Annixterwasallbewildered。Withtheexceptionofthetimidlittlecreatureintheglove-cleaningestablishmentinSacramento，hehadhadnoacquaintancewithanywoman。Hisworldwasharsh，crude，aworldofmenonly——menwhoweretobecombatted，opposed——hishandwasagainstnearlyeveryoneofthem。Womenhedistrustedwiththeinstinctivedistrustoftheovergrownschoolboy。Now，atlength，ayoungwomanhadcomeintohislife。Promptlyhewasstruckwithdiscomfiture，annoyedalmostbeyondendurance，harassed，bedevilled，excited，madeangryandexasperated。Hewassuspiciousofthewoman，yetdesiredher，totallyignorantofhowtoapproachher，hatingthesex，yetdrawntotheindividual，confusingthetwoemotions，sometimesevenhatingHilmaasaresultofthisconfusion，butatalltimesdisturbed，vexed，irritatedbeyondpowerofexpression。
Atlength，Annixtercasthiscigarfromhimandplungedagainintotheworkoftheday。Theafternoonworetoevening，totheaccompanimentofwearyingandclamorousendeavour。Insomeunexplainedfashion，thelabourofputtingthegreatbarninreadinessforthedancewasaccomplished。thelastboltofcambricwashunginplacefromtherafters。Thelastevergreentreewasnailedtothejoistsofthewalls。thelastlanternhung，thelastnaildrivenintothemusicians’platform。Thesunset。Therewasagreatscurrytohavesupperanddress。
Annixter，lastofalltheotherworkers，leftthebarnintheduskoftwilight。Hewasalone。hehadasawunderonearm，abagoftoolswasinhishand。Hewasinhisshirtsleevesandcarriedhiscoatoverhisshoulder。ahammerwasthrustintooneofhishippockets。Hewasinexecrabletemper。Theday’sworkhadfaggedhimout。Hehadnotbeenabletofindhishat。
Andthebuckskinwithsixtydollars’worthofsaddlegone，too，
hegroaned。Oh，ain’titsweet？
Athishouse，Mrs。Treehadsetoutacoldsupperforhim，theinevitabledishofprunesservingasdessert。AftersupperAnnixterbathedanddressed。Hedecidedatthelastmomenttowearhisusualtown-goingsuit，asacksuitofblack，madebyaBonnevilletailor。Buthishatwasgone。Therewereotherhatshemighthaveworn，butbecausethisparticularonewaslosthefrettedaboutitallthroughhisdressingandthendecidedtohaveonemorelookaroundthebarnforit。
Foroveraquarterofanhourhepotteredaboutthebarn，goingfromstalltostall，rummagingtheharnessroomandfeedroom，alltonopurpose。Atlasthecameoutagainuponthemainfloor，definitelygivingupthesearch，lookingabouthimtoseeifeverythingwasinorder。
ThefestoonsofJapaneselanternsinandaroundthe，barnwerenotyetlighted，butsomehalf-dozenlamps，withgreat，tinreflectors，thathungagainstthewalls，wereburninglow。A
dullhalflightpervadedthevastinterior，hollow，echoing，leavingthecornersandroofthickwithimpenetrableblackshadows。Thebarnfacedthewestandthroughtheopenslidingdoorswasstreamingasinglebrightbarfromtheafter-glow，incongruousandoutofallharmonywiththedullflareofthekerosenelamps。
AsAnnixterglancedabouthim，hesawafigurestepbrisklyoutoftheshadowsofonecornerofthebuilding，pauseforthefractionofoneinstantinthebaroflight，then，atsightofhim，dartbackagain。Therewasasoundofhurriedfootsteps。
Annixter，withrecollectionsofthestolenbuckskininhismind，criedoutsharply：
Who’sthere？
Therewasnoanswer。Inasecondhispistolwasinhishand。
Who’sthere？Quick，speakuporI’llshoot。
No，no，no，don’tshoot，criedanansweringvoice。Oh，becareful。It’sI——HilmaTree。
Annixterslidthepistolintohispocketwithagreatqualmofapprehension。HecameforwardandmetHilmainthedoorway。
GoodLord，hemurmured，thatsuredidgivemeastart。IfI
HADshot——
Hilmastoodabashedandconfusedbeforehim。Shewasdressedinawhiteorgandiefrockofthemostrigoroussimplicityandworeneitherflowernorornament。Theseverityofherdressmadeherlookevenlargerthanusual，andevenasitwashereyeswereonalevelwithAnnixter’s。TherewasacertainfascinationinthecontradictionofstatureandcharacterofHilma——agreatgirl，half-childasyet，buttallasamanforallthat。
Therewasamoment’sawkwardsilence，thenHilmaexplained：
I——Icamebacktolookformyhat。IthoughtIleftitherethisafternoon。
AndIwaslookingformyhat，criedAnnixter。Funnyenough，hey？
Theylaughedatthisasheartilyaschildrenmighthavedone。
TheconstraintofthesituationwasalittlerelaxedandAnnixter，withsuddendirectness，glancedsharplyattheyoungwomananddemanded：
Well，MissHilma，hatemeasmuchasever？
Oh，no，sir，sheanswered，IneversaidIhatedyou。
Well，——dislikeme，then。Iknowyousaidthat。
I——Idislikedwhatyoudid——TRIEDtodo。Itmademeangryandithurtme。Ishouldn’thavesaidwhatIdidthattime，butitwasyourfault。
Youmeanyoushouldn’thavesaidyoudidn’tlikeme？askedAnnixter。Why？
Well，well，——Idon’t——Idon’tDISlikeanybody，admittedHilma。
ThenIcantakeitthatyoudon’tdislikeME？Isthatit？
Idon’tdislikeanybody，persistedHilma。
Well，Iaskedyoumorethanthat，didn’tI？queriedAnnixteruneasily。Iaskedyoutolikeme，remember，theotherday。I’maskingyouthatagain，now。Iwantyoutolikeme。
Hilmaliftedhereyesinquiringlytohis。Inherwordswasanunmistakableringofabsolutesincerity。Innocentlysheinquired：
Why？
Annixterwasstruckspeechless。Inthefaceofsuchcandour，suchperfectingenuousness，hewasatalossforanywords。
Well——well，hestammered，well——Idon’tknow，hesuddenlyburstout。Thatis，hewenton，gropingforhiswits，Ican’tquitesaywhy。Theideaofacolossallieoccurredtohim，athingactuallyroyal。
Iliketohavethepeoplewhoarearoundmelikeme，hedeclared。I——Iliketobepopular，understand？Yes，that’sit，hecontinued，morereassured。Idon’tliketheideaofanyonedislikingme。That’sthewayIam。It’smynature。
Oh，then，returnedHilma，youneedn’tbother。No，Idon’tdislikeyou。
Well，that’sgood，declaredAnnixterjudicially。That’sgood。
Butholdon，heinterrupted，I’mforgetting。It’snotenoughtonotdislikeme。Iwantyoutolikeme。HowaboutTHAT？
Hilmapausedforamoment，glancingvaguelyoutofthedoorwaytowardthelightedwindowofthedairy-house，herheadtilted。
Idon’tknowthatIeverthoughtaboutthat，shesaid。
Well，thinkaboutitnow，insistedAnnixter。
ButIneverthoughtaboutlikinganybodyparticularly，sheobserved。It’sbecauseIlikeeverybody，don’tyousee？
Well，you’vegottolikesomepeoplemorethanotherpeople，
hazardedAnnixter，andIwanttobeoneofthose’somepeople，’
savvy？GoodLord，Idon’tknowhowtosaythesefoolthings。I
talklikeagalootwhenIgettalkingtofeemalegirlsandI
can’tlaymytonguetoanythingthatsoundsright。Itisn’tmynature。Andlookhere，IliedwhenIsaidIlikedtohavepeoplelikeme——tobepopular。Rot！Idon’tcareacurseaboutpeople’sopinionsofme。Butthere’safewpeoplethataremoretomethanmostothers——thatchapPresley，forinstance——andthosepeopleIDOwanttohavelikeme。Whattheythinkcounts。
Pshaw！IknowI’vegotenemies。pilesofthem。Icouldnameyouhalfadozenmenrightnowthatarenaturallyitchingtotakeashotatme。Howaboutthisranch？Don’tIknow，can’tIhearthemengrowlingoathsundertheirbreathafterI’vegoneby？
Andinbusinessways，too，hewenton，speakinghalftohimself，inBonnevilleandalloverthecountythere’snotamanofthemwouldn’thowlforjoyiftheygotachancetodownBuckAnnixter。
