had a pair of horses outside, and across the back of his own steed my
clothes, which he stowed in sacks, were put. For hours and hours
through the night we rode; and when the faintest tinge of silver
showed itself in the east we were on the edge of this hateful swamp.
From that day to this I have never left it.'

'And what became of your husband?'

'Later on you shall hear. When I discovered who my husband's
associates were, what he himself _was_, shame, rage, and despair
entered my heart. I uttered no complaint; but tearlessly resigned
myself to my doom. The revelation, of course, instantly crushed the
love out of my heart for the man who had betrayed me. Six months
later he was shot by a farmer while committing a burglary. I shed no
tears when I heard the tidings; nor have I enquired where they buried
him.'

'Whence came your husband!'

'He was a gentleman and possessed many accomplishments. At the
gaming table he squandered a handsome fortune; and he then committed
forgery. He flew from justice and fell in with the gang of Markham
Swamp.'

'And how has your lot been since then?' A flush came into her cheeks.

'Not indeed as you surmise. Oh, no; fallen though I, am by mating
myself with murderers, I have in one respect naught that can bring
reproach. Shortly after the death of my husband the robber chief
offered to wed me. His offer I refused; and it has never since been