CHAPTER XXI. — BUYING A CLAIM.
The face of the prisoner, as he met the angry glances of the miners, betrayed extreme fear. In spite of his terrible crime, Harry could not help pitying him when he saw the gray pallor that overspread his countenance.
The captain of the police was a brave and determined man, and though his little force was outnumbered five to one he showed no signs of yielding.
"What is it you want, men?" he demanded sternly.
"We want that man—the murderer," was the unanimous cry.
"What would you do with him?"
"String him up to the nearest tree," replied a brawny miner.
"There is no occasion for you to punish him—he is in the hands of the law," replied the captain.
"He may escape. We want to make sure of him."