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He broke off, choking

"Ah, Molly, at last and indeed I aain William Banion!"

He took from the otter skin--which Chardon once had placed over the

oilskin used by Carson to protect it--the long and forer pointed--"On the Service of the United States"

"Why, Will!"

He caught the envelope swiftly to his lips, holding it there an instant

before he could speak

"My pardon! Frouilty! And I never

was!"

"Oh, Will, Will! That makes you happy?"

"Doesn't it you?"

"Why, yes, yes! But I knew that always! And I kno that I'd have

followed you to the gallows if that had had to be"

"Though I were a thief?"

"Yes! But I'd not believe it! I didn't! I never did! I could not!"