left him, for he never before had entered this
so-beautiful hostelry. Girting in his belt, however,
he strode up the steps, faltered on the
threshold, and was directed to the clerk. This
magnate handed the letter to a bell-boy.

Stephen was seated in his room when he read
Helen's note. When he raised his eyes he stared
unseeingly at the light across the street, deep in
thought.

He knew what this had cost Helen. Riding
with her almost every day for months, he could
not but understand the depth of her attachment
for the horse. Pat for years had been the one
big factor in her life. And now she was giving
Pat to him, to help him prove himself. It was a
great thing to do, so great that he must accept
it, and already, at this proof of her interest, he
somehow felt assured of success. Also he saw a
way open. He would go down into the cattle
country, make a connection with some cattle interests,
and, with Pat as guide and friend and capable
servant, work out his destiny. Exactly what
that would be he did not know. But he did know
that he was going after it.

He turned to the boy still standing in the doorway.
"Tell the man that I'll be down directly,"
he said. Then he made his way into his mother's
suite of rooms.

The frail little woman showed surprise at his
decision. But she said nothing. She nodded
quiet acquiescence and went on with her instructions
to her maid, who was laying clothing away

[[150]]

p149 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p150w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p151

v?