“They will never be uttered.”
“That means that I will be aided to escape?”
“Yes.”
“I thank you for your unintentional kindness, and I regret that my love of life will not permit me to prove my appreciation by making you a widow. Good-by, Nina.”
“Good-by, Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw,” and with a little laugh she glided out of the door, not hearing his muttered words:
“Now with my sister to aid me, as she surely will, and Nina de Sutro, the gallows will never see me its victim.”
“You can return to your post, sentinel, close to the cabin,” said Nina, as she passed the soldier, who gave her an officer’s salute and obeyed.
Straight to headquarters went Nina de Sutro, and sent her name in to Colonel Dunwoody, asking an interview. The colonel came out himself to receive her, and, walking with her to the end of the piazza, apart from the sentinel on duty, placed a chair for her.
“This is an unexpected honor,” he said pleasantly.
“I have come on business, Colonel Dunwoody.”