hts and days. It is not
to be supposed that Woodford would rob so insignificant a post office for
the small booty that belonged to the government. Quite likely he was
aware of the large sum left with her on the afternoon before.

But Mike Murphy's original style of descending the back stairs brought
the schemes of the criminals to naught, and saved the safe from
spoliation. I have told how the three criminals scattered to as many
different points of the compass. They could not have come together again
had not previous provision been made for such emergencies. The leader,
having shaken himself clear of the village, turned into the wood and
picked his way toward the river. He was to the north, however, while the
other lookout, Miller, was to the south, and neither knew how far apart
they were.

There seemed little risk in signalling, and after Woodford had gone half
way to the river he paused among the shadows and listened. He had been
startled by the report of the gun, but everything was now still. Placing
his thumb and forefinger between his lips, he emitted a sharp, tremulous
whistle, which was instantly answered by a similar call from some point
not far off. A few minutes later he and Miller, after a few precautions,
came together among the shadows.

"I knew you would be somewhere in the neighborhood," was the young man's
explanation, "and I was listening for your signal."

"Well," growled the elder, "Noxon made a mess of it to-night."

"It looks that way."

"Do you know what happened? Did you see anything?"

"I saw him dash out from the rear of that store with someone chasing him
with a loaded gun."

"That must have been what we heard a little while ago. Looks as if they
got Nox."

"Shouldn't be surprised," remarked the other indifferently.

"He oughter managed things better. How was it you didn't warn him?"

"I did; I whistled twice the instant I saw his danger, and ran the risk
of getting it in the neck myself," was the unblushing response of the
youth.

"I don't see that there's anything we can do for him. He got himself in a
hole through his own foolishness and must pull himself out. My motto when
a gang gets into trouble is that every one must look out for himself and
the devil take the hindmost."

"I say, Kit," said Miller, lowering his voice as if fearful of being
overheard, "do you think they'll get Nox?"

"Haven't a doubt of it."

"I say, do you think there's any danger of his squealing, t