overed that an unfortunate error had
been made, and the ladies were released. They went at once to their
homes. While their names have not been divulged it is reported that they
are well known and highly esteemed members of the community, and much
sympathy has been expressed for their disagreeable experience.

Up to a late hour last night no trace had been found of the outlaws. It
is believed that they have left Thunder Cloud Glen and have penetrated
farther into the mountains.

* * * * *

Charlie Sands came for us at the jail. He asked us no questions, which I
thought strange, but he got a carriage and took us all to Tish's. He did
not speak a word on the way, except to ask us if we had no hats. On
Tish's replying meekly that we had left them in the cave, he said
nothing more, but sat looking like a storm until we drew up at the
house.

I dare say we did look curious. Our clothes were torn and draggled, and
although we had washed at the jail we were still somewhat
powder-streaked and grimy.

Charlie Sands led us into Tish's parlor and shut the door. Then he
turned and surveyed the three of us.

"Sit down," he said grimly.

We sat. He stood looking down at each of us in turn.

"I'll hear the story in a minute," he said, still cold and disagreeable.
"But first of all, Aunt Tish, I want to ask you if you realize that this
last escapade of yours is a disgrace to the family?"

"Nothing of the sort," Tish asserted with something of her old spirit.
"It was all for Aggie's missionary dime. I----"

"A moment," he said, holding up his hand. "I'm going to ask a question.
I'll listen after that. _Did you or did you not hold up the C. & L.
express car?_"

We were too astounded to speak.

"Because if you did," he said, "missionary dime or no missionary dime, I
shall turn you over to the authorities! I have gone through a lot with
you, Aunt Tish, in the past year."

Aggie and I expected to see Tish rise in majesty and point him out of
the room. But to our amazement she broke down and cried.

"No," she said feebly, "we didn't rob the car. But oh, Charlie, Charlie!
We nursed that wretch Muldoon, and fed him and sent him off on Modestine
in Aggie's gray alpaca, and he got away; and if you say to go to jail
I'll go."

"Muldoon!"

"The wretch who said he was Muldoon. The--the train robber."

Well, it took hours to tell the story, and when we had all finished and
Aggie had gone to bed i