"Father, ask him to remain here. We shall not disturb him, I am
sure, in our talking. And, moreover, if you knew how much I owe to
him--to his own bravery and his strength--you would understand how
much safer I feel when he is close to me, though we are surrounded by
an army of our brave mountaineers."

"But, my daughter," I said, for I was as yet all in ignorance, "there
are confidences between father and daughter which none other may
share. Some of what has been I know, but I want to know all, and it
might be better that no stranger--however valiant he may be, or no
matter in what measure we are bound to him--should be present." To
my astonishment, she who had always been amenable to my lightest wish
actually argued with me:

"Father, there are other confidences which have to be respected in
like wise. Bear with me, dear, till I have told you all, and I am
right sure that you will agree with me. I ask it, father."

That settled the matter, and as I could see that the gallant
gentleman who had rescued me was swaying on his feet as he waited
respectfully, I said to him:

"Rest with us, sir. We shall watch over your sleep."

Then I had to help him, for almost on the instant he sank down, and I
had to guide him to the rugs spread on the ground. In a few seconds
he was in a deep sleep. As I stood looking at him, till I had
realized that he vas really asleep, I could not help marvelling at
the bounty of Nature that could uphold even such a man as this to the