Vanameehadnothoughtofrestraint。Henolongerwrestledwithhispain——stroveagainstit。Therewasevenasenseofreliefinpermittinghimselftobeovercome。Butthereactionfromthisoutburstwasequallyviolent。Hisrevoltagainsttheinevitable，hisprotestagainstthegrave，shookhimfromheadtofoot，goadedhimbeyondallboundsofreason，houndedhimonandintothedomainofhysteria，dementia。Vanameewasnolongermasterofhimself——nolongerknewwhathewasdoing。
Atfirst，hehadbeencontentwithmerelyawild，unreasonedcrytoHeaventhatAngeleshouldberestoredtohim，butthevastegotismthatseemstorunthroughallformsofdisorderedintelligencegavehisfancyanotherturn。HeforgotGod。HenolongerreckonedwithHeaven。Hearrogatedtheirpowerstohimself——struggledtobe，ofhisownunaidedmight，strongerthandeath，morepowerfulthanthegrave。HehaddemandedofSarriathatGodshouldrestoreAngeletohim，butnowheappealeddirectlytoAngeleherself。Ashelaythere，hisarmsclaspedabouthergrave，sheseemedsoneartohimthathefanciedsheMUSThear。Andsuddenly，atthismoment，hisrecollectionofhisstrangecompellingpower——thesamepowerbywhichhehadcalledPresleytohimhalf-wayacrosstheQuienSaberanch，thesamepowerwhichhadbroughtSarriatohissidethatveryevening——
recurredtohim。Concentratinghismindupontheoneobjectwithwhichithadsolongbeenfilled，Vanamee，hiseyesclosed，hisfaceburiedinhisarms，exclaimed：
Cometome——Angele——don’tyouhear？Cometome。
ButtheAnswerwasnotintheGrave。BelowhimthevoicelessEarthlaysilent，moveless，withholdingthesecret，jealousofthatwhichitheldsocloseinitsgrip，refusingtogiveupthatwhichhadbeenconfidedtoitskeeping，untouchedbythehumananguishthatabovethere，onitssurface，clutchedwithdespairinghandsatagravelongmade。TheEarththatonlythatmorninghadbeensoeager，soresponsivetothelightestsummons，sovibrantwithLife，nowatnight，holdingdeathwithinitsembrace，guardinginviolatethesecretoftheGrave，wasdeaftoallentreaty，refusedtheAnswer，andAngeleremainedasbefore，onlyamemory，fardistant，intangible，lost。
Vanameeliftedhishead，lookingabouthimwithunseeingeyes，tremblingwiththeexertionofhisvaineffort。Buthecouldnotasyetallowhimselftodespair。Neverbeforehadthatcuriouspowerofattractionfailedhim。Hefelthimselftobesostronginthisrespectthathewaspersuadedifheexertedhimselftothelimitofhiscapacity，something——hecouldnotsaywhat——mustcomeofit。Ifitwasonlyaself-delusion，anhallucination，hetoldhimselfthathewouldbecontent。
Almostofitsownaccord，hisdistortedmindconcentrateditselfagain，everythought，allthepowerofhiswillrivetingthemselvesuponAngele。Asifshewerealive，hesummonedhertohim。Hiseyes，fixeduponthenamecutintotheheadstone，contracted，thepupilsgrowingsmall，hisfistsshuttight，hisnervesbracedrigid。
Forafewsecondshestoodthus，breathless，expectant，awaitingthemanifestation，theMiracle。Then，withoutknowingwhy，hardlyconsciousofwhatwastranspiring，hefoundthathisglancewasleavingtheheadstone，wasturningfromthegrave。
Notonlythis，buthiswholebodywasfollowingthedirectionofhiseyes。Beforeheknewit，hewasstandingwithhisbacktoAngele’sgrave，wasfacingthenorth，facingthelineofpeartreesandthelittlevalleywheretheSeedranchlay。Atfirst，hethoughtthiswasbecausehehadallowedhiswilltoweaken，theconcentratedpowerofhismindtogrowslack。Andoncemoreturningtowardthegrave，hebandedallhisthoughtstogetherinaconsummateeffort，histeethgrindingtogether，hishandspressedtohisforehead。HeforcedhimselftothenotionthatAngelewasalive，andtothiscreatureofhisimaginationheaddressedhimself：
Angele！hecriedinalowvoice。Angele，Iamcallingyou——doyouhear？Cometome——cometomenow，now。
InsteadoftheAnswerhedemanded，thatinexplicablecounter-
influencecutacrossthecurrentofhisthought。Striveashewouldagainstit，hemustveertothenorth，towardthepeartrees。Obeyingit，heturned，and，stillwondering，tookastepinthatdirection，thenanotherandanother。Thenextmomenthecameabruptlytohimself，intheblackshadowofthepeartreesthemselves，and，openinghiseyes，foundhimselflookingoffovertheSeedranch，towardthelittlehouseinthecentrewhereAngelehadoncelived。
Perplexed，hereturnedtothegrave，oncemorecallingupontheresourcesofhiswill，andabruptly，sosoonasthesereachedacertainpoint，thesamecross-currentsetin。Hecouldnolongerkeephiseyesupontheheadstone，couldnolongerthinkofthegraveandwhatitheld。Hemustfacethenorth。hemustbedrawntowardthepeartrees，andthereleftstandingintheirshadow，lookingoutaimlesslyovertheSeedranch，wondering，bewildered。
Fartherthanthistheinfluenceneverdrewhim，butuptothispoint——thelineofpeartrees——itwasnottoberesisted。
ForatimethepeculiarityoftheaffairwasofmoreinteresttoVanameethanevenhisowndistressofspirit，andonceortwiceherepeatedtheattempt，almostexperimentally，andinvariablywiththesameresult：sosoonasheseemedtoholdAngeleinthegripofhismind，hewasmovedtoturnabouttowardthenorth，andhurrytowardthepeartreesonthecrestofthehillthatover-lookedthelittlevalley。
ButVanamee’sunhappinesswastookeenthisnightforhimtodwelllonguponthevagariesofhismind。Submittingatlength，andabandoningthegrave，heflunghimselfdownintheblackshadeofthepeartrees，hischininhishands，andresignedhimselffinallyanddefinitelytotheinrushofrecollectionandtheexquisitegriefofaninfiniteregret。
Tohisfancy，shecametohimagain。Heputhimselfbackmanyyears。HerememberedthewarmnightsofJulyandAugust，profoundlystill，theskyencrustedwithstars，thelittleMissiongardenexhalingthemingledperfumesthatallthroughthescorchingdayhadbeendistilledunderthesteadyblazeofasummer’ssun。Hesawhimselfasanotherperson，arrivingatthis，theirrendezvous。Alldaylongshehadbeeninhismind。
Alldaylonghehadlookedforwardtothisquiethourthatbelongedtoher。Itwasdark。Hecouldseenothing，but，byandby，heheardastep，agentlerustleofthegrassontheslopeofthehillpressedunderanadvancingfoot。Thenhesawthefaintgleamofpallidgoldofherhair，abarelyvisibleglowinthestarlight，andheardthemurmurofherbreathinthelapseoftheover-passingbreeze。Andthen，inthemidstofthegentleperfumesofthegarden，theperfumesofthemagnoliaflowers，ofthemignonetteborders，ofthecrumblingwalls，thereexpandedanewodour，orthefaintminglingofmanyodours，thesmelloftherosesthatlingeredinherhair，oftheliliesthatexhaledfromherneck，oftheheliotropethatdisengageditselffromherhandsandarms，andofthehyacinthswithwhichherlittlefeetwereredolent，Andthen，suddenly，itwasherself——hereyes，heavy-
lidded，violetblue，fulloftheloveofhim。hersweetfulllipsspeakinghisname。herhandsclaspinghishands，hisshoulders，hisneck——herwholedearbodygivingitselfintohisembrace。herlipsagainsthis。herhandsholdinghishead，drawinghisfacedowntohers。
Vanamee，asherememberedallthis，flungoutanarmwithacryofpain，hiseyessearchingthegloom，allhismindinstrenuousmutinyagainstthetriumphofDeath。Hisglanceshotswiftlyoutacrossthenight，unconsciouslyfollowingthedirectionfromwhichAngeleusedtocometohim。
Cometomenow，heexclaimedunderhisbreath，tenseandrigidwiththevastfutileeffortofhiswill。Cometomenow，now。
Don’tyouhearme，Angele？Youmust，youmustcome。
SuddenlyVanameereturnedtohimselfwiththeabruptnessofablow。Hiseyesopened。Hehalfraisedhimselffromtheground。
Swiftlyhisscatteredwitsreadjustedthemselves。Nevermoresane，nevermorehimself，herosetohisfeetandstoodlookingoffintothenightacrosstheSeedranch。
