“Royalton—Charles H. Royalton—a mighty sharp fellow, they say. If there is any loop-hole, he’ll pull him through. But I don’t think there is any.”
“You don’t?”
“No; the case is strong against him.”
“See here, Mr. Snags,” said Leonard, “I would like to know how you keep so well posted about matters in Dalton. I shouldn’t think you would dare show yourself there.”
“Why not? Perhaps I don’t—but never you mind. You mustn’t be too curious.”
There was a lull in the conversation.
Leonard now made up his mind that the time had come to make his appeal.
“Snags,” he said, earnestly, “I want you to do a favor for me—two favors, in fact. It is intolerably dull in here. I want something to occupy my mind. Can’t you bring me a newspaper once in a while? Bring me the papers containing accounts of the trial. I should like to read about it. I’ll pay you well.”
“I don’t know but I might do that,” replied Snags. “Yes, I will.”
“Thank you. And now another thing. My cousin is a nervous young fellow, easily discouraged, and all that. Won’t you take a message to him from me?”