[pg 203]
"I do know. It's Molly!"
"It's Molly, yes. Here's a letter from her. I found it in the cabin at Ash Hollow. Your friend Woodhull could have killed me--we passed him just now. Jed could have killed me--you can now; it's easy. But that wouldn't change me. Perhaps it wouldn't change her."
"You come here to face me down?"
"No, sir. I know you for a brave man, at least. I don't believe I'm a coward--I never asked. But I came to see Molly, because here she's asked it. I don't know why. Do you want to shoot me like a coyote?"
"No. But I ask you, what do I owe you?"
"Nothing. But can we trade? If I promise to leave you with my train?"
"You want to steal my girl!"
"No! I want to earn her--some day."