Whatwasit？hemurmured，bewildered。
Helookedaroundhimfromsidetoside，asiftogetintouchwithrealityoncemore。Helookedathishands，attheroughbarkofthepeartreenextwhichhestood，atthestreakedandrain-erodedwallsoftheMissionandgarden。Theexaltationofhismindcalmeditself。theunnaturalstrainunderwhichhelabouredslackened。Hebecamethoroughlymasterofhimselfagain，matter-of-fact，practical，keen。
Butjustsosureashishandswerehisown，justsosureasthebarkofthepeartreewasrough，themoulderingadobeoftheMissionwallsdamp——justsosurehadSomethingoccurred。Itwasvague，intangible，appealingonlytosomestrange，namelesssixthsense，butnonethelessperceptible。Hismind，hisimagination，sentoutfromhimacrossthenight，acrossthelittlevalleybelowhim，speedinghitherandthitherthroughthedark，lost，confused，hadsuddenlypaused，hovering，hadfoundSomething。Ithadnotreturnedtohimempty-handed。Ithadcomeback，butnowtherewasachange——mysterious，illusive。Therewerenowordsforthisthathadtranspired。Butforthemoment，onethingonlywascertain。Thenightwasnolongervoiceless，thedarkwasnolongerempty。Faroffthere，beyondthereachofvision，unlocalised，strange，aripplehadformedonthestillblackpoolofthenight，hadformed，flashedoneinstanttothestars，thenswiftlyfadedagain。Thenightshutdownoncemore。Therewasnosound——nothingstirred。
Forthemoment，Vanameestoodtransfixed，struckrigidinhisplace，stupefied，hiseyesstaring，breathlesswithutteramazement。Then，stepbystep，heshrankbackintothedeepershadow，treadingwiththeinfiniteprecautionofaprowlingleopard。Aqualmofsomethingverymuchlikefearseizeduponhim。Butimmediatelyontheheelsofthisfirstimpressioncamethedoubtofhisownsenses。Whateverhadhappenedhadbeensoephemeral，sofaint，sointangible，thatnowhewonderedifhehadnotdeceivedhimself，afterall。Butthereactionfollowed。
Surely，therehadbeenSomething。Andfromthatmomentbeganforhimthemostpoignantuncertaintyofmind。Graduallyhedrewbackintothegarden，holdinghisbreath，listeningtoeveryfaintestsound，walkingupontiptoe。Hereachedthefountain，andwettinghishands，passedthemacrosshisforeheadandeyes。
Oncemorehestoodlistening。Thesilencewasprofound。
Troubled，disturbed，Vanameewentaway，passingoutofthegarden，descendingthehill。HefordedBrodersonCreekwhereitintersectedtheroadtoGuadalajara，andwentonacrossQuienSabe，walkingslowly，hisheadbentdown，hishandsclaspedbehindhisback，thoughtful，perplexed。
CHAPTERV
Atseveno’clock，inthebedroomofhisranchhouse，inthewhite-paintedironbedsteadwithitsblue-greyarmyblanketsandredcounterpane，Annixterwasstillasleep，hisfacered，hismouthopen，hisstiffyellowhairinwilddisorder。Onthewoodenchairatthebed-head，stoodthekerosenelamp，bythelightofwhichhehadbeenreadingthepreviousevening。Besideitwasapaperbagofdriedprunes，andthelimpvolumeofCopperfield，theplacemarkedbyaslipofpapertornfromtheedgeofthebag。
Annixtersleptsoundly，makinggreatworkofthebusiness，unabletotakeevenhisrestgracefully。Hiseyeswereshutsotightthattheskinattheirangleswasdrawnintopuckers。Underhispillow，histwohandsweredoubledupintofists。Atintervals，hegrittedhisteethferociously，while，fromtimetotime，theabruptsoundofhissnoringdominatedthebrisktickingofthealarmclockthathungfromthebrassknobofthebed-post，withinsixinchesofhisear。
Butimmediatelyafterseven，thisclocksprungitsalarmwiththeabruptnessofanexplosion，andwithinthesecond，Annixterhadhurledthebed-clothesfromhimandflunghimselfuptoasittingpostureontheedgeofthebed，pantingandgasping，blinkingatthelight，rubbinghishead，dazedandbewildered，stupefiedatthehideoussuddennesswithwhichhehadbeenwrenchedfromhissleep。
Hisfirstactwastotakedownthealarmclockandstifleitsprolongedwhirringunderthepillowsandblankets。Butwhenthishadbeendone，hecontinuedtositstupidlyontheedgeofthebed，curlinghistoesawayfromthecoldofthefloor。hishalf-
shuteyes，heavywithsleep，fixedandvacant，closingandopeningbyturns。Forupwardsofthreeminuteshealternatelydozedandwoke，hisheadandthewholeupperhalfofhisbodysaggingabruptlysidewaysfrommomenttomoment。Butatlength，comingmoretohimself，hestraightenedup，ranhisfingersthroughhishair，andwithaprodigiousyawn，murmuredvaguely：
Oh，Lord！Oh-h，LORD！
Hestretchedthreeorfourtimes，twistingaboutinhisplace，curlinganduncurlinghistoes，mutteringfromtimetotimebetweentwoyawns：
Oh，Lord！Oh，Lord！
Hestaredabouttheroom，collectinghisthoughts，readjustinghimselffortheday’swork。
Theroomwasbarren，thewallsoftongue-and-groovesheathing——
alternatebrownandyellowboards——likethewallsofastable，wereadornedwithtwoorthreeunframedlithographs，theChristmassouvenirsofweeklyperiodicals，fastenedwithgreatwirenails。abunchofherbsorflowers，lamentablywitheredandgreywithdust，wasaffixedtothemirrorovertheblackwalnutwashstandbythewindow，andayellowedphotographofAnnixter’scombinedharvester——himselfandhismeninagroupbeforeit——
hungcloseathand。Onthefloor，atthebedsideandbeforethebureau，weretwoovalrag-carpetrugs。Inthecornersoftheroomweremuddyboots，aMcClellansaddle，asurveyor’stransit，anemptycoal-hodandaboxofironboltsandnuts。Onthewalloverthebed，inagiltframe，wasAnnixter’scollegediploma，whileonthebureau，amidalitterofhair-brushes，dirtycollars，drivinggloves，cigarsandthelike，stoodabrokenmachineforloadingshells。
Itwasessentiallyaman’sroom，rugged，uncouth，virile，fulloftheodoursoftobacco，ofleather，ofrustyiron。thebarefloorhollowedbythegrindofhob-nailedboots，thewallsmarredbythefrictionofheavythingsofmetal。Strangelyenough，Annixter’sclothesweredisposedofonthesinglechairwiththeprecisionofanoldmaid。Thushehadplacedthemthenightbefore。thebootssetcarefullysidebyside，thetrousers，withtheoverallsstilluponthem，neatlyfoldedupontheseatofthechair，thecoathangingfromitsback。
TheQuienSaberanchhousewasasix-roomaffair，allononefloor。Bynoexcessofcharitycouldithavebeencalledahome。
Annixterwasawealthyman。hecouldhavefurnishedhisdwellingwithquiteasmucheleganceasthatofMagnusDerrick。Asitwas，however，heconsideredhishousemerelyasaplacetoeat，tosleep，tochangehisclothesin。asashelterfromtherain，anofficewherebusinesswastransacted——nothingmore。
Whenhewassufficientlyawake，Annixterthrusthisfeetintoapairofwickerslippers，andshuffledacrosstheofficeadjoininghisbedroom，tothebathroomjustbeyond，andstoodundertheicyshowerafewminutes，histeethchattering，fulminatingoathsatthecoldnessofthewater。Stillshivering，hehurriedintohisclothes，and，havingpushedthebuttonoftheelectricbelltoannouncethathewasreadyforbreakfast，immediatelyplungedintothebusinessoftheday。Whilehewasthusoccupied，thebutcher’scartfromBonnevilledroveintotheyardwiththeday’ssupplyofmeat。ThiscartalsobroughttheBonnevillepaperandthemailofthepreviousnight。InthebundleofcorrespondencethatthebutcherhandedtoAnnixterthatmorning，wasatelegramfromOsterman，atthattimeonhissecondtriptoLosAngeles。
Itread：
Flotationofcompanyinthisdistrictassured。Havesecuredservicesofdesirableparty。Amnowinpositiontosellyouyoursharestock，asperoriginalplan。
Annixtergruntedashetorethedespatchintostrips。
Well，hemuttered，thatpartissettled，then。
Hemadealittlepileofthetornstripsonthetopoftheunlightedstove，andburnedthemcarefully，scowlingdownintotheflickeroffire，thoughtfulandpreoccupied。
