I would not have hit him, but he is a stronger man than I." "Oh, you were justified.

It was done to protect me.

I knew you must be somewhere near." "You were waiting for me ?" "Yes--no; not exactly that.

I was in the summer house; I did not mean you should see me, but I wished to be sure of your escape; I--I--of course I was anxious." "I can easily understand that, for you have assumed much risk--even ventured the life of the devoted Peter." "Oh, no; you rate my devotion too high by far.

Peter's life has not been endangered." "But the guard told me he was the direct cause of all that firing beyond the ravine." The starlight revealed the swift merriment in her eyes.
"I--I--well, I believe he was originally responsible, but--well, you see I know Peter, Major Lawrence, and really there is no danger that he will get hurt.