The clerk and one of the detectives retired to an adjacent hut, and soon called Jim. Jim joined them, and immediately he and the officer returned to the prisoner.
“It’s all right, Maxley,” said the officer; “let him go.”
The officer removed the handcuffs, and Ethelbert Brown was free. His first motion was to seize Jim’s hand.
“Hockson, tell me why you helped those detectives,” said he.
“Revenge!” replied Jim.
“For what?” cried Brown, changing color.
“Gaining Millie Botayne’s love,” replied Jim.
Brown looked at Millicent, and read the story from her face.
He turned toward Jim a wondering look, and asked, slowly:
“Then, why did you free me?”