HeknewverywellwhatOstermanreferredtobyFlotationofcompany，andalsowhowasthedesirablepartyhespokeof。
Underprotest，ashewasparticulartodeclare，andafterinterminableargument，AnnixterhadallowedhimselftobereconciledwithOsterman，andtobepersuadedtoreentertheproposedpoliticaldeal。Acommitteehadbeenformedtofinancetheaffair——Osterman，oldBroderson，Annixterhimself，and，withreservations，hardlymorethanalooker-on，HarranDerrick。Ofthiscommittee，Ostermanwasconsideredchairman。
MagnusDerrickhadformallyanddefinitelyrefusedhisadherencetothescheme。Hewastryingtosteeramiddlecourse。Hispositionwasdifficult，anomalous。Iffreightrateswerecutthroughtheeffortsofthemembersofthecommittee，hecouldnotverywellavoidtakingadvantageofthenewschedule。Hewouldbethegainer，thoughsharingneithertherisknortheexpense。
But，meanwhile，thedayswerepassing。theprimaryelectionsweredrawingnearer。Thecommitteecouldnotaffordtowait，andbywayofabeginning，OstermanhadgonetoLosAngeles，fortifiedbyalargesumofmoney——apursetowhichAnnixter，Brodersonandhimselfhadcontributed。HehadputhimselfintouchwithDisbrow，thepoliticalmanoftheDenver，PuebloandMojaveroad，andhadhadtwointerviewswithhim。ThetelegramthatAnnixterreceivedthatmorningwastosaythatDisbrowhadbeenboughtover，andwouldadoptParrellastheD。，P。andM。candidateforRailroadCommissionerfromthethirddistrict。
OneofthecooksbroughtupAnnixter’sbreakfastthatmorning，andhewentthroughithastily，readinghismailatthesametimeandglancingoverthepagesoftheMercury，Genslinger’spaper。
TheMercury，Annixterwaspersuaded，receivedasubsidyfromthePacificandSouthwesternRailroad，andwashardlybetterthanthemouthpiecebywhichShelgrimandtheGeneralOfficespoketoranchersaboutBonneville。
Aneditorialinthatmorning’sissuesaid：
Itwouldnotbesurprisingtothewell-informed，ifthelong-
deferredre-gradeofthevalueoftherailroadsectionsincludedintheLosMuertos，QuienSabe，OstermanandBrodersonpropertieswasmadebeforethefirstoftheyear。Naturally，thetenantsoftheselandsfeelaninterestinthepricewhichtherailroadwillputuponitsholdings，anditisrumouredtheyexpectthelandwillbeofferedtothemfortwodollarsandfiftycentsperacre。
Itneedsnoseventhdaughterofaseventhdaughtertoforeseethatthesegentlemenwillbedisappointed。
Rot！vociferatedAnnixtertohimselfashefinished。Herolledthepaperintoawadandhurleditfromhim。
Rot！rot！WhatdoesGenslingerknowaboutit？IstandonmyagreementwiththeP。andS。W——fromtwofiftytofivedollarsanacre——thereitisinblackandwhite。TheroadISobligated。
Andmyimprovements！Imadethelandvaluablebyimprovingit，irrigatingit，drainingit，andcultivatingit。TalktoME。I
knowbetter。
ThemostabidingimpressionthatGenslinger’seditorialmadeuponhimwas，thatpossiblytheMercurywasnotsubsidisedbythecorporationafterall。Ifitwas。Genslingerwouldnothavebeenledintomakinghismistakeastothevalueoftheland。Hewouldhaveknownthattherailroadwasundercontracttosellattwodollarsandahalfanacre，andnotonlythis，butthatwhenthelandwasputuponthemarket，itwastobeofferedtothepresentholdersfirstofall。Annixtercalledtomindtheexplicittermsoftheagreementbetweenhimselfandtherailroad，anddismissedthematterfromhismind。Helitacigar，putonhishatandwentout。
Themorningwasfine，theairnimble，brisk。Onthesummitoftheskeleton-liketoweroftheartesianwell，thewindmillwasturningsteadilyinabreezefromthesouthwest。Thewaterintheirrigatingditchwaswellup。Therewasnocloudinthesky。
Farofftotheeastandwest，thebulwarksofthevalley，theCoastRangeandthefoothillsoftheSierrasstoodout，paleamethystagainstthedelicatepinkandwhitesheenofthehorizon。Thesunlightwasaveritableflood，crystal，limpid，sparkling，settingafeelingofgayetyintheair，stirringupaneffervescenceintheblood，atumultofexuberanceintheveins。
Butonhiswaytothebarns，Annixterwasobligedtopassbytheopendoorofthedairy-house。HilmaTreewasinside，singingatherwork。hervoiceofavelvetyhuskiness，moreofthechestthanofthethroat，minglingwiththeliquiddashingofthemilkinthevatsandchurns，andtheclear，sonorousclinkingofthecansandpans。Annixterturnedintothedairy-house，pausingonthethreshold，lookingabouthim。Hilmastoodbathedfromheadtofootinthetorrentofsunlightthatpouredinuponherfromthethreewide-openwindows。Shewascharming，delicious，radiantofyouth，ofhealth，ofwell-being。Intohereyes，wideopen，brown，rimmedwiththeirfine，thinlineofintenseblacklashes，thesunsetadiamondflash。thesamegoldenlightglowedallaroundherthick，moisthair，lambent，beautiful，asheenofalmostmetalliclustre，andreflecteditselfuponherwetlips，movingwiththewordsofhersinging。Thewhitenessofherskinunderthecaressofthishale，vigorousmorninglightwasdazzling，pure，ofafinenessbeyondwords。Beneaththesweetmodulationofherchin，thereflectedlightfromtheburnishedcoppervesselshewascarryingsetavibrationofpalegold。
Overlayingtheflushofroseinhercheeks，seenonlywhenshestoodagainstthesunlight，wasafaintsheenofdown，alustrousfloss，delicateasthepollenofaflower，ortheimpalpablepowderofamoth’swing。Shewasmovingtoandfroaboutherwork，alert，joyous，robust。andfromallthefine，fullamplitudeofherfigure，fromherthickwhiteneck，slopingdownwardtohershoulders，fromthedeep，feminineswellofherbreast，thevigorousmaturityofherhips，therewasdisengagedavibrantnoteofgayety，ofexuberantanimallife，sane，honest，strong。Sheworeaskirtofplainbluecalicoandashirtwaistofpinklinen，clean，trim。whilehersleevesturnedbacktohershoulders，showedherlarge，whitearms，wetwithmilk，redolentandfragrantwithmilk，glowingandresplendentintheearlymorninglight。
Onthethreshold，Annixtertookoffhishat。
Goodmorning，MissHilma。
Hilma，whohadsetdownthecoppercanontopofthevat，turnedaboutquickly。
Oh，GOODmorning，sir。and，unconsciously，shemadealittlegestureofsalutationwithherhand，raisingitpartwaytowardherhead，asamanwouldhavedone。
Well，beganAnnixtervaguely，howareyougettingalongdownhere？
Oh，veryfine。To-day，thereisnotsomuchtodo。Wedrewthewheyhoursago，andnowwearejustdoneputtingthecurdtopress。Ihavebeencleaning。Seemypans。Wouldn’ttheydoformirrors，sir？Andthecopperthings。Ihavescrubbedandscrubbed。Oh，youcanlookintothetiniestcorners，everywhere，youwon’tfindsomuchasthelittlestspeckofdirtorgrease。
IloveCLEANthings，andthisroomismyownparticularplace。
HereIcandojustasIplease，andthatis，tokeepthecementfloor，andthevats，andthechurnsandtheseparators，andespeciallythecansandcoppers，clean。clean，andtoseethatthemilkispure，oh，sothatalittlebabycoulddrinkit。andtohavetheairalwayssweet，andthesun——oh，lotsandlotsofsun，morning，noonandafternoon，sothateverythingshines。Youknow，Ineverseethesunsetthatitdon’tmakemealittlesad。
yes，always，justalittle。Isn’titfunny？Ishouldwantittobedayallthetime。Andwhenthedayisgloomyanddark，Iamjustassadasifaverygoodfriendofminehadleftme。Wouldyoubelieveit？Justuntilwithinafewyears，whenIwasabiggirl，sixteenandover，mammahadtositbymybedeverynightbeforeIcouldgotosleep。Iwasafraidinthedark。SometimesIamnow。Justimagine，andnowIamnineteen——ayounglady。
Youwere，hey？observedAnnixter，forthesakeofsayingsomething。Afraidinthedark？Whatof——ghosts？
