“Well, for all that, Mr. Sturges,” responded Bart, banteringly, “I'll not take back what I've said about the nag. And to prove my earnest, I'll make you an offer; I'll bet my gun, which you saw me hand the landlord for safe keeping when they brought me in--I'll bet my gun against your hat, I'll take that creature and out-trot you, with any hoss you may choose to bring on.” “Done!” exclaimed Sturges; “but you are contriving this up for a chance to get away, you scamp.” “What should I want to get away for?” I haint done nothin: and there's a witness here that will swear to a thing or two for me, when the trial comes on, guess you'll find; besides, aint you young to ride by my side, with a loaded pistol in your hand?” “Yes, and that aint all; I'll put a bullet through you the instant you make the least move to be off.” “I'm agreed to that.” “Well, but will they let you take the colt for the march?” “Guess so; I'll venture to take her. The boy that rode her here has cleared out down to the brook a fishing; but I know him, and think he wouldn't object.” “Who owns the colt?” “Old Turner did, last year, when I lived with him; and the boy is from that way, and borrowed her, likely.” “Then you have rode her, have you?” asked Sturges, doubtfully. “Never rid her with any other boss, but know she can trot faster than any thing you can find here; so you may as well back out at once,” answered Bart, with apparent indifference. “Not by a jug-full, sir; but I must look me up a horse, and fix matters a little first; and then, if it is thought safe for me to trust you to ride, I'll go it,” returned the other, with some hesitation. Sturges then stepped aside with the other keeper, and, after consulting with him a few moments, went forward and announced to the company the bet offered by the prisoner, and his own intention of accepting it, and indulging the fellow in a trial, if they thought best, and would assist in measures to prevent the possibility of his escape. The proposal was received with shouts of laughter by the tories; and eager for the fun they expected to see in so queer a contest, they agreed to be answerable for the prisoner's safety, and urged on the performance.