This fellow was not half a man.

It was not conceivable what he could do, except annoy her, until she arrived at Pine.

Her uncle was to meet her or send for her at Snowdrop, which place, Helen knew, was distant a good long ride by stage from Magdalena.
This stage-ride was the climax and the dread of all the long journey, in Helen's considerations.
"Oh, Nell!" cried Bo, with delight.

"We're nearly there! Next station, the conductor said." "I wonder if the stage travels at night," said Helen, thoughtfully.
"Sure it does!" replied the irrepressible Bo.
The train, though it clattered along as usual, seemed to Helen to fly.
There the sun was setting over bleak New Mexican bluffs, Magdalena was at hand, and night, and adventure.

Helen's heart beat fast.