“Because, Frank—because I feel sure you would forgive me everything, could you know all.”
“Is there a reason, then, that you will make no explanation?”
“Yes, a most important one. If I could, I would tell you—but I cannot,” she said.
“Yet you were aware of my arrest, my imprisonment without trial, and transportation?”
“True. I knew of your arrest an hour after it had taken place.”
“And it was you who planned my escape?”
“It was. Had I not been successful, you would now be working in the Kara silver mines, enduring that living death which is a worse punishment than the gallows,” she replied, shuddering.
“For your timely assistance in that matter I must thank you,” I said. “Yet it is only fair that I should know the nature of my unknown offence, and the reason of my arrest I presume you are aware of it?”
“No, do not thank me, Frank. It was in my power to help you, and I did so. It was but my duty.”
“But why was I imprisoned?” I asked.