"He told me you were dead.

.

.

and I believed him!" The manner of her greeting was delightful to one who had faced death for her sake many times during the past hour, yet Hozier was so surprised by its warmth that he could find never a word at the moment.
But he had the good sense to throw aside the shattered rifle and return her embrace with interest.

Long ago exhausted in body, his mind reeled now under the bewildering knowledge that this most gracious woman did truly love him.