"And you saw exactly what you've told me?"
"I saw it and heard the cries."
"Did he see you?"
"No; I was afeard to show myself. When master come home, the first thing
he did was t' unlock that there staircase door, and I got out without his
seeing me--"
"Where did you hide the grain you were loaded with?" demanded Pike.
"I'd emptied it out again in the store-room," returned the boy. "I told
master there were a loose skiff out there, and he come out and secured
it. Them harvesters come up next and got him out of the water."
"Yes, you could see fast enough what you were looking for! Well, young
Rip," continued Mr. Pike, consolingly, "you stand about as rich a chance
of being hanged as ever you'll stand in all your born days. If you'd
jumped through that wire you'd have saved my lord, and he'd have made it
right for you with old Floyd. I'd advise you to keep a silent tongue in
your head, if you want to save your neck."
"I was keeping it, till you come and made me tell with that there
pistol," howled the boy. "You won't go and split on me?" he asked, with
trembling lips.
"I won't split on you about the grain," graciously promised Pike. "It's
no business of mine. As to the other matter--well, I'll not say anything
about that; at any rate, yet awhile. You keep it a secret; so will I."
Without another word, Pike extended his hand as a signal that the culprit
was at liberty to depart; and he did so as fast as his legs would carry
him.
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