Then, knowing nothing of Nick’s journey to the West, he arranged for taking her home.
They started on a train that left Helena just as Nick and Dinsmore returned after a successful chase of the ruffians.
It had taken them most of the night, but they had rescued the governor and caught three of the gang, though Hamilton, the leader, had escaped.
Leonard had been shot through the heart by the leader when it came to the last fight out in the hills miles beyond Helena.
The governor confessed bitterly that he and Leonard had been engaged in a business that could not be called quite square years before.
“For my reputation,” said the governor, “I had to keep certain papers, and Leonard wanted them, fearing that I would give them up some time, and so ruin him. We feared each other.
“So he hired a band of ruffians to steal the papers. They not only stole mine, but, without knowing it, a number of government documents, also. Then, to make a complete job of it, they kidnaped my daughter.
“I dared not trust my secrets to the police, or to you, Mr. Carter. When Leonard found that the ruffians would not give up the papers without an immense ransom, that he was unable to pay, he told me what he had done. It was for the interest of both of us to keep the matter dark, and he thought he could drive a bargain with the thieves.
“So I got together all the cash I could and we tried it.
“We went from city to city, but whether Leonard saw the leader anywhere, I do not know. At last, I told him I should give the matter to Nick Carter.