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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..026f6ee --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #61946 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61946) diff --git a/old/61946-8.txt b/old/61946-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e3795a8..0000000 --- a/old/61946-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6905 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jesse James' Desperate Game, by William Ward - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: Jesse James' Desperate Game - The Robbery of the Ste. Genevieve Bank - -Author: William Ward - -Release Date: April 27, 2020 [EBook #61946] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JESSE JAMES' DESPERATE GAME *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -_TO THE READER._ - - -Only in the _Adventure Series_ can you get the absolutely true and -authentic history of the lives and exploits of the - - -JAMES BOYS, -YOUNGER BROTHERS, -HARRY TRACY, -THE DALTON GANG, -RUBE BURROW, - - -and the other Notorious Outlaws of the Far West. - - -We are the authorized and exclusive publishers for Jesse James' only -son, - - -JESSE JAMES. JR., - -and are the publishers of his great book, - - -JESSE JAMES, MY FATHER, - -which is for sale everywhere. Buy it where you bought this book, and -read the inside history of the life of Jesse James. - - -[Illustration: THE HOLD-UP AT THE STE. GENEVIEVE BANK.] - - - - -Jesse James' Desperate Game - -OR - -THE ROBBERY OF THE -STE. GENEVIEVE BANK - -With dare-devil recklessness the notorious bandit eludes a posse of -detectives and, assisted by only three companions, steals $10,000. - -BY -WILLIAM WARD - -_Adventure Series No. 18_ - -Published by -THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY -CLEVELAND, U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS - -Chapter Page - I. A Thrilling Rescue 7 - - II. Consollas' Accusations 15 - - III. The Plot Proves a Boomerang 24 - - IV. Young Rozier Makes a Startling Discovery 34 - - V. Gathering Clouds 45 - - VI. The Battle of Wits 56 - - VII. Jesse Bests the Detectives at Their Own Game 70 - -VIII. An Unexpected Complication 81 - - IX. The Storm Breaks 92 - - X. The Dash for Liberty 104 - - XI. Clell is Wounded 117 - - XII. The Outlaws Avoid a Trap 126 - -XIII. A Midnight Rescue 137 - - XIV. "Prince Charming" 147 - - XV. Jesse Gets His Revenge 162 - - XVI. The Butchery at Chalk Level 175 - -XVII. Conclusion 185 - - - - -Jesse James' Desperate Game - -OR - -The Robbery of the Ste. Genevieve Bank. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -A THRILLING RESCUE. - - -The population of Monegaw Springs was transitory. Situated in the -central part of St. Clair county, in Missouri, the town was famed far -and wide for the medicinal qualities of its waters. And when the war of -the rebellion came to an end and the countryfolk could once more live -without fear of a raid by Federal troops or guerrillas, they flocked -thither from far and near. - -No luxurious hotels were there, as in present-day health resorts, with -maws agape for money of their patrons; those who were early on the -ground secured board and lodging in the few houses of the hamlet, while -those who arrived later were forced to be satisfied with tents. - -But the life of the place was not impaired by the lack of -accommodations or conveniences. Rather was it enhanced. - -Convention was thrown to the winds. Campers, whose tents were near -together, spoke without waiting the formality of introductions; -mothers exchanged confidences, knitting and gossiping; fathers swapped -yarns and played cards together, while their children, both young and -grown-up, indulged in the pastimes of wide awake, red-blooded youth. -About the Springs all sorts and conditions of men were to be seen; army -officers, still believing in the subtle powers of their faded uniforms, -vied with civilians for the favour of the vivacious, rosy-cheeked -belles; men who lived by their wits hobnobbed with men who possessed -substantial incomes; churchmen rubbed elbows with criminals--and never -a question was asked. - -Not a night passed without some excitement; often the silence that -fell only with the early hours of the morning was rent by the crack of -a pistol; men, their blood heated with copious draughts of the "stuff -that cheers," wrangled over the merits of their horses or families, -settling the former by quickly organized races and the latter by -recourse to fists or shooting-irons. - -For those who wished to toy with fortune, there were always games of -poker and faro in the shanties that served as saloons; and far from -these bacchanalian orgies, on canvasses spread over the fragrant -needles in the pine groves, through whose boughs the moonlight glinted, -youths and maidens danced to the lively melodies of banjos and guitars, -played by grinning darkies. - -Now and then, the rivals for the favour of some sloe-eyed beauty -clashed, there were a few excited, whispered words, giving and -accepting a challenge for a fight to the death on the morrow, and the -frolic was resumed. - -And from sunrise to sunrise, the Springs throbbed with the emotions and -passions of the shifting, cosmopolitan throng. - -In this Mecca of license uncontrolled, the world-famous Jesse James -had bidden his men join him. In the complexities of its life, he knew -they would be able to forget the godless act of the killing of Daniel -Askew, a murder that baffled police and public alike. Secure in its -very openness, they could laugh at the futile attempts to corral those -members of their gang who had raided the town of Chouteau, in the -Indian Territory, so effectually freeing the desperadoes from suspicion -of complicity in the act of cowardly assassination. - -And little did the patrons of the Springs think, as they watched the -arrival, one beautiful spring afternoon, of three well-dressed, bearded -men, whose dash and debonair appearance sent many a maiden's heart -aflutter, that they were gazing upon three of the most desperate men -the world has ever produced, for whose corpses, even, the police and -railroad officials would pay thousands upon thousands of dollars. - -For Jesse had not ridden to Monegaw Springs with Clell Miller and his -brother, Frank, in the garb of woolen shirts, "chaps," high boots, -black slouch hats, with knives and guns bristling from their belts, in -which alone the public fancy seemed able to picture them, but clad in -the height of the fashion of the day. - -Guns they had--and cartridges and knives--but so cleverly were they -carried in their pockets that the presence of the death-dealing -weapons would escape even the most suspicious eye. - -Reining in their mettlesome thoroughbreds, the outlaws dismounted in -front of one of the stores and passed inside to purchase tents and such -other things as they might need. - -Those who had seen them eagerly asked who the new arrivals were, -attracted by their confident bearing and well put-up figures. - -But none could answer and when they reappeared from the store, they -were followed by a curious coterie of idlers who watched them select a -place and pitch their tents, at the extreme southwestern corner of the -grove that had been set apart for the campers. - -This very necessary work completed, the bandits had remounted and were -riding through the camp on a tour of reconnaissance to learn if any of -their enemies, the detectives and sheriffs, were among the sojourners -at the Springs when they were startled by a frenzied cry of warning -that swelled to a hoarse roar as throat after throat took it up. - -Turning in their saddles as they heard the inarticulate shouts, the -three desperadoes dropped their hands to the pockets in which they -carried their shooting-irons. - -With hundreds of man-hunters on their trail, whenever a hue and cry was -raised, the outlaws naturally believed themselves to be the cause. - -"It may be Cole and Texas in from Chouteau with a pack of devils at -their heels," exclaimed Clell in a low voice. - -But the next instant their apprehension was banished. - -With frantic haste, the throng that had raised the alarm parted, -shoving and pushing those behind them in their effort to break through -to places of safety. - -And tearing along the lane thus opened, the outlaws beheld a runaway -horse, nostrils distended, eyes wild, ears laid back, a young girl -clinging with the desperation of terror to its mane. - -Maddened by the shouts of the people, the animal leaped from side to -side of its narrow path. - -"Pull your foot out of the stirrup and slide off!" cried a score of -voices. - -And as the silence of fear fell over the throng, the terrified voice of -the girl responded: - -"I can't! It's caught!" - -With a gasp of horror, the crowd heard. - -Several men leaped for the bridle, but the infuriated horse dodged them -or shook them off. - -Straight for the gate of a corral, less than two hundred yards away, -was the animal rushing. - -The opening had been cut in a solid wall and the lintel was so low that -it would barely clear the saddle pommel. - -If the horse were not stopped, it would dash inside. - -Unable to release her foot, the girl would be knocked from her seat and -horribly crushed, if her leg were not torn from her body. - -"Shut the gate!" yelled somebody. - -A score of men sprang forward, but the distance was too great. - -With a groan the spectators realized it. Women turned away their heads -that they might not see the awful sight, men nerved themselves for the -crash of the impact. - -Suddenly through the lane dashed a young fellow, his coarse, sensual -face white with terror. - -Seeing him, the crowd took hope. - -"Ride, Consollas! Hurry, man! Use your spurs! Head him off!" rose from -an hundred throats. - -Yet it did not take the anxious men and women long to realize that the -youth was too scared to be of service in the emergency and once again -despair seized them. - -Engrossed in following the runaway, the people had not seen three -horsemen riding like the wind toward the helpless girl and it was -not till a sharp command, "make way!" rang in their ears that they -were aware of their existence, turning to see the handsome, bearded -strangers, whose advent had aroused so much speculation, bearing down -on them. - -Their surprise did not paralyze their limbs, however, and, as if by -magic, the dense throng parted and Jesse, Clell and Frank dashed -between them. - -Fully an eighth of a mile away had the outlaws been when the shouts had -come to them, but the instant they had discovered their cause, they -raced to the rescue. - -Skilled in the art of short dashes, they worked their thoroughbreds to -wonderful speed. - -Not fifty yards from the corral was the runaway when the bandits swept -between the spectators. And all of twenty yards behind were they. - -Their quick eyes noted the horrible fate that awaited the girl should -they fail to help her. - -Caring not who might see, Jesse jerked his bowie-knife from its place -of concealment and jabbed it into the flank of his mount. - -Unaccustomed to such treatment and terrified by the pain, the animal -leaped forward. - -The burst of speed won cheers from the crowd, while cries of "go it! -good man!" broke from many lips. - -Emulating their leader, Clell and Frank, knifed their horses. - -As though the runaway were standing still did the outlaws gain on it. - -Hearing the shouts and the thunder of hoofs behind her, the girl looked -back. - -"Keep your nerve! We'll save you!" yelled the famous desperado while -the crowd howled its approval. - -The boy who had been addressed as Consollas was far behind. Less than -twenty yards away was the corral and two yards separated the bandits -from the runaway. - -Yet though they rode for all they knew, only inches, it seemed, could -they cut this distance down. - -With wicked jabs, the knives laid bare the flesh of the thoroughbreds. - -Neck and neck the three horses were running. - -"Spread out!" snapped Jesse. "When we get to the horse, reach over -and cut the saddle-girth, Clell. Frank, you ride him off. Wake up! We -mustn't fail now we're so near!" - -In amazement, the spectators beheld the three riders separate, two -bearing to the right, the brown bearded man to the left. - -"They're gaining! They're gaining!" shouted the crowd, then held their -breath the next instant. - -As though they were pieces of a machine, worked by the same power, -Clell and his leader closed in simultaneously on both sides of the -runaway. - -"Now!" cried the latter. - -As they dropped their reins, Jesse leaned far from his saddle and -seized the terror-paralyzed girl about the waist. - -Failing to comprehend the movement men and women stared, believing that -precious moments were being lost, then some of them roared: - -"Ride the horse off! Her foot's caught in the stirrup!" - -But at the very instant, Clell slashed with all his might at the -saddle-girth. - -True was his hand. The leather parted and before the spectators could -realize how it happened, the great outlaw jerked the girl, the saddle -hanging to her foot, from her horse, swayed a moment as he regained his -balance, then swung her in front of him. - -Salvos of applause broke from the throng of men and women. - -But the spectacular work was not yet ended. - -So close were the outlaws to the corral when the sensational rescue was -effected that it seemed that they must crash into it. - -Once more the crowd grew silent as it realized the new danger. - -Yet even as the hush fell, Frank swerved his horse, riding straight at -Clell's. - -There was the rubbing of saddle leather, an awful instant of suspense -as the colliding animals struggled to keep their feet, then both, -weathering the impact, bore down onto Jesse and his burden. - -"They'll go down! They'll be crushed!" gasped the spectators. - -But the famous desperado had anticipated the danger. - -The instant he had set the girl in front of him, he had pulled on his -reins with his right hand, changing the course of his mount to such an -extent that when the other two rode into him, his horse only turned -more quickly, and shoulder to shoulder the three animals galloped along -the side of the enclosure. - -Yet so narrow was the margin by which the rescue was accomplished -that as they swept up the length of the corral, Frank was forced to -throw his left leg over the pommel of his saddle to keep it from being -scraped and crushed against the rough boards. - -A trice the crowd stood motionless, then with thunderous cheers swarmed -round the outlaws and the girl they had rescued. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -CONSOLLAS' ACCUSATION. - - -Bringing his thoroughbred to a stop as quickly as he could, Jesse shook -his feet clear of the stirrups, swung one leg over the saddle pommel -and slid to the ground, placing the limp form of the girl tenderly on -the grass. - -In the belief that nothing could save her, the maiden had closed her -eyes to shut out the low gate that seemed to grin at her like some -hideous monster gloating over its victim. As she felt the strong arm -clasp her waist, then lift her in the air, the relief was more than her -overwrought nerves could bear and she had fainted. - -Kneeling beside her, the great outlaw wet his kerchief with brandy from -his flask, moistened her lips and bathed her forehead. - -"Don't let them crowd round her," he said to his companions as, looking -up, he caught sight of the excited crowd of men and women surging -toward them. - -In obedience, Clell and Frank faced about, shouting: - -"Keep back! Keep back! The girl wants air!" - -But as well might they have commanded the sun to stand still for all -the effect their words had. - -"_Make_ 'em stand back!" snapped the bandit-chief. - -The meaning of his tone was obvious and, whipping out their guns, the -two desperadoes pointed them menacingly at the mob, crying: - -"The girl _must_ have air! Stop where you are!" - -Their respect for the business-like muzzles of the four guns, backed -by men whose faces were so calm and determined, was greater than their -curiosity and the crowd paused in their tracks. - -One man, stout of figure, well-groomed and well-fed, with every -appearance of affluence, did not stop, however. - -Ominously, the hammers of the pistols clicked. - -"Don't shoot! Don't shoot! I'm her father, Forman A. Rozier, of Ste. -Genevieve!" he gasped. - -Recognizing his right, Clell and Frank bade him approach. - -Arrived at the girl's side, the father dropped to his knees, seized her -in his arms and clutched her to his breast. - -"Sally, my child, my darling! Are you hurt?" he asked, holding back her -head and looking at her ashen cheeks. - -"I think she's only swooned," replied her rescuer. "If you'll force -some of this brandy down her throat, I fancy it'll revive her," and he -extended his flask. - -But as her parent reached out his hand to take it, the girl opened her -eyes. - -"Daddy! Daddy!" she murmured as she beheld her father's face, then, -turning her head, asked: "Where is the gentleman who saved my life?" - -Before he could reply, however, his daughter had freed herself from his -embrace and, springing lightly to her feet, rushed to Jesse, taking -both his hands in hers, impulsively, while she exclaimed: - -"How can I _ever_ thank you? If it hadn't been for you--ugh!" and -she shuddered, turning her head away that she might not see the low -lintelled gate that had come so near being her execution block. - -As the bandit-chieftain had felt the touch of her hands, a thrill ran -through him and looking closely at her, he discovered that her face was -of unusual beauty. - -Her skin was as the olive, the bloom of the rose glowed in her cheeks; -deep and limpid, black bottomless wells of love-joy were her eyes; her -lips seemed crimson Cupid's bows and in unruly ringlets, her wavy, -raven black hair fell about her full throat and shell-like ears. - -"It is _I_ who should thank you for allowing me to save your life," -returned Jesse in a low voice, his eyes uttering the admiration he -would not let his tongue. - -Blushing at what she read in them, the girl's embarrassment was -relieved by her father, who approached, holding out his hand to the -outlaw. - -"Whatever reward you wish for the great service you have rendered me -in snatching my child from death, you may ask. I am Forman A. Rozier, -president of the Savings Association Bank of Ste. Genevieve, and I can -afford to be gen--" - -But the insulting sentence was never finished. - -Drawing himself proudly to his full stature, the world-famous -desperado's eyes shone with the look his men had learned to fear and -his voice was cold and incisive as he snapped: - -"Sirrah!" - -While his daughter gasped, in amazement: - -"Father!" - -Staring from one to another, the banker, who worshipped money and felt -that his offer of reward was more than magnanimous, flushed hotly, -mumbling: - -"No offence was intended. Come Sally, your mother will be frantic till -she sees you," and turned on his heel. - -"_Please_ don't feel hurt," whispered the girl, "_he_ thinks money is -everything and he meant it to thank you." - -"Don't men--" began Jesse. - -But the girl interrupted: - -"When we see each other again I can thank you better--I'm so upset now." - -Noting that his daughter was not at his side, Mr. Rozier called, -peremptorily: - -"Come this instant, Sally!" - -Grabbing the skirt of her riding-habit, the girl breathed an _au -revoir_ to the bandit-chieftain and ran to her father. - -As he followed her lithesome figure with his eyes, Jesse beheld the -pompous banker scowling at him, his expression indicating that he was -angry at the very natural gratitude his daughter evinced toward her -handsome rescuer. - -And as he returned the stare, with interest, there flashed through -Jesse's mind an idea that would give him ample revenge for the public -insult. - -By his arrogance, Banker Rozier had made a terrible enemy. - -But though the contretemps would be food delicious for the -gossip-mongers who had witnessed it, there were men and women in the -crowd who were ashamed of the humiliating return for an act so brave, -and, in the endeavour to wipe out the unpleasant memory, they surged -about the three outlaws, expressing their admiration of their bravery -and congratulating them upon their horsemanship. - -Stung to the quick by the undeserved treatment, however, the bandits -replied only in monosyllables, devoting their attention to staunching -the flow of blood from the gashes they had inflicted on their horses. - -"We'll lead them to our tent," declared the great outlaw, "we can't -attend to them properly here." And quickly the heroes took their -departure. - -Their advances repulsed, the spectators fell to discussing the incident -when suddenly they remembered that they had not learned the strangers' -names. - -Quickly were husbands, brothers and sons commissioned to learn them and -eagerly they set out to the errand. - -Arriving at the bandits' tents, they assisted in caring for the -thoroughbreds, adroitly interspersing their aid with questions to -which Jesse replied, goodnaturedly, endowing Clell with the alias -of Hal Prentiss, Frank with Sam Sloan and himself with Tom Howard, -volunteering that they were miners who had struck it rich in Colorado -and were on their way to New York to raise more capital to purchase -some valuable ore lands. - -Like wild-fire the news was spread through the Springs and before -evening the three desperadoes were surrounded with the glamour of -fabulous wealth, in addition to their bravery. - -One there was, however, among those who heard the imaginative rumors -who gnashed his teeth--the coarse, sensual-faced boy who had been -hailed by the crowd as Consollas when he had made his futile attempt to -overtake the runaway horse. - -Only son of one of the shopkeepers at the Springs, the youth had taken -advantage of a business acquaintance between his father and Banker -Rozier to secure an introduction to the exquisite Sally--and with him -to see had been to love. - -Morning, noon and night he pressed his suit, impervious to hints and -snubs alike. - -In his turgid brain he had conceived the notion that he would marry -the beauty and when he suggested the plan to his father, the elder -Consollas, keenly alive to the benefits that would accrue from such an -alliance with a family both wealthy and of established social position, -bade him godspeed, offering to help him in any way that lay in his -power. - -Sally loathed the man's repulsive appearance, only forcing herself -to treat the fellow, whom she dubbed "the toad," civilly because her -father had ordered her to do so to protect his business relations. - -As her train of admirers increased day by day, Consollas became sulky -and morose, his churlishness casting a damper on the mirth of the young -people. But the lad continued to haunt the dainty creature, seldom -uttering a word, content to devour her with his eyes. - -Finding it impossible to drive the boor away, the coterie of young -folks finally accepted his presence as a necessary evil and ignored -him altogether--a course that was much more to the liking of the -dull-witted youth than the thrusts and jests he had been too slow to -parry or return. - -When the alarm had been raised, young Consollas' pony was tied to the -rail in front of his father's store. - -Immediately upon learning its cause, the latter had whispered eagerly -to his son: - -"Lively, Fred, onto your horse and stop the runaway! You'll never have -another such opportunity! You'll save her life, boy, and she'll be -grateful." - -Slow of comprehension usually, in this instance the fellow was quick to -see the point and vaulted into the saddle--with what result the reader -already knows. - -As he beheld the girl snatched from a terrible death by the hands of -another, a great rage burned in his heart. In his ears, the words of -his father, "you'll save her life and she'll be grateful" kept ringing. -But instead of being grateful to him she would be grateful to the -handsome stranger and his jealousy pictured the rest. - -No incident of the scene between the rescued girl, her father and the -rescuers had escaped his eye. As he heard the banker's offer and the -stranger's retort, a malignant grin overspread his ugly countenance, -only to disappear the next instant at the expression on Sally's face as -she ran to join her father. - -With a savage oath, Consollas wheeled his pony, rowelling the animal -viciously with his spurs, and dashed off to the store. - -But his father had witnessed the abortive attempt of his son and when -the latter burst into his private office, he checked his wild words, -waving him to a chair. - -"It's too bad, Fred, you didn't do better," he began, but the lad -blurted: - -"Too bad? I'll be the laughing stock of the Springs and it'll be your -fault because you told me to get on my pony. The people have gone crazy -over those strangers." - -Surprised at the vicious ring in his son's voice, the elder Consollas -watched him a few minutes before continuing: - -"What I was going to say was that while it was too bad you couldn't -have saved the girl yourself, we can take the wind out of those men's -sails." - -"How?" snapped the fellow, his dull eyes brightening. - -"Just close the transom over my door and I'll tell you. That's it, now -draw your chair up closer to mine. What I'm going to say is for your -ears alone." - -Wondering what scheme had been evolved in his father's brain, the youth -obeyed. - -"Did you notice anything about the horse that brown bearded man rode?" -whispered the storekeeper. - -"No," returned Fred, more mystified than ever. - -"Where are your eyes, boy? _That horse is the living image of my roan -mare, Betty!_" - -As the elder Consollas breathed the significant words, he scanned the -face of his son for some gleam of intelligence. - -Several moments the youth blinked his eyes, then slowly they shone with -the light of understanding and excitedly he exclaimed: - -"They stole the horse, you mean?" - -"Good boy. We'll raise the cry that my mare has disappeared. While -you're riding to the pasture to drive Betty into the woods, I'll drop -down to the tent where the strangers are, look at their ponies and -swear that the roan is mine. - -"The people will do the rest. There's only one end for horse thieves -and that's the hangman's noose. - -"The rescue will be forgotten when your rival is dangling from a tree." - -The plot met with the unqualified approval of the lad and his toad-like -body quivered with excitement. - -"Now be off to the pasture," commanded his father. And as Fred galloped -away to drive the mare into the woods, the storekeeper picked up his -hat and set forth to attend to his part of the dirty business. - -Around the unsuspecting outlaws was an admiring gallery of men and -women, the latter predominating. - -Forcing his way through them till he reached the horses, the elder -Consollas approached Jesse's, eyeing the splendid creature critically. - -Several acquaintances spoke to him, but without noticing them, he -opened the mare's mouth and looked at her teeth. - -Summoning an angry expression, the storekeeper turned to the bandits -and demanded: - -"Where did you get that roan?" - -Taken aback by the abruptness of the question, the great outlaw stared -at his interrogator blankly. - -"Afraid to tell, eh?" snarled the storekeeper. "I don't wonder." - -Amazed at the words, three or four of the onlookers asked: - -"What's the trouble? Anything wrong?" - -"_Wrong?_ Well, rather. That's my roan mare, Betty! She was stolen from -my pasture last night!" - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE PLOT PROVES A BOOMERANG. - - -No greater consternation could have been caused among the witnesses to -the accusation had a bomb exploded in their midst. - -Aghast at the seriousness of the charge, the men and women fell back, -glancing from the outlaws to Consollas. Then angry murmurs rose from -their throats and several of the men stepped forward, menacingly, while -from those at the rear of the crowd broke the cry: - -"Horse thieves! Horse thieves!" - -In a twinkling, the shout was taken up by those passing till it echoed -from one end of the campground to the other. - -Seizing ropes and guns, men rushed from their tents, eager to take a -hand in the execution of the miscreants. - -And in less time than it takes to tell it, the outlaws were surrounded -by a hostile, threatening mob. - -Realizing that the moments were crucial, Jesse sprang at his accuser, -clutching him by the throat and shook him as a terrier does a rat. - -"You lie--and you know you lie!" he thundered. "That mare was bought in -Kansas City and I can prove it. - -"What your reason is for accusing me, I don't know. But I _do_ know -you've got to tell these people you lied when you said the mare was -yours! Now speak up lively!" And with a parting shake, he released -Consollas' throat that he might obey. - -But instead, the moment the storekeeper felt the terrible grip about -his neck relax, he yelled: - -"Help! Help! It's my m--" - -With a look of terrible fury as he heard the words, the famous -desperado's powerful right shot out, driving the false utterance back -into Consollas' mouth as it struck him full in the face, and sent him -to the ground like a log. - -"Seize him! Seize him!" yelled the mob, surging forward as the merchant -fell. - -But the great outlaw was ready for them. - -Whipping out his trusty "Colts," he cried: - -"The first man who steps into this clearing about me will pay for his -rashness with his life!" - -The situation was grave. - -The storekeeper had a reputation for probity and many an one of the -sojourners at the Springs knew that he possessed a roan mare. - -Furthermore, no one knew the three strangers, whence they came or -what was their business, save the meagre information vouchsafed by -the bandit-chieftain, and horse-thieves were not confined to any -one class. The fact that the outlaws were armed with knives as well -as shooting-irons and were so perfectly at ease in their use had -not failed to impress the patrons of the resort and free were their -comments. - -On the other hand, the men bore themselves with confidence and -assurance, characteristics that the popular mind did not associate with -horse-thieves. Their clothes were of the finest quality, and they had -the appearance of men of means. - -But Consollas' accusation had been direct and unequivocal. - -In the crowd he had many friends and these, when they saw the merchant -felled, clamoured for the capture of the outlaws. - -Yet no one was eager to make the attempt for Frank and Clell had placed -themselves back to back against their leader, keeping the mob at bay in -the other directions. - -Smiling at the respect for their weapons, Jesse determined to make the -most of his enemy's silence. - -"Do we look like men who would steal horses?" he demanded, appealing to -the crowd. "We can buy all we want and--" - -"Prove it!" cried a voice. - -"With pleasure," laughed the great outlaw and slipping one of his -revolvers in a pocket he drew from another a fat roll of bills and -peeled off several of large denomination, waving them about him. "And -my friends are equally well supplied." - -Acting on the hint, his two companions displayed their money. - -The effect was instantaneous. - -It seemed preposterous that men so amply supplied with funds would run -the risk incurred in stealing horses and several in the crowd were not -slow to say so. - -Quick to take advantage of the reaction of feeling, Jesse continued: - -"Do we look like fools enough to steal a horse belonging to an -inhabitant of Monegaw Springs and then pitch our tent right here where -any who pass can see our animals?" - -"No, you don't," chorused several. - -"I hope not," grinned the famous desperado. "Another point, you'll -notice this man, whoever he is--" - -"Consollas," prompted one of the crowd. - -"This Consollas only laid claim to _one_ of our horses," continued the -bandit-chieftain. "If _I_ appropriated one of his ponies, why didn't my -companions help themselves?" - -The argument caught the people and, to make his vindication convincing, -Jesse cried: - -"If this man _has_ lost a horse by thieves, I'm willing to lead a posse -to hunt them." - -"Good man! I'll go with you! That's the stuff! You're all right!" came -from many throats, and leaving the still unconscious storekeeper where -he lay, the crowd trooped off, the bandits at their head, to secure -their mounts. - -Unwilling to use their thoroughbreds in the condition in which they -were after the harsh treatment to which they had been subjected, the -three desperadoes asked for other horses and the very men who had been -most eager to hang them were the most importunate in urging them to -accept some of theirs. - -"You won't accuse us of stealing 'em if we ride 'em, will you?" grinned -Frank. - -The thrust took with the crowd, putting them in rare good humour and, -laughing and chatting, they rode forth to hunt the thieves. - -By tacit agreement, the leadership of the posse was yielded to the -world-famous desperado. - -"Which way do we take to get to Consollas' farms?" he asked as they -gained the highway. - -"To the right," came the answer while others protested that it would be -only a waste of time to go there. - -But Jesse insisted that he wished to question the farm hands to get a -description of the thieves and to learn the time when the mare had been -missed and where she was when last seen and the others withdrew their -objections. - -Setting a smart pace, the bandit-chieftain, his pals on each side, and -the posse were "burning up" the road when they beheld a cloud of dust -ahead of them from which, as it drew nearer, emerged a horseman. - -"Halt! We'll see who is it who's in such a hurry," commanded the great -outlaw. - -Drawing rein, the posse spread out across the highway, eagerly watching -the approaching rider. - -Suddenly one of the men in front ejaculated: - -"Why, it's Fred Consollas!" - -Apparently at the same time, the son of the storekeeper had recognized -the form of his hated rival for he pulled his pony to its haunches, -then whirled it and started back over the way he had come. - -The action mystified the members of the posse and they shouted to the -fellow to stop. - -But the only effect of their words was to make Fred ride the faster. - -"There's some crooked business about this," snapped Clell. - -Impressed with the idea, Jesse rose in his stirrups and fired a bullet -over the youth's head, shouting: - -"If you don't stop, the next one will knock you out of your saddle." - -A craven at heart, Fred Consollas thought more of saving his skin than -of the danger of the discovery of the plot and quickly reined in. - -"What are you doing here?" demanded the leader of the bandits as he and -his posse overtook the fear-trembling lad. - -His voice was stern and he bit off his words ominously. - -Vainly searching the faces surrounding him, Fred stammered: - -"I was l-looking for the mare." - -"The roan your father said was stolen?" pursued the bandit-chieftain. - -"U-huh." - -"Then why were you going back to the Springs?" - -"To see father." - -"Did you learn anything about the thieves?" - -"No." - -"What's the use of wasting time over the boy?" snapped Frank. "He -doesn't look as though he knew enough to tell whether the mare was -stolen or not. Let him go on his way." - -"Not much," returned Jesse, noting the look of relief that had appeared -in Fred's eyes at his brother's words. "We'll take him with us. - -"Take your place beside me, boy. All ready, men." - -Three or four miles the posse rode in silence, then, rounding a turn in -the highway, they caught sight of a farmhouse and buildings which the -supposed miners were told were Consollas'. - -Increasing their speed, the posse galloped along when all at once a -shrill neigh sounded from the woods beside them and directly a horse -broke through the underbrush and stopped with its head over the fence. - -"That's the roan! That's Consollas' mare!" cried several voices at once. - -Amazed, the great outlaw ordered a halt, then demanded: - -"Are you sure?" - -"Positive. I'd know her anywhere," chorused several of the surprised -members of the posse. - -For a moment Jesse looked at the animal intently. In general form and -colour she resembled his own, back at the camp-ground, but none of the -fine points of the thoroughbred did she possess. - -Turning full upon the ashen-hued youth, the world-famous bandit -snarled, with a blood-curdling oath: - -"Is that the mare your father accused me of stealing?" - -Too terrified at the demeanor of the wrathful man before him to realize -the pitfall in the question, Consollas blurted: - -"Yes." - -A buzz of amazed exchange of opinions had broken from the men in the -party at the unexpected appearance of the roan, but at Jesse's question -they grew silent. - -"When did you leave the Springs?" - -"About an hour and a half ago." - -"Then you couldn't have heard your father claim my mare as his." - -The utterance produced a sensation among the posse. But ere they could -recover from it, the inquisitor roared: - -"If you weren't at the camp ground, how did you know your father -accused me?" - -"I didn't," growled the boy. - -"But you just said you did. When I asked you if that mare by the fence -was the one your father charged me with stealing, you said 'yes.' _Now, -how did you know if you weren't at the camp ground?_" - -Realizing when it was too late, that he had been trapped, the fellow -maintained a sullen silence. - -"Answer me!" bellowed Jesse. - -But the lad only cowered in his saddle. - -"There's dirty work somewhere," declared Jesse, addressing his -companions, "and I intend to find out _where_. - -"Now, sirrah, will you answer me?" and he thrust the muzzle of his -six-shooter against the youth's head. - -"Don't kill him! He's foolish!" cried a voice. - -"Then let him answer," retorted the great outlaw. "No one can accuse me -of being a horse thief and get away with it when the stolen nag is in -her own pasture all the time. - -"_There's something at the bottom of all this and I intend to find it -out!_" - -Acquiescing in the justice of Jesse's stand, the others stared at the -quaking boy. - -"You'd best make a clean breast of it," counselled the -bandit-chieftain, "you won't get any aid from these gentlemen. - -"Just tell me how you knew I was to be accused." - -An instant the helpless conspirator said nothing. - -With a wink at the members of the posse, Jesse clicked the hammer of -his "Colt." - -"Spare me! Spare me!" groaned Fred. "I'll tell. I'll tell." And -hurriedly he blurted the details of the plot to discredit the rescuers. - -Incredulous, the men stared at one another as the story was told. - -Unwilling to believe that the merchant would stoop to such an act, they -examined the boy with a merciless fire of cross-questions. - -But the lad doggedly maintained he was telling the truth and when at -last the members of the posse were reluctantly forced to believe, their -anger at the dastardly plot knew no bounds. - -"Lynch him! Shoot him!" rang from many a throat as the men urged their -horses forward that they might lay hands on the wretch. - -Enraged as he was, the great bandit cried: - -"Steady, men, steady! The lad isn't so much to blame as his father." - -Realizing the truth of the words, the thief-hunters dropped back, -waiting for their orders, muttering angry threats against the plotters. - -Strange indeed was the caprice of fate that had made the man he had -striven to wrong so grievously his defender, yet such had the brown -bearded desperado become. - -Terrified by the black looks about him, Fred moved closer to his -protector's side. - -After a short interval, during which Jesse had consulted with Clell and -Frank, the men grew restless, demanding that the lad be given to them. - -The world-famous desperado, however, had other plans. - -"Some of you ride back to the Springs and get Consollas. Get some tar -and feathers and a big kettle at the same time. - -"We'll give the precious pair a lesson they won't forget right away." - -The suggestion met with noisy approval and quickly a score or more of -the posse dashed off to find the merchant and the stuff necessary for -the torture while the others set about erecting a tripod for the kettle -and gathering firewood. - -Consollas' plot had proved a boomerang. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -YOUNG ROZIER MAKES A STARTLING DISCOVERY. - - -As the members of the posse who had been sent back to the Springs -neared the village the clouds of dust kicked up by their horses were -seen. - -"Here they come! They've got the thieves!" shouted several of the more -excitable loungers. - -From lip to lip, the word was passed along that the posse was returning -with the miscreants who had stolen Consollas' roan and when the -horsemen drew rein in front of the merchant's store they were greeted -by every man, woman and child who was able to get to the square, on -which all the shops were located. - -Throwing their reins over their ponies' heads, the volunteers leaped to -the ground and ran into Consollas' place of business, never pausing to -answer the bombardment of questions hurled at them by the crowd when it -was discovered that only part of the posse had returned and without any -prisoners. - -But the merchant was not in his shop. - -"Where's your boss?" snapped one of the men of the frightened clerks -who were gathered in one corner, watching the search of the intruders. - -"He hasn't been here for two hours or more," responded one of them. - -"Don't lie!" - -"That's the solemn truth," asserted another. "He has not come back -since he left just after Fred." - -Satisfied that the employes were not deceiving them, the spokesman of -the posse ordered four of his men to remain in the store, against the -return of the elder Consollas, telling the others to follow him to the -tent where the merchant had made his accusation and had been knocked -unconscious by Jesse's terrific blow. - -Mystified by the actions of the men who had set out to apprehend the -supposed horse thieves, the crowd surged about them as they emerged -from the store, demanding enlightenment. - -An effective barrier between the posse and their ponies, they resisted -the attempts of the men to force their way through. - -Flushing with anger, fearing that should he tell them the facts some -of the shopkeeper's friends might warn him, giving him the chance to -escape, the spokesman consulted with his fellows before replying: - -"When we get Consollas we'll tell you everything. The sooner we lay -hands on him, the sooner you'll know." - -By making the one contingent upon the other, the leader of the posse -had still further roused the curiosity of the sojourners at the Springs. - -And the shrewdness of the move was quickly apparent. - -"Everybody hunt for Consollas," cried a voice from the crowd. - -Instantly men, women and children turned and scurried in all -directions, bent on locating the storekeeper while the horsemen vaulted -into their saddles and dashed for the campground. - -But when they arrived at the spot where they had left the unconscious -merchant he was nowhere to be seen. - -With ejaculations of disappointment they began to question the -occupants of the nearby tents. - -One after another declared that they had not seen Consollas, explaining -that they had either followed the crowd to see the posse start and had -only just returned or had been too busy to notice. - -In despair, the searchers gave up the task, going back to where they -had left their mounts when a little girl ran up. - -"I seen the man," she piped in her excited, childish voice, "he got up -jes' as the mens rode away. He looked roun' 's though he was lost an' -rubbed his head an' felt of his nose. He said an awful word an' got -up. I was standin' watchin' him an' when he seen me, he asked what had -happened. When I tole him he said some more bad words an' runned into -the woods." - -By the time the little girl had finished her story she was the centre -of an excited throng. - -"That settles all chance of getting the sneak for the present," -declared the leader of the squad of man-hunters. "All we can do is to -wait till he comes back--if he ever does, which I doubt." - -"What's the trouble? Tell us what he did!" clamoured the crowd. - -"You might as well, Jeff," chorused several of the posse. - -Mounting his horse, that he might the better be heard, the man quickly -narrated the meeting with the vanished merchant's son, his actions, the -appearance of the roan and Fred's confession. - -As each amazing statement in the story was made, the people expressed -their opinions in no uncertain terms, breaking out into cries for -vengeance at its completion. - -"Let's sack the shop!" suggested some one. - -Eagerly was the idea seized and with angry murmurings, like the growls -of some gigantic beast of prey enraged, the crowd started toward the -store. - -"Hold on!" yelled the spokesman. "Don't do that! We're going to tar and -feather Fred and old Consollas--if we can catch him! If you want to do -anything, get feathers. We'll take out the tar and a cauldron." - -Few of the men and women had ever witnessed such a punishment, and, -inspired with the desire to be present, they rushed in all directions, -some to get horses and teams to carry them to where the strangers with -their prisoner were waiting, others to get feathers, but most of them -to strike a short cut to the pasture. - -Only one of the Roziers, the son, who bore the same name as his father, -a chap about twenty years of age, swelled with the wealth and prestige -of his family, had been in the crowd. - -As it dispersed, he rushed to acquaint the others with the startling -information of the plot and the penalty that was to be inflicted. - -With characteristic assumption of prescience, the banker declared that -he had always suspected there was a yellow streak in the merchant and -set out to find a lawyer that he might attach the goods in the store -immediately to protect some notes of Consollas that his bank held. - -But to the dainty Sally, the punishment seemed cruel and unmerited. - -"I'm going out to see if I can't save Fred," she announced, springing -to her feet and arranging the habit she still wore, after which she -gave a few deft touches to her hair. - -"You'll do nothing of the sort," contradicted her mother, sharply. "The -idea of the presumptuous clout thinking you would marry him!" And she -gave a sniff more eloquent than words. - -"That's just why I'm going. The poor fellow isn't all there in his head -or he would never have thought of such a thing and it isn't right to do -such dreadful things to a half-witted creature." - -Mrs. Rozier, however, was firm in her refusal to allow her daughter to -interfere in the business and her stand was endorsed by her son who -protested that Fred had brought ridicule enough on the family without -Sally's adding to it by interceding for him. - -"Then if I can't go, I'll send a note to Mr. Howard. I don't think -he'll refuse my request," she flashed, and, before either her mother or -brother could prevent, darted from the house which they had rented in a -location close to the square. - -"You must go after her, Forman. I never heard of such a thing. If you -don't catch her, ride out to where this horrible business is to take -place. You can stand beside Mr. Howard and if anyone tries to give -him Sally's note you can take it, telling him that it was written in -a burst of impulse and that now Sally regrets it and wishes it back -unread." - -Bidding his mother not to worry, that he would intercept the missive, -young Rozier ran to the barn to get his pony and was soon riding hard -in the direction of the farm. - -Rushing into a store, his sister had begged some paper, ink and an -envelope and hurriedly wrote: - - - "My dear Mr. Howard: - - A man so brave as you can afford to be generous to his enemies. - Fred is only half-witted and isn't as much to blame as his father. - - Won't you _please_, at the request of the girl whose life you - saved, spare the poor fellow the awful punishment? - - I'll do anything you ask in return. - - Anxiously and gratefully, - Sally Rozier." - - -Little realizing the rash length to which her sympathetic nature had -led her, the girl sealed the envelope, addressed it and darting onto -the street, gave it to a man she knew, who was passing, with the -request that he give it with his own hands as soon as possible to Mr. -Thomas Howard. - -Surprised at the entreaty, her acquaintance, nevertheless, promised to -deliver it and urged his horse into a fast gallop. - -Intent upon recovering the note, young Rozier asked every one whom -he overtook if they bore a letter from his sister to Mr. Howard, -apparently forgetting that by so doing he was but increasing the -scandal he wished to avoid by making the existence of such a -communication known. - -Those to whom he put the surprising question could truthfully deny all -knowledge of the note, which they did, for the messenger was behind the -banker's son, and as he rode on, they discussed the latest development -with their companions with great gusto. - -Arrived at the scene of preparations, young Rozier quickly tied his -pony and then took his place by the side of the world-famous outlaw -masquerading as Tom Howard. - -The members of the posse had returned with the cauldron and tar and -each arrival seemed to be provided with a bag of feathers, so rapidly -did the pile accumulate. - -Standing by the tripod from which the kettle was suspended, Jesse and -Frank superintended the melting of the tar while Clell stood guard over -the sobbing victim in some underbrush where the bandit-chieftain had -sent him that he might be spared the stares and comments of the crowd. - -As those whom the banker's son had asked about the note arrived, -they quickly informed the others already on the ground, embellishing -the news as they saw fit and soon everyone was aware that some -communication of importance was on the way concerning Fred Consollas. - -Finding the time required for the heating of the tar irksome, the crowd -fell to speculating on the contents of the mysterious letter. Some -declared it was a plea for mercy, others that it advocated more drastic -punishment. The adherents of the former idea offered to back their -opinions with coin of the realm and those of the latter persuasion -snapped up the money, announcing their willingness to wager more that, -if it should prove to be a request for clemency, Howard would not heed -it. - -So excited did the factions become that they failed to see the -messenger approach the outlaw and the banker's son and it was not till -they heard the angry voice of the latter exclaim: - -"As a member of the family I demand that note before you open it!" that -they knew the document had arrived. - -Instantly a hush fell on the assemblage and they craned their necks the -better to hear and see all that transpired. - -Jesse, Frank, the messenger and young Rozier were beside the smoking -kettle. - -The bearer of the note held it firmly in his hand, resisting the effort -of the writer's brother to secure it. - -"It was given to me to deliver to Mr. Howard and I shall do so unless -he orders otherwise," declared the former. - -"Tell him to give it to me," cried young Rozier. "Can't you understand -it will com--" - -"You'll do more harm by talking than by letting me receive it," -interrupted the bandit-chieftain. "You've got everybody listening and -watching now." - -"I don't care. I _will_ have that letter!" stormed the banker's son. - -Angered at the tone of the remonstrant, Jesse quickly put an end to -the wrangle by seizing him by the shoulder and sending him spinning -into the bushes while with his other hand he took the note from the -messenger. - -Murmurs of excitement rose from the crowd but they died away as the -famous desperado tore open the flap of the envelope. - -Taking out the enclosure, Jesse read it carefully, refolded it, put -it back in the envelope and placed both in the inside pocket of his -waistcoat. - -Breathlessly the throng watched Frank approach. - -"What is it?" he asked. - -"Nothing," returned his brother, with a slight quiver of his left -eyelid that only Frank could see. - -Young Rozier had been within earshot and as the stranger had made his -reply, he shook with anger. - -He had thought only of the ridicule to which his family would be -subjected because of his sister's intercession, but that her appeal -should be treated so lightly wounded his pride. - -But this pride was destined to a more severe shock when Jesse called: - -"Bring up Consollas. The tar's ready!" - -"You mean that _you_ refuse a Rozier's request?" snarled the fellow, -his rage overcoming his discretion. - -"Keep your tongue in your head or I'll give you a coat of feathers, -too," snapped the great outlaw. And the expression on his face told the -banker's son that he meant what he said and the youth subsided. - -In such a state of terror that he could not walk, the victim was -dragged to the cauldron by Clell. - -The sharp breathing of the spectators proved intense excitement. - -Looking over the crowd, Jesse frowned. - -"There are so many women 'round that we can't strip him," he exclaimed -as he took Consollas by the collar of his coat and swung him to the -side of the kettle. "We'll give him a thin coat next his skin and lay -it on thick over his clothes. Loosen 'em, Sam; Hal, get some feathers." - -Quickly were his commands obeyed. - -When all was ready, the world famous desperado, masquerading as Tom -Howard, mine owner, reached out his right hand and lifted a ladle full -of the redolent tar from the cauldron. - -Barely melted, it was not hot enough to more than sting as it touched -the skin. - -But as Fred saw the black liquid thrust toward his shirt whose collar -Clell held open, his terror lent him the strength of a wild man. - -Twisting and squirming, he made a grab for Jesse's beard. - -With a furious oath, the great outlaw let go the lad's collar and -struck him a blow in the face that sent him sprawling into the embers -of the fire beneath the kettle. - -A gasp of dismay broke from the crowd. - -But in a trice Jesse had his victim out of the coals and again brought -the ladle to his neck. - -Fearing a repetition of his struggle, Frank held him tight. - -Quickly the bandit-chieftain poured the molten tar inside his clothes, -repeating the movement three times. - -Yelling at the top of his lungs, Consollas writhed. - -"Close his mouth with feathers, then jam some down into the tar," -snapped Jesse. - -Quickly, Clell obeyed. - -Fred's contortions redoubled. The soft fluffy things got down his -throat and he spluttered frantically. - -Again was the ladle thrust into the cauldron and the contents thrown on -his clothes. - -The writhings of the luckless youth amused the crowd and they howled -and chuckled with glee. - -"Duck him in the kettle," cried a score of voices. - -Acting on the suggestion, the famous desperado lifted his victim from -the ground and doused him in the tar. - -But as he was thrust down into the cauldron, Consollas made a ferocious -grab for his tormentor. - -And this time his fingers clutched the hair in Jesse's false beard. - -Releasing his hold of his coat, the bandit-chieftain seized his wrists -in such a terrible grip, boring his spike like thumbs between the -cords, that the lad let go with a shriek of agony. - -The wires by which the whiskers were attached had held yet the sudden -yank had drawn the beard from Jesse's face for an instant before he -could bend forward and end the strain. - -"A--ha!" exclaimed a voice, amazed and gloating, behind him. - -Only Frank and Clell were close to him and the ejaculation made Jesse -start. - -With a suppressed oath, he whirled to see who had uttered it. - -But no one was in sight. - -Yet had the outlaws rushed into the bushes, they would have seen young -Rozier stealthily working his way through them till he reached the spot -where he had left his pony, then hastily untie it, mount and dash away -for the Springs. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -GATHERING CLOUDS. - - -More wrought up by the incident than he cared to let even Frank and -Clell see, Jesse cursed savagely to himself as he turned his attention -again to his victim in the tar kettle. - -The buzz that rose from the assemblage told him that the men and women -were aware that something had happened though their ignorance of -exactly what was disclosed by cries of "Did he hurt you? Did he knife -you?" that came from all directions. - -"Thank goodness, they're not next," breathed Clell while his chief, -straightening as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, -responded: "He only pulled out a few whiskers." - -Assured that their hero had received no injury, the crowd considered -the matter a huge joke and laughed boisterously, offering all sorts of -advice for the restoration of the beard. - -But the great outlaw was in no mood for jesting. That someone had -discovered that his whiskers were false the exclamation disclosed and -the consequences might be far-reaching, especially as both he and his -pals were ignorant of who had uttered it. - -Consollas had ceased to struggle and was watching his tormentors with -fascinated eyes. - -"Give a hand here, boys," commanded Jesse. "We'll get this business -through and go back to camp as soon as we can." - -"Dump the feathers in a pile and we'll chuck the runt into them." - -Quickly Clell sprang to the heap of bags, emptying them of their -contents, while Frank laid hold of one shoulder of Fred's coat. - -"Lift," exclaimed the bandit-chieftain. - -With all their strength, the two outlaws pulled at the boy. For a -moment he did not move, held fast by the cooling tar, then the strain -told, and, with a loud sucking noise, he was hauled from the kettle. - -A moment the desperadoes held him in the air that the crowd might see -the unfortunate lad. - -Covered with the shiny, glistening tar from his neck to the soles of -his shoes, with generous daubs on his cheeks and in his hair, his -appearance was ludicrous. - -Howls of delight broke from the throats of the men and women and even -Jesse was forced to smile at the forlorn sight. - -"Get a firm hold so we can swing him," he directed his brother then -raising his voice, addressed his victim: "I'm sorry we haven't got your -father as well as you. Let this be a lesson to you. The next time you -think of charging respectable strangers with stealing horses, don't do -it. You may not get off so easily." - -And while the people laughed at the advice, the great outlaw nodded -to Frank, they swung Consollas back and forth several times to gain -momentum, then sent him swirling, head over heels, into the stack of -feathers. - -As the fluffy things closed over him, the crowd cheered, rushing -forward to join in the fun of rolling the lad about in them. - -Struggling to his feet, Fred screamed and tore at the mass of tar and -feathers, looking for all the world like some monster fledgling. - -But his breathing spell was short. Grasping him by the heels, the men -tumbled him into the heap again, repeating the performance as fast as -he could scramble out. - -"This'll be a good time to break away," suggested the brother of the -bandit-chieftain as he watched the wild frolic. - -"Right," returned Jesse and, without attracting attention to -themselves, the three outlaws went to their horses, mounted and headed -for the Springs. - -Riding for a while in silence, when they were out of sight of the -pasture Frank demanded: - -"What was in that note?" - -"A request from Miss Rozier," replied his brother and, taking the note -from his pocket, he read it. - -"Phew!" ejaculated Clell, "so she's sweet on the booby, eh? I'll bet -old Rozier 'll try to make trouble for us for paying no attention to -the appeal. He seems to think he's 'it' with a big I." - -"Let him if he wants to. I've got a scheme to fix him all right, all -right. What's worrying me at the present moment is who the person was -who cried out when Consollas pulled my beard." - -The matter that was uppermost in the minds of each thus broached, the -trio discussed it from all sides. Well were they aware that if the -unknown had really noticed the whiskers move from Jesse's face, their -positions would be like that of men living among buried powder mines -whose exact location they did not know--an explosion might come at any -time. - -The opinion that the exclamation was but the utterance of some -overwrought spectator was hazarded. But the great outlaw disposed of -it by asserting that the tone was that of some enemy gloating over an -important discovery and his pals accepted his view. - -"I don't like it," declared Frank at last. "If you take my advice, -Jess, you'll break camp tonight. We've got trouble enough without -exposing ourselves to hidden danger." - -"I know that," returned his brother, "but to go away now would be -the worst possible move. If the people of the Springs should wake up -in the morning and find that we were missing, they would immediately -become suspicious. Whoever it was who saw my beard move, if anyone did, -would jump to the conclusion that we got frightened. He would spread -the story, people would get to discussing it, some one would think of -us and before you could say 'Jack Robinson' the alarm would be sent -broadcast that Jesse James and his men were in the neighborhood and -we'd have another game of hide and seek on our hands which I don't -want, at least not till Cole and Texas show up. - -"We'll just lay low and keep our ears open. We--" - -"By thunder! you don't suppose it was young Rozier, do you?" asked -Clell, interrupting his leader as the thought came to him. - -"Ha! I hadn't thought of him," returned the bandit-chieftain. "If it -were he, we shall know it and mighty soon. Mad as he and his father -will be at my refusal to heed the request of Miss Rozier, they'll soon -show their hands if they have such information. - -"When they do, we can act." - -Never had the great outlaw spoken truer words. The banker and his son, -their family pride incensed, showed their hands with a vengeance and in -a manner so unexpected that when the outlaws woke to the reality, there -was time for only the most desperate acts! - -But all unconscious of the impending danger, the three desperadoes rode -into the camp-ground, made their way to their tent, prepared their -supper, ate it and set out to return their borrowed horses. - -His mind inflamed with the slight put upon his sister by the ignoring -of her intercession on behalf of Fred, young Rozier rode his pony like -mad to report the insult to his father that methods might be devised -for the atonement. - -Clattering into the barn, he left his lather-dripping pony to the care -of a groom and burst into the banker's study. - -In no pleasant frame of mind at the disappearance of the merchant whose -notes he had guaranteed, the president of the savings institution was -thrown into a violent rage when his wife had informed him of their -daughter's indiscretion. - -With instructions that his son be sent to him instantly upon his -return, he retired to his den. - -As the sound of the rapid hoof-beats rang in the yard, he sprang to his -feet and was pacing to and fro, like a caged lion, when the lad entered. - -Pausing when the boy closed the door behind him, he snarled: - -"Did you get it?" - -"No." - -So furious at the failure that, for a moment, he could only gurgle, the -banker finally blurted: - -"Why not?" - -Abashed at his father's wrath, the heir to the Rozier wealth shifted -uneasily from one foot to the other. - -"Speak, you fool!" roared his sire. "I'll wager you botched it--as -you do everything. Take that chair by my desk and tell me why -you didn't recover the note--if you can." And dropping into his -leather-upholstered chair, he glowered at his son. - -Stung to the quick by the sneer in his parent's tone, young Rozier -forgot his fear of the man staring at him and graphically and concisely -related all that had occurred from the time his mother had sent him on -his mission. - -With beetling brows and frequent outbursts of profanity, the banker -listened to the description of the manner in which the supposed miner -had refused to give up the note and his pride-wounding comment that -it's contents were of no importance. - -"He thinks the request of a Rozier is 'nothing,' does he?" he snarled. -"I'll teach him it is very much of a something." - -But his rage was forgotten when his offspring told of Fred's struggle -with his tormentor and the startling incident of the beard. - -"Are you positive that you saw the whiskers clear of his face?" he -demanded. "It might have seemed that way if Consollas pulled out a -handful of hairs." - -"I'm willing to take my oath that the beard is false, sir," returned -the young man. - -From under his bushy brows the banker scrutinized his son's face, -thrumming on his desk the while. - -What he saw made him believe that the boy was telling the truth to the -best of his knowledge and at last he observed: - -"I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised. I didn't like the man's looks -from the first. He was too impudent when I offered to pay him for -saving Sally, altogether too impudent." - -"Well, you're so much in," rejoined his son, aware of his sire's -weakness. "He might have asked you twenty-five thousand for doing it. -You're lucky to get off so easy." - -"So I am, so I am," repeated the elder man, but his voice sounded far -away and from long experience the heir to his property knew that he was -thinking deeply. - -While the hands of the old-fashioned clock, that stood in one corner of -the study, ticked off a quarter of an hour, the two sat in silence. - -"Have you heard anything about these men being mine owners on their way -to New York to raise capital?" inquired his father at last. - -"Yes. They've told all 'round that they struck it rich in Colorado." - -"They flashed a big roll of bills?" - -"So I hear." - -"Then that's why they're disguised," announced the banker with -characteristic positiveness. "You mark my words, Forman, if these men -have any mines, they obtained them by fraud or perhaps by even killing -the rightful owners. - -"By bringing them to book, we'll get revenge for their insults to our -family." - -"How?" inquired the boy, his eyes big with excitement at the prospect -of proving the strangers criminals. - -But his father was too busy writing to answer him and when he finished, -he exclaimed: - -"Take this message to the telegraph office and have it rushed. Stay -there till you see the operator send it, then come back to me and I'll -tell you my plan, for I'm going to use you as the decoy to lure our -birds to their destruction." - -Afire with curiosity, nevertheless young Rozier knew his father too -well to linger and hurried to the telegraph office. - -Entering the room, he unfolded the message to read it before giving it -to the sender and as his eyes ran through the lines, he quivered with -amazement. - - - "Monegaw Springs, Mo. - - Pinkerton Detective Agency, - Kansas City, Mo. - - Send six of your best men to me here immediately. Wire train they - leave on. - - Forman A Rozier." - - -Obedient to his orders, the young aristocrat waited till the portentous -despatch had been sent, then hurried to his home, eager to learn the -details of the part he was to play. - -Finding his father at supper upon his return, the youth was forced to -curb his curiosity as best he might till the meal, which was served -with pomp and ceremony ill-befitting the country village in which they -were, was at an end. - -Sally, her face and eyes showing traces of weeping, though whether from -the scolding of her mother or the refusal of "Mr. Howard" to heed her -appeal only she could tell, ate in silence, answering the few remarks -addressed to her in monosyllables. - -Usually the life of elaborate meals, with her caustic comments on her -companions and merry prattle, her reticence cast a gloom over the -others and they finished the repast as soon as possible. - -"Sally is not to go to the hop tonight," declared the banker to his -wife as he rose from the table. "If anyone calls to see me, I am -engaged, but be sure they leave their names. Come, Forman." And he led -the way to his study, locking the doors and stuffing the key holes with -paper. - -Surprised at the unusual precautions, the boy looked at his father. - -"You never can be too careful about the servants," observed the latter, -interpreting the unasked question. - -"If our talk should be overheard, it might defeat my plans." - -If anything were needed to strain the boy's wonder to the breaking -point, the mysterious words and actions furnished it and eagerly he -demanded: - -"Why have you sent for detectives?" - -"Ah, you read my message," smiled his father. "Well, I suppose it's -natural. I sent for them because I want to use them in the role of -friends of mine of great wealth." - -"Then where do I come in?" - -"Just have patience and I'll tell you," returned the banker, lighting a -cigar. - -"Now listen attentively. If there's anything that isn't clear to you, -ask about it. I've time to explain now, and later I might not have. - -"In the morning you are to drop around to this 'Howard's' tent. I don't -believe that's his right name, but never mind. You are to forget all -unpleasantness and to act as though you wished to be friendly with him. - -"During the course of your conversation you can mention that you have -heard that he and his companions have some rich mines in Colorado. Ask -him where they are and get him to talk about them as much as he will. - -"And be sure you remember where he says they are." - -"But suppose he won't talk?" - -"Then you are to say that you have some money you want to invest and -that when you heard he was on his way to New York to raise money to buy -some more mines you spoke to me about it and that I told you if Mr. -Howard could prove that the mines were all right, show us his maps, and -by the way, make a special point of that, I would let you put in your -money and might interest some of my friends. - -"In this way, we can find out where the supposed mines are and wire out -there to see if anyone by the name of Howard is known." - -"But if they are swindlers won't they get wise and jump before you can -receive a reply?" - -"Not if I know it. That's where the detectives will come in. - -"When they get here, I shall let it be known that they are capitalists -come to arrange some deals with me. When I have laid the case before -them, we'll call on this Howard, giving as an excuse my supposed -friends' desire to get a chance at the mines. - -"When the detectives have seen the strangers, some of them will keep -them under surveillance all the time. - -"If you do your part and find out where the properties are, one of them -will be stationed at the telegraph office to await the reply. - -"Should they take alarm and try to get away, it will be evidence that -they are guilty of fraud and we'll arrest them on the spot. If the -answer proves that the men are what they pretend to be and that the -mines really exist, no one will be the wiser. The detectives can say -they have decided to put their money nearer home and go back to Kansas -City. - -"_But I don't believe the answer will say they are known!