ThinkIcare？Why，ILIKEit。IrunmyranchtosuitmyselfandIplaymygamemyownway。I’ma’driver，’Iknowit，anda’bully，’too。Oh，Iknowwhattheycallme——’abrutebeast，withatwistinmytemperthatwouldrileupanew-bornlamb，’andI’m’crusty’and’pig-headed’and’obstinate。’Theysayallthat，butthey’vegottosay，too，thatI’mclevererthananyman-jackintherunning。There’snobodycangetaheadofme。Hiseyessnapped。Let’emgrindtheirteeth。Theycan’t’down’me。
WhenIshutmyfistthere’snotoneofthemcanopenit。No，notwithaCHISEL。HeturnedtoHilmaagain。Well，whenaman’shatedasmuchasthat，itstandstoreason，don’tit，MissHilma，thatthefewfriendshehasgothewantstokeep？I’mnotsuchanentireswinetothepeoplethatknowmebest——thatjackass，Presley，forinstance。I’dputmyhandinthefiretodohimarealservice。SometimesIgetkindoflonesome。wonderifyouwouldunderstand？It’smyfault，butthere’snotahorseabouttheplacethatdon’tlayhisearsbackwhenIgetonhim。there’snotadogdon’tputhistailbetweenhislegsassoonasIcomenearhim。Thecayuseisn’tfoaledyethereonQuienSabethatcanthrowme，northedogwhelpedthatwoulddareshowhisteethatme。IkickthatIrishsettereverytimeIseehim——butwonderwhatI’ddo，though，ifhedidn’tslinksomuch，ifhewaggedhistailandwasgladtoseeme？Soitallcomestothis：I’dliketohaveyou——well，sortoffeelthatIwasagoodfriendofyoursandlikemebecauseofit。
TheflameinthelamponthewallinfrontofHilmastretchedupwardtallandthinandbegantosmoke。Shewentovertowherethelamphungand，standingontip-toe，loweredthewick。Asshereachedherhandup，Annixternotedhowthesombre，luridredofthelampmadeawarmreflectiononhersmooth，roundarm。
Doyouunderstand？hequeried。
Yes，why，yes，sheanswered，turningaround。It’sverygoodofyoutowanttobeafriendofmine。Ididn’tthinkso，though，whenyoutriedtokissme。Butmaybeit’sallrightsinceyou’veexplainedthings。YouseeI’mdifferentfromyou。
IlikeeverybodytolikemeandIliketolikeeverybody。Itmakesonesomuchhappier。Youwouldn’tbelieveit，butyououghttotryit，sir，justtosee。It’ssogoodtobegoodtopeopleandtohavepeoplegoodtoyou。Andeverybodyhasalwaysbeensogoodtome。Mammaandpapa，ofcourse，andBilly，thestableman，andMontalegre，thePortugeeforeman，andtheChinesecook，even，andMr。Delaney——onlyhewentaway——andMrs。Vaccaandherlittle——
Delaney，hey？demandedAnnixterabruptly。Youandhewereprettygoodfriends，wereyou？
Oh，yes，sheanswered。HewasjustasGOODtome。EverydayinthesummertimeheusedtorideovertotheSeedranchbackoftheMissionandbringmeagreatarmfulofflowers，theprettiestthings，andIusedtopretendtopayhimforthemwithdollarsmadeofcheesethatIcutoutofthecheesewithabiscuitcutter。Itwassuchfun。Wewerethebestoffriends。
There’sanotherlampsmoking，growledAnnixter。Turnitdown，willyou？——andseethatsomebodysweepsthisfloorhere。It’salllitteredupwithpineneedles。I’vegotalottodo。Good-
bye。
Good-bye，sir。
Annixterreturnedtotheranchhouse，histeethclenched，enraged，hisfaceflushed。
Ah，hemuttered，Delaney，hey？ThrowingituptomethatI
firedhim。Histeethgrippedtogethermorefiercelythanever。
Thebestoffriends，hey？ByGod，I’llhavethatgirlyet。
I’llshowthatcow-puncher。Ain’tIheremployer，herboss？
I’llshowher——andDelaney，too。Itwouldbeeasyenough——andthenDelaneycanhaveher——ifhewantsher——afterme。
Anevillightflashingfromunderhisscowl，spreadoverhisface。Themaleinstinctsofpossession，unreasoned，treacherous，oblique，cametwistingtothesurface。Allthelowernatureoftheman，ignorantofwomen，rackedatoneandthesametimewithenmityanddesire，rouseditselflikeahideousandabominablebeast。Andatthesamemoment，Hilmareturnedtoherhouse，hummingtoherselfasshewalked，herwhitedressglowingwithashimmeroffaintsaffronlightinthelastrayoftheafter-glow。
Alittleafterhalf-pastseven，thefirstcarry-all，bearingthedruggistofBonnevilleandhiswomen-folk，arrivedinfrontofthenewbarn。ImmediatelyafterwardanexpresswagonloadeddownwithaswarmingfamilyofSpanish-Mexicans，gorgeousinredandyellowcolours，followed。Billy，thestableman，andhisassistanttookchargeoftheteams，uncheckingthehorsesandhitchingthemtoafencebackofthebarn。ThenCaraher，thesaloon-keeper，inderbyhat，PrinceAlbertcoat，pointedyellowshoesandinevitablerednecktie，droveintotheyardonhisbuckboard，thedelayedboxoflemonsundertheseat。Itlookedasifthewholearrayofinvitedguestswastoarriveinoneunbrokenprocession，butforalonghalf-hournobodyelseappeared。AnnixterandCaraherwithdrewtotheharnessroomandpromptlyinvolvedthemselvesinawrangleastothemake-upofthefamouspunch。Fromtimetotimetheirvoicescouldbeheardupliftedinclamorousargument。
Twoquartsandahalfandacupfulofchartreuse。
Rot，rot，Iknowbetter。Champagnestraightandadashofbrandy。
Thedruggist’swifeandsisterretiredtothefeedroom，whereabureauwithaswingingmirrorhadbeenplacedfortheconvenienceofthewomen。Thedruggiststoodawkwardlyoutsidethedoorofthefeedroom，hiscoatcollarturnedupagainstthedraughtsthatdriftedthroughthebarn，hisfacetroubled，debatinganxiouslyastotheproprietyofputtingonhisgloves。TheSpanish-Mexicanfamily，afather，motherandfivechildrenandsister-in-law，satrigidontheedgesofthehiredchairs，silent，constrained，theireyeslowered，theirelbowsinattheirsides，glancingfurtivelyfromundertheireyebrowsatthedecorationsorwatchingwithintenseabsorptionyoungVacca，sonofoneofthedivisionsuperintendents，whoworeacheckedcoatandwhitethreadglovesandwhopacedupanddownthelengthofthebarn，frowning，veryimportant，whittlingawaxcandleoverthefloortomakeitslipperyfordancing。
Themusiciansarrived，theCityBandofBonneville——AnnixterhavingmanagedtooffendtheleaderoftheDirigoCluborchestra，attheverylastmoment，tosuchapointthathehadrefusedhisservices。ThesemembersoftheCityBandrepairedatoncetotheirplatforminthecorner。Ateveryinstanttheylaugheduproariouslyamongthemselves，joshingoneoftheirnumber，aFrenchman，whomtheycalledSkeezicks。Theirhilarityreverberatedinahollow，metallicrollamongtheraftersoverhead。ThedruggistobservedtoyoungVaccaashepassedbythathethoughtthemprettyfresh，justthesame。
I’mbusy，I’mverybusy，returnedtheyoungman，continuingonhisway，stillfrowningandparingthestumpofcandle。
Twoquarts’n’ahalf。Twoquarts’n’ahalf。
Ah，yes，inaway，that’sso。andthen，again，inaway，itISN’T。Iknowbetter。
Allalongonesideofthebarnwerearowofstalls，fourteenofthem，cleanasyet，redolentofnewcutwood，thesawduststillinthecracksoftheflooring。Deliberatelythedruggistwentfromonetotheother，pausingcontemplativelybeforeeach。Hereturneddownthelineandagaintookuphispositionbythedoorofthefeedroom，noddinghisheadjudicially，asifsatisfied。
Hedecidedtoputonhisgloves。
Bynowitwasquitedark。Outside，betweenthebarnandtheranchhousesonecouldseeagroupofmenonstep-ladderslightingthefestoonsofJapaneselanterns。Inthedarkness，onlytheirfacesappearedhereandthere，highabovetheground，seeninahazeofred，strange，grotesque。Graduallyasthemultitudeoflanternswerelit，thelightspread。Thegrassunderfootlookedlikegreenexcelsior。Anothergroupofmeninvadedthebarnitself，lightingthelampsandlanternsthere。
