As far as his eyes could see he owned the land, it was his to hold for ever, until he died.
After all, fortune had favoured him, and Providence, having chastened him, was now amply recompensing him for his early sufferings.
He had a loving wife, a dutiful son; what more could he want?
He thought of the old days at Wanabeen; of the time when, well-nigh broken-hearted, he learned Willie's mother, his wife, had deserted them. It caused a passing sadness in the midst of his happiness. Then he recalled how the sinning woman came back to die, and he clenched his hands as he thought of Rodney Shaw and his villanies.
Of the fight at Barker's Creek he had a vivid recollection, and his eyes glistened as he thought of the hand-to-hand conflict with Dalton's gang.
A light touch on his shoulder, and Molly said in a low voice,—
'Dreaming of the past, Jim? Do not recall it; think of the present—and me.'
She nestled at his feet and laid her head on his knee. He stroked her hair, and said,—
'I was thinking of the past, Molly, but it is a very far-off memory. With you near me all the black days vanish and there is nothing but light and joy and peace. I little thought such happiness as this would ever be mine.'