place of concealment.

"Stand on one side of that fellow so you won't spoil my aim, and take
his revolver away. Be quick, and don't fear his hurting you, for he
can't make but one move."

Bob scowled fiercely; but did not dare to offer any resistance.
Perhaps if he had known who was behind that gun the case might have
been different; but there was every reason to believe an officer held
it, and he could not afford to run any risk.

Jim searched the prisoner carefully, and then, when a revolver and a
knife had been thrown into the camp, Jet said:

"Now, stand directly behind him with your revolver pressed to the back
of his head, and pull the trigger if you feel him move ever so
slightly."

Jim was beginning to regain his courage, and obeyed without hesitation.

The amateur detective now came into view, and Bob literally gnashed his
teeth in rage.

"I wish I'd known it was you," he cried, savagely.

"Be careful or your head will move so much my friend will shoot; his
hand trembles so now that there's danger your brains will be blown out
unintentionally."

On first entering the shanty, Jet had seen plenty of ropes with which
to bind the prisoner, and these he brought out, lashing Bob's arms
behind his back, and tying his legs securely together.

During this last operation, the prisoner struggled most desperately,
for Jim's revolver had been lowered in order that he might assist his
companion, and before the boys finally got him under subjection they
were reeking with perspiration, in addition to being nearly tired out.

"Well," Jim said, triumphantly, as he rose to his feet, "that part of
the work was done as slick as grease, and at this rate it won't take us
long to wind the whole gang up."

"I'm afraid the hardest job is ahead," Jet replied, as a most
unaccountable fit of gloominess came over him. "You know the other
makes the third one, and superstitious people believe a fellow always
comes to grief on that number."

CHAPTER XXIX

BOB

When Bob was fettered beyond his power to make any resistance he
relapsed into a sullen silence, which troubled Jet more than reproaches
or threats would have done.

He had expected to be overwhelmed with curses, and fancied the man
would rave and struggle uselessly until he was completely worn out; but
such was not the fact.

It was much as if Bob had suddenly conceived the idea of reserving his
strength until the time should come when he could use it wit