Trust and pride in Billy
Byrne.
Billy closed his eyes tight as though in physical pain. He
brushed his hand quickly across his face.
"Gawd!" he muttered. "I can't do it--but I came awful
close to it."
Dropping the revolver into his side pocket he kneeled
beside the deputy sheriff and commenced to go through the
man's clothes. After a moment he came upon what he
sought--a key ring confining several keys.
Billy found the one he wished and presently he was free.
He still stood looking at the deputy sheriff.
"I ought to croak you," he murmured. "I'll never make my
get-away if I don't; but SHE won't let me--God bless her."
Suddenly a thought came to Billy Byrne. If he could have a
start he might escape. It wouldn't hurt the man any to stay
here for a few hours, or even for a day. Billy removed the
deputy's coat and tore it into strips. With these he bound the
man to a tree. Then he fastened a gag in his mouth.
During the operation the deputy regained consciousness. He
looked questioningly at Billy.
"I decided not to croak you," explained the young man.
"I'm just a-goin' to leave you here for a while. They'll be
lookin' all along the right o' way in a few hours--it won't be
long afore they find you.
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