# III: Amber Spring explained — Riders of the Purple Sage

> Chapter companion for Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.

## What happens

Venters and Lassiter discuss the story of Milly Erne, a woman who was broken by the Mormon community after her child was stolen. They visit Amber Spring, a beautiful oasis that sustains Jane Withersteen's estate. Venters recounts his own history and his growing conflict with Tull, while Lassiter reveals his past acquaintance with Oldring. The chapter ends with Venters observing the tense atmosphere in Cottonwoods and reflecting on the looming storm over Jane.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religious Conflict and Persecution

Milly Erne's story exemplifies the persecution of those who defy Mormon authority, including the theft of her child and her eventual death.

### Individual vs. Community

Venters and Lassiter stand as individuals against the collective power of the Mormon community, which operates in secret and enforces conformity.

### Justice and Vengeance

Lassiter's arrival portends a reckoning, and Venters' gun practice signals his readiness for a violent confrontation with Tull.

## Character check-ins

### Venters

Tells Lassiter the story of Milly Erne and his own history; practices his gun skills; observes the village's tension.

### Lassiter

Listens to Milly Erne's story; drinks from Amber Spring; reveals past acquaintance with Oldring; questions Venters about his gun skills.

### Jane Withersteen

Mentioned as Milly Erne's only real friend; owner of Amber Spring; appears briefly leading a horse in the barnyard.

### Milly Erne

Her tragic story is recounted: a woman who lost her child to the Mormons and died of a broken heart.

### Tull

Mentioned as Venters' antagonist; seen riding at night with Jerry Card; his cottage is dark.

### Oldring

Mentioned as a rustler who visits Cottonwoods; known to Lassiter from past cattle drives.

## Key lines

> She was a slip of a woman, and crazy on religion. I conceived an idea that I never mentioned—I thought she was at heart more Gentile than Mormon.

Venters describes Milly Erne as a frail woman obsessed with religion, but he privately suspected she was more Gentile than Mormon.

_Reveals the hidden religious identity and internal conflict of Milly Erne._

> That wrecked Milly Erne. But she lived on in hope. She became a slave. She worked her heart and soul and life out to get back her child.

The loss of her child destroyed Milly Erne, yet she continued to hope and worked tirelessly to recover her daughter.

_Highlights the theme of love and sacrifice, and the devastating impact of the community's actions._

> I promised Jane Withersteen I'd try to avoid Tull. I'll keep my word. But sooner or later Tull and I will meet. As I feel now, if he even looks at me I'll draw!

Venters says he gave Jane his word to avoid Tull, but he expects a confrontation and is ready to shoot if provoked.

_Foreshadows the inevitable violent clash between Venters and Tull._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riders_of_the_purple_sage_se/chapters/iii-amber-spring
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riders_of_the_purple_sage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riders_of_the_purple_sage_se/chapters