Hayward did not move a muscle, but Mamie, with a groan of agony, half suppressed, threw her arms around her brother's neck, and clung the closer.
"It will be interesting to die thus, noble captain, knowing that your friends are but a few miles distant. And those lovely arms which now encircle you, will not wish to clasp your neck when you are cold in death. They shall be removed to mine!"
Mamie had started to her feet, and staggering forward, she knelt before the wretch, and sobbed:
"Oh! spare my brother!"
"Mamie!" shrieked Hayward. "Up!"
The maiden started, and sprang into her brother's arms again.
"Forgive a moment of weakness, my brother!" she said, as she caressed him.
"Miss Hayward," said Branch, "Your brother's life may be saved. General Price offered him a pardon, if he would accept a commission in our army. Persuade him to accept it."
Miss Hayward glanced at her brother, and then turning to Branch, she replied:
"And become companion with such as you?"