"That's it; they won't be expecting it to-night, and that's the very reason we ought to have a good chance."
This view of the matter promptly appealed to the negro, who ceased to object and listened attentively to the boy's suggestions.
"Get ready on the sly," urged Ted. "Put a bucket of food where you can lay your hands on it, and late in the night we'll slip out of the loft and let you out of your pen."
"All right, Cap'n Ted; I'll be ready, an' if I's sleep, des gimme a punch in de ribs."
Then they moved quickly away from each other and gave their attention to the loudly contending slackers.
"And I say Mr. James gits the prize," cried Mitch' Jenkins.
He detached himself from a noisy group as he spoke, stepped to the side of the waiting victor and poured the collection of coins into his hand.
"He didn't git it fair," declared Sweet Jackson, in loud, angry tones. "Who can't wring off a gander's neck if he swings on to it that-a way?"
"We all had the same chance to do what he did," argued Jenkins, good-humoredly. "The trouble was we couldn't keep our grip."
"I say hit wan't done fair!" repeated Jackson, in great anger.