The exquisite notes of the cardinal, then of a thrush, accompanied their voices. The beauty of the dying day played over Esther Bright and Kenneth Hastings, as they stood in the glory of their youth, and of their love. Just as the clergyman pronounced the closing words of the marriage service, the heavens leaped into a splendor of color; a mocking bird caught up all the songs that had furnished an obligato to the marriage service; and, as if to outdo all the other feathered songsters, burst into a perfect ecstasy of song. In the midst of the congratulations and feasting, Wathemah kept close to Esther's side. The following day, Kenneth, Esther and David Bright were to begin their long journey eastward. The day dawned. All Gila gathered at the distant station to bid them God speed. "Where is Wathemah?" Esther asked. "I don't know," answered a miner. "I found him cryin' 'cause yer wouldn't take him with yer." "Poor little chap! But where's Jack?" she questioned. "There they be," said a ranchman, pointing to Jack and Wathemah, standing apart from the crowd. She stepped toward them. "I have come to say good-by," she said. "You won't forget, Jack, to follow the Christ; you won't forget to pray?" She laid her hand on his arm. He stood battling with himself. Her tender voice, her eyes filled with tears, almost unmanned him. "Is it not much, do yer think, ter let yer go, as have brought me ter know God, as have learned me ter live right, an' have been like God's angel ter me? God help me!" The strong man's face worked, and he turned from her. After a moment, he put his hand in his pocket, and drew forth the Bible she had given him. "I wisht I'd a knowed about this when I was a lad. My life'd ben differnt. I thank yer fur all yer've done fur me, and all yer've learned me. But it seems I can't let yer go. God help me!" He stood with head bent and hands clinched. At last, Esther spoke again: "Good-by, John. You have fought a good fight, and conquered. Now, help the others with all your might." Ah, how much she had helped him in his battle! He grasped her hand and held it. So they stood. Then he said: "Take the little kid with yer. Give him a chance. I'll send him money as long as I live. I ain't got nobody else ter care fur." She would help the strong man, now, if she could; but how could she? He had this battle to fight alone. "You wish _me_ to take Wathemah, John?" "Yes. Give him a chance,--differnt surroundings." He lifted a bag of money. "This 'ere holds nearly one hunderd dollars. The boys give it to Wathemah ter go home with yer." "Did they? How generous!" The child ran to her, fearful he should be left behind. She hesitated. How could she care for her convalescent husband, and this impetuous, high-strung child? She turned to Kenneth and spoke with him. Jack lifted Wathemah in his arms and kissed him, saying: "Good-by, little pard. Mind now, no more cussin'."