CHAPTER XXIV
Jim thanked the court and the jury for their treatment of him, and shook hands heartily with each man of them. As he turned away, the barkeeper called to him:
"Hey, Mr. Maxwell! There's money comin' to you!"
Jim went toward the bar, smiling.
"Use it, and if you need more, I'll pay."
He turned toward the crowd in the saloon. "You're my guests to-night, boys, and I want you to whoop it up. You're all friends of mine. Perhaps, I'll look in again by-and-by. But I must go now. I was alone when I came here, but, thank God!"—his voice grew suddenly husky—"I'm not alone now."
In the adjoining room, the others were waiting for him anxiously. As he entered, Jack sprang to his feet.
"They've acquitted you!" he cried.
Jim nodded assent.
"I've been acquitted according to the law." His voice was grave, yet with an undernote of jubilation. "My conscience never accused me, I guess. Somehow, it seemed to me that I had to do what I did. And what about you? What's your verdict?"