Soonthewholeplacewasgleamingwithpointsoflight。YoungVacca，whohaddisappeared，returnedwithhispocketsfullofwaxcandles。Heresumedhiswhittling，refusingtoansweranyquestions，vociferatingthathewasbusy。
Outsidetherewasasoundofhoofsandvoices。Moreguestshadarrived。Thedruggist，seizedwithconfusion，terrifiedlesthehadputonhisglovestoosoon，thrusthishandsintohispockets。ItwasCutter，MagnusDerrick’sdivisionsuperintendent，whocame，bringinghiswifeandhertwogirlcousins。TheyhadcomefifteenmilesbythetrailfromthefardistantdivisionhouseonFourofLosMuertosandhadriddenonhorsebackinsteadofdriving。Mrs。Cuttercouldbehearddeclaringthatshewasnearlydeadandfeltmorelikegoingtobedthandancing。Thetwogirlcousins，indressesofdottedSwissoverbluesateen，weredoingtheirutmosttopacifyher。
Shecouldbeheardprotestingfrommomenttomoment。Onedistinguishedthephrasesstraighttomybed，backnearlybrokenintwo，neverwantedtocomeinthefirstplace。Thedruggist，observingCuttertakeapairofglovesfromMrs。
Cutter’sreticule，drewhishandsfromhispockets。
Butabruptlytherewasaninterruption。Inthemusicians’cornerascufflebrokeout。Achairwasoverturned。Therewasanoiseofimprecationsmingledwithshoutsofderision。Skeezicks，theFrenchman，hadturneduponthejoshers。
Ah，no，hewasheardtoexclaim，attheendoftheenditistoomuch。Kindofabadcanary——wewillgotoseeaboutthat。
Aha，lethimcloseuphisfacebeforeIdemolishitwithagoodstrokeofthefist。
Themenwhowerelightingthelanternswereobligedtointervenebeforehecouldbeplacated。
Hoovenandhiswifeanddaughtersarrived。MinnawascarryinglittleHilda，alreadyasleep，inherarms。Minnalookedverypretty，strikingeven，withherblackhair，paleface，veryredlipsandgreenish-blueeyes。ShewasdressedinwhathadbeenMrs。Hooven’sweddinggown，acheapaffairoffarmer’ssatin。
Mrs。Hoovenhadpendentearringsofimitationjetinherears。
HoovenwaswearinganoldfrockcoatofMagnusDerrick’s，thesleevestoolong，theshouldersabsurdlytoowide。HeandCutteratonceenteredintoanexcitedconversationastotheownershipofacertainsteer。
Why，thebrand——
Ach，Gott，derbrendt，Hoovenclaspedhishead，ach，derbrendt，dotmaksmelaughsomelaughs。Dot’sgoot——derbrendt——
doandIseeum——shoorderboolemitderbleckstarbeidervore-
headindermiddleoaf。Anysomeonesyouesktellyoudotismeinboole。Youeskanysomeones。Derbrendt？Tohellmitderbrendt。YouaindtgotsomememorieaboudtdoestingIguessnodt。
Pleasestepaside，gentlemen，saidyoungVacca，whowasstillmakingtheroundsofthefloor。
Hoovenwhirledabout。Eh？Whatden，heexclaimed，stillexcited，willingtobeangryatanyoneforthemoment。Doandyoupushsoh，you。ItinkberhapzyoudoandOWNdosebarn，hey？
I’mbusy，I’mverybusy。Theyoungmanpushedbywithgravepreoccupation。
Twoquarts’n’ahalf。Twoquarts’n’ahalf。
Iknowbetter。That’sallrot。
Butthebarnwasfillinguprapidly。Ateverymomenttherewasarattleofanewlyarrivedvehiclefromoutside。Guestafterguestappearedinthedoorway，singlyorincouples，orinfamilies，oringarrulouspartiesoffiveandsix。NowitwasPhelpsandhismotherfromLosMuertos，nowaforemanfromBroderson’swithhisfamily，nowagaylyapparelledclerkfromaBonnevillestore，solitaryandbewildered，lookingforaplacetoputhishat，nowacoupleofSpanish-MexicangirlsfromGuadalajarawithcoquettisheffectsofblackandyellowabouttheirdress，nowagroupofOsterman’stenants，Portuguese，swarthy，withplasteredhairandcurledmustaches，redolentofcheapperfumes。Sarriaarrived，hissmooth，shinyfaceglisteningwithperspiration。Heworeanewcassockandcarriedhisbroad-brimmedhatunderhisarm。Hisappearancemadequiteastir。Hepassedfromgrouptogroup，urbane，affable，shakinghandsrightandleft。heassumedasetsmileofamiabilitywhichneverlefthisfacethewholeevening。
Butabruptlytherewasaveritablesensation。FromoutthelittlecrowdthatpersistentlyhuddledaboutthedoorwaycameOsterman。Heworeadress-suitwithawhitewaistcoatandpatentleatherpumps——whatawonder！Alittlequalmofexcitementspreadaroundthebarn。Oneexchangednudgesoftheelbowwithone’sneighbour，whisperingearnestlybehindthehand。Whatastonishingclothes！Catchontothecoat-tails！Itwasamasqueradecostume，maybe。thatgoatOstermanwassuchajosher，onenevercouldtellwhathewoulddonext。
Themusiciansbegantotuneup。Fromtheircornercameamedleyofmellowsounds，thesubduedchirpsoftheviolins，thedullbourdonofthebassviol，theliquidgurglingoftheflageoletandthedeep-tonedsnarlofthebighorn，withnowandthenaraspingstridulatingofthesnaredrum。Asenseofgayetybegantospreadthroughouttheassembly。Ateverymomentthecrowdincreased。Thearomaofnew-sawntimberandsawdustbegantobemingledwiththefeminineodourofsachetandflowers。Therewasababeloftalkintheair——malebaritoneandsopranochatter——
variedbyanoccasionalnoteoflaughterandtheswishofstifflystarchedpetticoats。Ontherowofchairsthatwentaroundthreesidesofthewallgroupsbegantosettlethemselves。Foralongtimetheguestshuddledclosetothedoorway。thelowerendofthefloorwascrowded！theupperenddeserted。butbydegreesthelinesofwhitemuslinandpinkandbluesateenextended，dottedwiththedarkerfiguresofmeninblacksuits。Theconversationgrewlouderasthetimidityoftheearlymomentsworeoff。Groupsatadistancecalledbackandforth。
conversationswerecarriedonattopvoice。Once，evenawholepartyhurriedacrossthefloorfromonesideofthebarntotheother。
Annixteremergedfromtheharnessroom，hisfaceredwithwrangling。Hetookapositiontotherightofthedoor，shakinghandswithnewcomers，invitingthemoverandoveragaintocutlooseandwhoopitalong。Intotheearsofhismoreintimatemaleacquaintanceshedroppedawordastopunchandcigarsintheharnessroomlateron，winkingwithvastintelligence。
Ranchersfromremoterpartsofthecountryappeared：Garnett，fromtheRubyrancho，Keast，fromtheranchofthesamename，Gethings，oftheSanPablo，Chattern，oftheBonanza，andothersandstillothers，ascoreofthem——elderlymen，forthemostpart，bearded，slowofspeech，deliberate，dressedinbroadcloth。
OldBroderson，whoenteredwithhiswifeonhisarm，fellinwiththistype，andwiththemcameacertainDabney，ofwhomnothingbuthisnamewasknown，asilentoldman，whomadenofriends，whomnobodykneworspoketo，whowasseenonlyuponsuchoccasionsasthis，comingfromnooneknewwhere，going，noonecaredtoinquirewhither。
Betweeneightandhalf-past，MagnusDerrickandhisfamilywereseen。Magnus’sentrycausednolittleimpression。Somesaid：
There’stheGovernor，andcalledtheircompanions’attentiontothethin，erectfigure，commanding，imposing，dominatingallinhisimmediateneighbourhood。Harrancamewithhim，wearingacut-awaysuitofblack。Hewasundeniablyhandsome，youngandfreshlooking，hischeekshighlycoloured，quitethefinestlookingofalltheyoungermen。blond，strong，withthatcertaincourtlinessofmannerthathadalwaysmadehimliked。HetookhismotheruponhisarmandconductedhertoaseatbythesideofMrs。Broderson。
