Standing in the very shadow of the gallows tree--which might have been one of the pines that sheltered the billiard room in which the Vigilance Committee held their conclave--the prisoner gave way to a burst of merriment, so genuine and honest that the judge and jury joined in automatic sympathy.

When silence was restored an explanation was asked by the Judge.

But there was no response from the prisoner except a subdued chuckle.
"Did this ring belong to you ?" asked the Judge, severely, the jury and spectators craning their ears forward with an expectant smile already on their faces.

But the prisoner's eyes only sparkled maliciously as he looked around the court.
"Tell us, Joe," said a sympathetic and laughter-loving juror, under his breath.

"Let it out and we'll make it easy for you." "Prisoner," said the Judge, with a return of official dignity, "remember that your life is in peril.