Jet was distressed at the thought that it might be possible the fines would be paid in a short time, for then he could make no excuse for loitering about the town, and even if he should do so there was every reason to believe the constable he was eager to have arrested would recognize him.
CHAPTER XIX
THE DINNER
Dinner, consisting of soup, with a liberal supply of meat and bread, was served to the prisoners at twelve o'clock, and, half an hour later, the manager arrived to talk with his company regarding the proposition to reduce the fines so far as was possible by giving a performance.
The "funny" man of the party acted as spokesman for his companions, and Jet listened with deepest interest to the following conversation:
"There is no question about persuadin' that idiotic squire to give all hands a few hours' liberty, if you agree to return here as soon as the performance is ended," the manager began.
"And in what way shall we be benefited?"
"At least a portion of the fines will be paid, and it may then be possible to get his consent to our moving on to the next town."
"How will you get there, if he insists on taking all the receipts?"