AnnieDerrickwasveryprettythatevening。Shewasdressedinagreysilkgownwithacollarofpinkvelvet。Herlightbrownhairthatyetretainedsomuchofitsbrightnesswastransfixedbyahigh，shellcomb，verySpanish。Butthelookofuneasinessinherlargeeyes——theeyesofayounggirl——wasdeepeningeveryday。Theexpressionofinnocenceandinquirywhichtheysoeasilyassumed，wasdisturbedbyafaintsuggestionofaversion，almostofterror。Shesettledherselfinherplace，inthecornerofthehall，intherearrankofchairs，alittlefrightenedbytheglareoflights，thehumoftalkandtheshiftingcrowd，gladtobeoutoftheway，toattractnoattention，willingtoobliterateherself。
AllatonceAnnixter，whohadjustshakenhandswithDyke，hismotherandthelittletad，movedabruptlyinhisplace，drawinginhisbreathsharply。Thecrowdaroundthegreat，wide-openmaindoorofthebarnhadsomewhatthinnedoutandinthefewgroupsthatstillremainedtherehehadsuddenlyrecognisedMr。
andMrs。TreeandHilma，makingtheirwaytowardssomeemptyseatsneartheentranceofthefeedroom。
Intheduskylightofthebarnearlierintheevening，AnnixterhadnotbeenabletoseeHilmaplainly。Now，however，asshepassedbeforehiseyesintheglitteringradianceofthelampsandlanterns，hecaughthisbreathinastonishment。Neverhadsheappearedmorebeautifulinhiseyes。Itdidnotseempossiblethatthiswasthesamegirlwhomhesaweverydayinandaroundtheranchhouseanddairy，thegirlofsimplecalicofrocksandplainshirtwaists，whobroughthimhisdinner，whomadeuphisbed。Nowhecouldnottakehiseyesfromher。
Hilma，forthefirsttime，waswearingherhairdonehighuponherhead。Thethick，sweet-smellingmasses，bitumenbrownintheshadows，corruscatedlikegoldenfilamentsinthelight。Herorgandiefrockwaslong，longerthananyshehadyetworn。Itleftalittleofherneckandbreastbareandallofherarm。
Annixtermutteredanexclamation。Sucharms！Howdidshemanagetokeepthemhidonordinaryoccasions。Bigattheshoulder，taperingwithdeliciousmodulationstotheelbowandwrist，overlaidwithadelicate，gleaminglustre。Asoftenassheturnedherheadthemovementsentaslowundulationoverherneckandshoulders，thepaleamber-tintedshadowsunderherchin，comingandgoingoverthecreamywhitenessoftheskinlikethechangingmoireofsilk。Theprettyrosecolourofhercheekhaddeepenedtoapalecarnation。Annixter，hishandsclaspedbehindhim，stoodwatching。
InafewmomentsHilmawassurroundedbyagroupofyoungmen，clamouringfordances。Theycamefromallcornersofthebarn，leavingtheothergirlsprecipitately，almostrudely。Therecouldbelittledoubtastowhowastobethebelleoftheoccasion。Hilma’slittletriumphwasimmediate，complete。
Annixtercouldhearhervoicefromtimetotime，itsusualvelvetyhuskinessvibratingtoanoteofexuberantgayety。
Allatoncetheorchestraswungoffintoamarch——theGrandMarch。Therewasagreatrushtosecurepartners。YoungVacca，stillgoingtherounds，waspushedtooneside。ThegaylyapparelledclerkfromtheBonnevillestorelosthisheadintheconfusion。Hecouldnotfindhispartner。Heroamedwildlyaboutthebarn，bewildered，hiseyesrolling。Heresolvedtoprepareanelaborateprogrammecardonthebackofanoldenvelope。Rapidlythelinewasformed，HilmaandHarranDerrickinthelead，Annixterhavingobstinatelyrefusedtoengageineithermarch，setordancethewholeevening。Soontheconfusedshufflingoffeetsettledtoameasuredcadence。theorchestrablaredandwailed，thesnaredrum，rollingatexactintervals，thecornetmarkingthetime。Itwashalf-pasteighto’clock。
Annixterdrewalongbreath：
Good，hemuttered，thethingisunderwayatlast。
Singularlyenough，Ostermanalsorefusedtodance。TheweekbeforehehadreturnedfromLosAngeles，burstingwiththeimportanceofhismission。Hehadbeensuccessful。HehadDisbrowinhispocket。Hewasimpatienttoposebeforetheothersofthecommitteeasaskilfulpoliticalagent，amanipulator。Heforgothisattitudeoftheearlypartoftheeveningwhenhehaddrawnattentiontohimselfwithhiswonderfulclothes。Nowhiscomicactor’sface，withitsbrownish-redcheeks，protuberantearsandhorizontalslitofamouth，wasovercastwithgravity。Hisbaldforeheadwasseamedwiththewrinklesofresponsibility。HedrewAnnixterintooneoftheemptystallsandbegananelaborateexplanation，glib，voluble，interminable，goingoveragainindetailwhathehadreportedtothecommitteeinoutline。
Imanaged——Ischemed——Ikeptdark——Ilaylow——
ButAnnixterrefusedtolisten。
Oh，rotyourschemes。There’sapunchintheharnessroomthatwillmakethehairgrowonthetopofyourheadintheplacewherethehairoughttogrow。Comeon，we’llroundupsomeoftheboysandwalkintoit。
TheyedgedtheirwayaroundthehalloutsideTheGrandMarch，
towardtheharnessroom，pickingupontheirwayCaraher，Dyke，HoovenandoldBroderson。Onceintheharnessroom，Annixtershotthebolt。
Thataffairoutside，heobserved，willtakecareofitself，buthere’salittleorphanchildthatgetslonesomewithoutcompany。
Annixterbeganladlingthepunch，fillingtheglasses。
OstermanproposedatoasttoQuienSabeandtheBiggestBarn。
Theirelbowscrookedinsilence。OldBrodersonsetdownhisglass，wipinghislongbeardandremarking：
That——thatcertainlyisvery——veryagreeable。IrememberapunchIdrankonChristmasdayin’83，orno，itwas’84——anyhow，thatpunch——itwasinUkiah——’TWAS’83——Hewanderedonaimlessly，unabletostophisflowofspeech，losinghimselfindetails，involvinghistalkinahopelessmazeoftrivialitiestowhichnobodypaidanyattention。
Idon’tdrinkmyself，observedDyke，butjustatasteofthatwithalotofwaterwouldn’tbebadforthelittletad。She’dthinkitwaslemonade。HewasabouttomixaglassforSidney，butthoughtbetterofitatthelastmoment。
It’sthechartreusethat’slacking，commentedCaraher，loweringatAnnixter。Theotherflaredupontheinstant。
Rot，rot。Iknowbetter。Insomepunchesitgoes。andthen，again，inothersitdon’t。
ButitwaslefttoHooventolaunchthesuccessfulphrase：
Gesundheit，heexclaimed，holdingouthissecondglass。Afterdrinking，hereplaceditonthetablewithalongbreath。AchGott！hecried，datpoonsch，sayItinkdotpoonschmeksomedemngootvertilizer，hey？
Fertiliser！Theothersroaredwithlaughter。
Goodeye，Bismarck，commentedAnnixter。Thenamehadagreatsuccess。ThereafterthroughouttheeveningthepunchwasinvariablyspokenofastheFertiliser。Osterman，havingspiltthebottomofaglassfulonthefloor，pretendedthathesawshootsofgraincominguponthespot。SuddenlyheturneduponoldBroderson。
I’mbald，ain’tI？WanttoknowhowIlostmyhair？Promiseyouwon’taskasingleotherquestionandI’lltellyou。Promiseyourwordofhonour。
Eh？What——wh——I——Idon’tunderstand。Yourhair？Yes，I’llpromise。Howdidyouloseit？
Itwasbitoff。
Theothergazedathimstupefied。hisjawdropped。Thecompanyshouted，andoldBroderson，believinghehadsomehowaccomplishedawitticism，chuckledinhisbeard，wagginghishead。Butsuddenlyhefellgrave，struckwithanidea。Hedemanded：
Yes——Iknow——but——butwhatbititoff？
Ah，vociferatedOsterman，that’sJUSTwhatyoupromisednottoask。
