The Squire was angry, for he had been kind to the
old sinner; but he saw that the prisoner was an element of weakness in
the house. What was to hinder him escaping again, committing murder,
setting the place on fire? He called up Toner. "Ben," he said, "how long
would it take you to convey Newcome to his home in a farm waggon with a
good team?" "Ef the teeum's smart, I guaiss an houer 'ud do," answered
the prospective son-in-law of the victim. Accordingly a springless
waggon was produced, some straw thrown in, and Newcome securely bound
with ropes, lying flat on his back, with his own coat and a sack or two
put under his head for a pillow. "Timotheus," continued Mr Carruthers,
"you had better go with Ben. Take your guns, both of you, and bring them
back as quick as you can." Off started the ambulance, at first gently
and humanely. When out of sight of the house, Toner grinned at
Timotheus, and Timotheus grinned back at Ben. "It can't be haylped,
Timotheus," remarked the latter in a low tone, "we're bound to git back
airly, ef they's moer guyard mountin' to be did. So here goes, Serlizer
or no Serlizer.
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