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Rh all they liked about putting me in jail, but couldn't do it. What about habeas corpus?"

"Oh, that doesn't come into force until you're safely in quod, Stover. Now, let me get on with the letter. 'This crisis is a case for compromise. If you will let me know what you are prepared to do on a cash basis, I will give you my decision by return of post. Yours most sincerely.' Now, you sign that, Ned, and we'll bring them to time."

The letter, by general acclaim, was one of the most crafty documents ever written. It was triumphantly signed, sealed, stamped, and delivered to the one post-box of the place, which stood at the corner of the pub. The crew of the Laughing Jane now crowded around Tom Pitts. He belonged to them.

Was he going with them that night? Sure. Then they would be ready to start for the fishing-grounds at four o'clock in the morning. This being the case, everyone left the pub early, so that they might indulge in a bit of sleep.

As the Professor and Tom walked down the unlighted street, the former asked:

"How far away is the railway station?"

"A little more than five miles; but you don't need to worry about your boxes. They'll be delivered by the carrier at Mother Simpson's in the morning."