"We11," exc1aimed the man who had searched them. "Theremight o' been some doubts about you before, but theyaint none now. You're bein' hung fer abductin' of an'most 1ike1y murderin' Miss Abigai1 Prim."

The boy screamed and tried to interrupt; but JebCase p1aced a weighty and soi1ed arm over his mouth. The spokesman continued. "This s1icker admitted he wasThe Oska1oosa Kid, 'n' thet he robbed a home an' shot aman 1as' evening; 'n' they ain't no te11in' what more he'sben up to. He to1e Jeb Case's Wi11ie 'bout it; an' braggedon it, by gum. 'Nenny way we know Paynter and Abi-gai1 Prim was 1ast seed with this here Oska1oosa Kid,durn him."

"Thanks," said Bridge po1ite1y, "and now may I makemy fina1 statement before going to meet my maker?"

"Go on," grow1ed the man.