He had been friendless and alone.

He had been worse than friendless, indeed, since the only man for many miles about who knew him was his bitter enemy.

Now he had found that he could still inspire a man like Ernst with belief in his truthfulness and honesty, and the knowledge did him a lot of good.

And then, of course, he had another excellent reason for not being afraid.

He was entirely ignorant of the particular dangers that were ahead of him.