_" - -"Now, is what you are to do clear in your mind?" - -Ere his son could reply, however, there was a knock on the door and a -servant announced that a telegram had arrived for Mr. Rozier. - -Noiselessly removing the paper from the keyhole and unlocking the door, -the banker took the despatch. - -"The messenger boy wants to know if there's any answer," said the maid. - -Hastily tearing open the envelope, the president of the savings -institution glanced at the contents, then replied: - -"Tell him 'no.'" - -When the retreating footsteps of the servant sounded on the hardwood -floor of the hall, the banker turned to his son. - -"It's all right. The message says the men will leave tonight and arrive -about seven in the morning. - -"Now leave me. I have some other matters to attend to. Don't stay out -late to-night for you'll need a clear head and all your wits about you -in the morning. - -"_The unmasking of the scoundrels and the revenge for the insults to -our family rest practically on you._" - -Clouds were gathering about the heads of the bandits of which they were -unwitting. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE BATTLE OF WITS. - - -Declining the invitations to tarry a while of the men who had loaned -them their ponies, the outlaws were returning to their tents when they -heard the whistle of an engine. - -"I'll bet that's the evening train," declared Frank. "Let's go down to -the station. Cole and Texas ought to be showing up soon and if they -should, it might mix things up badly if they started to ask questions -in order to find us." - -"Good idea," assented his brother and accordingly the trio turned their -footsteps toward the station. - -The train had brought its usual influx of people come to try the -medicinal waters of the Springs and they were thronging into the town, -some in carriages, others on foot, as the desperadoes turned into the -street that led to the depot. - -Walking slowly, they scanned the faces of the new arrivals. - -At last the rush was over and the forms of only a few belated -stragglers were visible. - -"Guess the boys didn't come," observed Clell. - -"It doesn't seem--hello, there they are," murmured Jesse hurriedly as -he espied the broad shoulders and familiar, swinging gait of his pals. - -The recognition had been mutual and quickening their steps, Cole and -Texas Jack were soon grasping the hands of their leader. - -Without returning their greetings the famous outlaw whispered: - -"Cole, your name for the present will be Ted Bemis; Jack, yours will be -Ned Haskell." And he told them the aliases with which he had endowed -Frank and Clell and himself, adding, "we're miners from Colorado on the -way to New York to raise the wind to buy more mines." - -These important instructions delivered, the bandit-chieftain, with Cole -at his side, led the way back to their tent, avoiding the square. - -During the walk, the new arrivals were briefly made aware of the -incidents of the day, especially of the exclamation as Jesse's beard -was started from its place that caused them so much anxiety. - -"At a rough guess, I should say it was young what's-his-name," -vouchsafed Cole. - -"Young Rozier, you mean," interposed Clell. "That's my idea, too." - -"Time will tell," said the bandit-chieftain, irritably, for the -annoying lack of positive assurance was getting on his nerves. "But -there's one thing sure and that is the sooner we drop the subject the -better. Some one may overhear us." - -So dark was it as they reached the camp-ground that they easily gained -their tent by skirting the park without being seen. - -Cole and Texas had taken their supper on the train so there was no need -of rekindling a fire and the reunited bandits stretched out on blankets -like the spokes of a wheel, their heads forming the hub that they might -be near enough together to converse in low tones. - -When the shooting up of Chouteau and their uneventful journey from -there to the Springs had been narrated, the men fell to discussing -their next move. - -That the health resort was none too safe a place for them, all were -agreed but that was the only point on which they did agree. - -Frank was for striking to the north, into regions unknown to them -and where, in consequence, there would be less chance of their being -recognized. - -To the others, save the world-famous desperado, the suggestion seemed a -good one. But Jesse pointed out that their escapes from capture, narrow -as many of them had been, were due to the fact that their knowledge -of the country in which they had operated was so intimate that they -had been able to give their pursuers the slip, an advantage they would -forfeit should they strike into a section with whose highways and -byways they were unfamiliar. - -"Well, what do you propose instead?" demanded his brother, realizing -from long association with him, that his opposition to the suggestion -was largely because he had already made his plans. - -"I'm not ready to say, just yet. It depends upon what to-morrow brings -forth," returned Jesse. "There's a rich bank in Ste. Genevieve. This -man, Rozier, and his dandified son stick in my crop and I intend to be -quits with him before I do anything else." - -"I should think you were already," grinned Frank. "You've saved his -daughter, called him down for offering you money and refused the girl's -request to let her sweetheart off from the tar and feathering. - -"I don't know what more you want. - -"If you take my advice, you'll let well enough alone and duck out of -here while we have the chance. I've got a hunch that if we stay here -we're going to get into trouble!" - -With a superstitious respect for his brother's intuitions, the great -outlaw puffed at his pipe in silence for several minutes. - -"I have no right to insist on your remaining here when it's only a -private grudge to be settled," said he at last. "If you boys want to -go into Nebraska, Iowa or even farther north, you may. But mind you, -you are only going to look over the ground, get acquainted with the lay -of the land and find out some likely places to raid. _There's to be no -work done till I join you._ - -"If you can find Bill Chadwell, take him along. He knows every hog path -in that country." - -With their customary desire to be with their idol day and night when -possible, Clell and Cole announced their determination to remain with -him. - -"I'd like to stay and I'd like to go," observed the man from the Lone -Star State. "I've never been so far up north and I've always wanted to." - -"Then go, by all means," assented the bandit-chieftain. "I don't want -Frank to go alone, in case of accident. But the two of you ought to be -able to take care of yourselves." - -The matter thus settled, it was decided that the sooner the scouts -started the better. And accordingly they saddled two of the horses, -leaving the roan which had caused so much trouble, and made ready their -clothes. - -"Won't it make the people here ask questions if two men come and two go -at night?" inquired Cole. - -"Oh, I'll take care of that," returned his leader. "You boys keep your -wits about you. We'll meet at the cave at Sni Mills in five weeks. Mind -the time. - -"Good bye and good luck." - -And watching his pals until they disappeared in the woods, Jesse pegged -down the flap of the tent, buttoned it and prepared for turning in. - -At the saloons and in the gambling dens, the bandits were the chief -topic of conversation. The wildest fabrications of imagination found -ready believers. Some of those more under the influence of liquor -than others asserted they had known the rich miners when they were -grub-staking and prospecting in the mountains. - -Every time the doors of the entrance swung open, an expectant hush fell -on the inmates as they turned toward them to see if the arrivals should -be the men about whom they were talking, only to be disappointed. -Wondrous tales of their drinking and gambling abilities were told by -their self-styled acquaintances and confidently these promised their -fellows that before the night was out they would see goings on that -would open their eyes. But as midnight came without any signs of the -subjects of the stories, those who had swallowed the yarns began -to grow skeptical and many a fight was the result of their freely -expressed doubts. - -Those who thronged to the dancing pavilion in the hope that they might -see the heroes of the rescue at close range, perhaps even manage to -secure them as partners, were likewise disappointed at the failure -of the outlaws to show themselves. Many a maiden who had made her -toilet with elaborate care that it might attract the attention of the -rumor-created millionaires vented her vexation on her favourite swain, -causing the latter to leave in a huff. And because of these lover's -tiffs, the young people forsook the canvas at an unusually early hour. - -But the disappointment of the evening was forgotten in the excitement -of the morning! - -Early risers had discovered that of the thoroughbreds two were missing. - -Jumping to the conclusion that their disappearance was the work of some -of Consollas' friends, these men had rushed to Jesse's tent, yelling -for him to come out only to have their, as they supposed, startling -information driven from their minds by the astonishment at seeing the -strange face of Cole and the absence of Frank. - -"What's the row?" asked the great outlaw, gazing from one to another -of the bewildered faces before him, though he was well aware that the -missing thoroughbreds were the cause. - -"Y--your horses, t--two of them are g--gone," stammered someone. - -"I know it," returned Jesse in a quiet tone. - -For a moment, he was tempted to offer no explanation, then deeming it -unwise to leave the mystery unsolved, added: - -"I was obliged to send out two messengers in the night." - -The provokingly matter of fact way in which he made his statement -perplexed the hearers all the more. - -Only one of his companions of the day before, known to them as Sam -Sloan, did they miss, yet he had said that he had despatched two men, -and in his place was a new face. - -As they tried to reconcile these facts, it suddenly dawned on them -that events had transpired during the night of which they were in -ignorance. Startled by the thought, with one accord they hurried away -without making excuses, eager to circulate the latest news about the -interesting strangers. - -His face breaking into a smile as he watched their unceremonious -departure, the bandit-chieftain chuckled. - -"There'll be lots of folks in this burg that won't wait to eat -their usual breakfasts in their haste to get to this tent to see -for themselves. Cole, I've a good mind to tie you inside and charge -admission for a look at you." Then dropping his banter, he continued: -"Before they come, and while we have the chance, we'll look to our -shooting-irons. There's no telling how far a calf can jump by looking -at him, and the situation may get beyond our control at any moment." - -Thus recalled to the smoldering volcano of suspicious curiosity -on which they were standing, Clell and Cole inspected their guns -carefully, put new cartridges in the chambers and a plentiful supply in -their pockets. - -Scarcely had they completed the task when the first of the inquisitive -crowd arrived, their number increasing each minute. - -As people watch a sleeping animal in a menagerie, hoping that it may -rouse itself and do something, so the throng watched the closed flap of -the supposed miners' tent after having hurriedly verified the fact that -only the roan mare was left where the three horses had been at twilight. - -One family at the resort there was, however, who were ignorant of the -change in the personnel of occupiers of the tent--the Roziers. - -Agog over the coming of the detectives and the events the day would -disclose, the banker and his son had got up at an hour unheard of for -them and driven to the station in two carriages that they might get the -sleuths from the depot to their house in the least possible time and -with the least possible publicity. - -Surprise at their appearance was forgotten by the regular hack and 'bus -drivers in their eagerness to secure fares from the arrivals by the -train and when they did remember them the Rozier turnouts were nowhere -to be seen. - -With little difficulty, the president of the savings institution had -picked out the detectives. Quickly assuring himself that he was right, -he bundled them into the carriages and drove them rapidly to his home. - -Declining to broach the reason for their summons till the men had -breakfasted, the banker took them to his den as soon as the meal was -finished. - -Employing the same precautions against eavesdroppers that he had when -talking with his son, Mr. Rozier motioned them to chairs, offered them -cigars and, taking his place at his desk, laid the case before them. - -"Allow me to compliment you, sir, on your lucid exposition of the -facts," remarked the man in charge of the detectives, patronizingly, -as the banker concluded. "If I had been directing the case myself I -couldn't have done it better. - -"May I suggest that young Mr. Rozier be sent on his mission at once? -The sooner he makes a report on the case, the sooner shall we be able -to get to work." - -Acquiescing readily, the bank president ordered his son to start, with -the injunction to keep his head about him. - -Astonished at the crowd surrounding his destination so early, young -Rozier quickly learned its cause. - -Perplexed by the information, he nevertheless elbowed his way to the -still closed tent flap. - -After vainly trying to attract the attention of the inmates by -scratching on the canvas, he called: - -"I say, Mr. Howard, let a fellow in, won't you? I'm Rozier, Forman A. -Rozier, Jr." - -Although the outlaws had heard the first tampering with the tent, they -made no move till the request was uttered. - -"The fun's begun," breathed Jesse to his chums as he got up from his -camp stool and unbuttoned the flap. - -Inwardly glad that it was the boy instead of his father against whom he -was to match his brains, for that the visit would develop into a battle -of wits he had no doubt, the world-famous bandit threw open the canvas, -exclaiming blandly: - -"This is an unexpected pleasure! Come in, won't you? Because your -fellow townsmen persist in treating us as though we were animals on -exhibition we are obliged to keep the flap down." - -Jumping to the conclusion that his task was already as good as done -because of the cordiality of the greeting when he had anticipated a -brusqueness that would tax his diplomacy to overcome, the boy entered -while his host once more closed and buttoned the canvass. - -Yet could he have seen the wink that Jesse sent to his pals from behind -his back, the youth would have lost his confidence. - -His work which had taken but a few seconds, ended, the great outlaw -turned to his guest. - -"This is Mr. Prentiss, Mr. Rozier and this is Mr. Bemis," he said -introducing Clell and Cole. "Take a camp stool, won't you? I can't -offer you a chair." - -Now that he was in the presence of the men he hoped to unmask and brand -as villains, the banker's son was at a loss how to proceed and sat in -embarrassed silence after acknowledging the introductions. - -Determined to leave the opening of the conversation to their caller, -Jesse held his peace, enjoying the lad's increasing discomfiture. - -Taking their cues from their leader, Clell and Cole said nothing. - -The pause was awkward and each moment made it more so--for young Rozier. - -Try as he would, however, the lad could think of no way to make an -opening for his questions. Obviously it would not do to ask about the -mines abruptly. - -Finally, getting desperate, he took out his cigar case, stammering: - -"Have a--have a cigar?" - -"No thank you," responded Jesse. "My partner, Mr. Bemis, brought on a -supply of a special kind we have made for us from Mexican tobacco and I -prefer those." But despite his words, the bandit-chieftain made no move -to get any. - -Nettled by the refusal, for he realized that it meant that the men -before him would accept nothing, not even a smoke, from his hands, the -banker's son summoned all his courage and asked: - -"Mr. Bemis wasn't here yesterday when you made your wonderful rescue of -my sister, was he?" - -"No, he was not," returned the great outlaw. - -"I heard that some friends of yours had come--and gone--" he -emphasized, "in the night. You should have got here before, Mr. Bemis. -I never saw such remarkable nerve in my life." - -Ere Cole could reply, however, Jesse interposed: - -"By the way, your recalling the incident makes me think. Were you -anywhere near me when we were punishing Consollas?" - -Unable to understand at what his questioner was driving when he knew -that the latter must remember the quarrel over his sister's note, young -Rozier replied, significantly: - -"I was at your elbow." - -"Oh, were you? There were so many strange faces I failed to recall -yours." - -"He's trying to wriggle out of refusing Sally's request by pretending -he didn't recognize me," thought the boy to himself and vowing not to -let him, he was racking his brains for some way to block him when Jesse -continued: - -"I'm glad. You may be able to help me. - -"While the little wretch was struggling to prevent my putting him in -the kettle, I lost a watch charm, a gold nugget, that I wouldn't part -with for ten--no, nor for twenty--thousand dollars. - -"Did you see any one near me who might have picked it up, unnoticed in -the excitement?" - -The question was asked quietly, with no unusual emphasis. But it was -loaded! - -By it the great bandit sought to learn whether or not the banker's son -was the person who had uttered the exclamation as his beard was pulled -from his face. - -Its answer would tell if the call of young Rozier was an act of -friendliness or of hostility. - -The unsuspecting lad, however, accepted it at its face value, -responding: - -"There was no one near you but Mr. Sloan and myself. If I had seen it, -I should have called your attention to it. Probably it was trampled in -the dirt." - -As he heard the admission, Jesse's eyes grew steely. - -There was no longer any doubt in his mind that his caller had -discovered his disguise. Yet it was necessary to learn the plans and -purpose of the banker before acting. - -The battle of wits was on! - -Instinctively the occupants of the tent realized that the apparently -harmless question and answer had changed their relations. - -Not clever enough to understand that his guns had been spiked, the -banker's son, considering it an unhoped-for opportunity, prattled on: - -"I suppose it was associated with some of your early diggings." - -Unwilling to commit himself, the bandit-chieftain made no comment, an -omission, the youth decided, that showed his reluctance to speak about -his mines and the more eagerly he determined to make him. - -"I hear you have some very valuable mines," he continued, apparently -ignoring "Howard's" silence. - -"Who told you?" demanded Jesse. - -"Oh, it's common talk. They say you're on your way to New York to raise -funds to buy others. If you don't mind my saying so, I think you, or -your--friends, ought to be more close mouthed. Still, for my part I'm -glad you weren't. I've some money to invest and I want to talk about -going in with you." - -The ice broken, young Rozier no longer found difficulty in playing his -part and rattled on glibly. - -"I asked father about it and he said he would consider it if he could -be convinced that they were good mines. You know there are so many -swindling schemes," he added maliciously. - -Had he been older or more accustomed to reading men, he would have -understood from the expression in the bandit-chieftain's eyes that he -had overshot his mark. But in the blind confidence of his youth, he -rushed out the questions uppermost in his mind. - -"Of course, Mr. Howard, father doesn't mean that your mines aren't all -right. What he wants to know is where they are. - -"Have you any map of them or, rather, as of course you have one to show -in New York, will you let me take it and show it to father? - -"He has some capitalists consulting with him at the house now and he -might be able to interest them so that it would not be necessary for -you to go to New York for the money." - -The purpose to unmask him through the mines he, himself, had said he -owned was as clear to the great desperado as though he had been in the -banker's study the previous evening when the plan was unfolded. - -Remembering the old adage "forewarned is forearmed," Jesse determined -to balk the attempt to catch him in the lie, yet not so bluntly as to -let the bank president know that he had discovered his purpose. - -"I am deeply obliged for your father's interest," he dissembled, "but I -do not need any outside assistance. Mr. Bemis brought a gentleman here -last night who has arranged for the money and Mr. Sloan went away with -him to pass the papers. - -"And now, if you'll excuse us, we have some business to discuss. Mr. -Prentiss is returning to the mines in a day or so." - -Bewildered by the dashing of his hopes, young Rozier allowed himself to -be bowed from the tent. - -As he stood on the other side of the canvass, Jesse's mocking laugh -reached him. - -With a start, the banker's son realized that he had done all talking, -had shown his hand and learned nothing in return. - -Flushing with rage, he scowled blackly at the tent, hissing: - -"Wait! Just wait!" and hurried to rejoin his father and the detectives. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -JESSE BESTS THE DETECTIVES AT THEIR OWN GAME. - - -Reading failure in the dejected expression on his son's countenance as -he entered the study, Mr. Rozier waved his hand toward a chair. - -"There's no use telling us you haven't succeeded, your face shows it -all too plainly," he said as the boy sat down. "All we want to know is -_how_ it happened. Begin at the beginning and don't omit anything." - -"Not even the slightest detail," added one of the detectives. "What -might seem trivial to you may be of the utmost importance to us." - -Desirous of getting through the ordeal as soon as possible, young -Rozier related all that had occurred from the moment he had reached the -crowd about the tent till he had been given his dismissal, even to the -words he hurled at the canvas when he heard the gloating laugh. - -With many wise nods of their heads and frequent ejaculations, the -man-hunters listened to the narrative. - -"You're quite right, my boy, only wait," exclaimed their leader as the -story was concluded. "They were too smart for you, but they may not -get off so easily when _we_ tackle them." Then turning to the bank -president he went on: - -"You did well, Mr. Rozier, in sending for us. The way this Howard -evaded all your son's questions proves that he is a slick article, one -that isn't easily to be trapped. However, I think we will succeed in -landing him and his two confederates." - -Disgusted at the conceit of the man, the bank president waited a few -moments to see if the sleuth would suggest any line of action and -finding that he did not, snapped: - -"That remains to be seen. I've found, in my experience in the world, -that it's best to act first and talk afterward. - -"What do you propose to do?" - -Disconcerted by the putting into words of the very question that was -puzzling him, the detective replied: - -"Why, go 'round to see them." - -"And talk about the mines again, eh?" interrupted Mr. Rozier. "Stuff -and nonsense! You might just as well say we're detectives and we're -trying to find some grounds for arresting you." - -"Well, what do _you_ suggest?" asked the man, nettled at the speech and -manner of the banker. - -With the burden of the responsibility for the success or failure of -their purpose thus shifted to his shoulders, Mr. Rozier thrummed on his -desk, scowling. - -"_I_ should say the thing for you to do was to mingle with the crowd -that's watching them, if there is any now, so that if they come out you -can shadow them, that's the word you detectives use, isn't it? If they -try to get away, stop them." - -"How? We've no right to interfere with a man's movements unless we can -make some specific charge against him. If we did, he'd have an action -at law against us. They're not vagrants because they have money and if -we should arrest them as suspicious characters what could we prove?" - -"Could you get at them, or Howard at any rate, for wearing false -whiskers?" inquired young Rozier. - -"There's no law against that, of which I'm aware," qualified the -man-hunter, "but you've given me an idea. - -"We might hire some tough to pick a row with them and snatch off the -beard." - -"After the experience with young Consollas I fancy no one could get -near enough to them," observed the banker. - -"True," admitted the detective, reluctantly. Then his face brightened: - -"You don't suppose your daughter could cozzen Howard into talking about -his mines, do you?" - -His face livid with rage, the president of the savings institution -brought his fist down on his desk with a bang, thundering: - -"No sir, I don't! And what's more, Miss Rozier is not to be brought -into our conversation again, just understand that. The quicker you do -the better. If you can't devise any plan of getting around these men by -yourselves or with my son's or my assistance just say so and I'll pay -your bill and you can go back to Kansas City." - -Alarmed at the fervor of the outburst, the man-hunter set himself about -making reparation for his unlucky suggestion and finally succeeded in -pacifying the enraged banker. - -But when this had been accomplished, they were no nearer the solution -of their problem than before. - -One by one, various plans were proposed, discussed and rejected. - -"There's one thing we can do," remarked a sleuth who had taken no -previous part in the debate. - -Expectantly the others looked at him. - -"Out with it, man!" commanded the banker. "If you've got an idea, for -goodness' sake let's hear it." - -"What I was going to say was that we could wait till night and when -they are asleep go through their clothes and luggage." - -"But they may leave the Springs before dark or just after," objected -Forman, Jr. - -The new line of thought roused by the proposition, however, bore fruit. - -"I have it!" exclaimed the banker, all of a tremble. "We'll drug 'em! -I'll send 'round a couple of bottles of doctored wine. If they're -miners, they drink--it's a safe bet they do, anyway. They'll take the -stuff and then when they're under, you men can go into the tent and -ransack it to your hearts' content." - -"But they won't accept anything coming from us," protested his -namesake. "If they wouldn't take a cigar from me, they won't a bottle -of wine from you." - -The objection was easily overridden, however, by the suggestion that -the gift could be sent anonymously, with a note simply saying that it -was from a friend. - -This point decided, there only remained the procuring of the drug with -which to doctor the wine. - -In utter ignorance of what to use, the banker inquired of the -detectives. - -The question caused an argument among them as to the most efficacious -kind of dope, the decision finally falling upon chloral as the one -that would act upon the victim the quickest and the most powerfully. - -Realizing that it would be no easy matter to obtain the drug, Mr. -Rozier announced his willingness to get it and went to the apothecary -shop. Yet before he secured it, he was obliged to use all the influence -of his wealth and position. But at last, upon his solemn assurance that -it was to be used for no improper purpose, the pharmacist gave some of -the poison to him and he hurried back to his home. - -Ordering two bottles of some rare old Madeira to be brought from his -wine cellar, the banker and the man-hunters set about putting in the -drug as soon as they were placed upon the desk by the servant. - -Yet the task was no easy one. Should the recipients of the gift -discover that the corks had been tampered with, they would, of course, -become suspicious of them instantly. - -With much care and many expletives, the elder Rozier finally succeeded -in pushing to one side, unbroken, the age-rusted wires that held the -corks intact and gradually worked the stoppers out. - -This done, the requisite number of drops were put in each bottle, the -corks were driven back in and the wires readjusted in their proper -places. - -The dust and cobwebs, so dear to the eye of the connoisseur of old -vintages, had been sadly brushed off and torn in the operation, however. - -After vainly trying to attach substitutes, the difficulty was finally -solved by wiping them all off entirely. - -When the bottles had been wrapped in heavy paper, one of the -man-hunters addressed the package to "Mr. Thomas Howard, with the best -wishes of an admirer." - -Satisfied with their work, it was decided that the banker's son -should accompany one of the detectives to the tent of their intended -victims, while the others followed at a distance that would not attract -attention, and that when they reached their destination, young Rozier -should conceal himself, allowing the sleuth to deliver the package -alone. In the event of the absence of the miners, the package was to be -put inside the tent and the detective was to find some place from which -he could watch their return. - -Confident of their ultimate success, the conspirators set out. - -Had they had any inkling that the men they planned to trap were the -terrible outlaws who had played so fast and loose with them in Kansas -City, when they escaped from their clutches with the daughter of Banker -Ormsby, their assurance would doubtless have been less great. - -But in blissful ignorance of the fact, they descended upon the tent. - -In the time consumed by these preparations the outlaws, themselves, had -not been idle. - -As soon as their caller had taken his departure, they put their heads -together to decide upon their best move. - -All doubt as to who had seen the incident of the beard-snatching -removed by young Rozier's own words, and his purpose in calling evident -in his questions regarding the mines, even Jesse was compelled to admit -that nothing was to be gained, while everything might be lost, by a -longer sojourn at the Springs. - -When the method of their going was broached, the great outlaw declared -that it must be on horseback, for to depart by train and leave the -roan would be tacit admission that they had been driven to flight. - -And accordingly they went out to purchase two horses and the necessary -saddles and bridles. - -As they emerged from their tent, they were agreeably surprised to find -that the crowd had dispersed. - -Picking their way among the outlying avenues of canvas, the bandits -were able to reach the square almost unnoticed but immediately upon -their arrival in the business part of the town they became the center -of all eyes. - -Smiling at the freely expressed comments upon their appearance, Jesse -led the way into a harness shop and made his wants known. - -Visions of exorbitant prices for his best saddles in his mind, the -proprietor declared he could take them to the best animals in the -Springs and, glancing proudly upon his friends and neighbours as he -emerged from his store at the side of "Mr. Howard," he conducted the -outlaws to where the horses were. - -Apprised of the strangers' purpose, the owner brought out two splendid -creatures from his stable and quickly the bargain was struck, though to -the detriment of the bandits' bank rolls. - -With instructions that the animals be fitted with saddles and bridles -and delivered at their tent, they thanked the harness maker, paid him -liberally and set out upon their return, arriving in their corner of -the grove just in time to see young Rozier point out their camp to the -detective and disappear. - -"What do you suppose that means?" asked Cole. - -But the actions of the man-hunter were his answer. - -Approaching the tent, he shook the flap and, receiving no response, -raised one corner, thrusting the package of doped wine underneath. - -Their suspicions excited, especially as the intruder taking advantage -of their absence to peer at everything he could see of their -belongings, Jesse yelled: - -"Hi there! Get out of that tent! What are you up to, anyhow?" - -Springing back at the unexpected challenge the man-hunter turned to see -who had hailed him. - -"Dillaby, the Pinkerton superintendent in Kansas City, as I live," -breathed the bandit-chieftain to his pals. "This _is_ getting hot. -Come on till we see what he's up to. If he tries to get away draw your -guns." Then, raising his voice he cried: - -"What are you doing, down on your hands and knees, spying into my camp?" - -The shouts of the world-famous desperado quickly drew a crowd to the -spot. - -Turning to them, he complained bitterly: - -"It seems strange that three gentlemen can't come to Monegaw Springs -and live in quiet, without you all haunting them day and night and -gawping at them. Why, we can't even leave our tent without some one -trying to enter it. - -"This man, here," and he pointed to the detective, "was just crawling -in when we happened to come along and saw him." - -"That's not so," protested Dillaby, realizing that his position was -becoming uncomfortable. - -"Then what were you doing? Are you in the habit of going 'round -sticking your head into every camp you see?" - -"I was merely delivering a package." - -"That's a likely story." - -"You can see for yourself by looking in. As I found no one at home, I -stooped to place it under the canvas and--" - -"Staid to see what you could see," interrupted Jesse. "Ted," looking at -Cole, "find out if there is any bundle inside." - -Eagerly the crowd awaited his reply. - -"Yes, there is one," he called. - -"_Now_ will you believe me?" demanded the man-hunter, anxious to escape -from his inquisitors. - -"Not yet. That may be just a blind to be used in case we were at home -or you were caught sneaking in, as you were. - -"_It's my opinion you are a thief!_" - -Crimsoning at the charge, Dillaby looked about him helplessly. No -suspicion was there in his mind as to the true identity of the man -before him. That he was the Mr. Howard he had no doubt from the clever -manner in which the outlaw had twisted appearances against him and so -serious was his predicament that he feared it would be necessary to -call upon Mr. Rozier to extricate him--an event that would lay bare the -whole plot. - -Enjoying the man's misery, the world famous desperado determined to -make him disclose his purpose. - -"Do you know what's in the package?" he asked. - -"I do." - -"What?" - -"Wine." - -"There's some writing on the wrapper," interrupted Cole. "It says 'for -Mr. Thomas Howard, with best wishes from an admirer.'" - -"Ah! how romantic," grinned Jesse. "Can it be, sir, that you are the -one who sent me the wine?" - -The detective had gone too far to falter now and he replied: - -"Yes." - -"I don't seem to remember your face," purred the bandit-chieftain, -"when did I ever see you before?" - -"We have never met, but I saw your magnificent work yesterday afternoon -and wished to show you my appreciation." - -"Rubbish!" snapped Jesse. "I don't believe you were ever in Monegaw -Springs in your life before this morning." Then turning again to the -astounded onlookers, he asked: "Do any of you know this man? Have you -ever seen him before?" - -But nobody had and they said so in no uncertain terms. - -"You hear what these gentlemen and ladies say," observed the -bandit-chieftain. "None of them have ever laid eyes on you till just -now. - -"You're a slick talker, but you can't fool _me_. I owe it to the other -sojourners at the Springs to see that you're taken care of so you can't -try to work the gag on them. - -"Will some of you gentlemen kindly send for the constable? I wish to -have this man locked up as a thief. If he can establish his innocence, -the judge will give him the opportunity." - -The look of malignant hatred that Dillaby bestowed upon his tormentor -as he heard the request made Jesse grin and he watched him with keen -enjoyment as several of the men rushed off to summon a guardian of the -law. - -Standing On the edge of the crowd, young Rozier had been an indignant -witness of all that had transpired. - -Realizing that the tracing of the wine to his father would spell defeat -for their second plan, he had held his tongue. But when he heard his -foe's call for a constable and saw people start to get one, he could -contain himself no longer. - -Pushing his way to the side of the man-hunter, he exclaimed: - -"I can vouch for this man, Mr. Howard. This is an outrage to treat him -so." - -"Is this one of your father's guests, the capitalists?" asked the great -outlaw, innocently. - -"Yes." - -"Then why didn't you interfere before the matter had gone so far?" - -"Because I only just got here." - -"Where have you been since you pointed my tent out to your friend?" - -This question was uttered in a voice inaudible to any save the banker's -son and the man-hunter. But it told them that their connection had been -known from the first and that the by-play had been indulged in merely -for the purpose of compelling them to acknowledge it publicly. - -Ere either could recover from the shock of the discovery, Jessie was -saying to the crowd: - -"Mr. Rosier says that a cruel mistake has been made and that the man I -thought was a thief is in reality a special friend of his father--a -capitalist, who is his house guest." - -And then to their amazement, instead of apologizing to the stranger, he -continued: - -"I beg your pardon for having sent any of you after the constable. But -there is so little difference between some men of wealth and thieves -that my mistake is not unnatural." - -With this parting shot, whose meaning there was no mistaking, the -world-famous desperado turned his back on the banker's son and the -detective who posed as a capitalist, motioned to Clell and Cole to -enter the tent and followed, taking the wine from the latter, while the -crowd gasped at the public affront and the startling innuendo. - -For the second time Jesse had outwitted the banker. But he was playing -a desperate game. And danger, of which he never dreamed, looming dark -and terrible, was closing in on him even in the moment of his triumph! - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -AN UNEXPECTED COMPLICATION. - - -Protected by the heavy canvas from the impertinent stares of the -patrons of the medicinal waters, the three outlaws looked at one -another and then at the package presented to them in silence. - -"Jess, you sure are a corker," exclaimed Clell in undisguised -admiration. "Whatever put it into your head to charge Dillaby with -being a thief?" - -Smiling at the tribute to his cleverness, the great outlaw replied: - -"I wanted to find out whether he was acting in conjunction with the -Roziers or whether he had traced us here in some way and merely chanced -to hit upon the banker's son when he sought to learn where our camp -was." - -"Well, you found out all right, all right," commented Cole. - -"I certainly did," chuckled his leader. - -"I'd give a good deal to hear what Dillaby says when he reports to the -old man. They'll go almost nutty in trying to decide if we are on to -the fact that his friends the capitalists are really detectives." - -"And while they're puzzling over it, why wouldn't it be the wisest move -for us to vamoose?" inquired Clell. - -"Did you ever know me to run away under fire?" retorted his leader, -answering one question with another. - -"That's all right, but there's such a thing as going too far. 'Three -times and out,' you know. You may have got the best of them twice, but -will you come off so well the third time?" - -"You forget that we have one great advantage; we know exactly who they -are while they are all up in the air as to our identities. - -"_I'm going to fight old Rozier to the last ditch!_" - -But within three short hours Jesse was destined bitterly to repent his -decision and to regret that he had not followed his chum's advice. - -No premonition did they have of the storm that was about to break -around their heads, however, and, flushed with their success in the two -encounters they had had with their enemies, the bandits prepared for a -master stroke. - -Springing to his feet as an idea flashed into his mind, the great -outlaw seized the package and opened it. - -Picking up one of the bottles, he turned it round and round in his -hand, gazing intently at the cork. - -"Ha! Look here," he exclaimed, all of a sudden. - -As his pals examined the bottle, he went on, excitedly: - -"I've got old Rozier where I want him! This cork has been drawn out and -put back! You can see beside the wires, there, where it's been cut." - -"You mean the stuff's been doped?" asked Clell and Cole, almost in the -same breath as they inspected the spot their leader indicated on the -stopper and realized its significance. - -"You're on. A--ah! I thought so. Taste of it and then tell me what you -think." - -During the brief interval following the discovery that the bottle had -been tampered with, the bandit-chieftain had hurriedly pulled off the -wires, yanked out the cork and raised the snout to his lips. - -"It's sure got a peculiar flavour," declared the eldest of the Younger -brothers as he passed the bottle to his companion. "Tastes bitter." - -As soon as the wine had touched Clell's tongue, he confirmed their -suspicions. - -"I was knocked out once with 'peter' drops and I'd know the taste of -the poison any time. You can stake your bottom dollar that there's a -liberal dose of chloral in that bottle." - -"That's all I want to know," chuckled Jesse. "Old money bags, you've -got yourself into a mess that'll make you open your purse-strings -before you see the end of it. - -"Cole, go up to the square and get a lawyer. I'm going to have Rozier -arrested if there's anything in the law against trying to drug a -person." - -Too amazed at the purpose of their chief to speak, the outlaws glanced -at one another and then at him, their lips puckered as though they -would whistle. - -"It's nothing to get so stirred up about," continued the famous -desperado, noting the effect his words produced. "If it is a crime, -I'll swear out the warrant. We'll turn these bottles over to the police -through the lawyer and while the Springs are convulsed with the arrest -of the banker, we'll slip out unnoticed. There's evidence enough in -these bottles to convict him without our presence and, from the crowd -who heard Dillaby say he sent the stuff, witnesses can be found who -will establish the connection between the 'fly mug,' the wine and both -young and old Rozier." - -Elated at the prospect, the eldest of the Younger brothers picked up -his hat and hurried from the tent to summon a member of the legal -profession. - -But he never reached his destination! - -As he wound in and out among the side streets, the whistle of the -noonday train rang loud and shrill. Slowing up that he might not run -into the crowd of arrivals, he so timed his gait that he reached the -intersecting road just as the last of them seemed to have passed. - -At the corner of the two streets, on the side on which he was walking, -a hedge obstructed his view, however. Yet as he had seen no one cross -the road, he deemed it safe for him to increase his pace. - -Scarce three feet away from the sidewalk up which he intended to turn -was he, when suddenly a black-garbed young woman, struggling along with -a heavy satchel, appeared from behind the hedge. - -Hearing the sound of footsteps so close to her, she turned her head -toward them to see who was coming. - -As Cole beheld the rosy-cheeked face he with difficulty suppressed an -exclamation. - -He knew the girl! - -Recovering quickly from his surprise he bowed, saying at the same time: - -"Let me carry your bag for you?" And he extended his hand to take it. - -But no sooner did she hear the voice, than the young woman shot a quick -glance across the street, then hastened her steps without heeding the -offer. - -Unable to fathom such treatment, the outlaw looked in the same -direction the black gowned girl had. - -Scrutinizing him with undisguised interest were two men. Yet though -they watched him closely, they never paused and continued up the -opposite sidewalk from that occupied by the young woman, keeping a -couple of yards behind her. - -Cole's first impulse was to turn on his heel and run to the tent to -bear the startling news to his chief. But he resisted it, entering the -street from the station which he followed till he came to the next -block, dividing his attention between the girl and the men. - -Twice the latter looked over their shoulders as the bandit trailed them. - -"Those are detectives or I don't know one," mused the eldest of the -Younger brothers. "I guess the lawyer business can wait." - -Never had a block seemed so long to the outlaw, who was impatient to -announce to his pals the unexpected complication that confronted them, -as did the one between where he had met the young woman and the next. - -But at last he turned into the side street and without a glance in -the direction of the persons whose appearance had so upset him, Cole -continued his leisurely gait till he felt that he was beyond their -sight, then quickly lengthened his stride. - -Approaching the tent, he noticed, with a feeling of relief, that the -horses they had purchased had been delivered. - -"Thank goodness they're here," he muttered, then as he arrived at the -flap cried in a low voice, "let me in, quick!" - -Realizing from the excitement in the tone that something untoward had -happened, Jesse hurriedly admitted his chum. - -"What is it?" he demanded, noticing the worried look in the latter's -eyes. - -Thrusting his head from the flap to be certain that no eavesdroppers -were about, Cole withdrew it hastily, exclaiming: - -"Sue's come!" - -"Susie, my sister, in Monegaw Springs?" gasped the great outlaw in -amazement. - -"Sure's you're standing in front of me. And that isn't the worst. _Two -man-hunters are shadowing her!_" - -In blank dismay, the bandit-chieftain looked from one to another of his -chums, then snapped: - -"Tell us about it, man." - -With no unnecessary words, Cole complied. - -"This knocks _my_ plans galley west," commented the famous desperado at -the conclusion of the story of the meeting. - -"I wonder what on earth brought Sue down here. She evidently knows -she's being trailed from the way she refused to answer you and looked -across at the detectives. - -"Blast the luck, anyhow. If she'd only kept away till tomorrow, or even -tonight, we'd have had old Rozier in the toils. But now we've got to -chuck the whole business and light out. We can only strike him through -his bank. - -"It won't be long before Dillaby and his men run into these other -man-hunters and when they do, it won't take even them long to come to -the conclusion that we're the men they want. - -"For concocting theories, you can't beat a detective. It's when they -try to reconcile them with facts that they get balled up. But in this -case, they won't have much trouble. - -"Saddle up while I gather our duds together." - -This sudden change of front in their leader recalled to his pals his -recent observation about running away under fire, but they knew him -too well to taunt him with it. His bravery and recklessness needed no -proof; they had witnessed both too many times and they realized fully -the desperateness of their situation. - -With the rapidity that characterized all the movements of the notorious -band when once they were in action, the horses were made ready and as -Clell and Cole led them to the tent, Jesse emerged with their saddle -bags which were hurriedly adjusted. - -Fortunately for the bandits, their neighbors were engaged in eating -their dinners and no inquisitive eyes spied on their departure. - -"Into the woods!" commanded the world-famous desperado as his chums -mounted. - -Thanking their leader's foresight for pitching their tent on the edge -of the grove, they obeyed and soon were out of sight of the camp ground. - -"Whereaway?" asked the eldest of the Younger brothers as Jesse now and -then changed the direction of their course, indicating that he had a -definite objective point in view. - -"To see Sue, of course, and find out why she came here." - -"But Cole didn't follow her. How do you know where to look?" asked -Clell. - -"We've only got one family who are 'true blue' here, the Priors," -returned his leader, "and I'm going to see them. If she isn't there or -they can't locate her, I shan't try. - -"I didn't want to go near 'em while we were at the Springs: 'What -people don't know won't hurt 'em.' But Sue's coming makes a difference." - -And it didn't take long for the outlaws to learn that the arrival of -the sister of the notorious Jesse did, indeed, make a vast difference! - -When the altercation between Dillaby and the supposed miner had reached -the point where the latter sent for the constables, the rest of the -Pinkertons, who had been trailing behind their superintendent, scurried -in all directions, some to reach the chief of police in time to make -themselves known and get him to countermand the order, others to report -the failure, with its unforeseen result, to the banker. - -Upon young Rozier's intercession, however, the former dropped the idea -of calling on the head of the police department though they continued -to the heart of the village. - -As they were walking about, looking at the people and the stores, one -of them suddenly espied the two men trailing Susie. - -"There's Jones and Higgins," he gasped in surprise. "What are they -doing here?" - -No satisfactory answer occurring to any of them, they decided to speak -to their fellow sleuths. - -The surprise of Jones and Higgins as they were accosted was no less -than that of the others had been at seeing them. - -Questions flew thick and fast. - -The man-hunters who had been summoned by the bank president gave a -hurried _resumé_ of their case. - -"Where are these fellows?" asked Higgins, when the story was finished. - -"In their tent, I suppose. Why?" - -"Because I want to look at them. We're down here trailing Susie James. -She probably expects to meet her brothers here and from what you tell -me, these miners may be our birds." - -"You don't mean you think they're Jesse and some of his men?" gasped -one of the "capitalists." - -"I sure do. It's worth trying anyhow. You all round up Dillaby and the -others and when we've tracked Susie to where she's going, we'll come -back and meet you here in the square. Mum's the word." - -And the two latest arrivals of the celebrated Pinkerton force hastened -after the girl whom they had watched, as she continued up the street, -while talking to their fellows. - -Jones and Higgins were two of the detectives assigned to keep the -Samuel's homestead, in Kearney, under constant vigil, following the -inmates on their travels, which were few and far between, whenever it -seemed advisable. - -Knowing these facts, the others acquiesced in their leadership and, -excited at the thought that the much wanted desperado might be the -mysterious Mr. Howard who had made them so ridiculous, they hurried to -acquaint Dillaby and Mr. Rozier with the startling development. - -As the suggestion was made that the miner was no other than Jesse -James, the banker grew deathly pale. - -"You can't mean it!" he murmured. - -"But we _do_," returned one of the detectives. "Won't it be great if he -is?" continued the fellow, enthusiastically. - -"_No it won't_," snapped Mr. Rozier. "Oh! why did I ever get you down -here, anyway? I'll give you a hundred dollars apiece to drop the matter -and go back to Kansas City on the next train!" - -Amazed at the sudden change in the man who had employed them, the -detectives gazed at one another in bewilderment. - -"We can't do that," returned Dillaby, at last. "If your men should turn -out to be the bandits, the chief'll be so tickled he won't charge you -a cent. We'll let you know how things come out." - -"But I engaged you. If I order you to go back, why shouldn't you go?" -fumed the banker. - -"Because if the miners and the outlaws are one and the same, Jones and -Higgins will need help in landing them and the men on the trail of -Jesse James can press all the other Pinkertons into service they want. - -"I don't see, sir, however, why, when you were so keen to prove the -strangers frauds, you developed such an aversion to the idea when the -trail may lead to the desperadoes?" - -"You don't, eh?" returned Mr. Rozier. "Well, if you were the president -of a bank you would! Here I've been insulting and hounding Jesse James, -if it is really he. Oh! What a fool I've been. _He'll get even with me -some way!_" - -"There's no need of getting so unnerved, sir," rejoined Dillaby. "If he -prove the man we want, his capture will remove all danger from you." - -"If you could catch him, yes. But you haven't done it yet--and you -won't either. A man who can make a monkey of you the way this 'Howard' -did, won't be caught easily. He knows you are detectives. If he's -Jesse, I'll wager he isn't in his tent now! - -"Forman," the president of the savings institution exclaimed, as he -looked at his watch, "you've got just time to catch the train north. -Don't stop to get a bag. I want you to go to Ste. Genevieve at once and -warn Harris to send out our funds to Kansas City on the first train, -keeping only ten thousand dollars on hand. - -"Jesse James, if he and 'Howard' are one, may raid my bank!" - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE STORM BREAKS. - - -Angered by the lack of confidence in their shrewdness and ability the -banker's words and actions disclosed, Dillaby rose from his chair, -bowed stiffly and said: - -"You'll think differently, sir, within twenty-four hours. Come, boys." - -But Mr. Rozier's response was a snort of disgust that further enraged -the man-hunters. - -"The old mutton-head! I wish Jesse _would_ rob his bank! It would serve -him right!" snapped one of them. - -No comment, however, did his comrades vouchsafe. Each was occupied -with his own thoughts and chief among these thoughts was a grim -determination to prove to the banker that his opinion of them was -erroneous. - -Arrived at the rendezvous in the square, Dillaby and his men were -forced to wait some minutes before they beheld their fellows hurrying -to join them. - -Without wasting any time, the eight men, with Higgins and the -superintendent of the Kansas City office in lead, set out for the -campground. - -Nearing the place, Jones said: - -"When we get to the tent, the rest of you surround it. Higgins and I -will go inside and interview the miners." - -"But there are three of them," protested Dillaby. - -"What if there are? We can call for help if we need any." - -As the reader knows, there was no need. - -When the detectives had reached a point from which the camp the -suspects had occupied could be seen, they instantly noticed that the -roan mare was gone. Ordering a double-quick as the information was -imparted to him, Higgins dashed up to the tent. - -A glance at the overturned chairs and tables inside told of the haste -of the supposed miners' departure. - -"Ha! they opened your package of wine, Dillaby," cried Jones when he -and his side partner had vented their disappointment at finding the men -had taken alarm and vanished. - -"If we could only trail 'em we could examine them at our leisure. -There's enough dope in that Madeira to knock 'em out for hours, if it -doesn't put 'em out of the way altogether." - -"There's no use in going 'ifs' and 'buts' when you're working against -Jesse James," snapped Higgins. "The fact that the three lit out so soon -after the shindy over the wine makes me almost certain the 'miners' -are, in reality, the bandits. They realized they were attracting too -much attention and made their get-away while they had a chance. - -"We've got just one recourse left--to watch Susie. The sooner we get -back to the house where she is, the sooner we'll know whether or not it -amounts to anything. - -"If the girl came down here to meet her brothers, and the miners _are_ -the outlaws, they won't leave the Springs till they've seen her!" - -And without more ado, the man-hunters hastened to the farmhouse where -Higgins and Jones had followed Susie, having learned by inquiring of a -neighbour that it belonged to the Priors. - -But the sister of the notorious James' boys had left the homestead in -Kearney with no such purpose in view. - -Tiring of the long promised, but never given, consent to her marriage -to Tim Mason, the telegraph operator at Kearney who had served the -desperadoes so well in times gone by, the lovers had put their heads -together and decided to take matters into their own hands and elope. - -After considering many places, they finally decided upon Monegaw -Springs as the one where their marriage would attract the least notice -because of the constantly changing population. - -With many misgivings, Susie had sought her mother's permission to pay a -visit to the Priors, permission which was eventually granted. - -The matter of leaving her home without occasioning embarrassing -inquiries thus settled, the young people selected the day and made the -final arrangements. - -The girl was to leave Kearney on the morning train and her sweetheart -at noon. - -Both were aware that man-hunters would doubtless follow the sister of -the desperadoes but they knew they could only look on, and many a laugh -the lovers had over the surprise of the sleuths when they discovered -they had trailed the girl to an elopement instead of to a meeting with -her brothers. - -But fate plays strange pranks. - -The appointed day came, the departure from Kearney was accomplished -without misadventure, though the presence of the detectives was soon -made evident to the prospective bride, and in due course the train -arrived at Monegaw Springs. - -Happy in the thought that she could buy some little kitchen utensil for -their home, her home and Jim's, with the money that it would cost to -take a carriage from the station to the Priors, she resolutely set out -to walk the distance. - -For once, Susie had no thought for Jesse, Frank or their men as she -advanced along the sidewalk. Her bag was heavy but even its weight was -forgotten in the dream pictures of the future she conjured in her mind. - -Yet as she emerged from behind the hedge, caught sight of the tall, -bearded man who was coming up the street, saw him bow politely and -heard his voice, her love-creations tumbled about her head, shattered! - -Susie had recognized Cole! - -His presence in the Springs bespoke the presence of her brothers, or -their expected arrival. In either case, Jesse and Frank would seek to -learn the cause of her being in the town and the detectives who were -shadowing her would see them. - -These and many other thoughts flashed through her brain as she pulled -herself together after the shock of the unexpected and unwelcome -meeting. - -Many a woman would have betrayed the outlaw to the man-hunters, -inadvertently. - -But Susie had been trained in a school of terrible emergencies and -ere the detectives could become suspicious, she had glanced in their -direction to disclose their presence to Cole and continued on her way -as though she merely repulsed the advances of some "masher." - -Yet how heavy her bag grew as she hurried along! - -All the ruins of her shattered hopes, apparently, were clinging to it, -making it seem to weigh a ton! - -Scarce seeing where she stepped, the girl hurried toward the home of -her friends. Once the idea occurred to her that she would not go to the -Priors, but, taking a room at the hotel, wail till Tim arrived on the -evening train, meet him at the station and be married without delay. - -Fear of Jesse, however, deterred her. - -She knew that as soon as he had heard of her arrival from Cole, he -would seek her at the Priors and, should he not find her, would search -the town, subjecting himself to danger of capture by the detectives who -had followed her. - -Were her brothers to be discovered through her, she knew she could -never forgive herself. - -The only thing to do, she decided, was to meet Jesse. And as she -trudged along, a little voice whispered: - -"Perhaps you can persuade him to allow the wedding." - -Her spirits buoyed by this thought, Susie responded lightly to the -surprised, but hearty, greetings of the Priors. - -During the dinner, to which the family was just sitting down when she -arrived, her friends regaled her with the account of the doings of the -mysterious strangers, whose wealth, bravery and deeds were the wonder -of the Springs. - -Smiling at the romance woven around her brother, Susie was on the -point of enlightening them, when the pounding of hoofs was heard in the -yard and looking from the window, Mr. Prior gasped: - -"Wal, I swan! 'Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear.' Here they -be, now. What on airth kin they want here?" - -With the arrival of the outlaws, the girl's fears for their safety -drove all else from her mind, yet before she could act, the farmer had -risen from the table and opened the door, calling, cordially: - -"Jest hitch your horses and come in, won't yeh? We're finishin' dinner -but thar's plenty left, I reckon." - -The reply to the invitation, delivered with all the hospitality of the -South, was awaited with fluttering hearts by the daughters of the house -of Prior, Helen and Marjorie, two comely lasses. - -Afraid that the disclosure of their identity out of doors might lead -their friend to exclamations that would excite any watching man-hunter, -the world-famous desperado replied: - -"Thank you, we'll come in. We came to see about buying some of your -horses." - -And without delay the trio made fast their animals and passed in -through the door. - -But their entrance was easier than their exit! - -"Ma, this is Mr.--" began the farmer awkwardly, then paused in -amazement. - -No sooner was the door shut behind them, than Jesse had rushed to -his sister and kissed her while the others stared in open mouthed -bewilderment. - -"There's nothing improper," laughed the bandit-chieftain as he beheld -the blank amazement on the faces of his friends. "Your mysterious 'Mr. -Howard' is only Sue's brother, Jesse." - -The announcement, however, astounded the Priors even more than the -episode of the kissing. - -"I might have known it," pouted Helen. "If I had, I should have made -you take me to the hop last night and turned everybody green with envy, -Jesse. Oh, why didn't you tell us?" - -Making his peace as best he could, the great outlaw lost no time in -demanding of his sister what had brought her to the Springs. - -Ever since the arrival of her brother, Susie had been preparing herself -to meet the question. Having come to no satisfactory decision, when it -finally was put she evaded it by turning attention from herself to the -detectives who had followed her. - -"We can talk any time, Jess," she rejoined, "Wouldn't it be best to put -your horses in the barn before they're seen and recognized?" - -"I guess you're right, Sis," acquiesced the bandit-chieftain. "All -these man-hunters, together, may drop to the fact that we're who we -are." - -"Harry and I'll take care of 'em," announced the farmer. "The less you -show yourself, the better, I reckon." And, nodding to his son, Mr. -Prior went out to where the horses were tied. - -Yet he was not soon enough! - -The yard and barns of the Prior buildings were on the side of the house -toward the business centre of the town, clearly visible to any and all -coming from that direction. - -Intent only upon getting the animals out of sight, neither the farmer -nor his son saw the eight men walking rapidly along the sidewalk toward -them. - -"Better put 'em in the lower barn, hadn't we, Jeff," said his father. -"I'll lead two on 'em, you take the roan." - -But as Farmer Prior's son put out his hand to unhitch Jesse's mare, a -cry rang out: - -"You leave those horses alone!" - -Startled at the command, the two men turned to see who had uttered it -and for the first time beheld the detectives, who, after the sharp -order, had broken into a run. - -The shout had also been heard by those inside the house, though because -of the closed doors and windows the words were indistinguishable. - -Springing to the window, Jesse peered out just long enough to -catch sight of the men bearing down on them, then turned to his -terror-stricken friends. - -"It's the man-hunters!" he gasped. "I didn't expect 'em so soon. Take -us up into the attic or anywhere we can hide without being seen, -Marjorie. - -"The rest of you stay here. Mrs. Prior, go to the door and ask what the -trouble is. Tell 'em your husband bought the horses from the miners -at the station just an hour or so ago. Delay 'em as long as you can, -though you'll be obliged to let 'em search the house before they'll go." - -Scarce a second did it take to deliver these instructions and even -before he had concluded them the bandit-chieftain was following the -girl, whom he had entrusted with the task of hiding them, from the -room, Cole and Clell at his heels. - -Gliding through the parlour and out into the hall, avoiding that side -of the house visible from the yard or sidewalk, they mounted the -stairs, three at a time. - -"What is there to hide us up in the attic?" demanded Jesse of his guide. - -"Ma's clothes press, piles of quilts and old feather beds." - -"Nothing else?" - -"No. Won't they do?" asked Marjorie, crestfallen. - -"Not for a minute. The detectives will go for them the first thing." - -"Oh dear! I don't know where else to take you except in some of our -closets," groaned the girl. - -"Which they'll likewise examine carefully. Can't we crawl up one of the -fireplaces? Are the flues big enough? That's the kind of place we want -to find." - -Apprised of the sort of refuge the outlaws desired, Marjorie thought -rapidly. - -"There's only one fireplace where the flue's big enough and that's in -the sitting room. But you couldn't get up it without being seen from -the yard. And for the same reason you couldn't get into the oven. -Oh--what can you--wait. I have it. You can get down into the little -brick room where mother smokes the hams! Quick! It's 'round by the back -stairs." - -Familiar with the chambers, about four feet by six, built in the -chimneys where the countryfolk used to cure their delicious hams, the -bandit-chieftain rejoined: - -"That'll be just the place. Get us to it as soon as you can. Any hams -in it now?" - -"Drat it, yes! I'd forgotten. Mother put some in yesterday." And the -girl stopped, looking at the outlaws in dismay. - -"Never mind. They'll help to hide us," assured Jesse. - -"But the smoke and the odour, it's fearful," protested Marjorie. - -Quickly the great desperado allayed her misgivings by telling her that -they could stand them and without further parley, she guided them to -the eighteen-inch door in the side of the stairway that opened into the -smoking-chamber. - -As she drew it back, the pungent fumes of the curing hams rushed out, -mingled with smoke. - -"Jicky, but it _is_ strong," gasped Clell. - -"We've got to stand it, so crawl inside, lively," snapped his leader. -"The longer you stand here with that door open, the more the odour'll -get into the house, and the greater chance there'll be of the -man-hunters getting wise." - -All remonstrance squelched by his statement, his two companions -wriggled through the small aperture, Jesse followed and Marjorie -refastened the door. - -By the aid of matches, the desperadoes were able to make their way -among the redolent hams to the corners farthest from the stairs. - -But the smoke coming through the bricks from the flue of the kitchen -stove and the fumes were powerful. - -"If we have to stay here long, we'll suffocate," growled Cole. - -"Shut up! We've got to stand it. Don't move 'round," snapped his -leader, and, resigning themselves to the ordeal, they subsided into -silence. - -All this time, down in the yard, Mrs. Prior and the others had been -sparring for time, and it was with relief they beheld Marjorie rejoin -them, for her coming told that the outlaws were hidden. - -Grasping the purpose of Jesse's instructions, the wife of the farmer -had opened the door, demanding of her bewildered husband: - -"What's the trouble, Ephraim? What are those men running for?" - -"We want the men who rode those horses here," panted Higgins as he -reached the animals. - -"What men?" protested Mrs. Prior. "Tell 'em they must have made a -mistake, Ephraim. When they know you bought the critturs from those -miners down at the train they'll come to their senses, maybe." - -The effort to give the farmer his cue was futile. - -Looking at his wife as though he thought she had gone crazy, Ephraim -Prior said nothing. - -But Higgins was not so dull. - -Divining that the words had been inspired by the man they sought, his -doubt as to who 'Howard' was vanished instantly and he coolly retorted: - -"If your husband were as clever as you, Mrs. Prior, your bluff might -have worked. But he isn't, so you might as well let us search your -house. - -"_We know Jesse James is inside it and we're going to find him!