His fears assembled themselves before him like a phantom host. How was he to deal with the handy-man; how would Gilmore have dealt with him? Had the time gone by to bully and bribe, or was that still the method by which he could best safeguard his life?
"Say, boss, what they done with young John North?" Montgomery suddenly demanded.
"Nothing yet," answered Langham after an instant's pause.
"Ain't he had his trial?" Montgomery asked.
"Yes."
"Well, ain't they done anything with him? If he ain't been sent up, he's been turned loose."
"Neither, Joe," rejoined Langham slowly. "The jury didn't agree. His friends are trying to get the judge to dismiss the case."
"That would suit me bully, boss, if they done that!" cried the handy-man.
Langham caught the tone of relief.
"I don't want to see him hang; I don't want to see no one hang, I'm all in favor of livin', myself. Say, I had a sweet time out West! I'd a died yonder; I couldn't stand it, I had to come back—just had to!"