made at night and under guidance of Peter himself. Wholly
unsuspicious of treachery, the outlaws were captured in their beds and the
valuable articles in the storeroom were confiscated.

James Fox was reclining on the sofa when the officers entered.

"Is your name Fox?" asked the leader of the invading party.

"Yes," answered the outlaw proudly.

"Then you are my prisoner."

"Who has betrayed me?" demanded Fox quickly.

There was no answer, but just behind the invading party the outlaw caught
sight of Peter Longman, apparently trying to screen himself from
observation.

"I need not ask," he said. "There is the treacherous hound. He shall not
live to profit by his baseness."

Before anyone could interfere James Fox leveled his revolver at Longman,
and a sharp scream showed that his aim was true. His treacherous follower
fell to the ground, mortally wounded.

James Fox looked at him disdainfully, then threw the revolver upon the
floor of the cave and held out his hands. "Now bind me if you will," he
said; "I am your captive."

Little Frank was a terrified witness of this scene.

"What are they doing to you, papa?" he asked. "They are bad men."

In spite of his fortitude the outlaw showed traces of emotion. "That is my
little son," he said to the lieutenant commanding.

"He shall be taken care of. Do not be anxious about him."

"There is an old colored woman here--Juba," went on the outlaw. "The boy
is used to her. If possible let them be together."

Under a strong guard the famous robbers were carried to jail, and the cave
which had been for years their meeting place was dismantled and was never
again used for a criminal resort.

When Ernest read the story his feelings were mixed. He rejoiced that the
outlaws were taken, but he felt a sympathy for little Frank, and
understood what a shock it must be to the father and son to be separated.

He learned where Frank was and called upon him. He had been taken to his
own home by the leader of the raiding force.

When he entered the room where Frank sat disconsolately at the window the
little fellow uttered a cry of joy.

"Is it you, Ernest?" he said, running forward. "I thought I should never
see you again."

Ernest stooped over and kissed him.

"You see I am here," he said.

"What made you go away? Why didn't you tell me you were going?"

"I will tell you some time, Frank."

"Why did those bad men take papa away?"

"I do not think you would unders