She stopped him with a gesture, her face flushing very warm.
"Don't!" she entreated, in a low voice. "At least, you are his own brother! But it is for my sake more than yours. I cannot explain. Do not embarrass me! But promise me you will go—for my sake!"
Having a quick perception, Frank suddenly fancied he caught an inkling of the truth. In that moment he saw Mrs. Arlington dealing with Cimarron Bill. It was a conjecture, but it struck him hard as the truth.
This, then, was the reason why June wished him to flee from Holbrook. She feared that her mother somehow would become involved in the murder in case Cimarron Bill should carry into execution his dastardly purpose.
Of course, it was not possible for him to be sure he had struck upon the truth.
"It is hard for me to refuse a girl when she corners me like this," he smiled.
"You'll go?" persisted June.
"If you insist."
"Oh, thank you—thank you! I shall not breathe easy until I know you are well out of this dreadful place."