Nell's worn face, her beseeching eyes and trembling hands touched his heart.
Rather than almost anything else, he desired to please her, to strengthen her; yet how could he shirk his duty?
"Nellie, what is it you fear ?" he asked, holding her hands tightly.
"Oh, I don't know what--everything.

Uncle is growing weaker every day.

Look at Mr.Young; he is only a shadow of his former self, and this anxiety is wearing Mr.Heckewelder out.

He is more concerned than he dares admit.

You needn't shake your head, for I know it.
Then those Indians who are waiting, waiting--for God only knows what! Worse than all to me, I saw that renegade, that fearful beast who made way with poor dear Kate!" Nell burst into tears, and leaned sobbing on Jim's shoulder.
"Nell, I've kept my courage only because of you," replied Jim, his voice trembling slightly.
She looked up quickly.