elation. Disguise it as he might, he was clearly disconcerted.

"Is this true, colonel?" asked Benson.

"Yes, it is," answered Col. Warner, with some hesitation. "I was robbed,
with the rest. I had four hundred dollars in my wallet, and the road
agent made off with it."

"And yet you just now pooh-poohed the idea of a robbery, and said such
things were gone by."

"I say so now," returned the colonel, sullenly. "I have a good deal of
money with me, but I am willing to take my chances."

"Doubtless. Your money would be returned to you, in all probability, if,
as we have reason to believe, you have a secret understanding with the
thieves who infest this part of the country."

"Your words are insulting. Let go my arm, sir, or it will be the worse
for you."

"Softly, softly, my good friend," said the German. "Have you any
proposal to make, Mr. Melville?"

"Only this. Let us proceed on our journey, but let each man draw his
revolver, and be ready to use it, if need be."

"What about the colonel?"

"He must go along with us. We cannot have him communicating with our
enemies outside."

"Suppose I refuse, sir?"

"Then, my very good friend, I think we shall use a little force," said
the German, carelessly pointing his weapon at the captive.

"I will go upon compulsion," said the colonel, "but I protest against
this outrage. I am a wealthy capitalist from Chicago, who knows no
more about road agents than you do. You have been deceived by this
unsophisticated young man, who knows about as much of the world as a
four-year-old child. It's a fine mare's nest he has found."

This sneer did not disturb the equanimity of George Melville.

"I should be glad to believe the colonel were as innocent as he claims,"
he said, "but his own words, overheard last night, contradict what he
is now saying. When we have passed the spot indicated for the attack, we
will release him, and give him the opportunity he seeks of leaving our
company."

The passengers resumed their places in the stage, with the exception of
Herbert, who again took his seat beside the driver. George Melville had
not mentioned that it was Herbert, not himself, who had overheard the
conversation between the colonel and the land lord, fearing to expose
the boy to future risk.

Col. Warner sat sullenly between the German and Benson. He was evidently
ill at ease and his restless glances showed that he was intent upon some
plan of escape. Of this, however, such