avin' a lot of
enemies."

"Who said we were goin' to get caught?" Delton walked over to where Sam
sat on his pony. "Sam, I haven't liked your actions lately. Now you
yell about getting caught. You know what happened to that last bird
who arranged for me to meet up with the cops?"

"Yea, I know." Sam moved uneasily in his saddle. He did not meet
Delton's eyes. "You don't think I'd tell on you, do ya--an' get twenty
years myself? Ain't likely. Anyway----"

"All right! Pipe down. Get this kid inside. I want to see if Slim
got back yet."

"Come on, kid. Here, I'll help you up. Hurt yourself?" Sam had
dismounted and assisted Bud to his feet.

"No, I didn't. Thanks. What was his idea in pulling me off like that?
If ever I get him I'll remember it."

"Oh, he always pulls stunts like that. Wants everybody to know he's a
hard guy. Comes from New York, and thinks he can put it all over the
West. One thing I will say for him, he sure can shoot. That's enough,
now."

Sam's tone changed, and a warning light came into his eyes.

"I ain't paid to talk to you. Let's go," he growled.

He led Bud up the steps and into the house. The shades were pulled
down tight, and the gloom made it very difficult for Bud to see much.
He noticed some sort of a hat-tree in the hall, and as they walked
toward the back he saw the doors of several rooms which opened off the
lower hall. Into one of these Sam led his captive.

"Here's where you stay," he said. "No use tryin' to get out, for the
windows are barred. And that door is oak. Here--" and Sam struggled
with the knot which bound Bud's wrists behind his back. "Make you feel
a little comfortable, anyhow. You can't do much without a gun.
There's water in that pitcher. I'll try to sneak you in some bread
about noon."

Without another word Sam stepped out of the room and closed the door.
Bud heard a key grate in the lock, and then a bolt shot home.

"Taking no chances," he thought. "My, it feels good to get my arms
free!" He stretched lustily. "Wonder where on earth I am? Let's take
a look at those windows. Bars, hey?" He pulled the shade aside.
Surely enough on the outside were several iron bars, making the room a
veritable jail. "They sure got me penned up here proper! Now why did
they go to all this trouble? Just because I found that pit by the
water hole?

"That doesn't seem reasonable. Must want me for something besides
that. Guess I'll know s