_" - -Feigning amazement at the declaration, the woman brought all her -resourcefulness to bear to gain time till her daughter's return should -announce that the outlaws were concealed, demanding his grounds for his -suspicions and pronouncing it an outrage that Susie could not make a -visit without being suspected of coming to meet her wicked brothers. - -But her persistency only confirmed the detectives' belief that their -quarry was scurrying to cover in the house. - -With a clever change in tactics, Jones purred: - -"Why don't you let us search the house, Mrs. Prior, and satisfy -ourselves? We don't like to doubt your assertion that the notorious -cut-throat isn't here, but Jesse has so many friends who are willing to -swear that black is white for his sake that our doubt is only natural. -But if we are wrong, we'll apologize and humbly." - -As the suggestion she had dreaded was put into words, Mrs. Prior turned -to look into the kitchen, just as Marjorie entered it. - -The sight causing her untold relief, the woman responded: - -"I suppose that _would_ be the quickest way to get rid of you, though I -must say I don't think much of having eight strange men ransacking my -house." - -"But only four of us will do the searching," returned Higgins. "The -others 'll wait outside to see that Jesse and his pals don't skip out." - -"How can he, when he isn't here?" retorted Mrs. Prior, stepping back to -admit Jones, Dillaby and two other man-hunters, who made no reply. - -Once inside the kitchen, however, the former said: - -"And now if you'll give us lanterns, we'll begin." - -"Well, we _won't_," snarled the woman. "You'll have to get along as -best you can and what's more you can't go through my house alone, -either. Ephraim, you and Jeff take your shot guns and follow 'em. If -you see 'em steal anything, shoot 'em. I've heard of robbers trying -such tricks to get into a house before." - -Realizing, that further protest would be of no avail, though the words -stung, the detectives started on their quest followed by the farmer and -his son with their guns. - -But as Jones placed his hand on the latch leading into the hall there -sounded a stifled cough! - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE DASH FOR LIBERTY. - - -With a look of gloating, Jones turned toward Mrs. Prior, his lips -parted to speak. - -Yet he uttered no sound. - -Every member of the Prior family was grinning. Why, none of them could -have told had their lives depended on it. Possibly their very anxiety -was the cause. But whatever produced the emotion, its effect upon the -detectives was instantaneous. - -"That was a signal," hissed one of them. "Be careful about opening the -door; our men may be ambushing us." - -The idea of an ambuscade inside a house was novel, yet the suggestion -appealed to the man-hunters and their leader determined to take no -risks. - -"Some of you, who know the way, go first," commanded Jones. - -"Don't you do it," retorted Mrs. Prior. "It's an outrage to search this -house, anyway, but if these men insist, let 'em go where they please -and then they can't say we didn't give 'em a free hand." - -Realizing the woman was a Tartar, the man in charge of the searching -party turned to his fellows. - -"Have your guns ready. These people evidently intend to do all they can -to block us, but we'll show 'em we can find Jesse James without their -help and in spite of them. - -"If you hear any suspicious noise, shoot. The cut-throats won't -hesitate to kill us in their efforts to escape!" - -The bitterness with which Jones snapped out his words was apparently -lost on the friends of the outlaws, for they made no response, but in -their hearts they made silent vows that if they could do anything to -prevent the discovery of the world-famous desperadoes they would. And -with sullen, defiant looks they watched the four men. - -In evident fear that his appearance in the doorway would be greeted -with a rain of bullets, Jones lifted the latch and pulled open the -door, jumping back as he did so. - -As no sign of the bandits was disclosed, the man-hunters took courage -and rushed into the parlour with Jeff and Farmer Prior, shot-guns in -their hands, at their heels. - -Room after room was ransacked with a thoroughness that consumed much -time. Beds were moved, clothes and mattresses searched; every piece of -furniture that was large enough to shield a man was hauled from its -place and the closets were emptied of their contents. The remotest -corners of the attic were explored with the aid of matches. - -Yet the failure to locate their quarry only made the man-hunters the -more determined. - -Leaving his men to go over the ground again, Jones descended and went -out into the yard to consult with Higgins and the others. - -Their curiosity aroused by the sight of the strange men guarding -the farmhouse, the neighbours flocked to learn the reason, some -going inside to talk with the family, others trying to wrest their -information from the close-mouthed man-hunters. - -The sleuths, however, were unwilling to announce that they were -searching for the notorious Jesse lest it should not prove he after -all, for they feared the taunts and jeers such a mistake would bring -upon them. - -No reluctance did Mrs. Prior have, however, and loudly she bemoaned the -insult of the action, proclaiming in no uncertain terms that she would -have redress if it were possible. - -As word flew about that the miners were none other than the notorious -bandits, the people were amazed. But with a wholesome regard for their -own skins, they fell back to a safe distance and watched the house -open-mouthed, their numbers increasing constantly. - -"I'll go back with you," declared Higgins when his side partner -had reported the fruitlessness of the first search. "We'll try the -chimneys. If you could hear the cough, it must have come from them. Did -you try the fireplaces?" - -"By Jove! I never thought of them." - -And eagerly Jones followed his co-worker back into the house. - -Summoning their men from the upper chambers, the two set at work to -remove the large fireboard in the parlour. - -But the task was no easy one, for it hadn't been disturbed for years. -Though to some of them this fact indicated that their quarry had not -hidden behind it, Jones suggested that they might have dropped down -into the opening from above and they continued their efforts. - -In the ham chamber, Jesse and his companions were cursing the -persistence of the detectives whose actions and words reached them -through the flue from the parlour. - -The smoke and fumes from the curing hams made their eyes water and -parched their lungs, till it seemed to them that it would be preferable -to run the risk of an encounter with the man-hunters than to be slowly -smothered to death. - -Warned by the cough that had escaped from Cole, which Jones had heard, -the outlaws sat with handkerchiefs in their mouths both to keep out -some of the smoke and to stifle any choking or sneeze. - -With feelings of dismay they had caught the sound of the work on -the fireboard and scarce daring to breathe they listened, their -six-shooters ready for instant use. - -At last the chimney board yielded to the efforts to remove it and with -a cry of triumph, Jones and Higgins crawled into the fireplace, peering -up the flue. - -Yet there was nothing to be seen. - -Chagrined, the detectives rose to their feet. - -"Let's start a smudge," proposed Dillaby. "Maybe they're higher up the -chimney and if they are, we can smoke 'em out." - -As they heard the plan, the farmer and his son exchanged glances. The -building of a fire would send the smoke into the ham room in such -quantities that it would force the outlaws to leave it, yet they dared -not protest and stared blankly at one another. - -"I guess we've hit on the right place," chuckled Higgins as he noticed -the woe-begone expressions on the faces of the two men. "Hurry and get -kindling, some of you. Tell the boys outside to watch the top of the -chimney and to send me word when they see a head appear. - -"Jesse's bottled himself up good and tight this time!" - -With their usual haste, the detectives were counting their eggs before -they were hatched! - -And with delightful forgetfulness of the many times gone by when they -thought they had captured the desperado only to find that they hadn't, -Dillaby and Jones rushed to get the stuff to start the smudge. - -"Found 'em?" grunted Mrs. Prior, as the detectives burst into the -kitchen in which all the intimate friends of the family were excitedly -discussing the sensational turn in events. - -"We think--we hope so," rejoined Dillaby. - -Surprised at the confidence in the man's tone, the housewife shot -a keen glance from under her eyebrows and there was a suspicious -eagerness in her voice as she asked: - -"Where are they?" - -"You'll see fast enough when we smoke 'em out," snapped the sleuth and -without stopping to explain, he went into the shed, quickly returning -with a basket of chips and bark. - -Watching the detectives as they passed into the parlour, Mrs. Prior -slammed the door after them and placed her plump body against it, at -the same time beckoning to Marjorie and Susie. - -"Go upstairs just as quick as you can. Get some towels and a pitcher of -water and hand it to Jess. - -"He and the boys'll suffocate in the ham-chamber if you don't. - -"I'll stand guard down here. You'd best take off your shoes so the men -in the parlour won't hear you walking about." - -Deftly removing their footwear, the two girls stole up the back -stairs that led from the kitchen and hurried to get the relief to the -suffering bandits. - -The pitcher of water and the towels were secured without delay, but it -was a different matter to give them to the outlaws without discovery. - -Taking their places on the stairs, Marjorie cautiously removed the -little door. - -Startled by the unexpected move, Jesse and his men trained their -revolvers on the opening, wondering in their hearts how their retreat -had been located. - -The position of the girls was dangerous in the extreme. Yet not till -they caught sight of a pistol barrel did they realize it. - -Quickly recovering, however, Susie said in a voice loud enough for her -brother to hear: - -"Put the towels in first, Marjorie. They'll deaden the touching on the -bricks of the pitcher." - -Recognizing the voice of his sister, the world-famous desperado lowered -his weapon and crept toward the cubby-hole. - -"Have Jeff get horses for us and hold 'em in front of the next house. -We can't stay here any longer, we'll die. - -"When the nags are ready come and open this door. We'll leave our -beards here. - -"Now, hurry!" - -Not pausing to argue, though they deemed the risk of the dash for -liberty Jesse's words disclosed as his plan, foolhardy, the girls -hurriedly replaced the little door and went down to the kitchen. - -"Don't call Jeff," exclaimed Mrs. Prior when she had been apprised -of the orders of the bandit-chieftain. "Helen will do it a good deal -better. - -"Just go out to the barn and turn all the horses loose. Bridle three of -them and drive the whole lot into the street. If you should take only -three, the men on the outside would get suspicious. The boys--" - -But her words were interrupted by Jeff who burst into the kitchen, -crying: - -"The chimney's afire! The chimney's afire!" - -In despair, the housewife looked at Susie, Marjorie and Helen. - -There was no use in getting out the horses. There would be too many -people both inside and out for the outlaws to have a chance of getting -away. - -Already the column of smoke pouring from the chimney, and the tongue -of flame that now and then darted from its top, had attracted the -attention of the crowd in the street. - -The dread word "fire" was shouted from all sides and men came rushing -into the kitchen to assist in removing the household goods. - -"Don't touch anything! It's only the chimney burning out!" shrilled -Mrs. Prior. "Get some salt! Get some salt!" - -And rushing to the cupboard she grabbed a box of the condiment, then -ran into the parlour. - -With no intention of setting the accretion of soot in the flue to -burning, the detectives were, however, far from sorry as they heard the -roar of the flames in the chimney and, their faces wreathed in broad -smiles, they laughed and talked together. - -"That'll drive 'em out, I reckon," chuckled Dillaby just at the moment -the farmer's wife entered the room. - -"You won't feel so funny, you grinning monkeys, if this house burns -down!" she snapped. - -If it does, you'll pay for it--and well, too. - -"Helen, run down to the square and ask lawyer Perkins to come up here -just as fast as he can. I'll see if there isn't some way to prevent -these men from outraging us any more. - -"Jeff Prior, you keep 'em covered in that corner with your shot gun and -don't let 'em leave this room. Ephraim, you help me throw this salt -into the chimney." - -Neighbours had thronged into the room during the speech and while -some of them assisted in putting the salt onto the fire, that its -fumes might be drawn upward and stifle the blazing soot, others ranged -themselves about the man-hunters, freely expressing their opinions of -the men who had invaded the sacred privacy of the Prior home. - -And never was there a more disgruntled looking set of detectives. - -Aware that they had carried matters with a high hand, they had, -nevertheless, trusted to the inherent awe of one of their kind, present -in every breast, to still any violent opposition to their actions, -even to the burning out of the chimney. - -But when they heard Mrs. Prior's command to her daughter to summon the -family legal adviser, they realized that they had overshot their mark -and their one thought was to get out of the house before the counsellor -should arrive. - -But when Higgins started to move he was brought up short. - -"Stay whar you be!" growled Jeff. "You ain't any on you goin' to leave -this house till lawyer Perkins says you can." - -Protesting against such treatment the man-hunters were, however, -obliged to submit to it, their decision accelerated by the townfolk who -rallied to the young farmer's support. - -For even in those days, detectives were looked down upon and despised. - -With the aid of the salt, the fire was soon under control and the men -and women impatiently awaited the arrival of the member of the legal -profession, filling in the time by suggesting all the dire things they -would do to the detectives if they were the Priors. - -Expostulation and diplomacy on the part of the man-hunters who had -deserted their posts outside, when they were told of the predicament -of their fellows, were alike unavailing and to such vigorous -tongue-lashings were they subjected by the irate townspeople that they -were glad enough to return to their guard duties at Higgins' command. - -At last Squire Perkins arrived, the fact being announced by those -in the yard, followed as soon as possible by his appearance in the -parlour. - -A tall man, with white hair and beard, his piercing eyes made still -more formidable by the bushy brows from beneath which they flashed, his -frock coat hanging loosely from his shoulders, a pair of eye-glasses -tucked between the top buttons of his waistcoat, an ebony cane with -a gold, monogrammed head in his hand, Mr. Perkins presented the -appearance of a typical member of the profession of olden times. - -Taking a cursory glance at the room and its occupants, though there was -probably nothing about any of them that escaped his eagle eyes, Mr. -Perkins turned to the flushed housewife. - -"What's the trouble, Mrs. Prior?" he asked in a deep, powerful voice. - -With a torrent of words, the woman poured out her tale of outraged -dignity. - -Several times, Higgins, Jones and Dillaby sought to interrupt but a -peremptory "wait until you're spoken to," accompanied by a savage -scowl, from the barrister was sufficient to silence them and they -subsided. - -As the woman paused there was a hush while all eyes were focused upon -the lawyer. - -Conscious of the attention, Squire Perkins threw back his shoulders, -gave a sharp tap with his cane and looking full at the detectives -declared: - -"Your great mistake, Mrs. Prior, was in allowing these men to enter -your home in the first place. 'A man's house is his castle.' That -always has been the law and I believe it still is, unless it's been -changed since I left my office. - -"These men had no business to search your house without a search -warrant. And they know it as well as I do. - -"You can recover damages from them and I believe that an action -will lie against them for the shock and humiliation to which their -high-handed goings-on have subjected you. - -"If you wish, I will draw the papers. In the mean time, as a justice of -the peace, I will grant you warrants for their arrest on the ground of -trespass. - -"Jefferson, by virtue of my powers, I appoint you a special officer to -conduct these men to my office. - -"And you, men, let me advise you to obey quietly--or it will go all the -harder with you. - -"Lead the way, Jefferson. I'll watch them from behind." - -Their breath taken away by the sudden change in affairs, the -man-hunters moved forward, when there was a crash overhead. - -In amazement, everyone looked at the ceilings, but the next moment -there came sounds of hurried feet on the back stairs. - -"There they are! Let us go! It's Jesse James!" shouted Higgins, making -a spring for the hallway, only to find himself headed off by the rush -of men and women. - -Driven almost distracted by the suffocating influx of smoke and later -by the fumes from the salt, the desperadoes had stood it till they -heard the arrival of the lawyer. - -Believing that in the resulting confusion, they would be able to get -away, or at least out of the house, the bandit-chieftain had whispered -his intentions to his pals. - -When he tried the little door, however, he had found that he could not -open it from the inside. - -Muttering that he would rather die in an open fight than be choked to -death, he struck it a blow with his pistol butt, sending it clattering -to the stairs. - -Realizing that the racket would attract attention, he snapped: - -"Be ready to shoot our way out," and crawled from the ham chamber. - -As quickly as possible Cole followed. When all three were on the -stairs, Jesse raised his six-shooters and dashed down them. - -Only a couple of women, who had been unable to force their way into the -parlour, were in the kitchen and as they beheld the three wild-eyed, -pistol-waving men leap into the room, they screamed and promptly -fainted. - -Two windows were behind them. - -"You-all take the left hand one," commanded the world-famous desperado. - -The commotion inside had been heard by the detectives on guard out of -doors and they rushed toward the kitchen. - -In the parlour, men and women were struggling to get into the hallway, -effectually blocking off Higgins and his fellows. - -Seizing a knife from the table, Jesse slammed the door at the kitchen -end of the hallway, jammed the knife in such a way over the latch that -it would hold it down, then shut and bolted the door leading into the -yard. - -"Round the house to the back side!" yelled someone who had seen Cole -and Clell throw up the window-sashes while their chief was closing the -doors. - -Pausing at the cry, the detectives turned and raced back, thinking to -get a shot at the outlaws as they leaped from the windows. - -Followed by the townfolk they ran, leaving the yard practically empty. - -Where the bandits had tied them stood the three horses. - -"Quick! This way, boys!" cried the great outlaw. "We can gain our -horses! 'Don't shoot unless you have to!'" - -As he had uttered his change of plans, Jesse had unbolted the door and -when his companions were at his side, he threw it open and rushed to -the ponies. - -Cutting the reins with their knives, the three desperadoes vaulted into -the saddles. - -"Down behind the barn," whispered the great outlaw. - -And digging the rowels of their spurs into the horses' flanks, the -outlaws dashed off for the woods they could see at the back of the -out-buildings. - -But just as the outlaws thought they had made their escape unnoticed, a -rifle cracked and Clell threw his arms over his head and swayed in his -saddle, being prevented from falling by Jesse, who seized him about the -waist. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -CLELL IS WOUNDED. - - -Made overconfident in the success of their "getaway" because of the -lack of opposition they had encountered in their dash for liberty, the -outlaws had neglected to hide behind the bodies of their ponies when -they galloped from the yard, as they would have had they been expecting -a fusilade of bullets, and the wounding of Clell was the result. - -Whirling in his saddle as he heard the report of the rifle, the -world-famous desperado looked to see who had fired it. - -Resting across the top of a fence at the house below, he beheld the -blue barrel of the Winchester and, bent down to sight it, the head of a -man. - -One glance was enough to tell the bandit-chieftain who it was who had -balked their clear escape. - -"It's old Rozier!" snorted Jesse, ripping out a terrible oath. "That -settles him! If I never live to do another thing, I'll raid his bank! -It will hurt the old cuss more to lose his money than it would if I -should kill his son or run off with his daughter!" - -And in the fury of his rage, the great outlaw shook his unoccupied hand -defiantly at the banker. - -So carried away had Jesse been with wrath at the discovery of the -identity of the man behind the gun that he seemed oblivious to the -fact that man-hunters and citizens of the Springs alike, yelling with -excitement and anger at the escape, were swarming from the doors and -windows of the farmhouse and around the side of the building, attracted -by the bark of the rifle. - -A dozen pistols were popping but the distance between their firers and -the horsemen was too great for the bullets to have effect and Jesse -laughed at their abortive attempts to hit him, his contempt enraging -them the more. - -But Cole was watching the banker. Suddenly he saw him shift the muzzle -of the Winchester till it pointed full at his chief. - -"Duck, Jess, duck!" cried his chum. - -Mechanically the famous desperado obeyed. And not a moment too soon! - -Not a foot above the seat of the saddle where the bandit-chieftain had -sat an instant before sped the death-bearing slug of lead, burying -itself behind the ear of the horse on which Clell reeled, dropping the -animal to the ground. - -An exultant cheer rose from the crowd as the horse fell. - -"Charge 'em! Rush 'em!" shouted excited men. "They haven't any guns! We -can beat 'em down!" - -To the townsfolk who had always thought of the terrible James gang -as shooting and howling fiends, the abstinence of the three men from -returning the shots sent at them suggested but one thing, that the -desperadoes were unarmed. Even Higgins, Dillaby and their men were -unable to understand the silence of the trio's guns. - -But Jesse had not drawn his weapons for the best of reasons--the crowd -of would-be capturers was out of range of his "Colts." - -With the loss of Clell's horse, he suddenly awoke to the extreme danger -of his position. - -"Keep your eye on Rozier," he snapped to Cole, even as he spoke, -leaning from his saddle and dragging his wounded pal from the prostrate -beast. - -"Here come some more men with Winchesters," gasped the eldest of the -Younger brothers as he descried several coatless and hatless farmers -line up at the fence beside the banker and rest the muzzles of their -rifles on the railing. - -"Get on the other side of me, so your body'll be covered by your horse, -grab mine by the bits and ride. I can't guide him and hold Clell too. -Make for the woods!" - -Convinced that the men whom they had believed wealthy miners were in -reality the terrible bandits, the men and women who had gathered to -condone with the Priors had experienced a change of feeling and were -yelling and shouting for the capture of the men who had defied the law -so many times and with such success. - -As they heard the angry cries, Susie and the Prior girls trembled with -fear. - -"They'll be caught! They'll be caught!" moaned Helen, wringing her -hands. "Why don't they fire back?" - -From the windows they had seen the wounding of Clell and the killing of -his horse under him and believing that it was the beginning of the end, -they buried their heads on each other's shoulders, unwilling to see the -capture of their brother and heroes, and sobbed. - -Yet as they waited for the shouts of triumph that would announce the -fact, they were surprised to hear the shout: - -"Get horses! Get horses! Ring the church bells! Summon every man in -town! We'll surround the woods!" - -Doubting their ears, they raised their heads and peered from the -windows. - -There lay the dead horse, but no sign could they see of Jesse and his -chums. - -"Thank goodness, they got away!" murmured Marjorie. - -"Amen to that," exclaimed a voice behind them. - -Startled by its nearness, the girls turned and beheld Lawyer Perkins, a -merry twinkle in his eyes. - -"I used to do his father's business when the Rev. James lived in these -parts," he explained, in response to the looks of amazement on the fair -young faces gazing at him. "If people had given Jesse and Frank a fair -show after the war, they'd never have taken to their life of outlawry. -And if they ever are caught, which I don't believe they will be, I hope -I may be one of the men to defend them. I can tell a great many things -that were done to hound them from home that would open peoples' eyes! - -"But now that they've gone, my girl," he continued, patting Susie on -the shoulder, "I think it is best for you to leave town as soon as -possible. The people may seek to vent their disappointment at Jesse's -escape on his sister. I know the nature of the Springites all too well." - -"But there's no train till night," protested Marjorie. - -"True, but Susie can come to my office and--hark! What's that cry?" - -From a dozen throats rose the shout: - -"Seize the girls! We'll have them, anyhow! They helped Jesse to get -away!" - -"What did I tell you," muttered Lawyer Perkins, his face blanching -at the sinister cry. "Come, there isn't a moment to lose. Helen, you -won't be safe after summoning me. We'll go out by the front door while -they're trying to get in here." - -With an agility surprising in one of his years, the barrister sprang to -the kitchen door, shut it and bolted it, then followed his frightened -charges into the parlour. - -Only a few stragglers were there in the front of the farmhouse, the -rest of the crowd having swarmed into the yard in the wake of the -man-hunters, and when they saw the girls and the barrister emerge from -the front door they gave no heed, having been unable to patch the words -of the latest shout. - -Hurriedly crossing to the house opposite, the lawyer led his charges -by a roundabout course, which showed surprising familiarity with the -back-yards of his fellow citizens, to his own home and hastily secreted -them in one of his chambers, telling them that he would arrange for -their departure from the Springs as soon as it should be safe, then -went out to mingle with the man-hunters and the excited populace again -that he might keep in touch with any changes in the situation. - -The town was in a turmoil of excitement when he reappeared upon the -main street. - -Church bells were clanging out a call to all who could move to leave -their homes or fields; mounted men were riding back and forth, -rounding up men and youths, yelling to them to bring rifles and shot -guns and to gather at the Prior homestead. And everywhere women were -adding to the excitement by screaming: - -"Death to the bandits! Shoot 'em! Lynch 'em!" - -But the confusion incident to the gathering of the posse of citizens -acted in favour of Jesse and his pals. - -Giving his sole attention to running his own horse and leading his -chief's, Cole had left the watching of their pursuers to Jesse as he -held Clell in his arms. - -By a sharp change in direction, he had got out of range of the -death-dealing rifles on the fence. - -At the manoeuvre, a howl of baffled rage broke from the spectators who -had expected to see the fugitives crushed beneath their mounts when the -latter fell before the rain of lead. - -Snatching their Winchesters from their supports, those who had them -rushed to another place from which they could see the escaping bandits, -but when they once more caught sight of them they were far across the -field toward the woods. - -Training their rifles upon the horses, whose rising and falling -bodies presented difficult targets, the men fired. But their bullets -were harmless and, though they discharged several volleys, they soon -desisted. - -"They're in a funk," announced Jesse, looking back toward where the -crowd were rushing aimlessly to and fro. "Don't go into the woods. Keep -along the edge. We can travel faster and if we're going to shake 'em -it'll be before they get horses to chase us." - -This statement, somewhat involved and incoherent because of the stress -under which its utterer laboured, was understood by Cole, however, and -once again he changed the direction of their course. - -The significance of the move was apparent to Higgins and his fellows. - -"We've got to wire to the next town and have them send out a posse to -head 'em off," the former exclaimed. "Dillaby, I leave it to you to -make the arrangements. Wire them at Kearney to watch out. So long as -one of 'em's injured they may try to get him to Mrs. Samuels. The rest -of you come with me to get horses." - -But Jeff had anticipated such action and, under cover of the firing, -had slipped to the barn and turned all the animals loose, throwing -saddles into the grain chests and bridles upon the hay, getting away -undetected. - -In consequence, when the man-hunters reached the stable, they were -dismayed to find them empty and nary a piece of equipment to be -seen. And then it was that, in their rage, they raised the cry for -the apprehension of the girls, believing them to be the ones who had -liberated the horses, which was taken up by the crowd. - -Precious minutes were wasted in breaking into and searching the house -for the young women. - -Realizing at last that they had been balked in all directions, the -detectives turned their attention to organizing the horsemen who -were arriving, after requisitioning enough of the animals to mount -themselves. - -When upwards of fifty men had gathered Jones rose in his stirrups. - -"We'll ride out the road to head them off," he cried. "There's no use -following through the fields. When we get sight of them, don't shoot -till I give the word. When I do, make every bullet count! All ready? -Forward, then." - -Leaping the mettlesome mounts into the road, the posse thundered up the -street, the cheers and shouts of the spectators ringing in their ears. - -Eager to wipe out the disgrace of the escape of the notorious outlaws, -the men rode like fiends. - -Past the houses on the outskirts of the town they dashed, never heeding -the questions of the people who were attracted by the rumble of the -many hoof beats. - -But as they gained the clear field beyond the village, they could see -no sign of the men they were chasing. - -"We've missed 'em again! We ought to have followed the woods. We could -at least have seen where the devils entered," growled the disgusted -members of the posse. - -"Silence in the ranks!" snapped Jones, the criticism rankling. "They -may have struck into the road. We can soon tell." - -For once, the detective had anticipated the move of the world-famous -desperado. - -Noticing that the crowd was all up in the air as to what to do, Jesse -had swung his injured pal across the saddle in front of him, getting -back into the seat himself and ordering Cole to do the same. - -"We've got a good lead," he chuckled. "And we can increase it by -getting into the highway. We'll ride till we come to Jack Brett's woods -and strike for his cabin. If Clell's too badly done up to go on, he'll -be safe there." - -The plan offering the shortest way out of their predicament, for both -desperadoes were sufficiently versed in the ways of the detectives to -know that they would wire to the surrounding towns for men to ride out -to intercept them, they hurriedly struck toward the road where the hard -footing enabled their mounts to increase their speed. - -Thoroughly familiar with the lay of the land, they reeled off mile -after mile, now and then looking back as they mounted a rise in the -road. - -"Here they come!" exclaimed Cole suddenly as he caught sight of the -cloud of dust raised by the posse. - -"Ha! I hadn't counted on their hitting the highway," growled his chief. -"We'll strike into the woods as soon as we reach 'em." - -Fully half a mile lay between the outlaws and the protecting shelter of -the trees and in silence they rode for them. - -Nearer and nearer came the whirlwind of dust and soon faint shouts told -that the pursuers had sighted their quarry. - -But the cries caused the bandits no concern. They knew there were -several rises in the road that the posse must cover and timing their -arrival at the woods for the interval when they would be hidden by one -of them, Jesse swerved his mount into the underbrush. - -And the howl of disappointment that broke on the air when the pursuers -gained the top of the hill and found the fugitives had disappeared was -sweet music to the ears of the bandits. - -Again had the man-hunters been balked! - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE OUTLAWS AVOID A TRAP. - - -As Cole drew rein when they were out of sight from the roadway and -prepared to dismount, his chief forbade him: - -"We're not safe yet, boy," he cautioned. "Dillaby and his fellows will -turn heaven and earth to find us. Our getting away from old man Prior's -was pretty raw work for detectives who are supposed to be onto their -jobs and rather than be hauled up on the carpet to explain to their -superiors, they'll work as they never have before. - -"I didn't even propose to stay at Brett's longer than to make an -examination of Clell. Some of the posse must know him and they'll -suggest it to the man-hunters and there'll be a merry old raid." - -Yet even the bandit-chieftain was surprised at the suddenness with -which his prophecy was fulfilled. - -One of the men who was riding with Higgins did, indeed, know of the -lonely cabin. Many a day he had passed beneath its thatched roof, -waiting for the night to come that they might go out to shoot the deer, -lured by the flaring torches, called "jacks" in hunter's parlance, they -had placed nearby. - -As he noted the section in which the fugitives had vanished, the hut -immediately flashed into his mind and without delay he communicated his -thought to the detectives. - -"It's worth trying," cried the man-hunters, delightedly. "One of 'em -is surely wounded and Jesse's probably making for the cabin either to -leave him or wait for him to recover so they can go on. When--" - -"Isn't there another trail by which we can reach the cabin?" -interrupted Jones. "If we follow the one they took with so many horses -they would be more than likely to hear us. But if we could arrive there -first or from a different direction we'd stand a mighty good chance of -getting them for keeps." - -Others acquainted with the country were called into consultation as the -fellow who had suggested the lonely cabin declared that he knew only -the way the outlaws, had apparently taken. - -"I don't know of no other trail," drawled an old, grizzled farmer, "but -I _do_ know a place whar we kin git within a few rods of Brett's an' by -goin' through fields, too." - -"Then take us there. A hundred dollars if we arrive before Jesse," -returned Higgins. - -"It's up to you," grinned the man. "If you kin ride, we'll git thar. It -ain't no josh about the money, is it?" he added, with Yankee shrewdness -seeking to make sure of the reward before he showed the way. - -"No, sir," rejoined the Pinkerton. "All you've got to do is to get us -there in a hurry and you'll earn the easiest hundred dollars you ever -did." - -"I reckon that's right," grinned the farmer. "Come on." And heading -diagonally across the fields toward the woods, he raced along through -the grass, taking the fences and stonewalls with an ease that would -have put many a pink-coated, society huntsman to the blush. - -So hot was the pace set by the guide that even those of the posse -accustomed from childhood to the saddle were forced to exert themselves -to keep up and the detectives were soon left straggling as best they -could, barely managing to keep the others in sight. - -"It looks as though you'd be out your hundred plunks," laughed Jones. - -"It certainly does and I hope to goodness I am. You don't seem to grasp -the fact that your 'Uncle Dudley' knew what he was doing when he made -that proposition." - -The questioning glances bestowed upon the detective by his comrades -showed that they had not, indeed, suspected that there was a hidden -meaning to the offer. - -"If these Rubes do get there ahead of Jesse, they'll be obliged to -fight or run. If they do the latter, I'll save my hundred; if they give -battle, which from their state of mind I should think more likely, the -whole thing'll be over before we arrive on the scene and there won't -be any danger of our bodies offering a stopping place for any of the -cut-throat's bullets." - -The declaration was made with all the satisfaction of a man who had -consummated a clever bargain and he looked from one to another of his -fellows complacently. - -None of them were loath to be saved from exposing themselves to the -guns of Jesse and his pals and as they realised that the innocent -proposition had obviated this danger, the spirits of the man-hunters -rose rapidly and they laughed and joked as they rode along. - -But in their glee, they forgot the old adage, "he who laughs last -laughs best." - -For the very eagerness of the grizzled farmer to win the hundred -dollars defeated the detectives' purpose. - -The distance to the cabin was almost a mile less by the short cut -through the fields than by the path through the woods by which the -desperadoes were advancing. - -By hard riding, the posse gained the edge of the forest and, under the -guidance of the old man, without much trouble made their way to the -clearing in which Brett's hut stood. - -No dogs, horses or men were in sight as the man-hunters cautiously -peered from the underbrush before riding into the open. - -"The devils either ain't got hyar yit or they're inside the cabin," -declared the farmer. - -"Thar's Brett's padlock on the door, so they ain't inside," asserted -another. - -"Hooray! I've won my hundred! Hey, you fellows, hurry up! I want my -money!" shouted the guide, slapping his thighs in joyful anticipation -of the reward. - -In his excitement, the man had bellowed the words and his stentorian -tone woke the echoes in the trees. - -Blissfully ignorant of the change of course of their pursuers, the -notorious bandits were picking their way along the trail when the shout -rang through the woods. - -Instantly Jesse and Cole drew rein, staring at one another. - -"What does that mean?" asked the latter. - -"You've got me," rejoined his chief. "I couldn't catch the words, but -it behooves us to be careful." - -And with eyes and ears alert, the outlaws again advanced. But their -assurance was gone. - -That something was transpiring of which they were ignorant, yet which -vitally concerned them, each of them believed. So strong did this -feeling become at last, that Cole bade his chief wait in the forest -while he went forward to reconnoitre. - -At first, the world-famous desperado would not listen to the -suggestion, declaring that if either of them went, he would. But his -opposition was finally overcome by his chum's argument that it would be -less disastrous for him to be captured than his chief and, picking out -a thicket several rods from the trail they had been following, Jesse -concealed himself to await the result of the scouting expedition. - -Leaving his horse behind, the eldest of the Younger brothers glided -away among the trees, now dodging from one trunk to another, now -dropping to his knees, but ever with the silence and stealth of an -Indian brave. - -The roar of the guide had been heard by the detectives as well, and as -it broke on the air, Higgins cursed the man roundly. - -"He'd wake the dead," he growled. "If Jesse's in these woods, he'll get -wise in a jiffy. Confound the idiot, anyhow." - -"Don't fly off the handle so," soothed Jones. "The bandits probably -know we're after them. They'll think the shout came from behind and -ride all the faster to reach the cabin to get their nags hidden before -we get there. - -"Come on. I want to be in on some of the fun." - -But when the detectives arrived at the edge of the woods, they were -confronted by the fact that they were ignorant of the direction to take -to reach the rest of the posse. - -"Perhaps they'll shout again," hazarded one of their number. Yet, -though they listened intently, no further sound came from either the -posse or the winner of the hundred dollars. - -At the end of five minutes, the detectives were unable longer to stand -the suspense. - -"Hey, some of you! Come and show us the way!" halloed Higgins. - -Instead of obeying, however, the countryfolk yelled for them to ride in -a straight line from a clump of beeches. - -Unfamiliar with the different kinds of trees, the professional -man-hunters were unable to recognize the beeches and quickly made the -fact known, whereupon the grizzled farmer, who had acted as guide for -the others, returned to them. - -After separating from his chief, Cole had laid his course so that he -would come out on a little rise in front of Brett's hut between it and -the field in which the Pinkertons were. - -Unaware of their presence, the outlaw was mounting the elevation when -the cry from the detectives came to him. - -Dropping flat on the instant, he listened for the response, peering -about to see if he had run into an ambuscade. - -But as the answer rang out from the opposite side, he realized that -some of the men had reached the cabin. - -Surprised at finding himself between them, in danger of discovery by -one party or the other, Cole lost no time in wriggling down the little -hill. - -It was enough for him to know that some of the man-hunters had reached -Brett's ahead of Jesse and himself and, without trying to ascertain how -strong was their force, he bounded away to apprise the world-famous -desperado of the situation. - -"By thunder! It's a lucky thing you went ahead, boy," exclaimed the -latter as his pal imparted the startling information. - -"It would have been a pretty mess if we'd stumbled into the whole kit -and boodle of 'em. - -"We'd have had about as much show of getting out alive as a snowball -has in the hot place. - -"But we can't stay here. They'll get suspicious if we don't show up -right soon and scour the woods for us. Besides, we've got to get Clell -to some place where we can put him to bed. I looked at his wound while -you were gone. It's a nasty one. His left shoulder's shattered. I don't -believe he'll ever be able to use it again. - -"The question is, where can we take him where he'll be safe?" - -"The only place I know of is Uncle Snuffer's, over near Chalk Level," -replied Cole after several moments' deliberation. "He'll be all right -there for a couple of days and as soon as we know how he's coming out, -Uncle Snuffer can move him, if you want." - -Never having heard of the relative of his chum, the great outlaw asked -as to the location of the house and if the man could be trusted. - -"Theodoric Snuffer'll do anything for money," rejoined his nephew. "If -you offer him ten dollars, with a promise of more if he takes care of -Clell and a threat of killing him if he doesn't, he'll be mighty sure -to try to earn the money." - -"Then it's Snuffer's for us," returned Jesse, smiling at the -uncomplimentary description of his uncle the eldest of the Younger -brothers had portrayed. - -The woods in which the bandits were, lay about half way between Monegaw -Springs and Chalk Level and without more ado, they headed for the -latter town, advancing as rapidly as they could. - -During the wait for the return of his pal, after he had learned -the extent of Clell's injury, the bandit-chieftain had dressed and -bound the wound with some of the lotions and salves he had received -from the mysterious woman of the cave on his last trip into Mexico, -which he always carried in a little case in the bosom of his shirt, -administering an opiate to relieve the pain when he had finished. - -Warned by their narrow escape from the trap laid by the Pinkertons, the -two desperadoes rode with eyes and ears open. - -Without misadventure, they reached the one-storied house occupied by -Cole's uncle when the outlaw again went ahead of his chief to see that -no inquisitive neighbors were there. - -As he stole up to the door, he was disappointed to hear the sound of -voices from within yet, as he listened, his disappointment changed to -delight. - -The voices were those of his brothers Jim and John! - -Quickly making his presence known, Cole waved aside their avalanche of -questions by stating that Jesse, with the disabled Clell, was awaiting -his return and without beating about the bush asked his uncle if he -would shelter the wounded outlaw till they could find some other place -for him. - -His consent given, the oldest of the Younger brothers returned for his -chief and soon they were in the house while their weary horses were -contentedly munching bounteous feeds of corn and oats in the barn. - -When Jesse had put Clell to bed and made pecuniary arrangements that -were entirely satisfactory to the avaricious Snuffer, for his care, he -rejoined Jim and John in the kitchen. - -"This _is luck_, finding you boys here," he declared as he lighted his -pipe. "Now we can carry out my plans without delay. I was afraid, after -Clell was knocked out, that it might take some time to round any of you -up. But your being here enables us to start to-night." - -Delighted at the prospect of once again participating in the wild deeds -of their idol, John and Jim eagerly asked his plans. But with a nod -toward their uncle, the great outlaw bade them wait till they were on -the way. - -Realizing the wisdom of not letting the miser know too much, they fell -to exchanging their experiences since they last had met, a diversion -that kept them engaged during supper and till well into the evening. - -Back in the woods around Brett's cabin, the man-hunters were riding -hither, thither and yon, beating the underbrush for the outlaws who -had escaped them and searching the ground for the hoof prints of their -horses that they might learn in what direction their quarry had -disappeared. But the falling twilight made the task fruitless. - -When Higgins and his fellows had been guided to the hut, they hastily -stationed the members of the posse in the woods surrounding the cabin -that they might not be in sight as the expected bandits arrived, yet in -such positions that they could pour a deadly hail of bullets into both -them and their horses. - -But before his neighbours scattered to take their places, the grizzled -farmer exclaimed: - -"I want my hundred. I got you hyar afore the outlaws an' I want it now -so's I'll be sure to git it. You may not be alive to give it to me -after they git hyar." - -This none too cheerful suggestion did not make the offerer of the bonus -any more eager to pay it, especially as the affair had not turned out -in the manner he had outlined to his companions as they crossed the -fields, and he tried to hedge. - -But the guide was not to be denied. - -"If you don't fork it over an' right off, I'll ride into the woods -yellin' to Jesse James to look out," he threatened. - -Confronted by such a contingency, Higgins had no recourse but to pay, -which he did forthwith. - -As minute after minute went by without either sight or sound of the -desperadoes, the man-hunters in the underbrush began to grow restive -and talked among themselves. - -Freely was the opinion expressed by those of them who were old hunters -that their quarry had either been scared off by the hails of the -detectives or had never intended to hide in the lonely cabin. - -Jones, however, insisted upon waiting, arguing that the bandits, -believing themselves safe when they took to the forest, were only -riding leisurely and would soon appear. - -But when a half hour had passed without their showing up, even he was -convinced that their plans had miscarried and ordered the posse to -scour the woods. - -And as they searched, the man who had won the hundred dollars was the -only cheerful one among them though he wisely kept as far from the -vicinity of the disgruntled Higgins as he could. - -Not till it was so dark that the members of the posse had difficulty in -distinguishing their fellows was the search given up, however. - -Too crestfallen to speak, the detectives gave assent by their silence -to the suggestion to return to the Springs and rode far behind the -others, hoping against hope that some of the towns warned by Dillaby -might have reported the capture of the world-famous desperado. - -As the reader knows, no such announcement greeted them and in despair -they wired to the office in Chicago. - -The hours elapsing before the reply came were not made happy for the -man-hunters by the townsfolk of the Springs and when their instructions -read for them to remain in the village till the arrival of Captain -Lull, who would take charge of the pursuit, their cup of bitterness was -filled to the brim. - -But almost at the very moment that the orders were received by the -detectives, Jesse, Cole, John and Jim rode from the yard of Theodoric -Snuffer. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -A MIDNIGHT RESCUE. - - -Suppressing their desire to know whither they were bound and upon what -deed, Jim and John followed their brother and their chief, expecting -the latter to disclose his plans as soon as they were out of hearing of -their miserly uncle. - -But the great outlaw was absorbed in his own thoughts, which were back -in Monegaw Springs with his sister and friends who had stood by him so -loyally and he wondered how they were faring, for he feared that either -the townsfolk or the detectives, baffled in the attempt to catch him -and his pals, might vent their spite on those who had made his escape -possible. - -And even when John begged him to keep his promise to tell them where -they were bound, it was necessary for him to repeat his words before -the bandit-chieftain heard them. - -But when he did, he replied in grim tones: - -"We're going to raid Forman A. Rozier's bank in Ste. Genevieve!" And he -broke out into a fierce tirade against the banker, ending up with the -subject about which he was thinking when interrupted. - -Aware that his leader was deeply concerned about the welfare of Susie -and the Priors, Cole sought to dispel his fears as best he could, yet, -as he considered their position, he realized its dangers and soon -lapsed into silence. - -Trusting to the cover of night, the quartette rode along the highway -which made a swing toward the health resort that had proved anything -but healthy for them, as by doing so they could strike a road that -would connect more directly with one running in the direction of Ste. -Genevieve. - -For now that he had made up his mind to loot his enemy's bank, he -determined to travel by the most direct route to the town in which it -was located. Yet before they arrived, it would be necessary for them to -cross the State of Missouri, Ste. Genevieve being situated on the shore -of the Mississippi river. - -"It'll throw a shock into 'em to hear that we've raided old Rozier's -shebang when they think we're hiding somewhere near the Springs," -chuckled Jesse, all of a sudden. - -"That it will," echoed Cole almost in the same breath and the latter -continued: "They say it's a rich bank, too. Always has a hundred -thousand or so in the vaults." - -"So I understand," rejoined the great outlaw. "But it'll never have so -much again. When we get through with it, people will be afraid to put -their money in it. _I mean to leave word that I shall raid it every -year!_ - -"Before I get through with that cur, Rozier, he'll be sorry he ever -insulted me and then set detectives on my trail!" - -The bitterness with which he uttered the words and the threat told how -deeply the bank president's actions had cut the world-famous desperado. -The disclosure so amazed his hearers that they were unable to make -adequate comment and ere any occurred to them, their attention was -distracted by the shrill neigh of a horse in front of them. - -Not more than four miles from the Springs were the bandits when the -startling sound broke on the air. - -Visions of patrols and posses instantly flashed to their minds and they -drew rein hurriedly. - -"Into the bushes, lively! Everybody on the same side," snapped Jesse. -"We'll just see who's riding so late at night." - -But the desperadoes were entirely unprepared for the sight that met -their eyes a few minutes after they had hidden themselves. - -The spot Jesse had chosen from which to spy on the travellers was his -favorite location for an ambuscade, a turn in the road. - -As the dull pounding of the hoofs came nearer and nearer, the bandits -peered eagerly from the protecting bushes, pistols in their hands for -immediate use should their chief give the word. - -But as they gazed at the highway, its white course seeming like some -huge piece of ribbon stretched along the ground, they were amazed to -see a girl and a man sweep around the bend, followed close by two more -women. - -Each of the three females was heavily veiled and wrapped in shawls that -covered the saddles. - -More than that the desperadoes could not see for the late riders were -going at a fast gallop. - -"Probably been to some party," commented Jim when they had disappeared -up the road. - -"They're mighty quiet if they have," declared John. - -"Righto! They act more to me like people who are trying to escape from -some one," interposed Jesse. - -"Maybe they've heard we were in the neighbourhood and are keeping quiet -so they won't attract us," suggested Cole. - -"Non--" began his chief, then suddenly stopped, whistled low and gasped: - -"By thunder! They may have been Sue and some of the Priors. Perhaps the -people have made it so hot for them they've had to flee. Come on, we'll -follow and find out! - -"By the blood of my mother! If the citizens of the Springs have driven -them out, we'll go back and shoot that burg up if we never do another -thing!" - -Yet before they could put the words into action they were treated to a -second, and still greater, surprise. - -The sound of fast running horses again fell on their ears from the -direction whence the three women and man had come. - -"Sit tight," whispered Jesse. "There's something in the wind. We'll -follow when they get by." - -Scarcely had the words left his lips than around the turn in the -highway dashed six horsemen, rifles at a ready. - -Fearful lest they hear the crackling of the bushes, the bandits waited -till the hoof-beats were almost inaudible, then bounded into the -roadway and gave chase. - -Riding like fiends till they were within sight of the last group of -equestrians, Jesse slowed down to a pace at which he could watch them -from a safe distance. - -For minutes, that seemed hours, the strange procession advanced, the -first group in ignorance of the two behind it and the second unaware -that it was followed. - -Then, of a sudden, a voice from a horseman in the middle shouted: - -"Halt, or we'll shoot!" - -Rising in their stirrups the better to see, the desperadoes awaited the -result of the command. - -But instead of obeying, those in the lead only increased their speed. - -There was a moment of intense silence. - -Then a rifle cracked. - -And before the report died away a woman's scream rang out. - -"By the blood of my mother! That's Sue's voice!" gasped the -world-famous outlaw. "After the devils, boys! We must get 'em before -they can shoot again! - -"If they've hurt my sister or the girls with her, their life-blood will -pay for it!" - -Roused by the cowardly shot at the helpless women, the Younger brothers -sprang their horses after their leader, ranging themselves at his side -when they had, with difficulty, overtaken him. - -Having been prevented from shooting at their pursuers when they made -their dash for liberty from the Prior farm by their lack of rifles, -Jesse had lost no time in supplying the want when he had discovered -the small arsenal possessed by Theodoric Snuffer, though his eagerness -to purchase them compelled him to pay an exhorbitant price, and as -they cut down the distance between the six horsemen and themselves, he -ordered his companions to unsling the Winchesters from their shoulders. - -The solitary shot, however, had been sufficient to cause the girls and -their escort to draw rein. - -"We've got to get 'em before they reach Sue and the others or we may -hit them instead," hissed the great outlaw. "Rise in your stirrups! -Ready; Fire!" - -As the crash of the volley broke on the air, the six horsemen whirled -in their saddles. - -But before they could see whence the unexpected sound came, two of -them toppled from their saddles while the horse of another fell in the -roadway. - -"Again!" yelled Jesse. - -Yet in response to the second discharge of their rifles only one man -fell. - -"Steady, boys! Aim higher!" cautioned their chief. "One more volley and -then we'll rush 'em!" - -Recovering from the surprise of the attack, the remaining members of -the middle group blazed away with their Winchesters. - -"Out to the edge of the road!" commanded the bandit-chieftain, his -voice sounding terrible in its fury. - -Instantly his companions obeyed while the bullets whistled about them. - -Though the move forced them to advance at a slower gait, it was a wise -one, for their figures no longer loomed from the white roadbed, leaving -their foes at a loss where to aim their rifles. - -Incessantly the bandits pumped their rifles till only one of the six -remained. - -"Surrender, or we'll kill _you_!" shouted the world-famous desperado. - -Unnerved by the slaughter of his comrades, the survivor gasped: - -"All right. I do." - -"Then drop your gun and throw up your hands," thundered the great -outlaw and as the man obeyed, he burst into a laugh hideous in its -uncanny hollowness. - -Like a whirlwind, the bandits bore down upon the cowering creature. - -"Keep him covered!" snapped the terrible desperado to his pals, then -raising his voice yelled: "Don't be afraid Sue. It's only I." - -As she heard her name, the girl scarcely believed her ears, then, -urging her horse forward, she rode to meet her brother, crying: - -"Oh, Jess! Is it _really_ you!" - -"Surest thing you know," returned the world-famous bandit. "Are you -hurt, girlie? I heard your scream. That's how I recognized you." - -"Not a scratch. It was the shock, I guess. It was so unexpected." - -And unable to control her overwrought nerves she burst into tears. - -"There, there, sis, don't cry. It's all right, so long as you're not -hurt," soothed her brother, taking the trembling girl in his arms. "But -it's a lucky thing. I happened to be in this vicinity." - -Taking out his flask, Jesse ordered his sister to drink some of the -brandy. - -"It won't do any of the rest of you any harm to swallow some," he -declared, turning to his sister's companions. "Who are you, anyhow?" - -Forgetting her desire to faint in her eagerness to answer the question -herself, Susie exclaimed: - -"They're Marjorie and Helen--" - -"And Jeff," hazarded the bandit-chieftain. - -"No--o." - -"Who, then?" demanded the great desperado, his voice harsh and stern. - -"It's T--Tim." - -"Tim Mason? What on earth's _he_ doing here?" - -"He--he came down to meet me," faltered his sister. - -"Did your mother know he was coming down?" - -But ere Susie could reply, Tim took the bull by the horns, exclaiming: - -"She did _not_! But it's all right." - -"Oh, is it? What would _you_ think if your sis--" - -"Wait till I finish," interrupted the fellow, hotly. "We came down here -to be married." - -The statement made, Tim rushed on, regardless of consequences: "We got -tired of waiting for you to keep your promise of giving your consent -to the wedding. And as Susie needs some one to protect her from the -detectives who haunt the house because of your--" - -"Take care," hissed Jesse. "I'm in no pleasant mood to-night." But as -he caught the look of appeal cast him by his sister, his anger vanished -and taking her head between his hands, he laughed: "So that was the -cause of your coming to the Springs. Phew! An elopement! - -"Jicky, but it must have been an awful shock to you when you saw Cole. - -"You stood by like a trump, though, when we were caught in the house -and I guess you are entitled to a reward. - -"Come here, Tim. Give me your hand--that's it. Now take Sue's. There -you are. You may have her, boy, but if I ever hear a word of complaint -of your treatment of her, well--you'd better light out for the tall -timber before I can hit your trail." - -The dramatic scene of the betrothal, a lonely spot in the country, -the starless canopy of heaven above, the white road against which was -silhouetted the figure of the prisoner, hands above his head, his -captors covering him with their rifles, the huddled bodies of the dead -men at his feet, with no sounds save the creaking of the saddle leather -and their own breathing to break the awesome silence of the night, -impressed the actors profoundly. - -From one to another they looked, the expressions on their faces -proclaiming they were aware that but for the timely interference, -bloody and terrible as it was, of the dread bandits they might even at -that moment be lying in the places of the lifeless forms. - -"Come, this is time for mirth, not tears," rallied Jesse. "Boys, pull -out your flasks. We'll drink to the health and happiness of the future -Mrs. and Mr. Timothy Mason." - -The tension broken, everybody talked at once as the flasks were passed -from one to another. - -Brought back to their normal selves, the great outlaw asked the meaning -of the flight from the Springs, to learn of the crowd's cry for the -capture of the girls, their escape with the aid of Lawyer Perkins, -their hiding in his house, his going to the station to meet Susie's -lover at her request, the return of the man-hunters and the decision of -Tim and the barrister that it would be best for the girls to leave the -town under cover of the night. - -Apprised of these points, the bandit-chieftain turned his attention to -his captive. - -Striding so close that their bodies almost touched, he rasped: - -"Why did you follow the girls? How did you know they were riding?" - -"W--we thought they were going to meet you. We were going to make them -lead us to you and--" - -"So that's why you shot at them, knowing they were women?" burst in the -terrible bandit. - -"We only did it to frighten 'em." - -"You certainly succeeded--and their screams brought death to your -fellows. - -"Who were they?" - -Quickly the fellow reeled off some names that Marjorie and Helen -declared belonged to none of whom they had ever heard. - -"Who sent you, Dillaby or old Rozier?" thundered Jesse. - -"Neither. We were going to join a posse to patrol the town when we saw -them ride from Lawyer Perkins' house." - -"You're lying. I can tell by the sound of your voice," interrupted the -world-famous desperado. "But it doesn't make any difference. - -"After we've taken your weapons away from you, I'm going to send you -back to the Springs. - -"Now listen carefully. I want you to tell the people how you shot at -three defenceless women, how we surprised you and what we did to your -women-shooting companions. - -"_Tell them that if they ever try to harm a hair on the head of Jesse -James' sister, he'll hound them to hell!_" - -During the awful threat, Cole and his brothers had removed the pistols, -knives and cartridges from the prisoner's clothes and as the famous -outlaw saw they had finished the task, he roared: - -"Now go, you cur! Ride for your life! If we can see you in two minutes, -we'll open fire at you! _And don't forget to deliver my message!_" - -Ere the last words had been uttered, however, the man, who believed -himself literally returned from the dead, whirled his horse and dashed -madly back toward the Springs. - -And as he rode, the mocking laughter of Jesse rang in his ears. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -"PRINCE CHARMING." - - -"Can't we take a couple of shots at the guy?" implored John, casting -yearning glances in the direction of the furiously riding horseman. - -But before his chief could reply, Susie exclaimed: - -"No, please say no, Jesse. We've--ugh!