here. I can't
understand their object."

Rodney followed his guide for perhaps two hundred and fifty feet when
they emerged into a large chamber of irregular shape, lighted by four
large lamps set on a square wooden table. There were two rude cots in
one corner, and it was here apparently that his guides made their home.

There was a large cooking stove in one part of the room, and an
appetizing odor showed that Caesar had the dinner under way.

Rodney looked about him in curiosity. He could not decide whether the
cave was natural or artificial. Probably it was a natural cave which had
been enlarged by the hand of man.

"Now hurry up the dinner, Caesar," said one of the guides. "We are all
hungry."

"Yes, massa," responded the obedient black.

Rodney felt hungry also, and hoped that he would have a share of the
dinner. Later he trusted to find out the object of his new acquaintances
in kidnaping him.

Dinner was soon ready. It was simple, but Rodney thoroughly enjoyed it.

During the meal silence prevailed. After it his new acquaintances
produced pipes and began to smoke. They offered Rodney a cigarette, but
he declined it.

"I don't smoke," he said.

"Are you a Sunday school kid?" asked one in a sneering tone.

"Well, perhaps so."

"How long have you lived at Oreville?"

"About four months."

"Who is the head of the settlement there?"

"Jefferson Pettigrew."

"He is the moneyed man, is he?"

"Yes."

"Is he a friend of yours?"

"He is my best friend," answered Rodney warmly.

"He thinks a good deal of you, then?"

"I think he does."

"Where have you been--on a journey?"

"Yes, to the town of Babcock."

"Did he send you?"

"Yes."

"What interest has he there?"

"He is chief owner of a mine there."

"Humph! I suppose you would like to know why we brought you here."

"I would very much."

"We propose to hold you for ransom."

"But why should you? I am only a poor boy."

"You are the friend of Jefferson Pettigrew. He is a rich man. If he
wants you back he must pay a round sum."

It was all out now! These men were emulating a class of outlaws to be
found in large numbers in Italy and Sicily, and were trading upon human
sympathy and levying a tax upon human friendship.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

UNDERGROUND.

Rodney realized his position. The alternative was not a pleasant one.
Either he must remain in the power of these men, or cost his friend Mr.
Pettigrew a large sum as r