Sir Charles in the stage and Bill Merridew on the box. He
gave a low, significant whistle. Then he crossed the road.

"Bill," says he, quietly, "It 's a summerish day, and not feelin' just as
pert as I oughter I reckon I 'll ride a right smart piece with you for my
health!"

With these words Barber Sam climbed up and sat upon the box with Bill
Merridew. A moment later the stage was on its course along the main road.

"Look a' here, Bill Merridew," says Barber Sam, fiercely, "there 's a
lord inside and you outside, to-day--a mighty suspicious coincidence!
No, you need n't let on you don't tumble to my meenin'! I 've had my eye
on Steve Barclay an' you, and I 'm ready for a showdown. I 'm travelin'
for my health to-day, and so are you, Bill Merridew! I 'm fixed from the
ground up an' you know there ain't a man in the Red Hoss Mountain country
that is handier with a gun than me. Now I mean bizness; if there is any
onpleasantness to-day and if you try to come any funny bizness, why,
d---- me, Bill Merridew, if I don't blow your head off!"

Pleasant words these for Bill to listen to. But Bill knew Barber Sam and
he had presence of mind enough to couch his expostulatory reply in the
most obsequious terms. He protested against Barber Sam's harsh
imputations.

"I 've had my say," was Barber Sam's answer. "I ain't goin' to rub it
in. You understand that I mean bizness this trip; so don't forget it.
Now let's talk about the weather."

Mary Lackington had hoped that, as they passed The Bower, she would catch
a glimpse of Miss Woppit--perhaps have sufficient opportunity to call out
a hasty farewell to her. But Miss Woppit was nowhere to be seen. The
little door of the cabin was open, so presumably the mistress was not far
away. Mary was disappointed, vexed; she threw herself back and resigned
herself to indignant reflections.

The stage had proceeded perhaps four miles on its way when its progress
was arrested by the sudden appearance of a man, whose habit and gestures
threatened evil. This stranger was of short and chunky build and he was
clad in stout, dark garments that fitted him snugly. A slouch hat was
pulled down over his head and a half-mask of brown muslin concealed the
features of his face. He held out two murderous pistols and in a sharp
voice cried "Halt!" Instantaneously Barber Sam recognized in this bold
figure the mysterious outlaw who for so many months had been the terror
of the district, a