Thecompanydoubledupwithhilarity。Caraherleanedagainstthedoor，holdinghissides，butHooven，allabroad，unabletofollow，gazedfromfacetofacewithavacantgrin，thinkingitwasstillaquestionofhisfamousphrase。
Vertilizer，hey？Dotssomefinejoke，hey？Youbedt。
Whatwiththenoiseoftheirtalkandlaughter，itwassometimebeforeDyke，firstofall，heardapersistentknockingonthebolteddoor。HecalledAnnixter’sattentiontothesound。
Cursingtheintruder，Annixterunboltedandopenedthedoor。Butatoncehismannerchanged。
Hello。It’sPresley。Comein，comein，Pres。
Therewasashoutofwelcomefromtheothers。Aspiritofeffusivecordialityhadbeguntodominatethegathering。
AnnixtercaughtsightofVanameebackofPresley，andwaivingforthemomentthedistinctionofemployerandemployee，insistedthatboththefriendsshouldcomein。
AnyfriendofPresismyfriend，hedeclared。
Butwhenthetwohadenteredandhadexchangedgreetings，PresleydrewAnnixteraside。
VanameeandIhavejustcomefromBonneville，heexplained。
WesawDelaneythere。He’sgotthebuckskin，andhe’sfullofbadwhiskeyanddago-red。Youshouldseehim。he’swearingallhiscow-punchingoutfit，hairtrousers，sombrero，spursandalltherestofit，andhehasstrappedhimselftoabigrevolver。
Hesayshewasn’tinvitedtoyourbarndancebutthathe’scomingovertoshootuptheplace。HesaysyoupromisedtoshowhimoffQuienSabeatthetoeofyourbootandthathe’sgoingtogiveyouthechanceto-night！
Ah，commentedAnnixter，noddinghishead，heis，ishe？
Presleywasdisappointed。KnowingAnnixter’sirascibility，hehadexpectedtoproduceamoredramaticeffect。Hebegantoexplainthedangerofthebusiness。DelaneyhadonceknifedagreaserinthePanamintcountry。Hewasknownasabadman。
ButAnnixterrefusedtobedrawn。
Allright，hesaid，that’sallright。Don’ttellanybodyelse。Youmightscarethegirlsoff。Getinanddrink。
Outsidethedancingwasbythistimeinfullswing。Theorchestrawasplayingapolka。YoungVacca，nowathisfiftiethwaxcandle，hadbroughtthefloortotheslipperysurfaceofglass。ThedruggistwasdancingwithoneoftheSpanish-Mexicangirlswiththesolemnityofanautomaton，turningaboutandabout，alwaysinthesamedirection，hiseyesglassy，histeethset。HilmaTreewasdancingforthesecondtimewithHarranDerrick。Shedancedwithinfinitegrace。Hercheekswerebrightred，hereyeshalf-closed，andthroughherpartedlipsshedrewfromtimetotimealong，tremulousbreathofpuredelight。Themusic，theweavingcolours，theheatoftheair，bynowalittleoppressive，themonotonyofrepeatedsensation，eventhepainofphysicalfatiguehadexaltedallhersenses。Shewasinadreamylethargyofhappiness。Itwasherfirstball。Shecouldhavedancedwithoutstoppinguntilmorning。MinnaHoovenandCutterwerepromenading。Mrs。Hooven，withlittleHildaalreadyasleeponherknees，nevertookhereyesfromherdaughter’sgown。AsoftenasMinnapassednearhersheventedanenergeticpst！pst！ThemetaltipofawhitedrawstringwasshowingfromunderneaththewaistofMinna’sdress。Mrs。Hoovenwasonthepointoftears。
ThesolitarygaylyapparelledclerkfromBonnevillewasinafeverofagitation。Hehadlosthiselaborateprogrammecard。
Bewildered，besidehimselfwithtrepidation，hehurriedabouttheroom，jostledbythedancingcouples，trippingoverthefeetofthosewhowereseated。hepeereddistressfullyunderthechairsandaboutthefloor，askinganxiousquestions。
MagnusDerrick，thecentreofalisteningcircleofranchers——
GarnettfromtheRubyrancho，Keastfromtheranchofthesamename，GethingsandChatternoftheSanPabloandBonanza——stoodnearthegreatopendoorwayofthebarn，discussingthepossibilityofashortageintheworld’swheatcropforthenextyear。
Abruptlytheorchestraceasedplayingwitharollofthesnaredrum，aflourishofthecornetandaprolongedgrowlofthebassviol。Thedancebrokeup，thecoupleshurryingtotheirseats，leavingthegaylyapparelledclerksuddenlyisolatedinthemiddleofthefloor，rollinghiseyes。ThedruggistreleasedtheSpanish-Mexicangirlwithmechanicalprecisionoutamidstthecrowdofdancers。Hebowed，droppinghischinuponhiscravat。
throughoutthedanceneitherhadhazardedaword。Thegirlfoundherwayalonetoachair，butthedruggist，sickfromcontinuallyrevolvinginthesamedirection，walkedunsteadilytowardthewall。Allatoncethebarnreeledaroundhim。hefelldown。
Therewasagreatlaugh，buthescrambledtohisfeetanddisappearedabruptlyoutintothenightthroughthedoorwayofthebarn，deathlypale，hishanduponhisstomach。
Dabney，theoldmanwhomnobodyknew，approachedthegroupofranchersaroundMagnusDerrickandstood，alittleremoved，listeninggravelytowhatthegovernorwassaying，hischinsunkinhiscollar，silent，offeringnoopinions。
Buttheleaderoftheorchestra，withagreatgestureofhisviolinbow，criedout：
Alltakepartnersforthelancersandpromenadearoundthehall！
However，therewasadelay。Alittlecrowdformedaroundthemusicians’platform。voiceswereraised。therewasacommotion。
Skeezicks，whoplayedthebighorn，accusedthecornetandthesnare-drumofstealinghiscoldlunch。Atintervalshecouldbeheardexpostulating：
Ah，no！attheendoftheend！Rendermethesausages，you，orlessIbreakyourthroat！Aha！Iknowyou。Youaregoingtoplaymethereabadfarce。Mysausagesandtheporksandwich，elseIgoawayfromthisplace！
Hemadeanexaggeratedshowofreplacinghisbighorninitscase，buttheby-standersraisedagreatprotest。Thesandwichesandonesausagewereproduced。theotherhaddisappeared。IntheendSkeezichsallowedhimselftobeappeased。Thedancewasresumed。
Halfanhourlaterthegatheringintheharnessroomwasconsiderablyreinforced。Itwasthecornerofthebarntowardwhichthemaleguestsnaturallygravitated。HarranDerrick，whoonlycaredtodancewithHilmaTree，wasadmitted。GarnettfromtheRubyranchoandGethingsfromtheSanPablo，cameinalittleafterwards。Afourthbowlofpunchwasmixed，AnnixterandCaraherclamouringintoeachother’sfaceastoitsingredients。
Cigarswerelighted。Soontheairoftheroombecamebluewithanacridhazeofsmoke。Itwasverywarm。Rangedintheirchairsaroundthesideoftheroom，theguestsemptiedglassafterglass。
Vanameealonerefusedtodrink。Hesatalittletooneside，disassociatinghimselffromwhatwasgoingforward，watchingtheotherscalmly，alittlecontemptuously，acigaretteinhisfingers。
Hooven，afterdrinkinghisthirdglass，however，wasafflictedwithagreatsadness。hisbreastheavedwithimmensesighs。Heassertedthathewasobbressed。Cutterhadtakenhissteer。Heretiredtoacornerandseatedhimselfinaheaponhischair，hisheelsontherungs，wipingthetearsfromhiseyes，refusingtobecomforted。
OldBrodersonstartledAnnixter，whosatnexttohim，outofallmeasurebysuddenlywinkingathimwithinfinitecraftiness。
WhenIwasaladinUkiah，hewhisperedhoarsely，Iwasadevilofafellowwiththegirls。butLordy！henudgedhimslyly，Iwouldn’thaveitknown！
Ofthosewhoweredrinking，Annixteraloneretainedallhiswits。
Thoughkeepingpacewiththeothers，glassforglass，thepunchlefthimsoliduponhisfeet，clear-headed。Thetough，cross-
grainedfibreofhimseemedproofagainstalcohol。Neverinhislifehadhebeendrunk。Hepridedhimselfuponhispowerofresistance。Itwashisnature。
