uldn't you like to have me on hand when they come?"

The president looked over Luke Robbins carefully. He was impressed by his
bold, resolute air and muscular figure. Evidently he would be a dangerous
man to meet.

"You are a strong, resolute fellow, I judge," he said thoughtfully.

"Try me and see."

"You would not be afraid to meet these villains single-handed?"

"I never saw the man yet I was afraid to meet."

"So far, so good, but it is not so much strength that is needed as
quickness. A weak man is more than a match for a strong one if he gets the
drop on him."

"That's so, but I reckon it'll take a right smart man to get the drop on
me."

"What have you to propose? I suppose you have formed some plan."

"I would like to stay round the bank and be on the watch for these
fellows."

"Remain here and I will consult with the cashier."

Five minutes later the president rejoined his visitor.

"I have no objection to securing your services," he said, "if it can be
done without exciting suspicion. In your present dress your mission would
at once be guessed, and the outlaws would be on their guard. Have you any
objection to changing your appearance?"

"Not a particle. All I want is to get a lick at them outlaws."

"Then I think we shall have to make you a little less formidable. Have you
any objections to becoming a Quaker?"

Luke Robbins laughed.

"What, one of those broad-brimmed fellows?" he said.

"Yes."

"Will I look the part?"

"Dress will accomplish a good deal. I will tell you what put the idea into
my head. We used to employ as janitor an old Quaker--a good, honest,
reliable man. He was about your build. A year since he died, but we have
hanging up in my office the suit he was accustomed to wear. Put it on, and
it will make a complete change in your appearance. Your face will hardly
correspond to your dress, but those who see the garb won't look any
further."

"That's all right, boss. I don't care how you dress me up, but what will I
do?"

"I think it will be well for you to keep near the bank, watching carefully
all who approach. You never saw the Fox brothers, I presume?"

"I never had that pleasure."

"Most people don't regard it as a pleasure. I will give you some
description of them which may help you to identify them. One is a tall
man, very nearly as tall as yourself; the other is at least three inches
shorter. Both have dark hair which they wear long. They have a swaggering
wa