"I regret very much," went on Murray pompously, "to find you in this position, and if there's anything I can do that is just and right I shall be glad to use my influence. We have, as you know, here in the State of Arizona one of the most enlightened governments in the country; and a word from me, if spoken in time, might possibly save you from conviction. Or, in case of conviction, our prison law is such that you might immediately be released under parole. But before I take any action----" he lowered his voice--"you might give me a quit-claim for that mine." "Oh" said Denver, and then it was that the great ray of light came over him. He could see it all now, from Murray's first warning to this last bold demand for his mine; but two months in jail had broken his spirit and he hesitated to defy the county boss. His might be the hand that held Diffenderfer back, and it certainly was the one that paid Chatwourth; he controlled the county and, if what he said was true, had no small influence in the affairs of the state. And now he gave him the choice between going to prison or giving up the Silver Treasure. "What is this?" inquired Denver, "a hold-up or a frame-up?" "I don't know what you're talking about," answered Murray curtly, "but if you're still in a mood for levity----" He turned away but as Denver did not stop him he returned of his own will to the bars. "Now see here," he said, "this has gone far enough, if you expect to keep out of prison. I came down here to befriend you and all I ask in return is a clear title to what is already mine. Perhaps you don't realize the seriousness of your position, but I tell you right now that no power on earth can save you from certain conviction. The District Attorney has informed me that he has an airtight case against you but, rather than see your whole life ruined, I am giving you this one, last chance. You are young and headstrong, and hardly realized what you were doing; and so I say, why not acknowledge your mistake and begin life over again? I have nothing but the kindest feelings towards you, but I can't allow my interests to be jeopardized. Think it over--can't you see it's for the best?" "No, I can't," answered Denver, "because I never killed Meacham and I don t believe any jury will convict me. If they do, I'll know who was behind it all and govern myself accordingly." "Just a slight correction," put in Murray sarcastically, "you will not govern yourself at all. You will become a ward of the State of Arizona for the rest of your natural life." "Well, that's all right then," burst out Denver, wrathfully, "but I can tell you one thing--you won't get no quit-claim for your mine. I'll lay in jail and rot before I'll come through with it, so you can go as far as you like. But if I ever get out----" "That will do, young man," said Murray stepping back, "I see you're becoming abusive. Very well, let the law take its course."