would not be glad to hear of the extermination of
the gang. The list of crimes for which the James Boys are amenable is
too long and too horrible to enumerate here in detail. Let it suffice
that there are charges of every description in the category against
them, including many atrocious murders.

"So bitter is the feeling against them that a reward of five thousand
dollars has been offered for the James Boys, dead or alive. I enclose
warrants and all necessary authority for you to act in league with the
officers of this State in the capture or killing of the bandits in
question, and sincerely trust that you will meet with entire success. By
this mail have also written to Sheriff Timberlake whom I am delighted to
hear intends to go with you on your perilous expedition. He is a brave
and true man, in whom I have the most implicit confidence.
Yours truly, John Doe."

The papers in Jack's envelope were entirely satisfactory.

Timberlake's letter was of a personal nature, and when he finished
reading it, and heard what was communicated to Jack, he said:

"Well, now that all details are settled, when do you intend to go in
pursuit of the outlaws?"

"To-night," replied Jack. "We have everything ready but the stowage of
our clothing aboard."

"Good! The sooner the better."

"I tink so neider," agreed Fritz.

"That settles it, then," Tim added.

It did not take them long to put their clothing and the parrot and
monkey aboard the Terror.

When night fell, Jack took leave of his wife and child.

They all then boarded the electric stage. Jack taking his seat at the
wheel, and she started.

Many people in the village streets saw them as they went flying by, and
heartily cheered them on their way, as the news of Jack's intention had
got abroad.

The Terror soon left Wrightstown behind.

Following the hard country road he sped along swiftly, and soon was lost
to the view of the villagers.

CHAPTER V.
THE JAMES BOYS' MOTHER.

The trip to Missouri was made without adventure by the Terror, but her
peculiar appearance aroused the wonder of everybody who saw her during
her journey through several States.

Late in the afternoon of a pleasant day she passed Kearney, in Clay
County, and followed an old country road.

A few miles from the town she arrived near a neat old log house standing
back in a wooded pasture near the road.

This house contained three rooms; in