he went on with the truth. The pallor was gone from her cheeks.
Her lips seemed redder, and what he was saying did not seem to
startle her, or frighten her.

"Don't you understand, Nada?" he cried. "I'm bad. The police want
me. I'm a fugitive--always running away, always hiding--an outlaw--"

She nodded.

"I know it, Mister Roger," she said quietly. "I heard you tell
Peter that a long time ago. And Mister Cassidy was at our place
the day after you and Peter ran away from Indian Tom's cabin, and
I showed him the way to Father John's, and he told me a lot about
you, and he told Father John a lot more, and it made me awful
proud of you, Mister Roger--and I want to go with you and Peter!"

"Proud!" gasped Jolly Roger. "Proud, of ME--"

She nodded again.

"Mister Cassidy--the policeman--he used just the word you used a
minute ago. He said you was square, even when you robbed other
people. He said he had to get you in jail if he could, but he
hoped he never would. He said he'd like to have a man like you for
a brother. And Peter loves you. And I--"

The color came into her white face.

"I'm goin' with you and Peter," she finished.