The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey: me. But now, Jim, for once in your life take a word of advice from me. We're
out on the frontier, where every man looks after himself. Your being a
minister won't protect you here where every man wears a knife and a tomahawk,
and where most of them are desperadoes. Cut out that soft voice and most of
your gentle ways, and be a little more like your brother. Be as kind as you
like, and preach all you want to; but when some of these buckskin-legged
frontiermen try to walk all over you, as they will, take your own part in a
way you have never taken it before. I had my lesson the first few days out
with that wagon-train. It was a case of four fights; but I'm all right now."
"Joe, I won't run, if that's what you mean," answered Jim, with a laugh.
"Yes, I understand that a new life begins here, and I am content. If I can
 The Spirit of the Border |