His mind worked swiftly and surely as to the method of his first night's flight.

There were always a number of boats down at Crossen's place.

He would start in one of these, and by the time Mercer discovered he was gone, he would be forty miles on his way to freedom.

Then he would set his boat adrift, or hide it, and start cross-country until his trail was lost.

Somewhere and in some way he would find both guns and food.
It was fortunate that he had not given Mercer the other fifty dollars under his pillow.
At seven Mercer came with his supper.