isoner waiting impatiently for their reappearance.

"Well," he said, "have you decided to let me go?"

"I am sorry to disappoint you, my friend," answered Luke, "but I don't see
my way clear to do so."

"I promised you a thousand dollars if you would release me."

"Yes, but I haven't any confidence in that promise."

"You need not fear. In three days I would bring or send the money to you
here."

"Couldn't you oblige me with a check on the bank where you keep your
money?" asked Luke smiling.

"I keep my money in several banks," returned the outlaw.

"Where, for instance?"

"I had some in the bank at Lee's Falls, but I drew it out the other day."

"So I heard. Have you any money in the Emmonsville bank?"

"Yes, but I am not quite ready to take it yet. I can give you an order on
the bank if that will suit."

"Thank you; I doubt if the order would be honored."

"All this talk amounts to nothing," said Fox impatiently. "I tell you that
if you release me I will bring or send you the money."

"And how soon would you want it back again?"

"Whenever I saw my way clear to taking it," said the outlaw boldly.

"I like that talk. It looks square. I'll think over your offer, friend
Fox, and let you know in the morning what I decide to do."

The outlaw frowned. He evidently did not like the prospect of remaining in
captivity overnight.

"What are you going to do with me to-night?" he asked.

"We have a comfortable place provided," answered Luke. "Mr. Mason, if you
will give your assistance, we will show our guest where we propose to put
him."

"Unbind me and I will save you the trouble."

"No doubt; but there are some objections to that."

The outlaw was lifted from the wagon and carried upstairs to the attic.
His ankles as well as his wrists were securely tied, so that he was unable
to walk.

"Friend Fox," said Luke politely, "there is a bed and there is a
shakedown," pointing to the blankets on the floor. "You can take your
choice. I hope you will like your hotel."

"I shall like it better if it provides refreshments," replied Fox. "I am
famished."

"I am sure Mrs. Mason will furnish you with a meal. I will speak to her."

The outlaw seated himself on the bed and the cord about his wrists was
loosened so that he might be able to eat. This might have been regarded as
dangerous, as affording him an opportunity to escape, but for two reasons.
In a chair opposite sat Luke Robbins with a revolver in his h