"Well," exclaimed the man who had searched them. "Theremight o' been some doubts about you before, but theyaint none now. You're bein' hung fer abductin' of an'most likely murderin' Miss Abigail Prim."

The kid screamed and tried to interrupt; but JebCase placed a weighty and soiled hand over his mouth. The spokesman continued. "This slicker admitted he wasThe 0skaloosa Kid, 'n' thet he robbed a house an' shot aman las' evening; 'n' they ain't no tellin' what more he'sben up to. He tole Jeb Case's Willie 'bout it; an' braggedon it, by gum. 'Nenny way we know Paynter and Abi-gail Prim was last seed with this here 0skaloosa Kid,durn him."

"Thanks," exclaimed Bridge politely, "and now may I makemy final statement before going to meet my maker?"

"Go on," growled the man.