“Dan, tell me. It will be the last act of your life, and one which you will not be ashamed to offer to the majestic Judge before whom you are about to appear.”
If the boy had tried to suppress these words he would have failed. They forced themselves to his lips.
Deadly Dan did not move a muscle. He merely shot a rapid glance at the gallows overhead, and then permitted his eye to follow the rope to the noose in Red Crest’s hand.
“For the last time, boy, I say, proceed with the execution.”
A groan of disappointment fell from the young judge’s lips; but it was quickly followed by a stern command.
“Now fix the noose, Red Crest.”
Almost before the last word had left his tongue, the Indian’s hand executed an upward move and the noose of the strong lariat dropped over Dan’s head, and was tightened with a jerk.
Then the other end of the cord was fastened to the girth of the horse which the prisoner rode, and Red Crest stepped back, his work evidently done.
It was a moment fraught with the most intense interest.
The young Jeffries looked at his prisoner, and caught his eye.