audible only to the farmer.

"Thee has asked the wrong party," he said aloud. "We don't carry
watches."

The pedestrian regarded him with contempt. Whoever he might be, he
looked upon a Quaker as a mild, inoffensive person, hardly deserving
the name of man.

"I didn't speak to you," he said scornfully.

CHAPTER X.

THE ASTONISHED OUTLAW.

The pedestrian's next move was a bold one.

"I am tired," he said. "Give me a ride."

"Will thee excuse us?" said the Quaker meekly.

"Oh, shut up!" cried the assumed pedestrian. "Quakers should be seen
and not heard."

Then, to the farmer, "I am tired. Let me into your carriage."

"There is no room," said the farmer nervously.

"Then tell the Quaker to get out, and I will take his place."

Ezekiel Mason was by no means a brave man, and he did not know what to
say to this impudent proposal.

He looked appealingly at Luke.

"I will accommodate the gentleman," said the latter meekly. With the
words he rose from his seat and jumped to the ground.

"Shall I assist thee?" he asked the stranger in a mild voice.

"No; I am quite capable of getting into the carriage without help from
a meddlesome Quaker."

"Indeed, thee does me injustice."

The stranger did not immediately get into the buggy.

"I don't care to ride, after all," he said coolly. "Just hand me your
money, you old clodhopper."

The worst had come. The new arrival was evidently one of the Fox
brothers, after all.

"Indeed, I have no money," said the terrified farmer.

This was true, for he had put the wallet, containing the five hundred
dollars, into the hands of Luke.

"You lie! You have just come from the Emmonsville bank, where you drew
a large amount."

At this proof of knowledge on the part of the outlaw the farmer was
almost paralyzed.

It appeared to him that the robber must be supernaturally gifted.

"I haven't got it now," he said.

"You lie!" cried the outlaw sternly. "Come down here and give up the
money, or I'll shoot you."

"You can search me," said Mason desperately.

"Come down, then."

"Thee is very unkind," observed Luke.

"Shut up, you meddlesome Quaker! It none of your business."

"Thee had better come down and let the man search thee," said Luke to
the farmer.

Ezekiel Mason had been waiting for a hint from Luke, in whom he
recognized a master spirit. His only hope was in his companion.

"Art thee Mr. Fox?" asked Luke in a tone of mild inquiry.

"I'll let