“I would have been considered deuced clever had I gotten a big ransom for her return and escaped from harm’s way.”
“But you did not?”
“That is owing to Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell hanging so persistently upon my trail, and having me under suspicion, aided by that miner, Deadshot Dean, running me to earth as he did. Luck was against me in spite of my holding trumps.”
“Well, as you have put your head in the noose you must abide the consequences.”
The man laughed, and then replied:
“I am one never to yield to odds, and they are heavy against me now. Feeling as I do, I have sent for you that I might ask you to aid me to escape.”
“I cannot.”
“I say that you shall.”
“I could not do so.”
“You must find a way, for you are as ingenious as you are beautiful, and you have money, and that is half the victory won. If you refuse, then I shall, at the last moment, before ascending the steps of the gallows, ask to speak a word and will name you as my wife. You know me, so do you abide the consequences, Nina, my wife.”