Long had she known how cheap life was held in the West, but she had only known it abstractly, and she had never let the fact remain before her consciousness.

This cheerful young man spoke calmly of spilling blood in her behalf.

The thought it roused was tragic--for bloodshed was insupportable to her--and then the thrills which followed were so new, strange, bold, and tingling that they were revolting.

Helen grew conscious of unplumbed depths, of instincts at which she was amazed and ashamed.
"Joe, hand down that basket of grub--the small one with the canteen," said Dale, reaching out a long arm.

Presently he placed a cloth-covered basket inside the stage.