But the sheriff was not so easily deceived.

“What’s this yer grippin’ in yer hand, Jeff?  A rock big enough to knock a man silly.  Thought tuh drap in down on the head o’ this hyah youngster, didn’t yuh?  Easy way tuh git the upper hand o’ him, yuh spected.  Shucks!  Don’t yuh open that mouth o’ yourn tuh say another word.  We been watchin’ yuh a long time, Jeff, an’ this time yah make tracks outen the county, or pay the freight!”

The sheriff made a suggestive motion with his hand in the direction of his neck.  Evidently the red-headed man understood.

“Oh, I’ll go, all right, sheriff.  I kinder hed a sneakin’ notion fur a long time thet yuh hed it in fur me.  How long do I git?” he whined, as his hands were bound fast behind his back.

“We’ll give yuh jest twelve hours arter we git tuh Morehead.  Ef so be yuh ain’t outen the county by then it’s touch an’ go with yuh.  A hundred dollars tuh the man as draps yuh,” remarked the official, with a dreadful calmness.

“Twelve hours is a might short time tuh do it hin, sheriff; but I’ll make the try, sho.  I’m sick o’ this place, anyway.”

“And the place are sure sick o’ you, Jeff; so it’s even all ’round,” replied the sheriff, turning his back on Jeff.

The two boys had listened to these little pleasantries with mingled feelings.  It was really the first time they had ever been so close to a possible tragedy, and when they found that these grim men did not mean to hang the wretched Jeff both breathed easier.

He had been something of a thorn in their flesh and doubtless was an evil bird whichever way he might be looked at; still, they had no desire to see him meet such a terrible end.

“I heard the dawgs along over there, Kurnel,” remarked one of the posse, just about this time.

The sheriff brightened up immediately.  He had evidently set his mind on the job of cleaning up the band of black thieves who had for so long a time sheltered themselves in the swamp, and preyed upon the neighboring planters; and the coming of the dogs promised to add to the chances of ultimate success.

“Then we must be hiking, boys.  Glad tuh have met you both, an’ wish yuh all success.  If so be as yuh say, theys some good news foh George, jest congratulate him foh me, will yuh?  He’s a good feller, George is, an’ has heaps o’ friends hyahabouts.”

He shook hands gravely with each of the boys, after which Sheriff Jerrold started along the dimly defined road.  The prisoner, Jeff, was in the middle of the squad, and did not manifest any great enthusiasm about hastening away; but being a victim of circumstances he just had to run when his captors chose.

Maurice looked at his chum and laughed.

“Say, wasn’t that the funniest thing ever?” he exclaimed.  “Just to think of that scamp settling himself up there among the leaves of that tree, intending to jump us unawares!”