He had come prepared to console, but, instead, had found the young girl cool and with apparently knowledge which he did not possess regarding the man whom Harding had said he believed was her lover. "I know it, Doctor Dick." "May I ask how?" "I have just been a captive of the outlaws myself, and in coming here from their secret retreat we met two of the road-agents with a prisoner. The leader had some talk with them, but though I at once recognized Mr. Brandon, I was not allowed to speak with him." "Did you request it?" "Naturally." "But were refused?" "Yes." "Was any reason given?" "Simply that I would not be allowed to, and, if I did, Mr. Brandon would not know me, as he was crazy, while they did not care to have me do so." "Where was this, Miss Seldon?" "A short distance after we left their retreat." "Could you lead the way to their retreat?" "No, for I was blindfolded and bound miles before reaching there." "The outlaw chief did this?" "He was not along, but it was done by his orders." "Did you not speak to him of it?" "I have not seen him since." "Why, was not that the chief who gave you over to me to-day?" "No, sir." "I certainly thought so." "It was his lieutenant, who took me to the retreat and back under his orders." "And where is the chief?" "At his other hiding-place, his men said." "You were well treated, I hope, Miss Seldon?" "With perfect respect and consideration, sir, I am happy to say, the only indignity being that I was blindfolded and had my hands bound in approaching and leaving the outlaw retreat; but I suppose that was necessary for the safety of the band." "You certainly take it most coolly." "Why do otherwise, sir?" "Do you know the motive of the road-agents in making that poor crazy fellow a prisoner?" "Money." "How do you mean?" "They doubtless captured his baggage, and discovered by it papers that went to show that a big ransom would be paid for his release." "Ah! they will demand a ransom for him, then?" "Assuredly." "The miners will hardly pay it if it is a large sum." "I do not ask them to do so." "You do not?" "No." "Who will pay it, then?" "I will." "You?" "Certainly." "Pardon me, but you are a young girl, and----" "A rich one, nevertheless, Doctor Dick. I sent Mr. Brandon to the West on this mission, and he has met with misfortune. I will pay the ransom demanded, take him East, and place him in the care of the most eminent surgeons, that they may aid him if it is possible. You, as a skilled surgeon, for such I have heard you were, might tell me what you deem the chances are for his recovery?" "Miss Seldon, the blow of that bullet caused an indenture of the skull, which might be operated upon and successfully raised so as to restore his reason. The chances are ninety-nine to a hundred against success, and only the most skilful surgeon and nervy one could accomplish it, if done."