We'll reach a friend of mine by daylight, and then you can
ride in a wagon, so brace up."
This the outlaw did for a time, and then he gave out utterly and
was tied more securely to the pony. Out of compassion, Brandt
thereafter travelled more slowly; and when the sun was an hour
high, he led his forlorn captives to the house of a man whom he
knew could be depended upon for assistance. After a rest
sufficient to give Bute time to recover somewhat, the remainder of
the journey was made without any incident worth mentioning, and
the prisoners were securely lodged in jail on the evening of the
24th of December.
CHAPTER V
WHAT BRANDT SAW CHRISTMAS EVE
Brandt's words and effort had had their natural effect on the mind
of Clara Heyward. They proved an increasing diversion of her
thoughts, and slowly dispelled the morbid, leaden grief under
which she had been sinking. Her new anxiety in regard to her
lover's fortune and possible fate was a healthful counter-
irritant. Half consciously she yielded to the influence of his
strong, hopeful spirit, and almost before she was aware of it, she
too began to hope.
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