
"Gracious! As though I didn't! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"It only came yesterday," said Collie, tremulously drawing the gauntletfrom beneath his pillow.
Anne Marshall gazed at the soiled and wrinkled glove with unenlightenedeyes. Then her quick smile flashed. "Oh! Now I know! So that is thetalisman? Came yesterday? No wonder you seem brighter."
Collie's answering smile was irresistible. "It isn't just the glove--butwould you--I mean, if you w
as like me--without being educated oranything--" He hesitated, breathing deeply.
But Anne Marshall understood him instantly, and answered his shylyquestioning eyes.
"Indeed, I should. If I had half your chance, I shouldn't waste a minutein claiming the mate to that glove. One glove is of absolutely no use,you know."
"This one was--pretty much," sighed Collie. "I was feeling like lettinggo inside and not trying to--to stay any longer, just before it came."
"S-s-s-h! Don't even think of that. Some one called on me a few daysago. You are a very fortunate young man."
Anne Marshall's ambiguity was not altogether displeasing to Collie, inthat it was not altogether unintelligible.
* * * * *
William Stanley Winthrop, sojourning briefly but fashionably in LosAngeles, appeared at the hospital in immaculate outing flannels. It wasseveral weeks after his sister's last visit there. Winthrop took theconvalescent Collie to the Moonstone Rancho in his car.
Bud Light and Billy Dime accidentally met the car in the valley andaccompanied it vigorously through Moonstone Canon.
Aunt Eleanor and Walter Stone were at the gate. Collie was helped to thehouse and immediately taken to the guest-room. He was much fatigued withthe journey. The question in his eyes was answered by Aunt Eleanor."Louise rode over to the north range to-day. She should be back now."
Winthrop scarce needed an introduction. He was Anne Marshall's brother.That was sufficient for the host and hostess. He was made welcome--as hewas wherever he went. He had heard a great deal, from his sister, of theStones, and their beautiful niece, Louise Lacharme. He was enthusiasticabout the Moonstone Canon. He grew even more enthusiastic after meetingLouise.
She came riding her black pony Boyar down the afternoon hillside--apicture that he never forgot. Her gray sombrero hung on the saddle-horn.Her gloves were tucked in her belt. She had loosened the neck of herblouse and rolled back her sleeves, at the spring above, to bathe herface and arms in the chill overflow. Her hair shone with a soft goldenradiance that was ethereal in the flicker of afternoon sunlight throughthe live-oaks. From her golden head to the tip of her small riding-bootshe was a harmony of vigor and grace, of exquisite coloring andinfinite charm.
Her naturalness of manner, her direct simplicity, was almost, if notquite, her greatest attraction, and a quality which Winthrop fullyappreciated.
"I have been quite curious about you, Mr. Winthrop," she said. "You arequite like Anne. I adore Anne. Shall we turn Boyar into the corral?"
If William Stanley Winthrop had had any idea of making an impression, heforgot it. The impression Louise was unconsciously making straightwayabsorbed his attention.
"Yes, indeed! Turn him into the corral--turn him into _anything_, MissLacharme. You have the magic. Make another admirer of him."
"Thank you, Mr. Winthrop. But Boyar could hardly be improved."
"You trained him, didn't you?" queried Winthrop.
Louise laughed. "Yes. But he was well-bred to begin with."
Winthrop ejaculated a mental "Ouch!" Simplicity did not necessarily meanstupidity.
"Do you enjoy mining--the real work--out there in the desert, Mr.Winthrop?"
"I could enjoy anything in company with Overland."
"Of course. Do you think people who have lots of money are apt to becynical?" she asked.
"Not more so than people without money. But what splendid animals!" heexclaimed as they approached the corral.
"Uncle Walter and I are very fond of them," she said, turning Boyar intothe inclosure.
"Do you know, Miss Lacharme, I like horses and dogs and cats, and I justrevel in burros. But animals don't seem to like me. They're ratherindifferent to me. I wonder if it is a matter of health, or magnetism,or something of that sort?"
"Oh, no! But it is difficult to explain. Even if you are very fond ofanimals it doesn't follow that they will like you. That seems rathercold, doesn't it? It's almost unfair."
"Yes, if one considers it seriously."
"Don't you?"
