“It is not so, for I was robbed of everything,” said the outlaw with ready lie, for he had then upon him some gold, paper money, and valuables to the amount of ten thousand dollars.
“Well, brother, I am not sorry, for that which you had had been gained dishonorably and would have brought you bad luck. I will give you ten thousand dollars in bills, which you can carry easily, and when I know in the future that you have reformed, that you have atoned for the past all that lies within your power, then will I share with you the fortune that I possess.”
“You are very kind to me, Ruth; but I believe if I had more money now I could invest it so well that you would not have to give me a cent.”
“I cannot give you more now, brother; but should you need it, you know where I told you to write to me, and I will readily help you. But have you decided where you will go?”
“Yes, I shall go to South America somewhere and invest my money there.”
“Well, may success attend you, brother, wherever you go. But now I have to ask a favor of you.”
“Granted.”
“Here is our mother’s prayer-book and in it is a lock of her hair. Will you clasp this sacred book in your hand, grasp mine with the other, and solemnly vow to me your pledge of reformation of your life and atonement for your past sins as far as is within your power to do so?”
A cloud swept over the face of the outlaw, but he answered:
“I will.”