In her heart flamed smokily rebellious fires. “Then I’ll go with Billy.”
He interpreted the words as a challenge. Their eyes met in a long, steady look. Each measured the strength of the other. It was the first time they had come into open conflict.
“I wouldn’t do that, Betty,” he said quietly.
“You don’t know how I feel about it. You won’t understand.” Her voice shook with emotion. “I’ve got to go.”
Merrick knew that he could prevent the ranger from guiding Betty to the gulch where the wounded man was, but it was possible to pay too great a price for victory. He yielded, grudgingly.
“I’ll take you. After you’ve seen Hollister, you can give us directions for nursing him. I should think the doctor ought to know, but, if you haven’t confidence in him, you can see to it yourself.”
Betty found no pleasure now in her desire to help. Justin’s opposition had taken all the joy out of it. Nor did his surrender give her any gratification. He had not yielded because he appreciated the validity of her purpose, but because he had chosen to avoid an open breach. She felt a thousand miles away from him in spirit.
“Thank you,” she said formally, choking down a lump in her throat.
CHAPTER XXVI
BLACK IS SURPRISED
It is not in youth to be long cast down for the troubles of a stranger, even one who has very greatly engaged the sympathy. In spite of Betty’s anxiety about the wounded man, her resilient spirits had sent her eagerly upon this adventure.