“I wish to say to you, Surgeon Powell,” and Ruth turned toward him, “that I planned the escape of my brother from the gallows. I went to Chicago, got forged documents, and sent these men in my pay to play the detective and bring my brother away. “I was to have horses meet them at Deep Dell Brook, and it seems that so far as his escape is concerned all went well. In consideration for his escape he had pledged me to lead a different life, to reform. Now, when I supposed that there would be no trouble in his making his escape, no bloodshed, he appears here, when I come to meet him, with you in irons and a prisoner. I ask you, Surgeon Powell, what does it mean?” “Let your brother inform you, Miss Arden,” was the reply of Frank Powell. “Well, sir, what explanation have you to offer for this outrage upon Surgeon Powell?” “I wish to say, Ruth, that you are angry without a cause. Colonel Dunwoody sent Surgeon Powell along also, and there was but one way to escape, if I was to do so. The man Raymond dealt Horseshoe Ned a severe blow, and I struck the surgeon, but not to do him other harm than stun him. “The driver, I fear, was killed, for he fell from the box, while Surgeon Powell turned, drew his revolver, and fired upon Raymond, who also drew trigger at the same time. The surgeon killed Raymond, and you see that Doctor Powell received a slight wound in the shoulder. “There was nothing to be done then but to make Surgeon Powell a prisoner and bring him along. I discovered the men back in the valley, and we were upon our way to Pocket City, where I knew that you would do all in your power for the doctor.” “Gladly I will, and it is but seven miles to Pocket City, and we will go on at once. But there should have been no bloodshed in this escape, brother, for I meant that it should be a rescue wholly by strategy. Come, Surgeon Powell, you are no prisoner, so, brother, unlock those irons.” “And have him kill me?” “I shall take the parole of both of you to do no harm to each other. Will you give it, Surgeon Powell?” “As you ask it, Miss Arden, I will.” “And you, brother?” “I will only protect my life,” was the guarded answer of the outlaw. “Then give me the key of these manacles.” They were handed to her, and the irons were unlocked and thrown over the horn of the saddle. “Now, Doctor Powell, I desire to get you to a place of safety as soon as possible, and see what can be done for you. Brother, my horse is fresh and able to carry double, so mount behind me.” This the outlaw did, and she rode on through the gathering darkness. Arriving in the vicinity of Hangman’s Gulch, Ruth paused and said: “Brother, you know that it will not do for you to be seen, and I have a hiding-place for you, where you can be safe until you have an opportunity of leaving this country. You have no fear of Hangman’s Gulch, so remain here until I return for you later, for now I shall go on with Major Powell to the hotel.”