The Crimson West

Excerpt: Jangling his keys on their big ring the sheriff led John McLean down several steps then through a long narrow hall to the rear of the jail. From a distant corridor came the sound of a raucous voice attempting to sing one of the popular ragtimes of the day “Some fellow’s still got a ‘hang-over’” observed the sheriff as he paused before a cell consulted a number then searched for the key. As the door swung open a sleepy voice was raised in mock solemnity. “What ho varlet! Why dost thou open the dungeon door? Has the king granted a reprieve?” His eyes blinking the inmate stepped into the bright light of the hall. A dull red suffused his pale face as he saw the tall figure behind the sheriff.