"To curse your own sweet girl like this you must be one or the other--a single child who has always been good to you.

Well, as you are to ride with me on Monday, I pray that you will keep your temper under control, lest it should bring us into trouble, and you also.

As for you, Marie, my dear, do not fret because a wild beast has tried to toss you with his horns, although he happens to be your father.

On Monday morning you pass out of his power into your own, and on that day I will marry you to Allan Quatermain here.

Meanwhile, I think you are safest away from this father of yours, who might take to cutting your throat instead of that tobacco.