The merchant
knew nothing of Blair's presence on the occasion-- at least I imagined
so from his conversation-- and might, by saying too much, "put his
foot in it."
But now my mind was filled with only one thought. The three men
intended to take me to the Darbyville jail. I was to be ignominiously
dragged back to the prison from which I had escaped.
Once again in Ezekiel Booth's custody I was certain he would keep so
strict a guard over me that further breaking away would be out of the
question. Perhaps Judge Penfold would consider me so dangerous a
prisoner as to send me to the county jail for safe keeping, in which
case it would be harder than ever for me to clear myself or see Kate.
For an instant I meditated taking to my legs and running my chances,
but this idea was knocked in the head by Farmer Decker grasping me by
the collar.
"Maybe he might take a notion and run away," he explained. "He did it
once, you say."
"A good idea to hold him," said Mr. Woodward. "Have you finished
hitching up?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have you room for him?"
"I might put in another seat."
"Do so. And hurry; the rain has slackened up a bit, and we may reach
Darbyville before it starts again.
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