At this appeal, the entire party ranged themselves in front of the sergeant.
Then each in turn announced his willingness to submit to imprisonment for any indefinite period, provided the boy from Berry’s Corner was allowed to go free.
The sergeant looked at them scrutinizingly, and called for the turnkey, saying as that functionary appeared:—
“You can lock these boys up, and let the youngster you just carried down-stairs go. They want to make a swap. It seems to be a good trade when we’re getting ten for one.”
The turnkey did not appear to understand the matter, and while he stood in the door-way hesitatingly, Josiah’s substitutes marched boldly toward him.
Before they reached the door, however, the sergeant called them back, and asked his subordinate:—
“Did you lock that boy up who was brought in a few moments ago?”
“Not yet, sir. Your orders were to let him run loose.”
“Very well. Bring him here. I didn’t enter his name on the books, so I don’t fancy there’ll be any trouble in making the exchange for which these young gentlemen are so anxious.”
A few moments later Josiah, looking very pale and thoroughly frightened, was ushered into the room.