Morton. But not your blood. No, Alexander Morton, I have come
thousands of miles for one sacred purpose,--to save you; and I
shall, with God's will, do it now. Be it so, on one condition.
You shall have this girl; but lawfully, openly, with the sanction
of Heaven and your parents.

Oakhurst (aside). I see a ray of hope. This is Sandy's father;
the cold, insensate brute, who drove him into exile, the one bitter
memory of his life. Sandy disappeared, irreclaimable, or living
alone, hating irrevocably the author of his misery; why should not
I--

Morton (continuing). On one condition. Hear me, Alexander Morton.
If within a year, you, abandoning your evil practices, your wayward
life, seek to reform beneath my roof, I will make this proud
Spanish Don glad to accept you as the more than equal of his
daughter.

Oakhurst (aside). It would be an easy deception. Sandy has given
me the details of his early life. At least, before the imposition
was discovered I shall be-- (Aloud.) I--I-- (Aside.) Perdition!
SHE is coming! There is a light moving in the upper chamber. Don
Jose is awakened. (Aloud.) I--I--accept.

Morton. It is well. Take these keys, open yonder gate, and fly!
(As OAKHURST hesitates.) Obey me. I will meet your sweetheart,
and explain all. You will come here at daylight in the morning,
and claim admittance, not as a vagabond, a housebreaker, but as my
son. You hesitate. Alexander Morton, I, your father, command you.