Hurrying past all these, Cloudy reached the jail. He readily gained admittance, and was conducted to the cell of the prisoner. He found Thurston attired as when he left home, sitting at a small wooden stand, and calmly occupied with his pen. He arose, and smilingly extended his hand, saying: "This is very kind as well as very prompt, Cloudy. You must have ridden fast." "I did. Leave us alone, if you please, my friend," said Cloudy, turning to the jailor. The latter went out and locked the door upon the friends. "This seems a sad event to greet you on your return home. Cloudy; but never mind, it will all be well!" "Sad? It's a farce! I have not an instant's misgiving about the result; but the present indignity! Oh! oh! I could--" "Be calm, my dear Cloudy. Have you heard anything of the circumstances that led to this?" "Yes! Paul told me; but he is as crazy and incoherent as a Bedlamite! I want you, if you please, Thurston, if you have no objection, to go over the whole story for me, that I may see if I can make anything of it for your defense." "Poor Paul! he takes this matter far too deeply to heart. Sit down. I have not a second chair to offer, but take this or the foot of the cot, as you prefer." Cloudy took the foot of the cot. "Certainly, Cloudy, I will tell you everything," said Thurston, and forthwith commenced his explanation. Thurston's narrative was clear and to the point. When it was finished Cloudy asked a number of questions, chiefly referring to the day of the tragedy. When these were answered he sat with his brows gathered down in astute thought. Presently he asked: "Thurston, have you engaged counsel?" "Yes; Mr. Romford has been with me this morning." "Is he fully competent?" "The best lawyer in the State." "When does the court sit?" "On Monday week." "Have you any idea whether your trial will come on early in the session?" "I presume it will come on very soon, as Mr. Romford informs me there are but few cases on the docket." "Thank Heaven for that, as your confinement here promises to be of very short duration. However, the limited time makes it the more necessary for me to act with the greater promptitude. I came here with the full intention of remaining in town as long as you should be detained in this infernal place, but I shall have to leave you within the hour." "Of course, Cloudy, my dear boy, I could not expect you to restrict yourself to this town so soon after escaping from the confinement of your ship!"