He looked at her thoughtfully.
"Child," he said, abruptly, "you need not fear me. I would not harm a hair on that little head, and yet, if I suffered you to go free, I suppose you would at once discover our hiding-place to our enemies."
Jaquelina remained perfectly silent.
"Is it not true?" he inquired, coldly.
She lifted her eyes and gazed at him defiantly.
"You mean that you would do so?" he said, interpreting her look aright.
"Yes, for it would be my duty to rid my neighborhood of such a scourge," she replied, very low.
Then there was a minute of perfect silence. The long lashes drooped upon her cheeks as the handsome outlaw studied her face.
Bowles came in with a small furnace filled with glowing coals, then silently withdrew.
"Draw near to the fire and dry your wet clothing," said the chief, abruptly.