To save her feelings he instinctively softened the harsher features.

It did not do his own cause any good later.
"Oh, the wretch!" breathed Colina between set teeth.

"I know him! A sneaking little scoundrel! Just the one to shoot from behind! To think we must let him go! That is the hardest." Ambrose was silent.
"We must get the skin," she went on eagerly.

"Giddings can't handle the natives.

You do that for me." "It is too late," said Ambrose grimly.