After that the heavy tread of boots sounded on the porch of the cabin opposite.

A door creaked on its hinges.

Next a slow footstep, accompanied by clinking of spurs, approached Ellen's door, and a heavy hand banged upon it.

She knew this person could not be her father.
"Hullo, Ellen!" She recognized the voice as belonging to Colter.

Somehow its tone, or something about it, sent a little shiver clown her spine.