Almost all the people of the county, and some people belonging to adjoining counties, made up their minds to be at the court-house when his trial should take place.
On the second night of his imprisonment, George Mason forced open a window of his cell and went away.

And what was more, he staid away.

He had no desire to be at the court-house when his trial took place.
No one felt more profound satisfaction when George Mason left the country, and the telegraph line was once more in working order, than Harry and Kate.
They had an idea that if George Mason, should persist in cutting the telegraph line, the Mica Company would give it up, and that they might be called upon to refund the money on which Aunt Matilda depended for support.

They had been told that they need not trouble themselves about this, as the Mica Company had taken all risks; but still they were delighted when they heard that George Mason had cleared out, and that there was every reason to suppose that he would not come back..