"That is for you to decide, Persis," Forbes said. "I have two letters here, two requests." He produced two formidable official envelopes. "I have influence enough to get either of them granted."
"What are they?" she asked, terrified by the documents.
"This is an acknowledgment of the order and a statement that I take the train to-morrow for New Mexico."
"New Mexico!" Persis gasped. "I shouldn't see you again for a long, long while."
"Never."
"Then I choose that you send the other letter, of course," she spoke almost gaily. "What is it?"
"My resignation from the service."
"Your resignation?" she gasped. "Why should you resign?"
"To avoid court-martial for the crime of stealing another man's wife. Either you go away with me where your husband can't follow, or I go away where you can't follow."
"You don't mean to force a choice like that on me?" she protested. He nodded grimly.