himself. "If it is
anywhere in the house I won't go off without it."

Half an hour earlier he would have been content with his liberty. Now he
wanted his revolver, and his thoughts recurred to the money which the
farmer had drawn that morning from the bank. It was five hundred dollars,
as Luke had rather incautiously let out.

John Fox was not without hopes of securing both. The coast was clear, and
only Mrs. Mason was left in the house. He might terrify her, and so secure
what he had set his heart upon. But there was no time to be lost, as Luke
and the farmer might return any minute.

The outlaw went downstairs, stepping as lightly as he could.

On the lower floor Mrs. Mason was in the kitchen preparing the evening
meal. She had at first been reluctant to remain alone in the house with
the outlaw, but Luke had reassured her by the statement that he was
securely bound and could not get away.

She turned from the stove at the sound of a foot-fall. There was the
notorious outlaw standing in the doorway with an ironical smile upon his
face.

The terrified woman sank back into a chair and regarded John Fox with a
scared look.

"You here!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, Mrs. Mason, it is I."

"How did you get free? My husband told me that you were bound."

"So I was, and I will do your husband the justice to say that he
understands his business. I had trouble to break loose."

"However could you have done it?" asked the amazed woman.

"I won't go into details, for there isn't time. Now listen to me and obey
my commands. Your Quaker friend took my revolver away. I want you to get
it and give it to me."

"Indeed I can't do it, sir, for I don't know where it is." Mrs. Mason's
tone was a terrified one.

"That won't do," said John Fox sternly. "It is somewhere in the house.
Look for it."

"Indeed, sir, you are mistaken. I am sure that Mr.--the Quaker gentleman
has taken it with him."

"I don't believe anything of the kind. He had no doubt a revolver of his
own, and would not care to carry two."

"You may be right, sir, but I don't know where it is."

"Is there any revolver in the house?" he demanded impatiently. "I should
prefer my own, but I will take any."

"I will look, sir, if you wish me to."

"Wait a minute. There is something else I must have. Where is that five
hundred dollars your husband drew from the bank?"

"I don't know."

"Tell the truth, or it will be the worse for you!"

"I am ready to tell t