“Them men was comin’. They was sure the robber went to my cabin. But before they surrounded us, I went to the door and waved to ’em to come on. They found old Jim on the floor. I swore I didn’t know what it was all about; that Jim ran in on me, and we swapped shots.
“They told me what Jim had done. They knowed he was the right man, because of that old gray coat. They took him away, wonderin’ what would happen to Jim’s kid; but I told ’em I’d take it. They knew old Jim was my friend, and none of ’em wanted the kid, anyway.
But old Jim had my promise before he died. I swore I’d never let the kid know anythin’ of the truth. Jim believed in heredity. He said it was partly a state of mind, and if the kid never knew—mebby it would be all right. And I never told anybody, boys. I kept my oath to old Jim Stevens. Even when things went ag’in’ me—I stuck it out.”
Lila went to him and put an arm around his shoulders.
“And they said you had no conscience,” she sobbed. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Daddy Rance. I went away when you needed me, but I’m going to stay with you now. I don’t believe in heredity.”
Old Rance looked up at her, his eyes wet with tears.
“I’m a damned old fool, Lila,” he said. “I sacrificed my own to keep my word. Don’t you see what I mean, Lila? Jim Stevens’s baby was a boy!”
For several moments no one said a word. They were trying to understand what old Rance meant.
“You—you mean—Angel?” whispered Lila.
Old Rance nodded quickly.