"I feel some apprehension, I confess. You know what a wicked man he is, and what terrible passions he has. I know more of him than you do, Russel."
"I suppose you do," he replied in a tone of slight reproof.
"What do you mean by that?" she asked, looking up in his face with a reproachful expression in her mild blue eyes.
"Oh, nothing!" he laughed, kissing her glowing cheek.
"I mean I know more of him, Russel, because he has plagued me more with his presence than he has you. I dreaded him as I did a serpent, and when I, at last, told him I never wished to see him again, he left me with a curse. O Russel! it was not me alone that he cursed, but you! He swore that he would kill you, for he knew you were the cause of it, and he said I should suffer, too."
"You are not alarmed for me, Marian?"
"Yes, for I shall fear his power as long as he lives. I almost wish that father would remain here, but there is no persuading him, and I shall not falter at the last moment."
"I cannot share your apprehension. You are going to a settlement which is well-guarded, and whose inhabitants are experienced in Indian warfare. I can see no reason for fear."
"I trust there is not, but if I ever get there I shall look anxiously for my parents and your arrival."
The two conversed longer upon the departure tomorrow, and discussed their plans for the future, until, when the storm had ceased, our hero took his departure.