urder us all in our beds."

"There is little chance of that. When your husband bound him he did a good
job. I wouldn't undertake to get free myself if I were bound as
securely."

"That's so!" said the farmer, pleased with the compliment. "He can't get
away nohow."

Over in the corner there were a couple of horse blankets which seemed to
offer a comfortable resting-place. Luke Robbins eyed them thoughtfully.

"I have an idea," he said. "Let the outlaw lie there and one of us can
occupy the bed. Then he won't be able to try any of his tricks."

"I would rather not sleep there," observed the farmer nervously. "I
couldn't sleep in the same room with one of the Fox brothers."

"Then if you couldn't sleep there you are just the man we want. You will
always be on the watch and can frustrate any attempt to escape."

"No, no," said Ezekiel Mason hurriedly. "Kate could not close her eyes if
she thought I were alone with John Fox."

"No," answered Mrs. Mason with a shudder, "I won't let Ezekiel sleep in
the same room with that bold, bad man."

"I wouldn't be afraid myself," said the farmer, trying to keep up his
reputation for courage, "but I don't want my wife to be anxious."

Luke Robbins smiled, for he understood very well the timidity of his host.
"Then," he said, "as I have no wife to be anxious about me, perhaps I had
better sleep here."

"Yes, that will be much better," rejoined the relieved farmer. "You are a
brave man. Mr. Fox won't get the better of you."

"Not if I can help it," said Luke. "Will that suit you, Mrs. Mason?"

"Why don't you take him on to the jail at once?" asked the woman. "I shall
feel worried if he spends the night in this house."

"I hear that he has escaped from jail no less than three times. If he
should do so to-night he would at once come here and perhaps bring some of
his band with him. He knows there is a good sum of money in the house."

"I shall be glad when it is paid out," said the farmer's wife.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Mason. I have promised your husband that no harm should
come to him, and that the money should be secure and I will keep my
word."

"So you did," said Ezekiel, brightening up, "and I will pay you what I
agreed if you keep your promise."

"Friend Mason," responded Luke, "I am playing for higher stakes than five
dollars. All depends on my keeping this outlaw secure. I mean to do it."

Having settled matters they went downstairs again, where they found their
pr