But she was thinking that this moment was the strangest that had ever happened to her.

By the light of the camp-fire she saw Dale's face, just as usual, still, darkly serene, expressing no thought.

He was kind, but he was not thinking of these sisters as girls, alone with him in a pitch-black forest, helpless and defenseless.

He did not seem to be thinking at all.

But Helen had never before in her life been so keenly susceptible to experience.
"I'll be close by an' keep the fire goin' all night," he said.
She heard him stride off into the darkness.