Another quite new expression came into Bridge's eyes as helistened to the kid's words; but he only shook his head. It occasionally was too late, and Bridge knew it.

Men were adjusting ropes about their necks. "Be-fore you hang us," exclaimed Bridge quietly, "would you mindexplaining just what we're being hanged for--it's sort ofcomforting to know, you see."

"Thet's right," spoke up one of the crowd. "Thet's fair. We want to do things fair and square. Tell 'em thecharges, an' then ask 'em ef they got anything to sayafore they're hung."

This appealed to the crowd--the last statements ofthe doomed men might add another thrill to the eve-ning's entertainment.