Walter Sherwood's Probation Part 48

"Blessed if I know! He's bolted!"

"That is amazing! Let me see how it was done."

"The door was broken from the outside!" he said, after a pause.

"Was it?"

"Of course it was."

"Then you don't think the men could have done it?"

CHAPTER x.x.xVI

COLONEL RICHARD OWEN

At this moment a boy of fifteen made his way from the street to the rear entrance. It was Arthur Waters, the son of a jeweler.

"Perhaps I can tell you something about it," he said.

"Last night I heard a noise in the street, and, getting up, I went to the window. I saw a lot of men filing through the street, all wearing masks."

"They must have been in search of the prisoners to lynch them!" said the lawyer, turning pale.

"And you think they broke open the doors, Mr. Barry?"

"Yes."

"And what would they do with the prisoners?"

"Hang them, I fear, without judge or jury."

"I don't mind the man, sir, but I hope the boy escaped."

"Thank you, constable. I am alive and well, as you see."

Both the lawyer and the constable looked up, and there, to their great relief, stood Walter.

"Where did you come from?" asked the lawyer quickly.

Walter told his story, adding: "Constable Stokes, I give myself into your hands."

"Perhaps, as I am his counsel," said the lawyer, I had better take him with me."

"Yes, that will be the best way," said the constable.

Walter was ushered into the office of the lawyer.

At this moment the office door opened, and an old gentleman entered.

The lawyer rose from his seat with alacrity.

"Colonel Owen," he exclaimed, "I am glad to see you."

"Yes, sir. I received your telegram, and came by the first morning train. So the man who stole my horse has been caught?"

"The man who is charged with the theft has been caught," said Mr.

Barry.

"Mr. Barry, you have not introduced me to this young gentleman,"

continued Colonel Owen, eyeing Walter with favor.

"I didn't know that you would care for an introduction," said the lawyer demurely.

"Why not?" asked the old gentleman, opening his eyes in surprise.

"Because he is the horse thief!"

CHAPTER x.x.xVII

WALTER IS VINDICATED

"Bless my soul!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the colonel. "Surely you are joking."

"No, I a.s.sure you I am not."

"Then how does it happen that Mr. Sherwood is sitting here in your office instead of being--"

"In the lockup?"

"Yes."

"I was taken to the lockup, Colonel Owen," said Walter, "but about midnight a lynching party broke it open and took me out.

"But I made an appeal to my captors, and was able to prove to them I received a reward not long since for the capture of the famous outlaw, d.i.c.k Ranney."

Colonel Owen sank into a chair.

"I never heard the like!" he was heard to say.

"Do you mind telling me, young man, why you were arrested, or why you fell under suspicion?"