sit from the Fox brothers caused anxiety and apprehension. The evil
reputation of these men and their desperate character made them
formidable.

When Luke Robbins entered the place he was regarded with suspicion. His
hunting costume was not unlike that of a bandit. But the fact that he had
a young companion tended to disarm suspicion. No one could suspect Ernest
of complicity with outlaws, and the Fox brothers had never been known to
carry a boy with them.

Luke was unused to banks. So far as he knew he had never entered one
before. He looked around him in uncertainty, and finally approached the
window of the receiving teller.

"Are you the boss of this institution?" he asked.

The teller smiled.

"No," he said. "Perhaps you want to see the president?"

"I guess he's the man."

"If you will give me a hint of the nature of your business I will speak to
him."

"I hear you're expectin' a visit from the Fox brothers."

"Have you anything to do with them?" asked the teller with some
suspicion.

"I want to have something to do with them," returned Luke.

"I don't understand you."

"Then I'll tell you what I mean. I hear there's a big reward out for their
capture."

"A thousand dollars."

"I want that thousand dollars, and I want it bad."

"I shall be very glad if you become entitled to it. Anyone who will rid
the State of either of these notorious outlaws will richly deserve it."

"That's the business I came about. Now can I see the president, if that's
what you call him?"

"Wait a minute and I will find out."

The teller went to an inner room and returned with a stout, gray-headed
man of about fifty.

He looked curiously at Luke through the window. Then, as if reassured, he
smiled.

"I understand you want to see me," he said.

"Yes."

"About the Fox brothers?"

"You're right there, squire."

"Go to the last door and I will admit you."

Luke Robbins did as directed, and soon found himself in the office of the
president of the bank.

"You are anxious to secure the reward offered for the capture of these
outlaws, I believe."

"That's straight."

"Why do you come to me, then?"

"Because a man told me you expected a visit from them."

"That is not quite exact. I don't expect a visit, but I am afraid they may
take it into their heads to call here."

"Suppose they do."

A shade of anxiety appeared upon the face of the president.

"We should try to foil their plans," he answered.

"Wo