I was no egotist, no lady-killer, but I recognized now that I loved this girl, and had read in her eyes the message of hope.

Mine was, at least, a fighting chance, and fighting was my trade.

I liked it better so, finding the lady more alluring because of the barrier between us, the zest of combat quickening my desire.

Already I began to plan meeting her again, now that the campaign had turned our faces southward.

Back beyond those wooded hills some freak of fate must lead me right, some swirl of fortune afford me opportunity.