The farmer left the house, and going to an outhouse returned with a stout clothes-line. "Tie him again while I hold him," was Luke's command. "Tie him as securely as before--more so, if possible. How did you get loose?" "Find out for yourself!" said the outlaw sullenly. "I mean to, and I don't intend that you shall escape a second time." Meanwhile John Fox was execrating his folly in not escaping when he had the chance. If he had not waited for the revolver and money he might by this time have been out of danger. Yet he was not without hope. He still had the knife in his pocket. It was ready for use and he meant to use it. No doubt he would be taken back to the attic. If Luke Robbins should be his companion, all the better. After cutting his bonds the knife might end the life of the man who had inflicted such humiliation upon him. He did not speak, but his eyes betrayed him. There was such a revengeful gleam in them that Luke read their meaning without trouble. "If I am ever at the mercy of that ruffian," he thought, "I wouldn't give much for my chance of keeping a whole skin." When the outlaw lay securely bound Luke summoned the farmer. "Watch him for five minutes, Mr. Mason," he said. "I am going to the attic to learn if I can how he got loose." Ezekiel Mason looked uncomfortable, but did not object. He was half afraid of John Fox even in his helpless condition. "Have you a revolver?" "Yes." "Then take it out, and if he makes an effort to escape shoot him without a moment's hesitation." It gratified the outlaw to see how much afraid of him the farmer was, even in his helpless condition. But he could not flatter himself that he had inspired any terror in Luke Robbins. Against his will he was compelled to pay tribute to the resolute courage of the Quaker detective. As he met the gaze of the farmer he smiled to himself sardonically. "You've got the advantage of me," he said. "I am bound and helpless, while you are free and are armed. Still you are afraid of me." "Why should I be?" asked Mason, but his tone was not firm. "Yes, why should you be? I'll tell you. If ever I have you where I am now I'll give you fifteen minutes to say your prayers." "Oh, what a terrible man!" said Mrs. Mason with a shudder. "You wouldn't kill him?" "Yes, I would. But there is one way of escape." "What is that?" "Loose these bonds and let me go before your Quaker friend comes down and your life will be safe, and your wife's." Ezekiel Mason shook his head feebly. "I don't dare to do it," he said. "Do as you please, but the time will come when you will be sorry that you refused. What are you afraid of? You are armed, while I have no weapon." "I am afraid of Luke." "You needn't be. He would find fault with you, but that would be all." Ezekiel Mason was weak, but not weak enough to yield to the persuasions of his prisoner. Besides, he knew that Luke would come down from the attic directly.