"My seemingly enigmatical conduct is easily explained. It is true I have a long time been known to the fact that most determined designs of mischief were entertained against you, and that your enemy was ceaselessly at work to perfect his plans; but just as I was preparing to come to inform you of this state of affairs, I was so unfortunate as to be desperately wounded in battle with the Indians. I have but just recovered; the fresh scar you can see on my temple."
And brushing away the hair, he exposed a hardly healed, terrible gash. This appeared to satisfy his listener.
"I have, therefore, done the best I could, and you must charge the rest to fate—a fate whose inexorable decree I almost rebeled against bowing to. But I am here, my warning is given, and I can only regret that it comes so late."
These words and the exhibition of the scar restored Ellen's confidence in the stranger, and, with it, her fears returned. He perceived this, and proceeded:
"Though your case is a desperate one, there is still some hope; there is a possibility of your deliverance from impending peril."
"Then let me know how I am to act."
"I fear to do so."
"It may prove a desperate alternative."
"Nothing can be so dreadful as falling into the hands of my enemy."