His friends are trying to get the judge to dismiss the case." "That would suit me bully, boss, if they done that!" cried the handy-man.
Langham caught the tone of relief.
"I don't want to see him hang; I don't want to see no one hang, I'm all in favor of livin', myself.

Say, I had a sweet time out West! I'd a died yonder; I couldn't stand it, I had to come back--just had to!" He was shaking and wretched, and he exaggerated no part of the misery he had known.
"When did you get in ?" asked Langham.
"I beat my way in on the ten-thirty; I rode most of the way from Columbus on top of the baggage car--I'm half dead, boss!" "Have you seen any one ?" "No one but you.

I got off at the crossin' where they slow up and come along here; I wasn't thinkin' of a damn thing but gettin' home to my old woman.

I guess I'll hit the ties right now!" he concluded with sudden resolution, and once more his small blue eyes were turned toward the bridge.
"I'll walk across to the other side with you," said Langham hastily.
"The crick's up quite a bit!" said the handy-man as they set foot on the bridge.
Langham glanced out into the gloom, where swollen by the recent rains the stream splashed and whirled between its steep banks.
"Yes, way up!" he answered.
As he spoke he stepped close to Montgomery's side and raised his voice.
"Stop a bit," said Joe halting.

"I shan't need this now," and he drew the piece of gas-pipe from his trousers pocket.