“There is, then, a conflict of authority, it would seem, between the military and the civil authorities regarding me?”
“Well, no, only there were crimes alleged to have been committed by you in the State of Illinois, which the governor wishes to try you for. My authority is here, for your crimes committed upon the border, but this requisition takes precedence in that you are said to be an escaped convict and your crimes were committed against the State of Illinois prior to your lawless deeds on this frontier. That is all there is in it, Mr. Arden.”
“I thank you, sir; but is there no possibility that I can be kept here for my execution and not be sent back to Illinois?”
“I can see none.”
“You could not assume the responsibility of detaining me?”
“I could not, and, to be frank with you, Mr. Arden, I am more than glad that my hands will be clear of your execution.”
“Yet you offered a reward for my body, dead or alive?”
“Very true in the discharge of my duty, and were you my own brother I would have you hanged upon the day set. You are now to go out of my charge, and I am glad of it.”
“You do not appear to be revengeful, Colonel Dunwoody?”
“I am not, I hope, for it is a feeling one should be above allowing a place in his heart, from my standpoint.”