He could only feel that these, his people, were strong only in their speed and in their timidity, and he felt power to rule and protect them.

For he who had fought man, and won, had surely nothing to dread from beasts.

The great moment of his life had come to him not in the crushing of the Mexican or the baffling of the mountain lion or the defeat of the black leader but in the first gentle kindness that had ever softened his stern spirit.

He was used to battle; but these, his people, accepted him.

He was used to suspicion and trickery but these trusted him blindly.