new sledge hammer from his pocket, and slipping the handle from his sleeve.
With a loud cough to mask the sound he thrust the handle into its place.
"You're both crazy!" John said with anger.
"It's as easy as fallin' off a log," Dan urged.
"Billy'll smash the lock, I'll gag and tie the jailor. I've got the fastest horse in the county waitin' fer ye at the corner. Git thirty minutes start, an' there ain't cavalry enough this side er hell to stop ye. When ye get ter my house, ye'll be in God's country. The boys are there waitin' fer ye."
Dan handed the hammer to Billy.
"Put that hammer down!" John commanded sternly.
"I won't—you've got to go with us."
"Do as I tell you, or I'll call the jailor," John said with a frown.
"For God's sake, come with us!" Billy pleaded. "Steve Hoyle's going to have a crowd of Negroes here to laugh and jeer at you to-morrow as you come out. I tell you I can't stand it!"
John's face suddenly paled.
"You can stand it if I can, Billy! Get out of this, both of you, before you're arrested—quick now. I won't have it. Come here, Dan!"
John called to the mountaineer who had turned away.