Say！exclaimedoldBroderson，gravelyaddressingthecompany，pullingathisbearduneasily——say！I——I——listen！I’madevilofafellowwiththegirls。Hewaggedhisheaddoggedly，shuttinghiseyesinaknowingfashion。Yes，sir，Iam。TherewasayoungladyinUkiah——thatwaswhenIwasaladofseventeen。Weusedtomeetinthecemeteryintheafternoons。I
wastogoawaytoschoolatSacramento，andtheafternoonIleftwemetinthecemeteryandwestayedsolongIalmostmissedthetrain。HernamewasCelestine。
Therewasapause。Theotherswaitedfortherestofthestory。
Andafterwards？promptedAnnixter。
Afterwards？Nothingafterwards。Ineversawheragain。HernamewasCelestine。
Thecompanyraisedachorusofderision，andOstermancriedironically：
Say！THAT’Saprettygoodone！Tellusanother。
Theoldmanlaughedwiththerest，believinghehadmadeanotherhit。HecalledOstermantohim，whisperinginhisear：
Sh！Lookhere！SomenightyouandIwillgouptoSanFrancisco——hey？We’llgoskylarking。We’llbegay。Oh，I’ma——
a——arareoldBUCK，Iam！Iain’ttooold。You’llsee。
AnnixtergaveoverthemakingofthefifthbowlofpunchtoOsterman，whoaffirmedthathehadarecipeforafertiliser
fromSolotarithatwouldtaketheplatingofftheladle。HelefthimwranglingwithCaraher，whostillpersistedinaddingchartreuse，andsteppedoutintothedancetoseehowthingsweregettingon。
Itwastheintervalbetweentwodances。Inandaroundastallatthefartherendofthefloor，wherelemonadewasbeingserved，wasagreatthrongofyoungmen。Othershurriedacrossthefloorsinglyorbytwosandthrees，gingerlycarryingoverflowingglassestotheirpartners，sittinginlongrowsofwhiteandblueandpinkagainsttheoppositewall，theirmothersandoldersistersinaseconddark-clothedrankbehindthem。Ababeloftalkwasintheair，mingledwithgustsoflaughter。Everybodyseemedhavingagoodtime。IntheincreasingheatthedecorationsofevergreentreesandfestoonsthrewoffapungentaromathatsuggestedaSunday-schoolChristmasfestival。Intheotherstalls，lowerdownthebarn，theyoungmenhadbroughtchairs，andinthesedeeprecessesthemostdesperatelove-makingwasinprogress，theyoungman，hishairneatlyparted，leaningwithgreatsolicitationoverthegirl，hispartnerforthemoment，fanningherconscientiously，hisarmcarefullylaidalongthebackofherchair。
Bythedoorway，AnnixtermetSarria，whohadsteppedouttosmokeafat，blackcigar。Thesetsmileofamiabilitywasstillfixedonthepriest’ssmooth，shinyface。thecigarasheshadleftgreystreaksonthefrontofhiscassock。HeavoidedAnnixter，fearing，nodoubt，anallusiontohisgamecocks，andtookuphispositionbackofthesecondrankofchairsbythemusicians’
stand，beamingencouraginglyuponeveryonewhocaughthiseye。
Annixterwassalutedrightandleftasheslowlywenttheroundofthefloor。Ateverymomenthehadtopausetoshakehandsandtolistentocongratulationsuponthesizeofhisbarnandthesuccessofhisdance。Buthewasdistrait，histhoughtselsewhere。hedidnotattempttohidehisimpatiencewhensomeoftheyoungmentriedtoengagehiminconversation，askinghimtobeintroducedtotheirsisters，ortheirfriends’sisters。Hesentthemabouttheirbusinessharshly，abominablyrude，leavingawakeofangrydisturbancebehindhim，sowingtheseedsoffuturequarrelsandrenewedunpopularity。HewaslookingforHilmaTree。
Whenatlasthecameunexpectedlyuponher，standingnearwhereMrs。Treewasseated，somehalf-dozenyoungmenhoveringuneasilyinherneighbourhood，allhisaudacitywassuddenlystrickenfromhim。hisgruffness，hisoverbearinginsolencevanishedwithanabruptnessthatlefthimcold。Hisold-timeconfusionandembarrassmentreturnedtohim。Insteadofspeakingtoherasheintended，heaffectednottoseeher，butpassedby，hisheadintheair，pretendingasuddeninterestinaJapaneselanternthatwasabouttocatchfire。
Buthehadhadasingledistinctglimpseofher，definite，precise，andthisglimpsewasenough。Hilmahadchanged。Thechangewassubtle，evanescent，hardtodefine，butnotthelessunmistakable。Theexcitement，theenchantingdelight，thedeliciousdisturbanceofthefirstball，hadproduceditsresult。Perhapstherehadonlybeenthislacking。Itwashardtosay，butforthatbriefinstantoftimeAnnixterwaslookingatHilma，thewoman。Shewasnolongertheyounggirluponwhomhemightlookdown，towhomhemightcondescend，whoselittle，infantilegracesweretobeconsideredwithamusedtoleration。
WhenAnnixterreturnedtotheharnessroom，helethimselfintoaclamourofmasculinehilarity。Ostermanhad，indeed，madeamarvellousfertiliser，whiskeyforthemostpart，dilutedwithchampagneandlemonjuice。Thefirstroundofthisdrinkhadbeenwelcomedwithasalvoofcheers。Hooven，recoveringhisspiritsunderitsviolentstimulation，spokeofhevingutoudtmitCudder，beiGott，whileOsterman，standingonachairattheendoftheroom，shoutedforafewmomentsquiet，gentlemen，sothathemighttellacertainstoryheknew。
But，abruptly，Annixterdiscoveredthattheliquors——thechampagne，whiskey，brandy，andthelike——wererunninglow。Thiswouldneverdo。Hefeltthathewouldstanddisgracedifitcouldbesaidafterwardthathehadnotprovidedsufficientdrinkathisentertainment。Heslippedout，unobserved，and，findingtwoofhisranchhandsnearthedoorway，sentthemdowntotheranchhousetobringupallthecasesofstufftheyfoundthere。
However，whenthismatterhadbeenattendedto，Annixterdidnotimmediatelyreturntotheharnessroom。Onthefloorofthebarnasquaredancewasunderway，theleaderoftheCityBandcallingthefigures。YoungVaccaindefatigablycontinuedtheroundsofthebarn，paringcandleaftercandle，possessedwiththissingleideaofduty，pushingthedancersoutofhisway，refusingtoadmitthatthefloorwasyetsufficientlyslippery。Thedruggisthadreturnedindoors，andleaneddejectedandmelancholyagainstthewallnearthedoorway，unabletodance，hisevening’senjoymentspoiled。ThegaylyapparelledclerkfromBonnevillehadjustinvolvedhimselfinadeplorableincident。Inasearchforhishandkerchief，whichhehadlostwhiletryingtofindhisprogrammecard，hehadinadvertentlywanderedintothefeedroom，setapartastheladies’dressingroom，atthemomentwhenMrs。
Hooven，havingremovedthewaistofMinna’sdress，wasrelacinghercorsets。Therewasatremendousscene。Theclerkwasejectedforcibly，Mrs。Hoovenfillingalltheneighbourhoodwithshrillexpostulation。Ayoungman，Minna’spartner，whostoodnearthefeedroomdoor，waitingforhertocomeout，hadinvitedtheclerk，withelaboratesarcasm，tostepoutsideforamoment。
andtheclerk，breathless，stupefied，hustledfromhandtohand，remainedpetrified，withstaringeyes，turningaboutandabout，lookingwildlyfromfacetoface，speechless，witless，wonderingwhathadhappened。
Butthesquaredancewasover。TheCityBandwasjustbeginningtoplayawaltz。Annixterassuringhimselfthateverythingwasgoingallright，waspickinghiswayacrossthefloor，whenhecameuponHilmaTreequitealone，andlookinganxiouslyamongthecrowdofdancers。
Havingagoodtime，MissHilma？hedemanded，pausingforamoment。
Oh，amI，JUST！sheexclaimed。Thebesttime——butIdon’tknowwhathasbecomeofmypartner。See！I’mleftallalone——
