Furthermore, Bess reverted to a wistful sadness that he had not observed in her since her recovery.

His attempt to cheer her out of it resulted in dismal failure, and consequently in a darkening of his own mood.

Hard work relieved him; still, when the day had passed, his unrest returned.
Then he set to deliberate thinking, and there came to him the startling conviction that he must leave Surprise Valley and take Bess with him.
As a rider he had taken many chances, and as an adventurer in Deception Pass he had unhesitatingly risked his life, but now he would run no preventable hazard of Bess's safety and happiness, and he was too keen not to see that hazard.

It gave him a pang to think of leaving the beautiful valley just when he had the means to establish a permanent and delightful home there.

One flashing thought tore in hot temptation through his mind--why not climb up into the gorge, roll Balancing Rock down the trail, and close forever the outlet to Deception Pass?
"That was the beast in me--showing his teeth!" muttered Venters, scornfully.
"I'll just kill him good and quick! I'll be fair to this girl, if it's the last thing I do on earth!" Another day went by, in which he worked less and pondered more and all the time covertly watched Bess.