"Don't hesitate to say it, my boy," said the latter, "because I know, of course, that the officer is here for one purpose, and that is to take me back to the prison I escaped from with a particular purpose in view. Isn't that so, sheriff?"
"Sorry to say it is," replied Mr. Dodd, shaking his head.
"But he's mistaken when he thinks that they are going to add to my four years because of this break of mine. I tell you that rather will I have this State on its knees, apologizing to me as best it can for having kept me shut up all this time without cause!" exclaimed the man, raising himself on his elbow, and speaking with a passion that thrilled the boys.
Again Mr. Dodd surveyed his prisoner with renewed interest.
"That sounds like you had found something, Thaddeus," he remarked, a bit eagerly, for the strange case had interested him much more than it did the stubborn head warden of the penitentiary.
"Well, I have!" replied the convict, with a ring of triumph in his voice.
"The booty?" demanded the officer.
"Yes; but, best of all, the glass negative that Fletcher somehow refused to destroy, even though it would incriminate him, if ever seen!"
"Hurrah!" exclaimed Will, in great excitement, for this point of the matter appealed to him as nothing else could.
The sheriff showed his good heart by bending down and grasping the hand of the prostrate convict.