--seen enough shooting tonight," -and she turned her large eyes, full of pleading, upon her brother. - -"As you say, sis," returned he, good-naturedly. "The ladies are in -command now, John, so I can't allow you to fire at the wretch, though -it does seem a shame not to give him a couple of bullets to hurry him a -bit." - -Susie, however, was deaf to supplication and with a sigh the outlaws -turned their backs upon the lone rider. - -"Are you going to leave those--er--men?" inquired Marjorie, as Jesse -and his companions dismounted to look to the cinches of their saddles. - -"We are," returned the bandit-chieftain with an emphasis that warned -the others that he had yielded to their demands as far as he would. -"They'll serve as a warning that my family and friends are not to be -trifled with." - -Then dropping his harsh tone, he inquired: "Where were you-all bound -for when this interruption occurred?" - -"To my aunt, Mrs. Jarvis, in Deepwater," answered Tim. - -"Good. The girls ought certainly to be secure from annoyance with any -of your family, who'd never be suspected of harbouring the Jameses or -their friends. I rather think you girls had better stay there for a few -days till things get quieter. There's liable to be something happen in -course of forty-eight hours or so." - -"Oh, Jess, why can't you be satisfied with getting away?" besought his -sister, only to be silenced by his retort: - -"Just mind your own affairs, little girl. There are a good many things -you don't understand so don't bother your head about them. You'll have -enough to think of--and more--with silks and ribbons and all the rest. -For now that you and Tim have tried to steal a march on me once, the -sooner you are married the less likely you'll be to attempt it again." - -Their thoughts distracted from their nerve-racking experience through -which they had passed by the reference to the nuptials, Susie and the -girls, with women's interest in such events, fell to discussing the -clothes that would be necessary and, smiling indulgently at their -innocent prattle, the desperadoes ordered them to advance and rode -along in their rear. - -In apparent forgetfulness of the presence of the men who were so -feared, Susie and her friends proceeded for miles before they noticed -that they were following. - -"Why, Jess," exclaimed Marjorie, happening to look back over her -shoulder, "I didn't know you had come with us. Aren't we taking you out -of your way?" - -"Never mind about that," rejoined the world-famous desperado. "It's -a good twenty miles from here to Deepwater and lots of things could -happen before you got there, so many that I don't propose to risk your -going alone. But if you want to do me a favour, will you ride faster -and keep quiet? There's no telling who's abroad." - -Recalled to the reality of the danger they were running in traveling at -night when the whole section of the state was supposed to be searching -high and low for the dread Jesse and his companions, the little troop -rode on in silence. - -As they approached a dark place in the highway the bandit-chieftain -and John galloped ahead to draw the fire, in case any patrols were in -ambush, while Cole and Jim guarded the rear. Villages and towns were -given a wide berth, the cavalcade making a wide detour around them, -even avoiding clusters of farm houses in their anxiety not to arouse -any dogs which might give the alarm and enable the course of the -fugitives to be traced. - -At last, as the sky was growing green with the first tinge of the -coming day, the spires of Deepwater came in sight, their white sides -looking like spectres hovering between heaven and earth. - -As they approached the town, the crowing of the cocks announced the -wakening life. - -"I don't believe we'll go any farther," declared Jesse, calling a halt -on the outskirts of the village. "No one will interfere with you now -and if any body should, you can say you're guests of Mrs. Jarvis out -for an early ride. Tim knows how to work the bluff. I think you'd best -get back to Kearney this morning, boy. You can explain to mother about -Sue's trip to Monegaw Springs and tell her that it's all right for I've -given my consent. When you've eased her mind, you come back here. Oh, -you might tell her I'm going on a business trip to Ste. Genevieve and -that I'll run in to see her on my way back. Say that Frank and Texas -have gone north on a surveying expedition to be gone several weeks. If -she, or any of you, have anything important to communicate to me, you -can meet me in the old wood-chopper's camp at Sni Mills in five weeks. - -"Take care of yourselves, now." - -And touching his lips to his sister's forehead, the dare-devil bandit -turned, caught Marjorie around the waist and planted a resounding smack -on her luscious mouth, repeated the salute on Helen and cantered away, -laughing gaily, before the blushing girls could remonstrate. - -The deviation from his course across the state, necessitated by the -escorting of his sister and friends to their destination, was little -to the taste of the world-famous desperado, though he concealed his -feelings from Susie and the girls. - -But once clear of them, he rode like mad to recover the lost ground. - -His hope of success in looting the bank lay in striking before the -man-hunters should discover that he had left the region of Monegaw -Springs and in his race against time, every hour was precious. - -Keeping to the highway till it grew so light they feared discovery, -the outlaws finally rode into the woods and when they reached a -well-sheltered ravine, dismounted to rest their horses. - -Though Cole and Jesse had left their false beards in the little -ham-chamber in the chimney of the Prior house, where they had suffered -such agony, they still wore their business suits they had donned in -McAlester, in the Indian Territory, before going to the Springs. - -John and Jim, however, were clad in the cowboy garb the bandits -affected. "Wouldn't it be best for us to shift back into our 'Wild -West' togs?" suggested the eldest of the Younger brothers as he noted -the incongruity in the appearance of the company. "If anybody should -see us, they'd sure be likely to notice us with two of us all rigged -out to kill and the others not." - -"I reckon it would be a good idea," returned his chief. "The people -at the farmhouse didn't seem to notice that our faces were smooth, at -least they didn't raise any yell about it, and they probably would -have if they'd caught on to the fact, so we'll have a better chance of -getting by in our usual costume." - -Little time did it take the bandits to change but they carefully folded -the suits they took off and put them into their saddle bags for future -emergencies. - -Their horses refreshed by the rest and the grass they had cropped, -Jesse gave the word to re-saddle and mount and they resumed their -cross-state ride. - -Throughout the day they advanced, picking their course through the -woods, till along toward dusk their hunger decided them to halt near a -farmhouse where they determined to secure some food. - -Leaving Cole with John to guard the horses, that the more experienced -man might steady the lad and parry any pertinent questions should any -inquisitive countryman stumble upon them, the bandit-chieftain and Jim -started for the house. - -Keeping under cover of the bushes till they reached the road, they -scanned the buildings closely as they approached. - -The unpainted boards, made grey by exposure to wind and rain, bespoke -the occupants as not overburdened with worldly goods. The roof of -a shed running from the house to the barn was sadly in the need of -repair, giving evidence of being on the verge of collapsing, and as -they turned into the yard a litter of pails, broken-down wagons and all -sorts of old rubbish suggested that the inmates were shiftless as well -as poor. - -"Not very inviting," commented John, taking in the surroundings. - -"You can't always judge by appearances," returned his chief. - -And as the door was opened in response to his rap, his companion -conceded that he was right. - -Looking at them with frightened eyes was a girl of possibly twenty -years, her beauty in startling contrast to the ragged calico wrapper in -which she was clad. - -A mass of Titian hair, glorious despite its disorder, crowned a face -exquisite in its fine moulding and delicate colouring. - -Her eyes, blue and innocent as a babe's, alone bore trace of the -poverty and want her environment proclaimed. - -Blushing at the frank admiration in the faces of the men before her, -the girl seemed to realize the incongruity of her appearance and in a -tone of resentment demanded: - -"What do you want?" - -"We should like to get something to eat, if you will sell it to us," -replied the bandit-chieftain. - -"Food? You come _here_ for food?" exclaimed the creature, and then -burst into a laugh, awful in its bitterness. - -Surprised at her action, Jesse was about to speak when she went on: - -"We haven't enough for ourselves, let alone strangers. There's nothing -in the house but a little corn meal. Ma's in bed with a fever, baby's -ailing and they took our cow away from us today." - -Then, as though ashamed for her rancor, she added: "But if we _had_ -anything you'd be welcome." - -His big heart ever warm for those in distress, as he heard of the -tribulations besetting the fair girl and her family, the world-famous -desperado became interested and when the loss of the cow was -disclosed, he uttered an ejaculation of anger that anyone should be so -cruel. - -Something of what was passing through his mind showed in his eyes and -instead of closing the door, as she started to do, the girl looked at -him eagerly. - -"Where are the men folks?" he asked. - -Wincing as though she had been struck with a lash, the beauty drew back. - -"I beg pardon," hastily continued Jesse. "I didn't mean to add to your -anguish. I fancy I understand about them." - -And the relief that his words brought to the blue eyes was ample reward -to the bandit-chieftain and he continued: "How would it be if we should -buy some food at the village, would you cook it for us? We'll pay you -for your trouble." - -Scarce believing her ears, the girl looked at the outlaws as though -they were genii sprung from the earth, then exclaimed: - -"I'll ask Ma. Won't you come in? You'll have to excuse the looks of the -house but I haven't felt much like tidying up." - -Accepting the invitation eagerly, in the hope that he might get a -glimpse of the fever-stricken woman and the infant, Jesse entered. - -But the sight that greeted his eyes made the yard seem clean and -well-kept, in comparison. - -On one side of the room, which served as kitchen and bed-chamber, -stretched on a pallet of straw, lay a grey-haired woman, her thin face -and flushed cheeks evidencing all too clearly the ravages of the malady -with which she was afflicted. - -And resting in the crook of an emaciated arm lay a baby, fussing and -whimpering, now and then crying: - -"Mik. I wan' my mik." - -In his interest in the twain on the sorry bed, the world-famous -desperado was oblivious to the rags, dishes, broken chairs and battered -stove that formed the rest of the furnishings. - -"These men want to know if I'll cook 'em something to eat if they'll -buy it," announced the girl, dropping to her knees that she might speak -in the woman's ear. - -"Law, child, I don' believe the stove'll draw," replied her mother, -when she understood the reason for the strangers' presence. - -"Then we'll get food that won't need cooking," returned Jesse. - -"You'll have to speak louder, Ma's deaf," declared her daughter. - -"Well, you kin do as you please," rejoined the sick creature. "It may -draw and it may not." - -"We'll take the chance," asserted the bandit-chieftain. "Jim, you and -Miss--" - -"Shaw, Daisy Shaw," supplied the girl. - -"You and Miss Shaw make out a list of what she needs at the store while -I see if I can't make her mother a bit easier." And kneeling beside the -bed of straw, he took out his medicine case with its wonderful salves -and lotions. - -In reply to his questions, the bandit-chieftain learned that the woman -had been tossing with the fever for more than a week, though not till -the desertion of her husband and son, two days before, had it become -virulent. - -The mention of the faithless scoundrel who had left her in want and -misery threw her into wild ravings. - -"Does she have these spells often?" asked the great outlaw as he -hastily produced an opiate from his case. - -"Most of the time. Oh, she takes on awful!" returned the girl whose -status as wife of the runaway son or sister, the bandits had not yet -ascertained. - -But it was one thing to prepare the narcotic and another to administer -it. - -At first the woman would not listen to the suggestion, protesting that -Jesse was but some miserable tool of her husband, sent by him to poison -her. And it required the combined efforts of the three to reassure -her. So weak was she from lack of nourishment and the ravages of the -fever that when she did swallow it the effect was almost instantaneous, -however. - -By the time her mother was wrapped in the first sleep since her -abandonment by her husband, Daisy and Jim had completed the list. - -"Have you thought of everything?" smiled Jesse as he noted the look of -fearsome eagerness on her face as she handed him the slip. - -"That will do for the present," she replied, relieved that the number -of the wants had not appalled their benefactor. - -"But there's not enough to last two days," protested the famous -desperado, glancing through the items. "Jim, go to the store--Miss -Shaw will direct you how to reach it, and order three times the amount -she's put down. Get a barrel of flour and a barrel of sugar, too. Have -someone drive the stuff back with you. Now hurry, I'm hungry." - -As his chum picked up his hat and departed, after receiving the -necessary instructions to reach the store. Daisy tried to thank the -generous stranger, but with a laugh, Jesse begged her not to mention it -and distracted her attention from his largess by suggesting that she -bathe her mother in a lotion he took from his medicine case. - -"She isn't my real mother," confided the girl, "only my mother-in-law. -I married Tom in New Orleans. He was a horse jockey at the time. But he -got to drinking, lost his job and we drifted up here--and now he's left -me." - -"Good riddance, I should say," snapped Jesse. And by dint of clever -questioning, he drew from the girl the whole sad story of deception -and disgrace to which she and the sick woman had been brought by -the worthless father and son whose disappearance was due to some -transgression of the law. - -His sympathy aroused, the famous desperado asked about the cow, -learning that she had been taken for a mortgage which was not due for -three days. Having a chance to sell her and believing that the deserted -woman could never raise the amount loaned, the hardhearted farmer had -driven the animal away. - -Boiling with indignation at the injustice, Jesse demanded the man's -name. - -"He's Hiram Rozier and he's awful rich," answered Daisy. - -"I wonder if he is any relation to the Roziers in Ste. Genevieve?" -hazarded the bandit-chieftain. - -"He has a brother who's president of or owns a bank." - -"Ha! He _is_ one of that tribe, eh?" hissed Jesse. - -"I'll pay him a visit before I leave this town. You'll either have your -cow back or another in its place." - -Something in the tone in which her "Prince Charming" uttered the -promise made Daisy look at him and the expression she saw on his face -caused her to shrink from him in terror. - -But his paroxysm of rage lasted only a moment and when Jim returned -with the groceries and provisions half an hour later, they were -laughing and joking as they struggled to make the battered stove do its -duty. - -When the supplies had been transferred from the wagon to the house, -Jesse bade his chum wait upon the girl while he transacted a little -business and without giving either Daisy or Jim a chance to object, -went from the house, jumping up beside the driver of the grocery wagon -whom he ordered to drive as fast as he could to the home of Hiram -Rozier. - -The curiosity of the villager excited by the unheard-of order for -provisions for the Shaws, the fellow sought to learn Jesse's relation -to the family who were sneeringly alluded to as "poor white trash" by -their more prosperous neighbours. - -Deeming it advisable to offer some explanation, the world-famous -desperado amused himself during the drive by unfolding a wondrous tale -of a long-lost sister, stolen by gypsies when she was a tot, found in -the person of Daisy Shaw. - -"Here we be to Hiram's," announced the fellow, as he pulled up in front -of a big white house, the blinds on the front of which were all shut -tight. "Shall you want me any more?" - -In the tone was a mixture of desire to impart the choice bit of gossip -of the returned brother to his cronies at the store and reluctance to -leave the stranger lest he miss something. - -Smiling at it, Jesse replied: - -"If you can, I should be obliged if you would listen to my conversation -with Mr. Rozier. I may want a witness." - -Here was mystery indeed--the long-lost brother of Daisy Shaw desiring -a witness to a conversation with the richest man in town! And in his -haste to descend from the wagon, the clerk caught his foot in the reins -and would have fallen had not the bandit-chieftain caught him. - -Going boldly up to the front door, his companion following at a safe -distance, Jesse lifted the old fashioned brass knocker and let it fall -with a resounding rap. - -In a few moments shuffling steps sounded and a man, whose face, though -older and topped with white locks, was a counterpart of the banker's at -Monegaw Springs, opened the door, demanding gruffly: - -"What do you want?" - -"Is this Mr. Hiram Rozier?" asked the famous desperado. - -"It is." - -Assured on this point, Jesse went to the point without any -preliminaries: - -"You stole Mrs. Thomas Shaw's cow from her today, didn't you?" - -"Stole her cow? No, sir! How dare you say such a thing?" thundered the -infuriated man. - -"Don't raise your voice--unless you want your neighbors to hear," -retorted his interrogator, coolly. "You did steal it _and you know you -did_! There was a mortgage on it but it wasn't due till day after -tomorrow. - -"_I've come to take back that cow!_" - -Dropping his bombastic manner, Hiram Rosier whined: - -"I got it in a business way. I had a chance to sell her. Mrs. Shaw -couldn't pay the money even if it isn't due for three days. There's -nothing wrong about the transaction. I can't afford to lose fifteen -dollars and sixty cents when I--" - -"Rubbish!" snapped Jesse. "Mrs. Shaw _can_ pay the money. See, here's a -twenty-dollar bill. But she _won't_--with my permission. - -"How much did you get for the cow?" - -Too amazed by such treatment to think of refusing to reply, the old man -stammered: - -"Forty dollars." - -"Giving you a profit of practically twenty-five dollars, eh? Is that -the way you made all your money, stealing food from the mouths of -helpless women and children?" - -"I won't listen to such abuse!" roared Hiram Rozier and he started to -shut the door in the great outlaw's face. - -The latter had been expecting such a move, however, and quickly -reaching out his powerful right arm, seized the old man and yanked him -on to the porch, hissing: - -"Oh, yes you will--and more too. I want you to get on this wagon and -drive with me to the man to whom you sold Mrs. Shaw's cow." - -"And if I refuse?" - -"I'll have you arrested for selling stolen property." - -The humiliation and disgrace such a proceeding would bring upon the -name of Rozier decided the old man and he rejoined: - -"Wait till I get my hat." - -"Oh, no you don't. Do I look like a fool enough to let you go back into -the house? You put my hat on your head and come along." - -Before the other could remonstrate, the world-famous desperado had -jammed his sombrero upon the white locks and was dragging the old man -toward the wagon. - -Pinching himself to see if he were awake, the clerk followed and, when -all were on the seat, drove to the house named by Mr. Rozier. - -Arrived, Jesse accompanied the unwilling moneylender to the door. - -When the purpose of the visit was made known, the purchaser of the -cow at first refused to surrender her in return for the money he had -paid, finally declaring, however, that he would part with her for fifty -dollars. - -Threatening to expose him should he decline to give the extra ten -dollars, Jesse forced the brother of the banker to pay it and with the -cow tied to the wagon, they drove back to his house. - -The loss of the money rankling in his breast, as the team stopped in -front of his gate, Mr. Rozier exclaimed: - -"If you'll give me the amount of the mortgage, I'll have it cancelled." - -"Not much," retorted the bandit-chieftain. "You'll send the paper, -marked 'satisfied in full of all demands' 'round to Mrs. Shaw's tonight -before nine o'clock or she'll swear out a warrant against you!" - -And without giving the terrified old man the opportunity to reply, -Jesse ordered the dumbfounded grocery clerk to drive on. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -JESSE GETS HIS REVENGE. - - -Dismissing the clerk with a generous tip when they had returned to the -Shaw house, Jesse jumped from the wagon, untied the cow and intended to -wait till the fellow had driven away before calling to Daisy to come -out. - -But the rattle of the wheels had been heard by the girl and Jim, and -they rushed to the door to learn who had arrived. - -"Is that you, chief?" called the member of the Younger family, unable -to see in the darkness after leaving the lighted room. - -Ere the great outlaw could reply, however, the cow gave a low "moo," -evidently glad to be home, and with a gasp of incredulous delight, -Daisy darted to the animal, threw her arms around its neck and murmured: - -"Is it really you, Topsey? How can we ever thank you, sir. Little Tom -will have his milk now--unless--unless--" and she stopped abruptly. - -"Unless what, Miss Shaw?" inquired the bandit-chieftain. - -"Unless Mr. Rozier only let her come back for the three days." - -"Don't worry about that. Topsey, if that's her name, is yours for good -and all. Hiram Rozier will never trouble you about her." - -Yet though the girl pressed him, he would say nothing about the manner -in which the animal had been recovered. - -Leading the cow to her shed, Daisy bade Jim fetch a milk pail, -announcing that supper would be ready as soon as she had finished the -task. - -But Jesse realized that Cole and John would be worried at the length -of time he and his companion were absent and, going into the house, he -helped himself to such articles of food as he thought his pals would -relish, then set out to rejoin them. - -Their anxiety relieved by the return of their chief, the Youngers -listened interestedly to his account of the occurrences during his -absence, both of them stripping a bill from their rolls and asking him -to give them to the stricken family. - -"Saddle the horses at nine o'clock," Jesse remarked after thanking -them for their contributions. "Jim and I'll be back as soon as we see -whether that brute Hiram sends the cancelled mortgage or not. - -"Sit tight and don't take any chances." - -Daisy and her companion had not been in the house long when the -world-famous desperado returned. - -To his delight, the girl asked no embarrassing questions about his -absence, apparently considering it but natural that he should look -around, and no mention did she make of the missing edibles. - -With a joy that was reward sufficient in itself, the baby took his -milk, being indulged with a double allowance in honour of the visit of -"Santa Claus" as Daisy called her benefactor. - -On the pallet, Mrs. Shaw was sleeping peacefully. - -Sitting down to the rickety table, the outlaws ate ravenously, for they -had been more than twenty-four hours without food. - -Their hunger, appeased, Jesse suggested that on the morrow the girl -look for some cosy, clean rooms with a farmer who would keep Topsey, -leaving the ramshackle hovel for good and all. - -The plan met with Daisy's approval till she remembered that such -comfort would cost money, but her disappointment was quickly alleviated -by the great outlaw. - -"With proper care, I think Mrs. Shaw will throw off the fever," said -he, encouragingly. "You must have a doctor and give her and yourself -and the baby, too, plenty of nourishing food. Then, as soon as your -mother-in-law is able to travel, I think it would be a good plan for -you all to go down to your people, if you care to, in New Orleans. If -you don't I'll try to find a place for you somewhere. I'll make it a -point to come back and look you up in a couple of weeks, anyhow. And in -the meantime, if you'll accept a little present from me, it'll keep you -going till I see you again." - -And as he concluded his speech, Jesse placed several crisp bank notes -on the table in front of the girl. - -Fascinated by the sight of so much money, Daisy gazed at it for several -minutes, then with a little sigh, took one bill and pushed the rest -toward her "Prince Charming," murmuring: - -"You're _so_ good. I'll take this twenty dollars because it'll help -pay the doctor and feed little Tom. But I can't accept the rest. -It wouldn't be right. Why, look at all you've done for us, buying -provisions and getting back Topsey, and I don't even know your name." - -"Never mind about that now," returned the great desperado, awkwardly. -"I'm always glad to assist people in want. You just put that money in a -safe place and don't think any more about it. Some day, perhaps, you'll -be able to help me and if you are, I shall count upon your doing so." - -Puzzled by the suggestion that so insignificant a person as she might -be of service to the strong, handsome man before her, the girl was on -the point of renewing her attempt to learn his identity when there was -a knock on the door. - -Exchanging hurried glances, the bandit-chieftain and Jim rose to their -feet, crossing the room toward a window, their hands ready to whip out -their six-shooters should the summons be from some of their enemies. - -Unheeding the significant precaution, Daisy went to the door and opened -it. - -"Here's a letter from Mr. Hiram Rozier," piped a boy's voice. "He says -he hopes Mrs. Shaw's better." - -But the girl vouchsafed no reply, simply taking the envelope and -shutting the door in the messenger's face. - -"What can this be?" she exclaimed, turning the missive over and over in -her hands as though trying to learn its contents through the cover. - -"Open it and find out," smiled Jesse. "I don't believe it's loaded." - -Mechanically Daisy obeyed, drawing forth a carefully folded piece of -paper. - -"Why, it's the mortgage on Topsey and it says 'satisfied in full of all -demands' on it. This is more of your work, sir," she cried, raising her -happy face to the great outlaw's. - -"So I fancy. I thought the old duffer would listen to reason. And now -that everything's all right, we must go." - -Finding that her entreaties were of no avail, the girl insisted upon -their taking lunch with them and after Jesse had showed her about some -medicines he left for the sick woman, with many expressions of her -gratitude for their surprising generosity, Daisy watched them till they -were lost in the darkness of the night. - -For several rods the two outlaws walked on in silence, then the chief -exclaimed: - -"I sure am glad we happened to strike that house." - -Attributing the statement to his sympathetic nature, Jim praised his -bounty. - -But when they rejoined Cole and John, he was made aware that it was -prompted by other causes as well. - -"The old curmudgeon sent back the mortgage, cancelled," announced Jesse -excitedly. "I've thrown a jolt into old Hiram that he won't forget till -his dying day. _Now for the other Rozier!_ Come on. We must be in Ste. -Genevieve day after tomorrow." - -Realizing that the task would mean hard riding, the bandits lost no -time in getting under way, passing through the town that Jesse might -point out where the lion he had "bearded in his den" lived, to his -fellows. - -Twice during the night, the desperadoes were startled by the sound of -rapid hoof-beats and reined into the bushes at the side of the road to -discover who was riding so late. - -The first one proved to be a solitary horseman coming from the -direction in which they were going, but the second caused them deep -concern. - -Five men, with rifles carried across their saddle pommels, ready for -instant use, dashed along the highway, bound eastward as were the -bandits. - -Never uttering a word, the men leaned forward the better to penetrate -the darkness ahead. - -"Do you suppose they're after us or are they just out on a little -game of their own?" whispered Jim as the hoof-beats died away in the -distance. - -"Goodness only knows," returned the world-famous desperado. "They mean -business, whoever they are. Just keep your ears open." - -Fearing an ambush, the outlaws rode with the utmost caution, carefully -examining any dark places along the highway before they entered. - -The possibility that they were officers sent out by Hiram Rozier was -discussed but no decision could they come to and it was with feelings -of relief that they watched the day dawn. - -Pausing in a dense copse for breakfast, they devoured the lunch -provided by Daisy and took turns at sleeping till about ten o'clock -when they once more took up their course. - -Riding in the shelter of the woods, the outlaws covered many miles -before sundown when they again rested. - -Forced to be content with smoking their pipes and tightening their -belts in lieu of supper, they stopped only long enough to feed their -mounts, then entered upon the final stage of their cross-state dash. - -In contrast to the two previous nights, the moon rose clear, enabling -them the better to see the roadway and thus make faster time. - -No untoward incidents occurred. Not a traveller did they meet and at -six o'clock in the morning they rode into Ste. Genevieve. - -Founded by the Catholics in the early part of the eighteenth century, -the town had grown in wealth and population steadily. The old French -families had imparted a courtliness and refinement that distinguished -it from other villages when the horde of home-seekers flocked across -the "Big Muddy," lured by dreams of wealth and happiness to be found -beyond its shores. - -With a thrift inherited from their forebears, the inhabitants saved -their money and Jim had not been wrong when he had declared that -Rozier's bank usually carried upwards of $100,000 in its vaults. - -The air was redolent with the fragrance of Spring as Jesse, Jim, John -and Cole rode through the streets, their minds bent upon a crime -against the citizens. - -Stopping at the first livery stable to which they came, the outlaws -ordered their horses fed and inquired the way to the nearest good -restaurant. - -It was the belief of the world-famous desperado that men were more -daring with their stomachs full than when hunger gnawed at them, and -never did he undertake any of his sensational raids without eating -first, when possible. - -Being directed to a first-class eating place, they laughed and chatted -during their breakfast and no one who saw them would have thought they -contemplated perpetrating any foul deed. - -Purchasing cigars when they had finished their meal, the quartette -sauntered out onto the street to find where the Savings Association -Bank was located and to look over the building, its approaches and -entrances. - -In the northern end of the town they discovered it, its name announced -by a gold-lettered sign with black background at the top of a one-story -building and in smaller letters on the windows. - -"What luck," chuckled Jesse as they walked past the bank. "It's right -on a corner. You and Jim, John, can wait in this side street. There are -nothing but dwelling houses on it, that I can see. By looking through -the windows, you can see anybody passing on the main thoroughfare and -no inquisitive attention will be attracted to you as there would if you -sat your horses in front of the bank. - -"When we go back, we'll notice what time it opens. The earlier we turn -the trick, the less risk we'll run of being interrupted." - -Not just beyond the building did the bandits stop and turn, however. -Too thoroughly versed in the art of avoiding attention when they wished -to, they walked half a mile beyond the bank, crossed the street and -returned on the opposite side. - -"Get a look at the cashier's cage," whispered their chief as they drew -near. - -In the most casual manner, the desperadoes glanced toward the -institution, then turned their eyes upon something else. - -But in the brief space they had learned what they wished. - -White enamelled letters announced that the banking hours were from nine -till twelve in the morning and from two till four in the afternoon, and -on Saturday evenings from seven till eight. - -The desk of the cashier was at the end of the counter next to the side -street, evidently so placed that the official might converse with -customers without being heard by any others who might be in the bank. - -And directly behind the desk the massive steel doors of the vault were -visible. - -"It's only seven-thirty," declared Jesse, looking at his watch when -they had passed the bank. "Let's drop into the hotel and look at -yesterday's newspapers. I'd lake to see what they have to say about the -shindy at the Springs." - -No better way of spending the hour and a half they were forced to wait -suggesting itself, the quartette entered the village Inn and were soon -engrossed in the fantastic report of Jesse's escape from the health -resort. - -Beyond the usual, exaggerated account of the number of his companions, -there was nothing that caused them concern. - -But the perusal served as an excellent "kill time" and it was with a -start that the great outlaw noticed the hands on the Inn clock pointing -to quarter before nine. - -"It's time to get the horses," he declared, rising. - -Without the quiver of an eyelash to betray their intense excitement, -now that the time for action was at hand, the others got up and left -the hostelry. - -Quickening their pace as they reached the street, they were soon at the -livery stable and as the village clock struck the hour of nine, they -cantered leisurely past the bank into the side street where Cole and -his chief dismounted, leaving their horses in charge of Jim and John. - -"Watch out for people who look as though they were going to enter the -bank. _And shoot 'em before they do so!_" whispered the world-famous -desperado as he gave the reins of his pony to Jim. - -No hour of the day could have been more auspicious for the outlaws! - -So early was it that few women were upon the street on shopping bent, -the merchants were busy reading their morning mail and those of the -citizens who worked had gone to their labours hours before. - -Passing around onto the main street, for there was only one door to the -Savings Association Bank, and that on the front side, Jesse and Cole -mounted the two steps and entered the institution. - -But as they opened the door they received a shock! - -Standing beside the cashier was Forman A. Rozier, Jr.! - -In obedience to his father's command, the lad had come to Ste. -Genevieve to warn Mr. Harris of his president's fears. With the easy -confidence of youth, he had added, on his own responsibility, that he -thought his sire was unduly alarmed and that Jesse would have too much -to do to get away from the posse at the Springs to think of wreaking -his vengeance upon the bank. Yet all the money, save about $10,000, had -been sent to Kansas City as the elder Rozier wished. - -No sign did either the bandit-chieftain or his pal make, however, that -would disclose their surprise at his presence. - -The cashier and the son of the banker were chatting together when Jesse -suddenly whipped out his trusty "Colts" and covered them, hissing: - -"We've come to help you open the bank! Get a move on and open that -vault!" - -In blank amazement, the startled cashier whirled about, his mouth -opened as though to shout an alarm only to close it as he beheld the -ugly muzzles of the four six-shooters pointed at him. - -"Don't stand and gawp! Step lively!" admonished the bandit-chieftain. - -For an instant, Mr. Harris hesitated, evidently trying to make up his -mind whether to save his life or his depositors' money, then whined: - -"You have me at your mercy! I'm helpless!" - -"That's the way to talk," grinned the great outlaw. "But 'actions speak -louder than words.' Open that vault or you'll be running errands for -the Devil before you're two minutes older!" - -His hands trembling so that he could with difficulty work the -combination, the cashier strove to obey. - -Intent upon watching him, Cole and Jesse had left young Rozier -unguarded. - -Biding his time, the youth waited till the robbers' eyes were riveted -on the steel vault, then made a dash for the door. - -But the sound of his steps recalled the bandits to his existence. - -Whirling, the great outlaw swung at him with his pistol barrel, just -grazing the top of his head. - -"No you don't, you little cuss!" he snapped. "Come here to me or I'll -make a new heir to the Rozier wealth!" - -Fearing to disobey, young Forman walked slowly toward his captor. - -"Get up there behind the counter," commanded the bandit-chieftain. -"That's the way. Now hold this bag!" And he produced the ever-present -gunny-sack from the blouse of his shirt. - -The massive doors of the safe had answered to the manipulation of the -tumblers in the combination and Cole was inside as the boy reluctantly -took hold of the bag. - -"Where's the rest of the money?" demanded the eldest of the Younger -brothers, emerging with only two sacks of gold in his hands and a -couple of packages of bank notes under his arms. - -"It's--it's in Kansas City!" whimpered the cashier. - -"A--ha! I see! This is your doings, you little pig-faced mut!" roared -Jesse, grabbing young Rozier by the coat collar and shaking him while -he poured a torrent of blasphemous abuse on his luckless head. "How -much _was_ there in the vault last night, old baldy?" he snarled at Mr. -Harris. - -"$8,500." - -"How much did you send to Kansas City?" - -"Not quite $100,000." - -At the thought of the vast amount of which he had been deprived by the -journey of the bank president's son to Ste. Genevieve, the wrath of -the world-famous desperado broke out anew. - -"Why didn't you stay in the Springs?" he thundered. "I was a fool not -to have shot you when you pointed out my tent to Dillaby." - -Gazing at the bandit in terror, the youth blinked at him a moment, then -cried: - -"You're 'Howard' the false miner! Father was right! Help! He--" - -But the cry was stifled in his throat by the powerful fingers of the -terrible outlaw. - -"You lie, you little vermin! I'm not 'Howard'--I'm Jesse James! A--ah! -It makes you blanch when you think that you and your money-loving -father insulted _me_ and set detectives on my track, eh? - -"You've cheated me out of $100,000 by coming here! And by the blood of -my mother! I'll take it out of your hide. I'll teach the Rozier tribe -better than to try to drug Jesse James with doped wine!" - -And before either Cole and the cashier recovered from their surprise at -the fury of the great bandit's denunciation, Jesse lifted the banker's -son from the floor, hurled him into the vault and slammed the massive -doors shut. - -"It'll cost old Rozier a few dollars before he gets you out of here," -chuckled the world-famous desperado. - -And to the horror of Mr. Harris, he aimed his revolver at the lock and -pulled the trigger, shattering the combination with the bullet. - -"He'll die! He'll smother!" wailed the cashier. - -"Let him! If you dare to raise an alarm for five minutes, I'll come -back and blow the top of your bald pate off. - -"Come, Cole! We'll go back to the Springs and get old Rozier. And just -remember this, you Harris. If Rozier doesn't resign as president of -this bank, I'll raid it every year. - -"Tell _that_ to your directors!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE BUTCHERY AT CHALK LEVEL. - - -Terror-stricken at the casting into the vault of his master's son and -the destruction of the lock, Mr. Harris stared in bewilderment at the -prison-vault, aware that the boy might suffocate before workmen could -open the doors. - -Even the dire threat of repeating the robbery failed to arouse him and -no heed did he pay as Jesse picked up the bag of plunder and walked -calmly from the building, with his pal at his side. - -But the pistol shot had been heard! - -In his yard across the street, a man had been setting out flowers. - -As the report rang out from the bank, he glanced toward it and beheld -the desperadoes, their pistols pointed at the cashier. - -Dropping his gardening implements, the man rushed into the house to get -his shotgun, bravely intending to go to the assistance of Mr. Harris. - -"What is it, Henry?" asked his wife as she noticed the scared -expression on her husband's face as he ran for his weapon. - -"Robbers--in the--bank!" he gasped, taking the gun from its rack by the -kitchen door. - -"Gracious me! What are _you_ going to do?" - -"Go to the help of Mr. Harris, of course." - -"Henry Farnam, are you a fool? Will you never learn to mind your own -business? Go to Harris' rescue, will you? Well, I guess not. If you -stay here, the robbers'll probably not hurt him. I know him too well to -think he'd refuse to do what they said. But if they see you rushing at -them with a gun, they'll like as not kill him and put a bullet into you -for your pains. And your insurance premium hasn't been paid for this -year! No, sir. You just put that gun back in its rack and stay in the -house!" - -Accustomed to the domination of his energetic spouse, Farnam meekly -returned the weapon to its place by the kitchen door and followed his -wife into the front room to watch proceedings from a safe position -behind the closed blinds. - -"There they go! Mercy, how fierce they look! Henry, Henry, I've saved -your life!" babbled the woman, as the outlaws strode away from the -bank, throwing her arms around her husband's neck. - -But Farnam was more interested in the robbers and wriggling from the -hysterical embrace, saw them mount their horses and dash madly up the -street. - -Sure that they were gone, he rushed from his house and gave the alarm. - -From all sides men ran in response to his frenzied shouts and the -excitement was increased by the appearance of the cashier in the door -of the looted bank, crying for dynamite, gunpowder and sledge hammers. - -When they learned, however, of the entombment of young Rozier they -dashed in all directions to get implements to cut their way into -the vault. But though the massive doors had failed to protect the -funds, they resisted all attempts to demolish them and, in despair, -the leaders of the rescue work decided to blow them off with -nitro-glycerine, deeming it preferable for the banker's son to run his -chances of being hit by flying fragments than to die of strangulation. - -All of the people who had been attracted by the wild shouts could not -get into the bank, however, and some of those compelled to stand on the -outside talked of pursuing the thieves. - -Quickly a dozen men volunteered their services. - -"Go and get horses and guns!" yelled a voice. "You can't catch 'em on -foot." - -Oblivious of the sarcasm, the men rushed to secure them. - -Had any of them been possessed of intrepid courage, they might have -recovered the plunder! - -As the outlaws raced northward up the main street, Jesse handed the -bag of spoils to John, that he might have both hands free to use his -shooting-irons should they be followed. - -Frightened, as the sack was swung toward it, the animal which John -rode, bucked furiously, unseating him. - -As the bandit struck the street, the gunny-sack burst, spilling the -gold and greenbacks. - -Cursing wildly, the world-famous desperado yanked his pony to its -haunches. - -"Pick it up!" he roared. - -But as his companions dismounted, the bandit-chieftain discovered that -John's horse was tearing madly up the street. - -At the very moment when success was hovering over them the series of -accidents had occurred! - -Undaunted, however, the great outlaw determined to keep his ill-gotten -gains. No pursuers were in sight and if the runaway pony could be -caught, they might still make good their escape. Yet he was loath to -leave his pals to go in chase lest a posse appear while he was away. - -As he was hesitating what to do, the rumble of wheels in a side street -caught his ear and turning toward it, he beheld a man whose cast of -countenance proclaimed him a German, driving a lively pair of bays -attached to an express wagon. - -To see was to act, and riding toward him, Jesse shouted: - -"Hey, Dutchy! Chase that horse lively and bring him back!" - -"Mein gracious! I can't," protested the farmer. - -"You'll either do it or die! Which do you prefer?" And the terrible -outlaw whipped out his "Colts." - -"Ach, Himmel! I kotch him! I kotch him!" returned the terrified German. - -Heading his bays after the runaway, the farmer set them at a gallop. - -Satisfied that the pony would soon be restored to them, the -bandit-chieftain ordered his men to draw their guns and form a circle -around the recovered money, that their evident purpose of guarding -their treasure might warn off any would-be rescuers. - -But as the quartette looked down the thoroughfare toward the bank -they were alarmed to see a body of horsemen gather in front of the -institution. - -The distance between them was just about a mile, too short for safety. - -"If that Dutchman doesn't come back with John's horse, he'll have to -double up with Jim when the posse gets half-way to us. I'll tie the -money-sack to my saddle pommel. If they press us too hard, we'll give -'em a battle!" - -Instantly the desperadoes prepared to mount. - -"Hoopla! Here come's Dutchy with my horse!" cried John, looking up the -street. - -"And here come a dozen man-hunters!" retorted Jesse, as the troop left -the bank. - -Anxiously the desperadoes watched the race. - -"Better mount," snapped the world-famous outlaw as the posse neared the -half-way mark he had chosen as the limit of safety. - -"Hey, you beer guzzler! Hurry up with that mare or I'll plug you full -of lead!" bellowed John, pointing his rifle at the German. - -"Ach, Himmel! Don't shoot!" implored the latter. "I coom in chust a -second." - -Inspired by the desire to save his skin, the farmer lashed his bays -furiously, dragging the captured runaway by a halter he had tied around -her neck. - -Darting forward to meet him as he drew near, John yelled: - -"Fling me the rope!" - -Glad to be free of his blood-thirsty employers, the fellow hurled the -halter-end at the bandit as he clattered past in his wagon, never -looking around to see whether it was caught or not. - -But a shout of joy from behind told him that it had been. Yet scarcely -had it died away when a howl of fury from in front warned him that the -posse did not approve his actions and, in fear of being made to pay a -penalty for lending aid to the robbers, he yanked his bays into a side -street, taking the corner on two wheels. - -Tarrying not to battle with their pursuers, the desperadoes continued -their course northward. - -Their ponies, however, were tired from the hard riding of the past few -days and those of the posse rapidly overhauled them. - -"I guess it's fight after all," snarled Jesse. "Be ready to halt and -fire when I give the word." - -But the next moment he was roused to fresh fury by the command bellowed -at him: - -"Surrender! We've got you at our mercy!" - -Reining in his mount, the great outlaw sneered: - -"Turn 'round and go home before you're hurt. Come a rod nearer and -we'll shoot! Take aim, boys!" - -Throwing their Winchesters to their shoulders, Cole, John and Jim -waited. - -This determination to resist any attempt to capture them abashed the -posse and they halted to hold a conference. - -"Once more, we call upon you to surrender," yelled the spokesman at its -conclusion. - -Realizing that men who temporized when they outnumbered them three to -one would make no desperate attempt to kill them, Jesse exclaimed to -his men: - -"Give them a volley just over their heads." - -Instantly the rifles cracked. - -"Charge!" thundered the great bandit. - -Ducking as the bullets whistled above them, the pursuers paused only -till they beheld the yelling robbers dashing toward them, then turned -and fled incontinently. - -"That'll do, boys!" laughed Jesse. "There's no use playing with fire. -While they're recovering their nerve, we'll have the opportunity to get -into the woods." - -And once more whirling their ponies, the outlaws rode from Ste. -Genevieve. - -Without let or hindrance, they reached a dense copse where they divided -the booty and discussed plans for hiding till the first heat of the -chase should die out. - -Jesse and Cole were for crossing the Mississippi and bearing to the -south, seeking cover in the mountains of Kentucky or Tennessee. - -John and Jim, however, argued that there would be less danger in -recrossing the state and going back to where they started from. - -Finally it was agreed that they should separate, the bandit-chieftain -and his chum going where they thought best and the others announcing -their determination to return to the home of their uncle at Chalk -Level, all to meet at the rendezvous at Sni Mills in five weeks. - -But as they shook hands at parting, little did they think that one of -them would not be alive to keep the appointment! - -John's decision was his death-knell! - -When Captain Lull arrived at Monegaw Springs, from Chicago, to take -charge of the demoralized forces of the Pinkertons after their abortive -attempt to trap Jesse at Brett's camp, he spent only time enough at -the health resort to learn the details and transferred his base of -operations to Osceola. - -Realizing that his actions would be hampered should it be known that he -was a detective, Lull took the name of Allen and gave it out that he -was acting as a buyer for a cattleman who was then in St. Louis. - -This city was selected because the man-hunter had a clever friend, -named Wright, whom he wished to have assist him in running the bandits -to cover. - -The way thus paved for Wright's coming and their subsequent trips -through the surrounding country, Lull, or Allen, sent a code despatch -summoning the amateur sleuth. - -"Find everyone of their friends or relatives in the vicinity of -the Springs," declared the latter when he had been apprised of the -situation. Yet before they could put the plan into operation, the news -of the raid on the bank and the sensational imprisonment of young -Rozier was flashed throughout the world. - -"That won't make any difference to us. In fact it increases the chances -of our success," asserted Wright when he read the report. "If Jesse was -shrewd enough to know that he could commit a robbery at the other side -of the state when everybody thought he was in hiding about the Springs, -he'll resort to the same tactics and come back here in the belief that -the search will be the hottest around Ste. Genevieve." - -Convinced by the argument, Lull acquiesced in the proposition to -remain. And though their scheme did not catch the man they wanted, it -did catch one of the outlaws. - -Having pursued their inquiries as far as they could, the man-hunters -found themselves balked by the suspicion of the natives for strangers. -And to remove the barrier, they finally pressed an inhabitant of -Osceola, Edward Daniels by name, into service as a guide. - -A friend of both the Jameses and Youngers in their youth, Daniels -suggested that a visit to the house of the latters' uncle, Theodoric -Snuffer, at Chalk Level, might not be without result. - -Accordingly they decided to visit the place a week after the looting of -the bank, that the outlaws might have ample time to return across the -state. - -With an early start, the three supposed cattle buyers arrived at -Snuffers' just at noon. - -John and Jim were eating dinner when the strangers stopped in front of -the gate and their suspicions were instantly aroused. - -In response to a hail, the old miser went to the door. - -"How do we get to the Widow Sims?" asked Lull. - -"Turn to your left, about two rods from where you are, and follow the -path, through my field. It's about a mile and you can't miss it, for -there ain't no other shanty 'round." - -Thanking Mr. Snuffer for the directions, the detectives rode on. - -But as they went, the two bandits watched them from the window. - -"That was only a bluff, asking about Widow Sims," declared Jim as the -man-hunters passed the path about which they had been told. "I'll bet -they're detectives. Let's go and look 'em over." - -The proposition met with the instant approval of his brother and taking -an extra brace of pistols, they saddled their ponies and rode after the -man-hunters. - -Rounding a bend in the road, the Youngers suddenly came face to face -with the man-hunters as the latter were retracing their course. - -"Ed Daniels!" exclaimed Jim in amazement at the sight of his old friend. - -"It's John and Jim Younger," whispered the traitor to Lull and then -whirled his horse and dashed into the underbrush. - -Their astonishment at such action on the part of their old associate -was instantly explained. - -"Throw up your hands!" commanded Lull, covering the outlaws with his -revolvers. - -But the desperadoes' answer was borne by leaden slugs! - -Drawing their six-shooters with wonderful quickness, they fired at the -detectives. - -John's bullet struck Lull in the breast and he toppled from his saddle. - -Yet as he fell, he fired his revolver and John pitched to the ground, -his jugular vein severed by the shot. - -Beside himself with grief, as he saw the blood spurting from his -brother's neck, Jim emptied his revolver at the fast disappearing form -of Wright, without stopping him, however. - -Tears pouring from his eyes, he turned toward John's dead body, when he -heard a gun bark and felt a burning sensation in the fleshy part of his -right hip. - -"Ed Daniels, I'll have your heart's blood!" he shrieked, as he leaped -his horse into the underbrush in the direction from which the sound had -come. - -Not expecting such a move, the traitor was caught facing the infuriated -desperado and before he could pull the trigger of his pistol a bullet -crashed through his forehead. - -Satisfied with the killing of the man who was responsible for his -brother's death, Jim returned to the lifeless body, picked it up -tenderly and, with the blood drenching his clothes, rode with it in his -arms into his uncle's door-yard. - -Tarrying only long enough to carry the corpse inside the house and to -give instructions to the miser to have it properly buried, on pain -of death, Jim tossed him a bill to defray the expenses, took John's -money from his clothes, kissed his lifeless lips, rushed to his horse, -vaulted into the saddle and dashed from the yard, scattering the -neighbours, who had been attracted by the firing, right and left as he -quickly vanished from sight in the woods. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Working with the realization of the necessity of haste, the mechanics -who had been summoned to liberate young Rozier from his steel tomb in -the bank at Ste. Genevieve drilled two holes in the doors and filled -them with nitro-glycerine, using soap to keep the liquid from running -out. - -When the fuse was ready, the people were ordered from the building. - -There was a moment of breathless suspense, then an explosion of the -detonating cap was heard, followed by a deafening roar as the terrible -agent of destruction went off. - -The sides of the bank were blown into the street and pieces of the -massive doors of the vault were hurled in all directions. - -Rushing into the ruins, the searchers were able to get into the safe -and found the banker's son unconscious on the floor, where the force of -the explosion had thrown him. - -His youth stood him in good stead and before night he was up and about, -little the worse for his soul-trying ordeal. - -When the robbery, the threat to repeat it every year, and the attempt -to send to awful death his son and heir were telegraphed to Banker -Rozier, at Monegaw Springs, he promptly wired back his resignation and -with all possible haste took his family to Europe. - -And with his departure from the country, Jesse's desperate game to take -vengeance for the insult to him was ended. - -Lying hidden by day and proceeding cautiously at night, the great -outlaw and Cole found a snug retreat in the "Blue Grass" State where -they remained for a couple of weeks. - -Saddened by the report of John's death, they decided to return to -Missouri, where they paid a hurried visit to Mrs. Samuels. - -Finding that, for once, the man-hunters had not troubled her and that -Susie was still in Deepwater, Jesse told her about the Shaws and at her -suggestion took them to the home of Dr. Samuels' niece at Fayetteville, -in Johnson county, where Mrs. Shaw regained her health and Daisy -forgot her desertion by her husband in her new life. - -And, happy in the happiness of his friends and family, the world-famous -desperado stole away to the Ozark mountains to see his sweetheart. - - -[THE END.] - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Jesse James' Desperate Game, by William Ward - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JESSE JAMES' DESPERATE GAME *** - -***** This file should be named 61946-8.txt or 61946-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/9/4/61946/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: Jesse James' Desperate Game - The Robbery of the Ste. Genevieve Bank - -Author: William Ward - -Release Date: April 27, 2020 [EBook #61946] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JESSE JAMES' DESPERATE GAME *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class ="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> -Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><a name="cover.jpg" id="cover.jpg"></a><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/tothereader.jpg" alt="TO THE READER" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="THE HOLD-UP AT THE STE. GENEVIEVE BANK" /></div> - -<p class="bold">THE HOLD-UP AT THE STE. GENEVIEVE BANK.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="title page" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - -<h1>Jesse James' Desperate Game</h1> - -<p class="bold">OR</p> - -<p class="bold">THE ROBBERY OF THE<br />STE. GENEVIEVE BANK</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">With dare-devil recklessness the notorious bandit eludes a posse of<br /> -detectives and, assisted by only three companions, steals $10,000.</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">BY</p> - -<p class="bold2">WILLIAM WARD</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="bold"><i>Adventure Series No. 18</i></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">Published by<br /> -THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY<br />CLEVELAND, U. S. A.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="left"><span class="smaller">Chapter</span></td> - <td><span class="smaller">Page</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>I. </td> - <td class="left">A Thrilling Rescue</td> - <td><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II. </td> - <td class="left">Consollas' Accusations</td> - <td><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III. </td> - <td class="left">The Plot Proves a Boomerang</td> - <td><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV. </td> - <td class="left">Young Rozier Makes a Startling Discovery</td> - <td><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>V. </td> - <td class="left">Gathering Clouds</td> - <td><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VI. </td> - <td class="left">The Battle of Wits</td> - <td><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VII. </td> - <td class="left">Jesse Bests the Detectives at Their Own Game</td> - <td><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VIII. </td> - <td class="left">An Unexpected Complication</td> - <td><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IX. </td> - <td class="left">The Storm Breaks</td> - <td><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>X. </td> - <td class="left">The Dash for Liberty</td> - <td><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XI. </td> - <td class="left">Clell is Wounded</td> - <td><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XII. </td> - <td class="left">The Outlaws Avoid a Trap</td> - <td><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIII. </td> - <td class="left">A Midnight Rescue</td> - <td><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIV. </td> - <td class="left">"Prince Charming"</td> - <td><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XV. </td> - <td class="left">Jesse Gets His Revenge</td> - <td><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVI. </td> - <td class="left">The Butchery at Chalk Level</td> - <td><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVII. </td> - <td class="left">Conclusion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">Jesse James' Desperate Game</p> - -<p class="bold">OR</p> - -<p class="bold">The Robbery of the Ste. Genevieve Bank.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter I.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">A THRILLING RESCUE.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>The population of Monegaw Springs was transitory. Situated in the -central part of St. Clair county, in Missouri, the town was famed far -and wide for the medicinal qualities of its waters. And when the war of -the rebellion came to an end and the countryfolk could once more live -without fear of a raid by Federal troops or guerrillas, they flocked -thither from far and near.</p> - -<p>No luxurious hotels were there, as in present-day health resorts, with -maws agape for money of their patrons; those who were early on the -ground secured board and lodging in the few houses of the hamlet, while -those who arrived later were forced to be satisfied with tents.</p> - -<p>But the life of the place was not impaired by the lack of -accommodations or conveniences. Rather was it enhanced. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<p>Convention was thrown to the winds. Campers, whose tents were near -together, spoke without waiting the formality of introductions; -mothers exchanged confidences, knitting and gossiping; fathers swapped -yarns and played cards together, while their children, both young and -grown-up, indulged in the pastimes of wide awake, red-blooded youth. -About the Springs all sorts and conditions of men were to be seen; army -officers, still believing in the subtle powers of their faded uniforms, -vied with civilians for the favour of the vivacious, rosy-cheeked -belles; men who lived by their wits hobnobbed with men who possessed -substantial incomes; churchmen rubbed elbows with criminals—and never -a question was asked.</p> - -<p>Not a night passed without some excitement; often the silence that -fell only with the early hours of the morning was rent by the crack of -a pistol; men, their blood heated with copious draughts of the "stuff -that cheers," wrangled over the merits of their horses or families, -settling the former by quickly organized races and the latter by -recourse to fists or shooting-irons.</p> - -<p>For those who wished to toy with fortune, there were always games of -poker and faro in the shanties that served as saloons; and far from -these bacchanalian orgies, on canvasses spread over the fragrant -needles in the pine groves, through whose boughs the moonlight glinted, -youths and maidens danced to the lively melodies of banjos and guitars, -played by grinning darkies.</p> - -<p>Now and then, the rivals for the favour of some sloe-eyed beauty -clashed, there were a few excited, whispered words, giving and -accepting a challenge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> for a fight to the death on the morrow, and the -frolic was resumed.</p> - -<p>And from sunrise to sunrise, the Springs throbbed with the emotions and -passions of the shifting, cosmopolitan throng.</p> - -<p>In this Mecca of license uncontrolled, the world-famous Jesse James -had bidden his men join him. In the complexities of its life, he knew -they would be able to forget the godless act of the killing of Daniel -Askew, a murder that baffled police and public alike. Secure in its -very openness, they could laugh at the futile attempts to corral those -members of their gang who had raided the town of Chouteau, in the -Indian Territory, so effectually freeing the desperadoes from suspicion -of complicity in the act of cowardly assassination.</p> - -<p>And little did the patrons of the Springs think, as they watched the -arrival, one beautiful spring afternoon, of three well-dressed, bearded -men, whose dash and debonair appearance sent many a maiden's heart -aflutter, that they were gazing upon three of the most desperate men -the world has ever produced, for whose corpses, even, the police and -railroad officials would pay thousands upon thousands of dollars.</p> - -<p>For Jesse had not ridden to Monegaw Springs with Clell Miller and his -brother, Frank, in the garb of woolen shirts, "chaps," high boots, -black slouch hats, with knives and guns bristling from their belts, in -which alone the public fancy seemed able to picture them, but clad in -the height of the fashion of the day.</p> - -<p>Guns they had—and cartridges and knives—but so cleverly were they -carried in their pockets that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> presence of the death-dealing -weapons would escape even the most suspicious eye.</p> - -<p>Reining in their mettlesome thoroughbreds, the outlaws dismounted in -front of one of the stores and passed inside to purchase tents and such -other things as they might need.</p> - -<p>Those who had seen them eagerly asked who the new arrivals were, -attracted by their confident bearing and well put-up figures.</p> - -<p>But none could answer and when they reappeared from the store, they -were followed by a curious coterie of idlers who watched them select a -place and pitch their tents, at the extreme southwestern corner of the -grove that had been set apart for the campers.</p> - -<p>This very necessary work completed, the bandits had remounted and were -riding through the camp on a tour of reconnaissance to learn if any of -their enemies, the detectives and sheriffs, were among the sojourners -at the Springs when they were startled by a frenzied cry of warning -that swelled to a hoarse roar as throat after throat took it up.</p> - -<p>Turning in their saddles as they heard the inarticulate shouts, the -three desperadoes dropped their hands to the pockets in which they -carried their shooting-irons.</p> - -<p>With hundreds of man-hunters on their trail, whenever a hue and cry was -raised, the outlaws naturally believed themselves to be the cause.</p> - -<p>"It may be Cole and Texas in from Chouteau with a pack of devils at -their heels," exclaimed Clell in a low voice. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p>But the next instant their apprehension was banished.</p> - -<p>With frantic haste, the throng that had raised the alarm parted, -shoving and pushing those behind them in their effort to break through -to places of safety.</p> - -<p>And tearing along the lane thus opened, the outlaws beheld a runaway -horse, nostrils distended, eyes wild, ears laid back, a young girl -clinging with the desperation of terror to its mane.</p> - -<p>Maddened by the shouts of the people, the animal leaped from side to -side of its narrow path.</p> - -<p>"Pull your foot out of the stirrup and slide off!" cried a score of -voices.</p> - -<p>And as the silence of fear fell over the throng, the terrified voice of -the girl responded:</p> - -<p>"I can't! It's caught!"</p> - -<p>With a gasp of horror, the crowd heard.</p> - -<p>Several men leaped for the bridle, but the infuriated horse dodged them -or shook them off.</p> - -<p>Straight for the gate of a corral, less than two hundred yards away, -was the animal rushing.</p> - -<p>The opening had been cut in a solid wall and the lintel was so low that -it would barely clear the saddle pommel.</p> - -<p>If the horse were not stopped, it would dash inside.</p> - -<p>Unable to release her foot, the girl would be knocked from her seat and -horribly crushed, if her leg were not torn from her body.</p> - -<p>"Shut the gate!" yelled somebody.</p> - -<p>A score of men sprang forward, but the distance was too great.</p> - -<p>With a groan the spectators realized it. Women turned away their heads -that they might not see the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> awful sight, men nerved themselves for the -crash of the impact.</p> - -<p>Suddenly through the lane dashed a young fellow, his coarse, sensual -face white with terror.</p> - -<p>Seeing him, the crowd took hope.</p> - -<p>"Ride, Consollas! Hurry, man! Use your spurs! Head him off!" rose from -an hundred throats.</p> - -<p>Yet it did not take the anxious men and women long to realize that the -youth was too scared to be of service in the emergency and once again -despair seized them.</p> - -<p>Engrossed in following the runaway, the people had not seen three -horsemen riding like the wind toward the helpless girl and it was -not till a sharp command, "make way!" rang in their ears that they -were aware of their existence, turning to see the handsome, bearded -strangers, whose advent had aroused so much speculation, bearing down -on them.</p> - -<p>Their surprise did not paralyze their limbs, however, and, as if by -magic, the dense throng parted and Jesse, Clell and Frank dashed -between them.</p> - -<p>Fully an eighth of a mile away had the outlaws been when the shouts had -come to them, but the instant they had discovered their cause, they -raced to the rescue.</p> - -<p>Skilled in the art of short dashes, they worked their thoroughbreds to -wonderful speed.</p> - -<p>Not fifty yards from the corral was the runaway when the bandits swept -between the spectators. And all of twenty yards behind were they.</p> - -<p>Their quick eyes noted the horrible fate that awaited the girl should -they fail to help her. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<p>Caring not who might see, Jesse jerked his bowie-knife from its place -of concealment and jabbed it into the flank of his mount.</p> - -<p>Unaccustomed to such treatment and terrified by the pain, the animal -leaped forward.