In those days punishments were summary and severe.  Watson knew it and Joe had seen something of it.  Our hero began to feel compassion for the foiled burglar.  He whispered in Watson’s ear.  Watson hesitated, but finally yielded.

“Stranger,” said he, “the boy wants me to let you go.”

“Does he?” inquired Rafferty, in surprise.

“Yes.  He is afraid it will go hard with you if we give you up.”

“Likely it will,” muttered Rafferty, watching Watson’s face eagerly, to see whether he favored Joe’s proposal.

“Suppose we let you go—­will you promise not to make another attempt upon this place?”

“What do you take me for?  I’m not such a mean cuss as that.”

“One thing more—­you won’t kill this man that brought you here?”

“If I knowed it wasn’t a trap he led me into.  He told me there was only the boy.”

“He thought so.  I don’t belong here.  The boy let me sleep here out of kindness.  Hogan knew nothing of this.  I didn’t come till after he had left.”

“That’s different,” said Rafferty; “but he shouldn’t have gone back on me.”

“He is a coward, probably.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Rafferty contemptuously.

“You promise, then?”

“Not to kill him?  Yes.”

“Then we’ll let you go.”

Watson unloosed the bonds that confined the prisoner.  Rafferty raised himself to his full height and stretched his limbs.

“There—­I feel better,” he said.  “You tied the rope pretty tight.”

“I found it necessary,” said Watson, laughing.  “Now, Joe, if you will open the door, this gentleman will pass out.”

Rafferty turned to Joe, as he was about to leave the restaurant.

“Boy,” said he, “I won’t forget this.  I ain’t much of a friend to boast of, but I’m your friend.  You’ve saved me from prison, and worse, it’s likely; and, if you need help any time, send for me.  If I had that money I took from you I’d pay it back.”

“I don’t need it,” said Joe.  “I’ve been lucky, and am doing well.  I hope you’ll make up your mind to turn over a new leaf.  If you do, and are ever hard up for a meal, come to me, and you shall have it without money and without price.”

“Thank you, boy,” said Rafferty.  “I’ll remember it.”

He strode out of the restaurant, and disappeared in the darkness.

“Human nature’s a curious thing, Joe,” said Watson.  “Who would have expected to find any redeeming quality in such a man as that?”

“I would sooner trust him than Hogan.”

“So would I. Hogan is a mean scoundrel, who is not so much of a ruffian as this man only because he is too much of a coward to be.”

“I am glad we let him go,” said Joe.

“I am not sure whether it was best, but I knew we should have to be awake all night if we didn’t.  He could have loosened the knots after awhile.  He won’t trouble you any more.”