Zane Grey by The Spirit of the Border Page A

things, Colonel Zane means to
have comfort here in the wilderness. He struck me as being a fine
man."
    The boys were indeed glad to change the few articles of clothing the
Indians had left them, and when they were shaved and dressed they
presented an entirely different appearance. Once more they were twin
brothers, in costume and feature. Joe contrived, by brushing his
hair down on his forehead, to conceal the discolored bump.
    "I think I saw a charming girl," observed Joe.
    "Suppose you did—what then?" asked Jim, severely.
    "Why—nothing—see here, mayn't I admire a pretty girl if I want?"
    "No, you may not. Joe, will nothing ever cure you? I should think
the thought of Miss Wells—"
    "Look here, Jim; she don't care—at least, it's very little she
cares. And I'm—I'm not worthy of her."
    "Turn around here and face me," said the young minister sharply.
    Joe turned and looked in his brother's eyes.
    "Have you trifled with her, as you have with so many others? Tell
me. I know you don't lie."
    "No."
    "Then what do you mean?"
    "Nothing much, Jim, except I'm really not worthy of her. I'm no
good, you know, and she ought to get a fellow like—like you."
    "Absurd! You ought to be ashamed of yourself."
    "Never mind me. See here; don't you admire her?"
    "Why—why, yes," stammered Jim, flushing a dark, guilty red at the
direct question. "Who could help admiring her?"
    "That's what I thought. And I know she admires you for qualities
which I lack. Nell's like a tender vine just beginning to creep
around and cling to something strong. She cares for me; but her love
is like the vine. It may hurt her a little to tear that love away,
but it won't kill her; and in the end it will be best for her. You
need a good wife. What could I do with a woman? Go in and win her,
Jim."
    "Joe, you're sacrificing yourself again for me," cried Jim, white to
the lips. "It's wrong to yourself and wrong to her. I tell you—"
    "Enough!" Joe's voice cut in cold and sharp. "Usually you influence
me; but sometimes you can't; I say this: Nell will drift into your
arms as surely as the leaf falls. It will not hurt her—will be best
for her. Remember, she is yours for the winning."
    "You do not say whether that will hurt you," whispered Jim.
    "Come—we'll find Colonel Zane," said Joe, opening the door.
    They went out in the hallway which opened into the yard as well as
the larger room through which the colonel had first conducted them.
As Jim, who was in advance, passed into this apartment a trim figure
entered from the yard. It was Nell, and she ran directly against
him. Her face was flushed, her eyes were beaming with gladness, and
she seemed the incarnation of girlish joy.
    "Oh, Joe," was all she whispered. But the happiness and welcome in
that whisper could never have been better expressed in longer
speech. Then slightly, ever so slightly, she tilted her sweet face
up to his.
    It all happened with the quickness of thought. In a single instant
Jim saw the radiant face, the outstretched hands, and heard the glad
whisper. He knew that she had a again mistaken him for Joe; but for
his life he could not draw back his head. He had kissed her, and
even as his lips thrilled with her tremulous caress he flushed with
the shame of his deceit.
    "You're mistaken again—I'm Jim," he whispered.
    For a moment they stood staring into each other's eyes, slowly
awakening to what had really happened, slowly conscious of a sweet,
alluring power. Then Colonel Zane's cheery voice rang in their ears.
    "Ah, here's Nellie and your brother! Now, lads, tell me which is
which?'
    "That's Jim, and I'm Joe," answered the latter. He appeared not to
notice his brother, and his greeting to Nell was natural and hearty.
For the moment she drew the attention of the others from them.
    Joe found himself listening to the congratulations of a number of
people. Among the many names he remembered were those of Mrs. Zane,
Silas Zane, and Major McColloch. Then he found himself gazing at the
most