N-no。Idon’tknowwhat。Iwantedthelight，Iwanted——Shedrewadeepbreath，turningtowardsthewindowandspreadingherpinkfinger-tipstothelight。Oh，theSUN。Ilovethesun。
See，putyourhandthere——hereonthetopofthevat——likethat。
Isn’titwarm？Isn’titfine？Anddon’tyoulovetoseeitcominginlikethatthroughthewindows，floodsofit。andallthelittledustinitshining？Wherethereislotsofsunlight，Ithinkthepeoplemustbeverygood。It’sonlywickedpeoplethatlovethedark。Andthewickedthingsarealwaysdoneandplannedinthedark，Ithink。Perhaps，too，that’swhyIhatethingsthataremysterious——thingsthatIcan’tsee，thathappeninthedark。Shewrinkledhernosewithalittleexpressionofaversion。Ihateamystery。Maybethat’swhyIamafraidinthedark——orwas。Ishouldn’tliketothinkthatanythingcouldhappenaroundmethatIcouldn’tseeorunderstandorexplain。
Sheranonfromsubjecttosubject，positivelygarrulous，talkinginherlow-pitchedvoiceofvelvetyhuskinessforthemereenjoymentofputtingherideasintospeech，innocentlyassumingthattheywerequiteasinterestingtoothersastoherself。Shewasyetagreatchild，ignoringthefactthatshehadevergrownup，takingachild’sinterestinherimmediatesurroundings，direct，straightforward，plain。Whilespeaking，shecontinuedaboutherwork，rinsingoutthecanswithamixtureofhotwaterandsoda，scouringthembright，andpilingtheminthesunlightontopofthevat。
Obliquely，andfrombetweenhisnarrowedlids，Annixterscrutinisedherfromtimetotime，moreandmorewonoverbyheradorablefreshness，herclean，fineyouth。Theclumsinessthatheusuallyexperiencedinthepresenceofwomenwaswearingoff。
HilmaTree’sdirectsimplicityputhimathisease。HebegantowonderifhedaredtokissHilma，andifhediddare，howshewouldtakeit。Asparkofsuspicionflickeredupinhismind。
Didnothermannerimply，vaguely，aninvitation？Onenevercouldtellwithfeemales。Thatwaswhyshewastalkingsomuch，nodoubt，holdinghimthere，affordingtheopportunity。Aha！
Shehadbestlookout，orhewouldtakeheratherword。
Oh，Ihadforgotten，suddenlyexclaimedHilma，theverythingIwantedtoshowyou——thenewpress。YourememberIaskedforonelastmonth？Thisisit。See，thisishowitworks。Hereiswherethecurdsgo。look。Andthiscoverisscreweddownlikethis，andthenyouworktheleverthisway。Shegraspedtheleverinbothhands，throwingherweightuponit，hersmooth，barearmswellingroundandfirmwiththeeffort，oneslimfoot，initslowshoesetoffwiththebright，steelbuckle，bracedagainstthewall。
My，butthattakesstrength，shepanted，lookingupathimandsmiling。Butisn’titafinepress？Justwhatweneeded。
And，Annixterclearedhisthroat，andwheredoyoukeepthecheesesandthebutter？Hethoughtitverylikelythatthesewereinthecellarofthedairy。
Inthecellar，answeredHilma。Downhere，see？Sheraisedtheflapofthecellardoorattheendoftheroom。Wouldyouliketosee？Comedown。I’llshowyou。
Shewentbeforehimdownintothecoolobscurityunderneath，redolentofnewcheeseandfreshbutter。Annixterfollowed，acertainexcitementbeginningtogainuponhim。HewasalmostsurenowthatHilmawantedhimtokissher。Atallevents，onecouldbuttry。But，asyet，hewasnotabsolutelysure。Supposehehadbeenmistakeninher。supposesheshouldconsiderherselfinsultedandfreezehimwithanicystare。Annixterwincedattheverythoughtofit。Betterletthewholebusinessgo，andgettowork。Hewaswastinghalfthemorning。Yet，ifsheDID
wanttogivehimtheopportunityofkissingher，andhefailedtotakeadvantageofit，whataninnyshewouldthinkhim。shewoulddespisehimforbeingafraid。Heafraid！He，Annixter，afraidofafool，feemalegirl。Why，heowedittohimselfasamantogoasfarashecould。HetoldhimselfthatthatgoatOstermanwouldhavekissedHilmaTreeweeksago。Totesthisstateofmind，heimaginedhimselfashavingdecidedtokissher，afterall，andatoncewassurprisedtoexperienceapoignantqualmofexcitement，hisheartbeatingheavily，hisbreathcomingshort。
Atthesametime，hiscourageremainedwithhim。Hewasnotafraidtotry。Hefeltagreaterrespectforhimselfbecauseofthis。Hisself-assurancehardenedwithinhim，andasHilmaturnedtohim，askinghimtotasteacutfromoneoftheripecheeses，hesuddenlysteppedclosetoher，throwinganarmabouthershoulders，advancinghishead。
Butatthelastsecond，hebungled，hesitated。Hilmashrankfromhim，suppleasayoungreed。Annixterclutchedharshlyatherarm，andtrodhisfullweightupononeofherslenderfeet，hischeekandchinbarelytouchingthedelicatepinklobeofoneofherears，hislipsbrushingmerelyafoldofhershirtwaistbetweenneckandshoulder。Thethingwasafailure，andatonceherealisedthatnothinghadbeenfurtherfromHilma’smindthantheideaofhiskissingher。
Shestartedbackfromhimabruptly，herhandsnervouslyclaspedagainstherbreast，drawinginherbreathsharplyandholdingitwithalittle，tremulouscatchofthethroatthatsentaquiveringvibrationthelengthofhersmooth，whiteneck。Hereyesopenedwidewithachildlikelook，moreofastonishmentthananger。Shewassurprised，outofallmeasure，discountenanced，takenallaback，andwhenshefoundherbreath，gavevoicetoagreatOhofdismayanddistress。
Foraninstant，Annixterstoodawkwardlyinhisplace，ridiculous，clumsy，murmuringoverandoveragain：
Well——well——that’sallright——who’sgoingtohurtyou？Youneedn’tbeafraid——who’sgoingtohurtyou——that’sallright。
Then，suddenly，withaquick，indefinitegestureofonearm，heexclaimed：
Good-bye，I——I’msorry。
Heturnedaway，stridingupthestairs，crossingthedairy-room，andregainedtheopenair，ragingandfurious。Heturnedtowardthebarns，clappinghishatuponhishead，mutteringthewhileunderhisbreath：
Oh，yougoat！YoubeastlyfoolPIP。GoodLORD，whatanassyou’vemadeofyourselfnow！
SuddenlyheresolvedtoputHilmaTreeoutofhisthoughts。Thematterwasinterferingwithhiswork。Thiskindofthingwassurenotearninganymoney。Heshookhimselfasthoughfreeinghisshouldersofanirksomeburden，andturnedhisentireattentiontotheworknearestathand。
Theprolongedrattleoftheshinglers’hammersupontheroofofthebigbarnattractedhim，and，crossingoverbetweentheranchhouseandtheartesianwell，hestoodforsometimeabsorbedinthecontemplationofthevastbuilding，amusedandinterestedwiththeconfusionofsounds——theclatterofhammers，thecadencedscrapeofsaws，andtherhythmicshuffleofplanes——thatissuedfromthegangofcarpenterswhowereatthatmomentputtingthefinishingtouchesupontheroofandrowsofstalls。
Aboyandtwomenwerebusyhangingthegreatslidingdooratthesouthend，whilethepainters——comedownfromBonnevilleearlythatmorning——wereengagedinadjustingthesprayandforceengine，bymeansofwhichAnnixterhadinsisteduponpaintingthevastsurfacesofthebarn，condemningtheuseofbrushesandpotsforsuchworkasold-fashionedandout-of-date。
Hecalledtooneoftheforemen，toaskwhenthebarnwouldbeentirelyfinished，andwastoldthatattheendoftheweekthehayandstockcouldbeinstalled。
Andapreciouslongtimeyou’vebeenatit，too，Annixterdeclared。
Well，youknowtherain——
Oh，rottherain！Iworkintherain。Youandyourunionsmakemesick。
But，Mr。Annixter，wecouldn’thavebegunpaintingintherain。
Thejobwouldhavebeenspoiled。
Hoh，yes，spoiled。That’sallverywell。Maybeitwould，andthen，again，maybeitwouldn’t。
Butwhentheforemanhadlefthim，Annixtercouldnotforbearagrowlofsatisfaction。Itcouldnotbedeniedthatthebarnwassuperb，monumentaleven。Almostanyoneoftheotherbarnsinthecountycouldbeswung，bird-cagefashion，insideofit，withroomtospare。Ineverysense，thebarnwaspreciselywhatAnnixterhadhopedofit。Inhispleasureoverthesuccessofhisidea，evenHilmaforthemomentwasforgotten。
And，now，murmuredAnnixter，I’llgivethatdanceinit。I’llmake’emsitup。
