There had been things so much more vital.

But youth, and there is ever the way of a man with a maid.
Now, Kathlyn did not love this quiet, resourceful young man, at least if she did she was not yet aware of it; but the touch of his hand and the sound of his voice sent a shiver over her that was not due to the chill of the night.

She heard him give his orders, low voiced.
"Do not lift your head above the howdah rim, Miss Kathlyn, till we are in the jungle.

And don't worry about your father.

He's alive, and that's enough for Ahmed and me.