He saw Gertrude sitting on a chair, the picture of misery. The hot tears were flowing down her cheeks.
The sight went straight to his heart, and without waiting to think of results, he leaped from the barrel, pulled away the wire, and flung the shutters open. Then he lifted the window, which had been pulled down, but not fastened.
Gertrude heard the noise and leaped up in fresh alarm. But when she saw our hero she gave a cry of joy.
"Oh, Nelson! will you help me?" she gasped.
"Certainly I'll help you, Miss Gertrude," he answered. "What are they doing—keeping you a prisoner here?"
"Something like that. Mr. Bulson was here and went out to get a coach, so that he could take me away. Mr. Pepper is on guard in his saloon."
"Just come with me, and you'll be safe."
Gertrude came to the window, and Nelson helped her into the alleyway. Just as she leaped from the window Sam Pepper unlocked the door and opened it.
"Stop!" roared the man. "Stop, I say!"
"Don't stop!" said Nelson, and caught Gertrude by the hand. Dark as it was, the boy knew the narrow and dirty thoroughfare well, and soon led his companion to the street beyond. Pepper came as far as the window, and called after them once more, but did not dare to follow further.