d you will find
that it can be moved," the voice of the hermit went on, steadily.
"There, now that you have over-turned the seat, you discover something
in the cavity. Keep your word, and place in my hands my precious packet
of manuscript. Threats of taking my life might not move me; but when you
place in peril that on which my reputation as a scientist must be based,
it is too much. Thank you, sir; I see you are a man of your word. And I
will sign the papers just as you may wish to have done."

CHAPTER XXII

TURNING THE TABLES--CONCLUSION

"Come on in, boys!"

Old Hank Coombs had stood all the while this intensely interesting
dialogue was going on, as though glued to the spot. Indeed, not one of
the party in the adjoining apartment of the cliff dwellers' cave but who
had kept drinking in the conversation as though it fairly fascinated
them.

But when the old cow puncher realized that to all appearances the
outrageous scheme of Eugene had worked only too well, and that the
precious document was even then in the hands of the smooth-tongued
plotter, he suddenly awoke to the fact that perhaps they had waited a
little too long.

Through the opening that served as a doorway between the apartments he
jumped, followed immediately by Chesty, the two sheriffs, and finally
the saddle boys, with Charley Moi bringing up the rear.

Of course their unexpected coming created quite a breeze among those
whom they thus surprised. The little man who wore the goggles seemed
delighted, and immediately started to place himself, and his precious
manuscript, in a position where he might be covered by these welcome
allies.

Spanish Joe and Abajo had started to draw their weapons; but when they
discovered that they had already been covered, and recognized several
among the newcomers as old companions on Circle Ranch, they promptly
elevated their hands.

Eugene looked just as ugly as he felt. The prize had apparently been
about to fall into his hands, like a ripe apple, when this change of
front had to occur.

He kept his wits about him, however, and like the shrewd fox that he
was, played the game to the limit for his own safety.

"Keep your friends back, Professor Oswald!" he shouted, as he managed to
interpose what looked like a stone table between himself and the two
sheriffs, who had their hungry eyes on him. "See here, unless you
promise on your word of honor not to proceed against me for this little
game that didn't