,
unless it should become necessary in self defence.

"But I s'pose you hain't any 'bjection to my giving the laugh to Bill?"
he said, with ludicrous dismay; "there ain't nothing wrong in _that_, is
there?"

"Nothing at all," replied the pleased Fred; "we shall enjoy it as much
as you."

"Which the same being the case, it's time you went to sleep; I'll keep
watch and call you when I git ready."

Bidding their friend good-night, the boys wrapped themselves in their
blankets and speedily sank into slumber.

The kind-hearted guide did not disturb either, and when they opened
their eyes the sun was in the sky. Fred Greenwood was in a bad shape
with his swollen and lacerated feet, but his naturally rugged frame
recovered rapidly from the trying strain to which it had been subjected.
He proved that his appetite was as vigorous as ever, and was eager to
reach the ranch with the least possible delay. Hank promised him no time
should be wasted.

A lookout was kept for Bill Tozer, the boys remaining in the cavern,
where they could not be seen. There was the possibility, of course, that
the man had learned of the escape of the young prisoner, but all doubt
was removed when, at the appointed time, he appeared on the edge of the
plateau and strode confidently to the point where Hazletine, just
outside the cavern, awaited his coming.

The two shook hands and immediately got down to business. The scamp felt
that he commanded the situation and he was disposed to push matters.

"I've been thinking over what you said yesterday," remarked the guide,
"and have made up my mind that I can't do it."

"You can't, eh? It's the only thing you _can_ do; Motoza insists that
the price shall be ten thousand dollars, but I'll stick by the original
agreement and call it half that sum."

"Let me see," said the cowman, thoughtfully; "you promise to give us
back the younker safe and sound, provided his friends hand you five
thousand dollars?"

"That's it; you understand the whole business. You know, of course,
Hank, that I'm only acting as the friend----"

"Don't git over any more of that stuff, Bill. Are we to give you the
money afore you produce the younker?"

"Certainly; that's the only way to do business."

"S'pose you bring him, and then I'll ask his folks if they want to make
you a present of five thousand dollars--how'll _that_ work?"

Tozer broke into laughter.

"You ought to be ashamed to talk such nonsense. The only way by