“Yes, I know: Sam told me,” said Nic hoarsely. “I came to try and get you away.”
“God bless you, my lad! I couldn’t bear to stay there and be disgraced more than I have. It was too hard.”
“How did you escape?”
“Broke the handcuffs apart, climbed to the rafters, pulled open the bark thatching and let myself down; but the dogs gave the alarm.”
“Well, they shan’t have you now,” cried Nic, pulling up. “Jump on and ride home. I’ll run beside you. They can’t take you away again.”
The convict laughed bitterly.
“You foolish boy,” he said gently, “the law is on their side. No. Good-bye, lad. Don’t forget me. You know the truth, but you must not be mixed up with my escape. You have done nothing yet. Off with you—home!”
“But you, Leather, what are you going to do?” said Nic huskily.
“Escape if I can, and I think I shall.”