theonlytimethiswholeevening，sheaddedproudly。Haveyouseenhim——mypartner，sir？Iforgethisname。Ionlymethimthisevening，andI’vemetSOmanyIcan’tbegintorememberhalfofthem。HewasayoungmanfromBonneville——aclerk，Ithink，becauseIrememberseeinghiminastorethere，andheworetheprettiestclothes！
Iguesshegotlostintheshuffle，observedAnnixter。
Suddenlyanideaoccurredtohim。Hetookhisresolutioninbothhands。Heclenchedhisteeth。
Say！lookhere，MissHilma。What’sthematterwithyouandI
stealingthisoneforourselves？Idon’tmeantodance。Idon’tproposetomakeajumping-jackofmyselfforsomegaloottogivemethelaugh，butwe’llwalkaround。Willyou？Whatdoyousay？
Hilmaconsented。
I’mnotsoVERYsorryImissedmydancewiththat——that——littleclerk，shesaidguiltily。Isupposethat’sverybadofme，isn’tit？
Annixterfulminatedavigorousprotest。
IAMsowarm！murmuredHilma，fanningherselfwithherhandkerchief。and，oh！SUCHagoodtimeasIhavehad！IwassoafraidthatIwouldbeawall-flowerandsitupbymammaandpapathewholeevening。andasitis，Ihavehadeverysingledance，andevensomedancesIhadtosplit。Oh-h！shebreathed，glancinglovinglyaroundthebarn，notingagainthefestoonsoftri-colouredcambric，theJapaneselanterns，flaringlamps，anddecorationsofevergreen。oh-h！it’sallsolovely，justlikeafairystory。andtothinkthatitcan’tlastbutforonelittleevening，andthatto-morrowmorningonemustwakeuptotheevery-daythingsagain！
Well，observedAnnixterdoggedly，unwillingthatsheshouldforgetwhomsheoughttothank，Ididmybest，andmybestisasgoodasanotherman’s，Iguess。
Hilmaoverwhelmedhimwithaburstofgratitudewhichhegrufflypretendedtodeprecate。Oh，thatwasallright。Ithadn’tcosthimmuch。Helikedtoseepeoplehavingagoodtimehimself，andthecrowddidseemtobeenjoyingthemselves。WhatdidSHE
think？Didthingslooklivelyenough？Andhowaboutherself——
wassheenjoyingit？
StupidlyAnnixterdrovethequestionhomeagain，athiswits’endastohowtomakeconversation。Hilmaprotestedvolublyshewouldneverforgetthisnight，adding：
Dance！Oh，youdon’tknowhowIloveit！Ididn’tknowmyself。
Icoulddanceallnightandneverstoponce！
Annixterwassmittenwithuneasiness。Nodoubtthispromenadingwasnotatalltohertaste。Wonderingwhatkindofaspectaclehewasabouttomakeofhimself，heexclaimed：
Wanttodancenow？
Oh，yes！shereturned。
Theypausedintheirwalk，andHilma，facinghim，gaveherselfintohisarms。Annixtershuthisteeth，theperspirationstartingfromhisforehead。Forfiveyearshehadabandoneddancing。Neverinhisbestdayshaditbeenoneofhisaccomplishments。
Theyhesitatedamoment，waitingtocatchthetimefromthemusicians。Anothercoupleboredownuponthematpreciselythewrongmoment，jostlingthemoutofstep。Annixtersworeunderhisbreath。Hisarmstillabouttheyoungwoman，hepulledherovertoonecorner。
Now，hemuttered，we’lltryagain。
Asecondtime，listeningtotheone-two-three，one-two-threecadenceofthemusicians，theyendeavouredtogetunderway。
AnnixterwaitedthefractionofasecondtoolongandsteppedonHilma’sfoot。Onthethirdattempt，havingworkedoutofthecorner，apairofdancersbumpedintothemoncemore，andastheywererecoveringthemselvesanothercouplecaromedviolentlyagainstAnnixtersothatheallbutlosthisfooting。Hewasinarage。Hilma，veryembarrassed，wastryingnottolaugh，andthustheyfoundthemselves，outinthemiddleofthefloor，continuallyjostledfromtheirposition，holdingclumsilytoeachother，stammeringexcusesintooneanother’sfaces，whenDelaneyarrived。
Hecamewiththesuddennessofanexplosion。Therewasacommotionbythedoorway，arollingburstofoaths，afuriousstampingofhoofs，awildscrambleofthedancerstoeithersideoftheroom，andtherehewas。Hehadriddenthebuckskinatagallopstraightthroughthedoorwayandoutintothemiddleofthefloorofthebarn。
Oncewellinside，Delaneyhauleduponthecruelspade-bit，atthesametimedrivinghomethespurs，andthebuckskin，withouthaltinginhergait，roseintotheairuponherhindfeet，andcomingdownagainwithathunderofironhoofsuponthehollowfloor，lashedoutwithbothheelssimultaneously，herbackarched，herheadbetweenherknees。Itwastherunningbuck，andhadnotDelaneybeenthehardestbusterinthecounty，wouldhaveflunghimheadlonglikeasackofsand。Butheeasedoffthebit，grippingthemare’sflankswithhisknees，andthebuckskin，havinglongsinceknownhermaster，cametohandquivering，thebloodyspumedrippingfromthebitupontheslipperyfloor。
Delaneyhadarrayedhimselfwithpainfulelaboration，determinedtolookthepart，bentuponcreatingtheimpression，resolvedthathisappearanceatleastshouldjustifyhisreputationofbeingbad。Nothingwaslacking——neitherthecampaignhatwithupturnedbrim，northedottedbluehandkerchiefknottedbehindtheneck，northeheavygauntletsstitchedwithred，nor——thisaboveall——thebear-skinchaparejos，thehairtrousersofthemountaincowboy，thepistolholsterlowonthethigh。Butforthemomentthisholsterwasempty，andinhisrighthand，thehammeratfullcock，thechamberloaded，thepuncherflourishedhisteaser，anarmyColt’s，thelamplightdullyreflectedinthedarkbluesteel。
Inasecondoftimethedancewasabedlam。Themusiciansstoppedwithadiscord，andthemiddleofthecrowdedfloorbareditselfinstantly。Itwaslikesandblownfromoffarock。thethrongofguests，carriedbyanimpulsethatwasnottoberesisted，borebackagainstthesidesofthebarn，overturningchairs，trippinguponeachother，fallingdown，scramblingtotheirfeetagain，steppingoveroneanother，gettingbehindeachother，divingunderchairs，flatteningthemselvesagainstthewall——awild，clamouringpell-mell，blind，deaf，panic-stricken。
aconfusedtangleofwavingarms，tornmuslin，crushedflowers，palefaces，tangledlegs，thatsweptinalldirectionsbackfromthecentreofthefloor，leavingAnnixterandHilma，alone，deserted，theirarmsabouteachother，facetofacewithDelaney，madwithalcohol，burstingwithrememberedinsult，bentonevil，recklessofresults。
Afterthefirstscrambleforsafety，thecrowdfellquietforthefractionofaninstant，gluedtothewalls，afraidtostir，struckdumbandmotionlesswithsurpriseandterror，andintheinstant’ssilencethatfollowedAnnixter，hiseyesonDelaney，mutteredrapidlytoHilma：
Getback，getawaytooneside。ThefoolMIGHTshoot。
Therewasasecond’srespiteaffordedwhileDelaneyoccupiedhimselfinquietingthebuckskin，andinthatsecondoftime，atthismomentofcrisis，thewonderfulthingoccurred。Hilma，turningfromDelaney，herhandsclaspedonAnnixter’sarm，hereyesmeetinghis，exclaimed：
You，too！
Andthatwasall。buttoAnnixteritwasarevelation。Nevermorealivetohissurroundings，nevermoreobservant，hesuddenlyunderstood。ForthebriefestlapseoftimeheandHilmalookeddeepintoeachother’seyes，andfromthatmomenton，AnnixterknewthatHilmacared。
Thewholematterwasbriefasthesnappingofafinger。Twowordsandaglanceandallwasdone。Butasthoughnothinghadoccurred，AnnixterpushedHilmafromhim，repeatingharshly：
Getback，Itellyou。Don’tyouseehe’sgotagun？Haven’tI
enoughonmyhandswithoutyou？
