"Now it's all right. Jim will take care of you. Don't worry about Will;
I'll go over and see him." He wrapped her in every available blanket and
shawl, and at last helped her outside and into the sleigh. He tucked the
robe around her while Rivers held the restless horses. His voice
trembled as he said:
"Now, Jim, get her under shelter as quick as you can. Leave the team at
Wheatland. I'll come after it in a day or two. I want to see somebody in
town, anyway."
The woman turned toward him. He saw her eyes shine through her veil. She
bared her hand and extended it toward him. "I hope you and Estelle will
be happy."
He covered her hand with both of his. The gesture was swift and tender.
It seemed to shield and forgive. Then drawing the robe over it without a
word, he briskly said, "Well, Jim, I guess this is the fork in the
road," and he looked at his chum with misty eyes. Rivers turned away,
and they again clasped hands without looking at each other.
"Good-bye, old man," said Rivers.
"Good-bye, Jim, and _good luck_!"
Bailey saw his partner draw the woman close down under the shelter of
his shoulder, while his powerful hand whirled the team to the south.
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