ognito a little longer. Under his Indian
travestie he fancies Clancy cannot, and has not, recognised him. Nor is
it likely he would have done so, but for the foreknowledge obtained
through Bosley. Even now only by his greater bulk is the robber chief
distinguishable among his subordinates, all their faces being alike
fantastically disfigured.

Drawing back behind his followers, he whispers some words to Chisholm,
instructing him what is to be done, as also to take direction of it.

"Give up yer guns!" commands the latter, addressing himself to the
strangers.

"Why should we?" asks Clancy.

"We want no cross-questionin', Mister. 'Tain't the place for sech, nor
the time, as you'll soon larn. Give up yer guns! Right quick, or
you'll have them taken from ye, in a way you won't like."

Clancy still hesitates, glancing hastily around the ring of mounted men.
He is mad at having permitted himself to be taken prisoner, for he
knows he is this. He regrets not having galloped off while there was
yet time. It is too late now. There is not a break in the enfilading
circle through which he might make a dash. Even if there were, what
chance ultimately to escape? None whatever. A score of guns and
pistols are around him, ready to be discharged should he attempt to stir
from the spot. Some of them are levelled, their barrels bearing upon
him. It would be instant death, and madness in him to seek it so. He
but says:--

"What have we done, that you should disarm us? You appear to be
Indians, yet talk the white man's tongue. In any case, and whoever you
are, we have no quarrel with you. Why should you wish to make us
prisoners?"

"We don't do anything of the sort. That would be wastin' wishes.
You're our pris'ners already."

It is Chisholm who thus facetiously speaks, adding in sterner tone:--

"Let go yer guns, or, by God! we'll shoot you out of your saddles.
Boys! in upon 'em, and take their weepuns away!"

At the command several of the robbers spring their horses forward, and,
closing upon Clancy, seize him from all sides; others serving Jupiter
the same. Both see that resistance were worse than folly--sheer
insanity--and that there is no alternative but submit.

Their arms are wrested from them, though they are allowed to retain
possession of their animals. That is, they are left in their saddles--
compelled to stay in them by ropes rove around their ankles, attaching
them to the stirrup-leathers.