Zane Grey

“ He leaned out of the window while Helen stood near him with a hand on his quivering shoulder. When at last he turned, his face was colorless, white as marble, and sad, and set, and stern.
"Lass, it mustn't be; I'll not ruin your life."
"But you will if you give me up."
"No, no, lass."
"I cannot live without you."
"You must. My life is not mine to give."
"But you love me."
"I am a borderman."
"I will not live without you."
"Hush! lass, hush!"
"I love you."
Jonathan breathed hard; once more the tremor, which seemed pitiful in such a strong man, came upon him. His face was gray. ”

“ The borderman bowed and bent like a broken reed.
"Listen," she whispered, coming closer to him, "go if you must leave me; but let this be your last trail. Come back to me, Jack, come back to me! You have had enough of this terrible life; you have won a name that will never be forgotten; you have done your duty to the border. The Indians and outlaws will be gone soon. Take the farm your brother wants you to have, and live for me. We will be happy. I shall learn to keep your home. ”

“ Go out upon your last trail, Jack, and come back to me."
"An' let Wetzel go always alone?"
"He is different; he lives only for revenge. What are those poor savages to you? You have a better, nobler life opening."
"Lass, I can't give him up."
"You need not; but give up this useless seeking of adventure. That, you know, is half a borderman's life. Give it up, Jack, it not for your own, then for my sake." ”