“I have been all over this land of ours,” he said presently, “and in some several others. I have met many women—of many classes. I have been no saint and no great sinner. But always in my secret heart there has been a place all swept and garnished—and empty, Nance. “That place—a holy spot, a shrine, if you will—most men would know what I mean—has been waiting—empty—all my life—because I never found the woman who fitted it. For its light there was no face to shine on, for its cool spaces no eyes to look down, for its marble floors no white feet to adore. Can you see what I mean, Nance, dear? It was the inner core of my heart, the veritable altar of my soul without a priestess. “Since the day in Blue Stone Cañon when I first beheld you rocking the child in your lap—this secret place has been gloriously full. Nance—Nance—I have been like a worshipper without, laying my forehead to the sill. All the things I have dreamed of I find in you—the strength, the sweetness, the courage. You are beautiful as few women in this world are beautiful—and you are too good for any man. But I—have dared to love you.” He ceased and turned his lips against her cheek. For Nance Allison the stars were singing together at the dawn of creation, the glory of the spheres had appeared before her. “Answer me, girl,” said Brand Fair tremulously, “tell me what’s in your heart.” “I—I——” said Nance, “I—think it is the light from the open gates of Paradise—the smile of God Himself—because I am so happy!” “Sonny, old-timer,” said Fair, “here’s where you take a back seat for once,” and he rolled the child, still sleeping like the healthy little animal he was, over on the floor. * * * * * When the man arose to go some aeons later he gave Nance the package which he had taken from a pocket. “Keep it, Sweetheart,” he said, “and open it if—anything happens to me. It contains information vital to Sonny’s life and future—the address of the New York lawyer who knows all my affairs and his, and also copies of the proof he holds which can send Cattle Kate and Arnold and all their lot behind the bars for life. Take it straight to Sheriff Selwood if you have to act for me, and if he is alive and conscious. If not, Bossick will do in his stead. He’s a good man. There’s a picture in that package. Nance—the face of Sonny’s mother. But I’m not figuring that you’ll have any call to open it—not by a long shot. This is all by way of wise precaution, you know. Now give me one more kiss.” * * * * * Brand Fair rode away and the girl he left upon the cabin’s step was too far adrift on the seas of happiness to realize that he had not told her the one thing vital—who was Sonny’s father? CHAPTER XVII THE FACE IN THE PACKAGE At last Nance Allison knew the meaning of the great light that seemed to glow upon all the world of the Deep Heart hills.