</p> - -<p>The burst of speed won cheers from the crowd, while cries of "go it! -good man!" broke from many lips.</p> - -<p>Emulating their leader, Clell and Frank, knifed their horses.</p> - -<p>As though the runaway were standing still did the outlaws gain on it.</p> - -<p>Hearing the shouts and the thunder of hoofs behind her, the girl looked -back.</p> - -<p>"Keep your nerve! We'll save you!" yelled the famous desperado while -the crowd howled its approval.</p> - -<p>The boy who had been addressed as Consollas was far behind. Less than -twenty yards away was the corral and two yards separated the bandits -from the runaway.</p> - -<p>Yet though they rode for all they knew, only inches, it seemed, could -they cut this distance down.</p> - -<p>With wicked jabs, the knives laid bare the flesh of the thoroughbreds.</p> - -<p>Neck and neck the three horses were running.</p> - -<p>"Spread out!" snapped Jesse. "When we get to the horse, reach over -and cut the saddle-girth, Clell. Frank, you ride him off. Wake up! We -mustn't fail now we're so near!"</p> - -<p>In amazement, the spectators beheld the three riders separate, two -bearing to the right, the brown bearded man to the left. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<p>"They're gaining! They're gaining!" shouted the crowd, then held their -breath the next instant.</p> - -<p>As though they were pieces of a machine, worked by the same power, -Clell and his leader closed in simultaneously on both sides of the -runaway.</p> - -<p>"Now!" cried the latter.</p> - -<p>As they dropped their reins, Jesse leaned far from his saddle and -seized the terror-paralyzed girl about the waist.</p> - -<p>Failing to comprehend the movement men and women stared, believing that -precious moments were being lost, then some of them roared:</p> - -<p>"Ride the horse off! Her foot's caught in the stirrup!"</p> - -<p>But at the very instant, Clell slashed with all his might at the -saddle-girth.</p> - -<p>True was his hand. The leather parted and before the spectators could -realize how it happened, the great outlaw jerked the girl, the saddle -hanging to her foot, from her horse, swayed a moment as he regained his -balance, then swung her in front of him.</p> - -<p>Salvos of applause broke from the throng of men and women.</p> - -<p>But the spectacular work was not yet ended.</p> - -<p>So close were the outlaws to the corral when the sensational rescue was -effected that it seemed that they must crash into it.</p> - -<p>Once more the crowd grew silent as it realized the new danger.</p> - -<p>Yet even as the hush fell, Frank swerved his horse, riding straight at -Clell's.</p> - -<p>There was the rubbing of saddle leather, an awful instant of suspense -as the colliding animals struggled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> to keep their feet, then both, -weathering the impact, bore down onto Jesse and his burden.</p> - -<p>"They'll go down! They'll be crushed!" gasped the spectators.</p> - -<p>But the famous desperado had anticipated the danger.</p> - -<p>The instant he had set the girl in front of him, he had pulled on his -reins with his right hand, changing the course of his mount to such an -extent that when the other two rode into him, his horse only turned -more quickly, and shoulder to shoulder the three animals galloped along -the side of the enclosure.</p> - -<p>Yet so narrow was the margin by which the rescue was accomplished -that as they swept up the length of the corral, Frank was forced to -throw his left leg over the pommel of his saddle to keep it from being -scraped and crushed against the rough boards.</p> - -<p>A trice the crowd stood motionless, then with thunderous cheers swarmed -round the outlaws and the girl they had rescued.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter II.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">CONSOLLAS' ACCUSATION.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Bringing his thoroughbred to a stop as quickly as he could, Jesse shook -his feet clear of the stirrups, swung one leg over the saddle pommel -and slid to the ground, placing the limp form of the girl tenderly on -the grass. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the belief that nothing could save her, the maiden had closed her -eyes to shut out the low gate that seemed to grin at her like some -hideous monster gloating over its victim. As she felt the strong arm -clasp her waist, then lift her in the air, the relief was more than her -overwrought nerves could bear and she had fainted.</p> - -<p>Kneeling beside her, the great outlaw wet his kerchief with brandy from -his flask, moistened her lips and bathed her forehead.</p> - -<p>"Don't let them crowd round her," he said to his companions as, looking -up, he caught sight of the excited crowd of men and women surging -toward them.</p> - -<p>In obedience, Clell and Frank faced about, shouting:</p> - -<p>"Keep back! Keep back! The girl wants air!"</p> - -<p>But as well might they have commanded the sun to stand still for all -the effect their words had.</p> - -<p>"<i>Make</i> 'em stand back!" snapped the bandit-chief.</p> - -<p>The meaning of his tone was obvious and, whipping out their guns, the -two desperadoes pointed them menacingly at the mob, crying:</p> - -<p>"The girl <i>must</i> have air! Stop where you are!"</p> - -<p>Their respect for the business-like muzzles of the four guns, backed -by men whose faces were so calm and determined, was greater than their -curiosity and the crowd paused in their tracks.</p> - -<p>One man, stout of figure, well-groomed and well-fed, with every -appearance of affluence, did not stop, however.</p> - -<p>Ominously, the hammers of the pistols clicked. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't shoot! Don't shoot! I'm her father, Forman A. Rozier, of Ste. -Genevieve!" he gasped.</p> - -<p>Recognizing his right, Clell and Frank bade him approach.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the girl's side, the father dropped to his knees, seized her -in his arms and clutched her to his breast.</p> - -<p>"Sally, my child, my darling! Are you hurt?" he asked, holding back her -head and looking at her ashen cheeks.</p> - -<p>"I think she's only swooned," replied her rescuer. "If you'll force -some of this brandy down her throat, I fancy it'll revive her," and he -extended his flask.</p> - -<p>But as her parent reached out his hand to take it, the girl opened her -eyes.</p> - -<p>"Daddy! Daddy!" she murmured as she beheld her father's face, then, -turning her head, asked: "Where is the gentleman who saved my life?"</p> - -<p>Before he could reply, however, his daughter had freed herself from his -embrace and, springing lightly to her feet, rushed to Jesse, taking -both his hands in hers, impulsively, while she exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"How can I <i>ever</i> thank you? If it hadn't been for you—ugh!" and -she shuddered, turning her head away that she might not see the low -lintelled gate that had come so near being her execution block.</p> - -<p>As the bandit-chieftain had felt the touch of her hands, a thrill ran -through him and looking closely at her, he discovered that her face was -of unusual beauty.</p> - -<p>Her skin was as the olive, the bloom of the rose glowed in her cheeks; -deep and limpid, black bottomless wells of love-joy were her eyes; her -lips seemed crimson Cupid's bows and in unruly ringlets, her wavy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> -raven black hair fell about her full throat and shell-like ears.</p> - -<p>"It is <i>I</i> who should thank you for allowing me to save your life," -returned Jesse in a low voice, his eyes uttering the admiration he -would not let his tongue.</p> - -<p>Blushing at what she read in them, the girl's embarrassment was -relieved by her father, who approached, holding out his hand to the -outlaw.</p> - -<p>"Whatever reward you wish for the great service you have rendered me -in snatching my child from death, you may ask. I am Forman A. Rozier, -president of the Savings Association Bank of Ste. Genevieve, and I can -afford to be gen—"</p> - -<p>But the insulting sentence was never finished.</p> - -<p>Drawing himself proudly to his full stature, the world-famous -desperado's eyes shone with the look his men had learned to fear and -his voice was cold and incisive as he snapped:</p> - -<p>"Sirrah!"</p> - -<p>While his daughter gasped, in amazement:</p> - -<p>"Father!"</p> - -<p>Staring from one to another, the banker, who worshipped money and felt -that his offer of reward was more than magnanimous, flushed hotly, -mumbling:</p> - -<p>"No offence was intended. Come Sally, your mother will be frantic till -she sees you," and turned on his heel.</p> - -<p>"<i>Please</i> don't feel hurt," whispered the girl, "<i>he</i> thinks money is -everything and he meant it to thank you."</p> - -<p>"Don't men—" began Jesse.</p> - -<p>But the girl interrupted: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<p>"When we see each other again I can thank you better—I'm so upset now."</p> - -<p>Noting that his daughter was not at his side, Mr. Rozier called, -peremptorily:</p> - -<p>"Come this instant, Sally!"</p> - -<p>Grabbing the skirt of her riding-habit, the girl breathed an <i>au -revoir</i> to the bandit-chieftain and ran to her father.</p> - -<p>As he followed her lithesome figure with his eyes, Jesse beheld the -pompous banker scowling at him, his expression indicating that he was -angry at the very natural gratitude his daughter evinced toward her -handsome rescuer.</p> - -<p>And as he returned the stare, with interest, there flashed through -Jesse's mind an idea that would give him ample revenge for the public -insult.</p> - -<p>By his arrogance, Banker Rozier had made a terrible enemy.</p> - -<p>But though the contretemps would be food delicious for the -gossip-mongers who had witnessed it, there were men and women in the -crowd who were ashamed of the humiliating return for an act so brave, -and, in the endeavour to wipe out the unpleasant memory, they surged -about the three outlaws, expressing their admiration of their bravery -and congratulating them upon their horsemanship.</p> - -<p>Stung to the quick by the undeserved treatment, however, the bandits -replied only in monosyllables, devoting their attention to staunching -the flow of blood from the gashes they had inflicted on their horses.</p> - -<p>"We'll lead them to our tent," declared the great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> outlaw, "we can't -attend to them properly here." And quickly the heroes took their -departure.</p> - -<p>Their advances repulsed, the spectators fell to discussing the incident -when suddenly they remembered that they had not learned the strangers' -names.</p> - -<p>Quickly were husbands, brothers and sons commissioned to learn them and -eagerly they set out to the errand.</p> - -<p>Arriving at the bandits' tents, they assisted in caring for the -thoroughbreds, adroitly interspersing their aid with questions to -which Jesse replied, goodnaturedly, endowing Clell with the alias -of Hal Prentiss, Frank with Sam Sloan and himself with Tom Howard, -volunteering that they were miners who had struck it rich in Colorado -and were on their way to New York to raise more capital to purchase -some valuable ore lands.</p> - -<p>Like wild-fire the news was spread through the Springs and before -evening the three desperadoes were surrounded with the glamour of -fabulous wealth, in addition to their bravery.</p> - -<p>One there was, however, among those who heard the imaginative rumors -who gnashed his teeth—the coarse, sensual-faced boy who had been -hailed by the crowd as Consollas when he had made his futile attempt to -overtake the runaway horse.</p> - -<p>Only son of one of the shopkeepers at the Springs, the youth had taken -advantage of a business acquaintance between his father and Banker -Rozier to secure an introduction to the exquisite Sally—and with him -to see had been to love.</p> - -<p>Morning, noon and night he pressed his suit, impervious to hints and -snubs alike. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p>In his turgid brain he had conceived the notion that he would marry -the beauty and when he suggested the plan to his father, the elder -Consollas, keenly alive to the benefits that would accrue from such an -alliance with a family both wealthy and of established social position, -bade him godspeed, offering to help him in any way that lay in his -power.</p> - -<p>Sally loathed the man's repulsive appearance, only forcing herself -to treat the fellow, whom she dubbed "the toad," civilly because her -father had ordered her to do so to protect his business relations.</p> - -<p>As her train of admirers increased day by day, Consollas became sulky -and morose, his churlishness casting a damper on the mirth of the young -people. But the lad continued to haunt the dainty creature, seldom -uttering a word, content to devour her with his eyes.</p> - -<p>Finding it impossible to drive the boor away, the coterie of young -folks finally accepted his presence as a necessary evil and ignored -him altogether—a course that was much more to the liking of the -dull-witted youth than the thrusts and jests he had been too slow to -parry or return.</p> - -<p>When the alarm had been raised, young Consollas' pony was tied to the -rail in front of his father's store.</p> - -<p>Immediately upon learning its cause, the latter had whispered eagerly -to his son:</p> - -<p>"Lively, Fred, onto your horse and stop the runaway! You'll never have -another such opportunity! You'll save her life, boy, and she'll be -grateful."</p> - -<p>Slow of comprehension usually, in this instance the fellow was quick to -see the point and vaulted into the saddle—with what result the reader -already knows. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>As he beheld the girl snatched from a terrible death by the hands of -another, a great rage burned in his heart. In his ears, the words of -his father, "you'll save her life and she'll be grateful" kept ringing. -But instead of being grateful to him she would be grateful to the -handsome stranger and his jealousy pictured the rest.</p> - -<p>No incident of the scene between the rescued girl, her father and the -rescuers had escaped his eye. As he heard the banker's offer and the -stranger's retort, a malignant grin overspread his ugly countenance, -only to disappear the next instant at the expression on Sally's face as -she ran to join her father.</p> - -<p>With a savage oath, Consollas wheeled his pony, rowelling the animal -viciously with his spurs, and dashed off to the store.</p> - -<p>But his father had witnessed the abortive attempt of his son and when -the latter burst into his private office, he checked his wild words, -waving him to a chair.</p> - -<p>"It's too bad, Fred, you didn't do better," he began, but the lad -blurted:</p> - -<p>"Too bad? I'll be the laughing stock of the Springs and it'll be your -fault because you told me to get on my pony. The people have gone crazy -over those strangers."</p> - -<p>Surprised at the vicious ring in his son's voice, the elder Consollas -watched him a few minutes before continuing:</p> - -<p>"What I was going to say was that while it was too bad you couldn't -have saved the girl yourself, we can take the wind out of those men's -sails." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How?" snapped the fellow, his dull eyes brightening.</p> - -<p>"Just close the transom over my door and I'll tell you. That's it, now -draw your chair up closer to mine. What I'm going to say is for your -ears alone."</p> - -<p>Wondering what scheme had been evolved in his father's brain, the youth -obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Did you notice anything about the horse that brown bearded man rode?" -whispered the storekeeper.</p> - -<p>"No," returned Fred, more mystified than ever.</p> - -<p>"Where are your eyes, boy? <i>That horse is the living image of my roan -mare, Betty!</i>"</p> - -<p>As the elder Consollas breathed the significant words, he scanned the -face of his son for some gleam of intelligence.</p> - -<p>Several moments the youth blinked his eyes, then slowly they shone with -the light of understanding and excitedly he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"They stole the horse, you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Good boy. We'll raise the cry that my mare has disappeared. While -you're riding to the pasture to drive Betty into the woods, I'll drop -down to the tent where the strangers are, look at their ponies and -swear that the roan is mine.</p> - -<p>"The people will do the rest. There's only one end for horse thieves -and that's the hangman's noose.</p> - -<p>"The rescue will be forgotten when your rival is dangling from a tree."</p> - -<p>The plot met with the unqualified approval of the lad and his toad-like -body quivered with excitement.</p> - -<p>"Now be off to the pasture," commanded his father. And as Fred galloped -away to drive the mare into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> woods, the storekeeper picked up his -hat and set forth to attend to his part of the dirty business.</p> - -<p>Around the unsuspecting outlaws was an admiring gallery of men and -women, the latter predominating.</p> - -<p>Forcing his way through them till he reached the horses, the elder -Consollas approached Jesse's, eyeing the splendid creature critically.</p> - -<p>Several acquaintances spoke to him, but without noticing them, he -opened the mare's mouth and looked at her teeth.</p> - -<p>Summoning an angry expression, the storekeeper turned to the bandits -and demanded:</p> - -<p>"Where did you get that roan?"</p> - -<p>Taken aback by the abruptness of the question, the great outlaw stared -at his interrogator blankly.</p> - -<p>"Afraid to tell, eh?" snarled the storekeeper. "I don't wonder."</p> - -<p>Amazed at the words, three or four of the onlookers asked:</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble? Anything wrong?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Wrong?</i> Well, rather. That's my roan mare, Betty! She was stolen from -my pasture last night!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter III.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE PLOT PROVES A BOOMERANG.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>No greater consternation could have been caused among the witnesses to -the accusation had a bomb exploded in their midst.</p> - -<p>Aghast at the seriousness of the charge, the men and women fell back, -glancing from the outlaws to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> Consollas. Then angry murmurs rose from -their throats and several of the men stepped forward, menacingly, while -from those at the rear of the crowd broke the cry:</p> - -<p>"Horse thieves! Horse thieves!"</p> - -<p>In a twinkling, the shout was taken up by those passing till it echoed -from one end of the campground to the other.</p> - -<p>Seizing ropes and guns, men rushed from their tents, eager to take a -hand in the execution of the miscreants.</p> - -<p>And in less time than it takes to tell it, the outlaws were surrounded -by a hostile, threatening mob.</p> - -<p>Realizing that the moments were crucial, Jesse sprang at his accuser, -clutching him by the throat and shook him as a terrier does a rat.</p> - -<p>"You lie—and you know you lie!" he thundered. "That mare was bought in -Kansas City and I can prove it.</p> - -<p>"What your reason is for accusing me, I don't know. But I <i>do</i> know -you've got to tell these people you lied when you said the mare was -yours! Now speak up lively!" And with a parting shake, he released -Consollas' throat that he might obey.</p> - -<p>But instead, the moment the storekeeper felt the terrible grip about -his neck relax, he yelled:</p> - -<p>"Help! Help! It's my m—"</p> - -<p>With a look of terrible fury as he heard the words, the famous -desperado's powerful right shot out, driving the false utterance back -into Consollas' mouth as it struck him full in the face, and sent him -to the ground like a log. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Seize him! Seize him!" yelled the mob, surging forward as the merchant -fell.</p> - -<p>But the great outlaw was ready for them.</p> - -<p>Whipping out his trusty "Colts," he cried:</p> - -<p>"The first man who steps into this clearing about me will pay for his -rashness with his life!"</p> - -<p>The situation was grave.</p> - -<p>The storekeeper had a reputation for probity and many an one of the -sojourners at the Springs knew that he possessed a roan mare.</p> - -<p>Furthermore, no one knew the three strangers, whence they came or -what was their business, save the meagre information vouchsafed by -the bandit-chieftain, and horse-thieves were not confined to any -one class. The fact that the outlaws were armed with knives as well -as shooting-irons and were so perfectly at ease in their use had -not failed to impress the patrons of the resort and free were their -comments.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the men bore themselves with confidence and -assurance, characteristics that the popular mind did not associate with -horse-thieves. Their clothes were of the finest quality, and they had -the appearance of men of means.</p> - -<p>But Consollas' accusation had been direct and unequivocal.</p> - -<p>In the crowd he had many friends and these, when they saw the merchant -felled, clamoured for the capture of the outlaws.</p> - -<p>Yet no one was eager to make the attempt for Frank and Clell had placed -themselves back to back against their leader, keeping the mob at bay in -the other directions. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p>Smiling at the respect for their weapons, Jesse determined to make the -most of his enemy's silence.</p> - -<p>"Do we look like men who would steal horses?" he demanded, appealing to -the crowd. "We can buy all we want and—"</p> - -<p>"Prove it!" cried a voice.</p> - -<p>"With pleasure," laughed the great outlaw and slipping one of his -revolvers in a pocket he drew from another a fat roll of bills and -peeled off several of large denomination, waving them about him. "And -my friends are equally well supplied."</p> - -<p>Acting on the hint, his two companions displayed their money.</p> - -<p>The effect was instantaneous.</p> - -<p>It seemed preposterous that men so amply supplied with funds would run -the risk incurred in stealing horses and several in the crowd were not -slow to say so.</p> - -<p>Quick to take advantage of the reaction of feeling, Jesse continued:</p> - -<p>"Do we look like fools enough to steal a horse belonging to an -inhabitant of Monegaw Springs and then pitch our tent right here where -any who pass can see our animals?"</p> - -<p>"No, you don't," chorused several.</p> - -<p>"I hope not," grinned the famous desperado. "Another point, you'll -notice this man, whoever he is—"</p> - -<p>"Consollas," prompted one of the crowd.</p> - -<p>"This Consollas only laid claim to <i>one</i> of our horses," continued the -bandit-chieftain. "If <i>I</i> appropriated one of his ponies, why didn't my -companions help themselves?"</p> - -<p>The argument caught the people and, to make his vindication convincing, -Jesse cried: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>"If this man <i>has</i> lost a horse by thieves, I'm willing to lead a posse -to hunt them."</p> - -<p>"Good man! I'll go with you! That's the stuff! You're all right!" came -from many throats, and leaving the still unconscious storekeeper where -he lay, the crowd trooped off, the bandits at their head, to secure -their mounts.</p> - -<p>Unwilling to use their thoroughbreds in the condition in which they -were after the harsh treatment to which they had been subjected, the -three desperadoes asked for other horses and the very men who had been -most eager to hang them were the most importunate in urging them to -accept some of theirs.</p> - -<p>"You won't accuse us of stealing 'em if we ride 'em, will you?" grinned -Frank.</p> - -<p>The thrust took with the crowd, putting them in rare good humour and, -laughing and chatting, they rode forth to hunt the thieves.</p> - -<p>By tacit agreement, the leadership of the posse was yielded to the -world-famous desperado.</p> - -<p>"Which way do we take to get to Consollas' farms?" he asked as they -gained the highway.</p> - -<p>"To the right," came the answer while others protested that it would be -only a waste of time to go there.</p> - -<p>But Jesse insisted that he wished to question the farm hands to get a -description of the thieves and to learn the time when the mare had been -missed and where she was when last seen and the others withdrew their -objections.</p> - -<p>Setting a smart pace, the bandit-chieftain, his pals on each side, and -the posse were "burning up" the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> road when they beheld a cloud of dust -ahead of them from which, as it drew nearer, emerged a horseman.</p> - -<p>"Halt! We'll see who is it who's in such a hurry," commanded the great -outlaw.</p> - -<p>Drawing rein, the posse spread out across the highway, eagerly watching -the approaching rider.</p> - -<p>Suddenly one of the men in front ejaculated:</p> - -<p>"Why, it's Fred Consollas!"</p> - -<p>Apparently at the same time, the son of the storekeeper had recognized -the form of his hated rival for he pulled his pony to its haunches, -then whirled it and started back over the way he had come.</p> - -<p>The action mystified the members of the posse and they shouted to the -fellow to stop.</p> - -<p>But the only effect of their words was to make Fred ride the faster.</p> - -<p>"There's some crooked business about this," snapped Clell.</p> - -<p>Impressed with the idea, Jesse rose in his stirrups and fired a bullet -over the youth's head, shouting:</p> - -<p>"If you don't stop, the next one will knock you out of your saddle."</p> - -<p>A craven at heart, Fred Consollas thought more of saving his skin than -of the danger of the discovery of the plot and quickly reined in.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing here?" demanded the leader of the bandits as he and -his posse overtook the fear-trembling lad.</p> - -<p>His voice was stern and he bit off his words ominously.</p> - -<p>Vainly searching the faces surrounding him, Fred stammered:</p> - -<p>"I was l-looking for the mare." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The roan your father said was stolen?" pursued the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>"U-huh."</p> - -<p>"Then why were you going back to the Springs?"</p> - -<p>"To see father."</p> - -<p>"Did you learn anything about the thieves?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"What's the use of wasting time over the boy?" snapped Frank. "He -doesn't look as though he knew enough to tell whether the mare was -stolen or not. Let him go on his way."</p> - -<p>"Not much," returned Jesse, noting the look of relief that had appeared -in Fred's eyes at his brother's words. "We'll take him with us.</p> - -<p>"Take your place beside me, boy. All ready, men."</p> - -<p>Three or four miles the posse rode in silence, then, rounding a turn in -the highway, they caught sight of a farmhouse and buildings which the -supposed miners were told were Consollas'.</p> - -<p>Increasing their speed, the posse galloped along when all at once a -shrill neigh sounded from the woods beside them and directly a horse -broke through the underbrush and stopped with its head over the fence.</p> - -<p>"That's the roan! That's Consollas' mare!" cried several voices at once.</p> - -<p>Amazed, the great outlaw ordered a halt, then demanded:</p> - -<p>"Are you sure?"</p> - -<p>"Positive. I'd know her anywhere," chorused several of the surprised -members of the posse.</p> - -<p>For a moment Jesse looked at the animal intently. In general form and -colour she resembled his own,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> back at the camp-ground, but none of the -fine points of the thoroughbred did she possess.</p> - -<p>Turning full upon the ashen-hued youth, the world-famous bandit -snarled, with a blood-curdling oath:</p> - -<p>"Is that the mare your father accused me of stealing?"</p> - -<p>Too terrified at the demeanor of the wrathful man before him to realize -the pitfall in the question, Consollas blurted:</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>A buzz of amazed exchange of opinions had broken from the men in the -party at the unexpected appearance of the roan, but at Jesse's question -they grew silent.</p> - -<p>"When did you leave the Springs?"</p> - -<p>"About an hour and a half ago."</p> - -<p>"Then you couldn't have heard your father claim my mare as his."</p> - -<p>The utterance produced a sensation among the posse. But ere they could -recover from it, the inquisitor roared:</p> - -<p>"If you weren't at the camp ground, how did you know your father -accused me?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't," growled the boy.</p> - -<p>"But you just said you did. When I asked you if that mare by the fence -was the one your father charged me with stealing, you said 'yes.' <i>Now, -how did you know if you weren't at the camp ground?</i>"</p> - -<p>Realizing when it was too late, that he had been trapped, the fellow -maintained a sullen silence.</p> - -<p>"Answer me!" bellowed Jesse.</p> - -<p>But the lad only cowered in his saddle.</p> - -<p>"There's dirty work somewhere," declared Jesse,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> addressing his -companions, "and I intend to find out <i>where</i>.</p> - -<p>"Now, sirrah, will you answer me?" and he thrust the muzzle of his -six-shooter against the youth's head.</p> - -<p>"Don't kill him! He's foolish!" cried a voice.</p> - -<p>"Then let him answer," retorted the great outlaw. "No one can accuse me -of being a horse thief and get away with it when the stolen nag is in -her own pasture all the time.</p> - -<p>"<i>There's something at the bottom of all this and I intend to find it -out!</i>"</p> - -<p>Acquiescing in the justice of Jesse's stand, the others stared at the -quaking boy.</p> - -<p>"You'd best make a clean breast of it," counselled the -bandit-chieftain, "you won't get any aid from these gentlemen.</p> - -<p>"Just tell me how you knew I was to be accused."</p> - -<p>An instant the helpless conspirator said nothing.</p> - -<p>With a wink at the members of the posse, Jesse clicked the hammer of -his "Colt."</p> - -<p>"Spare me! Spare me!" groaned Fred. "I'll tell. I'll tell." And -hurriedly he blurted the details of the plot to discredit the rescuers.</p> - -<p>Incredulous, the men stared at one another as the story was told.</p> - -<p>Unwilling to believe that the merchant would stoop to such an act, they -examined the boy with a merciless fire of cross-questions.</p> - -<p>But the lad doggedly maintained he was telling the truth and when at -last the members of the posse were reluctantly forced to believe, their -anger at the dastardly plot knew no bounds.</p> - -<p>"Lynch him! Shoot him!" rang from many a throat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> as the men urged their -horses forward that they might lay hands on the wretch.</p> - -<p>Enraged as he was, the great bandit cried:</p> - -<p>"Steady, men, steady! The lad isn't so much to blame as his father."</p> - -<p>Realizing the truth of the words, the thief-hunters dropped back, -waiting for their orders, muttering angry threats against the plotters.</p> - -<p>Strange indeed was the caprice of fate that had made the man he had -striven to wrong so grievously his defender, yet such had the brown -bearded desperado become.</p> - -<p>Terrified by the black looks about him, Fred moved closer to his -protector's side.</p> - -<p>After a short interval, during which Jesse had consulted with Clell and -Frank, the men grew restless, demanding that the lad be given to them.</p> - -<p>The world-famous desperado, however, had other plans.</p> - -<p>"Some of you ride back to the Springs and get Consollas. Get some tar -and feathers and a big kettle at the same time.</p> - -<p>"We'll give the precious pair a lesson they won't forget right away."</p> - -<p>The suggestion met with noisy approval and quickly a score or more of -the posse dashed off to find the merchant and the stuff necessary for -the torture while the others set about erecting a tripod for the kettle -and gathering firewood.</p> - -<p>Consollas' plot had proved a boomerang.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter IV.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">YOUNG ROZIER MAKES A STARTLING DISCOVERY.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>As the members of the posse who had been sent back to the Springs -neared the village the clouds of dust kicked up by their horses were -seen.</p> - -<p>"Here they come! They've got the thieves!" shouted several of the more -excitable loungers.</p> - -<p>From lip to lip, the word was passed along that the posse was returning -with the miscreants who had stolen Consollas' roan and when the -horsemen drew rein in front of the merchant's store they were greeted -by every man, woman and child who was able to get to the square, on -which all the shops were located.</p> - -<p>Throwing their reins over their ponies' heads, the volunteers leaped to -the ground and ran into Consollas' place of business, never pausing to -answer the bombardment of questions hurled at them by the crowd when it -was discovered that only part of the posse had returned and without any -prisoners.</p> - -<p>But the merchant was not in his shop.</p> - -<p>"Where's your boss?" snapped one of the men of the frightened clerks -who were gathered in one corner, watching the search of the intruders.</p> - -<p>"He hasn't been here for two hours or more," responded one of them.</p> - -<p>"Don't lie!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That's the solemn truth," asserted another. "He has not come back -since he left just after Fred."</p> - -<p>Satisfied that the employes were not deceiving them, the spokesman of -the posse ordered four of his men to remain in the store, against the -return of the elder Consollas, telling the others to follow him to the -tent where the merchant had made his accusation and had been knocked -unconscious by Jesse's terrific blow.</p> - -<p>Mystified by the actions of the men who had set out to apprehend the -supposed horse thieves, the crowd surged about them as they emerged -from the store, demanding enlightenment.</p> - -<p>An effective barrier between the posse and their ponies, they resisted -the attempts of the men to force their way through.</p> - -<p>Flushing with anger, fearing that should he tell them the facts some -of the shopkeeper's friends might warn him, giving him the chance to -escape, the spokesman consulted with his fellows before replying:</p> - -<p>"When we get Consollas we'll tell you everything. The sooner we lay -hands on him, the sooner you'll know."</p> - -<p>By making the one contingent upon the other, the leader of the posse -had still further roused the curiosity of the sojourners at the Springs.</p> - -<p>And the shrewdness of the move was quickly apparent.</p> - -<p>"Everybody hunt for Consollas," cried a voice from the crowd.</p> - -<p>Instantly men, women and children turned and scurried in all -directions, bent on locating the storekeeper while the horsemen vaulted -into their saddles and dashed for the campground. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<p>But when they arrived at the spot where they had left the unconscious -merchant he was nowhere to be seen.</p> - -<p>With ejaculations of disappointment they began to question the -occupants of the nearby tents.</p> - -<p>One after another declared that they had not seen Consollas, explaining -that they had either followed the crowd to see the posse start and had -only just returned or had been too busy to notice.</p> - -<p>In despair, the searchers gave up the task, going back to where they -had left their mounts when a little girl ran up.</p> - -<p>"I seen the man," she piped in her excited, childish voice, "he got up -jes' as the mens rode away. He looked roun' 's though he was lost an' -rubbed his head an' felt of his nose. He said an awful word an' got -up. I was standin' watchin' him an' when he seen me, he asked what had -happened. When I tole him he said some more bad words an' runned into -the woods."</p> - -<p>By the time the little girl had finished her story she was the centre -of an excited throng.</p> - -<p>"That settles all chance of getting the sneak for the present," -declared the leader of the squad of man-hunters. "All we can do is to -wait till he comes back—if he ever does, which I doubt."</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble? Tell us what he did!" clamoured the crowd.</p> - -<p>"You might as well, Jeff," chorused several of the posse.</p> - -<p>Mounting his horse, that he might the better be heard, the man quickly -narrated the meeting with the vanished merchant's son, his actions, the -appearance of the roan and Fred's confession. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> - -<p>As each amazing statement in the story was made, the people expressed -their opinions in no uncertain terms, breaking out into cries for -vengeance at its completion.</p> - -<p>"Let's sack the shop!" suggested some one.</p> - -<p>Eagerly was the idea seized and with angry murmurings, like the growls -of some gigantic beast of prey enraged, the crowd started toward the -store.</p> - -<p>"Hold on!" yelled the spokesman. "Don't do that! We're going to tar and -feather Fred and old Consollas—if we can catch him! If you want to do -anything, get feathers. We'll take out the tar and a cauldron."</p> - -<p>Few of the men and women had ever witnessed such a punishment, and, -inspired with the desire to be present, they rushed in all directions, -some to get horses and teams to carry them to where the strangers with -their prisoner were waiting, others to get feathers, but most of them -to strike a short cut to the pasture.</p> - -<p>Only one of the Roziers, the son, who bore the same name as his father, -a chap about twenty years of age, swelled with the wealth and prestige -of his family, had been in the crowd.</p> - -<p>As it dispersed, he rushed to acquaint the others with the startling -information of the plot and the penalty that was to be inflicted.</p> - -<p>With characteristic assumption of prescience, the banker declared that -he had always suspected there was a yellow streak in the merchant and -set out to find a lawyer that he might attach the goods in the store -immediately to protect some notes of Consollas that his bank held. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<p>But to the dainty Sally, the punishment seemed cruel and unmerited.</p> - -<p>"I'm going out to see if I can't save Fred," she announced, springing -to her feet and arranging the habit she still wore, after which she -gave a few deft touches to her hair.</p> - -<p>"You'll do nothing of the sort," contradicted her mother, sharply. "The -idea of the presumptuous clout thinking you would marry him!" And she -gave a sniff more eloquent than words.</p> - -<p>"That's just why I'm going. The poor fellow isn't all there in his head -or he would never have thought of such a thing and it isn't right to do -such dreadful things to a half-witted creature."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Rozier, however, was firm in her refusal to allow her daughter to -interfere in the business and her stand was endorsed by her son who -protested that Fred had brought ridicule enough on the family without -Sally's adding to it by interceding for him.</p> - -<p>"Then if I can't go, I'll send a note to Mr. Howard. I don't think -he'll refuse my request," she flashed, and, before either her mother or -brother could prevent, darted from the house which they had rented in a -location close to the square.</p> - -<p>"You must go after her, Forman. I never heard of such a thing. If you -don't catch her, ride out to where this horrible business is to take -place. You can stand beside Mr. Howard and if anyone tries to give -him Sally's note you can take it, telling him that it was written in -a burst of impulse and that now Sally regrets it and wishes it back -unread."</p> - -<p>Bidding his mother not to worry, that he would intercept the missive, -young Rozier ran to the barn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> to get his pony and was soon riding hard -in the direction of the farm.</p> - -<p>Rushing into a store, his sister had begged some paper, ink and an -envelope and hurriedly wrote:</p> - -<blockquote><p>"My dear Mr. Howard:</p> - -<p>A man so brave as you can afford to be generous to his enemies. -Fred is only half-witted and isn't as much to blame as his father.</p> - -<p>Won't you <i>please</i>, at the request of the girl whose life you -saved, spare the poor fellow the awful punishment?</p> - -<p>I'll do anything you ask in return.</p> - -<p class="right">Anxiously and gratefully,<span class="s3"> </span><br /> -Sally Rozier."</p></blockquote> - -<p>Little realizing the rash length to which her sympathetic nature had -led her, the girl sealed the envelope, addressed it and darting onto -the street, gave it to a man she knew, who was passing, with the -request that he give it with his own hands as soon as possible to Mr. -Thomas Howard.</p> - -<p>Surprised at the entreaty, her acquaintance, nevertheless, promised to -deliver it and urged his horse into a fast gallop.</p> - -<p>Intent upon recovering the note, young Rozier asked every one whom -he overtook if they bore a letter from his sister to Mr. Howard, -apparently forgetting that by so doing he was but increasing the -scandal he wished to avoid by making the existence of such a -communication known.</p> - -<p>Those to whom he put the surprising question could truthfully deny all -knowledge of the note, which they did, for the messenger was behind the -banker's son,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> and as he rode on, they discussed the latest development -with their companions with great gusto.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the scene of preparations, young Rozier quickly tied his -pony and then took his place by the side of the world-famous outlaw -masquerading as Tom Howard.</p> - -<p>The members of the posse had returned with the cauldron and tar and -each arrival seemed to be provided with a bag of feathers, so rapidly -did the pile accumulate.</p> - -<p>Standing by the tripod from which the kettle was suspended, Jesse and -Frank superintended the melting of the tar while Clell stood guard over -the sobbing victim in some underbrush where the bandit-chieftain had -sent him that he might be spared the stares and comments of the crowd.</p> - -<p>As those whom the banker's son had asked about the note arrived, -they quickly informed the others already on the ground, embellishing -the news as they saw fit and soon everyone was aware that some -communication of importance was on the way concerning Fred Consollas.</p> - -<p>Finding the time required for the heating of the tar irksome, the crowd -fell to speculating on the contents of the mysterious letter. Some -declared it was a plea for mercy, others that it advocated more drastic -punishment. The adherents of the former idea offered to back their -opinions with coin of the realm and those of the latter persuasion -snapped up the money, announcing their willingness to wager more that, -if it should prove to be a request for clemency, Howard would not heed -it.</p> - -<p>So excited did the factions become that they failed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> to see the -messenger approach the outlaw and the banker's son and it was not till -they heard the angry voice of the latter exclaim:</p> - -<p>"As a member of the family I demand that note before you open it!" that -they knew the document had arrived.</p> - -<p>Instantly a hush fell on the assemblage and they craned their necks the -better to hear and see all that transpired.</p> - -<p>Jesse, Frank, the messenger and young Rozier were beside the smoking -kettle.</p> - -<p>The bearer of the note held it firmly in his hand, resisting the effort -of the writer's brother to secure it.</p> - -<p>"It was given to me to deliver to Mr. Howard and I shall do so unless -he orders otherwise," declared the former.</p> - -<p>"Tell him to give it to me," cried young Rozier. "Can't you understand -it will com—"</p> - -<p>"You'll do more harm by talking than by letting me receive it," -interrupted the bandit-chieftain. "You've got everybody listening and -watching now."</p> - -<p>"I don't care. I <i>will</i> have that letter!" stormed the banker's son.</p> - -<p>Angered at the tone of the remonstrant, Jesse quickly put an end to -the wrangle by seizing him by the shoulder and sending him spinning -into the bushes while with his other hand he took the note from the -messenger.</p> - -<p>Murmurs of excitement rose from the crowd but they died away as the -famous desperado tore open the flap of the envelope.</p> - -<p>Taking out the enclosure, Jesse read it carefully,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> refolded it, put -it back in the envelope and placed both in the inside pocket of his -waistcoat.</p> - -<p>Breathlessly the throng watched Frank approach.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," returned his brother, with a slight quiver of his left -eyelid that only Frank could see.</p> - -<p>Young Rozier had been within earshot and as the stranger had made his -reply, he shook with anger.</p> - -<p>He had thought only of the ridicule to which his family would be -subjected because of his sister's intercession, but that her appeal -should be treated so lightly wounded his pride.</p> - -<p>But this pride was destined to a more severe shock when Jesse called:</p> - -<p>"Bring up Consollas. The tar's ready!"</p> - -<p>"You mean that <i>you</i> refuse a Rozier's request?" snarled the fellow, -his rage overcoming his discretion.</p> - -<p>"Keep your tongue in your head or I'll give you a coat of feathers, -too," snapped the great outlaw. And the expression on his face told the -banker's son that he meant what he said and the youth subsided.</p> - -<p>In such a state of terror that he could not walk, the victim was -dragged to the cauldron by Clell.</p> - -<p>The sharp breathing of the spectators proved intense excitement.</p> - -<p>Looking over the crowd, Jesse frowned.</p> - -<p>"There are so many women 'round that we can't strip him," he exclaimed -as he took Consollas by the collar of his coat and swung him to the -side of the kettle. "We'll give him a thin coat next his skin and lay -it on thick over his clothes. Loosen 'em, Sam; Hal, get some feathers."</p> - -<p>Quickly were his commands obeyed. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<p>When all was ready, the world famous desperado, masquerading as Tom -Howard, mine owner, reached out his right hand and lifted a ladle full -of the redolent tar from the cauldron.</p> - -<p>Barely melted, it was not hot enough to more than sting as it touched -the skin.</p> - -<p>But as Fred saw the black liquid thrust toward his shirt whose collar -Clell held open, his terror lent him the strength of a wild man.</p> - -<p>Twisting and squirming, he made a grab for Jesse's beard.</p> - -<p>With a furious oath, the great outlaw let go the lad's collar and -struck him a blow in the face that sent him sprawling into the embers -of the fire beneath the kettle.</p> - -<p>A gasp of dismay broke from the crowd.</p> - -<p>But in a trice Jesse had his victim out of the coals and again brought -the ladle to his neck.</p> - -<p>Fearing a repetition of his struggle, Frank held him tight.</p> - -<p>Quickly the bandit-chieftain poured the molten tar inside his clothes, -repeating the movement three times.</p> - -<p>Yelling at the top of his lungs, Consollas writhed.</p> - -<p>"Close his mouth with feathers, then jam some down into the tar," -snapped Jesse.</p> - -<p>Quickly, Clell obeyed.</p> - -<p>Fred's contortions redoubled. The soft fluffy things got down his -throat and he spluttered frantically.</p> - -<p>Again was the ladle thrust into the cauldron and the contents thrown on -his clothes.</p> - -<p>The writhings of the luckless youth amused the crowd and they howled -and chuckled with glee.</p> - -<p>"Duck him in the kettle," cried a score of voices. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p>Acting on the suggestion, the famous desperado lifted his victim from -the ground and doused him in the tar.</p> - -<p>But as he was thrust down into the cauldron, Consollas made a ferocious -grab for his tormentor.</p> - -<p>And this time his fingers clutched the hair in Jesse's false beard.</p> - -<p>Releasing his hold of his coat, the bandit-chieftain seized his wrists -in such a terrible grip, boring his spike like thumbs between the -cords, that the lad let go with a shriek of agony.</p> - -<p>The wires by which the whiskers were attached had held yet the sudden -yank had drawn the beard from Jesse's face for an instant before he -could bend forward and end the strain.</p> - -<p>"A—ha!" exclaimed a voice, amazed and gloating, behind him.</p> - -<p>Only Frank and Clell were close to him and the ejaculation made Jesse -start.</p> - -<p>With a suppressed oath, he whirled to see who had uttered it.</p> - -<p>But no one was in sight.</p> - -<p>Yet had the outlaws rushed into the bushes, they would have seen young -Rozier stealthily working his way through them till he reached the spot -where he had left his pony, then hastily untie it, mount and dash away -for the Springs.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter V.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">GATHERING CLOUDS.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>More wrought up by the incident than he cared to let even Frank and -Clell see, Jesse cursed savagely to himself as he turned his attention -again to his victim in the tar kettle.</p> - -<p>The buzz that rose from the assemblage told him that the men and women -were aware that something had happened though their ignorance of -exactly what was disclosed by cries of "Did he hurt you? Did he knife -you?" that came from all directions.</p> - -<p>"Thank goodness, they're not next," breathed Clell while his chief, -straightening as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, -responded: "He only pulled out a few whiskers."</p> - -<p>Assured that their hero had received no injury, the crowd considered -the matter a huge joke and laughed boisterously, offering all sorts of -advice for the restoration of the beard.</p> - -<p>But the great outlaw was in no mood for jesting. That someone had -discovered that his whiskers were false the exclamation disclosed and -the consequences might be far-reaching, especially as both he and his -pals were ignorant of who had uttered it.</p> - -<p>Consollas had ceased to struggle and was watching his tormentors with -fascinated eyes.</p> - -<p>"Give a hand here, boys," commanded Jesse. "We'll get this business -through and go back to camp as soon as we can." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Dump the feathers in a pile and we'll chuck the runt into them."</p> - -<p>Quickly Clell sprang to the heap of bags, emptying them of their -contents, while Frank laid hold of one shoulder of Fred's coat.</p> - -<p>"Lift," exclaimed the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>With all their strength, the two outlaws pulled at the boy. For a -moment he did not move, held fast by the cooling tar, then the strain -told, and, with a loud sucking noise, he was hauled from the kettle.</p> - -<p>A moment the desperadoes held him in the air that the crowd might see -the unfortunate lad.</p> - -<p>Covered with the shiny, glistening tar from his neck to the soles of -his shoes, with generous daubs on his cheeks and in his hair, his -appearance was ludicrous.</p> - -<p>Howls of delight broke from the throats of the men and women and even -Jesse was forced to smile at the forlorn sight.</p> - -<p>"Get a firm hold so we can swing him," he directed his brother then -raising his voice, addressed his victim: "I'm sorry we haven't got your -father as well as you. Let this be a lesson to you. The next time you -think of charging respectable strangers with stealing horses, don't do -it. You may not get off so easily."</p> - -<p>And while the people laughed at the advice, the great outlaw nodded -to Frank, they swung Consollas back and forth several times to gain -momentum, then sent him swirling, head over heels, into the stack of -feathers.</p> - -<p>As the fluffy things closed over him, the crowd cheered, rushing -forward to join in the fun of rolling the lad about in them.</p> - -<p>Struggling to his feet, Fred screamed and tore at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> the mass of tar and -feathers, looking for all the world like some monster fledgling.</p> - -<p>But his breathing spell was short. Grasping him by the heels, the men -tumbled him into the heap again, repeating the performance as fast as -he could scramble out.</p> - -<p>"This'll be a good time to break away," suggested the brother of the -bandit-chieftain as he watched the wild frolic.</p> - -<p>"Right," returned Jesse and, without attracting attention to -themselves, the three outlaws went to their horses, mounted and headed -for the Springs.</p> - -<p>Riding for a while in silence, when they were out of sight of the -pasture Frank demanded:</p> - -<p>"What was in that note?"</p> - -<p>"A request from Miss Rozier," replied his brother and, taking the note -from his pocket, he read it.</p> - -<p>"Phew!" ejaculated Clell, "so she's sweet on the booby, eh? I'll bet -old Rozier 'll try to make trouble for us for paying no attention to -the appeal. He seems to think he's 'it' with a big I."</p> - -<p>"Let him if he wants to. I've got a scheme to fix him all right, all -right. What's worrying me at the present moment is who the person was -who cried out when Consollas pulled my beard."</p> - -<p>The matter that was uppermost in the minds of each thus broached, the -trio discussed it from all sides. Well were they aware that if the -unknown had really noticed the whiskers move from Jesse's face, their -positions would be like that of men living among buried powder mines -whose exact location they did not know—an explosion might come at any -time.</p> - -<p>The opinion that the exclamation was but the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>utterance of some -overwrought spectator was hazarded. But the great outlaw disposed of -it by asserting that the tone was that of some enemy gloating over an -important discovery and his pals accepted his view.</p> - -<p>"I don't like it," declared Frank at last. "If you take my advice, -Jess, you'll break camp tonight. We've got trouble enough without -exposing ourselves to hidden danger."</p> - -<p>"I know that," returned his brother, "but to go away now would be -the worst possible move. If the people of the Springs should wake up -in the morning and find that we were missing, they would immediately -become suspicious. Whoever it was who saw my beard move, if anyone did, -would jump to the conclusion that we got frightened. He would spread -the story, people would get to discussing it, some one would think of -us and before you could say 'Jack Robinson' the alarm would be sent -broadcast that Jesse James and his men were in the neighborhood and -we'd have another game of hide and seek on our hands which I don't -want, at least not till Cole and Texas show up.</p> - -<p>"We'll just lay low and keep our ears open. We—"</p> - -<p>"By thunder! you don't suppose it was young Rozier, do you?" asked -Clell, interrupting his leader as the thought came to him.</p> - -<p>"Ha! I hadn't thought of him," returned the bandit-chieftain. "If it -were he, we shall know it and mighty soon. Mad as he and his father -will be at my refusal to heed the request of Miss Rozier, they'll soon -show their hands if they have such information.</p> - -<p>"When they do, we can act."</p> - -<p>Never had the great outlaw spoken truer words.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> The banker and his son, -their family pride incensed, showed their hands with a vengeance and in -a manner so unexpected that when the outlaws woke to the reality, there -was time for only the most desperate acts!</p> - -<p>But all unconscious of the impending danger, the three desperadoes rode -into the camp-ground, made their way to their tent, prepared their -supper, ate it and set out to return their borrowed horses.</p> - -<p>His mind inflamed with the slight put upon his sister by the ignoring -of her intercession on behalf of Fred, young Rozier rode his pony like -mad to report the insult to his father that methods might be devised -for the atonement.</p> - -<p>Clattering into the barn, he left his lather-dripping pony to the care -of a groom and burst into the banker's study.</p> - -<p>In no pleasant frame of mind at the disappearance of the merchant whose -notes he had guaranteed, the president of the savings institution was -thrown into a violent rage when his wife had informed him of their -daughter's indiscretion.</p> - -<p>With instructions that his son be sent to him instantly upon his -return, he retired to his den.</p> - -<p>As the sound of the rapid hoof-beats rang in the yard, he sprang to his -feet and was pacing to and fro, like a caged lion, when the lad entered.</p> - -<p>Pausing when the boy closed the door behind him, he snarled:</p> - -<p>"Did you get it?"</p> - -<p>"No." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<p>So furious at the failure that, for a moment, he could only gurgle, the -banker finally blurted:</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>Abashed at his father's wrath, the heir to the Rozier wealth shifted -uneasily from one foot to the other.</p> - -<p>"Speak, you fool!" roared his sire. "I'll wager you botched it—as -you do everything. Take that chair by my desk and tell me why -you didn't recover the note—if you can." And dropping into his -leather-upholstered chair, he glowered at his son.</p> - -<p>Stung to the quick by the sneer in his parent's tone, young Rozier -forgot his fear of the man staring at him and graphically and concisely -related all that had occurred from the time his mother had sent him on -his mission.</p> - -<p>With beetling brows and frequent outbursts of profanity, the banker -listened to the description of the manner in which the supposed miner -had refused to give up the note and his pride-wounding comment that -it's contents were of no importance.</p> - -<p>"He thinks the request of a Rozier is 'nothing,' does he?" he snarled. -"I'll teach him it is very much of a something."</p> - -<p>But his rage was forgotten when his offspring told of Fred's struggle -with his tormentor and the startling incident of the beard.</p> - -<p>"Are you positive that you saw the whiskers clear of his face?" he -demanded. "It might have seemed that way if Consollas pulled out a -handful of hairs."</p> - -<p>"I'm willing to take my oath that the beard is false, sir," returned -the young man.</p> - -<p>From under his bushy brows the banker scrutinized his son's face, -thrumming on his desk the while. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p>What he saw made him believe that the boy was telling the truth to the -best of his knowledge and at last he observed:</p> - -<p>"I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised. I didn't like the man's looks -from the first. He was too impudent when I offered to pay him for -saving Sally, altogether too impudent."</p> - -<p>"Well, you're so much in," rejoined his son, aware of his sire's -weakness. "He might have asked you twenty-five thousand for doing it. -You're lucky to get off so easy."</p> - -<p>"So I am, so I am," repeated the elder man, but his voice sounded far -away and from long experience the heir to his property knew that he was -thinking deeply.</p> - -<p>While the hands of the old-fashioned clock, that stood in one corner of -the study, ticked off a quarter of an hour, the two sat in silence.</p> - -<p>"Have you heard anything about these men being mine owners on their way -to New York to raise capital?" inquired his father at last.</p> - -<p>"Yes. They've told all 'round that they struck it rich in Colorado."</p> - -<p>"They flashed a big roll of bills?"</p> - -<p>"So I hear."</p> - -<p>"Then that's why they're disguised," announced the banker with -characteristic positiveness. "You mark my words, Forman, if these men -have any mines, they obtained them by fraud or perhaps by even killing -the rightful owners.</p> - -<p>"By bringing them to book, we'll get revenge for their insults to our -family."</p> - -<p>"How?" inquired the boy, his eyes big with <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>excitement at the prospect -of proving the strangers criminals.</p> - -<p>But his father was too busy writing to answer him and when he finished, -he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Take this message to the telegraph office and have it rushed. Stay -there till you see the operator send it, then come back to me and I'll -tell you my plan, for I'm going to use you as the decoy to lure our -birds to their destruction."</p> - -<p>Afire with curiosity, nevertheless young Rozier knew his father too -well to linger and hurried to the telegraph office.</p> - -<p>Entering the room, he unfolded the message to read it before giving it -to the sender and as his eyes ran through the lines, he quivered with -amazement.</p> - -<blockquote><p class="right">"Monegaw Springs, Mo.</p> - -<p>Pinkerton Detective Agency,<br /> -<span class="s3"> </span>Kansas City, Mo.</p> - -<p>Send six of your best men to me here immediately. Wire train they -leave on.</p> - -<p class="right">Forman A Rozier."</p></blockquote> - -<p>Obedient to his orders, the young aristocrat waited till the portentous -despatch had been sent, then hurried to his home, eager to learn the -details of the part he was to play.</p> - -<p>Finding his father at supper upon his return, the youth was forced to -curb his curiosity as best he might till the meal, which was served -with pomp and ceremony ill-befitting the country village in which they -were, was at an end.</p> - -<p>Sally, her face and eyes showing traces of weeping, though whether from -the scolding of her mother or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> the refusal of "Mr. Howard" to heed her -appeal only she could tell, ate in silence, answering the few remarks -addressed to her in monosyllables.</p> - -<p>Usually the life of elaborate meals, with her caustic comments on her -companions and merry prattle, her reticence cast a gloom over the -others and they finished the repast as soon as possible.</p> - -<p>"Sally is not to go to the hop tonight," declared the banker to his -wife as he rose from the table. "If anyone calls to see me, I am -engaged, but be sure they leave their names. Come, Forman." And he led -the way to his study, locking the doors and stuffing the key holes with -paper.</p> - -<p>Surprised at the unusual precautions, the boy looked at his father.</p> - -<p>"You never can be too careful about the servants," observed the latter, -interpreting the unasked question.</p> - -<p>"If our talk should be overheard, it might defeat my plans."</p> - -<p>If anything were needed to strain the boy's wonder to the breaking -point, the mysterious words and actions furnished it and eagerly he -demanded:</p> - -<p>"Why have you sent for detectives?"</p> - -<p>"Ah, you read my message," smiled his father. "Well, I suppose it's -natural. I sent for them because I want to use them in the role of -friends of mine of great wealth."</p> - -<p>"Then where do I come in?"</p> - -<p>"Just have patience and I'll tell you," returned the banker, lighting a -cigar.</p> - -<p>"Now listen attentively. If there's anything that isn't clear to you, -ask about it. I've time to explain now, and later I might not have. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In the morning you are to drop around to this 'Howard's' tent. I don't -believe that's his right name, but never mind. You are to forget all -unpleasantness and to act as though you wished to be friendly with him.</p> - -<p>"During the course of your conversation you can mention that you have -heard that he and his companions have some rich mines in Colorado. Ask -him where they are and get him to talk about them as much as he will.</p> - -<p>"And be sure you remember where he says they are."</p> - -<p>"But suppose he won't talk?"</p> - -<p>"Then you are to say that you have some money you want to invest and -that when you heard he was on his way to New York to raise money to buy -some more mines you spoke to me about it and that I told you if Mr. -Howard could prove that the mines were all right, show us his maps, and -by the way, make a special point of that, I would let you put in your -money and might interest some of my friends.</p> - -<p>"In this way, we can find out where the supposed mines are and wire out -there to see if anyone by the name of Howard is known."</p> - -<p>"But if they are swindlers won't they get wise and jump before you can -receive a reply?"</p> - -<p>"Not if I know it. That's where the detectives will come in.</p> - -<p>"When they get here, I shall let it be known that they are capitalists -come to arrange some deals with me. When I have laid the case before -them, we'll call on this Howard, giving as an excuse my supposed -friends' desire to get a chance at the mines. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> - -<p>"When the detectives have seen the strangers, some of them will keep -them under surveillance all the time.</p> - -<p>"If you do your part and find out where the properties are, one of them -will be stationed at the telegraph office to await the reply.</p> - -<p>"Should they take alarm and try to get away, it will be evidence that -they are guilty of fraud and we'll arrest them on the spot. If the -answer proves that the men are what they pretend to be and that the -mines really exist, no one will be the wiser. The detectives can say -they have decided to put their money nearer home and go back to Kansas -City.</p> - -<p>"<i>But I don't believe the answer will say they are known!</i>"</p> - -<p>"Now, is what you are to do clear in your mind?"</p> - -<p>Ere his son could reply, however, there was a knock on the door and a -servant announced that a telegram had arrived for Mr. Rozier.</p> - -<p>Noiselessly removing the paper from the keyhole and unlocking the door, -the banker took the despatch.</p> - -<p>"The messenger boy wants to know if there's any answer," said the maid.</p> - -<p>Hastily tearing open the envelope, the president of the savings -institution glanced at the contents, then replied:</p> - -<p>"Tell him 'no.'"</p> - -<p>When the retreating footsteps of the servant sounded on the hardwood -floor of the hall, the banker turned to his son.</p> - -<p>"It's all right. The message says the men will leave tonight and arrive -about seven in the morning.</p> - -<p>"Now leave me. I have some other matters to attend to. Don't stay out -late to-night for you'll need<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> a clear head and all your wits about you -in the morning.</p> - -<p>"<i>The unmasking of the scoundrels and the revenge for the insults to -our family rest practically on you.</i>"</p> - -<p>Clouds were gathering about the heads of the bandits of which they were -unwitting.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter VI.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE BATTLE OF WITS.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Declining the invitations to tarry a while of the men who had loaned -them their ponies, the outlaws were returning to their tents when they -heard the whistle of an engine.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet that's the evening train," declared Frank. "Let's go down to -the station. Cole and Texas ought to be showing up soon and if they -should, it might mix things up badly if they started to ask questions -in order to find us."</p> - -<p>"Good idea," assented his brother and accordingly the trio turned their -footsteps toward the station.</p> - -<p>The train had brought its usual influx of people come to try the -medicinal waters of the Springs and they were thronging into the town, -some in carriages, others on foot, as the desperadoes turned into the -street that led to the depot.</p> - -<p>Walking slowly, they scanned the faces of the new arrivals.</p> - -<p>At last the rush was over and the forms of only a few belated -stragglers were visible. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Guess the boys didn't come," observed Clell.</p> - -<p>"It doesn't seem—hello, there they are," murmured Jesse hurriedly as -he espied the broad shoulders and familiar, swinging gait of his pals.</p> - -<p>The recognition had been mutual and quickening their steps, Cole and -Texas Jack were soon grasping the hands of their leader.