Meanwhile the feelings of Walter were hard to describe. He saw that perhaps his only chance of life lay in remaining quiet and letting the mistake remain uncorrected.
On the other hand, the poor wretch was as much entitled to life as he.
“He's the hoss thief!” shrieked the tramp. “Ask him if he isn't.”
The leader, who had him by the collar, paused, and the words of the captive seemed to make some impression on him.
“We don't want to make no mistake,” he said. “Mebbe we might ask him.”
“You hear what this man says?”
“Yes,” answered Walter, in husky accents.
“Is it true? Are you the hoss thief?”
“No!”
And the poor tramp would have been dragged away, but Walter, his face pale, but resolute, held up his hand to secure attention.