Itoccurredtohimthathehadbettersetaboutsendingouttheinvitationsfortheaffair。Hewaspuzzledtodecidejusthowthethingshouldbemanaged，andresolvedthatitmightbeaswelltoconsultMagnusandMrs。Derrick。
Iwanttotalkofthistelegramofthegoat’swithMagnus，anyhow，hesaidtohimselfreflectively，andthere’sthingsI
gottodoinBonnevillebeforethefirstofthemonth。
Heturnedaboutonhisheelwithalastlookatthebarn，andsetofftowardthestable。HehaddecidedtohavehishorsesaddledandrideovertoBonnevillebywayofLosMuertos。Hewouldmakeadayofit，wouldseeMagnus，Harran，oldBrodersonandsomeofthebusinessmenofBonneville。
Afewmomentslater，herodeoutofthebarnandthestable-yard，afreshcigarbetweenhisteeth，hishatslantedoverhisfaceagainsttheraysofthesun，asyetlowintheeast。Hecrossedtheirrigatingditchandgainedthetrail——theshortcutoverintoLosMuertos，bywayofHooven’s。Itledsouthandwestintothelowgroundovergrownbygrey-greenwillowsbyBrodersonCreek，atthistimeoftherainyseasonastreamofconsiderablevolume，fartherondippingsharplytopassunderneaththeLongTrestleoftherailroad。Ontheothersideoftherightofway，AnnixterwasobligedtoopenthegateinDerrick’slinefence。
Hemanagedthiswithoutdismounting，swearingatthehorsethewhile，andspurringhimcontinually。Butonceinsidethegatehecanteredforwardbriskly。
ThispartofLosMuertoswasHooven’sholding，somefivehundredacresenclosedbetweentheirrigatingditchandBrodersonCreek，andhalfthewayacross，AnnixtercameupwithHoovenhimself，busilyatworkreplacingabrokenwasherinhisseeder。Upononeofthehorseshitchedtothemachine，herhandsgrippedtightlyupontheharnessofthecollar，Hilda，hislittledaughter，withhersmall，hob-nailedbootsandboy’scanvasoveralls，sat，exaltedandpetrifiedwithecstasyandexcitement，hereyeswideopened，herhairinatangle。
Hello，Bismarck，saidAnnixter，drawingupbesidehim。WhatareYOUdoinghere？IthoughttheGovernorwasgoingtomanagewithouthistenantsthisyear。
Ach，Meest’rEnnixter，criedtheother，straighteningup。
Ach，dat’syou，eh？Ach，youbedthedoandmenegemitoutme。
Me，Igottastay。ItalkderstraighdtalkmitderGovernor。I
fix’em。Ach，youbedt。SiebenyahrIhefbeiderrenchge-
stopped。yais，sir。Eferyodersohn-of-a-guhnbeiderplaicegeddersachbudme。Eh？Watyoutinkvondoseting？
Ithinkthat’sacrazy-lookingmonkey-wrenchyou’vegotthere，
observedAnnixter，glancingattheinstrumentinHooven’shand。
Ach，dotwrainch，returnedHooven。Soh！Wail，ItellyoudosetingnowwhairIgot’em。Say，youseedotwrainch。Dat’snotEmericenwrainchatalle。Igot’ematGravelottederdaywelickedderstuffunoudtderFrainch，ach，youbedt。Me，IpelongtoderWurtembergredgimend，dotdeyusetosuppordderbatterievonderBrincevonHohenlohe。Allederdaywelaydownbeiderstomachinderfeildtbehindtderbatterie，undderschellsvonderFrainchcennonhefeggsblode——ach，donnerwetter！——Itinkeferyschelleggsblodebeiderbecksidemyneck。Unddatgoonderwholeday，noddunelse，noddunaberderFrainchschell，b-r-
r，b-r-rb-r-r，b-r-AM，unddersmoag，undunzerbatterie，datgooffslow，steady，yoostlikederglock，eins，zwei，boom！eins，zwei，boom！yoostlikederglock，oferundoferagain，allederday。Denvhendernightcomedeysaywehevdergreatvictoriemade。Idoandknow。VhatdoIseevonderbettle？Noddun。Denwegedtoopundmaerchundmaerchallenight，undindermorgenweheardosecennonegain，helloafderway，far-off，Idoandknowvhair。Budt，nef’rmindt。Brettyqnick，ach，Gott——hisfaceflamedscarlet，Ach，dulieberGott！Brettyzoon，derewassderKaiser，glosebei，undFritz，UnzerFritz。BeiGott，denIgograzy，undyell，ach，youbedt，derwholeredgimend：
’HochderKaiser！HochderVaterland！’Undderdearscometodereyes，Idoandknowbecausevhy，unddermensgryundshaikederhend，undderwholeredgimendmaerchofflikedat，fairybroudt，beiGott，derheadoophigh，undsing’DieWachtamRhein。’DotwassGravelotte。
Andthemonkey-wrench？
Ach，Ipick’umoopvhenderbatteriego。Dercennoniershefforgedtundleaf’um。Icarry’umindersack。ItinkIuse’umvhenIgedthomeinderbusiness。IwasmakervonvagonsinCarlsruhe，undInef’rgedthomeagain。Vhenderwarhefgodtover，IgobecktoUlmundgedtmarriet，unddenIgedtdemnsickvonderarmie。VhenIgedtderrelease，Iclairoudt，youbedt。
IcometoEmerica。First，NewYor-ruk。denMilwaukee。denSbringfieldt-Illinoy。denGalifornie，undheirIstay。
AndtheFatherland？Everwanttogoback？
Wail，Itellyoudoseting，Meest’rEnnixter。Alle-ways，ItinkalotoafShairmany，undderKaiser，undnef’rIforgedtGravelotte。Budt，say，Itellyoudoseting。Vhairderwifeis，undderkinder——derleedlegirlHilda——DEREISDERVATERLAND。
Eh？Emerica，dat’smygountrynow，unddere，hepointedbehindhimtothehouseunderthemammothoaktreeontheLowerRoad，dat’smyhome。Dat’sgootenoughVaterlandforme。
Annixtergatheredupthereins，abouttogoon。
SoyoulikeAmerica，doyou，Bismarck？hesaid。Whodoyouvotefor？
Emerica？Idoandknow，returnedtheother，insistently。
Dat’smyhomeyonder。Dat’smyVaterland。AllevonweShairmensyoostlikedot。Shairmany，dot’shelloafsomefineplaice，sure。BudtderVaterlandissvhairderhomeundderwifeundkinderiss。Eh？Yes？Voad？Ach，no。Me，Inef’rvoad。
Idoandbodderderhaidmitdoseting。Imaigderwheatgrow，undgedderbraidfurderwifeundHilda，dot’sall。Dot’sme。
dot’sBismarck。
Good-bye，commentedAnnixter，movingoff。
Hooven，thewasherreplaced，turnedtohisworkagain，startingupthehorses。Theseederadvanced，whirring。
Ach，Hilda，leedlegirl，hecried，holdtightbeidershdrapon。HeyMULE！Hoop！Gedtoop，you。
Annixtercanteredon。Inafewmoments，hehadcrossedBrodersonCreekandhadenteredupontheHomeranchofLosMuertos。Aheadofhim，butsofaroffthatthegreaterportionofitsbulkwasbelowthehorizon，hecouldseetheDerricks’home，aroofortwobetweenthedullgreenofcypressandeucalyptus。Nothingelsewasinsight。Thebrownearth，smooth，unbroken，wasasalimitless，mud-colouredocean。Thesilencewasprofound。
Then，atlength，Annixter’ssearchingeyemadeoutabluronthehorizontothenorthward。theblurconcentrateditselftoaspeck。thespeckgrewbysteadydegreestoaspot，slowlymoving，anoteofdullcolour，barelydarkerthantheland，butaninkyblacksilhouetteasittoppedalowriseofgroundandstoodforamomentoutlinedagainstthepaleblueofthesky。Annixterturnedhishorsefromtheroadandrodeacrosstheranchlandtomeetthisnewobjectofinterest。Asthespotgrewlarger，itresolveditselfintoconstituents，acollectionofunits。itsshapegrewirregular，fragmentary。Adisintegrated，nebulousconfusionadvancedtowardAnnixter，preceded，ashediscoveredonnearerapproach，byamedleyoffaintsounds。Nowitwasnolongeraspot，butacolumn，acolumnthatmoved，accompaniedbyspots。AsAnnixterlessenedthedistance，thesespotsresolvedthemselvesintobuggiesormenonhorsebackthatkeptpacewiththeadvancingcolumn。Therewerehorsesinthecolumnitself。
Atfirstglance，itappearedasiftherewerenothingelse，ariderlesssquadrontrampingsteadilyovertheupturnedploughlandoftheranch。Butitdrewnearer。Thehorseswereinlines，sixabreast，harnessedtomachines。Thenoiseincreased，defineditself。Therewasashoutortwo。occasionallyahorseblewthroughhisnostrilswithaprolonged，vibratingsnort。Theclickandclinkofmetalworkwasincessant，themachinesthrowingoffacontinualrattleofwheelsandcogsandclashingsprings。Thecolumnapproachednearer。wascloseathand。Thenoisesmingledtoasubdueduproar，abewilderingconfusion。theimpactofinnumerablehoofswasaveritablerumble。Machineaftermachineappeared。andAnnixter，drawingtooneside，remainedfornearlytenminuteswatchingandinterested，while，likeanarrayofchariots——clattering，jostling，creaking，clashing，aninterminableprocession，machinesucceedingmachine，six-horseteamsucceedingsix-horseteam——bustling，hurried——
