I'm poor. It takes money to make way
beyond Sterling. We couldn't ride horses or burros or walk
forever. So while I knew we must go, I was distracted over how to
go and what to do. Now! We've gold! Once beyond Sterling, well be
safe from rustlers. We've no others to fear.
"Oh! Listen! Bess!" Venters now heard his voice ringing high and
sweet, and he felt Bess's cold hands in his crushing grasp as she
leaned toward him pale, breathless. "This is how much I'd leave
you! You made me live again! I'll take you away--far away from
this wild country. You'll begin a new life. You'll be happy. You
shall see cities, ships, people. You shall have anything your
heart craves. All the shame and sorrow of your life shall be
forgotten--as if they had never been. This is how much I'd leave
you here alone--you sad-eyed girl. I love you! Didn't you know
it? How could you fail to know it? I love you! I'm free! I'm a
man--a man you've made--no more a beggar!...Kiss me! This is how
much I'd leave you here alone--you beautiful, strange, unhappy
girl. But I'll make you happy. What--what do I care for--your
past! I love you! I'll take you home to Illinois--to my mother.
Then I'll take you to far places. I'll make up all you've lost.
Oh, I know you love me--knew it before you told me. And it
changed my life. And you'll go with me, not as my companion as
you are here, nor my sister, but, Bess, darling!.
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