er.

Allen was dignified even under such trying circumstances. He calmly
waited the pleasure of the soldiers, knowing that resistance was
useless; but Remember Baker was impetuous, and would have fought even
against such odds if he had not been overpowered.

"Have you any cords?" asked the young officer.

"Ay, faith I'll get the strongest cords that ye ever saw," exclaimed
Zeb.

"You young imp, it was you who betrayed us," Baker said, bitterly.

"Yes, you are right. You see, I bear you no ill will," said the young
scoundrel, "but money is useful, and they perhaps won't hang you, and
if they do--well, you've got to die sometime, and you might as well
make us comfortable by your death----"

Zeke was a little ashamed of his part in the transaction, though he had
been ready enough to adopt his son's suggestion. But now that the deed
was done, he would not allow the prisoners to be insulted by Zeb, and
the boy's unfeeling remarks were cut short by a vigorous kick on his
nether part which completely lifted him off the floor.

"You said you'd never--hit--me," he blubbered.

"I never said I'd never kick you, and I'll kick all I want to, you
young rascal!"

"No, you won't," the young hopeful retorted.

"Yes, I will, and if you don't get those cords in a brace of shakes
I'll make you so you won't sit down for a month."

Zeb knew enough of his father to be sure that he meant what he said, so
he hurried to the barn, and soon returned with some strong rope, with
which the two prisoners were securely bound.

The boy was a shrewd fellow, and as bad as any that lived in those
parts. His father had not half the quick wit possessed by Zeb.

"Dad, get the reward," he whispered.

"Ay, who will pay me the reward?" he asked the officer.

"I will certify that you are entitled to it, and you can get it from
Albany any time."

"Ay, so I must needs trudge to Albany. Must I go with the prisoners?"

"No, you have nothing to do with them now; they are in my care."

"So if they get away----"

"But they cannot get away."

"But if they did?" Zeb persisted.

"That would be my loss. You and your father have earned the reward."

"Where shall you keep them to-night?" asked Zeke.

"I shall take them to---- Well, never mind where; it will make no
difference to you."

"No, I suppose not."

Zeb overheard this conversation and determined to profit by it.

He felt sore, both physically and mentally.

He felt that his fa