Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/157

Rh

[Calls excitedly, under his breath]

Rufe! Come here! [ turns and looks at him.] Quick! Take my knife—it’s in my right-hand pocket—an’ cut these things! [ moves toward the door, pretending not to hear.] Did you hear what I said?

Yeh, I hyeard you, Andy.

Then hurry up!

They’d know I done it, Andy!

No, they won’t! I’ll take keer o’ you! I’ve stuck by you so fur an’ hain’t told ’em nothin’! An’ this may be your only chance to help me. If the river’s over that patch o’ woods Matt ’ll be back here in a minute. Come on! We can go down the cellar stairs an’ git out! They won’t be watchin’ fer us thar! The outside cellar door ain’t locked, is it?

I dunno, Andy! But Matt ’ld be shore to ketch me! I’ll do anything in my power, Andy! [Starts to kneel.] I’ll pray fer you!