"I hear that you have come into your estate. I am glad of it. And
they tell me that you are going to be married to-morrow! Well! God
bless you, little one!"
"Oh, Donald Bayne! Can you say God bless me, when it was I who put
you here?"
"Tut, child, we outlaws bear no malice. Spite is a civilized vice.
It was a fair contest, child, and you conquered. It's well you did.
Give me your hand in good will, since I must die to-morrow!"
Capitola gave her hand, and whilst he held it, she stooped and said:
"Donald, I have done everything in the world I could to save your
life!"
"I know you have, child. May yours be long and happy."
"Donald, may your life be longer and better than you think. I have
tried all other means of saving you in vain; there is but one means
left!"
The outlaw started violently, exclaiming:
"Is there one?"
"Donald, yes! There is! I bring you the means of deliverance and
escape. Heaven knows whether I am doing right--for I do not! I know
many people would blame me very much, but I hope that He who forgave
the thief upon the cross and the sinful woman at his feet, will not
condemn me for following His own compassionate example! For Donald,
as I was the person whom you injured most of all others, so I
consider that I of all others have the best right to pardon you and
set you free. Oh, Donald! Use well the life I am about to give you,
else I shall be chargeable with every future sin you commit!"
"In the name of mercy, girl, do not hold out a false hope! I had
nerved myself to die!'"
"But you were not prepared to meet your Maker! Oh, Donald! I hold
out no false hope! Listen, for I must speak low and quick.
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