She pondered.
Attention to the wounded man occupied Ellen; and soon she redoubled her activities in this regard, finding in them something of protection against Colter.
He had waylaid her as she went to a spring for water, and with a lunge like that of a bear he had tried to embrace her.

But Ellen had been too quick.
"Wal, are y'u goin' away with me ?" he demanded.
"No.

I'll stick by my uncle," she replied.
That motive of hers seemed to obstruct his will.

Ellen was keen to see that Colter and his comrades were at a last stand and disintegrating under a severe strain.

Nerve and courage of the open and the wild they possessed, but only in a limited degree.