Luke Robbins smiled, for he understood very well the timidity of his host. "Then," he said, "as I have no wife to be anxious about me, perhaps I had better sleep here." "Yes, that will be much better," rejoined the relieved farmer. "You are a brave man. Mr. Fox won't get the better of you." "Not if I can help it," said Luke. "Will that suit you, Mrs. Mason?" "Why don't you take him on to the jail at once?" asked the woman. "I shall feel worried if he spends the night in this house." "I hear that he has escaped from jail no less than three times. If he should do so to-night he would at once come here and perhaps bring some of his band with him. He knows there is a good sum of money in the house." "I shall be glad when it is paid out," said the farmer's wife. "Don't worry, Mrs. Mason. I have promised your husband that no harm should come to him, and that the money should be secure and I will keep my word." "So you did," said Ezekiel, brightening up, "and I will pay you what I agreed if you keep your promise." "Friend Mason," responded Luke, "I am playing for higher stakes than five dollars. All depends on my keeping this outlaw secure. I mean to do it." Having settled matters they went downstairs again, where they found their prisoner waiting impatiently for their reappearance. "Well," he said, "have you decided to let me go?" "I am sorry to disappoint you, my friend," answered Luke, "but I don't see my way clear to do so." "I promised you a thousand dollars if you would release me." "Yes, but I haven't any confidence in that promise." "You need not fear. In three days I would bring or send the money to you here." "Couldn't you oblige me with a check on the bank where you keep your money?" asked Luke smiling. "I keep my money in several banks," returned the outlaw. "Where, for instance?" "I had some in the bank at Lee's Falls, but I drew it out the other day." "So I heard. Have you any money in the Emmonsville bank?" "Yes, but I am not quite ready to take it yet. I can give you an order on the bank if that will suit." "Thank you; I doubt if the order would be honored." "All this talk amounts to nothing," said Fox impatiently. "I tell you that if you release me I will bring or send you the money." "And how soon would you want it back again?" "Whenever I saw my way clear to taking it," said the outlaw boldly. "I like that talk. It looks square. I'll think over your offer, friend Fox, and let you know in the morning what I decide to do." The outlaw frowned. He evidently did not like the prospect of remaining in captivity overnight. "What are you going to do with me to-night?" he asked. "We have a comfortable place provided," answered Luke. "Mr. Mason, if you will give your assistance, we will show our guest where we propose to put him." "Unbind me and I will save you the trouble." "No doubt; but there are some objections to that."