Mrs. Dalton yet said nothing, her eye following the pistol. She noted that Tony had not thrown it very far away.
Tony, who was studying her countenance with a full knowledge of the fact that his life depended upon the outcome of the interview, read her impression that the casting aside of the pistol was but a ruse. "Lady," said Tony, "I have caught hold of your horse to keep you from going away from me frightened, for the white people will kill me on a mere suspicion of wrong intention on my part. I am harmless. I used to live out here."
This last remark increased Mrs. Dalton's agitation. She had heard of Harry Dalton, knew nothing of his death and feared that this was he, returning for vengeance.
"I got into trouble in the city and am running away. That's how I am out here so early."
"Oh, he is a criminal," said Mrs. Dalton, excitedly.
Tony saw that talking did not better his case, so he stopped. He bowed his head to meditate.
Mrs. Dalton thought that he was planning an attack, and her agitation was increasing every second.
"Plague on it!" said Tony. "I am in a pretty fix. I'll swear I wish those 'cops' had me safe in prison. I have swapped the witch for the devil."
Addressing Mrs. Dalton he said: "Well, lady, I'll let you go and take my chances."
As soon as Tony turned loose the bridle Mrs. Dalton gave whip to her horse, intending to flee as fast as the speed of the animal would permit. Tony saw that his action in turning the horse loose had not inspired confidence in the woman and that she was leaving him fully impressed that his purposes were evil. He now decided to take advantage of every circumstance that he could to save his life.