I've been a watchin', an' I know what I know.

Fix that there rope, boys, an we'll get through, an' mosey 'long out o' here.

Ain't no use to palaver, nohow." A rope was thrown over a limb above their heads, and a man approached the shepherd with the noose.

Young Matt struggled desperately.

With an evil grin, Gibbs said, "Don't you worry, sonny; you're a goin', too." And at his signal another rope was fixed, and the noose placed over the young man's head.