better men than you," he replied, "and some have
not lived to tell the tale."

"So you own up to being a murderer? I am ready to believe you. I have
a great mind to shoot you where you lie," and Luke pointed his
revolver at the prostrate outlaw.

"That would be the act of a coward," said John Fox, hastily, his cheek
turning pale, for he felt that death might be close at hand.

"Not exactly that, for I have mastered you in a fair fight, but there
is one thing that holds back my hand. Do you know what it is?"

"Well?"

"I should cheat the gallows of its due. Here, farmer!"

Ezekiel Mason, pale and trembling, was standing on the threshold.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Go and get another rope."

The farmer left the house, and going to an out-house, returned with a
stout clothes line.

"Tie him again while I hold him," was Luke's command. "Tie him as
securely as before--more so, if possible. How did you get loose?"

"Find out for yourself," said the outlaw sullenly.

"I mean to, and I don't intend that you shall escape the second time."

Meanwhile John Fox was execrating his folly in not escaping when he
had the chance. If he had not waited for the revolver and money, he
might by this time have been out of danger.

Yet he was not without hope. What he had done once he might do again.
He still had the knife in his pocket. It was ready for use, and he
meant to use it.

No doubt he would be taken back to the attic, and probably pass the
night there. If Luke Robbins should be his companion, all the better.
After cutting his bonds, the knife could be put to another use, and
might end the life of the man who had inflicted such humiliation upon
him.

He did not speak, but his eyes betrayed him. There was such a
revengeful gleam in them that Luke read their meaning without trouble.

"If I am ever at the mercy of that ruffian," he thought, "I wouldn't
give much for my chance of keeping a whole skin."

When the outlaw lay securely bound, Luke summoned the farmer.

"Watch him for five minutes, Mr. Mason," he said. "I am going to the
attic to learn, if I can, how he got loose."

Ezekiel Mason looked uncomfortable, but did not object. He was half
afraid of John Fox even in his helpless condition.

"Have you a revolver?"

"Yes."

"Then take it out, and if he makes an effort to escape, shoot him
without a moment's hesitation."

It gratified the outlaw to see how much afraid of him the farmer was,
even in his