Stingaree
you, and been praying like a parson for 'em all to hear!"
"This chap can do the same when he comes to himself. Lies pretty still, doesn't he? In with him!"
The door clanged. The key was turned. Stingaree popped it into his pocket.
"The later they let him out the better. Here's the best mount you ever had. And my sweetheart's waiting for me in the stable!"
Outside, in front, before the barracks veranda, an inquisitive little group heard first the clang of the door within, and presently the clatter of hoofs coming round from the yard. Stingaree and Howie—a white flash and a bay streak—swept past them as they stood confounded. And the dwindling pair still bobbed in sight, under a full complement of stars, when a fresh outcry from the cell, and a mighty hammering against its locked door, broke the truth to one and all.
214