Winthrop gazed at her for a second before replying. "I see I must tellyou the truth," he said lightly. "You compel it. It _does_ hurt me tohave anything or any one that I care for indifferent to me. Perhaps it'sbecause I realize that I am giving affection and selfishly want 'valuereturned,' so to speak. Pardon me for becoming serious."
"Surely! But I thank you, too. See Boyar roll! He's happy. No, hedoesn't roll because his back itches. You see, he's sweaty where thesaddle covered him. Before he rolled, you noticed that he deliberatelyfound a dusty spot. The dust dries the sweat and he doesn't take cold.That's the real explanation."
"I knew it couldn't be through happiness at leaving you," said Winthrop.
"If you are determined to keep it up," said Louise mischievously, "allright. But be careful, sir! I enjoy it. It's been dull--dreadfully dullsince Anne and the doctor left. May I have your knife?"
A belated crimson Colombe rose nodded beneath the guest-room window.Louise cut the stem and pinned the flower in the lapel of Winthrop'swhite flannel coat. He gazed at her intent on her task.
"There!" she said, with a light touch of her supple fingers. "That willdo." And slowly her gray eyes lifted to his.
The color flooded to his face. His eyes became momentarily brilliant. Hedrew a deep breath. "You told me to be careful. I shall be," he said,bowing slightly. "Please say something. Your silent attack was a littletoo--too successful."
"Truce?" she queried, laughing.
"Never!" replied Winthrop. "Even as our rather mutual and distinctlyillustrious friend Overland says, 'Not till me wires are all down andme lights are out.'"
Collie, standing at the open French window just above them, drew back.Quite naturally, being a young man in love, he misinterpreted all thathe had seen and heard. Louise had been away the day he was expected toreturn to the ranch. She had come back. She was seemingly satisfied withWinthrop's society. She was even more than satisfied; she was flirtingwith him. An unreasonable, bucolic jealousy, partly due to hiscondition, overcame Collie's usual serenity. His invalidism magnifiedthe whole affair to absurd proportions.
Perhaps it was the intensity of his gaze that caused Louise to glanceup. His expression startled her. His eyes were burning. His face wasunnaturally white. He met her glance, but gave no sign of recognition--arudeness that he regretted even while he manifested it.
Louise turned away proudly, calling Winthrop's attention to a hugegarden-seat beneath the live-oaks. "We have dinner out there quiteoften," she said, her eyes glowing. "Would you care to rest a whileafter your ride?"
"'A jug of wine--a loaf of bread--'" he quoted.
"But it isn't a wilderness. And dinner won't be ready for an hour yet.Don't you think a wilderness would have been utterly stupid with his'thou' beside him singing everlastingly? Now please don't say, 'It woulddepend on the _thou_.'"
"Do you sing, Miss Lacharme?"
"A little."
"Please, then,--a little. Then I'll answer your question."
"I had rather not, just now."
"My answer would be the same in either case. This is living, after thedesert and its loneliness. I discovered one thing out there,however,--myself. It was a surprise. My 'way-back ancestors must havebeen pirates."
"Mine--grew roses--in southern France."
"I am glad they eventually came to America," he said.
"Are you so fond of candy, Mr. Winthrop?"
"No."
"Neither am I."
"I'm glad they came, just the same. I simply can't help it."
"Overland--Mr. Summers--doesn't take life very seriously, does he?"asked Louise.
"Not as seriously as life has taken him, at odd times."
"You brought Collie in your car, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"He's much better?"
"Yes. But he's pretty shaky yet. He's a little queer, in fact. As wecame up the canon he asked me to stop the car by the cliff, near thisend,--th
at place where the sunlight comes through a kind of notch in thewest. I thought he was tired of the motion of the car, so we stopped andhe lay back looking at the cliff. Pretty soon the sun shot a long raypast us and it fairly splattered gold on the canon wall. Then the shaftof sunlight went out. 'It will shine again,' he said, as if I didn'tknow that. Collie's a pretty sick man."
Later Winthrop and Louise joined the others at the veranda. Louiseexcused herself. She searched a long time before she found another rose.This time it was a Colombe bud, full, red, and beautiful. She stepped toCollie's window. "Boy!" she called softly.
White and trembling, he stood in the long window looking down at her."I'm glad you are home again," she said.
He nodded, and glanced away.
"Boy!" she called again. "Catch." And she tossed the rose. He caught itand pressed it to his lips.