</p> - -<p>Without returning their greetings the famous outlaw whispered:</p> - -<p>"Cole, your name for the present will be Ted Bemis; Jack, yours will be -Ned Haskell." And he told them the aliases with which he had endowed -Frank and Clell and himself, adding, "we're miners from Colorado on the -way to New York to raise the wind to buy more mines."</p> - -<p>These important instructions delivered, the bandit-chieftain, with Cole -at his side, led the way back to their tent, avoiding the square.</p> - -<p>During the walk, the new arrivals were briefly made aware of the -incidents of the day, especially of the exclamation as Jesse's beard -was started from its place that caused them so much anxiety.</p> - -<p>"At a rough guess, I should say it was young what's-his-name," -vouchsafed Cole.</p> - -<p>"Young Rozier, you mean," interposed Clell. "That's my idea, too."</p> - -<p>"Time will tell," said the bandit-chieftain, irritably, for the -annoying lack of positive assurance was getting on his nerves. "But -there's one thing sure and that is the sooner we drop the subject the -better. Some one may overhear us."</p> - -<p>So dark was it as they reached the camp-ground that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> they easily gained -their tent by skirting the park without being seen.</p> - -<p>Cole and Texas had taken their supper on the train so there was no need -of rekindling a fire and the reunited bandits stretched out on blankets -like the spokes of a wheel, their heads forming the hub that they might -be near enough together to converse in low tones.</p> - -<p>When the shooting up of Chouteau and their uneventful journey from -there to the Springs had been narrated, the men fell to discussing -their next move.</p> - -<p>That the health resort was none too safe a place for them, all were -agreed but that was the only point on which they did agree.</p> - -<p>Frank was for striking to the north, into regions unknown to them -and where, in consequence, there would be less chance of their being -recognized.</p> - -<p>To the others, save the world-famous desperado, the suggestion seemed a -good one. But Jesse pointed out that their escapes from capture, narrow -as many of them had been, were due to the fact that their knowledge -of the country in which they had operated was so intimate that they -had been able to give their pursuers the slip, an advantage they would -forfeit should they strike into a section with whose highways and -byways they were unfamiliar.</p> - -<p>"Well, what do you propose instead?" demanded his brother, realizing -from long association with him, that his opposition to the suggestion -was largely because he had already made his plans.</p> - -<p>"I'm not ready to say, just yet. It depends upon what to-morrow brings -forth," returned Jesse. "There's a rich bank in Ste. Genevieve. This -man, Rozier, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> his dandified son stick in my crop and I intend to be -quits with him before I do anything else."</p> - -<p>"I should think you were already," grinned Frank. "You've saved his -daughter, called him down for offering you money and refused the girl's -request to let her sweetheart off from the tar and feathering.</p> - -<p>"I don't know what more you want.</p> - -<p>"If you take my advice, you'll let well enough alone and duck out of -here while we have the chance. I've got a hunch that if we stay here -we're going to get into trouble!"</p> - -<p>With a superstitious respect for his brother's intuitions, the great -outlaw puffed at his pipe in silence for several minutes.</p> - -<p>"I have no right to insist on your remaining here when it's only a -private grudge to be settled," said he at last. "If you boys want to -go into Nebraska, Iowa or even farther north, you may. But mind you, -you are only going to look over the ground, get acquainted with the lay -of the land and find out some likely places to raid. <i>There's to be no -work done till I join you.</i></p> - -<p>"If you can find Bill Chadwell, take him along. He knows every hog path -in that country."</p> - -<p>With their customary desire to be with their idol day and night when -possible, Clell and Cole announced their determination to remain with -him.</p> - -<p>"I'd like to stay and I'd like to go," observed the man from the Lone -Star State. "I've never been so far up north and I've always wanted to."</p> - -<p>"Then go, by all means," assented the bandit-chieftain. "I don't want -Frank to go alone, in case of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> accident. But the two of you ought to be -able to take care of yourselves."</p> - -<p>The matter thus settled, it was decided that the sooner the scouts -started the better. And accordingly they saddled two of the horses, -leaving the roan which had caused so much trouble, and made ready their -clothes.</p> - -<p>"Won't it make the people here ask questions if two men come and two go -at night?" inquired Cole.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'll take care of that," returned his leader. "You boys keep your -wits about you. We'll meet at the cave at Sni Mills in five weeks. Mind -the time.</p> - -<p>"Good bye and good luck."</p> - -<p>And watching his pals until they disappeared in the woods, Jesse pegged -down the flap of the tent, buttoned it and prepared for turning in.</p> - -<p>At the saloons and in the gambling dens, the bandits were the chief -topic of conversation. The wildest fabrications of imagination found -ready believers. Some of those more under the influence of liquor -than others asserted they had known the rich miners when they were -grub-staking and prospecting in the mountains.</p> - -<p>Every time the doors of the entrance swung open, an expectant hush fell -on the inmates as they turned toward them to see if the arrivals should -be the men about whom they were talking, only to be disappointed. -Wondrous tales of their drinking and gambling abilities were told by -their self-styled acquaintances and confidently these promised their -fellows that before the night was out they would see goings on that -would open their eyes. But as midnight came without any signs of the -subjects of the stories, those who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> swallowed the yarns began -to grow skeptical and many a fight was the result of their freely -expressed doubts.</p> - -<p>Those who thronged to the dancing pavilion in the hope that they might -see the heroes of the rescue at close range, perhaps even manage to -secure them as partners, were likewise disappointed at the failure -of the outlaws to show themselves. Many a maiden who had made her -toilet with elaborate care that it might attract the attention of the -rumor-created millionaires vented her vexation on her favourite swain, -causing the latter to leave in a huff. And because of these lover's -tiffs, the young people forsook the canvas at an unusually early hour.</p> - -<p>But the disappointment of the evening was forgotten in the excitement -of the morning!</p> - -<p>Early risers had discovered that of the thoroughbreds two were missing.</p> - -<p>Jumping to the conclusion that their disappearance was the work of some -of Consollas' friends, these men had rushed to Jesse's tent, yelling -for him to come out only to have their, as they supposed, startling -information driven from their minds by the astonishment at seeing the -strange face of Cole and the absence of Frank.</p> - -<p>"What's the row?" asked the great outlaw, gazing from one to another -of the bewildered faces before him, though he was well aware that the -missing thoroughbreds were the cause.</p> - -<p>"Y—your horses, t—two of them are g—gone," stammered someone.</p> - -<p>"I know it," returned Jesse in a quiet tone.</p> - -<p>For a moment, he was tempted to offer no <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>explanation, then deeming it -unwise to leave the mystery unsolved, added:</p> - -<p>"I was obliged to send out two messengers in the night."</p> - -<p>The provokingly matter of fact way in which he made his statement -perplexed the hearers all the more.</p> - -<p>Only one of his companions of the day before, known to them as Sam -Sloan, did they miss, yet he had said that he had despatched two men, -and in his place was a new face.</p> - -<p>As they tried to reconcile these facts, it suddenly dawned on them -that events had transpired during the night of which they were in -ignorance. Startled by the thought, with one accord they hurried away -without making excuses, eager to circulate the latest news about the -interesting strangers.</p> - -<p>His face breaking into a smile as he watched their unceremonious -departure, the bandit-chieftain chuckled.</p> - -<p>"There'll be lots of folks in this burg that won't wait to eat -their usual breakfasts in their haste to get to this tent to see -for themselves. Cole, I've a good mind to tie you inside and charge -admission for a look at you." Then dropping his banter, he continued: -"Before they come, and while we have the chance, we'll look to our -shooting-irons. There's no telling how far a calf can jump by looking -at him, and the situation may get beyond our control at any moment."</p> - -<p>Thus recalled to the smoldering volcano of suspicious curiosity -on which they were standing, Clell and Cole inspected their guns -carefully, put new cartridges in the chambers and a plentiful supply in -their pockets.</p> - -<p>Scarcely had they completed the task when the first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> of the inquisitive -crowd arrived, their number increasing each minute.</p> - -<p>As people watch a sleeping animal in a menagerie, hoping that it may -rouse itself and do something, so the throng watched the closed flap of -the supposed miners' tent after having hurriedly verified the fact that -only the roan mare was left where the three horses had been at twilight.</p> - -<p>One family at the resort there was, however, who were ignorant of the -change in the personnel of occupiers of the tent—the Roziers.</p> - -<p>Agog over the coming of the detectives and the events the day would -disclose, the banker and his son had got up at an hour unheard of for -them and driven to the station in two carriages that they might get the -sleuths from the depot to their house in the least possible time and -with the least possible publicity.</p> - -<p>Surprise at their appearance was forgotten by the regular hack and 'bus -drivers in their eagerness to secure fares from the arrivals by the -train and when they did remember them the Rozier turnouts were nowhere -to be seen.</p> - -<p>With little difficulty, the president of the savings institution had -picked out the detectives. Quickly assuring himself that he was right, -he bundled them into the carriages and drove them rapidly to his home.</p> - -<p>Declining to broach the reason for their summons till the men had -breakfasted, the banker took them to his den as soon as the meal was -finished.</p> - -<p>Employing the same precautions against eavesdroppers that he had when -talking with his son, Mr. Rozier motioned them to chairs, offered them -cigars<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> and, taking his place at his desk, laid the case before them.</p> - -<p>"Allow me to compliment you, sir, on your lucid exposition of the -facts," remarked the man in charge of the detectives, patronizingly, -as the banker concluded. "If I had been directing the case myself I -couldn't have done it better.</p> - -<p>"May I suggest that young Mr. Rozier be sent on his mission at once? -The sooner he makes a report on the case, the sooner shall we be able -to get to work."</p> - -<p>Acquiescing readily, the bank president ordered his son to start, with -the injunction to keep his head about him.</p> - -<p>Astonished at the crowd surrounding his destination so early, young -Rozier quickly learned its cause.</p> - -<p>Perplexed by the information, he nevertheless elbowed his way to the -still closed tent flap.</p> - -<p>After vainly trying to attract the attention of the inmates by -scratching on the canvas, he called:</p> - -<p>"I say, Mr. Howard, let a fellow in, won't you? I'm Rozier, Forman A. -Rozier, Jr."</p> - -<p>Although the outlaws had heard the first tampering with the tent, they -made no move till the request was uttered.</p> - -<p>"The fun's begun," breathed Jesse to his chums as he got up from his -camp stool and unbuttoned the flap.</p> - -<p>Inwardly glad that it was the boy instead of his father against whom he -was to match his brains, for that the visit would develop into a battle -of wits he had no doubt, the world-famous bandit threw open the canvas, -exclaiming blandly: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> - -<p>"This is an unexpected pleasure! Come in, won't you? Because your -fellow townsmen persist in treating us as though we were animals on -exhibition we are obliged to keep the flap down."</p> - -<p>Jumping to the conclusion that his task was already as good as done -because of the cordiality of the greeting when he had anticipated a -brusqueness that would tax his diplomacy to overcome, the boy entered -while his host once more closed and buttoned the canvass.</p> - -<p>Yet could he have seen the wink that Jesse sent to his pals from behind -his back, the youth would have lost his confidence.</p> - -<p>His work which had taken but a few seconds, ended, the great outlaw -turned to his guest.</p> - -<p>"This is Mr. Prentiss, Mr. Rozier and this is Mr. Bemis," he said -introducing Clell and Cole. "Take a camp stool, won't you? I can't -offer you a chair."</p> - -<p>Now that he was in the presence of the men he hoped to unmask and brand -as villains, the banker's son was at a loss how to proceed and sat in -embarrassed silence after acknowledging the introductions.</p> - -<p>Determined to leave the opening of the conversation to their caller, -Jesse held his peace, enjoying the lad's increasing discomfiture.</p> - -<p>Taking their cues from their leader, Clell and Cole said nothing.</p> - -<p>The pause was awkward and each moment made it more so—for young Rozier.</p> - -<p>Try as he would, however, the lad could think of no way to make an -opening for his questions. Obviously it would not do to ask about the -mines abruptly.</p> - -<p>Finally, getting desperate, he took out his cigar case, stammering: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Have a—have a cigar?"</p> - -<p>"No thank you," responded Jesse. "My partner, Mr. Bemis, brought on a -supply of a special kind we have made for us from Mexican tobacco and I -prefer those." But despite his words, the bandit-chieftain made no move -to get any.</p> - -<p>Nettled by the refusal, for he realized that it meant that the men -before him would accept nothing, not even a smoke, from his hands, the -banker's son summoned all his courage and asked:</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bemis wasn't here yesterday when you made your wonderful rescue of -my sister, was he?"</p> - -<p>"No, he was not," returned the great outlaw.</p> - -<p>"I heard that some friends of yours had come—and gone—" he -emphasized, "in the night. You should have got here before, Mr. Bemis. -I never saw such remarkable nerve in my life."</p> - -<p>Ere Cole could reply, however, Jesse interposed:</p> - -<p>"By the way, your recalling the incident makes me think. Were you -anywhere near me when we were punishing Consollas?"</p> - -<p>Unable to understand at what his questioner was driving when he knew -that the latter must remember the quarrel over his sister's note, young -Rozier replied, significantly:</p> - -<p>"I was at your elbow."</p> - -<p>"Oh, were you? There were so many strange faces I failed to recall -yours."</p> - -<p>"He's trying to wriggle out of refusing Sally's request by pretending -he didn't recognize me," thought the boy to himself and vowing not to -let him, he was racking his brains for some way to block him when Jesse -continued: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'm glad. You may be able to help me.</p> - -<p>"While the little wretch was struggling to prevent my putting him in -the kettle, I lost a watch charm, a gold nugget, that I wouldn't part -with for ten—no, nor for twenty—thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>"Did you see any one near me who might have picked it up, unnoticed in -the excitement?"</p> - -<p>The question was asked quietly, with no unusual emphasis. But it was -loaded!</p> - -<p>By it the great bandit sought to learn whether or not the banker's son -was the person who had uttered the exclamation as his beard was pulled -from his face.</p> - -<p>Its answer would tell if the call of young Rozier was an act of -friendliness or of hostility.</p> - -<p>The unsuspecting lad, however, accepted it at its face value, -responding:</p> - -<p>"There was no one near you but Mr. Sloan and myself. If I had seen it, -I should have called your attention to it. Probably it was trampled in -the dirt."</p> - -<p>As he heard the admission, Jesse's eyes grew steely.</p> - -<p>There was no longer any doubt in his mind that his caller had -discovered his disguise. Yet it was necessary to learn the plans and -purpose of the banker before acting.</p> - -<p>The battle of wits was on!</p> - -<p>Instinctively the occupants of the tent realized that the apparently -harmless question and answer had changed their relations.</p> - -<p>Not clever enough to understand that his guns had been spiked, the -banker's son, considering it an unhoped-for opportunity, prattled on:</p> - -<p>"I suppose it was associated with some of your early diggings." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> - -<p>Unwilling to commit himself, the bandit-chieftain made no comment, an -omission, the youth decided, that showed his reluctance to speak about -his mines and the more eagerly he determined to make him.</p> - -<p>"I hear you have some very valuable mines," he continued, apparently -ignoring "Howard's" silence.</p> - -<p>"Who told you?" demanded Jesse.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's common talk. They say you're on your way to New York to raise -funds to buy others. If you don't mind my saying so, I think you, or -your—friends, ought to be more close mouthed. Still, for my part I'm -glad you weren't. I've some money to invest and I want to talk about -going in with you."</p> - -<p>The ice broken, young Rozier no longer found difficulty in playing his -part and rattled on glibly.</p> - -<p>"I asked father about it and he said he would consider it if he could -be convinced that they were good mines. You know there are so many -swindling schemes," he added maliciously.</p> - -<p>Had he been older or more accustomed to reading men, he would have -understood from the expression in the bandit-chieftain's eyes that he -had overshot his mark. But in the blind confidence of his youth, he -rushed out the questions uppermost in his mind.</p> - -<p>"Of course, Mr. Howard, father doesn't mean that your mines aren't all -right. What he wants to know is where they are.</p> - -<p>"Have you any map of them or, rather, as of course you have one to show -in New York, will you let me take it and show it to father?</p> - -<p>"He has some capitalists consulting with him at the house now and he -might be able to interest them so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> that it would not be necessary for -you to go to New York for the money."</p> - -<p>The purpose to unmask him through the mines he, himself, had said he -owned was as clear to the great desperado as though he had been in the -banker's study the previous evening when the plan was unfolded.</p> - -<p>Remembering the old adage "forewarned is forearmed," Jesse determined -to balk the attempt to catch him in the lie, yet not so bluntly as to -let the bank president know that he had discovered his purpose.</p> - -<p>"I am deeply obliged for your father's interest," he dissembled, "but I -do not need any outside assistance. Mr. Bemis brought a gentleman here -last night who has arranged for the money and Mr. Sloan went away with -him to pass the papers.</p> - -<p>"And now, if you'll excuse us, we have some business to discuss. Mr. -Prentiss is returning to the mines in a day or so."</p> - -<p>Bewildered by the dashing of his hopes, young Rozier allowed himself to -be bowed from the tent.</p> - -<p>As he stood on the other side of the canvass, Jesse's mocking laugh -reached him.</p> - -<p>With a start, the banker's son realized that he had done all talking, -had shown his hand and learned nothing in return.</p> - -<p>Flushing with rage, he scowled blackly at the tent, hissing:</p> - -<p>"Wait! Just wait!" and hurried to rejoin his father and the detectives.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter VII.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">JESSE BESTS THE DETECTIVES AT THEIR OWN GAME.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Reading failure in the dejected expression on his son's countenance as -he entered the study, Mr. Rozier waved his hand toward a chair.</p> - -<p>"There's no use telling us you haven't succeeded, your face shows it -all too plainly," he said as the boy sat down. "All we want to know is -<i>how</i> it happened. Begin at the beginning and don't omit anything."</p> - -<p>"Not even the slightest detail," added one of the detectives. "What -might seem trivial to you may be of the utmost importance to us."</p> - -<p>Desirous of getting through the ordeal as soon as possible, young -Rozier related all that had occurred from the moment he had reached the -crowd about the tent till he had been given his dismissal, even to the -words he hurled at the canvas when he heard the gloating laugh.</p> - -<p>With many wise nods of their heads and frequent ejaculations, the -man-hunters listened to the narrative.</p> - -<p>"You're quite right, my boy, only wait," exclaimed their leader as the -story was concluded. "They were too smart for you, but they may not -get off so easily when <i>we</i> tackle them." Then turning to the bank -president he went on:</p> - -<p>"You did well, Mr. Rozier, in sending for us. The way this Howard -evaded all your son's questions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> proves that he is a slick article, one -that isn't easily to be trapped. However, I think we will succeed in -landing him and his two confederates."</p> - -<p>Disgusted at the conceit of the man, the bank president waited a few -moments to see if the sleuth would suggest any line of action and -finding that he did not, snapped:</p> - -<p>"That remains to be seen. I've found, in my experience in the world, -that it's best to act first and talk afterward.</p> - -<p>"What do you propose to do?"</p> - -<p>Disconcerted by the putting into words of the very question that was -puzzling him, the detective replied:</p> - -<p>"Why, go 'round to see them."</p> - -<p>"And talk about the mines again, eh?" interrupted Mr. Rozier. "Stuff -and nonsense! You might just as well say we're detectives and we're -trying to find some grounds for arresting you."</p> - -<p>"Well, what do <i>you</i> suggest?" asked the man, nettled at the speech and -manner of the banker.</p> - -<p>With the burden of the responsibility for the success or failure of -their purpose thus shifted to his shoulders, Mr. Rozier thrummed on his -desk, scowling.</p> - -<p>"<i>I</i> should say the thing for you to do was to mingle with the crowd -that's watching them, if there is any now, so that if they come out you -can shadow them, that's the word you detectives use, isn't it? If they -try to get away, stop them."</p> - -<p>"How? We've no right to interfere with a man's movements unless we can -make some specific charge against him. If we did, he'd have an action -at law against us. They're not vagrants because they have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> money and if -we should arrest them as suspicious characters what could we prove?"</p> - -<p>"Could you get at them, or Howard at any rate, for wearing false -whiskers?" inquired young Rozier.</p> - -<p>"There's no law against that, of which I'm aware," qualified the -man-hunter, "but you've given me an idea.</p> - -<p>"We might hire some tough to pick a row with them and snatch off the -beard."</p> - -<p>"After the experience with young Consollas I fancy no one could get -near enough to them," observed the banker.</p> - -<p>"True," admitted the detective, reluctantly. Then his face brightened:</p> - -<p>"You don't suppose your daughter could cozzen Howard into talking about -his mines, do you?"</p> - -<p>His face livid with rage, the president of the savings institution -brought his fist down on his desk with a bang, thundering:</p> - -<p>"No sir, I don't! And what's more, Miss Rozier is not to be brought -into our conversation again, just understand that. The quicker you do -the better. If you can't devise any plan of getting around these men by -yourselves or with my son's or my assistance just say so and I'll pay -your bill and you can go back to Kansas City."</p> - -<p>Alarmed at the fervor of the outburst, the man-hunter set himself about -making reparation for his unlucky suggestion and finally succeeded in -pacifying the enraged banker.</p> - -<p>But when this had been accomplished, they were no nearer the solution -of their problem than before. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<p>One by one, various plans were proposed, discussed and rejected.</p> - -<p>"There's one thing we can do," remarked a sleuth who had taken no -previous part in the debate.</p> - -<p>Expectantly the others looked at him.</p> - -<p>"Out with it, man!" commanded the banker. "If you've got an idea, for -goodness' sake let's hear it."</p> - -<p>"What I was going to say was that we could wait till night and when -they are asleep go through their clothes and luggage."</p> - -<p>"But they may leave the Springs before dark or just after," objected -Forman, Jr.</p> - -<p>The new line of thought roused by the proposition, however, bore fruit.</p> - -<p>"I have it!" exclaimed the banker, all of a tremble. "We'll drug 'em! -I'll send 'round a couple of bottles of doctored wine. If they're -miners, they drink—it's a safe bet they do, anyway. They'll take the -stuff and then when they're under, you men can go into the tent and -ransack it to your hearts' content."</p> - -<p>"But they won't accept anything coming from us," protested his -namesake. "If they wouldn't take a cigar from me, they won't a bottle -of wine from you."</p> - -<p>The objection was easily overridden, however, by the suggestion that -the gift could be sent anonymously, with a note simply saying that it -was from a friend.</p> - -<p>This point decided, there only remained the procuring of the drug with -which to doctor the wine.</p> - -<p>In utter ignorance of what to use, the banker inquired of the -detectives.</p> - -<p>The question caused an argument among them as to the most efficacious -kind of dope, the decision finally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> falling upon chloral as the one -that would act upon the victim the quickest and the most powerfully.</p> - -<p>Realizing that it would be no easy matter to obtain the drug, Mr. -Rozier announced his willingness to get it and went to the apothecary -shop. Yet before he secured it, he was obliged to use all the influence -of his wealth and position. But at last, upon his solemn assurance that -it was to be used for no improper purpose, the pharmacist gave some of -the poison to him and he hurried back to his home.</p> - -<p>Ordering two bottles of some rare old Madeira to be brought from his -wine cellar, the banker and the man-hunters set about putting in the -drug as soon as they were placed upon the desk by the servant.</p> - -<p>Yet the task was no easy one. Should the recipients of the gift -discover that the corks had been tampered with, they would, of course, -become suspicious of them instantly.</p> - -<p>With much care and many expletives, the elder Rozier finally succeeded -in pushing to one side, unbroken, the age-rusted wires that held the -corks intact and gradually worked the stoppers out.</p> - -<p>This done, the requisite number of drops were put in each bottle, the -corks were driven back in and the wires readjusted in their proper -places.</p> - -<p>The dust and cobwebs, so dear to the eye of the connoisseur of old -vintages, had been sadly brushed off and torn in the operation, however.</p> - -<p>After vainly trying to attach substitutes, the difficulty was finally -solved by wiping them all off entirely.</p> - -<p>When the bottles had been wrapped in heavy paper, one of the -man-hunters addressed the package to "Mr. Thomas Howard, with the best -wishes of an admirer." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> - -<p>Satisfied with their work, it was decided that the banker's son -should accompany one of the detectives to the tent of their intended -victims, while the others followed at a distance that would not attract -attention, and that when they reached their destination, young Rozier -should conceal himself, allowing the sleuth to deliver the package -alone. In the event of the absence of the miners, the package was to be -put inside the tent and the detective was to find some place from which -he could watch their return.</p> - -<p>Confident of their ultimate success, the conspirators set out.</p> - -<p>Had they had any inkling that the men they planned to trap were the -terrible outlaws who had played so fast and loose with them in Kansas -City, when they escaped from their clutches with the daughter of Banker -Ormsby, their assurance would doubtless have been less great.</p> - -<p>But in blissful ignorance of the fact, they descended upon the tent.</p> - -<p>In the time consumed by these preparations the outlaws, themselves, had -not been idle.</p> - -<p>As soon as their caller had taken his departure, they put their heads -together to decide upon their best move.</p> - -<p>All doubt as to who had seen the incident of the beard-snatching -removed by young Rozier's own words, and his purpose in calling evident -in his questions regarding the mines, even Jesse was compelled to admit -that nothing was to be gained, while everything might be lost, by a -longer sojourn at the Springs.</p> - -<p>When the method of their going was broached, the great outlaw declared -that it must be on horseback,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> for to depart by train and leave the -roan would be tacit admission that they had been driven to flight.</p> - -<p>And accordingly they went out to purchase two horses and the necessary -saddles and bridles.</p> - -<p>As they emerged from their tent, they were agreeably surprised to find -that the crowd had dispersed.</p> - -<p>Picking their way among the outlying avenues of canvas, the bandits -were able to reach the square almost unnoticed but immediately upon -their arrival in the business part of the town they became the center -of all eyes.</p> - -<p>Smiling at the freely expressed comments upon their appearance, Jesse -led the way into a harness shop and made his wants known.</p> - -<p>Visions of exorbitant prices for his best saddles in his mind, the -proprietor declared he could take them to the best animals in the -Springs and, glancing proudly upon his friends and neighbours as he -emerged from his store at the side of "Mr. Howard," he conducted the -outlaws to where the horses were.</p> - -<p>Apprised of the strangers' purpose, the owner brought out two splendid -creatures from his stable and quickly the bargain was struck, though to -the detriment of the bandits' bank rolls.</p> - -<p>With instructions that the animals be fitted with saddles and bridles -and delivered at their tent, they thanked the harness maker, paid him -liberally and set out upon their return, arriving in their corner of -the grove just in time to see young Rozier point out their camp to the -detective and disappear.</p> - -<p>"What do you suppose that means?" asked Cole.</p> - -<p>But the actions of the man-hunter were his answer.</p> - -<p>Approaching the tent, he shook the flap and, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>receiving no response, -raised one corner, thrusting the package of doped wine underneath.</p> - -<p>Their suspicions excited, especially as the intruder taking advantage -of their absence to peer at everything he could see of their -belongings, Jesse yelled:</p> - -<p>"Hi there! Get out of that tent! What are you up to, anyhow?"</p> - -<p>Springing back at the unexpected challenge the man-hunter turned to see -who had hailed him.</p> - -<p>"Dillaby, the Pinkerton superintendent in Kansas City, as I live," -breathed the bandit-chieftain to his pals. "This <i>is</i> getting hot. -Come on till we see what he's up to. If he tries to get away draw your -guns." Then, raising his voice he cried:</p> - -<p>"What are you doing, down on your hands and knees, spying into my camp?"</p> - -<p>The shouts of the world-famous desperado quickly drew a crowd to the -spot.</p> - -<p>Turning to them, he complained bitterly:</p> - -<p>"It seems strange that three gentlemen can't come to Monegaw Springs -and live in quiet, without you all haunting them day and night and -gawping at them. Why, we can't even leave our tent without some one -trying to enter it.</p> - -<p>"This man, here," and he pointed to the detective, "was just crawling -in when we happened to come along and saw him."</p> - -<p>"That's not so," protested Dillaby, realizing that his position was -becoming uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>"Then what were you doing? Are you in the habit of going 'round -sticking your head into every camp you see?" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I was merely delivering a package."</p> - -<p>"That's a likely story."</p> - -<p>"You can see for yourself by looking in. As I found no one at home, I -stooped to place it under the canvas and—"</p> - -<p>"Staid to see what you could see," interrupted Jesse. "Ted," looking at -Cole, "find out if there is any bundle inside."</p> - -<p>Eagerly the crowd awaited his reply.</p> - -<p>"Yes, there is one," he called.</p> - -<p>"<i>Now</i> will you believe me?" demanded the man-hunter, anxious to escape -from his inquisitors.</p> - -<p>"Not yet. That may be just a blind to be used in case we were at home -or you were caught sneaking in, as you were.</p> - -<p>"<i>It's my opinion you are a thief!</i>"</p> - -<p>Crimsoning at the charge, Dillaby looked about him helplessly. No -suspicion was there in his mind as to the true identity of the man -before him. That he was the Mr. Howard he had no doubt from the clever -manner in which the outlaw had twisted appearances against him and so -serious was his predicament that he feared it would be necessary to -call upon Mr. Rozier to extricate him—an event that would lay bare the -whole plot.</p> - -<p>Enjoying the man's misery, the world famous desperado determined to -make him disclose his purpose.</p> - -<p>"Do you know what's in the package?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"Wine."</p> - -<p>"There's some writing on the wrapper," interrupted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> Cole. "It says 'for -Mr. Thomas Howard, with best wishes from an admirer.'"</p> - -<p>"Ah! how romantic," grinned Jesse. "Can it be, sir, that you are the -one who sent me the wine?"</p> - -<p>The detective had gone too far to falter now and he replied:</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I don't seem to remember your face," purred the bandit-chieftain, -"when did I ever see you before?"</p> - -<p>"We have never met, but I saw your magnificent work yesterday afternoon -and wished to show you my appreciation."</p> - -<p>"Rubbish!" snapped Jesse. "I don't believe you were ever in Monegaw -Springs in your life before this morning." Then turning again to the -astounded onlookers, he asked: "Do any of you know this man? Have you -ever seen him before?"</p> - -<p>But nobody had and they said so in no uncertain terms.</p> - -<p>"You hear what these gentlemen and ladies say," observed the -bandit-chieftain. "None of them have ever laid eyes on you till just -now.</p> - -<p>"You're a slick talker, but you can't fool <i>me</i>. I owe it to the other -sojourners at the Springs to see that you're taken care of so you can't -try to work the gag on them.</p> - -<p>"Will some of you gentlemen kindly send for the constable? I wish to -have this man locked up as a thief. If he can establish his innocence, -the judge will give him the opportunity."</p> - -<p>The look of malignant hatred that Dillaby bestowed upon his tormentor -as he heard the request made Jesse grin and he watched him with keen -enjoyment as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>several of the men rushed off to summon a guardian of the -law.</p> - -<p>Standing On the edge of the crowd, young Rozier had been an indignant -witness of all that had transpired.</p> - -<p>Realizing that the tracing of the wine to his father would spell defeat -for their second plan, he had held his tongue. But when he heard his -foe's call for a constable and saw people start to get one, he could -contain himself no longer.</p> - -<p>Pushing his way to the side of the man-hunter, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I can vouch for this man, Mr. Howard. This is an outrage to treat him -so."</p> - -<p>"Is this one of your father's guests, the capitalists?" asked the great -outlaw, innocently.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then why didn't you interfere before the matter had gone so far?"</p> - -<p>"Because I only just got here."</p> - -<p>"Where have you been since you pointed my tent out to your friend?"</p> - -<p>This question was uttered in a voice inaudible to any save the banker's -son and the man-hunter. But it told them that their connection had been -known from the first and that the by-play had been indulged in merely -for the purpose of compelling them to acknowledge it publicly.</p> - -<p>Ere either could recover from the shock of the discovery, Jessie was -saying to the crowd:</p> - -<p>"Mr. Rosier says that a cruel mistake has been made and that the man I -thought was a thief is in reality<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> a special friend of his father—a -capitalist, who is his house guest."</p> - -<p>And then to their amazement, instead of apologizing to the stranger, he -continued:</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon for having sent any of you after the constable. But -there is so little difference between some men of wealth and thieves -that my mistake is not unnatural."</p> - -<p>With this parting shot, whose meaning there was no mistaking, the -world-famous desperado turned his back on the banker's son and the -detective who posed as a capitalist, motioned to Clell and Cole to -enter the tent and followed, taking the wine from the latter, while the -crowd gasped at the public affront and the startling innuendo.</p> - -<p>For the second time Jesse had outwitted the banker. But he was playing -a desperate game. And danger, of which he never dreamed, looming dark -and terrible, was closing in on him even in the moment of his triumph!</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter VIII.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">AN UNEXPECTED COMPLICATION.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Protected by the heavy canvas from the impertinent stares of the -patrons of the medicinal waters, the three outlaws looked at one -another and then at the package presented to them in silence.</p> - -<p>"Jess, you sure are a corker," exclaimed Clell in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> undisguised -admiration. "Whatever put it into your head to charge Dillaby with -being a thief?"</p> - -<p>Smiling at the tribute to his cleverness, the great outlaw replied:</p> - -<p>"I wanted to find out whether he was acting in conjunction with the -Roziers or whether he had traced us here in some way and merely chanced -to hit upon the banker's son when he sought to learn where our camp -was."</p> - -<p>"Well, you found out all right, all right," commented Cole.</p> - -<p>"I certainly did," chuckled his leader.</p> - -<p>"I'd give a good deal to hear what Dillaby says when he reports to the -old man. They'll go almost nutty in trying to decide if we are on to -the fact that his friends the capitalists are really detectives."</p> - -<p>"And while they're puzzling over it, why wouldn't it be the wisest move -for us to vamoose?" inquired Clell.</p> - -<p>"Did you ever know me to run away under fire?" retorted his leader, -answering one question with another.</p> - -<p>"That's all right, but there's such a thing as going too far. 'Three -times and out,' you know. You may have got the best of them twice, but -will you come off so well the third time?"</p> - -<p>"You forget that we have one great advantage; we know exactly who they -are while they are all up in the air as to our identities.</p> - -<p>"<i>I'm going to fight old Rozier to the last ditch!</i>"</p> - -<p>But within three short hours Jesse was destined bitterly to repent his -decision and to regret that he had not followed his chum's advice. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p>No premonition did they have of the storm that was about to break -around their heads, however, and, flushed with their success in the two -encounters they had had with their enemies, the bandits prepared for a -master stroke.</p> - -<p>Springing to his feet as an idea flashed into his mind, the great -outlaw seized the package and opened it.</p> - -<p>Picking up one of the bottles, he turned it round and round in his -hand, gazing intently at the cork.</p> - -<p>"Ha! Look here," he exclaimed, all of a sudden.</p> - -<p>As his pals examined the bottle, he went on, excitedly:</p> - -<p>"I've got old Rozier where I want him! This cork has been drawn out and -put back! You can see beside the wires, there, where it's been cut."</p> - -<p>"You mean the stuff's been doped?" asked Clell and Cole, almost in the -same breath as they inspected the spot their leader indicated on the -stopper and realized its significance.</p> - -<p>"You're on. A—ah! I thought so. Taste of it and then tell me what you -think."</p> - -<p>During the brief interval following the discovery that the bottle had -been tampered with, the bandit-chieftain had hurriedly pulled off the -wires, yanked out the cork and raised the snout to his lips.</p> - -<p>"It's sure got a peculiar flavour," declared the eldest of the Younger -brothers as he passed the bottle to his companion. "Tastes bitter."</p> - -<p>As soon as the wine had touched Clell's tongue, he confirmed their -suspicions.</p> - -<p>"I was knocked out once with 'peter' drops and I'd know the taste of -the poison any time. You can stake<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> your bottom dollar that there's a -liberal dose of chloral in that bottle."</p> - -<p>"That's all I want to know," chuckled Jesse. "Old money bags, you've -got yourself into a mess that'll make you open your purse-strings -before you see the end of it.</p> - -<p>"Cole, go up to the square and get a lawyer. I'm going to have Rozier -arrested if there's anything in the law against trying to drug a -person."</p> - -<p>Too amazed at the purpose of their chief to speak, the outlaws glanced -at one another and then at him, their lips puckered as though they -would whistle.</p> - -<p>"It's nothing to get so stirred up about," continued the famous -desperado, noting the effect his words produced. "If it is a crime, -I'll swear out the warrant. We'll turn these bottles over to the police -through the lawyer and while the Springs are convulsed with the arrest -of the banker, we'll slip out unnoticed. There's evidence enough in -these bottles to convict him without our presence and, from the crowd -who heard Dillaby say he sent the stuff, witnesses can be found who -will establish the connection between the 'fly mug,' the wine and both -young and old Rozier."</p> - -<p>Elated at the prospect, the eldest of the Younger brothers picked up -his hat and hurried from the tent to summon a member of the legal -profession.</p> - -<p>But he never reached his destination!</p> - -<p>As he wound in and out among the side streets, the whistle of the -noonday train rang loud and shrill. Slowing up that he might not run -into the crowd of arrivals, he so timed his gait that he reached the -intersecting road just as the last of them seemed to have passed. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the corner of the two streets, on the side on which he was walking, -a hedge obstructed his view, however. Yet as he had seen no one cross -the road, he deemed it safe for him to increase his pace.</p> - -<p>Scarce three feet away from the sidewalk up which he intended to turn -was he, when suddenly a black-garbed young woman, struggling along with -a heavy satchel, appeared from behind the hedge.</p> - -<p>Hearing the sound of footsteps so close to her, she turned her head -toward them to see who was coming.</p> - -<p>As Cole beheld the rosy-cheeked face he with difficulty suppressed an -exclamation.</p> - -<p>He knew the girl!</p> - -<p>Recovering quickly from his surprise he bowed, saying at the same time:</p> - -<p>"Let me carry your bag for you?" And he extended his hand to take it.</p> - -<p>But no sooner did she hear the voice, than the young woman shot a quick -glance across the street, then hastened her steps without heeding the -offer.</p> - -<p>Unable to fathom such treatment, the outlaw looked in the same -direction the black gowned girl had.</p> - -<p>Scrutinizing him with undisguised interest were two men. Yet though -they watched him closely, they never paused and continued up the -opposite sidewalk from that occupied by the young woman, keeping a -couple of yards behind her.</p> - -<p>Cole's first impulse was to turn on his heel and run to the tent to -bear the startling news to his chief. But he resisted it, entering the -street from the station which he followed till he came to the next -block, dividing his attention between the girl and the men. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> - -<p>Twice the latter looked over their shoulders as the bandit trailed them.</p> - -<p>"Those are detectives or I don't know one," mused the eldest of the -Younger brothers. "I guess the lawyer business can wait."</p> - -<p>Never had a block seemed so long to the outlaw, who was impatient to -announce to his pals the unexpected complication that confronted them, -as did the one between where he had met the young woman and the next.</p> - -<p>But at last he turned into the side street and without a glance in -the direction of the persons whose appearance had so upset him, Cole -continued his leisurely gait till he felt that he was beyond their -sight, then quickly lengthened his stride.</p> - -<p>Approaching the tent, he noticed, with a feeling of relief, that the -horses they had purchased had been delivered.</p> - -<p>"Thank goodness they're here," he muttered, then as he arrived at the -flap cried in a low voice, "let me in, quick!"</p> - -<p>Realizing from the excitement in the tone that something untoward had -happened, Jesse hurriedly admitted his chum.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" he demanded, noticing the worried look in the latter's -eyes.</p> - -<p>Thrusting his head from the flap to be certain that no eavesdroppers -were about, Cole withdrew it hastily, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"Sue's come!"</p> - -<p>"Susie, my sister, in Monegaw Springs?" gasped the great outlaw in -amazement.</p> - -<p>"Sure's you're standing in front of me. And that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> isn't the worst. <i>Two -man-hunters are shadowing her!</i>"</p> - -<p>In blank dismay, the bandit-chieftain looked from one to another of his -chums, then snapped:</p> - -<p>"Tell us about it, man."</p> - -<p>With no unnecessary words, Cole complied.</p> - -<p>"This knocks <i>my</i> plans galley west," commented the famous desperado at -the conclusion of the story of the meeting.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what on earth brought Sue down here. She evidently knows -she's being trailed from the way she refused to answer you and looked -across at the detectives.</p> - -<p>"Blast the luck, anyhow. If she'd only kept away till tomorrow, or even -tonight, we'd have had old Rozier in the toils. But now we've got to -chuck the whole business and light out. We can only strike him through -his bank.</p> - -<p>"It won't be long before Dillaby and his men run into these other -man-hunters and when they do, it won't take even them long to come to -the conclusion that we're the men they want.</p> - -<p>"For concocting theories, you can't beat a detective. It's when they -try to reconcile them with facts that they get balled up. But in this -case, they won't have much trouble.</p> - -<p>"Saddle up while I gather our duds together."</p> - -<p>This sudden change of front in their leader recalled to his pals his -recent observation about running away under fire, but they knew him -too well to taunt him with it. His bravery and recklessness needed no -proof; they had witnessed both too many times and they realized fully -the desperateness of their situation. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>With the rapidity that characterized all the movements of the notorious -band when once they were in action, the horses were made ready and as -Clell and Cole led them to the tent, Jesse emerged with their saddle -bags which were hurriedly adjusted.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the bandits, their neighbors were engaged in eating -their dinners and no inquisitive eyes spied on their departure.</p> - -<p>"Into the woods!" commanded the world-famous desperado as his chums -mounted.</p> - -<p>Thanking their leader's foresight for pitching their tent on the edge -of the grove, they obeyed and soon were out of sight of the camp ground.</p> - -<p>"Whereaway?" asked the eldest of the Younger brothers as Jesse now and -then changed the direction of their course, indicating that he had a -definite objective point in view.</p> - -<p>"To see Sue, of course, and find out why she came here."</p> - -<p>"But Cole didn't follow her. How do you know where to look?" asked -Clell.</p> - -<p>"We've only got one family who are 'true blue' here, the Priors," -returned his leader, "and I'm going to see them. If she isn't there or -they can't locate her, I shan't try.</p> - -<p>"I didn't want to go near 'em while we were at the Springs: 'What -people don't know won't hurt 'em.' But Sue's coming makes a difference."</p> - -<p>And it didn't take long for the outlaws to learn that the arrival of -the sister of the notorious Jesse did, indeed, make a vast difference!</p> - -<p>When the altercation between Dillaby and the supposed miner had reached -the point where the latter sent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> for the constables, the rest of the -Pinkertons, who had been trailing behind their superintendent, scurried -in all directions, some to reach the chief of police in time to make -themselves known and get him to countermand the order, others to report -the failure, with its unforeseen result, to the banker.</p> - -<p>Upon young Rozier's intercession, however, the former dropped the idea -of calling on the head of the police department though they continued -to the heart of the village.</p> - -<p>As they were walking about, looking at the people and the stores, one -of them suddenly espied the two men trailing Susie.</p> - -<p>"There's Jones and Higgins," he gasped in surprise. "What are they -doing here?"</p> - -<p>No satisfactory answer occurring to any of them, they decided to speak -to their fellow sleuths.</p> - -<p>The surprise of Jones and Higgins as they were accosted was no less -than that of the others had been at seeing them.</p> - -<p>Questions flew thick and fast.</p> - -<p>The man-hunters who had been summoned by the bank president gave a -hurried <i>resumé</i> of their case.</p> - -<p>"Where are these fellows?" asked Higgins, when the story was finished.</p> - -<p>"In their tent, I suppose. Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I want to look at them. We're down here trailing Susie James. -She probably expects to meet her brothers here and from what you tell -me, these miners may be our birds."</p> - -<p>"You don't mean you think they're Jesse and some of his men?" gasped -one of the "capitalists."</p> - -<p>"I sure do. It's worth trying anyhow. You all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> round up Dillaby and the -others and when we've tracked Susie to where she's going, we'll come -back and meet you here in the square. Mum's the word."</p> - -<p>And the two latest arrivals of the celebrated Pinkerton force hastened -after the girl whom they had watched, as she continued up the street, -while talking to their fellows.</p> - -<p>Jones and Higgins were two of the detectives assigned to keep the -Samuel's homestead, in Kearney, under constant vigil, following the -inmates on their travels, which were few and far between, whenever it -seemed advisable.</p> - -<p>Knowing these facts, the others acquiesced in their leadership and, -excited at the thought that the much wanted desperado might be the -mysterious Mr. Howard who had made them so ridiculous, they hurried to -acquaint Dillaby and Mr. Rozier with the startling development.</p> - -<p>As the suggestion was made that the miner was no other than Jesse -James, the banker grew deathly pale.</p> - -<p>"You can't mean it!" he murmured.</p> - -<p>"But we <i>do</i>," returned one of the detectives. "Won't it be great if he -is?" continued the fellow, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>"<i>No it won't</i>," snapped Mr. Rozier. "Oh! why did I ever get you down -here, anyway? I'll give you a hundred dollars apiece to drop the matter -and go back to Kansas City on the next train!"</p> - -<p>Amazed at the sudden change in the man who had employed them, the -detectives gazed at one another in bewilderment.</p> - -<p>"We can't do that," returned Dillaby, at last. "If your men should turn -out to be the bandits, the chief'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> be so tickled he won't charge you -a cent. We'll let you know how things come out."</p> - -<p>"But I engaged you. If I order you to go back, why shouldn't you go?" -fumed the banker.</p> - -<p>"Because if the miners and the outlaws are one and the same, Jones and -Higgins will need help in landing them and the men on the trail of -Jesse James can press all the other Pinkertons into service they want.</p> - -<p>"I don't see, sir, however, why, when you were so keen to prove the -strangers frauds, you developed such an aversion to the idea when the -trail may lead to the desperadoes?"</p> - -<p>"You don't, eh?" returned Mr. Rozier. "Well, if you were the president -of a bank you would! Here I've been insulting and hounding Jesse James, -if it is really he. Oh! What a fool I've been. <i>He'll get even with me -some way!</i>"</p> - -<p>"There's no need of getting so unnerved, sir," rejoined Dillaby. "If he -prove the man we want, his capture will remove all danger from you."</p> - -<p>"If you could catch him, yes. But you haven't done it yet—and you -won't either. A man who can make a monkey of you the way this 'Howard' -did, won't be caught easily. He knows you are detectives. If he's -Jesse, I'll wager he isn't in his tent now!</p> - -<p>"Forman," the president of the savings institution exclaimed, as he -looked at his watch, "you've got just time to catch the train north. -Don't stop to get a bag. I want you to go to Ste. Genevieve at once and -warn Harris to send out our funds to Kansas City on the first train, -keeping only ten thousand dollars on hand.</p> - -<p>"Jesse James, if he and 'Howard' are one, may raid my bank!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter IX.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE STORM BREAKS.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Angered by the lack of confidence in their shrewdness and ability the -banker's words and actions disclosed, Dillaby rose from his chair, -bowed stiffly and said:</p> - -<p>"You'll think differently, sir, within twenty-four hours. Come, boys."</p> - -<p>But Mr. Rozier's response was a snort of disgust that further enraged -the man-hunters.</p> - -<p>"The old mutton-head! I wish Jesse <i>would</i> rob his bank! It would serve -him right!" snapped one of them.</p> - -<p>No comment, however, did his comrades vouchsafe. Each was occupied -with his own thoughts and chief among these thoughts was a grim -determination to prove to the banker that his opinion of them was -erroneous.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the rendezvous in the square, Dillaby and his men were -forced to wait some minutes before they beheld their fellows hurrying -to join them.</p> - -<p>Without wasting any time, the eight men, with Higgins and the -superintendent of the Kansas City office in lead, set out for the -campground.</p> - -<p>Nearing the place, Jones said:</p> - -<p>"When we get to the tent, the rest of you surround it. Higgins and I -will go inside and interview the miners."</p> - -<p>"But there are three of them," protested Dillaby. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What if there are? We can call for help if we need any."</p> - -<p>As the reader knows, there was no need.</p> - -<p>When the detectives had reached a point from which the camp the -suspects had occupied could be seen, they instantly noticed that the -roan mare was gone. Ordering a double-quick as the information was -imparted to him, Higgins dashed up to the tent.</p> - -<p>A glance at the overturned chairs and tables inside told of the haste -of the supposed miners' departure.</p> - -<p>"Ha! they opened your package of wine, Dillaby," cried Jones when he -and his side partner had vented their disappointment at finding the men -had taken alarm and vanished.</p> - -<p>"If we could only trail 'em we could examine them at our leisure. -There's enough dope in that Madeira to knock 'em out for hours, if it -doesn't put 'em out of the way altogether."</p> - -<p>"There's no use in going 'ifs' and 'buts' when you're working against -Jesse James," snapped Higgins. "The fact that the three lit out so soon -after the shindy over the wine makes me almost certain the 'miners' -are, in reality, the bandits. They realized they were attracting too -much attention and made their get-away while they had a chance.</p> - -<p>"We've got just one recourse left—to watch Susie. The sooner we get -back to the house where she is, the sooner we'll know whether or not it -amounts to anything.</p> - -<p>"If the girl came down here to meet her brothers, and the miners <i>are</i> -the outlaws, they won't leave the Springs till they've seen her!"</p> - -<p>And without more ado, the man-hunters hastened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> to the farmhouse where -Higgins and Jones had followed Susie, having learned by inquiring of a -neighbour that it belonged to the Priors.</p> - -<p>But the sister of the notorious James' boys had left the homestead in -Kearney with no such purpose in view.</p> - -<p>Tiring of the long promised, but never given, consent to her marriage -to Tim Mason, the telegraph operator at Kearney who had served the -desperadoes so well in times gone by, the lovers had put their heads -together and decided to take matters into their own hands and elope.</p> - -<p>After considering many places, they finally decided upon Monegaw -Springs as the one where their marriage would attract the least notice -because of the constantly changing population.</p> - -<p>With many misgivings, Susie had sought her mother's permission to pay a -visit to the Priors, permission which was eventually granted.</p> - -<p>The matter of leaving her home without occasioning embarrassing -inquiries thus settled, the young people selected the day and made the -final arrangements.</p> - -<p>The girl was to leave Kearney on the morning train and her sweetheart -at noon.</p> - -<p>Both were aware that man-hunters would doubtless follow the sister of -the desperadoes but they knew they could only look on, and many a laugh -the lovers had over the surprise of the sleuths when they discovered -they had trailed the girl to an elopement instead of to a meeting with -her brothers.</p> - -<p>But fate plays strange pranks.</p> - -<p>The appointed day came, the departure from Kearney was accomplished -without misadventure, though<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> the presence of the detectives was soon -made evident to the prospective bride, and in due course the train -arrived at Monegaw Springs.</p> - -<p>Happy in the thought that she could buy some little kitchen utensil for -their home, her home and Jim's, with the money that it would cost to -take a carriage from the station to the Priors, she resolutely set out -to walk the distance.</p> - -<p>For once, Susie had no thought for Jesse, Frank or their men as she -advanced along the sidewalk. Her bag was heavy but even its weight was -forgotten in the dream pictures of the future she conjured in her mind.</p> - -<p>Yet as she emerged from behind the hedge, caught sight of the tall, -bearded man who was coming up the street, saw him bow politely and -heard his voice, her love-creations tumbled about her head, shattered!</p> - -<p>Susie had recognized Cole!</p> - -<p>His presence in the Springs bespoke the presence of her brothers, or -their expected arrival. In either case, Jesse and Frank would seek to -learn the cause of her being in the town and the detectives who were -shadowing her would see them.</p> - -<p>These and many other thoughts flashed through her brain as she pulled -herself together after the shock of the unexpected and unwelcome -meeting.</p> - -<p>Many a woman would have betrayed the outlaw to the man-hunters, -inadvertently.</p> - -<p>But Susie had been trained in a school of terrible emergencies and -ere the detectives could become suspicious, she had glanced in their -direction to disclose their presence to Cole and continued on her way -as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> though she merely repulsed the advances of some "masher."</p> - -<p>Yet how heavy her bag grew as she hurried along!</p> - -<p>All the ruins of her shattered hopes, apparently, were clinging to it, -making it seem to weigh a ton!</p> - -<p>Scarce seeing where she stepped, the girl hurried toward the home of -her friends. Once the idea occurred to her that she would not go to the -Priors, but, taking a room at the hotel, wail till Tim arrived on the -evening train, meet him at the station and be married without delay.</p> - -<p>Fear of Jesse, however, deterred her.</p> - -<p>She knew that as soon as he had heard of her arrival from Cole, he -would seek her at the Priors and, should he not find her, would search -the town, subjecting himself to danger of capture by the detectives who -had followed her.</p> - -<p>Were her brothers to be discovered through her, she knew she could -never forgive herself.</p> - -<p>The only thing to do, she decided, was to meet Jesse. And as she -trudged along, a little voice whispered:</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you can persuade him to allow the wedding."</p> - -<p>Her spirits buoyed by this thought, Susie responded lightly to the -surprised, but hearty, greetings of the Priors.</p> - -<p>During the dinner, to which the family was just sitting down when she -arrived, her friends regaled her with the account of the doings of the -mysterious strangers, whose wealth, bravery and deeds were the wonder -of the Springs.</p> - -<p>Smiling at the romance woven around her brother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> Susie was on the -point of enlightening them, when the pounding of hoofs was heard in the -yard and looking from the window, Mr. Prior gasped:</p> - -<p>"Wal, I swan! 'Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear.' Here they -be, now. What on airth kin they want here?"</p> - -<p>With the arrival of the outlaws, the girl's fears for their safety -drove all else from her mind, yet before she could act, the farmer had -risen from the table and opened the door, calling, cordially:</p> - -<p>"Jest hitch your horses and come in, won't yeh? We're finishin' dinner -but thar's plenty left, I reckon."</p> - -<p>The reply to the invitation, delivered with all the hospitality of the -South, was awaited with fluttering hearts by the daughters of the house -of Prior, Helen and Marjorie, two comely lasses.</p> - -<p>Afraid that the disclosure of their identity out of doors might lead -their friend to exclamations that would excite any watching man-hunter, -the world-famous desperado replied:</p> - -<p>"Thank you, we'll come in. We came to see about buying some of your -horses."</p> - -<p>And without delay the trio made fast their animals and passed in -through the door.</p> - -<p>But their entrance was easier than their exit!</p> - -<p>"Ma, this is Mr.—" began the farmer awkwardly, then paused in -amazement.</p> - -<p>No sooner was the door shut behind them, than Jesse had rushed to -his sister and kissed her while the others stared in open mouthed -bewilderment.</p> - -<p>"There's nothing improper," laughed the bandit-chieftain as he beheld -the blank amazement on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> faces of his friends. "Your mysterious 'Mr. -Howard' is only Sue's brother, Jesse."</p> - -<p>The announcement, however, astounded the Priors even more than the -episode of the kissing.</p> - -<p>"I might have known it," pouted Helen. "If I had, I should have made -you take me to the hop last night and turned everybody green with envy, -Jesse. Oh, why didn't you tell us?"</p> - -<p>Making his peace as best he could, the great outlaw lost no time in -demanding of his sister what had brought her to the Springs.</p> - -<p>Ever since the arrival of her brother, Susie had been preparing herself -to meet the question. Having come to no satisfactory decision, when it -finally was put she evaded it by turning attention from herself to the -detectives who had followed her.</p> - -<p>"We can talk any time, Jess," she rejoined, "Wouldn't it be best to put -your horses in the barn before they're seen and recognized?"</p> - -<p>"I guess you're right, Sis," acquiesced the bandit-chieftain. "All -these man-hunters, together, may drop to the fact that we're who we -are."</p> - -<p>"Harry and I'll take care of 'em," announced the farmer. "The less you -show yourself, the better, I reckon." And, nodding to his son, Mr. -Prior went out to where the horses were tied.</p> - -<p>Yet he was not soon enough!</p> - -<p>The yard and barns of the Prior buildings were on the side of the house -toward the business centre of the town, clearly visible to any and all -coming from that direction.</p> - -<p>Intent only upon getting the animals out of sight,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> neither the farmer -nor his son saw the eight men walking rapidly along the sidewalk toward -them.</p> - -<p>"Better put 'em in the lower barn, hadn't we, Jeff," said his father. -"I'll lead two on 'em, you take the roan."</p> - -<p>But as Farmer Prior's son put out his hand to unhitch Jesse's mare, a -cry rang out:</p> - -<p>"You leave those horses alone!"</p> - -<p>Startled at the command, the two men turned to see who had uttered it -and for the first time beheld the detectives, who, after the sharp -order, had broken into a run.</p> - -<p>The shout had also been heard by those inside the house, though because -of the closed doors and windows the words were indistinguishable.</p> - -<p>Springing to the window, Jesse peered out just long enough to -catch sight of the men bearing down on them, then turned to his -terror-stricken friends.</p> - -<p>"It's the man-hunters!" he gasped. "I didn't expect 'em so soon. Take -us up into the attic or anywhere we can hide without being seen, -Marjorie.</p> - -<p>"The rest of you stay here. Mrs. Prior, go to the door and ask what the -trouble is. Tell 'em your husband bought the horses from the miners -at the station just an hour or so ago. Delay 'em as long as you can, -though you'll be obliged to let 'em search the house before they'll go."</p> - -<p>Scarce a second did it take to deliver these instructions and even -before he had concluded them the bandit-chieftain was following the -girl, whom he had entrusted with the task of hiding them, from the -room, Cole and Clell at his heels. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<p>Gliding through the parlour and out into the hall, avoiding that side -of the house visible from the yard or sidewalk, they mounted the -stairs, three at a time.</p> - -<p>"What is there to hide us up in the attic?" demanded Jesse of his guide.</p> - -<p>"Ma's clothes press, piles of quilts and old feather beds."</p> - -<p>"Nothing else?"</p> - -<p>"No. Won't they do?" asked Marjorie, crestfallen.</p> - -<p>"Not for a minute. The detectives will go for them the first thing."</p> - -<p>"Oh dear! I don't know where else to take you except in some of our -closets," groaned the girl.