HeloosedherclaspandhiseyesoncemoreonDelaney，moveddiagonallybackwardstowardthesideofthebarn，pushingHilmafromhim。Intheendhethrustherawaysosharplythatshegavebackwithalongstagger。somebodycaughtherarmanddrewherin，leavingAnnixteraloneoncemoreinthemiddleofthefloor，hishandsinhiscoatpockets，watchful，alert，facinghisenemy。
Butthecow-puncherwasnotreadytocometograpplesyet。
Fearless，hiswitsgambollingunderthelashofthealcohol，hewishedtomakethemostoftheoccasion，maintainingthesuspense，playingforthegallery。Bytouchesofthehandandkneehekeptthebuckskinincontinual，nervousmovement，herhoofsclattering，snorting，tossingherhead，whilehe，himself，addressinghimselftoAnnixter，pouredoutatorrentofinvective。
Well，strikemeblindifitain’toldBuckAnnixter！HewasgoingtoshowmeoffQuienSabeatthetoeofhisboot，washe？
Well，here’syourchance，——withtheladiestoseeyoudoit。
Givesadance，doeshe，high-falutin’hoe-downinhisbarnandforgetstoinvitehisoldbroncho-bustin’friend。Buthisfrienddon’tforgethim。no，hedon’t。Herememberslittlethings，doeshisbroncho-bustin’friend。Likestoseeadancehisselfonoccasion，hisfrienddoes。Comesanyhow，trustin’hiswelcomewillbehearty。justtoseeoldBuckAnnixterdance，justtoshowBuckAnnixter’sfriendshowBuckcandance——danceallbyhisself，alittlehen-on-a-hot-platedancewhenhisbroncho-bustin’friendaskshimsopolite。Alittledancefortheladies，Buck。Thisfeatureoftheentertainmentisaloneworththepriceofadmission。Tuneup，Buck。Attentionnow！I’llgiveyouthekey。
Hefannedhisrevolver，spinningitabouthisindexfingerbythetrigger-guardwithincredibleswiftness，thetwirlingweaponamereblurofbluesteelinhishand。Suddenlyandwithoutanyapparentcessationofthemovement，hefired，andalittlesplinterofwoodflippedintotheairatAnnixter’sfeet。
Time！heshouted，whilethebuckskinrearedtothereport。
Holdon——waitaminute。Thisplaceistoolighttosuit。Thatbiglightyonderisinmyeyes。Lookout，I’mgoingtothrowlead。
Asecondshotputoutthelampoverthemusicians’stand。Theassembledguestsshrieked，afrantic，shrinkingquiverranthroughthecrowdlikethehuddlingoffrightenedrabbitsintheirpen。
Annixterhardlymoved。Hestoodsomethirtypacesfromthebuster，hishandsstillinhiscoatpockets，hiseyesglistening，watchful。
Excitableandturbulentintriflingmatters，whenactualbodilydangerthreatenedhewasofanabnormalquiet。
I’mwatchingyou，criedtheother。Don’tmakeanymistakeaboutthat。KeepyourhandsinyourCOATpockets，ifyou’dliketolivealittlelonger，understand？Anddon’tletmeseeyoumakeamovetowardyourhiporyourfriendswillbeaskedtoidentifyyouatthemorgueto-morrowmorning。WhenI’mbad，I’mcalledtheUndertaker’sFriend，soIam，andI’mthatbadto-
nightthatI’mscaredofmyself。They’llhavetorevisethecensusreturnsbeforeI’mdonewiththisplace。Comeon，now，I’mgettingtiredwaiting。Icometoseeadance。
Handoverthathorse，Delaney，saidAnnixter，withoutraisinghisvoice，andclearout。
Theotheraffectedtobeoverwhelmedwithinfiniteastonishment，hiseyesstaring。Hepeereddownfromthesaddle。
Wh-a-a-t！heexclaimed。wh-a-a-tdidyousay？Why，Iguessyoumustbelookingfortrouble。that’swhatIguess。
There’swhereyou’rewrong，m’son，mutteredAnnixter，partlytoDelaney，partlytohimself。IfIwaslookingfortroubletherewouldn’tbeanyguess-workaboutit。
Withthewordshebeganfiring。DelaneyhadhardlyenteredthebarnbeforeAnnixter’splanhadbeenformed。Longsincehisrevolverwasinthepocketofhiscoat，andhefirednowthroughthecoatitself，withoutwithdrawinghishands。
UntilthatmomentAnnixterhadnotbeensureofhimself。Therewasnodoubtthatforthefirstfewmomentsoftheaffairhewouldhavewelcomedwithjoyanyreasonableexcuseforgettingoutofthesituation。Butthesoundofhisownrevolvergavehimconfidence。Hewhippeditfromhispocketandfiredagain。
Abruptlytheduelbegan，reportfollowingreport，spurtsofpalebluesmokejettinglikethedartsofshortspearsbetweenthetwomen，expandingtoahazeanddriftingoverheadinwaveringstrata。ItwasquiteprobablethatnothoughtofkillingeachothersuggesteditselftoeitherAnnixterorDelaney。Bothfiredwithoutaimingverydeliberately。Toemptytheirrevolversandavoidbeinghitwasthedesirecommontoboth。Theynolongervituperatedeachother。Therevolversspokeforthem。
Longafter，Annixtercouldrecallthismoment。Foryearshecouldwithbutlittleeffortreconstructthescene——thedenselypackedcrowdflattenedagainstthesidesofthebarn，thefestoonsoflanterns，themingledsmellofevergreens，newwood，sachets，andpowdersmoke。thevagueclamourofdistressandterrorthatrosefromthethrongofguests，thesquealingofthebuckskin，theunevenexplosionsoftherevolvers，thereverberationoftramplinghoofs，abriefglimpseofHarranDerrick’sexcitedfaceatthedooroftheharnessroom，andintheopenspaceinthecentreofthefloor，himselfandDelaney，manoeuvringswiftlyinacloudofsmoke。
Annixter’srevolvercontainedbutsixcartridges。Alreadyitseemedtohimasifhehadfiredtwentytimes。Withoutdoubtthenextshotwashislast。Thenwhat？Hepeeredthroughthebluehazethatwitheverydischargethickenedbetweenhimandthebuster。Forhisownsafetyhemustplaceatleastoneshot。
Delaney’schestandshouldersrosesuddenlyabovethesmokecloseuponhimasthedistraughtbuckskinrearedagain。Annixter，forthefirsttimeduringthefight，tookdefiniteaim，butbeforehecoulddrawthetriggertherewasagreatshoutandhewasawareofthebuckskin，thebridletrailing，thesaddleempty，plungingheadlongacrossthefloor，crashingintothelineofchairs。
Delaneywasscramblingoffthefloor。Therewasbloodonthebuster’swristandhenolongercarriedhisrevolver。Suddenlyheturnedandran。Thecrowdpartedrightandleftbeforehimashemadetowardthedoorway。Hedisappeared。
Twentymenpromptlysprangtothebuckskin’shead，butshebrokeaway，andwildwithterror，bewildered，blind，insensate，chargedintothecornerofthebarnbythemusicians’stand。Shebroughtupagainstthewallwithcruelforceandwithimpactofasackofstones。herheadwascut。Sheturnedandchargedagain，bull-
like，thebloodstreamingfromherforehead。Thecrowd，shrieking，meltedbeforeherrush。Anoldmanwasthrowndownandtrampled。Thebuckskintroduponthedraggingbridle，somersaultedintoaconfusionofchairsinonecorner，andcamedownwithaterrificclatterinawilddisorderofkickinghoofsandsplinteredwood。Butacrowdofmenfelluponher，tuggingatthebit，sittingonherhead，shouting，gesticulating。Forfiveminutesshestruggledandfought。then，bydegrees，sherecoveredherself，drawinggreatsobbingbreathsatlongintervalsthatallbutburstthegirths，rollinghereyesinbewildered，supplicatingfashion，tremblingineverymuscle，andstartingandshrinkingnowandthenlikeayounggirlinhysterics。Atlastshelayquiet。Themenallowedhertostruggletoherfeet。Thesaddlewasremovedandshewasledtooneoftheemptystalls，wheresheremainedtherestoftheevening，herheadlow，herpasternsquivering，turningherheadapprehensivelyfromtimetotime，showingthewhiteofoneeyeandatlongintervalsheavingasingleprolongedsigh。