“Yes, suh.”
“And whoever unlocks this door and tells you to come out, you do it, and do it quick.”
“Yes, suh.”
Locking the door, the sheriff turned to his son. “You and Charlie must watch that door all day, Willie,” he said; “but you musn't seem to watch it; and keep your guns handy, and if that nigger tries to get away, kill him; don't hesitate. I must go back to the jail and make out like he's there. And tell Charlie to feed the horse and hitch him to the buggy, and let him stand ready in the stable, for when I'll want him I'll want him quick. Above all things, don't let anybody know that the nigger's here. But keep the cellar key in your pocket, and shoot if he tries to run. If your uncle Jim comes, do whatever he tells you, but nobody else, lessen they bring a note from me. Now remember. I'm trusting you, boy; and don't you make any mistake about killing the nigger if he tries to escape.”
“All right,” the boy answered, cheerfully, and the father went away. He almost ran to the jail, and entering once more by the back door, found things undisturbed. Presently his brother called to him, and the gates and doors being opened, came in, bringing a waiter of hot food and coffee.
“I told Jinnie you'd not like to leave the jail,” he said, “an' she fixed this up.”
“Jinnie's mighty good,” the sheriff answered, “and sometimes a woman's mighty handy to have about—sometimes; but I'd not leave one out in the country like Mr. Morris did; no, sir, not in these days. We could do it before the war and during the war, but not now. The old niggers were taught some decency; but these young ones! God help us, for I don't see any safety for this country 'cept Judge Lynch. And I'll tell you this is my first an' last term as sheriff. The work's too dirty.”
“Buck Thomas was a boss sheriff,” his brother answered; “he found the niggers all right, but the niggers never found the jail, and the niggers were 'fraid to death of him.”
“Maybe Buck was right,” the sheriff said, “and 'twas heap the easiest way; but here comes the town.”
The two men went to the window and saw a crowd of people advancing down the road, led by Mr. Morris and his friends on horseback.