Pagina 197 van 439

The Texan grinned. "That isn't quite the point, is it?" he

drawled. "If I should be successful, you will achieve a

reputation, without any cost to yourself. That's worth

mentioning."

Hilliard showed a momentary embarrassment.

"That's incidental. Besides, it will help your reputation more

than mine."

Brandt got busy at once with the details of the escape. "We'll

loosen up the mortar round the bars in the south room. They are

so rickety anyhow I haven't kept any prisoners there for years.

After you have squeezed through you will find a horse saddled in

the draw, back here. You'll want a gun of course."

"Always providing Lieutenant Fraser consents to the arrangement,"

the lawyer added smoothly.

"Oh, I'll consent," laughed Fraser wryly. "I have no option. Of

course, if I win I get the reward--whatever it is."

"Oh, of course."

"Then I'm at your service, gentlemen, to escape whenever you say

the word."