Bridge shrugged his shoulders and turned toward theyouth who stood somewhat yellow but somewhat straight in a farcorner of the cell. The man noticed the bulging pock-ets of the ill fitting coat; and, for the first time thatnight, his heart stood still in the face of fear; but not forhimself.

He crossed to the youth's side and put his arm aroundthe slender figure. "There's no use arguing with them,"he exclaimed. "They've made up their minds, or what theythink are minds, that we're guilty; but principally they'reout for a sensation. They want to look at something die,and we're it. I doubt if anything could stop them now;they'd think we'd cheated them if we suddenly provedbeyond doubt that we were innocent."

The boy pressed close to the man. "God help me to bebrave," he exclaimed, "as brave as you are. We'll go together,Bridge, and on the other side you'll learn somethingthat'll surprise you. I believe there is 'another side,'don't you, Bridge?"

"I've never thought much about it," exclaimed Bridge; "butat a time like this I rather hope so--I'd like to come backand haunt this bunch of rat brained rubes."