be afraid to meet these villains single-handed?"

"I never saw the man yet that I was afraid to meet."

"So far, so good, but it is not so much strength that is needed as
quickness. A weak man is more than a match for a strong one if he gets
the drop on him."

"That's so, but I reckon it'll take a smart man to get the drop on me.

"What have you to propose? I suppose you have formed some plan."

"I would like to stay around the bank, and be on the watch for these
fellows."

"Remain here and I will consult with the cashier."

Five minutes later the president rejoined his visitor.

"I have no objection to securing your services," he said, "if it can
be done without exciting suspicion. In your present dress your mission
would at once be guessed, and the outlaws would be on their guard.
Have you any objection to changing your appearance?"

"Not a particle. All I want is to get a lick at them outlaws."

"Then I think we shall have to make you a little less formidable. Have
you any objections to becoming a Quaker?"

Luke Robbins laughed.

"What! one of those broad-brimmed fellows?" he said.

"Yes."

"Will I look the character?"

"Dress will accomplish a good deal. I will tell you what put the idea
into my head. We used to employ as janitor an old Quaker--a good,
honest, reliable man. He was about your build. A year since he died,
but we have hanging up in my office the suit he was accustomed to
wear. Put it on, and it will make a complete change in your
appearance. Your face will hardly correspond to your dress, but those
who see the garb won't look any further."

"That's all right, boss. I don't care how you dress me up. But what
will I do?"

"I think it will be well for you to keep near the bank, watching
carefully all who approach. You never saw the Fox brothers, I
presume?"

"I never had that pleasure."

"Most people don't regard it as a pleasure. I will give you some
description of them, which may help you to identify them. One is a
tall man, very nearly as tall as yourself; the other is at least three
inches shorter. Both have dark hair, which they wear long. They have a
swaggering walk, and look their real characters."

"I don't think it'll be hard to spot them. They generally ride on
horseback, don't they?"

"Generally, but not always. They rode into Lee's Falls and up to the
bank entrance on horseback. Perhaps for that reason they may appear in
different guise here."

"You haven't any pi