He's hangin' down his head lak he's mighty 'shamed." Ruth bent forward to get a glimpse of the prisoner's face, and as she did so he lifted his head.
It was Sandy Kilday, his clothes disheveled, his brows lowered, and his lips compressed info a straight, determined line.
Ruth's startled gaze swept over the riders, then came back to him.

She did not know what was the matter; she only knew that he was in trouble, and that she was siding with him against the rest.

In the one moment their eyes met she sent him her full assurance of compassion and sympathy.

It was the same message a little girl had sent years ago over a ship's railing to a wretched stowaway on the deck below.
The men rode on, and she stood holding to the gate and looking after them.
"Here comes Mr.Sid Gray," said Rachel.

The approaching rider drew rein when he saw Ruth and dismounted.
"Tell me what's happened!" she cried.
He hitched his horse and opened the gate.