upon the scales either way would decide her.

For a long time she remained in the same attitude, and then she raised
her head and spoke to Handsome.

"When one in my position is in any doubt," she said coldly, "there is
only one thing to do, and that is to give myself, not the other person,
the benefit of the doubt. That is what I have decided to do, Handsome.
Take him away."

"What shall I do with him?"

"Take him back to the cabin where he was tied up, and tie him up again.
To-night, when the fires are lit, we will convene a court and try him. I
will be the judge at that trial, and after it is over we will probably
hang him. I see no other way. Take him away. Go."

CHAPTER XIV.

BLACK MADGE GIVES JUDGMENT.

It was a strange scene upon which the light of a huge camp fire shone
that night, in the mountain retreat of the outlaws.

A stake had been set in the ground, and to this Patsy was tied, so that
all could see him plainly. Somewhat to one side, on a huge rustic chair,
made by one of the men, the queen was seated in state, ready to act as
judge at the trial that was to begin, and Cremation Mike was selected as
prosecuting attorney.

A jury of twelve of the men had been drawn, only it was a foregone
conclusion that they would bring in their verdict according as the queen
should direct.

Handsome acted as master of ceremonies, and around them was gathered the
entire membership of Black Madge's hobo gang--as villainous a looking
crew as might be imagined.

As yet, no one had been appointed to defend Pat, and now Madge raised
one hand, when she was ready to begin the trial, and she announced:

"There is no one who has offered to act as attorney for the prisoner.
This trial will afford you some amusement, my men. We will have a good
time out of it, anyhow, before we hang him. I will appoint counsel for
him."

They were all silent, waiting, and presently she spoke again.

"I will name the old man there, Bill Turner, as counsel for the defense.
Will you defend the man, Turner?"

"I'll try to, madam, though I don't know anything about the case. He may
be guilty for all I know. What is he charged with?"

"With being a spy."

"If you want me to defend him, I'll do my best."

"Go ahead, then. Let the trial begin," she ordered.

The prosecution took up the case; that is, Cremation Mike got upon his
feet and began to make a speech to the jury. He said:

"We've got proof enough that the man is a