Ruth made her chance to see him alone and let him know at once what was in her heart. She stood before him white and tremulous.
“What about Rowan, Governor?”
He shook his head. “I wish I could do what you want. In a couple of years I can, but not yet.”
She bit her lip. The big tears came into her eyes and splashed over.
“Now don’t you—don’t you,” he pleaded, stroking her hand in his big ones. “I’d do it if I could—if I were free to follow my own wishes. But I’m not.”
Softly she wept.
“Get me some new evidence—something to prove that Mac didn’t shoot Gilroy himself—and I’ll see what I can do. You see how it is, Ruth. Someone shot him while he was unarmed. All five of them pleaded guilty. If Mac’s lawyers can find the man that did the killing I’ll parole the others. That’s the best I can do for you.”
With that promise Ruth had to be content.