MagnusDerrick’sthirty-threegraindrills，eachwithitseighthoes，wentclamouringpast，likeanadvanceofmilitary，seedingthetenthousandacresofthegreatranch。fecundatingthelivingsoil。implantingdeepinthedarkwomboftheEarththegermoflife，thesustenanceofawholeworld，thefoodofanentirePeople。
Whenthedrillshadpassed，AnnixterturnedandrodebacktotheLowerRoad，overthelandnowthickwithseed。HedidnotwonderthattheseedingonLosMuertosseemedtobehastilyconducted。
MagnusandHarranDerrickhadnotyetbeenabletomakeupthetimelostatthebeginningoftheseason，whentheyhadwaitedsolongfortheploughstoarrive。Theyhadbeenbehindhandallthetime。OnAnnixter’sranch，thelandhadnotonlybeenharrowed，aswellasseeded，butinsomecases，cross-harrowedaswell。
Thelabourofputtinginthevastcropwasover。Nowtherewasnothingtodobutwait，whiletheseedsilentlygerminated。
nothingtodobutwatchforthewheattocomeup。
WhenAnnixterreachedtheranchhouseofLosMuertos，undertheshadeofthecypressandeucalyptustrees，hefoundMrs。Derrickontheporch，seatedinalongwickerchair。Shehadbeenwashingherhair，andthelightbrownlocksthatyetretainedsomuchoftheirbrightness，werecarefullyspreadinthesunoverthebackofherchair。Annixtercouldnotbutremarkthat，spiteofhermorethanfiftyyears，AnnieDerrickwasyetratherpretty。Hereyeswerestillthoseofayounggirl，justtouchedwithanuncertainexpressionofinnocenceandinquiry，butasherglancefelluponhim，hefoundthatthatexpressionchangedtooneofuneasiness，ofdistrust，almostofaversion。
Thenightbeforethis，afterMagnusandhiswifehadgonetobed，theyhadlainawakeforhours，staringupintothedark，talking，talking。Magnushadnotlongbeenabletokeepfromhiswifethenewsofthecoalitionthatwasformingagainsttherailroad，northefactthatthiscoalitionwasdeterminedtogainitsendsbyanymeansatitscommand。HehadtoldherofOsterman’sschemeofafraudulentelectiontoseataBoardofRailroadCommissioners，whoshouldbenomineesofthefarminginterests。
Magnusandhiswifehadtalkedthismatteroverandoveragain。
andthesamediscussion，begunimmediatelyaftersuppertheeveningbefore，hadlastedtillfarintothenight。
Atonce，AnnieDerrickhadbeenseizedwithasuddenterrorlestMagnus，afterall，shouldallowhimselftobepersuaded。shouldyieldtothepressurethatwaseverydaygrowingstronger。Nonebetterthansheknewtheironintegrityofherhusband’scharacter。Nonebetterthansherememberedhowhisdearestambition，thatofpoliticalpreferment，hadbeenthwartedbyhisrefusaltotruckle，toconnive，tocompromisewithhisideasofright。Now，atlast，thereseemedtobeachange。Longcontinuedoppression，pettytyranny，injusticeandextortionhaddrivenhimtoexasperation。S。Behrman’sinsultsstillrankled。
HeseemednearlyreadytocountenanceOsterman’sscheme。Theveryfactthathewaswillingtotalkofittohersooftenandatsuchgreatlength，wasproofpositivethatitoccupiedhismind。Thepityofit，thetragedyofit！He，Magnus，theGovernor，whohadbeensostaunch，sorigidlyupright，soloyaltohisconvictions，sobitterinhisdenunciationoftheNewPolitics，soscathinginhisattacksonbriberyandcorruptioninhighplaces。wasitpossiblethatnow，atlast，hecouldbebroughttowithholdhiscondemnationofthedeviousintriguesoftheunscrupulous，goingonthereunderhisveryeyes？ThatMagnusshouldnotcommandHarrantorefrainfromallintercoursewiththeconspirators，hadbeenamatterofvastsurprisetoMrs。
Derrick。TimewaswhenMagnuswouldhaveforbiddenhissontosomuchasrecogniseadishonourableman。
Butbesidesallthis，Derrick’swifetrembledatthethoughtofherhusbandandsonengaginginsodesperateagrapplewiththerailroad——thatgreatmonster，iron-hearted，relentless，infinitelypowerful。Alwaysithadissuedtriumphantfromthefight。alwaysS。Behrman，theCorporation’schampion，remaineduponthefieldasvictor，placid，unperturbed，unassailable。Butnowamoreterriblestrugglethananyhithertoloomedmenacingovertherimofthefuture。moneywastobespentlikewater。
personalreputationsweretobehazardedintheissue。failuremeantruininalldirections，financialruin，moralruin，ruinofprestige，ruinofcharacter。Success，tohermind，wasalmostimpossible。AnnieDerrickfearedtherailroad。Atnight，wheneverythingelsewasstill，thedistantroarofpassingtrainsechoedacrossLosMuertos，fromGuadalajara，fromBonneville，orfromtheLongTrestle，straightintoherheart。Atsuchmomentsshesawveryplainlythegallopingterrorofsteamandsteel，withitssingleeye，cyclopean，red，shootingfromhorizontohorizon，symbolofavastpower，hugeandterrible。theleviathanwithtentaclesofsteel，toopposewhichmeanttobegroundtoinstantdestructionbeneaththeclashingwheels。No，itwasbettertosubmit，toresignoneselftotheinevitable。Sheobliteratedherself，shrinkingfromtheharshnessoftheworld，striving，withvainhands，todrawherhusbandbackwithher。
JustbeforeAnnixter’sarrival，shehadbeensitting，thoughtful，inherlongchair，anopenvolumeofpoemsturneddownuponherlap，herglancelosingitselfintheimmensityofLosMuertosthat，fromtheedgeofthelawncloseby，unrolleditself，gigantic，towardthefar，southernhorizon，wrinkledandserratedaftertheseason’sploughing。Theearth，hithertogreywithdust，wasnowupturnedandbrown。Asfarastheeyecouldreach，itwasemptyofalllife，bare，mournful，absolutelystill。and，asshelooked，thereseemedtohermorbidimagination——diseasedanddisturbedwithlongbrooding，sickwiththemonotonyofrepeatedsensation——tobedisengagedfromallthisimmensity，asenseofavastoppression，formless，disquieting。Theterrorofsheerbignessgrewslowlyinhermind。lonelinessbeyondwordsgraduallyenvelopedher。Shewaslostinalltheselimitlessreachesofspace。Hadshebeenabandonedinmid-ocean，inanopenboat，herterrorcouldhardlyhavebeengreater。Shefeltvividlythatcertainuncongenialitywhich，whenallissaid，foreverremainsbetweenhumanityandtheearthwhichsupportsit。
Sherecognisedthecolossalindifferenceofnature，nothostile，evenkindlyandfriendly，solongasthehumanant-swarmwassubmissive，workingwithit，hurryingalongatitssideinthemysteriousmarchofthecenturies。Let，however，theinsectrebel，strivetomakeheadagainstthepowerofthisnature，andatonceitbecamerelentless，agiganticengine，avastpower，huge，terrible。aleviathanwithaheartofsteel，knowingnocompunction，noforgiveness，notolerance。crushingoutthehumanatomwithsoundlesscalm，theagonyofdestructionsendingneverajar，neverthefaintesttremourthroughallthatprodigiousmechanismofwheelsandcogs。
Suchthoughtsasthesedidnottakeshapedistinctlyinhermind。
Shecouldnothavetoldherselfexactlywhatitwasthatdisquietedher。Sheonlyreceivedthevaguesensationofthesethings，asitwereabreathofwinduponherface，confused，troublous，anindefinitesenseofhostilityintheair。
Thesoundofhoofsgrindinguponthegravelofthedrivewaybroughthertoherselfagain，and，withdrawinghergazefromtheemptyplainofLosMuertos，shesawyoungAnnixterstoppinghishorsebythecarriagesteps。Butthesightofhimonlydivertedhermindtotheothertrouble。Shecouldnotbutregardhimwithaversion。Hewasoneoftheconspirators，wasoneoftheleadersinthebattlethatimpended。nodoubt，hehadcometomakeafreshattempttowinoverMagnustotheunholyalliance。
