Riders of the Purple Sage · Chapter
XXI: Black Star and Night explained
Venters and Bess prepare to leave Surprise Valley, packing their belongings and freeing their pets.
What happens
Venters and Bess prepare to leave Surprise Valley, packing their belongings and freeing their pets. They ascend through the gorge, taking a last look at the valley. Meanwhile, at Cottonwoods, Lassiter and Jane Withersteen help Venters and Bess escape on the black horses, Black Star and Night. A tense confrontation occurs when Jane reveals that Venters killed Oldring, Bess's father, causing Bess to waver. Lassiter intervenes with a locket containing a portrait of Milly Erne, hinting at a deeper connection. The chapter ends with farewells and the riders departing into the sage.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Venters and Bess's love is tested by the revelation of Oldring's death, yet they choose to flee together, sacrificing their idyllic valley life for a chance at a future.
Redemption and Transformation
Lassiter experiences a profound inner change, feeling 'in the remaking' as he witnesses Jane's selflessness, while Bess and Venters seek a new life beyond their pasts.
Justice and Vengeance
The conflict between Tull's church authority and the riders' personal code of honor underscores the theme, as Venters and Bess flee the threat of retribution.
Characters to notice
- Venters
Leads Bess out of Surprise Valley, packs supplies, and later rides Night in the escape from Cottonwoods.
- Bess
Emotionally torn between leaving Surprise Valley and her love for Venters; learns of Venters killing her father Oldring, then is shown Milly Erne's locket.
- Jane Withersteen
Helps orchestrate the escape, gives Bess to Venters, and inadvertently reveals Venters killed Oldring, causing Bess distress.
- Lassiter
Provides escape instructions, shows Bess the locket of Milly Erne, and reassures Jane of Bess's innocence.
- Black Star
Ridden by Bess during the escape; praised as a swift and noble horse.
- Night
Ridden by Venters during the escape; paired with Black Star for speed.
Key passages
“Jane Withersteen was the incarnation of selflessness. He experienced wonder and terror, exquisite pain and rapture. What were all the shocks life had dealt him compared to the thought of such loyal and generous friendship? And instantly, as if by some divine insight, he knew himself in the remaking—tried, found wanting; but stronger, better, surer—and he wheeled to Jane Withersteen, eager, joyous, passionate, wild, exalted.”
Lassiter is overwhelmed by Jane's selfless nature, feeling a mix of awe and pain. He realizes that her friendship outweighs all his past hardships, and this insight transforms him, making him feel renewed and more determined.
Highlights Lassiter's emotional and spiritual transformation inspired by Jane's character.
““Jane, the girl is innocent!” he cried. “Can you expect me to believe that?” she asked, with weary, bitter eyes. “I’m not that kind of a liar. And you know it. If I lied—if I kept silent when honor should have made me speak, it was to spare you.””
Venters insists that Bess is innocent, but Jane is skeptical and bitter. Venters defends himself, saying he only lied to protect Jane from more pain.
Shows the tension between Venters and Jane over Bess's true nature and Venters's motives.
““Did—did you kill Oldring?” “I did, Bess, and I hate myself for it. But you know I never dreamed he was your father. I thought he’d wronged you. I killed him when I was madly jealous.””
Bess asks Venters if he killed Oldring, and he confesses, expressing regret. He explains he acted out of jealousy, not knowing Oldring was her father.
Reveals the critical moment of truth that threatens Venters and Bess's relationship.
““We—we can—th—think of it—always—re—remember,” sobbed Bess. “Hush! Don’t cry. Our valley has only fitted us for a better life somewhere. Come!””
Bess cries as they leave Surprise Valley, and Venters comforts her, saying the valley has prepared them for a better future elsewhere.
Captures the bittersweet departure from their sanctuary and Venters's hope for a new beginning.
