he truth, but I don't know."

"Where does your husband usually keep any money he may have in the
house?"

"In the desk in the next room."

"Probably he has put the money there. Is the desk locked?"

"Yes."

"Have you the key?"

"Here it is, sir," and Mrs. Mason meekly passed him a small-sized key.

"Good! I see you are growing sensible. Now come with me."

Together they entered the room and Mrs. Mason pointed to the desk.

It was an ordinary upright desk. John Fox opened it with the key. The desk
opened, the outlaw began at once to search eagerly for the money.

There was a multiplicity of small drawers, which he opened eagerly, but he
found no cash except four silver half dollars and some smaller silver.

"It isn't here!" he said in a tone of sullen disappointment, turning a
baffled look upon the farmer's wife.

"No, sir, I didn't think it was there."

"Where do you think it is? Do you think your husband has it with him?"

"No, sir."

"Where then can it be? Surely you must have some suspicion. Don't dare to
trifle with me."

"Indeed I wouldn't, sir. I think the Quaker gentleman has it."

"Curse him!" exclaimed the outlaw angrily. "Have you any other money in
the house?"

"No, sir."

"I have a great mind to kill you!" said Fox, with a look of ferocity.

The terrified woman uttered a scream of dismay that excited the fierce
outlaw still more. He sprang toward her and seized her by the throat.

CHAPTER XIII

JUST IN TIME

John Fox had been so occupied with his terrified victim that he quite
forgot the possibility of his two captors returning.

It so happened that both were approaching the house when they heard Mrs.
Mason's cry of terror.

"What's that?" exclaimed the farmer in alarm.

"I believe that scoundrel has got loose," answered Luke.

He quickened his pace and entered the house just in time to become a
witness of the outlaw's brutality.

It was no time to hesitate or parley. He sprang upon the robber, dashed
him to the ground and put his foot upon his breast.

"What deviltry are you up to, you wretch?" he demanded. Then turning to
Mrs. Mason he asked, "Why did he attack you?"

"He wanted my husband's money--and a revolver," answered the trembling
woman.

"I have a great mind to give him the contents of the revolver!" said Luke
sternly.

John Fox was not a coward, but as he looked up at the stern face of the
Quaker detective he quailed, almost for the first time in h