“Well, Arden, your sister is here, and so take what comfort you can from her visit. She can remain an hour, and see you alone.”
“I thank you, sir,” and the outlaw bowed his head as the captain turned and left the cabin.
“I have told your brother of your coming, Miss Arden, and he is ready to receive you. I regret that I cannot free him of his irons while you are with him, but it cannot be.”
“I do not ask it, sir. He must not expect favors where he has shown none, and led the life he has,” was the reply.
The colonel then escorted Ruth to the door, and bowing, said:
“The sentinel will inform you, Miss Arden, when Miss Carr comes for you.”
Ruth bowed in silence, and entered the cabin.
Her brother sat there, in irons, his head bowed upon his hands. She turned pale at the sight, brave as she was, and stood for an instant regarding him. Then she said, softly:
“Arden, my brother.”
He arose slowly, his face pallid, and in silence extended his manacled hands. Either he was playing a part with perfect acting, or he felt deeply and despairingly his situation, and that she should see him thus.