Cut him horrible--made him suffer tortures of hell--all for Isbel revenge!" When Colter's husky voice ceased Ellen whispered through lips as cold and still as ice, "Let me go ...

leave me--heah--alone!" "Why, shore! I reckon I understand," replied Colter.

"I hated to tell y'u.

But y'u had to heah the truth aboot that half-breed....

I'll carry your pack in the cabin an' unroll your blankets." Releasing her, Colter strode off in the gloom.