Chapters 16 - 18 Summary

Chapter 16: Venters' return journey to Surprise Valley gives him plenty of time to regret not disclosing his relationship with Bess to Jane. Meanwhile Bess is thrilled by the abundant supplies Venters has brought from Cottonwoods. The supplies are enough to make them self-sufficient in the valley. Venters sorts through the supplies and begins to plan their future. In the planning, he gradually forgets his anger at Tull and his guilt about Jane. Bess goes to the caves to retrieve some supplies and Venters hears her scream. He sees the dark figure of a man and runs for his guns, but then recognizes Lassiter. Lassiter informs him that he trailed Venters to ensure his safety. Venters is shocked to realize he could be tracked to his hidden valley. He introduces Bess with a flush of guilt. Lassiter says nothing about Jane. Venters...