come alone, and we were fools to do so, for
we could have fought it out right here," grumbled the driver, greatly
disappointed at his not carrying out his suddenly determined upon plot.

The road-agent then took the bag, opened it, ran over the gold like one
who knew its value, and then said:

"Yes, there is the amount here, no more, no less. Ask Miss Seldon if she
has not been treated with marked respect."

"I can but answer yes, for I have been; but am I not to have my trunk
and side-saddle?"

"Oh, yes, certainly," and the road-agent gave a signal, which was
promptly answered by two men appearing in the edge of the pines.

They wore long black robes and red masks, also, and their appearance
was proof that their leader had not come alone.

"Bring the baggage belonging to this lady, and her side-saddle and
bridle, also," called out the leader.

The men disappeared, and Doctor Dick asked:

"Do you expect to keep up your lawless acts much longer without meeting
the fate you deserve, Sir Outlaw?"

"Yes, for the money I get is worth taking big chances for, Doctor Dick,
and, gambler that you are, you never do a better day's work than what
sum this gold calls for."

"It is a long lane that has no turn, and the turn will come for you some
day," said Harding.

A light laugh beneath the mask was the answer, and Celeste Seldon's face
wore a clouded expression Harding was not slow to observe.

"Then I am free to go, sir?" and Celeste turned to the outlaw.

"You are, Miss Seldon," was the answer.

She turned to the coach, and Doctor Dick aided her into it, just as the
two outlaws came up with the small leather trunk she had brought with
her and her saddle and bridle.

Taking the back seat, Celeste leaned up in one corner, as though
fatigued, and her baggage having been put on top, Dick and Harding
mounted to the box, the outlaws attentively regarding them through the
eye-holes in their masks.

"Remember, pards, I still drive this trail," said the driver, with an
air of defiance as he gathered up the reins.

"I won't forget, Harding; but I advise you to keep in mind the story of
the pitcher that went once too often to the well, for right here some
day you may meet your fate."

"If I do, you will not find me flinch from it," was the plucky response,
and the driver called to his horses, and the team moved on.

Looking back at the bend, the driver and Doctor Dick saw that the
outlaws had already disappeared, whi