. I am not
safe as long as he remains. At any rate, I shall do my duty as I have
always done it, no matter what happens."

An hour later Jack went to bed, and no one who saw him at that time
would have imagined that anything was on his mind, his face was so calm
and tranquil.

CHAPTER XXI

A PUZZLING AFFAIR

The mysterious stranger with the white mustache and dark hair who had
caused so much speculation among the Hilltop boys had not been seen
since the second attempt to rob the Riverton bank and none of those most
interested knew where he was.

His confederate, badly wounded at the time, was in jail and likely to
remain there for some time, but of his principal nothing was known.

He had made his escape and had probably left the region for good and
all, being satisfied that a third attempt to get at the money of the
bank would be fatal.

The Hilltop boys were anxious to know what relation he bore to Jack
Sheldon, who, it will be remembered, had been visibly agitated when he
was first mentioned but as the boy did not seem inclined to enlighten
them they did not ask him any more questions.

Herring avoided Jack after the stirring scene in the barn but neglected
no opportunity to speak ill or slightingly of the boy to his cronies
and to Jack's friends when he dared.

There were not many of these occasions, however, for the first time that
he spoke slurringly of Jack to Billy Manners, that fun-loving young
gentleman said hotly:

"Look here, Herring, I'll pickle you if I hear you talk that way of Jack
Sheldon again. A word to the wise is sufficient."

Billy was not as big nor as strong as Jack but there was a determination
in his look which Herring did not care to see there nor to provoke and
he laughed carelessly and retorted:

"Oh, well, you don't need to get mad about it. I was only joking about
it."

"I don't see anything funny in any such jokes," returned Billy, "and I
would advise you to take them to a market where they are better
appreciated than they are here."

"Ah, you think Sheldon is a lot," sneered Herring, "but he isn't any
better than any one else."

"Maybe not. It depends who the any one else is," laughed Billy.

From the words that the bully dropped to his associates, however, it was
clear that he meant mischief to Jack and would pay off his supposed
debts as soon as opportunity offered and there was the least chance of
detection.

There were examinations coming on and Jack w