Agnes. Ah! you believe he is innocent?
Jerden. Return with us, and I will prove him so.
Agnes. Who are you?
Jerden. One who has long loved you,—who, though a detective, has wealth and power to set your brother free, and surround you with every luxury.
Agnes. Why, this is madness. I know you not but as one to be despised, a man-hunter and a thief-taker.
Jerden. Nay, but I can explain—
Agnes. Nothing to satisfy me that you are not a base wretch seeking to profit by the anxiety of a sister. I remain here.
Jerden. Go you must and shall, even if I have to arrest you as the accomplice of your brother.
Agnes. You would not dare. I have only to raise my voice, to bring to my side a score of manly fellows, who would swing you from a tree, and free your prisoner. Here law is justice, and war on women a crime.
Jerden. And yet I dare. Your flight so soon after your brother, your being found here together, are strong proof of your complicity in the crime.