“Wish he could cure me,” said Sam Whitemore. “I ain't afraid o' man or beast, or anything but a woman.” “Women won't hurt you,” I argued. “No, but they can make ye awful 'shamed.” It seemed very curious--the timidity of this big, powerful man. I had seen him handle a ton of wheat in five minutes. “They all look dangerous to me,” he added. Then he sighed and exclaimed, “Heavens to Betsey!” “Isn't Fannie willing to marry you?” I asked. “Looks that way, but maybe she's only foolin'.” He shook his head nervously, and added: “If she was you'd see me light out. I wouldn't stop runnin' this side o' Californey.” “Don't be afraid,” was my ready counsel. “She wants to marry you or she wouldn't have asked you to come.” As if inspired with new courage, he drew up the reins and touched his horse with the whip. “I'll ask her if it kills me,” he said, his brow wrinkling with determination. Neither spoke until we entered the little village of Summerville. He left me at the hotel, where I was to wait for him. “Goin' up to see her,” he said, in low, half-whispered tones. “I'll ask her to take a ride with me. Oh, I forgot! A letter come for you this mornin'; here it is. An', say, one o' them men that come last night said that he was a friend o' yours.” “A friend of mine!” “Yes, but I didn't believe him. I guess he was tryin' to fox me.” I opened the letter as he drove away and read as follows: My dear Son,--I believe all you say, and am very sorry for you. It is a grief and a wonder to me that you didn't turn back and let him go his own way when you saw that he was a law-breaker. You wouldn't have missed the watch as much as you miss me and your self-respect. You remember what I said to you about taking up with people you don't know. Since you have chosen not to follow my counsel. I presume you have found your own better than mine. If that is true, I shall need your advice, and will rely upon you to guide me in every time of difficulty. You have strong hands and have learned how to use them. You have many friends and a mother who will do anything she can for you. But we must reap as we sow. You should retrace your own steps in the wrong road and find your way back. God help you! Come as soon as you can and tell the truth, and be not afraid. Truth will beat all the lawyers. If you should be sick let me know, and I will come to you. Tell me where to send clothing for your comfort. I send a little money and much love. That letter was a godsend. I was inclined to agree with Sam that women can make one “awful 'shamed.” My young manhood really began that day. I put the money, which would have paid my fare to Heartsdale, in my stocking, and determined not to use it. I would find my own way back to her. . An hour or so later Sam returned with a cheerful look. “We're goin' to be married,” he whispered, as he almost broke my hand. “When?”