"Never mind about the money; it will be got. I'm to start up north of this soon, and this doesn't seem a good place to school you in, anyway. So, for a year or so, you go to that school down in Helena. Max knows the name of it; I forget. When you get all rigged out with an education, and have a capital of knowledge, you can talk then about the money and paying it, if it makes you feel more comfortable. But just now you be a good little girl; go down there with Max to the school, study hard, so that if I drop into a chasm some night, or am picked off by a bullet, you'll have learned, anyway, how to look after yourself in the right way." "Oh, it's Mr. Max, then, that's planning this, is it?" she asked suddenly, and her face flushed a little--he must have thought in anger, for he said: "Why--yes; that is--mostly. You see, 'Tana, I've drifted out from the ways of the world while Max has kept up with them. So he proposed--well, no matter about the plan. I'm to suggest it to you, and as it's no loss and all gain to you, I reckon you'll be sensible enough to say yes." "I will," she answered, quietly; "it is very kind of you both to be so good to me, for I haven't been good to you--to either of you, I'm sorry--I--maybe I'll be better when I come back--and--maybe I can pay you some day." "Me? Oh, you won't owe me anything, and I reckon you'd better not make plans about coming back here! The books and things you learn will likely turn you toward other places--finer places. This is all right for men who have money to make; but you--" "I'm coming back here," she said, nodding her head emphatically. "Maybe not for always--but I'll come back some time--I will." She was twisting her fingers in a nervous way, and, as he watched her, he noticed that her little brown hands were devoid of all ornament. "Where is the ring?" he asked. "Have you lost it already?" "No, it's here--in my pocket," and she drew it out that he might see. "I--I took it off this morning when I saw you were shot. You'll laugh, I suppose; but I thought the snakes brought bad luck." "So you are superstitious?" "Oh, I don't know! I'm not afraid very often; but sometimes I think there are signs that are true. I've heard old folks say so, and talk of things unlucky. I took the ring off when I saw your arm." "But the arm was only scratched--not worth a thought from a little girl like you," he said; "and surely not worth throwing off your jewelry for. But some day--some day of good luck, I may find you a prettier ring--one more like a girl's ring, you know; one you can wear and not be afraid."