"Afraid? Afraid of what?" our valor, like Bob Acres', oozing out at our fingers.
"These outlaws you've got around here," said he. "They say the man they hanged to-day was a decent fellow to what some are, who prowl around in this country!"
We very modestly said, "that such fellows never bothered us."
"Do you sleep in this store—live here?"
"No, sir, we don't," was our answer.
"Where do you lodge and get your eating?"
"First house up the road."
"How far is it?" says he.
"Half a mile or less."
"Well, close up your shop, and come along with me!" says the fellow.