'That is the talk of despair; and is utterly unworthy of any man or
woman. As to your guilt because of "voluntary residence," that is not
true. Besides, it would be difficult to show that it is voluntary;
especially when they found it necessary to raise these fears in your
mind in order to retain you here.

'Now _I_ have hope; and why should you despair. Suppose we seal
a compact between us to have as our highest aim our escape from this
den? Think you not that we could in good time accomplish it?'

'Oh, do not raise these hopes in me. Should they grow in my heart
and then be crushed again, I know not what should become of me. _I
could not live._'

'Well, this is my programme: To tarry here as best I may until the
spring. It would not be safe for me to venture away any sooner, for
the sleuth hounds are on my track. But the law's ire will have cooled
by that time; and together we should be able to make our way to the
American Republic.' The girl threw herself upon her knees and turned
her streaming eyes to heaven. Never before did more hearty prayer of
gratitude ascend before the throne of God. Then taking our hero's
hand she kissed it; then arose and became calm. They spoke no more
about the matter; but their escape was henceforth the great aim of
their lives. A minute later The Lifter joined them.

'I suppose you have been haveen a jaw together,' he said. 'I hope
she told you about the lake and why the Capteen won't eat the fish
there. They're too fat for his likeen.'

Nancy's air was so serious, for she had within the past hour become