The outlaw gave a call, and the horsewoman who had not seen them up to that time came quickly toward them.
“Ruth!”
“Brother!”
The rider had thrown herself from her horse and was clasped in her brother’s arms, while she cried:
“You are free, and now you will remember your pledge to me to lead a different life.”
“I will keep my word to you, Ruth. But see, here is an old friend, and he is wounded and suffering.”
“Surgeon Powell!” cried Ruth, her face turning white, and then wheeling upon her brother she demanded sternly:
“What does this mean, sir?”
The eyes of Ruth flashed fire as she turned them upon her brother, whose face flushed under her gaze, while he said in an embarrassed manner:
“Do not be angry, Ruth, for no harm has been done, or very little at least, for the surgeon is not much hurt.”