His own hand went down into his pockets, and into his hat went a roll of bills. He passed his hat, and soon it was full of bills and silver dollars.
That evening, it began to be whispered about that Wathemah was to go with Miss Bright. But of this rumor she knew nothing.
Two days later, the hands of young men and maidens were busy decorating the Clayton home for the wedding of Esther Bright and Kenneth Hastings. Cactus blossoms of exquisite form and color were used. Not only the interior of the house, but the veranda and yard as well, were one glorious mass of color.
Jack Harding worked faithfully, stopping now and then to talk with Kenneth, who lay on a couch on the veranda.
Carla, too, was busy, putting artistic touches here and there. She, too, came often to the sick man's side.
But Esther was forbidden to work, and when she persisted, Mr. Clayton captured her and took her off for a ride. She was to be married at sunset.
While they were out driving, one of John Clayton's cowboys drove up from the station, bringing David Bright and an English clergyman, a friend of Kenneth's, with him.
When Esther returned, and found her grandfather, her joy knew no bounds.
"I wish now, Kenneth, that we were to marry ourselves, as Friends do," she said, "but grandfather can give me away."
The guests who had been bidden, gathered in the yard, just as the glory of the sunset began. There was Bobbie, with the Carmichaels; there were some of the cowboys and cowlasses, miners and ranchers who had attended the meetings; all the Clayton household; Dr. Mishell and Sister Mercy, Miss Gale, and Wathemah were there. Jack Harding kept a close watch on Wathemah, not knowing just what he might do.