of the band, many of whom had become tired of the
leadership of Red Bill, being fearful that his crimes would bring
retribution on their heads. At last it was agreed that the band would
disperse, Red Bill, on the promise that he might have the two horses
captured, agreeing to deliver the two prisoners to the Federal commander
at Frankfort.

"But," added the prisoner, whose name was Evans, "I doubt if they ever
reach Frankfort. I reckon Red Bill will find some means of getting rid of
them before he gets there."

Captain Huffman listened to this story with horror. "If this miscreant
makes way with Lieutenant Pennington and Nevels, I will hunt him to his
death, if it takes ten years," he declared. Then turning to Evans, he
asked: "Did any of the gang side with Red Bill?"

"Yes, five of them did, and stayed with him," was the answer.

"And you men, at least twenty of you, by your own story, coolly left our
men to be foully murdered?" furiously demanded Captain Huffman.

The prisoner hung his head, but did not answer.

"Answer!" thundered Huffman.

"Red Bill promised to take them to Frankfort," he at length managed to
say.

"And you have just admitted that his promise was worth nothing. Where did
this thing occur? Where did you leave Red Bill and his prisoners?"
demanded Huffman.

"About three miles from here," answered Evans.

"Lead us to the place at once."

"I dare not," he whimpered; "Red Bill will kill me if I give away the
place of rendezvous. We are under a terrible oath not to reveal it."

"You need not fear Red Bill," answered Captain Huffman, in ominous tones,
"for I am going to hang you. Boys, bring the rope."

"Mercy! Mercy!" gasped the shivering wretch.

"Then lead us to the place where you left Red Bill, and that quickly."

"My wound," he whined, pointing to his leg.

"Bind up his leg," said Huffman to one of his men.

The wound was rudely dressed, and then Evans was placed on a horse in
front of a sturdy trooper.

"Now take us to the place where you left Red Bill, by the shortest and
quickest route; you say it is three miles. If we don't reach it in half an
hour, I will hang you like a dog. And," continued Huffman, to the trooper
in front of whom Evans was riding, "blow out his brains at the first sign
of treachery."

For answer the trooper touched his revolver significantly.

After riding swiftly for about two miles, Evans bade them turn into a path
which led into the woods. The way b