plans to the men, as a rule, until a very short
time before they are carried out. Jesse James is very cautious and
suspicious. He knows that the hand of every honest man is turned against
him. He is even on the alert for danger. He is quick witted, deep, dark
and cunning, and he wouldn't trust his own brother out of his sight.
That probably accounts for the wonderful success he has always had at
carrying out his daring plans, and escaping the consequence."

"The fellow is certainly a marvel in some ways."

"He inspires his men with fear of him. I have particularly noticed this
of the Ford Boys. They seem to think that every time he looks at them he
suspects them of treachery, and they seem to think that every time he
draws a gun he is going to kill them. Most of the rest have the same
feeling about Jesse. They all fear him, yet he has a strange marked
influence over them. It seems to inspire the gang with a certain trust,
respect, and blind obedience to his commands."

"Hello! what's that? See there?"

"What?" asked Timberlake in startled tones.

Jack pointed down the street.

A great cloud of dust was rising there.

People were scattering right and left, and as it drew nearer, Jack
distinguished a huge coal black horse bestrode by a man who rode him
furiously.

"What is it, Timberlake--a madman?"

"It looks like a horse running away."

"The man rides it as if he were part of the animal."

"Heavens, what speed! See--here he comes!"

Like wildfire the rider came thundering along.

In a few moments he was in plain sight.

"Some drunken countryman on the rampage!" muttered Jack.

"That fellow will kill somebody yet."

"When he goes by let us stroll over to the bank, and quietly warn the
clerks of Jesse James' plot to put them on their guard. Then they will
be ready for him."

"It's too late to do that now."

"Why so?"

"Because that rider is Jesse himself!"

Jack shot a keen glance at the man, and a startled cry escaped him, for
the horse was certainly the famous Siroc and the rider the king of the
bandits!

"What's his purpose, Timberlake?" gasped Jack.

"Perhaps he is pursued. See--he clutches two revolvers, and the wild
villain is holding the bridle rein with his teeth.

"He's heading for the bank!"

"Come on!"

They rushed from their covert.

Jesse's quick eyes detected them instantly.

Raising a whistle to his lips, he blew a shrill blast.

It was his usual signal to the gang and