"I'm to marry Jack Belllounds on October first."
The cowboy raised himself up as far as he was able. It was agonizing for Columbine to watch the changing and whitening of his face!
"No--no!" he gasped.
"Yes, it's true," she replied, hopelessly.
"No!" he exclaimed, hoarsely.
"But, Wilson, I tell you yes. I came to tell you. It's true--oh, it's true!"
"But, girl, you said you love me," he declared, transfixing her with dark, accusing eyes.
"That's just as terribly true."
He softened a little, and something of terror and horror took the place of anger.
Just then Wade entered the cabin with his soft tread, hesitated, and then came to Columbine's side. She could not unrivet her gaze from Moore to look at her friend, but she reached out with trembling hand to him. Wade clasped it in a horny palm.