The stock tender reached the fort after midnight, and, half an hour after, a lieutenant with his troop and six of Buffalo Bill’s scouts had started for Monument Hill to pick up the trail of the outlaws at dawn, and follow it, Colonel Carr believing that he could thus aid Lieutenant Worth and his party who were pushing on to the river to head off the lawless band. Jack Jessop took his dismantled coach into Pioneer City with all haste, and then went to a blacksmith to get his manacles removed. He found the town all excitement over the affair, and learned from Colonel Buck, the stage agent there, that a stranger had come into Pioneer City and purchased a sidesaddle and a lot of provisions and other things, remaining but a short while and stating that he was from the Fort Advance settlement. “That man was the outlaw,” said Jack Jessop. CHAPTER VII. THE FLIGHT. The outlaw chief placed himself by the side of Lucille as they started away, and she said quickly: “There is no possible chance of my escape, so ride on ahead and I will follow you.” “You do not wish me by your side?” “I do not.” “I wish to talk to you.” “I do not care to converse with you.” “But I have something of importance to say.” “I do not care to hear it.” “But you must, and the trail admits of two riding abreast now, and will not later on, and I will not disturb you long.” “I have no power to enforce my wish.” “I shall ask the sum of just thirty thousand dollars for your ransom, and when that is paid you shall go free.” “You will not get it.” “Why?” “Well, though I have property of considerable value, neither my lawyer and guardian, nor myself, can get money on it until a certain time, and the cash that can be got is just that which is left over from the sum appropriated to pay certain fees, my schooling and living.” “And what does that amount to?” “About eighteen thousand dollars.” “Somehow I believe you, so I will take what I can get. Twenty thousand, then, shall be the price, for the balance can be raised. Doubtless your father has it, and when that is paid, you shall go free. I shall arrange all matters so as to place no difficulties in the way, and, meanwhile, you shall be treated with every respect, and given what comforts I can allow you.” There was something in the manner of the outlaw toward her that Lucille could not understand, and that was his marked respect. When it grew near sunset he ordered a halt, sought a secluded spot for his captive, had her canvas shelter put up, and placed before her a good supper, after which he left her, with the words: “I shall halt here for four hours, and then it shall be six more in the saddle, so get what rest you can.” Lucille enjoyed her supper, spread her blankets, and was soon fast asleep.