Cricket Creek Bog i.xi : who was ground down in the end

This couldn't be for nothing.  He wasn't about to let it be; he was desperate, and it showed.  I just want to bring her home.  Then I can forget this place.  He'd started over before.  He could do it again.

"Please," he asked again, this time moving closer.  "I don't want to kill you.  Just tell me.  Where is she?"

One thing.  Just one, and he'd leave her to it.  If she attacked him, fine.  He could handle that.  But please, please don't disappear.  Not without giving an answer first.