Walter Sherwood's Probation

“I have no right to be, but I find myself in a very trying position.”

“Of course, but I will try to get you out of it. Now, will you tell me in detail how the horse came into your possession?”

Walter told the story, and the lawyer listened attentively.

“Have you any proof of what you assert?” he asked, when Walter finished.

“There was no one present.”

“I suppose not. Did no papers pass between you and this man?”

“Oh, yes!” answered Walter quickly, and he drew out the receipt which he had drawn up and got Hank Wilson to sign.

“Come, this is very important!” said Mr. Barry cheerfully. “It is a very valuable confirmation of your story. Will you trust me with it?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Is there any suggestion you have to offer, Mr. Sherwood? Sometimes I find that my clients give me valuable assistance that way.”

“I wish you would telegraph to Colonel Owen to come here.”

“Probably he has been sent for, but if not I will request him to come. Do you know the colonel?”

“No, sir; I never heard his name till I read the advertisement. Do you know anything of him, Mr. Barry?”

“He is the owner of a large estate in Shelby, and is a thorough gentleman of the old school.”

“All the better! I would rather deal with such a man. Besides, by describing the man of whom I bought the horse I may put him in the way of capturing the real thief.”

“Well thought of. May I ask, Mr. Sherwood, if you are from this part of the country?”

“No; I am a native of New York State.

“A year ago I was a member of the sophomore class of Euclid College.”

“That is strange!” ejaculated Barry. “What is strange?”

“Colonel Owen, the owner of the horse, is an old graduate of the same institution.”

“Is it possible?” exclaimed Walter, in genuine amazement.

“It is quite true. I am glad to have made the discovery. It will prepossess him in your favor, and this, I need hardly say, will be a great point gained. Well, I believe I have obtained all the data I require, and I will now go home and think over your case. I wish I could take you with me.”

“I wish you could; I hate to be left in such a place.”

“Cheer up, Mr. Sherwood. It won’t be for long, I predict. You may rest assured of my best efforts in your behalf. I will at once telegraph for Colonel Owen.”

The evening glided wearily away. Walter threw himself on his pallet and was nearly asleep when a confused noise was heard outside, and heavy blows were rained upon the outer door.

“What does it mean?” asked Walter, bewildered.

He listened intently, and there came to his ears a shout which made him turn pale with terror.

CHAPTER XXXII

AN AWFUL MOMENT

“Bring out the hoss thief! Lynch him! Lynch him!”

“What’s up?” asked the tramp drowsily, opening his eyes.

“Bring out the hoss thief!” cried a dozen rough voices, as the battering at the door was repeated.

“They want you, young feller!” he continued, as he caught the meaning of the cry.

“What shall we do?” asked Walter helplessly.

“They don’t want me,” returned the tramp complacently. “It’s you they want!”

“You will stand by me?” implored Walter, eager for any help.

“Won’t do no good! There’s a crowd of them. You’re in a bad box, young feller!”

“Have you got a pistol?”

“No.”

Then it flashed upon Walter that he still had the revolver which belonged to Dick Ranney.

“I will sell my life dearly!” thought Walter, “They shan’t kill me without some resistance.”

“Open the door, or it’ll be wuss for ye!” cried a rough voice.

The door was strong, but it did not long withstand the fierce attacks made upon it. Walter, by the light that came in through a crevice, saw it sway and gradually yield to the impetuous attacks of the mob.

“Here’s the hoss thief!” exclaimed the leader, throwing the light into the cell occupied by the inebriate.

The tramp was alarmed and completely sobered by the terrible suggestion.

“I ain’t the man!” he said. “It’s that young feller yonder.”

The man with the lantern turned in the direction of the other cell.

“He’s only a kid!” he said doubtfully.

“All the same, he’s the hoss thief!” said the tramp earnestly.

“Is he telling the truth?” asked the leader, turning to the men who were just behind him.