ave, as you know, here in the
State of Arizona one of the most enlightened governments in the country;
and a word from me, if spoken in time, might possibly save you from
conviction. Or, in case of conviction, our prison law is such that you
might immediately be released under parole. But before I take any
action----" he lowered his voice--"you might give me a quit-claim for
that mine."

"Oh" said Denver, and then it was that the great ray of light came over
him. He could see it all now, from Murray's first warning to this last
bold demand for his mine; but two months in jail had broken his spirit
and he hesitated to defy the county boss. His might be the hand that
held Diffenderfer back, and it certainly was the one that paid
Chatwourth; he controlled the county and, if what he said was true, had
no small influence in the affairs of the state. And now he gave him the
choice between going to prison or giving up the Silver Treasure.

"What is this?" inquired Denver, "a hold-up or a frame-up?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," answered Murray curtly, "but
if you're still in a mood for levity----" He turned away but as Denver
did not stop him he returned of his own will to the bars.

"Now see here," he said, "this has gone far enough, if you expect to
keep out of prison. I came down here to befriend you and all I ask in
return is a clear title to what is already mine. Perhaps you don't
realize the seriousness of your position, but I tell you right now that
no power on earth can save you from certain conviction. The District
Attorney has informed me that he has an airtight case against you but,
rather than see your whole life ruined, I am giving you this one, last
chance. You are young and headstrong, and hardly realized what you were
doing; and so I say, why not acknowledge your mistake and begin life
over again? I have nothing but the kindest feelings towards you, but I
can't allow my interests to be jeopardized. Think it over--can't you see
it's for the best?"

"No, I can't," answered Denver, "because I never killed Meacham and I
don t believe any jury will convict me. If they do, I'll know who was
behind it all and govern myself accordingly."

"Just a slight correction," put in Murray sarcastically, "you will not
govern yourself at all. You will become a ward of the State of Arizona
for the rest of your natural life."

"Well, that's all right then," burst out Denver, wrathfully, "but I can
tell you one