that instant Jerry and Hamp rose up from behind the log, concluding
that their services might be needed. Raikes saw them, and his mind
grasped the situation.

A brief look of rage and disappointment distorted his features. Then,
like a flash, he lifted his rifle, and tried to shoot Sparwick.

But the latter was too quick. With his own rifle, he knocked the
other's weapon upward, and it was discharged harmlessly in the air.

With a savage oath, Raikes sprang at his antagonist. They exchanged a
round of heavy blows. Sparwick's weapon was dashed from his hand. Raikes
had nothing left but the shattered stock. Both grappled, and rolled over
in the snow.

Jerry and Hamp looked on with suppressed excitement and anxiety. They
saw no opportunity of interfering; nor was their aid needed. Sparwick
was far more powerful than his opponent. Raikes made a desperate fight,
and quickly exhausted his wind and strength. Sparwick tumbled him over
on his back, and sat upon him.

"Lie still, or I'll smash you," he cried.

Raikes glared sullenly up at his enemy, panting for breath. He had no
intention of renewing the contest. He was played out.

"Well, I reckon you know what we want with you," resumed Sparwick.
"Where's the lad you and Joe Bogle carried off?"

"Don't ask me," muttered Raikes. "You're the one to answer that
question. You robbed the lad, and we tried to overhaul you. When you
gave us the slip the youngster started back to join his friends. If he
never reached them you likely know something about it."

"That's a lie," exclaimed Sparwick. "You're too dumb to live. Listen
here. I was hidin' in the bushes when you attacked the lad. I seen the
whole thing. What did you do with him? Better own up to it."

"If you've murdered Brick you'll hang," cried Jerry, wrathfully.

Raikes looked crestfallen for an instant. Then a last expedient
suggested itself to his fertile mind. He glanced at Jerry.

"Don't you boys be deceived by this ruffian. He is telling a clever lie.
If your friend has disappeared, he is to blame. I don't doubt that he
robbed and murdered that lad, and concealed the----"

"It's false!" interrupted Sparwick. "I've a mind to break your neck!"

He seized his prisoner by the throat, and shook him savagely. Raikes
fought for breath, and in the struggle his coat was torn open, and
thrown back from his breast. Something white peeped from the inner
pocket. Sparwick made a grab, and hauled out two envelopes.

"Le