ading spirit, Ratty M'Gill turned ugly when his
mate attempted to touch the girl; so they had left her unbound. But not
unwatched--no, indeed! Ratty's beadlike eyes never left her.

Not much of their conversation reached the ears of Frances, although she
kept very still and tried to hear. She could read Ratty's lips a little,
for he had no mustache; but the bearded Pete's lips were hidden.

"I've got to have a good piece of it myself, if I'm going to take a
chance like that!" was one declaration of the ex-cowpuncher's that she
heard clearly.

Again Ratty said: "They'll not only suspect me, they'll _know_.
Won't the girl tell them? I tell you I want to see my getaway before I
make a stir in the matter--you can bet on that!"

Finally, Frances saw the ex-orderly of the Bylittle Soldiers' Home
produce a pad of paper, an envelope, and pencil. He was plainly a ready
writer, for he went to work with the pencil at once, while Ratty rolled
a fresh cigarette and still watched their captive.

Pete finished his letter, sealed it in the envelope, and addressed it in
a bold hand.

"That'll just about fix the business, I reckon," said Pete, scowling
across at Frances. "That gal's mighty smart--with her trunk full of junk
and all----"

Ratty burst into irrepressible laughter. 'You sure got Pete's goat when
you played him that trick, Frances. He fair killed himself puntin' that
trunk up the river and hiding it, and then taking the punt back and
letting it drift so as to put Peckham's crew off the scent.

"And when he busted it open----" Ratty burst into laughter again, and
held his sides. Pete looked surly.

"We'll make the old man pay for her cuttin' up them didoes," growled the
bewhiskered rascal. "And my horse and wagon, too. I b'lieve she and that
man with her set the fire that burned up my outfit."

Frances herewith took part in the conversation.

"Who set the grass-fire, in the first place?" she demanded. "I believe
you did that, Ratty M'Gill. You were just reckless enough that day."

"Aw, shucks!" said the young man, sheepishly.

"But you haven't the same excuse to-day for being reckless," the girl
said, earnestly. "You have not been drinking. What do you suppose Sam
and the boys will do to you for treating me in this manner?"

"Now, that will do!" said Pete, hoarsely "You hold your tongue, young
woman!"

But Ratty only laughed. He accepted the letter, took off his sombrero,
tucked it under the sweatband, and pu