I shall be in the adjoining tent, and shall come at once if I am summoned, in case you wish for me before dawn." Here my daughter struck in: "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.