are you goin' to be gone?"

"I don't know; but in case I stay you can make up your mind that I've
concluded to do the business there, and when he comes toward the shanty
be on your feet ready to jump in the minute you hear my voice."

"Hadn't we better keep together?"

"If there's a good chance to hide, I shall wait and try to get the drop
on him from the inside."

Then Jet started off as if fearing his companion might attempt to
dissuade him from his purpose.

Bob was so far away that there was no reason for moving with such
extreme caution, and he walked rapidly around through the underbrush
until the hut was between himself and the man, after which he went
boldly forward.

It was not a difficult matter to make his way into the shelter,
constructed as it was only of brush, and he entered at once.

The hut was entirely enclosed on all sides, save where a narrow
door-way had been left open, and Jet soon realized that he could ask
for no better place to attempt the capture.

He found both guns in one corner, and these he carried out, hiding them
under the leaves some distance away.

It was well he finished this work quickly, for he had hardly regained
the shelter of the shanty when from between the branches he could see
Bob rise to his feet, yawn wearily, and then come leisurely up the
incline.

The decisive moment had arrived, and only by the greatest exercise of
will power could Jet prevent his hands from trembling violently.

Gently pushing the muzzle of the gun through the brush which formed the
side of the hut, the boy waited until the man should be within a few
feet.

Bob came on in a lounging fashion, looking back every now and then as
if undecided what to do, and thus approached the shanty in the exact
direction which best served the purpose of his would-be captor.

Not until he was within a couple of yards did Jet shout, as he pushed
the muzzle of the gun farther out and took careful aim:

"Hold up your hands, quick! I shall fire at the first move you make."

Bob obeyed instinctively, as any other man would have done in the same
position, with that ominous-looking barrel almost touching him.

"Now, remember that the slightest movement will cost you your life, for
I shall let both barrels go if you do more than wink. I know what your
reputation is, and don't intend to take any chances. Where are you,
Jim?"

"Here," was the prompt reply, and Jet saw the small guide coming
rapidly from his