not going to be hanged. None of us are.”

Both men laughed, and the slave said:

“Ye have not ranked as a fool — before. You might better keep your reputation, seeing the strain would not be for long.”

“It will stand it, I reckon. Before to-morrow we shall be out of prison, and free to go where we will, besides.”

The witty officer lifted at his left ear with his thumb, made a rasping noise in his throat, and said:

“Out of prison — yes — ye say true. And free likewise to go where ye will, so ye wander not out of his grace the Devil’s sultry realm.”

I kept my temper, and said, indifferently: