went and opened the door and disclosed Deputy-Warden Bangs of
the state prison. But when Bangs made a step forward the notary bulked
himself in the doorway with all the dignity his modest size would
permit.

"I'm led to believe that you have in this house an escaped convict, name
of Vaniman," declared the officer.

"Don't your prison records show that the convict named Vaniman is
officially dead, sir?"

"I'll admit that; but if what I have heard since I was routed out of my
bed is so, those records will have to be revised."

"I have no control over your records," returned the Squire, grimly.

Mr. Bangs made another step forward.

"But I have full control over my own house, sir. You cannot come in."

"Do you stand in the way of a deputy warden of the state prison?"

"I certainly do until he presents himself in my door with a proper
search warrant, instead of coming here on the strength of mere hearsay."

"I tried to get a warrant," the officer confessed. "But I can't locate
the trial justice."

"I hear that he is moving," was the Squire's dry retort.

"You seem to be the only one in the place who isn't moving," said Bangs,
craning his neck to peer past the keeper of the door.

"Oh, I'm simply delaying my departure a few days in order to close up
some matters of business."

"Let me tell you that if you're concealing a convict in this house
you'll have more business than what you plan on. I'm up here--"

"As you have reported to me and all others, you're up here to find two
escaped prisoners, sir. Very well! They are not in my house. But I have
heard from them. They were seen a very short time ago in the stretch
of woods near here known as Baniman's Bower. If you hurry you may catch
them."

Bangs displayed prompt interest. He showed more when the Squire added:
"They may be already captured. I learned, also, that a man who has been
a prison guard was in the same locality. You officials seem to be very
vigilant!"

Mr. Bangs choked back some sort of a threatened explosion. He stood
there, shifting from foot to foot. Then he blurted: "Say, you seem to be
the most level-headed man in this town. I'll go chase those convicts if
your tip is a straight one. But tell me! Am I having the nightmare, or
are all these things really happening around here?"

However, Squire Hexter did not try to comfort the perturbed Mr. Bangs
just then. The notary stepped out on the porch, closing his door behind
him. He stared into