“And why not now?”
“Because you know that your attack on Surgeon Powell will cause the wildest excitement at the fort. Of course, it will be known that you escaped, and Colonel Dunwoody will have half his force on your track, for Surgeon Powell will be supposed to have been killed, and that will make those who search for him most revengeful.”
“That is so, sister.”
“I am sorry that this was not an escape without violence, and, as I fear, the death of the driver.”
“How could it be without violence or death with the Surgeon Scout along, Ruth, for you know it would have been easier to have mastered a guard of half a dozen men than Powell, unless by a blow when he did not expect it. He is an extraordinary man.”
“Yes, he is, and I am glad it is no worse. But now here are some things for you to put on, and you are to come with me to Pocket City. I will ride on ahead and enter my wing of the hotel, and when you hear the whippoorwill cry do you then come directly to my gate in the stockade wall.”
“I understand.”
“I will have your room ready, and will bring you your food myself, while I am arranging for your departure.”
“You are most kind to me, Ruth. But then you always have been.”
“I wish to be, and I hope to help you to lead a different life, my brother.”