"Did I? I didn't mean it, I assure you. We are as safe here as if we
were riding in the interior of New York. I suppose I was only whiling
away a few idle minutes."

"I am glad to hear it," said the German. "I shouldn't like to meet any
of these gentlemen."

"Nor I," answered Melville; "but I am prepared to give him or them a
warm reception."

As he spoke he drew a revolver from his pocket. He sat next to the door,
and in an exposed situation.

"Put up your shooting iron, Mr. Melville," said Col. Warner, exhibiting
a slight shade of annoyance. "Let me exchange places with you. I should
prefer the post of danger, if' there is any."

"You are very kind, Colonel," said Melville, quietly, "but I don't care
to change. I am quite satisfied with my seat."

"But, my dear sir, I insist--" said the Colonel, making a motion to
rise.

"Keep your seat, Colonel! I insist upon staying where I am," answered
Melville.

He was physically far from formidable, this young man, but there was a
resolute ring in his voice that showed he was in earnest.

"Really, my dear sir," said the Colonel, trying to conceal his
annoyance, "you have been quite misled by my foolish talk. I did not
suppose you were so nervous."

"Possibly I may have a special reason for being so," returned George
Melville.

"What do you mean?" demanded the Colonel, quickly. "If you have, we are
all interested, and ought to know it."

"The Colonel is right," said the German. "If you know of any danger, it
is only fair to inform us all."

"I am disposed to agree with you, gentlemen," said Melville. "Briefly,
then, I have good reason to think that this company of passengers has
been marked for plunder."

Col. Warner started, but, quickly recovering himself, he laughed
uneasily.

"Tush!" he said, "I put no faith in it. Some one has been deceiving you,
my friend."

But the other passengers took it more seriously.

"You evidently know something that we do not," said Parker.

"I do," answered Melville.

Col. Warner looked at him searchingly, but did not speak.

Now was the time to test George Melville's nerve. He was about to take a
bold step.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I regret to say that I have every reason to
believe there is a man in this stage who is in league with the road
agents."

This statement naturally made a sensation.

There were seven passengers, and each regarded the rest with new-born
suspicion. There seemed, on the whole, about as m