made a step from his seat towards the group.

'How long do you propose keeping him there?' The captain did not
reply, but Murfrey made answer.

'Perhaps an hour, perhaps two. But what is it of your business? Do
you wish to get strung up?'

'It is so far my business, that if I can release him, not ten
seconds longer will he hang there;' and saying these words he strode
towards the tree. Facing in such a manner that the entire gang was in
front of him he drew his pistol, and by the aid of his left arm began
to make his way up the tree. He paused on the first limb, for he
perceived that Murfrey was about to spring upon him.

'The first man or woman that makes a move to hinder me, I will
shoot.' Murfrey stood irresolute, then moved a step nearer to the
tree, whereupon Roland promptly covered him with his weapon.

This was more than the bully had looked for; and upon noticing that
no one seemed disposed to assist, he turned away and joined the
group. With one blow of his knife, then, Roland severed the cord, and
The Lifter fell like a log upon the turf.

Descending then he found that the miserable wretch had fainted from
his suffering; indeed, for a time he could discover no trace of a
pulse.

'Nancy, fetch me a glass of brandy, immediately.'