However，therewaslittletraceofenmityinhergreeting。Herhairwasstillspread，likeabroadpatchofback，andshemadethatherexcusefornotgettingup。InanswertoAnnixter’sembarrassedinquiryafterMagnus，shesenttheChinesecooktocallhimfromtheoffice。andAnnixter，aftertyinghishorsetotheringdrivenintothetrunkofoneoftheeucalyptustrees，cameuptotheporch，and，takingoffhishat，satdownuponthesteps。
IsHarrananywhereabout？heasked。I’dliketoseeHarran，too。
No，saidMrs。Derrick，HarranwenttoBonnevilleearlythismorning。
SheglancedtowardAnnixternervously，withoutturningherhead，lestsheshoulddisturbheroutspreadhair。
WhatisityouwanttoseeMr。Derrickabout？sheinquiredhastily。IsitaboutthisplantoelectaRailroadCommission？
Magnusdoesnotapproveofit，shedeclaredwithenergy。Hetoldmesolastnight。
Annixtermovedaboutawkwardlywherehesat，smoothingdownwithhishandtheonestifflockofyellowhairthatpersistentlystoodupfromhiscrownlikeanIndian’sscalp-lock。Atoncehissuspicionswereallaroused。Ah！thisfeemalewomanwastryingtogetaholdonhim，tryingtoinvolvehiminapetticoatmess，tryingtocajolehim。Upontheinstant，hebecameverycrafty。
anexcessofprudencepromptlycongealedhisnaturalimpulses。
Inanactualspasmofcaution，hescarcelytrustedhimselftospeak，terrifiedlestheshouldcommithimselftosomething。Heglancedaboutapprehensively，prayingthatMagnusmightjointhemspeedily，relievingthetension。
Icametoseeaboutgivingadanceinmynewbarn，heanswered，scowlingintothedepthsofhishat，asthoughreadingfromnoteshehadconcealedthere。IwantedtoaskhowIshouldsendouttheinvites。Ithoughtofjustputtinganad。inthe’Mercury。’
Butashespoke，PresleyhadcomeupbehindAnnixterintimetogetthedriftoftheconversation，andnowobserved：
That’snonsense，Buck。You’renotgivingapublicball。YouMUSTsendoutinvitations。
Hello，Presley，youthere？exclaimedAnnixter，turninground。
Thetwoshookhands。
Sendoutinvitations？repeatedAnnixteruneasily。WhymustI？
Becausethat’stheonlywaytodo。
Itis，isit？answeredAnnixter，perplexedandtroubled。NoothermanofhisacquaintancecouldhavesocontradictedAnnixterwithoutprovokingaquarrelupontheinstant。Whytheyoungrancher，irascible，obstinate，belligerent，shouldinvariablydefertothepoet，wasaninconsistencynevertobeexplained。
ItwaswithgreatsurprisethatMrs。Derrickheardhimcontinue：
Well，Isupposeyouknowwhatyou’retalkingabout，Pres。Musthavewritteninvites，hey？
Ofcourse。
Typewritten？
Why，whatanassyouare，Buck，observedPresleycalmly。
Beforeyougetthroughwithit，youwillprobablyinsultthree-
fourthsofthepeopleyouintendtoinvite，andhaveaboutahundredquarrelsonyourhands，andalawsuitortwo。
However，beforeAnnixtercouldreply，Magnuscameoutontheporch，erect，grave，freshlyshaven。Withoutrealisingwhathewasdoing，Annixterinstinctivelyrosetohisfeet。ItwasasthoughMagnuswasacommander-in-chiefofanunseenarmy，andheasubaltern。Therewassomelittleconversationastotheproposeddance，andthenAnnixterfoundanexcusefordrawingtheGovernoraside。Mrs。Derrickwatchedthetwowitheyesfullofpoignantanxiety，astheyslowlypacedthelengthofthegraveldrivewaytotheroadgate，andstoodthere，leaninguponit，talkingearnestly。Magnustall，thin-lipped，impassive，onehandinthebreastofhisfrockcoat，hisheadbare，hiskeen，blueeyesfixeduponAnnixter’sface。Annixtercameatoncetothemainpoint。
IgotawirefromOstermanthismorning，Governor，and，well——
we’vegotDisbrow。ThatmeansthattheDenver，PuebloandMojaveisbackofus。There’shalfthefightwon，firstoff。
Ostermanbribedhim，Isuppose，observedMagnus。
Annixterraisedashouldervexatiously。
You’vegottopayforwhatyouget，hereturned。Youdon’tgetsomethingfornothing，Iguess。Governor，hewenton，I
don’tseehowyoucanstayoutofthisbusinessmuchlonger。Youseehowitwillbe。We’regoingtowin，andIdon’tseehowyoucanfeelthatit’srightofyoutoletusdoalltheworkandstandalltheexpense。There’sneverbeenamovementofanyimportancethatwentonaroundyouthatyouweren’ttheleaderinit。AllTulareCounty，alltheSanJoaquin，forthatmatter，knowsyou。Theywantaleader，andtheyarelookingtoyou。I
knowhowyoufeelaboutpoliticsnowadays。But，Governor，standardshavechangedsinceyourtime。everybodyplaysthegamenowasweareplayingit——themosthonourablemen。Youcan’tplayitanyotherway，and，pshaw！iftherightwinsoutintheend，that’sthemainthing。Wewantyouinthisthing，andwewantyoubad。You’vebeenchewingonthisaffairnowalongtime。Haveyoumadeupyourmind？Doyoucomein？Itellyouwhat，you’vegottolookatthesethingsinalargeway。You’vegottojudgebyresults。Well，now，whatdoyouthink？Doyoucomein？
Magnus’sglanceleftAnnixter’sface，andforaninstantsoughttheground。Hisfrownlowered，butnowitwasinperplexity，ratherthaninanger。Hismindwastroubled，harassedwithathousanddissensions。
ButoneofMagnus’sstrongestinstincts，oneofhiskeenestdesires，wastobe，ifonlyforashorttime，themaster。Tocontrolmenhadeverbeenhisambition。submissionofanykind，hisgreatesthorror。Hisenergystirredwithinhim，goadedbythelashofhisanger，hissenseofindignity，ofinsult。Ohforonemomenttobeabletostrikeback，tocrushhisenemy，todefeattherailroad，holdtheCorporationinthegripofhisfist，putdownS。Behrman，rehabilitatehimself，regainhisself-
respect。Tobeoncemorepowerful，tocommand，todominate。Histhinlipspressedthemselvestogether。thenostrilsofhisprominenthawk-likenosedilated，hiserect，commandingfigurestiffenedunconsciously。Foramoment，hesawhimselfcontrollingthesituation，theforemostfigureinhisState，feared，respected，thousandsofmenbeneathhim，hisambitionatlengthgratified。hiscareer，onceapparentlybroughttonaught，completed。successapalpableachievement。Whatifthiswerehischance，afterall，comeatlastafteralltheseyears。Hischance！Theinstinctsoftheold-timegambler，themostredoubtablepokerplayerofElDoradoCounty，stirredattheword。Chance！Toknowitwhenitcame，torecogniseitasitpassedfleetasawind-flurry，gripatit，catchatit，blind，reckless，stakingalluponthehazardoftheissue，thatwasgenius。WasthishisChance？Allofasudden，itseemedtohimthatitwas。Buthishonour！Hischerished，lifelongintegrity，theunstainedpurityofhisprinciples？Atthislatedate，weretheytobesacrificed？Couldhenowgocountertoallthefirmbuiltfabricofhischaracter？How，afterward，couldhebeartolookHarranandLymanintheface？And，yet——and，yet——backswungthependulum——toneglecthisChancemeantfailure。alifebeguninpromise，andendedinobscurity，perhapsinfinancialruin，povertyeven。Toseizeitmeantachievement，fame，influence，prestige，possiblygreatwealth。
Iamsosorrytointerrupt，saidMrs。Derrick，asshecameup。
IhopeMr。Annixterwillexcuseme，butIwantMagnustoopenthesafeforme。Ihavelostthecombination，andImusthavesomemoney。Phelpsisgoingintotown，andIwanthimtopaysomebillsforme。Can’tyoucomerightaway，Magnus？Phelpsisreadyandwaiting。
Annixterstruckhisheelintothegroundwithasuppressedoath。
Alwaysthesefoolfeemalewomencamebetweenhimandhisplans，mixingthemselvesupinhisaffairs。Magnushadbeenontheverypointofsayingsomething，perhapscommittinghimselftosomecourseofaction，and，atpreciselythewrongmoment，hiswifehadcutin。Theopportunitywaslost。Thethreereturnedtowardtheranchhouse。butbeforesayinggood-bye，AnnixterhadsecuredfromMagnusapromisetotheeffectthat，beforecomingtoadefinitedecisioninthematterunderdiscussion，hewouldtalkfurtherwithhim。
