rapidly down the street.

Although Frank was a desperate, fearless ruffian, he had a pleasant
face, keen gray eyes, a light mustache, and a most quiet air and
unassuming manner.

No one would have suspected him of being a bandit, and as he was a
fairly good talker, full of grit and coolness, and best suited for the
work in hand, Jesse trusted him implicitly.

The outlaws registered at the hostelry with as much sang froid as if
their pockets were lined with gold.

They patronized the bar liberally, had the drinks charged to their
account, and ordered a fine luncheon.

Frank soon returned.

He had the blank checks.

Handing them to Jesse he said in low tones:

"No trouble at all. The clerks paid no attention to me."

"They'll soon have reason to remember us," grimly answered Jesse.

Telling his companions to remain there until he returned, he left the
hotel, asked a pedestrian the way to Jack Wright's house, and having
received the desired information, made his way there.

It proved to be a magnificent mansion, standing in the midst of a
handsome garden which sloped down to a creek.

There was a fine big workshop standing at the foot of the garden, upon
the bank of this creek, in which the young inventor constructed the
machines that made him world renowned.

Jesse James boldly ascended the piazza, rang the bell, and an old sailor
with a sandy beard, a glass eye and a wooden leg, answered it.

His name was Tim Topstay, and he lived with the inventor and not only
aided him to build his inventions, but always went with Jack on the
adventurous journeys he made.

"Waal, messmate," said he, in bluff, hearty tones, as he took a chew of
navy plug, and scanned the outlaw with his solitary eye. "Wot kin I do
fer yer ter-day?"

"Is Mr. Jack Wright in?" politely asked the bandit.

"He are," replied Tim. "D'yer wanter see him?"

"Yes, sir, and on important business too."

"Then step inter ther library an I'll call him fer ye."

Ignorant of the dangerous nature of the caller Tim ushered him into a
cozy library and left him there.

A fat young Dutchman was in the room, but he immediately left it,
casting an inquiring look at the bandit king.

His name was Fritz Schneider, and he had yellow hair, watery blue eyes,
an enormous stomach and a pugnacious temperament.

Fritz and Tim were chums and the fat fellow occupied about the same
position in the house as the old marine did.

A few moments afterward Jack