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referring, but their fascinated stares told him little. "I went to Oregon by the ocean route as a child, so when I first crossed the narrow path that was to become the Oregon Trail I traversed it in reverse, going from the coast to Independence. Had I not known, when I served for the first time as a scout for a wagon train in 1843, that the beauty which awaited us was worth our sacrifice, I would have been among the first to turn back. There were few families on that trip that did not lose someone: a precious child, a dearly loved wife, a pretty bride as each of you ladies will be. The trail has killed the strongest of men, but the suffering it inflicts upon women is especially cruel. I want all of you to take a few moments to reflect upon your own lives, to consider in your hearts the warm and safe homes you are leaving behind, the dear relatives you may never see again. I will not fault any of you who wishes to withdraw her application. I will place them upon the table by the door, simply remove yours as you leave. This decision is the most important one you will ever make, and I caution you to weigh your choices carefully; for once the Oregon Trail is begun, you will not be able to turn back."
    As Jason carried the neatly printed application forms to the front of the room, he saw Cabrielle MacLaren standing just inside the^door. How long she'd been listening he didn't know, but he could tell by her expression that she had counted those present and knew she had no chance of being included in the group unless someone left. He had not thought the mere sight of her sad, sweet smile would stir him so, yet he found her even

    more lovely than he had the previous afternoon. Walking to her side, he whispered softly, "Please wait a moment longer, some are sure to leave."
    Gabrielle disagreed and said so. "After that impassioned plea none will dare admit to having so little courage as to back out. You have your twenty brides, Mr. Royal, I'm certain of it."
    Jason was unconvinced, but when, as she had predicted, none of the young women stirred, he turned his back on the room so they might converse with some degree of privacy. "You mean I only strengthened their resolve, my warnings did not discourage them?"
    "I am certain their decision was made as mine was, the very moment I chanced to read your advertisement." Gabrielle had been able to observe little other than the young women's proud posture as they sat on the edges of their chairs. "You have a determined group here, but as you can see, there is no place for me.
    She lifted her chin proudly, for she was positive he'd not forgotten her refusal to consider some alternative arrangement for her passage. She'd not be going to Oregon with his wagon train. It seemed that her aunt had reached from beyond the grave to ruin her plans for living at least part of the dream she'd had with Beau. She'd not cry again; she'd keep her sorrow to herself as she'd learned to do. She extended her hand to say goodbye.
    "I wish you good luck, Mr. Royal. I hope your journey is both a safe and swift one regardless of your fears."
    "My fears are well founded in experience. Miss MacLaren, but I insist you remain a moment longer to hear what I have to say. It was no mere chance that you happened to see our advertisement, but fate. Another bachelor has joined our list of clients and we need to provide twenty-one brides instead of twenty. If my speech did not have the desired effect upon the others, did it influence you to return to Liberty or do you still wish to go with us?"
    Gabrielle tried to read the expression in Jason's eyes. They

    were gray—she saw their color clearly now—a deep, piercing gray, and she knew she had to respond with the utmost tact. "I want very much to go to Oregon, to have a home and a husband waiting for me to arrive would make the journey worthwhile no matter what the risk. I only hope that what happened between us last night will not make the trip an impossible one for