The horses were breathing hard when they reached the summit, and West drew rein that they might recover from the exertion.
“Why don’t you wear spurs?” inquired Bess. “I supposed no cowboy’s costume was ever complete without them.”
“I do wear them when I am riding a cayuse and after cattle or on the round-up,” he explained, “but Eagle nor Mauchacho nor my other thoroughbred doesn’t need them. Do you, old boy?” he interrogated, bending over and giving the beautiful horse a sound “love-pat” on the neck.
Again Bess had become entranced at the wondrous scene which lay before her, even more glorious than the one of the night before. A song arose to her lips. As the first few notes unconsciously escaped her, and the rich, full melody floated out upon the morning air, she suddenly collected herself. “Oh, I could not help it,” she apologized.
Henry West looked at her with pleading eyes as he begged her to go on. “Please don’t mind me. Sing out the joy in your heart,” he said, gently.
As side by side the horses began the stony ascent of the opposite side of the hill, she sang, at first softly, then forgetting all else in the world except that she was young and happy and glad to be alive, the music became full, sweet and strong, and in her rich, sympathetic voice she poured forth her heart.
“The sun is rising o’er the ocean,
The smiling waters greet the day;
The joyous winds to dancing motion
Wake the billows and the spray.
See where the clouds roll up the mountains!
Night has her misty banner furled,
And springing from a thousand fountains
Light and joy o’erflow the world!”
Here she paused, her heart too full to go on. Neither spoke, and when they had reached the foot of the hill and the long, level stretch of road lay before them, the horses started into a swift pace across the plain. On, on they went, gradually slowing into a steady, swinging gait. Both horses were single-footers, and they moved along without any apparent effort. How delightful it was! How Bess enjoyed every moment! The brisk morning air painted her cheeks rosily and filled her large, brown eyes with sparkling excitement. Occasionally a little cry of keenest pleasure escaped Bess’ lips.
Henry West was apparently oblivious to all about him; his eyes were looking straight ahead and his lips were closed firmly, as if with an effort to restrain his thoughts. All his life he had thought of the day and dreamed of the time when his ideal might be by his side. On his lonely rides across the plains or hills in quest of cattle or looking after his horses, his heart and soul had been filled with thoughts of Her. Never had he found her among the girls of his own people. Never had he seen her in all his years at school and college, although many who were fair and sweet would gladly have accepted his attentions. Always a welcome guest at the homes of his acquaintances, entertained and feted until he had become surfeited with it all, his heart was still an empty void, and his soul still longed for her of whom he dreamed.