CHAPTER XL.
THE MAN AT LAST This new alliance with Mrs.Busk not only refreshed my courage, but helped me forward most importantly.

In truth, if it had not been for this I never could have borne what I had to bear, and met the perils which I had to meet.

For I had the confidence of feeling now that here was some one close at hand, an intelligent person, and well acquainted with the place and neighborhood, upon whom I could rely for warning, succor, and, if the worst should come to the very worst, revenge.

It is true that already I had Jacob Rigg, and perhaps the protector promised by my cousin; but the former was as ignorant as he was honest, and of the latter, as he made no sign, how could I tell any thing?
Above all things, Mrs.Busk's position, as mistress of the letters, gave me very great advantage both for offense and defense.

For without the smallest breach of duty or of loyal honor she could see that my letters passed direct to me or from me, as the case might be, at the same time that she was bound to observe all epistles addressed to strangers or new-comers in her district, which extended throughout the valley.