Page:Max Brand--The Seventh Man.djvu/320

306 It's just that bein' alone with him has brought out what she really is.”

“I won't believe you, Buck. I don't dare listen to you!”

“You got to listen, Kate, because you know I'm right. D'you think that any kind of teachin' could make her learn how to stand and keep from cryin' when she was whipped?”

“I know.”

She spoke softly, as if some terrible power might overhear them talk, and Buck lowered his voice in turn. “She's wild, Kate, I knew it when I seen the way she handled Bart. She's wild!”

“Then I'll have her tame again.”

“You tried that once and failed.”

“Dan was a man when I tried, and his nature was formed. Joan is only a baby—my baby. She's half mine. She has my hair and my eyes.”

“I don't care what the color of her eyes is, I know what's behind them. Look at 'em, and then tell me who she takes after.”

“Buck, why do you talk like this? What do you want me to do?”

“A hard thing. Send Joan back to Dan.”

“Never!”

“He'll never give her up, I tell you.”

“Oh, God help me. What shall I do? I'll keep her! I'll make her tame.”