"Mr. Fowler, do you really believe there is such a thing as right and wrong?"
The preacher paused, studying Inez' face. Her dark eyes were steady and thoughtful. Her mouth, except for the slightly heavy lower lip, was sensitive. Her whole expression was one of pride and independence.
"Yes, I believe in right and wrong," replied Mr. Fowler, deliberately.
"What makes you believe that a man who lived nearly two thousand years ago can decide what is right or wrong for Lost Chief?" she asked.
"The Bible," answered the preacher.
"But the Bible is full of things that I would call crooked. Those prophets were always putting slick tricks over on each other and the people. There was a lot of dirty work done in the name of the Lord by those ancient Jews."
The preacher leaned toward the woman. "Do you believe in right and wrong, Inez Rodman?"
"No, I don't. I believe in kindness and in beauty. That's all."
"How does one believe in beauty?" asked Mr. Fowler.
"I mean," she replied, "that if you fill your mind with the beauty of this Lost Chief country and with poetry, there is no room for anything ugly."