"What is it?" asked Bridge.

The 0skaloosa Kid shook his head, and once more heflushed.

"Well," exclaimed the guard, with a shrug of his shoulders,"it's up to you guys. If you want to hang, why hang andbe damned. We'll do the best we can 'cause it's our dutyto protect you; but I guess at that hangin's too good feryou, an' we ain't a-goin' to get shot keepin' you from get-tin' it."

"Thanks," exclaimed Bridge.