me of his band with him. He knows there is a good sum of money in
the house."

"I shall be glad when it is paid out," said the farmer's wife.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Mason. I have promised your husband that no harm
should come to him and that the money should be secure, and I will
keep my word."

"So you did," said Ezekiel, brightening up, "and I will pay you what I
agreed, if you keep your promise."

"Friend Mason," responded Luke, "I am playing for higher stakes than
five dollars. All depends on my keeping this outlaw secure. I mean to
do it."

Having settled matters, they went down stairs again, where they found
their prisoner waiting impatiently for their reappearance.

"Well," he said, "have you decided to let me go?"

"I am sorry to disappoint you, my friend," answered Luke, "but I don't
see my way clear to do so."

"I promised you a thousand dollars if you would release me."

"Yes, but I haven't any confidence in that promise."

"You need not fear. In three days I would bring or send the money to
you here."

"Couldn't you oblige me with a check on the bank where you
keep your money?" asked Luke, smiling.

"I keep my money in several banks," returned the outlaw.

"Where, for instance?"

"I had some in the bank at Lee's Falls, but I drew it out the other
day."

"So I heard. Have you any money in the Emmonsville bank?"

"Yes, but I am not quite ready to take it yet. I can give you an order
on the bank, if that will suit."

"Thank you; I doubt if the order would be honored."

"All this talk amounts to nothing," said Fox, impatiently. "I tell you
that if you release me I will bring or send you the money."

"And how soon would you want it back again?"

"Whenever I saw my way clear to taking it," said the outlaw, boldly.

"I like that talk. It looks square. I'll think over your offer, friend
Fox, and let you know in the morning what I decide to do."

The outlaw frowned. He evidently did not like the prospect of
remaining in captivity over night.

"What are you going to do with me to-night?" he asked.

"We have a comfortable place provided," answered Luke. "Mr. Mason, if
you will give your assistance, we will show our guest where we propose
to put him."

"Unbind me, and I will save you the trouble."

"No doubt, but there are some objections to that."

The outlaw was lifted from the wagon and carried up stairs to the
attic. His ankles as well as his wrists were securely tied, so that he
was