"I did not."
"Will you swear to this also?"
"With my hand on my heart I swear."
The white hand of Mr. Elliston was laid impressively against his
bosom.
There was such a look of honest earnestness on the man's face it was
impossible to doubt, and Dyke Darrel was forced to forego arresting
the New Yorker then and there.
If he was not fully satisfied, he did not permit Elliston to note the
fact.
"I did but try you, Harper," Dyke Darrel said with a smile, extending
his hand. "You are true as steel and I am glad to find it so. I have
endured misery since last night, because I feared, and came to believe
otherwise."
"You will trust me as of old?"
"Yes."
"Thanks. Now tell me all about the facts regarding this poor girl."
Dyke Darrel did as requested, although he kept back some things that
he did not deem it necessary for Mr. Elliston to know.
"And you saw this Hubert Vander peering into the cabin window--the man
who looks like me!"
"I did."
"Well, it's pretty tough, and no mistake, to have a fellow of such
villainous character circulating about in this region. I hope I won't
be hung for his crime by indignant citizens. I agree with you that
this Hubert Vander is a sleek villain, and that hanging is too good
for him.
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