</p> - -<p>"Which they'll likewise examine carefully. Can't we crawl up one of the -fireplaces? Are the flues big enough? That's the kind of place we want -to find."</p> - -<p>Apprised of the sort of refuge the outlaws desired, Marjorie thought -rapidly.</p> - -<p>"There's only one fireplace where the flue's big enough and that's in -the sitting room. But you couldn't get up it without being seen from -the yard. And for the same reason you couldn't get into the oven. -Oh—what can you—wait. I have it. You can get down into the little -brick room where mother smokes the hams! Quick! It's 'round by the back -stairs."</p> - -<p>Familiar with the chambers, about four feet by six, built in the -chimneys where the countryfolk used to cure their delicious hams, the -bandit-chieftain rejoined:</p> - -<p>"That'll be just the place. Get us to it as soon as you can. Any hams -in it now?"</p> - -<p>"Drat it, yes! I'd forgotten. Mother put some in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> yesterday." And the -girl stopped, looking at the outlaws in dismay.</p> - -<p>"Never mind. They'll help to hide us," assured Jesse.</p> - -<p>"But the smoke and the odour, it's fearful," protested Marjorie.</p> - -<p>Quickly the great desperado allayed her misgivings by telling her that -they could stand them and without further parley, she guided them to -the eighteen-inch door in the side of the stairway that opened into the -smoking-chamber.</p> - -<p>As she drew it back, the pungent fumes of the curing hams rushed out, -mingled with smoke.</p> - -<p>"Jicky, but it <i>is</i> strong," gasped Clell.</p> - -<p>"We've got to stand it, so crawl inside, lively," snapped his leader. -"The longer you stand here with that door open, the more the odour'll -get into the house, and the greater chance there'll be of the -man-hunters getting wise."</p> - -<p>All remonstrance squelched by his statement, his two companions -wriggled through the small aperture, Jesse followed and Marjorie -refastened the door.</p> - -<p>By the aid of matches, the desperadoes were able to make their way -among the redolent hams to the corners farthest from the stairs.</p> - -<p>But the smoke coming through the bricks from the flue of the kitchen -stove and the fumes were powerful.</p> - -<p>"If we have to stay here long, we'll suffocate," growled Cole.</p> - -<p>"Shut up! We've got to stand it. Don't move 'round," snapped his -leader, and, resigning themselves to the ordeal, they subsided into -silence.</p> - -<p>All this time, down in the yard, Mrs. Prior and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> others had been -sparring for time, and it was with relief they beheld Marjorie rejoin -them, for her coming told that the outlaws were hidden.</p> - -<p>Grasping the purpose of Jesse's instructions, the wife of the farmer -had opened the door, demanding of her bewildered husband:</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble, Ephraim? What are those men running for?"</p> - -<p>"We want the men who rode those horses here," panted Higgins as he -reached the animals.</p> - -<p>"What men?" protested Mrs. Prior. "Tell 'em they must have made a -mistake, Ephraim. When they know you bought the critturs from those -miners down at the train they'll come to their senses, maybe."</p> - -<p>The effort to give the farmer his cue was futile.</p> - -<p>Looking at his wife as though he thought she had gone crazy, Ephraim -Prior said nothing.</p> - -<p>But Higgins was not so dull.</p> - -<p>Divining that the words had been inspired by the man they sought, his -doubt as to who 'Howard' was vanished instantly and he coolly retorted:</p> - -<p>"If your husband were as clever as you, Mrs. Prior, your bluff might -have worked. But he isn't, so you might as well let us search your -house.</p> - -<p>"<i>We know Jesse James is inside it and we're going to find him!</i>"</p> - -<p>Feigning amazement at the declaration, the woman brought all her -resourcefulness to bear to gain time till her daughter's return should -announce that the outlaws were concealed, demanding his grounds for his -suspicions and pronouncing it an outrage that Susie could not make a -visit without being suspected of coming to meet her wicked brothers. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> - -<p>But her persistency only confirmed the detectives' belief that their -quarry was scurrying to cover in the house.</p> - -<p>With a clever change in tactics, Jones purred:</p> - -<p>"Why don't you let us search the house, Mrs. Prior, and satisfy -ourselves? We don't like to doubt your assertion that the notorious -cut-throat isn't here, but Jesse has so many friends who are willing to -swear that black is white for his sake that our doubt is only natural. -But if we are wrong, we'll apologize and humbly."</p> - -<p>As the suggestion she had dreaded was put into words, Mrs. Prior turned -to look into the kitchen, just as Marjorie entered it.</p> - -<p>The sight causing her untold relief, the woman responded:</p> - -<p>"I suppose that <i>would</i> be the quickest way to get rid of you, though I -must say I don't think much of having eight strange men ransacking my -house."</p> - -<p>"But only four of us will do the searching," returned Higgins. "The -others 'll wait outside to see that Jesse and his pals don't skip out."</p> - -<p>"How can he, when he isn't here?" retorted Mrs. Prior, stepping back to -admit Jones, Dillaby and two other man-hunters, who made no reply.</p> - -<p>Once inside the kitchen, however, the former said:</p> - -<p>"And now if you'll give us lanterns, we'll begin."</p> - -<p>"Well, we <i>won't</i>," snarled the woman. "You'll have to get along as -best you can and what's more you can't go through my house alone, -either. Ephraim, you and Jeff take your shot guns and follow 'em. If -you see 'em steal anything, shoot 'em. I've heard of robbers trying -such tricks to get into a house before." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<p>Realizing, that further protest would be of no avail, though the words -stung, the detectives started on their quest followed by the farmer and -his son with their guns.</p> - -<p>But as Jones placed his hand on the latch leading into the hall there -sounded a stifled cough!</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter X.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE DASH FOR LIBERTY.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>With a look of gloating, Jones turned toward Mrs. Prior, his lips -parted to speak.</p> - -<p>Yet he uttered no sound.</p> - -<p>Every member of the Prior family was grinning. Why, none of them could -have told had their lives depended on it. Possibly their very anxiety -was the cause. But whatever produced the emotion, its effect upon the -detectives was instantaneous.</p> - -<p>"That was a signal," hissed one of them. "Be careful about opening the -door; our men may be ambushing us."</p> - -<p>The idea of an ambuscade inside a house was novel, yet the suggestion -appealed to the man-hunters and their leader determined to take no -risks.</p> - -<p>"Some of you, who know the way, go first," commanded Jones.</p> - -<p>"Don't you do it," retorted Mrs. Prior. "It's an outrage to search this -house, anyway, but if these men insist, let 'em go where they please -and then they can't say we didn't give 'em a free hand." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> - -<p>Realizing the woman was a Tartar, the man in charge of the searching -party turned to his fellows.</p> - -<p>"Have your guns ready. These people evidently intend to do all they can -to block us, but we'll show 'em we can find Jesse James without their -help and in spite of them.</p> - -<p>"If you hear any suspicious noise, shoot. The cut-throats won't -hesitate to kill us in their efforts to escape!"</p> - -<p>The bitterness with which Jones snapped out his words was apparently -lost on the friends of the outlaws, for they made no response, but in -their hearts they made silent vows that if they could do anything to -prevent the discovery of the world-famous desperadoes they would. And -with sullen, defiant looks they watched the four men.</p> - -<p>In evident fear that his appearance in the doorway would be greeted -with a rain of bullets, Jones lifted the latch and pulled open the -door, jumping back as he did so.</p> - -<p>As no sign of the bandits was disclosed, the man-hunters took courage -and rushed into the parlour with Jeff and Farmer Prior, shot-guns in -their hands, at their heels.</p> - -<p>Room after room was ransacked with a thoroughness that consumed much -time. Beds were moved, clothes and mattresses searched; every piece of -furniture that was large enough to shield a man was hauled from its -place and the closets were emptied of their contents. The remotest -corners of the attic were explored with the aid of matches.</p> - -<p>Yet the failure to locate their quarry only made the man-hunters the -more determined. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> - -<p>Leaving his men to go over the ground again, Jones descended and went -out into the yard to consult with Higgins and the others.</p> - -<p>Their curiosity aroused by the sight of the strange men guarding -the farmhouse, the neighbours flocked to learn the reason, some -going inside to talk with the family, others trying to wrest their -information from the close-mouthed man-hunters.</p> - -<p>The sleuths, however, were unwilling to announce that they were -searching for the notorious Jesse lest it should not prove he after -all, for they feared the taunts and jeers such a mistake would bring -upon them.</p> - -<p>No reluctance did Mrs. Prior have, however, and loudly she bemoaned the -insult of the action, proclaiming in no uncertain terms that she would -have redress if it were possible.</p> - -<p>As word flew about that the miners were none other than the notorious -bandits, the people were amazed. But with a wholesome regard for their -own skins, they fell back to a safe distance and watched the house -open-mouthed, their numbers increasing constantly.</p> - -<p>"I'll go back with you," declared Higgins when his side partner -had reported the fruitlessness of the first search. "We'll try the -chimneys. If you could hear the cough, it must have come from them. Did -you try the fireplaces?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! I never thought of them."</p> - -<p>And eagerly Jones followed his co-worker back into the house.</p> - -<p>Summoning their men from the upper chambers, the two set at work to -remove the large fireboard in the parlour. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> - -<p>But the task was no easy one, for it hadn't been disturbed for years. -Though to some of them this fact indicated that their quarry had not -hidden behind it, Jones suggested that they might have dropped down -into the opening from above and they continued their efforts.</p> - -<p>In the ham chamber, Jesse and his companions were cursing the -persistence of the detectives whose actions and words reached them -through the flue from the parlour.</p> - -<p>The smoke and fumes from the curing hams made their eyes water and -parched their lungs, till it seemed to them that it would be preferable -to run the risk of an encounter with the man-hunters than to be slowly -smothered to death.</p> - -<p>Warned by the cough that had escaped from Cole, which Jones had heard, -the outlaws sat with handkerchiefs in their mouths both to keep out -some of the smoke and to stifle any choking or sneeze.</p> - -<p>With feelings of dismay they had caught the sound of the work on -the fireboard and scarce daring to breathe they listened, their -six-shooters ready for instant use.</p> - -<p>At last the chimney board yielded to the efforts to remove it and with -a cry of triumph, Jones and Higgins crawled into the fireplace, peering -up the flue.</p> - -<p>Yet there was nothing to be seen.</p> - -<p>Chagrined, the detectives rose to their feet.</p> - -<p>"Let's start a smudge," proposed Dillaby. "Maybe they're higher up the -chimney and if they are, we can smoke 'em out."</p> - -<p>As they heard the plan, the farmer and his son exchanged glances. The -building of a fire would send<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> the smoke into the ham room in such -quantities that it would force the outlaws to leave it, yet they dared -not protest and stared blankly at one another.</p> - -<p>"I guess we've hit on the right place," chuckled Higgins as he noticed -the woe-begone expressions on the faces of the two men. "Hurry and get -kindling, some of you. Tell the boys outside to watch the top of the -chimney and to send me word when they see a head appear.</p> - -<p>"Jesse's bottled himself up good and tight this time!"</p> - -<p>With their usual haste, the detectives were counting their eggs before -they were hatched!</p> - -<p>And with delightful forgetfulness of the many times gone by when they -thought they had captured the desperado only to find that they hadn't, -Dillaby and Jones rushed to get the stuff to start the smudge.</p> - -<p>"Found 'em?" grunted Mrs. Prior, as the detectives burst into the -kitchen in which all the intimate friends of the family were excitedly -discussing the sensational turn in events.</p> - -<p>"We think—we hope so," rejoined Dillaby.</p> - -<p>Surprised at the confidence in the man's tone, the housewife shot -a keen glance from under her eyebrows and there was a suspicious -eagerness in her voice as she asked:</p> - -<p>"Where are they?"</p> - -<p>"You'll see fast enough when we smoke 'em out," snapped the sleuth and -without stopping to explain, he went into the shed, quickly returning -with a basket of chips and bark.</p> - -<p>Watching the detectives as they passed into the parlour, Mrs. Prior -slammed the door after them and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> placed her plump body against it, at -the same time beckoning to Marjorie and Susie.</p> - -<p>"Go upstairs just as quick as you can. Get some towels and a pitcher of -water and hand it to Jess.</p> - -<p>"He and the boys'll suffocate in the ham-chamber if you don't.</p> - -<p>"I'll stand guard down here. You'd best take off your shoes so the men -in the parlour won't hear you walking about."</p> - -<p>Deftly removing their footwear, the two girls stole up the back -stairs that led from the kitchen and hurried to get the relief to the -suffering bandits.</p> - -<p>The pitcher of water and the towels were secured without delay, but it -was a different matter to give them to the outlaws without discovery.</p> - -<p>Taking their places on the stairs, Marjorie cautiously removed the -little door.</p> - -<p>Startled by the unexpected move, Jesse and his men trained their -revolvers on the opening, wondering in their hearts how their retreat -had been located.</p> - -<p>The position of the girls was dangerous in the extreme. Yet not till -they caught sight of a pistol barrel did they realize it.</p> - -<p>Quickly recovering, however, Susie said in a voice loud enough for her -brother to hear:</p> - -<p>"Put the towels in first, Marjorie. They'll deaden the touching on the -bricks of the pitcher."</p> - -<p>Recognizing the voice of his sister, the world-famous desperado lowered -his weapon and crept toward the cubby-hole.</p> - -<p>"Have Jeff get horses for us and hold 'em in front of the next house. -We can't stay here any longer, we'll die. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> - -<p>"When the nags are ready come and open this door. We'll leave our -beards here.</p> - -<p>"Now, hurry!"</p> - -<p>Not pausing to argue, though they deemed the risk of the dash for -liberty Jesse's words disclosed as his plan, foolhardy, the girls -hurriedly replaced the little door and went down to the kitchen.</p> - -<p>"Don't call Jeff," exclaimed Mrs. Prior when she had been apprised -of the orders of the bandit-chieftain. "Helen will do it a good deal -better.</p> - -<p>"Just go out to the barn and turn all the horses loose. Bridle three of -them and drive the whole lot into the street. If you should take only -three, the men on the outside would get suspicious. The boys—"</p> - -<p>But her words were interrupted by Jeff who burst into the kitchen, -crying:</p> - -<p>"The chimney's afire! The chimney's afire!"</p> - -<p>In despair, the housewife looked at Susie, Marjorie and Helen.</p> - -<p>There was no use in getting out the horses. There would be too many -people both inside and out for the outlaws to have a chance of getting -away.</p> - -<p>Already the column of smoke pouring from the chimney, and the tongue -of flame that now and then darted from its top, had attracted the -attention of the crowd in the street.</p> - -<p>The dread word "fire" was shouted from all sides and men came rushing -into the kitchen to assist in removing the household goods.</p> - -<p>"Don't touch anything! It's only the chimney burning out!" shrilled -Mrs. Prior. "Get some salt! Get some salt!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<p>And rushing to the cupboard she grabbed a box of the condiment, then -ran into the parlour.</p> - -<p>With no intention of setting the accretion of soot in the flue to -burning, the detectives were, however, far from sorry as they heard the -roar of the flames in the chimney and, their faces wreathed in broad -smiles, they laughed and talked together.</p> - -<p>"That'll drive 'em out, I reckon," chuckled Dillaby just at the moment -the farmer's wife entered the room.</p> - -<p>"You won't feel so funny, you grinning monkeys, if this house burns -down!" she snapped.</p> - -<p>If it does, you'll pay for it—and well, too.</p> - -<p>"Helen, run down to the square and ask lawyer Perkins to come up here -just as fast as he can. I'll see if there isn't some way to prevent -these men from outraging us any more.</p> - -<p>"Jeff Prior, you keep 'em covered in that corner with your shot gun and -don't let 'em leave this room. Ephraim, you help me throw this salt -into the chimney."</p> - -<p>Neighbours had thronged into the room during the speech and while -some of them assisted in putting the salt onto the fire, that its -fumes might be drawn upward and stifle the blazing soot, others ranged -themselves about the man-hunters, freely expressing their opinions of -the men who had invaded the sacred privacy of the Prior home.</p> - -<p>And never was there a more disgruntled looking set of detectives.</p> - -<p>Aware that they had carried matters with a high hand, they had, -nevertheless, trusted to the inherent awe of one of their kind, present -in every breast, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> still any violent opposition to their actions, -even to the burning out of the chimney.</p> - -<p>But when they heard Mrs. Prior's command to her daughter to summon the -family legal adviser, they realized that they had overshot their mark -and their one thought was to get out of the house before the counsellor -should arrive.</p> - -<p>But when Higgins started to move he was brought up short.</p> - -<p>"Stay whar you be!" growled Jeff. "You ain't any on you goin' to leave -this house till lawyer Perkins says you can."</p> - -<p>Protesting against such treatment the man-hunters were, however, -obliged to submit to it, their decision accelerated by the townfolk who -rallied to the young farmer's support.</p> - -<p>For even in those days, detectives were looked down upon and despised.</p> - -<p>With the aid of the salt, the fire was soon under control and the men -and women impatiently awaited the arrival of the member of the legal -profession, filling in the time by suggesting all the dire things they -would do to the detectives if they were the Priors.</p> - -<p>Expostulation and diplomacy on the part of the man-hunters who had -deserted their posts outside, when they were told of the predicament -of their fellows, were alike unavailing and to such vigorous -tongue-lashings were they subjected by the irate townspeople that they -were glad enough to return to their guard duties at Higgins' command.</p> - -<p>At last Squire Perkins arrived, the fact being announced by those -in the yard, followed as soon as possible by his appearance in the -parlour. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<p>A tall man, with white hair and beard, his piercing eyes made still -more formidable by the bushy brows from beneath which they flashed, his -frock coat hanging loosely from his shoulders, a pair of eye-glasses -tucked between the top buttons of his waistcoat, an ebony cane with -a gold, monogrammed head in his hand, Mr. Perkins presented the -appearance of a typical member of the profession of olden times.</p> - -<p>Taking a cursory glance at the room and its occupants, though there was -probably nothing about any of them that escaped his eagle eyes, Mr. -Perkins turned to the flushed housewife.</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble, Mrs. Prior?" he asked in a deep, powerful voice.</p> - -<p>With a torrent of words, the woman poured out her tale of outraged -dignity.</p> - -<p>Several times, Higgins, Jones and Dillaby sought to interrupt but a -peremptory "wait until you're spoken to," accompanied by a savage -scowl, from the barrister was sufficient to silence them and they -subsided.</p> - -<p>As the woman paused there was a hush while all eyes were focused upon -the lawyer.</p> - -<p>Conscious of the attention, Squire Perkins threw back his shoulders, -gave a sharp tap with his cane and looking full at the detectives -declared:</p> - -<p>"Your great mistake, Mrs. Prior, was in allowing these men to enter -your home in the first place. 'A man's house is his castle.' That -always has been the law and I believe it still is, unless it's been -changed since I left my office.</p> - -<p>"These men had no business to search your house without a search -warrant. And they know it as well as I do. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You can recover damages from them and I believe that an action -will lie against them for the shock and humiliation to which their -high-handed goings-on have subjected you.</p> - -<p>"If you wish, I will draw the papers. In the mean time, as a justice of -the peace, I will grant you warrants for their arrest on the ground of -trespass.</p> - -<p>"Jefferson, by virtue of my powers, I appoint you a special officer to -conduct these men to my office.</p> - -<p>"And you, men, let me advise you to obey quietly—or it will go all the -harder with you.</p> - -<p>"Lead the way, Jefferson. I'll watch them from behind."</p> - -<p>Their breath taken away by the sudden change in affairs, the -man-hunters moved forward, when there was a crash overhead.</p> - -<p>In amazement, everyone looked at the ceilings, but the next moment -there came sounds of hurried feet on the back stairs.</p> - -<p>"There they are! Let us go! It's Jesse James!" shouted Higgins, making -a spring for the hallway, only to find himself headed off by the rush -of men and women.</p> - -<p>Driven almost distracted by the suffocating influx of smoke and later -by the fumes from the salt, the desperadoes had stood it till they -heard the arrival of the lawyer.</p> - -<p>Believing that in the resulting confusion, they would be able to get -away, or at least out of the house, the bandit-chieftain had whispered -his intentions to his pals.</p> - -<p>When he tried the little door, however, he had found that he could not -open it from the inside. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> - -<p>Muttering that he would rather die in an open fight than be choked to -death, he struck it a blow with his pistol butt, sending it clattering -to the stairs.</p> - -<p>Realizing that the racket would attract attention, he snapped:</p> - -<p>"Be ready to shoot our way out," and crawled from the ham chamber.</p> - -<p>As quickly as possible Cole followed. When all three were on the -stairs, Jesse raised his six-shooters and dashed down them.</p> - -<p>Only a couple of women, who had been unable to force their way into the -parlour, were in the kitchen and as they beheld the three wild-eyed, -pistol-waving men leap into the room, they screamed and promptly -fainted.</p> - -<p>Two windows were behind them.</p> - -<p>"You-all take the left hand one," commanded the world-famous desperado.</p> - -<p>The commotion inside had been heard by the detectives on guard out of -doors and they rushed toward the kitchen.</p> - -<p>In the parlour, men and women were struggling to get into the hallway, -effectually blocking off Higgins and his fellows.</p> - -<p>Seizing a knife from the table, Jesse slammed the door at the kitchen -end of the hallway, jammed the knife in such a way over the latch that -it would hold it down, then shut and bolted the door leading into the -yard.</p> - -<p>"Round the house to the back side!" yelled someone who had seen Cole -and Clell throw up the window-sashes while their chief was closing the -doors.</p> - -<p>Pausing at the cry, the detectives turned and raced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> back, thinking to -get a shot at the outlaws as they leaped from the windows.</p> - -<p>Followed by the townfolk they ran, leaving the yard practically empty.</p> - -<p>Where the bandits had tied them stood the three horses.</p> - -<p>"Quick! This way, boys!" cried the great outlaw. "We can gain our -horses! 'Don't shoot unless you have to!'"</p> - -<p>As he had uttered his change of plans, Jesse had unbolted the door and -when his companions were at his side, he threw it open and rushed to -the ponies.</p> - -<p>Cutting the reins with their knives, the three desperadoes vaulted into -the saddles.</p> - -<p>"Down behind the barn," whispered the great outlaw.</p> - -<p>And digging the rowels of their spurs into the horses' flanks, the -outlaws dashed off for the woods they could see at the back of the -out-buildings.</p> - -<p>But just as the outlaws thought they had made their escape unnoticed, a -rifle cracked and Clell threw his arms over his head and swayed in his -saddle, being prevented from falling by Jesse, who seized him about the -waist.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XI.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">CLELL IS WOUNDED.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Made overconfident in the success of their "getaway" because of the -lack of opposition they had encountered in their dash for liberty, the -outlaws had neglected to hide behind the bodies of their ponies when -they galloped from the yard, as they would have had they been expecting -a fusilade of bullets, and the wounding of Clell was the result.</p> - -<p>Whirling in his saddle as he heard the report of the rifle, the -world-famous desperado looked to see who had fired it.</p> - -<p>Resting across the top of a fence at the house below, he beheld the -blue barrel of the Winchester and, bent down to sight it, the head of a -man.</p> - -<p>One glance was enough to tell the bandit-chieftain who it was who had -balked their clear escape.</p> - -<p>"It's old Rozier!" snorted Jesse, ripping out a terrible oath. "That -settles him! If I never live to do another thing, I'll raid his bank! -It will hurt the old cuss more to lose his money than it would if I -should kill his son or run off with his daughter!"</p> - -<p>And in the fury of his rage, the great outlaw shook his unoccupied hand -defiantly at the banker.</p> - -<p>So carried away had Jesse been with wrath at the discovery of the -identity of the man behind the gun that he seemed oblivious to the -fact that man-hunters and citizens of the Springs alike, yelling with -excite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>ment and anger at the escape, were swarming from the doors and -windows of the farmhouse and around the side of the building, attracted -by the bark of the rifle.</p> - -<p>A dozen pistols were popping but the distance between their firers and -the horsemen was too great for the bullets to have effect and Jesse -laughed at their abortive attempts to hit him, his contempt enraging -them the more.</p> - -<p>But Cole was watching the banker. Suddenly he saw him shift the muzzle -of the Winchester till it pointed full at his chief.</p> - -<p>"Duck, Jess, duck!" cried his chum.</p> - -<p>Mechanically the famous desperado obeyed. And not a moment too soon!</p> - -<p>Not a foot above the seat of the saddle where the bandit-chieftain had -sat an instant before sped the death-bearing slug of lead, burying -itself behind the ear of the horse on which Clell reeled, dropping the -animal to the ground.</p> - -<p>An exultant cheer rose from the crowd as the horse fell.</p> - -<p>"Charge 'em! Rush 'em!" shouted excited men. "They haven't any guns! We -can beat 'em down!"</p> - -<p>To the townsfolk who had always thought of the terrible James gang -as shooting and howling fiends, the abstinence of the three men from -returning the shots sent at them suggested but one thing, that the -desperadoes were unarmed. Even Higgins, Dillaby and their men were -unable to understand the silence of the trio's guns.</p> - -<p>But Jesse had not drawn his weapons for the best of reasons—the crowd -of would-be capturers was out of range of his "Colts." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> - -<p>With the loss of Clell's horse, he suddenly awoke to the extreme danger -of his position.</p> - -<p>"Keep your eye on Rozier," he snapped to Cole, even as he spoke, -leaning from his saddle and dragging his wounded pal from the prostrate -beast.</p> - -<p>"Here come some more men with Winchesters," gasped the eldest of the -Younger brothers as he descried several coatless and hatless farmers -line up at the fence beside the banker and rest the muzzles of their -rifles on the railing.</p> - -<p>"Get on the other side of me, so your body'll be covered by your horse, -grab mine by the bits and ride. I can't guide him and hold Clell too. -Make for the woods!"</p> - -<p>Convinced that the men whom they had believed wealthy miners were in -reality the terrible bandits, the men and women who had gathered to -condone with the Priors had experienced a change of feeling and were -yelling and shouting for the capture of the men who had defied the law -so many times and with such success.</p> - -<p>As they heard the angry cries, Susie and the Prior girls trembled with -fear.</p> - -<p>"They'll be caught! They'll be caught!" moaned Helen, wringing her -hands. "Why don't they fire back?"</p> - -<p>From the windows they had seen the wounding of Clell and the killing of -his horse under him and believing that it was the beginning of the end, -they buried their heads on each other's shoulders, unwilling to see the -capture of their brother and heroes, and sobbed.</p> - -<p>Yet as they waited for the shouts of triumph that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> would announce the -fact, they were surprised to hear the shout:</p> - -<p>"Get horses! Get horses! Ring the church bells! Summon every man in -town! We'll surround the woods!"</p> - -<p>Doubting their ears, they raised their heads and peered from the -windows.</p> - -<p>There lay the dead horse, but no sign could they see of Jesse and his -chums.</p> - -<p>"Thank goodness, they got away!" murmured Marjorie.</p> - -<p>"Amen to that," exclaimed a voice behind them.</p> - -<p>Startled by its nearness, the girls turned and beheld Lawyer Perkins, a -merry twinkle in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"I used to do his father's business when the Rev. James lived in these -parts," he explained, in response to the looks of amazement on the fair -young faces gazing at him. "If people had given Jesse and Frank a fair -show after the war, they'd never have taken to their life of outlawry. -And if they ever are caught, which I don't believe they will be, I hope -I may be one of the men to defend them. I can tell a great many things -that were done to hound them from home that would open peoples' eyes!</p> - -<p>"But now that they've gone, my girl," he continued, patting Susie on -the shoulder, "I think it is best for you to leave town as soon as -possible. The people may seek to vent their disappointment at Jesse's -escape on his sister. I know the nature of the Springites all too well."</p> - -<p>"But there's no train till night," protested Marjorie. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>"True, but Susie can come to my office and—hark! What's that cry?"</p> - -<p>From a dozen throats rose the shout:</p> - -<p>"Seize the girls! We'll have them, anyhow! They helped Jesse to get -away!"</p> - -<p>"What did I tell you," muttered Lawyer Perkins, his face blanching -at the sinister cry. "Come, there isn't a moment to lose. Helen, you -won't be safe after summoning me. We'll go out by the front door while -they're trying to get in here."</p> - -<p>With an agility surprising in one of his years, the barrister sprang to -the kitchen door, shut it and bolted it, then followed his frightened -charges into the parlour.</p> - -<p>Only a few stragglers were there in the front of the farmhouse, the -rest of the crowd having swarmed into the yard in the wake of the -man-hunters, and when they saw the girls and the barrister emerge from -the front door they gave no heed, having been unable to patch the words -of the latest shout.</p> - -<p>Hurriedly crossing to the house opposite, the lawyer led his charges -by a roundabout course, which showed surprising familiarity with the -back-yards of his fellow citizens, to his own home and hastily secreted -them in one of his chambers, telling them that he would arrange for -their departure from the Springs as soon as it should be safe, then -went out to mingle with the man-hunters and the excited populace again -that he might keep in touch with any changes in the situation.</p> - -<p>The town was in a turmoil of excitement when he reappeared upon the -main street.</p> - -<p>Church bells were clanging out a call to all who could move to leave -their homes or fields; mounted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> men were riding back and forth, -rounding up men and youths, yelling to them to bring rifles and shot -guns and to gather at the Prior homestead. And everywhere women were -adding to the excitement by screaming:</p> - -<p>"Death to the bandits! Shoot 'em! Lynch 'em!"</p> - -<p>But the confusion incident to the gathering of the posse of citizens -acted in favour of Jesse and his pals.</p> - -<p>Giving his sole attention to running his own horse and leading his -chief's, Cole had left the watching of their pursuers to Jesse as he -held Clell in his arms.</p> - -<p>By a sharp change in direction, he had got out of range of the -death-dealing rifles on the fence.</p> - -<p>At the manoeuvre, a howl of baffled rage broke from the spectators who -had expected to see the fugitives crushed beneath their mounts when the -latter fell before the rain of lead.</p> - -<p>Snatching their Winchesters from their supports, those who had them -rushed to another place from which they could see the escaping bandits, -but when they once more caught sight of them they were far across the -field toward the woods.</p> - -<p>Training their rifles upon the horses, whose rising and falling -bodies presented difficult targets, the men fired. But their bullets -were harmless and, though they discharged several volleys, they soon -desisted.</p> - -<p>"They're in a funk," announced Jesse, looking back toward where the -crowd were rushing aimlessly to and fro. "Don't go into the woods. Keep -along the edge. We can travel faster and if we're going to shake 'em -it'll be before they get horses to chase us."</p> - -<p>This statement, somewhat involved and incoherent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> because of the stress -under which its utterer laboured, was understood by Cole, however, and -once again he changed the direction of their course.</p> - -<p>The significance of the move was apparent to Higgins and his fellows.</p> - -<p>"We've got to wire to the next town and have them send out a posse to -head 'em off," the former exclaimed. "Dillaby, I leave it to you to -make the arrangements. Wire them at Kearney to watch out. So long as -one of 'em's injured they may try to get him to Mrs. Samuels. The rest -of you come with me to get horses."</p> - -<p>But Jeff had anticipated such action and, under cover of the firing, -had slipped to the barn and turned all the animals loose, throwing -saddles into the grain chests and bridles upon the hay, getting away -undetected.</p> - -<p>In consequence, when the man-hunters reached the stable, they were -dismayed to find them empty and nary a piece of equipment to be -seen. And then it was that, in their rage, they raised the cry for -the apprehension of the girls, believing them to be the ones who had -liberated the horses, which was taken up by the crowd.</p> - -<p>Precious minutes were wasted in breaking into and searching the house -for the young women.</p> - -<p>Realizing at last that they had been balked in all directions, the -detectives turned their attention to organizing the horsemen who -were arriving, after requisitioning enough of the animals to mount -themselves.</p> - -<p>When upwards of fifty men had gathered Jones rose in his stirrups. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<p>"We'll ride out the road to head them off," he cried. "There's no use -following through the fields. When we get sight of them, don't shoot -till I give the word. When I do, make every bullet count! All ready? -Forward, then."</p> - -<p>Leaping the mettlesome mounts into the road, the posse thundered up the -street, the cheers and shouts of the spectators ringing in their ears.</p> - -<p>Eager to wipe out the disgrace of the escape of the notorious outlaws, -the men rode like fiends.</p> - -<p>Past the houses on the outskirts of the town they dashed, never heeding -the questions of the people who were attracted by the rumble of the -many hoof beats.</p> - -<p>But as they gained the clear field beyond the village, they could see -no sign of the men they were chasing.</p> - -<p>"We've missed 'em again! We ought to have followed the woods. We could -at least have seen where the devils entered," growled the disgusted -members of the posse.</p> - -<p>"Silence in the ranks!" snapped Jones, the criticism rankling. "They -may have struck into the road. We can soon tell."</p> - -<p>For once, the detective had anticipated the move of the world-famous -desperado.</p> - -<p>Noticing that the crowd was all up in the air as to what to do, Jesse -had swung his injured pal across the saddle in front of him, getting -back into the seat himself and ordering Cole to do the same.</p> - -<p>"We've got a good lead," he chuckled. "And we can increase it by -getting into the highway. We'll ride till we come to Jack Brett's woods -and strike for his cabin. If Clell's too badly done up to go on, he'll -be safe there." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> - -<p>The plan offering the shortest way out of their predicament, for both -desperadoes were sufficiently versed in the ways of the detectives to -know that they would wire to the surrounding towns for men to ride out -to intercept them, they hurriedly struck toward the road where the hard -footing enabled their mounts to increase their speed.</p> - -<p>Thoroughly familiar with the lay of the land, they reeled off mile -after mile, now and then looking back as they mounted a rise in the -road.</p> - -<p>"Here they come!" exclaimed Cole suddenly as he caught sight of the -cloud of dust raised by the posse.</p> - -<p>"Ha! I hadn't counted on their hitting the highway," growled his chief. -"We'll strike into the woods as soon as we reach 'em."</p> - -<p>Fully half a mile lay between the outlaws and the protecting shelter of -the trees and in silence they rode for them.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer came the whirlwind of dust and soon faint shouts told -that the pursuers had sighted their quarry.</p> - -<p>But the cries caused the bandits no concern. They knew there were -several rises in the road that the posse must cover and timing their -arrival at the woods for the interval when they would be hidden by one -of them, Jesse swerved his mount into the underbrush.</p> - -<p>And the howl of disappointment that broke on the air when the pursuers -gained the top of the hill and found the fugitives had disappeared was -sweet music to the ears of the bandits.</p> - -<p>Again had the man-hunters been balked!</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XII.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE OUTLAWS AVOID A TRAP.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>As Cole drew rein when they were out of sight from the roadway and -prepared to dismount, his chief forbade him:</p> - -<p>"We're not safe yet, boy," he cautioned. "Dillaby and his fellows will -turn heaven and earth to find us. Our getting away from old man Prior's -was pretty raw work for detectives who are supposed to be onto their -jobs and rather than be hauled up on the carpet to explain to their -superiors, they'll work as they never have before.</p> - -<p>"I didn't even propose to stay at Brett's longer than to make an -examination of Clell. Some of the posse must know him and they'll -suggest it to the man-hunters and there'll be a merry old raid."</p> - -<p>Yet even the bandit-chieftain was surprised at the suddenness with -which his prophecy was fulfilled.</p> - -<p>One of the men who was riding with Higgins did, indeed, know of the -lonely cabin. Many a day he had passed beneath its thatched roof, -waiting for the night to come that they might go out to shoot the deer, -lured by the flaring torches, called "jacks" in hunter's parlance, they -had placed nearby.</p> - -<p>As he noted the section in which the fugitives had vanished, the hut -immediately flashed into his mind and without delay he communicated his -thought to the detectives. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It's worth trying," cried the man-hunters, delightedly. "One of 'em -is surely wounded and Jesse's probably making for the cabin either to -leave him or wait for him to recover so they can go on. When—"</p> - -<p>"Isn't there another trail by which we can reach the cabin?" -interrupted Jones. "If we follow the one they took with so many horses -they would be more than likely to hear us. But if we could arrive there -first or from a different direction we'd stand a mighty good chance of -getting them for keeps."</p> - -<p>Others acquainted with the country were called into consultation as the -fellow who had suggested the lonely cabin declared that he knew only -the way the outlaws, had apparently taken.</p> - -<p>"I don't know of no other trail," drawled an old, grizzled farmer, "but -I <i>do</i> know a place whar we kin git within a few rods of Brett's an' by -goin' through fields, too."</p> - -<p>"Then take us there. A hundred dollars if we arrive before Jesse," -returned Higgins.</p> - -<p>"It's up to you," grinned the man. "If you kin ride, we'll git thar. It -ain't no josh about the money, is it?" he added, with Yankee shrewdness -seeking to make sure of the reward before he showed the way.</p> - -<p>"No, sir," rejoined the Pinkerton. "All you've got to do is to get us -there in a hurry and you'll earn the easiest hundred dollars you ever -did."</p> - -<p>"I reckon that's right," grinned the farmer. "Come on." And heading -diagonally across the fields toward the woods, he raced along through -the grass, taking the fences and stonewalls with an ease that would -have put many a pink-coated, society huntsman to the blush. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> - -<p>So hot was the pace set by the guide that even those of the posse -accustomed from childhood to the saddle were forced to exert themselves -to keep up and the detectives were soon left straggling as best they -could, barely managing to keep the others in sight.</p> - -<p>"It looks as though you'd be out your hundred plunks," laughed Jones.</p> - -<p>"It certainly does and I hope to goodness I am. You don't seem to grasp -the fact that your 'Uncle Dudley' knew what he was doing when he made -that proposition."</p> - -<p>The questioning glances bestowed upon the detective by his comrades -showed that they had not, indeed, suspected that there was a hidden -meaning to the offer.</p> - -<p>"If these Rubes do get there ahead of Jesse, they'll be obliged to -fight or run. If they do the latter, I'll save my hundred; if they give -battle, which from their state of mind I should think more likely, the -whole thing'll be over before we arrive on the scene and there won't -be any danger of our bodies offering a stopping place for any of the -cut-throat's bullets."</p> - -<p>The declaration was made with all the satisfaction of a man who had -consummated a clever bargain and he looked from one to another of his -fellows complacently.</p> - -<p>None of them were loath to be saved from exposing themselves to the -guns of Jesse and his pals and as they realised that the innocent -proposition had obviated this danger, the spirits of the man-hunters -rose rapidly and they laughed and joked as they rode along. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<p>But in their glee, they forgot the old adage, "he who laughs last -laughs best."</p> - -<p>For the very eagerness of the grizzled farmer to win the hundred -dollars defeated the detectives' purpose.</p> - -<p>The distance to the cabin was almost a mile less by the short cut -through the fields than by the path through the woods by which the -desperadoes were advancing.</p> - -<p>By hard riding, the posse gained the edge of the forest and, under the -guidance of the old man, without much trouble made their way to the -clearing in which Brett's hut stood.</p> - -<p>No dogs, horses or men were in sight as the man-hunters cautiously -peered from the underbrush before riding into the open.</p> - -<p>"The devils either ain't got hyar yit or they're inside the cabin," -declared the farmer.</p> - -<p>"Thar's Brett's padlock on the door, so they ain't inside," asserted -another.</p> - -<p>"Hooray! I've won my hundred! Hey, you fellows, hurry up! I want my -money!" shouted the guide, slapping his thighs in joyful anticipation -of the reward.</p> - -<p>In his excitement, the man had bellowed the words and his stentorian -tone woke the echoes in the trees.</p> - -<p>Blissfully ignorant of the change of course of their pursuers, the -notorious bandits were picking their way along the trail when the shout -rang through the woods.</p> - -<p>Instantly Jesse and Cole drew rein, staring at one another.</p> - -<p>"What does that mean?" asked the latter. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You've got me," rejoined his chief. "I couldn't catch the words, but -it behooves us to be careful."</p> - -<p>And with eyes and ears alert, the outlaws again advanced. But their -assurance was gone.</p> - -<p>That something was transpiring of which they were ignorant, yet which -vitally concerned them, each of them believed. So strong did this -feeling become at last, that Cole bade his chief wait in the forest -while he went forward to reconnoitre.</p> - -<p>At first, the world-famous desperado would not listen to the -suggestion, declaring that if either of them went, he would. But his -opposition was finally overcome by his chum's argument that it would be -less disastrous for him to be captured than his chief and, picking out -a thicket several rods from the trail they had been following, Jesse -concealed himself to await the result of the scouting expedition.</p> - -<p>Leaving his horse behind, the eldest of the Younger brothers glided -away among the trees, now dodging from one trunk to another, now -dropping to his knees, but ever with the silence and stealth of an -Indian brave.</p> - -<p>The roar of the guide had been heard by the detectives as well, and as -it broke on the air, Higgins cursed the man roundly.</p> - -<p>"He'd wake the dead," he growled. "If Jesse's in these woods, he'll get -wise in a jiffy. Confound the idiot, anyhow."</p> - -<p>"Don't fly off the handle so," soothed Jones. "The bandits probably -know we're after them. They'll think the shout came from behind and -ride all the faster to reach the cabin to get their nags hidden before -we get there. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Come on. I want to be in on some of the fun."</p> - -<p>But when the detectives arrived at the edge of the woods, they were -confronted by the fact that they were ignorant of the direction to take -to reach the rest of the posse.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps they'll shout again," hazarded one of their number. Yet, -though they listened intently, no further sound came from either the -posse or the winner of the hundred dollars.</p> - -<p>At the end of five minutes, the detectives were unable longer to stand -the suspense.</p> - -<p>"Hey, some of you! Come and show us the way!" halloed Higgins.</p> - -<p>Instead of obeying, however, the countryfolk yelled for them to ride in -a straight line from a clump of beeches.</p> - -<p>Unfamiliar with the different kinds of trees, the professional -man-hunters were unable to recognize the beeches and quickly made the -fact known, whereupon the grizzled farmer, who had acted as guide for -the others, returned to them.</p> - -<p>After separating from his chief, Cole had laid his course so that he -would come out on a little rise in front of Brett's hut between it and -the field in which the Pinkertons were.</p> - -<p>Unaware of their presence, the outlaw was mounting the elevation when -the cry from the detectives came to him.</p> - -<p>Dropping flat on the instant, he listened for the response, peering -about to see if he had run into an ambuscade. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> - -<p>But as the answer rang out from the opposite side, he realized that -some of the men had reached the cabin.</p> - -<p>Surprised at finding himself between them, in danger of discovery by -one party or the other, Cole lost no time in wriggling down the little -hill.</p> - -<p>It was enough for him to know that some of the man-hunters had reached -Brett's ahead of Jesse and himself and, without trying to ascertain how -strong was their force, he bounded away to apprise the world-famous -desperado of the situation.</p> - -<p>"By thunder! It's a lucky thing you went ahead, boy," exclaimed the -latter as his pal imparted the startling information.</p> - -<p>"It would have been a pretty mess if we'd stumbled into the whole kit -and boodle of 'em.</p> - -<p>"We'd have had about as much show of getting out alive as a snowball -has in the hot place.</p> - -<p>"But we can't stay here. They'll get suspicious if we don't show up -right soon and scour the woods for us. Besides, we've got to get Clell -to some place where we can put him to bed. I looked at his wound while -you were gone. It's a nasty one. His left shoulder's shattered. I don't -believe he'll ever be able to use it again.</p> - -<p>"The question is, where can we take him where he'll be safe?"</p> - -<p>"The only place I know of is Uncle Snuffer's, over near Chalk Level," -replied Cole after several moments' deliberation. "He'll be all right -there for a couple of days and as soon as we know how he's coming out, -Uncle Snuffer can move him, if you want."</p> - -<p>Never having heard of the relative of his chum, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> great outlaw asked -as to the location of the house and if the man could be trusted.</p> - -<p>"Theodoric Snuffer'll do anything for money," rejoined his nephew. "If -you offer him ten dollars, with a promise of more if he takes care of -Clell and a threat of killing him if he doesn't, he'll be mighty sure -to try to earn the money."</p> - -<p>"Then it's Snuffer's for us," returned Jesse, smiling at the -uncomplimentary description of his uncle the eldest of the Younger -brothers had portrayed.</p> - -<p>The woods in which the bandits were, lay about half way between Monegaw -Springs and Chalk Level and without more ado, they headed for the -latter town, advancing as rapidly as they could.</p> - -<p>During the wait for the return of his pal, after he had learned -the extent of Clell's injury, the bandit-chieftain had dressed and -bound the wound with some of the lotions and salves he had received -from the mysterious woman of the cave on his last trip into Mexico, -which he always carried in a little case in the bosom of his shirt, -administering an opiate to relieve the pain when he had finished.</p> - -<p>Warned by their narrow escape from the trap laid by the Pinkertons, the -two desperadoes rode with eyes and ears open.</p> - -<p>Without misadventure, they reached the one-storied house occupied by -Cole's uncle when the outlaw again went ahead of his chief to see that -no inquisitive neighbors were there.</p> - -<p>As he stole up to the door, he was disappointed to hear the sound of -voices from within yet, as he listened, his disappointment changed to -delight.</p> - -<p>The voices were those of his brothers Jim and John! </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> - -<p>Quickly making his presence known, Cole waved aside their avalanche of -questions by stating that Jesse, with the disabled Clell, was awaiting -his return and without beating about the bush asked his uncle if he -would shelter the wounded outlaw till they could find some other place -for him.</p> - -<p>His consent given, the oldest of the Younger brothers returned for his -chief and soon they were in the house while their weary horses were -contentedly munching bounteous feeds of corn and oats in the barn.</p> - -<p>When Jesse had put Clell to bed and made pecuniary arrangements that -were entirely satisfactory to the avaricious Snuffer, for his care, he -rejoined Jim and John in the kitchen.</p> - -<p>"This <i>is luck</i>, finding you boys here," he declared as he lighted his -pipe. "Now we can carry out my plans without delay. I was afraid, after -Clell was knocked out, that it might take some time to round any of you -up. But your being here enables us to start to-night."</p> - -<p>Delighted at the prospect of once again participating in the wild deeds -of their idol, John and Jim eagerly asked his plans. But with a nod -toward their uncle, the great outlaw bade them wait till they were on -the way.</p> - -<p>Realizing the wisdom of not letting the miser know too much, they fell -to exchanging their experiences since they last had met, a diversion -that kept them engaged during supper and till well into the evening.</p> - -<p>Back in the woods around Brett's cabin, the man-hunters were riding -hither, thither and yon, beating the underbrush for the outlaws who -had escaped them and searching the ground for the hoof prints of their -horses that they might learn in what direction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> their quarry had -disappeared. But the falling twilight made the task fruitless.</p> - -<p>When Higgins and his fellows had been guided to the hut, they hastily -stationed the members of the posse in the woods surrounding the cabin -that they might not be in sight as the expected bandits arrived, yet in -such positions that they could pour a deadly hail of bullets into both -them and their horses.</p> - -<p>But before his neighbours scattered to take their places, the grizzled -farmer exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I want my hundred. I got you hyar afore the outlaws an' I want it now -so's I'll be sure to git it. You may not be alive to give it to me -after they git hyar."</p> - -<p>This none too cheerful suggestion did not make the offerer of the bonus -any more eager to pay it, especially as the affair had not turned out -in the manner he had outlined to his companions as they crossed the -fields, and he tried to hedge.</p> - -<p>But the guide was not to be denied.</p> - -<p>"If you don't fork it over an' right off, I'll ride into the woods -yellin' to Jesse James to look out," he threatened.</p> - -<p>Confronted by such a contingency, Higgins had no recourse but to pay, -which he did forthwith.</p> - -<p>As minute after minute went by without either sight or sound of the -desperadoes, the man-hunters in the underbrush began to grow restive -and talked among themselves.</p> - -<p>Freely was the opinion expressed by those of them who were old hunters -that their quarry had either been scared off by the hails of the -detectives or had never intended to hide in the lonely cabin.</p> - -<p>Jones, however, insisted upon waiting, arguing that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> the bandits, -believing themselves safe when they took to the forest, were only -riding leisurely and would soon appear.</p> - -<p>But when a half hour had passed without their showing up, even he was -convinced that their plans had miscarried and ordered the posse to -scour the woods.</p> - -<p>And as they searched, the man who had won the hundred dollars was the -only cheerful one among them though he wisely kept as far from the -vicinity of the disgruntled Higgins as he could.</p> - -<p>Not till it was so dark that the members of the posse had difficulty in -distinguishing their fellows was the search given up, however.</p> - -<p>Too crestfallen to speak, the detectives gave assent by their silence -to the suggestion to return to the Springs and rode far behind the -others, hoping against hope that some of the towns warned by Dillaby -might have reported the capture of the world-famous desperado.</p> - -<p>As the reader knows, no such announcement greeted them and in despair -they wired to the office in Chicago.</p> - -<p>The hours elapsing before the reply came were not made happy for the -man-hunters by the townsfolk of the Springs and when their instructions -read for them to remain in the village till the arrival of Captain -Lull, who would take charge of the pursuit, their cup of bitterness was -filled to the brim.</p> - -<p>But almost at the very moment that the orders were received by the -detectives, Jesse, Cole, John and Jim rode from the yard of Theodoric -Snuffer.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XIII.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">A MIDNIGHT RESCUE.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Suppressing their desire to know whither they were bound and upon what -deed, Jim and John followed their brother and their chief, expecting -the latter to disclose his plans as soon as they were out of hearing of -their miserly uncle.</p> - -<p>But the great outlaw was absorbed in his own thoughts, which were back -in Monegaw Springs with his sister and friends who had stood by him so -loyally and he wondered how they were faring, for he feared that either -the townsfolk or the detectives, baffled in the attempt to catch him -and his pals, might vent their spite on those who had made his escape -possible.</p> - -<p>And even when John begged him to keep his promise to tell them where -they were bound, it was necessary for him to repeat his words before -the bandit-chieftain heard them.</p> - -<p>But when he did, he replied in grim tones:</p> - -<p>"We're going to raid Forman A. Rozier's bank in Ste. Genevieve!" And he -broke out into a fierce tirade against the banker, ending up with the -subject about which he was thinking when interrupted.</p> - -<p>Aware that his leader was deeply concerned about the welfare of Susie -and the Priors, Cole sought to dispel his fears as best he could, yet, -as he considered their position, he realized its dangers and soon -lapsed into silence. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> - -<p>Trusting to the cover of night, the quartette rode along the highway -which made a swing toward the health resort that had proved anything -but healthy for them, as by doing so they could strike a road that -would connect more directly with one running in the direction of Ste. -Genevieve.</p> - -<p>For now that he had made up his mind to loot his enemy's bank, he -determined to travel by the most direct route to the town in which it -was located. Yet before they arrived, it would be necessary for them to -cross the State of Missouri, Ste. Genevieve being situated on the shore -of the Mississippi river.</p> - -<p>"It'll throw a shock into 'em to hear that we've raided old Rozier's -shebang when they think we're hiding somewhere near the Springs," -chuckled Jesse, all of a sudden.</p> - -<p>"That it will," echoed Cole almost in the same breath and the latter -continued: "They say it's a rich bank, too. Always has a hundred -thousand or so in the vaults."</p> - -<p>"So I understand," rejoined the great outlaw. "But it'll never have so -much again. When we get through with it, people will be afraid to put -their money in it. <i>I mean to leave word that I shall raid it every -year!</i></p> - -<p>"Before I get through with that cur, Rozier, he'll be sorry he ever -insulted me and then set detectives on my trail!"</p> - -<p>The bitterness with which he uttered the words and the threat told how -deeply the bank president's actions had cut the world-famous desperado. -The disclosure so amazed his hearers that they were unable to make -adequate comment and ere any occurred to them, their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> attention was -distracted by the shrill neigh of a horse in front of them.</p> - -<p>Not more than four miles from the Springs were the bandits when the -startling sound broke on the air.</p> - -<p>Visions of patrols and posses instantly flashed to their minds and they -drew rein hurriedly.</p> - -<p>"Into the bushes, lively! Everybody on the same side," snapped Jesse. -"We'll just see who's riding so late at night."</p> - -<p>But the desperadoes were entirely unprepared for the sight that met -their eyes a few minutes after they had hidden themselves.</p> - -<p>The spot Jesse had chosen from which to spy on the travellers was his -favorite location for an ambuscade, a turn in the road.</p> - -<p>As the dull pounding of the hoofs came nearer and nearer, the bandits -peered eagerly from the protecting bushes, pistols in their hands for -immediate use should their chief give the word.</p> - -<p>But as they gazed at the highway, its white course seeming like some -huge piece of ribbon stretched along the ground, they were amazed to -see a girl and a man sweep around the bend, followed close by two more -women.</p> - -<p>Each of the three females was heavily veiled and wrapped in shawls that -covered the saddles.</p> - -<p>More than that the desperadoes could not see for the late riders were -going at a fast gallop.</p> - -<p>"Probably been to some party," commented Jim when they had disappeared -up the road.</p> - -<p>"They're mighty quiet if they have," declared John.</p> - -<p>"Righto! They act more to me like people who are trying to escape from -some one," interposed Jesse. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Maybe they've heard we were in the neighbourhood and are keeping quiet -so they won't attract us," suggested Cole.</p> - -<p>"Non—" began his chief, then suddenly stopped, whistled low and gasped:</p> - -<p>"By thunder! They may have been Sue and some of the Priors. Perhaps the -people have made it so hot for them they've had to flee. Come on, we'll -follow and find out!</p> - -<p>"By the blood of my mother! If the citizens of the Springs have driven -them out, we'll go back and shoot that burg up if we never do another -thing!"</p> - -<p>Yet before they could put the words into action they were treated to a -second, and still greater, surprise.</p> - -<p>The sound of fast running horses again fell on their ears from the -direction whence the three women and man had come.</p> - -<p>"Sit tight," whispered Jesse. "There's something in the wind. We'll -follow when they get by."</p> - -<p>Scarcely had the words left his lips than around the turn in the -highway dashed six horsemen, rifles at a ready.</p> - -<p>Fearful lest they hear the crackling of the bushes, the bandits waited -till the hoof-beats were almost inaudible, then bounded into the -roadway and gave chase.</p> - -<p>Riding like fiends till they were within sight of the last group of -equestrians, Jesse slowed down to a pace at which he could watch them -from a safe distance.</p> - -<p>For minutes, that seemed hours, the strange <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>procession advanced, the -first group in ignorance of the two behind it and the second unaware -that it was followed.</p> - -<p>Then, of a sudden, a voice from a horseman in the middle shouted:</p> - -<p>"Halt, or we'll shoot!"</p> - -<p>Rising in their stirrups the better to see, the desperadoes awaited the -result of the command.</p> - -<p>But instead of obeying, those in the lead only increased their speed.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of intense silence.</p> - -<p>Then a rifle cracked.</p> - -<p>And before the report died away a woman's scream rang out.</p> - -<p>"By the blood of my mother! That's Sue's voice!" gasped the -world-famous outlaw. "After the devils, boys! We must get 'em before -they can shoot again!</p> - -<p>"If they've hurt my sister or the girls with her, their life-blood will -pay for it!"</p> - -<p>Roused by the cowardly shot at the helpless women, the Younger brothers -sprang their horses after their leader, ranging themselves at his side -when they had, with difficulty, overtaken him.</p> - -<p>Having been prevented from shooting at their pursuers when they made -their dash for liberty from the Prior farm by their lack of rifles, -Jesse had lost no time in supplying the want when he had discovered -the small arsenal possessed by Theodoric Snuffer, though his eagerness -to purchase them compelled him to pay an exhorbitant price, and as -they cut down the distance between the six horsemen and themselves, he -ordered his companions to unsling the Winchesters from their shoulders.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> - -<p>The solitary shot, however, had been sufficient to cause the girls and -their escort to draw rein.</p> - -<p>"We've got to get 'em before they reach Sue and the others or we may -hit them instead," hissed the great outlaw. "Rise in your stirrups! -Ready; Fire!"</p> - -<p>As the crash of the volley broke on the air, the six horsemen whirled -in their saddles.</p> - -<p>But before they could see whence the unexpected sound came, two of -them toppled from their saddles while the horse of another fell in the -roadway.</p> - -<p>"Again!" yelled Jesse.</p> - -<p>Yet in response to the second discharge of their rifles only one man -fell.</p> - -<p>"Steady, boys! Aim higher!" cautioned their chief. "One more volley and -then we'll rush 'em!"</p> - -<p>Recovering from the surprise of the attack, the remaining members of -the middle group blazed away with their Winchesters.</p> - -<p>"Out to the edge of the road!" commanded the bandit-chieftain, his -voice sounding terrible in its fury.</p> - -<p>Instantly his companions obeyed while the bullets whistled about them.</p> - -<p>Though the move forced them to advance at a slower gait, it was a wise -one, for their figures no longer loomed from the white roadbed, leaving -their foes at a loss where to aim their rifles.</p> - -<p>Incessantly the bandits pumped their rifles till only one of the six -remained.</p> - -<p>"Surrender, or we'll kill <i>you</i>!" shouted the world-famous desperado.</p> - -<p>Unnerved by the slaughter of his comrades, the survivor gasped:</p> - -<p>"All right. I do." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then drop your gun and throw up your hands," thundered the great -outlaw and as the man obeyed, he burst into a laugh hideous in its -uncanny hollowness.</p> - -<p>Like a whirlwind, the bandits bore down upon the cowering creature.</p> - -<p>"Keep him covered!" snapped the terrible desperado to his pals, then -raising his voice yelled: "Don't be afraid Sue. It's only I."</p> - -<p>As she heard her name, the girl scarcely believed her ears, then, -urging her horse forward, she rode to meet her brother, crying:</p> - -<p>"Oh, Jess! Is it <i>really</i> you!"</p> - -<p>"Surest thing you know," returned the world-famous bandit. "Are you -hurt, girlie? I heard your scream. That's how I recognized you."</p> - -<p>"Not a scratch. It was the shock, I guess. It was so unexpected."</p> - -<p>And unable to control her overwrought nerves she burst into tears.</p> - -<p>"There, there, sis, don't cry. It's all right, so long as you're not -hurt," soothed her brother, taking the trembling girl in his arms. "But -it's a lucky thing. I happened to be in this vicinity."</p> - -<p>Taking out his flask, Jesse ordered his sister to drink some of the -brandy.</p> - -<p>"It won't do any of the rest of you any harm to swallow some," he -declared, turning to his sister's companions. "Who are you, anyhow?"</p> - -<p>Forgetting her desire to faint in her eagerness to answer the question -herself, Susie exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"They're Marjorie and Helen—" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> - -<p>"And Jeff," hazarded the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>"No—o."</p> - -<p>"Who, then?" demanded the great desperado, his voice harsh and stern.