“I would gladly do so were it possible, which it is not, as I am not bound to her as I am to you, so cannot force obedience from her.” “You were a fool to come here as you did, and kidnap her.” “I would have been considered deuced clever had I gotten a big ransom for her return and escaped from harm’s way.” “But you did not?” “That is owing to Buffalo Bill and Surgeon Powell hanging so persistently upon my trail, and having me under suspicion, aided by that miner, Deadshot Dean, running me to earth as he did. Luck was against me in spite of my holding trumps.” “Well, as you have put your head in the noose you must abide the consequences.” The man laughed, and then replied: “I am one never to yield to odds, and they are heavy against me now. Feeling as I do, I have sent for you that I might ask you to aid me to escape.” “I cannot.” “I say that you shall.” “I could not do so.” “You must find a way, for you are as ingenious as you are beautiful, and you have money, and that is half the victory won. If you refuse, then I shall, at the last moment, before ascending the steps of the gallows, ask to speak a word and will name you as my wife. You know me, so do _you_ abide the consequences, Nina, my wife.” The woman’s face became pallid, and she gasped for breath; but quickly recovering herself she said: “I will do all in my power to save you, for I _know_ that you will carry out your threat.” The man gazed at the woman with a malicious smile as she turned upon her heel and walked toward the door. “I have triumphed,” he said. “Over a weak woman,” was her fierce reply, as she turned upon him, her face now glowing with anger and hatred. “A woman, but never a weak one. Are you going?” “Yes.” “Good-by.” “We shall not meet again.” “I do not mind that, only if I go to the gallows do you remember to be there to hear my last words.” “They will never be uttered.” “That means that I will be aided to escape?” “Yes.” “I thank you for your unintentional kindness, and I regret that my love of life will not permit me to prove my appreciation by making you a widow. Good-by, Nina.” “Good-by, Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw,” and with a little laugh she glided out of the door, not hearing his muttered words: “Now with my sister to aid me, as she surely will, and Nina de Sutro, the gallows will never see me its victim.” “You can return to your post, sentinel, close to the cabin,” said Nina, as she passed the soldier, who gave her an officer’s salute and obeyed. Straight to headquarters went Nina de Sutro, and sent her name in to Colonel Dunwoody, asking an interview. The colonel came out himself to receive her, and, walking with her to the end of the piazza, apart from the sentinel on duty, placed a chair for her. “This is an unexpected honor,” he said pleasantly. “I have come on business, Colonel Dunwoody.” “I am at your service, be the motive of your visit what it may, Miss Nina.” “Thank you, sir.