"She didn't think it would disturb you so, or I am sure she wouldn't have sent it," he said, looking at Lyman.
"Tell her," said Lyman, "that her blessing alone is more—give her my kindest regards," he added, with an effort.
Sawyer wiped his eyes. "I went to another place before coming here," he said. "I went over to the bank and waited till McElwin came, and I had a talk with him. I told him that his daughter could never care for me, and that even if you should sign the petition I would refuse to recognize his authority in trying to compel her to marry me. She is in every way above me, so far beyond my reach that I don't love her. I have to go to another place—the court house. I am going to surrender myself to the law and be punished for that White Cap affair. I am going to acknowledge the whole thing."
"No," said Lyman. "The law knows well enough what was done and who did it. And, besides, your old mother—"
"Yes," Sawyer broke in, "but I thought it might be kept from her."
"No, some one would tell her, some over-zealous friend. Let it drop."
"Your word is law with me. And now I hope you won't feel hurt if I ask you something?"
"The time for you and me to hurt each other is passed," said Lyman.
"I thank you for saying that. You are a man if I ever met one. And how did you get the name of being desperate?"
"I simply punished an over-bearing bully and my act was exaggerated."