"If he has left it we'll follow
him; and, at any rate, Mr. Brackett, I must now insist upon your coming
to Dubuque, where you will be granted every opportunity for proving
what you please. In the mean time, you and I will await here the
result of the search for the escaped prisoner that my men will at once
proceed to make."
To this Billy Brackett returned no answer, but stood silently
considering how he should avoid the vexatious delay that now appeared
inevitable. While he was thus cudgelling his brains, one of the
searching party returned to report that the skiff in which they had
come up the river was missing.
The Sheriff became furious. "I don't believe it!" he cried. "Here,
you! Stop and guard this prisoner, while I go and take charge of the
search myself."
As Mr. Riley departed, the new guard entered the hut, leaned his rifle
against the wall, and took a seat near the door.
Then Billy Brackett stooped and whispered to his ever-faithful comrade,
"Watch him, Bim!" and the dog answered with a low growl that spoke
volumes. Turning to the guard the young engineer said, "My friend, if
you make the slightest motion or shout for help, that bull-dog will fly
at your throat. I am going to leave you alone with him for a minute,
and as you value your life, I beg of you to keep perfectly quiet until
you hear from me.
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