“As you ask it, Miss Arden, I will.”
“And you, brother?”
“I will only protect my life,” was the guarded answer of the outlaw.
“Then give me the key of these manacles.”
They were handed to her, and the irons were unlocked and thrown over the horn of the saddle.
“Now, Doctor Powell, I desire to get you to a place of safety as soon as possible, and see what can be done for you. Brother, my horse is fresh and able to carry double, so mount behind me.”
This the outlaw did, and she rode on through the gathering darkness.
Arriving in the vicinity of Hangman’s Gulch, Ruth paused and said:
“Brother, you know that it will not do for you to be seen, and I have a hiding-place for you, where you can be safe until you have an opportunity of leaving this country. You have no fear of Hangman’s Gulch, so remain here until I return for you later, for now I shall go on with Major Powell to the hotel.”
The outlaw made no reply and obeyed, and Ruth rode on with Surgeon Powell by her side.