Zane Grey

The Border Legion Zane Grey

It was indeed a wild place, that southern border of Idaho, and that year was to see the ushering inof the wildest time probably ever known in the West. The rush for gold had peopled California witha horde of lawless men of every kind and class. And the vigilantes and then the rich strikes in Idahohad caused a reflux of that dark tide of humanity. Strange tales of blood and gold drifted into thecamps, and prospectors and hunters met with many unknown men. Joan had quarreled with Jim Cleve, and she was bitterly regretting it. Joan was twenty years old, tall, strong, dark. She had been born in Missouri, where her father had been well-to-do andprominent, until, like many another man of his day, he had impeded the passage of a bullet. ThenJoan had become the protegee of an uncle who had responded to the call of gold; and the latter partof her life had been spent in the wilds. She had followed Jim's trail for miles out toward the range. And now she dismounted to see if histracks were as fresh as she had believed. He had left the little village camp about sunrise. Someonehad seen him riding away and had told Joan. Then he had tarried on the way, for it was now midday. Joan pondered. She had become used to his idle threats and disgusted with his vacillations. That hadbeen the trouble-Jim was amiable, lovable, but since meeting Joan he had not exhibited anystrength of character. Joan stood beside her horse and looked away toward the dark mountains. Shewas daring, resourceful, used to horses and trails and taking care of herself; and she did not needanyone to tell her that she had gone far enough. It had been her hope to come up with Jim. Alwayshe had been repentant. But this time was different. She recalled his lean, pale face-so pale thatfreckles she did not know he had showed through-and his eyes, usually so soft and mild, hadglinted like steel. Yes, it had been a bitter, reckless face. What had she said to him? She tried to recallit