fe is more than money, and he had no
alternative. The fellow got the money."

"Did he get away with it?"

"Yes; they both mounted their horses and rode off, no one daring to
interfere. Each held his revolver in readiness to shoot the first man that
barred his way."

"Where did you say this happened?"

"At Lee's Falls."

"Is it near at hand?"

"It is fifteen miles away."

"But why should that robbery create excitement here?"

"Because we have a bank here, and we are expecting a visit from the same
parties."

"Who are they?"

"They are supposed to be the Fox brothers, two of the most notorious
criminals in the West. Numberless stories are told of their bold
robberies, both from individuals and from banks."

"How long have these fellows been preying upon the community?"

"We have heard of them hereabouts for three years. It is said they came
from Missouri."

"Is there no one brave enough or bold enough to interfere with them?"

"More than one has tried it, but no one has succeeded. Twice they were
captured, but in each case they broke jail before it was time for the
trial."

"It seems to me you haven't many men of spirit in Nebraska."

"Perhaps you think you would be a match for them," said the citizen in a
sarcastic tone.

Luke Robbins smiled, and handled his revolver in a significant way.

"If you think you can kill or capture them, stranger, there's a chance to
make a good sum of money."

"How is that?"

"A thousand dollars is offered for either of them, dead or alive."

"A thousand dollars!" repeated Luke, his face glowing with excitement. "Is
that straight?"

"It will be paid cheerfully. You can bet on that."

"Who offers it?"

"The governor of the State."

Luke Robbins became thoughtful and remained silent.

"Did you hear that, lad?" he asked, when he and Ernest were alone.

"Yes, Luke."

"A thousand dollars would do us a great deal of good."

"That is true, Luke, but it would be as much as your life is worth to hunt
the rascals."

"Don't try to make a coward of me, Ernest."

"I couldn't do that, Luke. I only want you to be prudent."

"Listen, lad. I want that thousand dollars and I'm going to make a try for
it. Come along with me."

"Where are you going?"

"To the bank. I'm going to have a talk with the officers and then I'll
decide what to do."

CHAPTER VIII

LUKE JOINS THE FRIENDS

At the Emmonsville bank they were on their guard. The expectation of a
vi