eneral oversight of things. So you need not borrow
any trouble on that account. Do you think you can find your way?"

"Give me the general direction, and I will guarantee to do so. When
shall I start?"

"Day after tomorrow. That will give me one day for making arrangements."

At nine the appointed morning Mr. Pettigrew's own horse stood saddled
at the door, and Rodney in traveling costume with a small satchel in his
hand, mounted and rode away, waving a smiling farewell to his friend and
employer.

Rodney did not hurry, and so consumed two days and a half in reaching
Babcock. Here he was cordially received by the superintendent whom
Jefferson Pettigrew had placed in charge of the mine. Every facility was
afforded him to examine into the management of things and he found all
satisfactory.

This part of his journey, therefore, may be passed over. But his return
trip was destined to be more exciting.

Riding at an easy jog Rodney had got within fifteen miles of Oreville,
when there was an unexpected interruption. Two men started out from the
roadside, or rather from one side of the bridle path for there was no
road, and advanced to meet him with drawn revolvers.

"Halt there!" one of them exclaimed in a commanding tone.

Rodney drew bridle, and gazed at the two men in surprise.

"What do you want of me?" he asked.

"Dismount instantly!"

"Why should I? What right have you to interfere with my journey?"

"Might gives right," said one of the men sententiously. "It will be best
for you to do as we bid you without too much back talk."

"What are you--highwaymen?" asked Rodney.

"You'd better not talk too much. Get off that horse!"

Rodney saw that remonstrance was useless, and obeyed the order.

One of the men seized the horse by the bridle, and led him.

"Walk in front!" he said.

"Where are you going to take me?" asked Rodney.

"You will know in due time."

"I hope you will let me go," urged Rodney, beginning to be uneasy. "I am
expected home this evening, or at all event I want to get there."

"No doubt you do, but the Miners' Rest will have to get along without
you for a while."

"Do you know me then?"

"Yes; you are the boy clerk at the Miners' Rest."

"You both put up there about two weeks since," said Rodney, examining
closely the faces of the two men.

"Right you are, kid!"

"What can you possibly want of me?"

"Don't be too curious. You will know in good time."

Rodney remembered th