"I know exactly what's in it," Jeff warned, "and I know just what to do if even a penny's worth is missing. Maybe I know what to do if nothing's missing." "We can get tough, too." "I want that pack." "All right. Keep it and come on." Pal stayed very close to Jeff as Pop led them toward the cells. The two chicken thieves came to the front of theirs and clasped the bars with their hands. They were wholly delighted because, in his brush with Jeff, Pop had come off second best. Jeff grinned back at them. "Hi, Jeff! Got anything to make our happy home happier?" "Tarrant Enterprises, Ltd., has something for everyone and can please you. Here is a nice hack saw." "I'll take that," Pop said. "You'll take it for thirty-nine cents." "Hand it over. You'll get it back when you leave." "Well--" Jeff gave him the hack saw and the pair in the adjoining cell roared with laughter. Pop asked, "Got any more?" "Unfortunately, the hack saw department is understocked and our new order has not arrived." "Get in." Pop unlocked a cell and Jeff and Pal entered. The bars were in front only; the cells were separated by brick walls. Adjusting his eyes to the gloomy interior, Jeff saw two bunks with dirty mattresses suspended by chains that were attached to the wall. There was an iron stand upon which stood a chipped basin and a faded towel. Beneath the stand was a bucket. Pop slammed the door. "I sleep in front," he advised. "I've got a sawed-off shotgun and I know how to use it. Besides, just trying to break out can mean six months in prison. Think it over." "Sure." Jeff smiled. Pop strode back to the desk while the two chicken thieves shouted raucous insults. Jeff lost himself in thought. The situation had been quite obvious from the moment he entered the jail. Few towns had a full-time jailer for two or three prisoners--unless there were other factors involved--and almost without exception such factors existed only when there were certain affairs that would not bear close examination. The majority of Cressman's citizens probably were honest, hard-working people, but some of its officials were not. The fact that they could be dishonest only because the rest were indifferent to the way their town's affairs were conducted did not change the situation. If he were one of the inside clique, Pop would have a better job, but he evidently knew enough so that he had to be given something in order to prevent his talking. Pop's reaction when Jeff expressed such utter willingness to take the matter up with an attorney--offered additional proof of this.