ment, please. Why do you
wish to see the man?"

"Because I think I know him. Gentlemen, I am a Ranger. I am Lieutenant
Joe Withem, and I have good reasons to believe your prisoner is a man
whom I have been anxious to meet for some time. I am ready to be shown."

Tad wonderingly led the way over to their captive, the lieutenant
following in quick, nervous strides, the others of the party bringing
up the rear, Chunky lugging a rifle which he kept in position for
instant use in case the stranger should seek to liberate their prisoner.
But there was little danger of Lieutenant Joe Withem doing anything
of the sort,

CHAPTER VIII

A MUCH-WANTED DESPERADO

Tad had snatched a burning brand from the fire, carrying it along with
him so that Withem might get a good look at the prisoner. The lad
considered it a fortunate coincidence that the Ranger lieutenant should
have visited their camp at that particular time.

The instant Withem set eyes on the prisoner he uttered an exclamation
under his breath, while the prisoner glared up at him with menacing eyes.

"Hullo, Dunk," greeted the Ranger. "You seem to be in limbo. I reckon
you bit off more'n you could chew, for once in your life. Thought you
were shooting up Rangers, did you? Instead you barked up against
some tenderfeet who were too much for you. I guess you ain't quite
so smart as you thought you were."

"I reckon you've made a mistake," growled the prisoner. "I don't know
what you're chewing about."

"That's all right, Dunk. I don't reckon it makes any difference what
you think about it. We've got you hard and fast, and you're done for.
I reckon, too, that the captain will be glad to see you. He'll have a
warm welcome for you, you bet. They certainly have you tied up for
keeps," laughed the lieutenant, bending over to examine the prisoner's
bonds. "They certainly have. Come on, let's finish that bacon," added
the Ranger straightening up.

The party took its way back to the campfire, Stacy disgustedly throwing
his gun on the ground at the foot of the tree where lay the prisoner's
rifle.

"Now, sir, perhaps you will explain who and what this man is? You
appear to be well acquainted with him," said the professor.

"I am that. But how did you get him?"

"Master Tad there will answer that question. He and Rector made the
capture."

"You two younkers caught that man?" wondered the lieutenant.

"Yes, sir," replied Tad modestly. "But I