l.

Every man was to be dressed in his best, and, in honor of the occasion,
the saloons were to be all closed.

When, at last, the day arrived, Harding mounted his box and gathered up
his reins, Doctor Dick following to a seat by his side a moment after.

The bag containing the gold to be paid in ransom was placed between
their feet, Landlord Larry gave the word to go, and the coach rolled
away at a rapid pace, followed by the wildest cheering.

The doctor was fixed up in his most magnificent attire. His jewels shone
with more than accustomed luster, and there was an expression upon his
face that boded no good for the road-agents if they meant treachery in
their dealings.

Harding was also rigged out in his finest, and wore a pleased look at
the prospect of meeting Celeste again, upon whom he considered that he
held a special claim, and yet, underlying all, was an anxiety that some
hitch might occur in gaining her release that would destroy all prospect
of seeing her.

The coach had been cleaned up to look its best, and a United States flag
floated from a staff fastened upon the rear.

The harnesses had been burnished up, and red, white, and blue streamers
had been attached to the bridles, so that the whole outfit presented a
very gorgeous appearance, and one intended to impress the beholder with
the grandeur of the occasion.

And so it was that Doctor Dick went out with the ransom for Celeste
Seldon, with Harding proud at holding the reins over the picked team
that would take her back to Last Chance.

"Well, Doctor Dick, what do you think of our chances?" asked Harding,
when the coach had turned out of the valley and was fairly started upon
the trail to the meeting with the masked road-agent chief.

"How do you mean our chances, Harding?"

"To get the young lady?"

"You were the one to make the terms."

"True, and I fear treachery."

"What chance is there for it?"

"We have the money."

"Yes."

"We are but two."

"Very true."

"They have the captive."

"Yes."

"And they can bring many against us."

"Also very true, Harding."

"Now, if the chief means treachery, and has his men there, he can hold
us up, get the ransom money, still keep possession of the girl, and
there it is."

"He might do so; but I hardly believe we need submit to even half a
dozen outlaws, where so much is at stake."

"I'm with you, Doc, in whatever you say do."

"I know that, Pard Harding; but there is another wa