A glance from Captain Mason sent Christopher to her side.
“It’s me, ma’am.”
Her father released her, and she turned in astonishment to Christopher. Annabel had a sense of the ludicrous, but one of tenderness also. She saw the angel behind the clown. Smiles went with her tears as she gave him her hand.
“You mustn’t go,” leaked his thin voice.
“Why?”
“They need you.” His gesture swept the camp.
She was silent while she dried her eyes.
“Yes,” she said, “but——”
“Them there savagers ud eat you.”
“But my father———”