Hurrying past all these, Cloudy reached the jail. He readily gained admittance, and was conducted to the cell of the prisoner. He found Thurston attired as when he left home, sitting at a small wooden stand, and calmly occupied with his pen.
He arose, and smilingly extended his hand, saying:
"This is very kind as well as very prompt, Cloudy. You must have ridden fast."
"I did. Leave us alone, if you please, my friend," said Cloudy, turning to the jailor.
The latter went out and locked the door upon the friends.
"This seems a sad event to greet you on your return home. Cloudy; but never mind, it will all be well!"
"Sad? It's a farce! I have not an instant's misgiving about the result; but the present indignity! Oh! oh! I could—"
"Be calm, my dear Cloudy. Have you heard anything of the circumstances that led to this?"
"Yes! Paul told me; but he is as crazy and incoherent as a Bedlamite! I want you, if you please, Thurston, if you have no objection, to go over the whole story for me, that I may see if I can make anything of it for your defense."
"Poor Paul! he takes this matter far too deeply to heart. Sit down. I have not a second chair to offer, but take this or the foot of the cot, as you prefer."