There's a man quite anxious to see you."

"Who is he?"

"That's telling. He wants to ask you just one question. A civil answer
given, and you are free as the wind. Slump, take this pistol, get up
on that pile of rails, and guard Fairbanks. If he starts to run,
shoot--understand?"

"I guess I do!" snarled the graceless Ike, climbing to the top of the
pile of rails. "When I think of what this fellow has done to down me,
it makes my blood boil."

"I'll be back with a wagon in fifteen minutes," said Evans. "You take
your medicine quietly, Fairbanks, and nobody will get hurt. Try any
capers, and blame yourself."

The speaker proceeded to the door of the shed, opened it, and closed
it after himself as if everything was settled his way. Ike Slump,
regarding the captive with a venomous expression of face, sat poising
his weapon with the manner of a person glad to have an occasion arise
that would warrant its use under the instructions given by his
partner.

Ralph summed up the situation and counted his chances. It was apparent
to him that only a bold, reckless dash could avail him. There was no
chance to pounce upon and disarm the enemy, however, and Ralph
hesitated about seeking any risks with a fellow who held him so
completely at his mercy.

"How does it seem?" jeered Ike, after a spell of silence, but Ralph
did not answer at once. He had experienced no actual fear when so
suddenly seized. Now, although he could not disregard a certain risk
and menace in the custody of two of his worst enemies, a study of the
face of the youth before him made the young railroader marvel as to
what he could find enticing in doing wrong, and he actually felt
sorrow and sympathy, instead of thinking of his own precarious
situation.

"Slump," spoke Ralph finally, "I am sorry for you."

"That so? Ho! ho! truly?" gibed the graceless Ike. "What game are you
up to? Don't try any, I warn you. You're clever, Ralph Fairbanks, but
I'm slick. You see, the tables have turned. I knew they would, some
time."

"What is it you fellows want of me, anyhow?" ventured Ralph, hoping to
induce Ike to disclose something.

"Nothing to worry about," declared Slump carelessly. "You'll soon
know. Say, though, Fairbanks, don't stir the lion, don't pull his
tail."

"You seem to be talking about menageries," observed Ralph.

"You'll think you're in one, sure enough, if you rile Evans up. He
won't stand any fooling, you hear me. Shut up, now. We'll leave