There was no obvious reason for it and the difficulties she must overcome were greater than she had thought; but she felt that she would succeed.

After all, her father had loved her best, she was making the search for his sake, and when she reached the scene of his efforts she would find some help.

The hope was, of course, illogical and she was a teacher of science; but it was unshakable and comforted her.

Then she mused about her father's life in the wilds.
Something had happened to him, for she had noted Thirlwell's reserve.
Perhaps bitter disappointment had broken him down; she did not know and would not ask.

It was enough that he had loved her; she was satisfied with this..