I had my orders! See here, boy, if you
ever work with these highbrow rulers of petty kingdoms, you'll soon
find out that you're to obey and not ask questions! Do you get me?"
"That's enough!" laughed Ned. "You haven't betrayed your employer,
but you have told me all I wanted to know."
The boys unlocked the handcuffs and laid them aside.
"I believe you'll do the right thing," he said. "Go and get the boy.
If you need any help let me know."
Bradley arose and stretched out his arms luxuriously.
"That's the first time I ever stood in the accused row," he said,
"and it will be the last! But, see here, boy, I can't get the kid in
a minute! I'll go to the mother and tell her what I'm doing, if I
live to get there!"
"You think your ex-friends may seek to terminate your lease of life?"
"They surely will--now. And, here's a pointer for you, look out for
yourself."
"I think I can fix you out so they will receive you with open arms,"
Ned grinned. "Here. I'll put these cuffs on again, with one arm
locked carelessly. You can draw the bar out when you pull right hard.
Now, eat what you need and take a run up the slope. We'll follow you
with a serenade of bullets. When you join the outlaws down in the
canyon you'll be a hero.
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