tion of Fred Greenwood. Motoza was the
agent in the outrage, though whether Tozer had taken an active part in
the same was yet uncertain. He scanned the smaller firearm, and then,
instead of returning it to the Sioux, deliberately shoved it into his
hip-pocket.

"I think I'll take charge of that, Motoza."

The buck was about to make angry objection, when the white man
explained:

"When I meet Hank to-morrow he'll want some proof that I can turn over
the youngster to him. He won't believe I can do so till he sees that
proof. I'll show him this revolver, and he'll know it belongs to the
youngster. That will be all the proof he'll ask. The rest will come
easy; and, Motoza, you and I will be rich."

There was an emphasis in this declaration that was convincing to the
dusky partner in crime. He nodded his head and made no further protest.
Evidently he was under the influence of his white ally.

At this juncture the couple turned their backs upon the eavesdropper,
who had stolen to within a few paces of them. They continued talking,
but the change of position prevented his hearing what was said. It was
peculiarly exasperating, for, though he had gained considerable
information, he still lacked the most important news of all. He had
heard no intimation of where the prisoner was held. Could he but learn
that, he would have lost no time in attempting his rescue. It must be
said, furthermore, that had such knowledge come to him he would not have
hesitated to draw bead on the two miscreants in turn, and shoot them
down in their tracks. He was thoroughly enraged, and they deserved the
fate.

A few minutes after the change of position the couple walked away, side
by side, still conversing. Certain discovery would have followed any
attempt on the part of the cowman to keep at their heels or nigh enough
to overhear their words, so he held his place and saw them pass from
sight. He had noted the direction, however, and observed that it led
from the canyon and deeper into the mountains.

This was puzzling. It seemed to Hank that one or both would make their
way to the prison of the youth, for it was unlikely that he would be
left alone through the night. Having no thought of being under
surveillance, Motoza and Tozer would take a direct course to the place
of confinement, which now seemed to be deeper in the mountains, and at
some point of which the cowman had no suspicion.

It was of the highest importance that the couple sho