“Miss Fallon, I have a horse with sidesaddle for you, so you see I came prepared, even to good food for you, a canvas shelter and blankets.” “You intend to take me a prisoner?” said Lucille. “I certainly do, and hold you until I get the big ransom I shall demand.” “My poor, poor father.” “He is fortunate in not having come with you.” “Jack, there is no help for it, so I’ll make the best of it,” said Lucille, turning to the driver. “Tell my father what happened, and to arrange for the ransom, as he can do, provided it is not too large, for there is a limit, you know, and I am not of age yet, so funds cannot be readily gotten beyond a certain sum. Tell him not to delay, for I wish my freedom, and attempt no rescue, but pay the ransom. Good-by, Jack.” Lucille held out her hand. “You is the gamest leetle gal I ever seen,” said Jack Jessop, and the tears came into his eyes. Turning to the outlaw, he continued: “Some day there’ll come a settlement for your red deeds and your cruel treatment of this lady, and I’d show you no more mercy than I would a snake.” The chief laughed, snapped the irons on Jack’s ankles, then continued his search of the coach, taking several things of value. Then he called to his silent men to bring up the horses, and to strip the team of the harness. They quickly did so, and a horse was led up with a lady’s saddle. Lucille sprang to her seat without aid, making the remark in an indifferent tone: “It is lucky I wore my riding habit, fearing some accident.” The things from the coach, arms, and other articles, with the harness, cushions, and rubber coverings, were soon packed on the horses, the chief mounted, and, turning to the driver, said: “Good-by, Jack. I will not leave you unarmed, so here is your belt again. My compliments to Buffalo Bill, and tell him that some day I’ll get his scalp.” With a wave of the hand he rode off, leaving Jack Jessop gazing after them, his eyes full of tears at the fate of poor Lucille, whom he was powerless to aid. But Jack did not hesitate long, for he at once turned his steps down the trail toward Pioneer City, carrying the mails, which had not been disturbed, upon his back. He could not walk fast, ironed as he was, and it was night when he reached the relay station, utterly exhausted. But he quickly had the iron chain hammered in two by the stock tender, and, mounting a horse, the manacles still about his ankles, he rode on to Pioneer City and reported what had happened, starting out at once again with a harnessed team after his coach. The stock tender at the station he had sent off at full speed to the fort to report the affair to Colonel Carr.