Vorlange lowered her into the opening in
the rocks, which was about six feet in diameter and at least ten feet
deep. This done, he lit a lantern and hung it so that its rays might
shine down upon his captive.

"You won't feel so lonesome with the light," he said. "Now keep quiet
until I return. If you behave yourself you have nothing to fear. I am a
government officer and I am holding you as a prisoner only until I can
turn you over to the proper authorities."

"It is a--a queer proceeding," faltered Nellie. She could hardly bring
herself to believe the man.

"Out here we can't do things exactly as they are done in the big
cities," grinned Vorlange. "We are out here after the boomers just now,
and your being here with Pawnee Brown will rather go against you. But
keep quiet now until I return."

Thus speaking, the spy quirted the opening, leaving Nellie alone. With
hasty steps Vorlange made his way along the fork of the ravine until the
opening proper was reached. Here he settled himself in a tree to watch
for Pawnee Brown's possible coming. But, as we know, the scout did not
move in that direction.

For over two hours Nellie was left alone, a prey to the keenest mental
torture it is possible to imagine. As the day was drawing to a close
Vorlange appeared, a peculiar smile upon his face.

He had met the cavalrymen, and Jack Rasco had been captured as
previously described.

"Well, we are going to move now," he said to Nellie, and threw down a
rope that he might haul her up out of the hole.

"Where to?"

"You'll learn that later."

As she did not wish to remain in that damp spot longer, she caught the
rope and was drawn up. Then Vorlange took her outside and sat her down
before him on his horse, first, however, tying her hands.

It was during the ride that followed that Dick heard her cry for help
and started to her rescue, only to miss her and get lost in the brush.

A ride of half an hour brought the pair to the edge of a heavy timber.
Through this they picked their way, until a small clearing was gained,
where was located a low log cabin, containing two rooms. The log cabin
was not inhabited, and Vorlange pushed open the door without ceremony.

"You'll stay here over night," he said, as he ushered Nellie into the
smaller room. "You can see this has been used for a prison before, as
all of the windows are nailed up. I don't believe you'll try to escape
anyway, for, let me warn you, it won't pay. Make your