Every step you take is one of danger, and
every effort you make to flee from that danger, may but drive you nearer to
destruction. Such is the nature of your enemy's operations, that while they
are secret, they are sure; and so thoroughly has every preparation been
made, and so exact has every minute particular been examined and attended
to, there is no possibility of his scheme failing, and equally no
possibility for you to escape."
"Your words are words of doom. How am I to interpret your enigmatical
conduct? But now I thought you a friend, come to give me timely warning to
guard against threatened danger, when, all at once, you declare my
situation a hopeless one! If you _are_ my friend, why not warn me sooner,
and in time?"
This was said in a firm manner, and gave the stranger to understand he had
no common, timid nature to deal with. The truth was, the thought had
flashed across Ellen's mind that this man was some way connected with
Durant, perhaps employed by him, and she began to conclude it might be a
trick to frighten her, after all. If so, or if not, she determined to meet
boldly what he had to say. The man perceived the change, and replied:
"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.
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