CHAPTER XVIII
JAIL LIFE
The manager of the minstrel company was, and quite naturally, in a high state of excitement when his people were marched off to the lock-up.
If he was not able to raise sufficient money to pay for the railroad tickets, it was useless to think he could satisfy the claim which alleged justice had against the men.
To remain there even for twenty-four hours without giving a performance would result in utter bankruptcy, and in case he was willing to desert the company he did not have money enough to go out of the town, except by leaving the baggage behind and walking.
An hour after the now saddened minstrels had been lodged behind the bars the manager called upon them.
"I've been trying to chin that old fool of a squire into letting you off for this evening, so's we can give a show, but he won't listen to anything of the kind," the visitor announced in a disconsolate tone.
"If you could rope off the yard and put up some seats we might perform behind the bars. Advertise that the gentlemen composing the greatest aggregation of minstrel talent in the known world will attempt the difficult feat of playing themselves out of jail."
This suggestion was made by the "funny" man of the party, but the distressed manager failed to see in it anything witty or comical.
"Can't some of you fellows suggest a plan?" he asked.