Presleymethimattheporch。HewasgoingintotownwithPhelps，andproposedtoAnnixterthatheshouldaccompanythem。
IwanttogooverandseeoldBroderson，Annixterobjected。
ButPresleyinformedhimthatBrodersonhadgonetoBonnevilleearlierinthemorning。Hehadseenhimgopastinhisbuckboard。Thethreemensetoff，PhelpsandAnnixteronhorseback，Presleyonhisbicycle。
Whentheyhadgone，Mrs。Derricksoughtoutherhusbandintheofficeoftheranchhouse。Shewasatherprettiestthatmorning，hercheeksflushedwithexcitement，herinnocent，wide-
openeyesalmostgirlish。Shehadfastenedherhair，stillmoist，withablackribbontiedatthebackofherhead，andthesoftmassoflightbrownreachedtobelowherwaist，makingherlookveryyoung。
Whatwasithewassayingtoyoujustnow，sheexclaimed，asshecamethroughthegateinthegreen-paintedwirerailingoftheoffice。WhatwasMr。Annixtersaying？Iknow。Hewastryingtogetyoutojoinhim，tryingtopersuadeyoutobedishonest，wasn’tthatit？Tellme，Magnus，wasn’tthatit？
Magnusnodded。
Hiswifedrewclosetohim，puttingahandonhisshoulder。
Butyouwon’t，willyou？Youwon’tlistentohimagain。youwon’tsomuchasallowhim——anybody——toevensupposeyouwouldlendyourselftobribery？Oh，Magnus，Idon’tknowwhathascomeoveryoutheselastfewweeks。Why，beforethis，youwouldhavebeeninsultedifanyonethoughtyouwouldevenconsideranythinglikedishonesty。Magnus，itwouldbreakmyheartifyoujoinedMr。AnnixterandMr。Osterman。Why，youcouldn’tbethesamemantomeafterward。you，whohavekeptyourselfsocleantillnow。
Andtheboys。whatwouldLymansay，andHarran，andeveryonewhoknowsyouandrespectsyou，ifyouloweredyourselftobejustapoliticaladventurer！
Foramoment，Derrickleanedhisheaduponhishand，avoidinghergaze。Atlength，hesaid，drawingadeepbreath：Iamtroubled，Annie。Thesearetheevildays。Ihavemuchuponmymind。
Evildaysornot，sheinsisted，promisemethisonething，thatyouwillnotjoinMr。Annixter’sscheme。
Shehadtakenhishandinbothofhersandwaslookingintohisface，herprettyeyesfullofpleading。
Promiseme，sherepeated。givemeyourword。Whateverhappens，letmealwaysbeabletobeproudofyou，asIalwayshavebeen。Givemeyourword。IknowyouneverseriouslythoughtofjoiningMr。Annixter，butIamsonervousandfrightenedsometimes。Justtorelievemymind，Magnus，givemeyourword。
Why——youareright，heanswered。No，Ineverthoughtseriouslyofit。Onlyforamoment，Iwasambitioustobe——I
don’tknowwhat——whatIhadhopedtobeonce——well，thatisovernow。Annie，yourhusbandisadisappointedman。
Givemeyourword，sheinsisted。Wecantalkaboutotherthingsafterward。
AgainMagnuswavered，abouttoyieldtohisbetterinstinctsandtotheentreatiesofhiswife。Hebegantoseehowperilouslyfarhehadgoneinthisbusiness。Hewasdriftingclosertoiteveryhour。Alreadyhewasentangled，alreadyhisfootwascaughtinthemeshthatwasbeingspun。Sharplyherecoiled。
Againallhisinstinctsofhonestyrevolted。No，whateverhappened，hewouldpreservehisintegrity。Hiswifewasright。
Alwaysshehadinfluencedhisbetterside。Atthatmoment，Magnus’srepugnanceoftheproposedpoliticalcampaignwasatitspitchofintensity。Hewonderedhowhehadeverallowedhimselftosomuchasentertaintheideaofjoiningwiththeothers。
Now，hewouldwrenchfree，would，inasingleinstantofpower，clearhimselfofallcompromisingrelations。Heturnedtohiswife。Uponhislipstrembledthepromisesheimplored。Butsuddenlytherecametohismindtherecollectionofhisnew-madepledgetoAnnixter。Hehadgivenhiswordthatbeforearrivingatadecisionhewouldhavealastinterviewwithhim。ToMagnus，hisgivenwordwassacred。Thoughnowhewantedto，hecouldnotasyetdrawback，couldnotpromisehiswifethathewoulddecidetodoright。Themattermustbedelayedafewdayslonger。
Lamely，heexplainedthistoher。AnnieDerrickmadebutlittleresponsewhenhehaddone。Shekissedhisforeheadandwentoutoftheroom，uneasy，depressed，hermindthrongingwithvaguefears，leavingMagnusbeforehisofficedesk，hisheadinhishands，thoughtful，gloomy，assaultedbyforebodings。
Meanwhile，Annixter，Phelps，andPresleycontinuedontheirwaytowardBonneville。InashorttimetheyhadturnedintotheCountyRoadbythegreatwatering-tank，andproceededonwardintheshadeoftheinterminablelineofpoplartrees，thewind-
breakthatstretchedalongtheroadsideborderingtheBrodersonranch。ButastheydrewneartoCaraher’ssaloonandgrocery，abouthalfamileoutsideofBonneville，theyrecognisedHarran’shorsetiedtotherailinginfrontofit。AnnixterlefttheothersandwentintoseeHarran。
Harran，hesaid，whenthetwohadsatdownoneithersideofoneofthesmalltables，you’vegottomakeupyourmindonewayoranotherprettysoon。Whatareyougoingtodo？AreyougoingtostandbyandseetherestoftheCommitteespendingmoneybythebucketfulinthisthingandkeepyourhandsinyourpockets？
Ifwewin，you’llbenefitjustasmuchastherestofus。I
supposeyou’vegotsomemoneyofyourown——youhave，haven’tyou？
Youareyourfather’smanager，aren’tyou？
DisconcertedatAnnixter’sdirectness，Harranstammeredanaffirmative，adding：
It’shardtoknowjustwhattodo。It’sameanpositionforme，Buck。Iwanttohelpyouothers，butIdowanttoplayfair。I
don’tknowhowtoplayanyotherway。IshouldliketohavealinefromtheGovernorastohowtoact，butthere’snogettingawordoutofhimthesedays。Heseemstowanttoletmedecideformyself。
Well，lookhere，putinAnnixter。Supposeyoukeepoutofthethingtillit’sallover，andthenshareandsharealikewiththeCommitteeoncampaignexpenses。
Harranfellthoughtful，hishandsinhispockets，frowningmoodilyatthetoeofhisboot。Therewasasilence。Then：
Idon’tliketogoitblind，hehazarded。I’msortofsharingtheresponsibilityofwhatyoudo，then。I’masilentpartner。
And，then——Idon’twanttohaveanydifficultieswiththeGovernor。We’vealwaysgotalongwelltogether。Hewouldn’tlikeit，youknow，ifIdidanythinglikethat。
Say，exclaimedAnnixterabruptly，iftheGovernorsayshewillkeephishandsoff，andthatyoucandoasyouplease，willyoucomein？ForGod’ssake，letusranchersacttogetherforonce。
Let’sstandinwitheachotherinONEfight。
Withoutknowingit，Annixterhadtouchedtherightspring。
Idon’tknowbutwhatyou’reright，Harranmurmuredvaguely。
Hissenseofdiscouragement，thatfeelingofwhat’s-the-use，wasnevermoreoppressive。Allfairmeanshadbeentried。Thewheatgrowerwasatlastwithhisbacktothewall。Ifhechosehisownmeansoffighting，theresponsibilitymustrestuponhisenemies，notonhimself。
It’stheonlywaytoaccomplishanything，hecontinued，standinginwitheachother……well，……goaheadandseewhatyoucando。IftheGovernoriswilling，I’llcomeinformyshareofthecampaignfund。
That’ssomesense，exclaimedAnnixter，shakinghimbythehand。
Halfthefightisoveralready。We’vegotDisbrowyouknow。andthenextthingistogetholdofsomeofthoserottenSanFranciscobosses。Ostermanwill——ButHarraninterruptedhim，makingaquickgesturewithhishand。
Don’ttellmeaboutit，hesaid。Idon’twanttoknowwhatyouandOstermanaregoingtodo。IfIdid，Ishouldn’tcomein。
Yet，forallthis，beforetheysaidgood-byeAnnixterhadobtainedHarran’spromisethathewouldattendthenextmeetingoftheCommittee，whenOstermanshouldreturnfromLosAngelesandmakehisreport。HarranwentontowardLosMuertos。
AnnixtermountedandrodeintoBonneville。
Bonnevillewasverylivelyatalltimes。Itwasalittlecityofsometwentyorthirtythousandinhabitants，where，asyet，thecityhall，thehighschoolbuilding，andtheoperahousewereobjectsofcivicpride。Itwaswellgoverned，beautifullyclean，fulloftheenergyandstrenuousyounglifeofanewcity。Anairofthebriskestactivitypervadeditsstreetsandsidewalks。