* * * * *

Not for many hours, indeed not until late the next day, did Ina recover from the storm of emotion that had overwhelmed her, and then it seemed she was herself again intensified and magnified beyond understanding. Out of the spiritual chaos emerged a woman infinitely surer of herself, one who scorned weakening before the problems of yesterday.

From that crucial time every hour seemed full, dreamy, prophetic, yet they passed swiftly. She kept busy and active as much as the limited opportunities permitted. She helped her mother, sewed, read, studied, played with Dall, rode horseback with Marvie, but there were often intervals in which she idled, dreamed, waited for something that she knew was going to happen. Dread had departed. She had no more fear of Setter and made no effort to avoid him, a circumstance he manifestly grasped. It puzzled him. Whatever his mental attributes, he was not thick–headed and egotistical like McAdam. Ina’s changed attitude, however, did not affect him, as it was plain he was indifferent to the state of her mind and heart. Ina saw that he had no conception of the spirit of a woman. He was merely base, bold, brutal. He did not want love or respect. She was no more than a horse to be possessed and beaten.

In a clever and unobtrusive way Ina managed to dip into her father’s affairs. After all, he could be approached. It was Setter who resented Ina’s interest and suggestion. But with regard to this situation he was between the devil and the deep sea, because he reveled in Ina’s visits to the ranch and office.

Late in the afternoon of the day Setter had again ridden to Forlorn River, Ina was startled by clattering hoofs outside her tent, and then Marvie’s yell. Hurriedly she ran out.

Marvie was slipping off a wet and heaving pony. The lad’s face, hot, red, radiant, electrified Ina, and before she could utter a word he burst out.

“Oh, gee!—I’m out of breath,” he panted. “Rode fast—to get here first…. Dad yelled like mad—as I come by. He’ll kill me. I run off—you know…. Was at Ben Ide’s—when Setter got there…. Ina, what happened will tickle you—half to death. But don’t make me—tell now. You want to be over at the ranch—when Setter rides in. Hop my pony—an’ ride over.”

Ina was not dressed for riding, but she did not let that interfere. As she mounted, Marvie added: “I’m hopin’ dad’ll be so upset he’ll forget about me. If he isn’t—you—”

Ina, galloping away, did not catch the conclusion of Marvie’s speech, but she guessed at it. She was tremendously excited and curious and thrilled. Marvie had said she would be tickled half to death. What had happened to Setter? To Ben Ide? Ina did not like to urge the tired pony, and when, looking down the road beyond the ranch, she espied Setter and three cowboys coming, she restrained her hurry. She found her father and some of his men out in front of the cabin, evidently much interested in Setter’s return.