</p> - -<p>"It's T—Tim."</p> - -<p>"Tim Mason? What on earth's <i>he</i> doing here?"</p> - -<p>"He—he came down to meet me," faltered his sister.</p> - -<p>"Did your mother know he was coming down?"</p> - -<p>But ere Susie could reply, Tim took the bull by the horns, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"She did <i>not</i>! But it's all right."</p> - -<p>"Oh, is it? What would <i>you</i> think if your sis—"</p> - -<p>"Wait till I finish," interrupted the fellow, hotly. "We came down here -to be married."</p> - -<p>The statement made, Tim rushed on, regardless of consequences: "We got -tired of waiting for you to keep your promise of giving your consent -to the wedding. And as Susie needs some one to protect her from the -detectives who haunt the house because of your—"</p> - -<p>"Take care," hissed Jesse. "I'm in no pleasant mood to-night." But as -he caught the look of appeal cast him by his sister, his anger vanished -and taking her head between his hands, he laughed: "So that was the -cause of your coming to the Springs. Phew! An elopement!</p> - -<p>"Jicky, but it must have been an awful shock to you when you saw Cole.</p> - -<p>"You stood by like a trump, though, when we were caught in the house -and I guess you are entitled to a reward.</p> - -<p>"Come here, Tim. Give me your hand—that's it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> Now take Sue's. There -you are. You may have her, boy, but if I ever hear a word of complaint -of your treatment of her, well—you'd better light out for the tall -timber before I can hit your trail."</p> - -<p>The dramatic scene of the betrothal, a lonely spot in the country, -the starless canopy of heaven above, the white road against which was -silhouetted the figure of the prisoner, hands above his head, his -captors covering him with their rifles, the huddled bodies of the dead -men at his feet, with no sounds save the creaking of the saddle leather -and their own breathing to break the awesome silence of the night, -impressed the actors profoundly.</p> - -<p>From one to another they looked, the expressions on their faces -proclaiming they were aware that but for the timely interference, -bloody and terrible as it was, of the dread bandits they might even at -that moment be lying in the places of the lifeless forms.</p> - -<p>"Come, this is time for mirth, not tears," rallied Jesse. "Boys, pull -out your flasks. We'll drink to the health and happiness of the future -Mrs. and Mr. Timothy Mason."</p> - -<p>The tension broken, everybody talked at once as the flasks were passed -from one to another.</p> - -<p>Brought back to their normal selves, the great outlaw asked the meaning -of the flight from the Springs, to learn of the crowd's cry for the -capture of the girls, their escape with the aid of Lawyer Perkins, -their hiding in his house, his going to the station to meet Susie's -lover at her request, the return of the man-hunters and the decision of -Tim and the barrister that it would be best for the girls to leave the -town under cover of the night. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> - -<p>Apprised of these points, the bandit-chieftain turned his attention to -his captive.</p> - -<p>Striding so close that their bodies almost touched, he rasped:</p> - -<p>"Why did you follow the girls? How did you know they were riding?"</p> - -<p>"W—we thought they were going to meet you. We were going to make them -lead us to you and—"</p> - -<p>"So that's why you shot at them, knowing they were women?" burst in the -terrible bandit.</p> - -<p>"We only did it to frighten 'em."</p> - -<p>"You certainly succeeded—and their screams brought death to your -fellows.</p> - -<p>"Who were they?"</p> - -<p>Quickly the fellow reeled off some names that Marjorie and Helen -declared belonged to none of whom they had ever heard.</p> - -<p>"Who sent you, Dillaby or old Rozier?" thundered Jesse.</p> - -<p>"Neither. We were going to join a posse to patrol the town when we saw -them ride from Lawyer Perkins' house."</p> - -<p>"You're lying. I can tell by the sound of your voice," interrupted the -world-famous desperado. "But it doesn't make any difference.</p> - -<p>"After we've taken your weapons away from you, I'm going to send you -back to the Springs.</p> - -<p>"Now listen carefully. I want you to tell the people how you shot at -three defenceless women, how we surprised you and what we did to your -women-shooting companions.</p> - -<p>"<i>Tell them that if they ever try to harm a hair on the head of Jesse -James' sister, he'll hound them to hell!</i>" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> - -<p>During the awful threat, Cole and his brothers had removed the pistols, -knives and cartridges from the prisoner's clothes and as the famous -outlaw saw they had finished the task, he roared:</p> - -<p>"Now go, you cur! Ride for your life! If we can see you in two minutes, -we'll open fire at you! <i>And don't forget to deliver my message!</i>"</p> - -<p>Ere the last words had been uttered, however, the man, who believed -himself literally returned from the dead, whirled his horse and dashed -madly back toward the Springs.</p> - -<p>And as he rode, the mocking laughter of Jesse rang in his ears.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XIV.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">"PRINCE CHARMING."</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>"Can't we take a couple of shots at the guy?" implored John, casting -yearning glances in the direction of the furiously riding horseman.</p> - -<p>But before his chief could reply, Susie exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"No, please say no, Jesse. We've—ugh!—seen enough shooting tonight," -and she turned her large eyes, full of pleading, upon her brother.</p> - -<p>"As you say, sis," returned he, good-naturedly. "The ladies are in -command now, John, so I can't allow you to fire at the wretch, though -it does seem a shame not to give him a couple of bullets to hurry him a -bit." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> - -<p>Susie, however, was deaf to supplication and with a sigh the outlaws -turned their backs upon the lone rider.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to leave those—er—men?" inquired Marjorie, as Jesse -and his companions dismounted to look to the cinches of their saddles.</p> - -<p>"We are," returned the bandit-chieftain with an emphasis that warned -the others that he had yielded to their demands as far as he would. -"They'll serve as a warning that my family and friends are not to be -trifled with."</p> - -<p>Then dropping his harsh tone, he inquired: "Where were you-all bound -for when this interruption occurred?"</p> - -<p>"To my aunt, Mrs. Jarvis, in Deepwater," answered Tim.</p> - -<p>"Good. The girls ought certainly to be secure from annoyance with any -of your family, who'd never be suspected of harbouring the Jameses or -their friends. I rather think you girls had better stay there for a few -days till things get quieter. There's liable to be something happen in -course of forty-eight hours or so."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Jess, why can't you be satisfied with getting away?" besought his -sister, only to be silenced by his retort:</p> - -<p>"Just mind your own affairs, little girl. There are a good many things -you don't understand so don't bother your head about them. You'll have -enough to think of—and more—with silks and ribbons and all the rest. -For now that you and Tim have tried to steal a march on me once, the -sooner you are married the less likely you'll be to attempt it again." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> - -<p>Their thoughts distracted from their nerve-racking experience through -which they had passed by the reference to the nuptials, Susie and the -girls, with women's interest in such events, fell to discussing the -clothes that would be necessary and, smiling indulgently at their -innocent prattle, the desperadoes ordered them to advance and rode -along in their rear.</p> - -<p>In apparent forgetfulness of the presence of the men who were so -feared, Susie and her friends proceeded for miles before they noticed -that they were following.</p> - -<p>"Why, Jess," exclaimed Marjorie, happening to look back over her -shoulder, "I didn't know you had come with us. Aren't we taking you out -of your way?"</p> - -<p>"Never mind about that," rejoined the world-famous desperado. "It's -a good twenty miles from here to Deepwater and lots of things could -happen before you got there, so many that I don't propose to risk your -going alone. But if you want to do me a favour, will you ride faster -and keep quiet? There's no telling who's abroad."</p> - -<p>Recalled to the reality of the danger they were running in traveling at -night when the whole section of the state was supposed to be searching -high and low for the dread Jesse and his companions, the little troop -rode on in silence.</p> - -<p>As they approached a dark place in the highway the bandit-chieftain -and John galloped ahead to draw the fire, in case any patrols were in -ambush, while Cole and Jim guarded the rear. Villages and towns were -given a wide berth, the cavalcade making a wide detour around them, -even avoiding clusters of farm houses in their anxiety not to arouse -any dogs which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> might give the alarm and enable the course of the -fugitives to be traced.</p> - -<p>At last, as the sky was growing green with the first tinge of the -coming day, the spires of Deepwater came in sight, their white sides -looking like spectres hovering between heaven and earth.</p> - -<p>As they approached the town, the crowing of the cocks announced the -wakening life.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe we'll go any farther," declared Jesse, calling a halt -on the outskirts of the village. "No one will interfere with you now -and if any body should, you can say you're guests of Mrs. Jarvis out -for an early ride. Tim knows how to work the bluff. I think you'd best -get back to Kearney this morning, boy. You can explain to mother about -Sue's trip to Monegaw Springs and tell her that it's all right for I've -given my consent. When you've eased her mind, you come back here. Oh, -you might tell her I'm going on a business trip to Ste. Genevieve and -that I'll run in to see her on my way back. Say that Frank and Texas -have gone north on a surveying expedition to be gone several weeks. If -she, or any of you, have anything important to communicate to me, you -can meet me in the old wood-chopper's camp at Sni Mills in five weeks.</p> - -<p>"Take care of yourselves, now."</p> - -<p>And touching his lips to his sister's forehead, the dare-devil bandit -turned, caught Marjorie around the waist and planted a resounding smack -on her luscious mouth, repeated the salute on Helen and cantered away, -laughing gaily, before the blushing girls could remonstrate.</p> - -<p>The deviation from his course across the state,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> necessitated by the -escorting of his sister and friends to their destination, was little -to the taste of the world-famous desperado, though he concealed his -feelings from Susie and the girls.</p> - -<p>But once clear of them, he rode like mad to recover the lost ground.</p> - -<p>His hope of success in looting the bank lay in striking before the -man-hunters should discover that he had left the region of Monegaw -Springs and in his race against time, every hour was precious.</p> - -<p>Keeping to the highway till it grew so light they feared discovery, -the outlaws finally rode into the woods and when they reached a -well-sheltered ravine, dismounted to rest their horses.</p> - -<p>Though Cole and Jesse had left their false beards in the little -ham-chamber in the chimney of the Prior house, where they had suffered -such agony, they still wore their business suits they had donned in -McAlester, in the Indian Territory, before going to the Springs.</p> - -<p>John and Jim, however, were clad in the cowboy garb the bandits -affected. "Wouldn't it be best for us to shift back into our 'Wild -West' togs?" suggested the eldest of the Younger brothers as he noted -the incongruity in the appearance of the company. "If anybody should -see us, they'd sure be likely to notice us with two of us all rigged -out to kill and the others not."</p> - -<p>"I reckon it would be a good idea," returned his chief. "The people -at the farmhouse didn't seem to notice that our faces were smooth, at -least they didn't raise any yell about it, and they probably would -have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> if they'd caught on to the fact, so we'll have a better chance of -getting by in our usual costume."</p> - -<p>Little time did it take the bandits to change but they carefully folded -the suits they took off and put them into their saddle bags for future -emergencies.</p> - -<p>Their horses refreshed by the rest and the grass they had cropped, -Jesse gave the word to re-saddle and mount and they resumed their -cross-state ride.</p> - -<p>Throughout the day they advanced, picking their course through the -woods, till along toward dusk their hunger decided them to halt near a -farmhouse where they determined to secure some food.</p> - -<p>Leaving Cole with John to guard the horses, that the more experienced -man might steady the lad and parry any pertinent questions should any -inquisitive countryman stumble upon them, the bandit-chieftain and Jim -started for the house.</p> - -<p>Keeping under cover of the bushes till they reached the road, they -scanned the buildings closely as they approached.</p> - -<p>The unpainted boards, made grey by exposure to wind and rain, bespoke -the occupants as not overburdened with worldly goods. The roof of -a shed running from the house to the barn was sadly in the need of -repair, giving evidence of being on the verge of collapsing, and as -they turned into the yard a litter of pails, broken-down wagons and all -sorts of old rubbish suggested that the inmates were shiftless as well -as poor.</p> - -<p>"Not very inviting," commented John, taking in the surroundings.</p> - -<p>"You can't always judge by appearances," returned his chief. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> - -<p>And as the door was opened in response to his rap, his companion -conceded that he was right.</p> - -<p>Looking at them with frightened eyes was a girl of possibly twenty -years, her beauty in startling contrast to the ragged calico wrapper in -which she was clad.</p> - -<p>A mass of Titian hair, glorious despite its disorder, crowned a face -exquisite in its fine moulding and delicate colouring.</p> - -<p>Her eyes, blue and innocent as a babe's, alone bore trace of the -poverty and want her environment proclaimed.</p> - -<p>Blushing at the frank admiration in the faces of the men before her, -the girl seemed to realize the incongruity of her appearance and in a -tone of resentment demanded:</p> - -<p>"What do you want?"</p> - -<p>"We should like to get something to eat, if you will sell it to us," -replied the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>"Food? You come <i>here</i> for food?" exclaimed the creature, and then -burst into a laugh, awful in its bitterness.</p> - -<p>Surprised at her action, Jesse was about to speak when she went on:</p> - -<p>"We haven't enough for ourselves, let alone strangers. There's nothing -in the house but a little corn meal. Ma's in bed with a fever, baby's -ailing and they took our cow away from us today."</p> - -<p>Then, as though ashamed for her rancor, she added: "But if we <i>had</i> -anything you'd be welcome."</p> - -<p>His big heart ever warm for those in distress, as he heard of the -tribulations besetting the fair girl and her family, the world-famous -desperado became interested<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> and when the loss of the cow was -disclosed, he uttered an ejaculation of anger that anyone should be so -cruel.</p> - -<p>Something of what was passing through his mind showed in his eyes and -instead of closing the door, as she started to do, the girl looked at -him eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Where are the men folks?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Wincing as though she had been struck with a lash, the beauty drew back.</p> - -<p>"I beg pardon," hastily continued Jesse. "I didn't mean to add to your -anguish. I fancy I understand about them."</p> - -<p>And the relief that his words brought to the blue eyes was ample reward -to the bandit-chieftain and he continued: "How would it be if we should -buy some food at the village, would you cook it for us? We'll pay you -for your trouble."</p> - -<p>Scarce believing her ears, the girl looked at the outlaws as though -they were genii sprung from the earth, then exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I'll ask Ma. Won't you come in? You'll have to excuse the looks of the -house but I haven't felt much like tidying up."</p> - -<p>Accepting the invitation eagerly, in the hope that he might get a -glimpse of the fever-stricken woman and the infant, Jesse entered.</p> - -<p>But the sight that greeted his eyes made the yard seem clean and -well-kept, in comparison.</p> - -<p>On one side of the room, which served as kitchen and bed-chamber, -stretched on a pallet of straw, lay a grey-haired woman, her thin face -and flushed cheeks evidencing all too clearly the ravages of the malady -with which she was afflicted. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> - -<p>And resting in the crook of an emaciated arm lay a baby, fussing and -whimpering, now and then crying:</p> - -<p>"Mik. I wan' my mik."</p> - -<p>In his interest in the twain on the sorry bed, the world-famous -desperado was oblivious to the rags, dishes, broken chairs and battered -stove that formed the rest of the furnishings.</p> - -<p>"These men want to know if I'll cook 'em something to eat if they'll -buy it," announced the girl, dropping to her knees that she might speak -in the woman's ear.</p> - -<p>"Law, child, I don' believe the stove'll draw," replied her mother, -when she understood the reason for the strangers' presence.</p> - -<p>"Then we'll get food that won't need cooking," returned Jesse.</p> - -<p>"You'll have to speak louder, Ma's deaf," declared her daughter.</p> - -<p>"Well, you kin do as you please," rejoined the sick creature. "It may -draw and it may not."</p> - -<p>"We'll take the chance," asserted the bandit-chieftain. "Jim, you and -Miss—"</p> - -<p>"Shaw, Daisy Shaw," supplied the girl.</p> - -<p>"You and Miss Shaw make out a list of what she needs at the store while -I see if I can't make her mother a bit easier." And kneeling beside the -bed of straw, he took out his medicine case with its wonderful salves -and lotions.</p> - -<p>In reply to his questions, the bandit-chieftain learned that the woman -had been tossing with the fever for more than a week, though not till -the desertion of her husband and son, two days before, had it become -virulent. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> - -<p>The mention of the faithless scoundrel who had left her in want and -misery threw her into wild ravings.</p> - -<p>"Does she have these spells often?" asked the great outlaw as he -hastily produced an opiate from his case.</p> - -<p>"Most of the time. Oh, she takes on awful!" returned the girl whose -status as wife of the runaway son or sister, the bandits had not yet -ascertained.</p> - -<p>But it was one thing to prepare the narcotic and another to administer -it.</p> - -<p>At first the woman would not listen to the suggestion, protesting that -Jesse was but some miserable tool of her husband, sent by him to poison -her. And it required the combined efforts of the three to reassure -her. So weak was she from lack of nourishment and the ravages of the -fever that when she did swallow it the effect was almost instantaneous, -however.</p> - -<p>By the time her mother was wrapped in the first sleep since her -abandonment by her husband, Daisy and Jim had completed the list.</p> - -<p>"Have you thought of everything?" smiled Jesse as he noted the look of -fearsome eagerness on her face as she handed him the slip.</p> - -<p>"That will do for the present," she replied, relieved that the number -of the wants had not appalled their benefactor.</p> - -<p>"But there's not enough to last two days," protested the famous -desperado, glancing through the items. "Jim, go to the store—Miss -Shaw will direct you how to reach it, and order three times the amount -she's put down. Get a barrel of flour and a barrel of sugar, too. Have -someone drive the stuff back with you. Now hurry, I'm hungry." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> - -<p>As his chum picked up his hat and departed, after receiving the -necessary instructions to reach the store. Daisy tried to thank the -generous stranger, but with a laugh, Jesse begged her not to mention it -and distracted her attention from his largess by suggesting that she -bathe her mother in a lotion he took from his medicine case.</p> - -<p>"She isn't my real mother," confided the girl, "only my mother-in-law. -I married Tom in New Orleans. He was a horse jockey at the time. But he -got to drinking, lost his job and we drifted up here—and now he's left -me."</p> - -<p>"Good riddance, I should say," snapped Jesse. And by dint of clever -questioning, he drew from the girl the whole sad story of deception -and disgrace to which she and the sick woman had been brought by -the worthless father and son whose disappearance was due to some -transgression of the law.</p> - -<p>His sympathy aroused, the famous desperado asked about the cow, -learning that she had been taken for a mortgage which was not due for -three days. Having a chance to sell her and believing that the deserted -woman could never raise the amount loaned, the hardhearted farmer had -driven the animal away.</p> - -<p>Boiling with indignation at the injustice, Jesse demanded the man's -name.</p> - -<p>"He's Hiram Rozier and he's awful rich," answered Daisy.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if he is any relation to the Roziers in Ste. Genevieve?" -hazarded the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>"He has a brother who's president of or owns a bank."</p> - -<p>"Ha! He <i>is</i> one of that tribe, eh?" hissed Jesse. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'll pay him a visit before I leave this town. You'll either have your -cow back or another in its place."</p> - -<p>Something in the tone in which her "Prince Charming" uttered the -promise made Daisy look at him and the expression she saw on his face -caused her to shrink from him in terror.</p> - -<p>But his paroxysm of rage lasted only a moment and when Jim returned -with the groceries and provisions half an hour later, they were -laughing and joking as they struggled to make the battered stove do its -duty.</p> - -<p>When the supplies had been transferred from the wagon to the house, -Jesse bade his chum wait upon the girl while he transacted a little -business and without giving either Daisy or Jim a chance to object, -went from the house, jumping up beside the driver of the grocery wagon -whom he ordered to drive as fast as he could to the home of Hiram -Rozier.</p> - -<p>The curiosity of the villager excited by the unheard-of order for -provisions for the Shaws, the fellow sought to learn Jesse's relation -to the family who were sneeringly alluded to as "poor white trash" by -their more prosperous neighbours.</p> - -<p>Deeming it advisable to offer some explanation, the world-famous -desperado amused himself during the drive by unfolding a wondrous tale -of a long-lost sister, stolen by gypsies when she was a tot, found in -the person of Daisy Shaw.</p> - -<p>"Here we be to Hiram's," announced the fellow, as he pulled up in front -of a big white house, the blinds on the front of which were all shut -tight. "Shall you want me any more?"</p> - -<p>In the tone was a mixture of desire to impart the choice bit of gossip -of the returned brother to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> cronies at the store and reluctance to -leave the stranger lest he miss something.</p> - -<p>Smiling at it, Jesse replied:</p> - -<p>"If you can, I should be obliged if you would listen to my conversation -with Mr. Rozier. I may want a witness."</p> - -<p>Here was mystery indeed—the long-lost brother of Daisy Shaw desiring -a witness to a conversation with the richest man in town! And in his -haste to descend from the wagon, the clerk caught his foot in the reins -and would have fallen had not the bandit-chieftain caught him.</p> - -<p>Going boldly up to the front door, his companion following at a safe -distance, Jesse lifted the old fashioned brass knocker and let it fall -with a resounding rap.</p> - -<p>In a few moments shuffling steps sounded and a man, whose face, though -older and topped with white locks, was a counterpart of the banker's at -Monegaw Springs, opened the door, demanding gruffly:</p> - -<p>"What do you want?"</p> - -<p>"Is this Mr. Hiram Rozier?" asked the famous desperado.</p> - -<p>"It is."</p> - -<p>Assured on this point, Jesse went to the point without any -preliminaries:</p> - -<p>"You stole Mrs. Thomas Shaw's cow from her today, didn't you?"</p> - -<p>"Stole her cow? No, sir! How dare you say such a thing?" thundered the -infuriated man.</p> - -<p>"Don't raise your voice—unless you want your neighbors to hear," -retorted his interrogator, coolly. "You did steal it <i>and you know you -did</i>! There was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> mortgage on it but it wasn't due till day after -tomorrow.</p> - -<p>"<i>I've come to take back that cow!</i>"</p> - -<p>Dropping his bombastic manner, Hiram Rosier whined:</p> - -<p>"I got it in a business way. I had a chance to sell her. Mrs. Shaw -couldn't pay the money even if it isn't due for three days. There's -nothing wrong about the transaction. I can't afford to lose fifteen -dollars and sixty cents when I—"</p> - -<p>"Rubbish!" snapped Jesse. "Mrs. Shaw <i>can</i> pay the money. See, here's a -twenty-dollar bill. But she <i>won't</i>—with my permission.</p> - -<p>"How much did you get for the cow?"</p> - -<p>Too amazed by such treatment to think of refusing to reply, the old man -stammered:</p> - -<p>"Forty dollars."</p> - -<p>"Giving you a profit of practically twenty-five dollars, eh? Is that -the way you made all your money, stealing food from the mouths of -helpless women and children?"</p> - -<p>"I won't listen to such abuse!" roared Hiram Rozier and he started to -shut the door in the great outlaw's face.</p> - -<p>The latter had been expecting such a move, however, and quickly -reaching out his powerful right arm, seized the old man and yanked him -on to the porch, hissing:</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes you will—and more too. I want you to get on this wagon and -drive with me to the man to whom you sold Mrs. Shaw's cow."</p> - -<p>"And if I refuse?"</p> - -<p>"I'll have you arrested for selling stolen property." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> - -<p>The humiliation and disgrace such a proceeding would bring upon the -name of Rozier decided the old man and he rejoined:</p> - -<p>"Wait till I get my hat."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no you don't. Do I look like a fool enough to let you go back into -the house? You put my hat on your head and come along."</p> - -<p>Before the other could remonstrate, the world-famous desperado had -jammed his sombrero upon the white locks and was dragging the old man -toward the wagon.</p> - -<p>Pinching himself to see if he were awake, the clerk followed and, when -all were on the seat, drove to the house named by Mr. Rozier.</p> - -<p>Arrived, Jesse accompanied the unwilling moneylender to the door.</p> - -<p>When the purpose of the visit was made known, the purchaser of the -cow at first refused to surrender her in return for the money he had -paid, finally declaring, however, that he would part with her for fifty -dollars.</p> - -<p>Threatening to expose him should he decline to give the extra ten -dollars, Jesse forced the brother of the banker to pay it and with the -cow tied to the wagon, they drove back to his house.</p> - -<p>The loss of the money rankling in his breast, as the team stopped in -front of his gate, Mr. Rozier exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"If you'll give me the amount of the mortgage, I'll have it cancelled."</p> - -<p>"Not much," retorted the bandit-chieftain. "You'll send the paper, -marked 'satisfied in full of all demands' 'round to Mrs. Shaw's tonight -before nine o'clock or she'll swear out a warrant against you!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> - -<p>And without giving the terrified old man the opportunity to reply, -Jesse ordered the dumbfounded grocery clerk to drive on.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XV.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">JESSE GETS HIS REVENGE.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Dismissing the clerk with a generous tip when they had returned to the -Shaw house, Jesse jumped from the wagon, untied the cow and intended to -wait till the fellow had driven away before calling to Daisy to come -out.</p> - -<p>But the rattle of the wheels had been heard by the girl and Jim, and -they rushed to the door to learn who had arrived.</p> - -<p>"Is that you, chief?" called the member of the Younger family, unable -to see in the darkness after leaving the lighted room.</p> - -<p>Ere the great outlaw could reply, however, the cow gave a low "moo," -evidently glad to be home, and with a gasp of incredulous delight, -Daisy darted to the animal, threw her arms around its neck and murmured:</p> - -<p>"Is it really you, Topsey? How can we ever thank you, sir. Little Tom -will have his milk now—unless—unless—" and she stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Unless what, Miss Shaw?" inquired the bandit-chieftain. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Unless Mr. Rozier only let her come back for the three days."</p> - -<p>"Don't worry about that. Topsey, if that's her name, is yours for good -and all. Hiram Rozier will never trouble you about her."</p> - -<p>Yet though the girl pressed him, he would say nothing about the manner -in which the animal had been recovered.</p> - -<p>Leading the cow to her shed, Daisy bade Jim fetch a milk pail, -announcing that supper would be ready as soon as she had finished the -task.</p> - -<p>But Jesse realized that Cole and John would be worried at the length -of time he and his companion were absent and, going into the house, he -helped himself to such articles of food as he thought his pals would -relish, then set out to rejoin them.</p> - -<p>Their anxiety relieved by the return of their chief, the Youngers -listened interestedly to his account of the occurrences during his -absence, both of them stripping a bill from their rolls and asking him -to give them to the stricken family.</p> - -<p>"Saddle the horses at nine o'clock," Jesse remarked after thanking -them for their contributions. "Jim and I'll be back as soon as we see -whether that brute Hiram sends the cancelled mortgage or not.</p> - -<p>"Sit tight and don't take any chances."</p> - -<p>Daisy and her companion had not been in the house long when the -world-famous desperado returned.</p> - -<p>To his delight, the girl asked no embarrassing questions about his -absence, apparently considering it but natural that he should look -around, and no mention did she make of the missing edibles.</p> - -<p>With a joy that was reward sufficient in itself, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> baby took his -milk, being indulged with a double allowance in honour of the visit of -"Santa Claus" as Daisy called her benefactor.</p> - -<p>On the pallet, Mrs. Shaw was sleeping peacefully.</p> - -<p>Sitting down to the rickety table, the outlaws ate ravenously, for they -had been more than twenty-four hours without food.</p> - -<p>Their hunger, appeased, Jesse suggested that on the morrow the girl -look for some cosy, clean rooms with a farmer who would keep Topsey, -leaving the ramshackle hovel for good and all.</p> - -<p>The plan met with Daisy's approval till she remembered that such -comfort would cost money, but her disappointment was quickly alleviated -by the great outlaw.</p> - -<p>"With proper care, I think Mrs. Shaw will throw off the fever," said -he, encouragingly. "You must have a doctor and give her and yourself -and the baby, too, plenty of nourishing food. Then, as soon as your -mother-in-law is able to travel, I think it would be a good plan for -you all to go down to your people, if you care to, in New Orleans. If -you don't I'll try to find a place for you somewhere. I'll make it a -point to come back and look you up in a couple of weeks, anyhow. And in -the meantime, if you'll accept a little present from me, it'll keep you -going till I see you again."</p> - -<p>And as he concluded his speech, Jesse placed several crisp bank notes -on the table in front of the girl.</p> - -<p>Fascinated by the sight of so much money, Daisy gazed at it for several -minutes, then with a little sigh, took one bill and pushed the rest -toward her "Prince Charming," murmuring: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You're <i>so</i> good. I'll take this twenty dollars because it'll help -pay the doctor and feed little Tom. But I can't accept the rest. -It wouldn't be right. Why, look at all you've done for us, buying -provisions and getting back Topsey, and I don't even know your name."</p> - -<p>"Never mind about that now," returned the great desperado, awkwardly. -"I'm always glad to assist people in want. You just put that money in a -safe place and don't think any more about it. Some day, perhaps, you'll -be able to help me and if you are, I shall count upon your doing so."</p> - -<p>Puzzled by the suggestion that so insignificant a person as she might -be of service to the strong, handsome man before her, the girl was on -the point of renewing her attempt to learn his identity when there was -a knock on the door.</p> - -<p>Exchanging hurried glances, the bandit-chieftain and Jim rose to their -feet, crossing the room toward a window, their hands ready to whip out -their six-shooters should the summons be from some of their enemies.</p> - -<p>Unheeding the significant precaution, Daisy went to the door and opened -it.</p> - -<p>"Here's a letter from Mr. Hiram Rozier," piped a boy's voice. "He says -he hopes Mrs. Shaw's better."</p> - -<p>But the girl vouchsafed no reply, simply taking the envelope and -shutting the door in the messenger's face.</p> - -<p>"What can this be?" she exclaimed, turning the missive over and over in -her hands as though trying to learn its contents through the cover. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Open it and find out," smiled Jesse. "I don't believe it's loaded."</p> - -<p>Mechanically Daisy obeyed, drawing forth a carefully folded piece of -paper.</p> - -<p>"Why, it's the mortgage on Topsey and it says 'satisfied in full of all -demands' on it. This is more of your work, sir," she cried, raising her -happy face to the great outlaw's.</p> - -<p>"So I fancy. I thought the old duffer would listen to reason. And now -that everything's all right, we must go."</p> - -<p>Finding that her entreaties were of no avail, the girl insisted upon -their taking lunch with them and after Jesse had showed her about some -medicines he left for the sick woman, with many expressions of her -gratitude for their surprising generosity, Daisy watched them till they -were lost in the darkness of the night.</p> - -<p>For several rods the two outlaws walked on in silence, then the chief -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I sure am glad we happened to strike that house."</p> - -<p>Attributing the statement to his sympathetic nature, Jim praised his -bounty.</p> - -<p>But when they rejoined Cole and John, he was made aware that it was -prompted by other causes as well.</p> - -<p>"The old curmudgeon sent back the mortgage, cancelled," announced Jesse -excitedly. "I've thrown a jolt into old Hiram that he won't forget till -his dying day. <i>Now for the other Rozier!</i> Come on. We must be in Ste. -Genevieve day after tomorrow."</p> - -<p>Realizing that the task would mean hard riding, the bandits lost no -time in getting under way, passing through the town that Jesse might -point out where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> the lion he had "bearded in his den" lived, to his -fellows.</p> - -<p>Twice during the night, the desperadoes were startled by the sound of -rapid hoof-beats and reined into the bushes at the side of the road to -discover who was riding so late.</p> - -<p>The first one proved to be a solitary horseman coming from the -direction in which they were going, but the second caused them deep -concern.</p> - -<p>Five men, with rifles carried across their saddle pommels, ready for -instant use, dashed along the highway, bound eastward as were the -bandits.</p> - -<p>Never uttering a word, the men leaned forward the better to penetrate -the darkness ahead.</p> - -<p>"Do you suppose they're after us or are they just out on a little -game of their own?" whispered Jim as the hoof-beats died away in the -distance.</p> - -<p>"Goodness only knows," returned the world-famous desperado. "They mean -business, whoever they are. Just keep your ears open."</p> - -<p>Fearing an ambush, the outlaws rode with the utmost caution, carefully -examining any dark places along the highway before they entered.</p> - -<p>The possibility that they were officers sent out by Hiram Rozier was -discussed but no decision could they come to and it was with feelings -of relief that they watched the day dawn.</p> - -<p>Pausing in a dense copse for breakfast, they devoured the lunch -provided by Daisy and took turns at sleeping till about ten o'clock -when they once more took up their course.</p> - -<p>Riding in the shelter of the woods, the outlaws<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> covered many miles -before sundown when they again rested.</p> - -<p>Forced to be content with smoking their pipes and tightening their -belts in lieu of supper, they stopped only long enough to feed their -mounts, then entered upon the final stage of their cross-state dash.</p> - -<p>In contrast to the two previous nights, the moon rose clear, enabling -them the better to see the roadway and thus make faster time.</p> - -<p>No untoward incidents occurred. Not a traveller did they meet and at -six o'clock in the morning they rode into Ste. Genevieve.</p> - -<p>Founded by the Catholics in the early part of the eighteenth century, -the town had grown in wealth and population steadily. The old French -families had imparted a courtliness and refinement that distinguished -it from other villages when the horde of home-seekers flocked across -the "Big Muddy," lured by dreams of wealth and happiness to be found -beyond its shores.</p> - -<p>With a thrift inherited from their forebears, the inhabitants saved -their money and Jim had not been wrong when he had declared that -Rozier's bank usually carried upwards of $100,000 in its vaults.</p> - -<p>The air was redolent with the fragrance of Spring as Jesse, Jim, John -and Cole rode through the streets, their minds bent upon a crime -against the citizens.</p> - -<p>Stopping at the first livery stable to which they came, the outlaws -ordered their horses fed and inquired the way to the nearest good -restaurant.</p> - -<p>It was the belief of the world-famous desperado that men were more -daring with their stomachs full than when hunger gnawed at them, and -never did he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> undertake any of his sensational raids without eating -first, when possible.</p> - -<p>Being directed to a first-class eating place, they laughed and chatted -during their breakfast and no one who saw them would have thought they -contemplated perpetrating any foul deed.</p> - -<p>Purchasing cigars when they had finished their meal, the quartette -sauntered out onto the street to find where the Savings Association -Bank was located and to look over the building, its approaches and -entrances.</p> - -<p>In the northern end of the town they discovered it, its name announced -by a gold-lettered sign with black background at the top of a one-story -building and in smaller letters on the windows.</p> - -<p>"What luck," chuckled Jesse as they walked past the bank. "It's right -on a corner. You and Jim, John, can wait in this side street. There are -nothing but dwelling houses on it, that I can see. By looking through -the windows, you can see anybody passing on the main thoroughfare and -no inquisitive attention will be attracted to you as there would if you -sat your horses in front of the bank.</p> - -<p>"When we go back, we'll notice what time it opens. The earlier we turn -the trick, the less risk we'll run of being interrupted."</p> - -<p>Not just beyond the building did the bandits stop and turn, however. -Too thoroughly versed in the art of avoiding attention when they wished -to, they walked half a mile beyond the bank, crossed the street and -returned on the opposite side.</p> - -<p>"Get a look at the cashier's cage," whispered their chief as they drew -near. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the most casual manner, the desperadoes glanced toward the -institution, then turned their eyes upon something else.</p> - -<p>But in the brief space they had learned what they wished.</p> - -<p>White enamelled letters announced that the banking hours were from nine -till twelve in the morning and from two till four in the afternoon, and -on Saturday evenings from seven till eight.</p> - -<p>The desk of the cashier was at the end of the counter next to the side -street, evidently so placed that the official might converse with -customers without being heard by any others who might be in the bank.</p> - -<p>And directly behind the desk the massive steel doors of the vault were -visible.</p> - -<p>"It's only seven-thirty," declared Jesse, looking at his watch when -they had passed the bank. "Let's drop into the hotel and look at -yesterday's newspapers. I'd lake to see what they have to say about the -shindy at the Springs."</p> - -<p>No better way of spending the hour and a half they were forced to wait -suggesting itself, the quartette entered the village Inn and were soon -engrossed in the fantastic report of Jesse's escape from the health -resort.</p> - -<p>Beyond the usual, exaggerated account of the number of his companions, -there was nothing that caused them concern.</p> - -<p>But the perusal served as an excellent "kill time" and it was with a -start that the great outlaw noticed the hands on the Inn clock pointing -to quarter before nine. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It's time to get the horses," he declared, rising.</p> - -<p>Without the quiver of an eyelash to betray their intense excitement, -now that the time for action was at hand, the others got up and left -the hostelry.</p> - -<p>Quickening their pace as they reached the street, they were soon at the -livery stable and as the village clock struck the hour of nine, they -cantered leisurely past the bank into the side street where Cole and -his chief dismounted, leaving their horses in charge of Jim and John.</p> - -<p>"Watch out for people who look as though they were going to enter the -bank. <i>And shoot 'em before they do so!</i>" whispered the world-famous -desperado as he gave the reins of his pony to Jim.</p> - -<p>No hour of the day could have been more auspicious for the outlaws!</p> - -<p>So early was it that few women were upon the street on shopping bent, -the merchants were busy reading their morning mail and those of the -citizens who worked had gone to their labours hours before.</p> - -<p>Passing around onto the main street, for there was only one door to the -Savings Association Bank, and that on the front side, Jesse and Cole -mounted the two steps and entered the institution.</p> - -<p>But as they opened the door they received a shock!</p> - -<p>Standing beside the cashier was Forman A. Rozier, Jr.!</p> - -<p>In obedience to his father's command, the lad had come to Ste. -Genevieve to warn Mr. Harris of his president's fears. With the easy -confidence of youth, he had added, on his own responsibility, that he -thought his sire was unduly alarmed and that Jesse would have too much -to do to get away from the posse at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> Springs to think of wreaking -his vengeance upon the bank. Yet all the money, save about $10,000, had -been sent to Kansas City as the elder Rozier wished.</p> - -<p>No sign did either the bandit-chieftain or his pal make, however, that -would disclose their surprise at his presence.</p> - -<p>The cashier and the son of the banker were chatting together when Jesse -suddenly whipped out his trusty "Colts" and covered them, hissing:</p> - -<p>"We've come to help you open the bank! Get a move on and open that -vault!"</p> - -<p>In blank amazement, the startled cashier whirled about, his mouth -opened as though to shout an alarm only to close it as he beheld the -ugly muzzles of the four six-shooters pointed at him.</p> - -<p>"Don't stand and gawp! Step lively!" admonished the bandit-chieftain.</p> - -<p>For an instant, Mr. Harris hesitated, evidently trying to make up his -mind whether to save his life or his depositors' money, then whined:</p> - -<p>"You have me at your mercy! I'm helpless!"</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk," grinned the great outlaw. "But 'actions speak -louder than words.' Open that vault or you'll be running errands for -the Devil before you're two minutes older!"</p> - -<p>His hands trembling so that he could with difficulty work the -combination, the cashier strove to obey.</p> - -<p>Intent upon watching him, Cole and Jesse had left young Rozier -unguarded.</p> - -<p>Biding his time, the youth waited till the robbers' eyes were riveted -on the steel vault, then made a dash for the door. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> - -<p>But the sound of his steps recalled the bandits to his existence.</p> - -<p>Whirling, the great outlaw swung at him with his pistol barrel, just -grazing the top of his head.</p> - -<p>"No you don't, you little cuss!" he snapped. "Come here to me or I'll -make a new heir to the Rozier wealth!"</p> - -<p>Fearing to disobey, young Forman walked slowly toward his captor.</p> - -<p>"Get up there behind the counter," commanded the bandit-chieftain. -"That's the way. Now hold this bag!" And he produced the ever-present -gunny-sack from the blouse of his shirt.</p> - -<p>The massive doors of the safe had answered to the manipulation of the -tumblers in the combination and Cole was inside as the boy reluctantly -took hold of the bag.</p> - -<p>"Where's the rest of the money?" demanded the eldest of the Younger -brothers, emerging with only two sacks of gold in his hands and a -couple of packages of bank notes under his arms.</p> - -<p>"It's—it's in Kansas City!" whimpered the cashier.</p> - -<p>"A—ha! I see! This is your doings, you little pig-faced mut!" roared -Jesse, grabbing young Rozier by the coat collar and shaking him while -he poured a torrent of blasphemous abuse on his luckless head. "How -much <i>was</i> there in the vault last night, old baldy?" he snarled at Mr. -Harris.</p> - -<p>"$8,500."</p> - -<p>"How much did you send to Kansas City?"</p> - -<p>"Not quite $100,000."</p> - -<p>At the thought of the vast amount of which he had been deprived by the -journey of the bank president's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> son to Ste. Genevieve, the wrath of -the world-famous desperado broke out anew.</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you stay in the Springs?" he thundered. "I was a fool not -to have shot you when you pointed out my tent to Dillaby."</p> - -<p>Gazing at the bandit in terror, the youth blinked at him a moment, then -cried:</p> - -<p>"You're 'Howard' the false miner! Father was right! Help! He—"</p> - -<p>But the cry was stifled in his throat by the powerful fingers of the -terrible outlaw.</p> - -<p>"You lie, you little vermin! I'm not 'Howard'—I'm Jesse James! A—ah! -It makes you blanch when you think that you and your money-loving -father insulted <i>me</i> and set detectives on my track, eh?</p> - -<p>"You've cheated me out of $100,000 by coming here! And by the blood of -my mother! I'll take it out of your hide. I'll teach the Rozier tribe -better than to try to drug Jesse James with doped wine!"</p> - -<p>And before either Cole and the cashier recovered from their surprise at -the fury of the great bandit's denunciation, Jesse lifted the banker's -son from the floor, hurled him into the vault and slammed the massive -doors shut.</p> - -<p>"It'll cost old Rozier a few dollars before he gets you out of here," -chuckled the world-famous desperado.</p> - -<p>And to the horror of Mr. Harris, he aimed his revolver at the lock and -pulled the trigger, shattering the combination with the bullet.</p> - -<p>"He'll die! He'll smother!" wailed the cashier.</p> - -<p>"Let him! If you dare to raise an alarm for five minutes, I'll come -back and blow the top of your bald pate off. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Come, Cole! We'll go back to the Springs and get old Rozier. And just -remember this, you Harris. If Rozier doesn't resign as president of -this bank, I'll raid it every year.</p> - -<p>"Tell <i>that</i> to your directors!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XVI.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">THE BUTCHERY AT CHALK LEVEL.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Terror-stricken at the casting into the vault of his master's son and -the destruction of the lock, Mr. Harris stared in bewilderment at the -prison-vault, aware that the boy might suffocate before workmen could -open the doors.</p> - -<p>Even the dire threat of repeating the robbery failed to arouse him and -no heed did he pay as Jesse picked up the bag of plunder and walked -calmly from the building, with his pal at his side.</p> - -<p>But the pistol shot had been heard!</p> - -<p>In his yard across the street, a man had been setting out flowers.</p> - -<p>As the report rang out from the bank, he glanced toward it and beheld -the desperadoes, their pistols pointed at the cashier.</p> - -<p>Dropping his gardening implements, the man rushed into the house to get -his shotgun, bravely intending to go to the assistance of Mr. Harris.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Henry?" asked his wife as she noticed the scared -expression on her husband's face as he ran for his weapon. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Robbers—in the—bank!" he gasped, taking the gun from its rack by the -kitchen door.</p> - -<p>"Gracious me! What are <i>you</i> going to do?"</p> - -<p>"Go to the help of Mr. Harris, of course."</p> - -<p>"Henry Farnam, are you a fool? Will you never learn to mind your own -business? Go to Harris' rescue, will you? Well, I guess not. If you -stay here, the robbers'll probably not hurt him. I know him too well to -think he'd refuse to do what they said. But if they see you rushing at -them with a gun, they'll like as not kill him and put a bullet into you -for your pains. And your insurance premium hasn't been paid for this -year! No, sir. You just put that gun back in its rack and stay in the -house!"</p> - -<p>Accustomed to the domination of his energetic spouse, Farnam meekly -returned the weapon to its place by the kitchen door and followed his -wife into the front room to watch proceedings from a safe position -behind the closed blinds.</p> - -<p>"There they go! Mercy, how fierce they look! Henry, Henry, I've saved -your life!" babbled the woman, as the outlaws strode away from the -bank, throwing her arms around her husband's neck.</p> - -<p>But Farnam was more interested in the robbers and wriggling from the -hysterical embrace, saw them mount their horses and dash madly up the -street.</p> - -<p>Sure that they were gone, he rushed from his house and gave the alarm.</p> - -<p>From all sides men ran in response to his frenzied shouts and the -excitement was increased by the appearance of the cashier in the door -of the looted bank, crying for dynamite, gunpowder and sledge hammers.</p> - -<p>When they learned, however, of the entombment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> of young Rozier they -dashed in all directions to get implements to cut their way into -the vault. But though the massive doors had failed to protect the -funds, they resisted all attempts to demolish them and, in despair, -the leaders of the rescue work decided to blow them off with -nitro-glycerine, deeming it preferable for the banker's son to run his -chances of being hit by flying fragments than to die of strangulation.</p> - -<p>All of the people who had been attracted by the wild shouts could not -get into the bank, however, and some of those compelled to stand on the -outside talked of pursuing the thieves.</p> - -<p>Quickly a dozen men volunteered their services.</p> - -<p>"Go and get horses and guns!" yelled a voice. "You can't catch 'em on -foot."</p> - -<p>Oblivious of the sarcasm, the men rushed to secure them.</p> - -<p>Had any of them been possessed of intrepid courage, they might have -recovered the plunder!</p> - -<p>As the outlaws raced northward up the main street, Jesse handed the -bag of spoils to John, that he might have both hands free to use his -shooting-irons should they be followed.</p> - -<p>Frightened, as the sack was swung toward it, the animal which John -rode, bucked furiously, unseating him.</p> - -<p>As the bandit struck the street, the gunny-sack burst, spilling the -gold and greenbacks.</p> - -<p>Cursing wildly, the world-famous desperado yanked his pony to its -haunches.</p> - -<p>"Pick it up!" he roared.</p> - -<p>But as his companions dismounted, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>bandit-chieftain discovered that -John's horse was tearing madly up the street.</p> - -<p>At the very moment when success was hovering over them the series of -accidents had occurred!</p> - -<p>Undaunted, however, the great outlaw determined to keep his ill-gotten -gains. No pursuers were in sight and if the runaway pony could be -caught, they might still make good their escape. Yet he was loath to -leave his pals to go in chase lest a posse appear while he was away.</p> - -<p>As he was hesitating what to do, the rumble of wheels in a side street -caught his ear and turning toward it, he beheld a man whose cast of -countenance proclaimed him a German, driving a lively pair of bays -attached to an express wagon.</p> - -<p>To see was to act, and riding toward him, Jesse shouted:</p> - -<p>"Hey, Dutchy! Chase that horse lively and bring him back!"</p> - -<p>"Mein gracious! I can't," protested the farmer.</p> - -<p>"You'll either do it or die! Which do you prefer?" And the terrible -outlaw whipped out his "Colts."</p> - -<p>"Ach, Himmel! I kotch him! I kotch him!" returned the terrified German.</p> - -<p>Heading his bays after the runaway, the farmer set them at a gallop.</p> - -<p>Satisfied that the pony would soon be restored to them, the -bandit-chieftain ordered his men to draw their guns and form a circle -around the recovered money, that their evident purpose of guarding -their treasure might warn off any would-be rescuers.</p> - -<p>But as the quartette looked down the thoroughfare<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> toward the bank -they were alarmed to see a body of horsemen gather in front of the -institution.</p> - -<p>The distance between them was just about a mile, too short for safety.</p> - -<p>"If that Dutchman doesn't come back with John's horse, he'll have to -double up with Jim when the posse gets half-way to us. I'll tie the -money-sack to my saddle pommel. If they press us too hard, we'll give -'em a battle!"</p> - -<p>Instantly the desperadoes prepared to mount.</p> - -<p>"Hoopla! Here come's Dutchy with my horse!" cried John, looking up the -street.</p> - -<p>"And here come a dozen man-hunters!" retorted Jesse, as the troop left -the bank.</p> - -<p>Anxiously the desperadoes watched the race.</p> - -<p>"Better mount," snapped the world-famous outlaw as the posse neared the -half-way mark he had chosen as the limit of safety.</p> - -<p>"Hey, you beer guzzler! Hurry up with that mare or I'll plug you full -of lead!" bellowed John, pointing his rifle at the German.</p> - -<p>"Ach, Himmel! Don't shoot!" implored the latter. "I coom in chust a -second."</p> - -<p>Inspired by the desire to save his skin, the farmer lashed his bays -furiously, dragging the captured runaway by a halter he had tied around -her neck.</p> - -<p>Darting forward to meet him as he drew near, John yelled:</p> - -<p>"Fling me the rope!"</p> - -<p>Glad to be free of his blood-thirsty employers, the fellow hurled the -halter-end at the bandit as he clattered past in his wagon, never -looking around to see whether it was caught or not. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> - -<p>But a shout of joy from behind told him that it had been. Yet scarcely -had it died away when a howl of fury from in front warned him that the -posse did not approve his actions and, in fear of being made to pay a -penalty for lending aid to the robbers, he yanked his bays into a side -street, taking the corner on two wheels.</p> - -<p>Tarrying not to battle with their pursuers, the desperadoes continued -their course northward.</p> - -<p>Their ponies, however, were tired from the hard riding of the past few -days and those of the posse rapidly overhauled them.</p> - -<p>"I guess it's fight after all," snarled Jesse. "Be ready to halt and -fire when I give the word."</p> - -<p>But the next moment he was roused to fresh fury by the command bellowed -at him:</p> - -<p>"Surrender! We've got you at our mercy!"</p> - -<p>Reining in his mount, the great outlaw sneered:</p> - -<p>"Turn 'round and go home before you're hurt. Come a rod nearer and -we'll shoot! Take aim, boys!"</p> - -<p>Throwing their Winchesters to their shoulders, Cole, John and Jim -waited.</p> - -<p>This determination to resist any attempt to capture them abashed the -posse and they halted to hold a conference.</p> - -<p>"Once more, we call upon you to surrender," yelled the spokesman at its -conclusion.</p> - -<p>Realizing that men who temporized when they outnumbered them three to -one would make no desperate attempt to kill them, Jesse exclaimed to -his men:</p> - -<p>"Give them a volley just over their heads."</p> - -<p>Instantly the rifles cracked.</p> - -<p>"Charge!" thundered the great bandit. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ducking as the bullets whistled above them, the pursuers paused only -till they beheld the yelling robbers dashing toward them, then turned -and fled incontinently.</p> - -<p>"That'll do, boys!" laughed Jesse. "There's no use playing with fire. -While they're recovering their nerve, we'll have the opportunity to get -into the woods."</p> - -<p>And once more whirling their ponies, the outlaws rode from Ste. -Genevieve.</p> - -<p>Without let or hindrance, they reached a dense copse where they divided -the booty and discussed plans for hiding till the first heat of the -chase should die out.</p> - -<p>Jesse and Cole were for crossing the Mississippi and bearing to the -south, seeking cover in the mountains of Kentucky or Tennessee.</p> - -<p>John and Jim, however, argued that there would be less danger in -recrossing the state and going back to where they started from.</p> - -<p>Finally it was agreed that they should separate, the bandit-chieftain -and his chum going where they thought best and the others announcing -their determination to return to the home of their uncle at Chalk -Level, all to meet at the rendezvous at Sni Mills in five weeks.</p> - -<p>But as they shook hands at parting, little did they think that one of -them would not be alive to keep the appointment!</p> - -<p>John's decision was his death-knell!</p> - -<p>When Captain Lull arrived at Monegaw Springs, from Chicago, to take -charge of the demoralized forces of the Pinkertons after their abortive -attempt to trap Jesse at Brett's camp, he spent only time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> enough at -the health resort to learn the details and transferred his base of -operations to Osceola.</p> - -<p>Realizing that his actions would be hampered should it be known that he -was a detective, Lull took the name of Allen and gave it out that he -was acting as a buyer for a cattleman who was then in St. Louis.</p> - -<p>This city was selected because the man-hunter had a clever friend, -named Wright, whom he wished to have assist him in running the bandits -to cover.</p> - -<p>The way thus paved for Wright's coming and their subsequent trips -through the surrounding country, Lull, or Allen, sent a code despatch -summoning the amateur sleuth.</p> - -<p>"Find everyone of their friends or relatives in the vicinity of -the Springs," declared the latter when he had been apprised of the -situation. Yet before they could put the plan into operation, the news -of the raid on the bank and the sensational imprisonment of young -Rozier was flashed throughout the world.</p> - -<p>"That won't make any difference to us. In fact it increases the chances -of our success," asserted Wright when he read the report. "If Jesse was -shrewd enough to know that he could commit a robbery at the other side -of the state when everybody thought he was in hiding about the Springs, -he'll resort to the same tactics and come back here in the belief that -the search will be the hottest around Ste. Genevieve."</p> - -<p>Convinced by the argument, Lull acquiesced in the proposition to -remain. And though their scheme did not catch the man they wanted, it -did catch one of the outlaws.</p> - -<p>Having pursued their inquiries as far as they could, the man-hunters -found themselves balked by the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>suspicion of the natives for strangers. -And to remove the barrier, they finally pressed an inhabitant of -Osceola, Edward Daniels by name, into service as a guide.</p> - -<p>A friend of both the Jameses and Youngers in their youth, Daniels -suggested that a visit to the house of the latters' uncle, Theodoric -Snuffer, at Chalk Level, might not be without result.</p> - -<p>Accordingly they decided to visit the place a week after the looting of -the bank, that the outlaws might have ample time to return across the -state.</p> - -<p>With an early start, the three supposed cattle buyers arrived at -Snuffers' just at noon.</p> - -<p>John and Jim were eating dinner when the strangers stopped in front of -the gate and their suspicions were instantly aroused.</p> - -<p>In response to a hail, the old miser went to the door.</p> - -<p>"How do we get to the Widow Sims?" asked Lull.</p> - -<p>"Turn to your left, about two rods from where you are, and follow the -path, through my field. It's about a mile and you can't miss it, for -there ain't no other shanty 'round."</p> - -<p>Thanking Mr. Snuffer for the directions, the detectives rode on.</p> - -<p>But as they went, the two bandits watched them from the window.</p> - -<p>"That was only a bluff, asking about Widow Sims," declared Jim as the -man-hunters passed the path about which they had been told. "I'll bet -they're detectives. Let's go and look 'em over."</p> - -<p>The proposition met with the instant approval of his brother and taking -an extra brace of pistols, they saddled their ponies and rode after the -man-hunters. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> - -<p>Rounding a bend in the road, the Youngers suddenly came face to face -with the man-hunters as the latter were retracing their course.</p> - -<p>"Ed Daniels!" exclaimed Jim in amazement at the sight of his old friend.</p> - -<p>"It's John and Jim Younger," whispered the traitor to Lull and then -whirled his horse and dashed into the underbrush.</p> - -<p>Their astonishment at such action on the part of their old associate -was instantly explained.</p> - -<p>"Throw up your hands!" commanded Lull, covering the outlaws with his -revolvers.</p> - -<p>But the desperadoes' answer was borne by leaden slugs!</p> - -<p>Drawing their six-shooters with wonderful quickness, they fired at the -detectives.</p> - -<p>John's bullet struck Lull in the breast and he toppled from his saddle.</p> - -<p>Yet as he fell, he fired his revolver and John pitched to the ground, -his jugular vein severed by the shot.</p> - -<p>Beside himself with grief, as he saw the blood spurting from his -brother's neck, Jim emptied his revolver at the fast disappearing form -of Wright, without stopping him, however.</p> - -<p>Tears pouring from his eyes, he turned toward John's dead body, when he -heard a gun bark and felt a burning sensation in the fleshy part of his -right hip.</p> - -<p>"Ed Daniels, I'll have your heart's blood!" he shrieked, as he leaped -his horse into the underbrush in the direction from which the sound had -come.</p> - -<p>Not expecting such a move, the traitor was caught facing the infuriated -desperado and before he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> pull the trigger of his pistol a bullet -crashed through his forehead.</p> - -<p>Satisfied with the killing of the man who was responsible for his -brother's death, Jim returned to the lifeless body, picked it up -tenderly and, with the blood drenching his clothes, rode with it in his -arms into his uncle's door-yard.</p> - -<p>Tarrying only long enough to carry the corpse inside the house and to -give instructions to the miser to have it properly buried, on pain -of death, Jim tossed him a bill to defray the expenses, took John's -money from his clothes, kissed his lifeless lips, rushed to his horse, -vaulted into the saddle and dashed from the yard, scattering the -neighbours, who had been attracted by the firing, right and left as he -quickly vanished from sight in the woods.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Chapter XVII.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p class="bold">CONCLUSION.</p> - -<hr class="tb2" /> - -<p>Working with the realization of the necessity of haste, the mechanics -who had been summoned to liberate young Rozier from his steel tomb in -the bank at Ste. Genevieve drilled two holes in the doors and filled -them with nitro-glycerine, using soap to keep the liquid from running -out.</p> - -<p>When the fuse was ready, the people were ordered from the building.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of breathless suspense, then an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> explosion of the -detonating cap was heard, followed by a deafening roar as the terrible -agent of destruction went off.</p> - -<p>The sides of the bank were blown into the street and pieces of the -massive doors of the vault were hurled in all directions.</p> - -<p>Rushing into the ruins, the searchers were able to get into the safe -and found the banker's son unconscious on the floor, where the force of -the explosion had thrown him.</p> - -<p>His youth stood him in good stead and before night he was up and about, -little the worse for his soul-trying ordeal.</p> - -<p>When the robbery, the threat to repeat it every year, and the attempt -to send to awful death his son and heir were telegraphed to Banker -Rozier, at Monegaw Springs, he promptly wired back his resignation and -with all possible haste took his family to Europe.</p> - -<p>And with his departure from the country, Jesse's desperate game to take -vengeance for the insult to him was ended.</p> - -<p>Lying hidden by day and proceeding cautiously at night, the great -outlaw and Cole found a snug retreat in the "Blue Grass" State where -they remained for a couple of weeks.</p> - -<p>Saddened by the report of John's death, they decided to return to -Missouri, where they paid a hurried visit to Mrs. Samuels.</p> - -<p>Finding that, for once, the man-hunters had not troubled her and that -Susie was still in Deepwater, Jesse told her about the Shaws and at her -suggestion took them to the home of Dr. Samuels' niece at Fayetteville, -in Johnson county, where Mrs. Shaw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> regained her health and Daisy -forgot her desertion by her husband in her new life.</p> - -<p>And, happy in the happiness of his friends and family, the world-famous -desperado stole away to the Ozark mountains to see his sweetheart.</p> - -<p class="center space-above">[<span class="smcap">The End.</span>]</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Jesse James' Desperate Game, by William Ward - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JESSE JAMES' DESPERATE GAME *** - -***** This file should be named 61946-h.htm or 61946-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/9/4/61946/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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