Have wired you are coming." It was signed by his cousin with whom he had been taking his hunting-trip, and who was bound by business to go further West within a few days more.
The strong young man was almost bowed under this sudden stroke.

His mother was very dear to him.

He had left her well and happy.

He must go to her at once, of course; but what should he do with the girl who had within the last two days taken so strong a hold upon his--he hesitated, and called it "protection." That word would do in the present emergency.
Then he looked, and saw her own face pale under the tan, and stepped out to the platform to tell her..