"That does not matter, for they are a gallant lot of men, rough though they may look, and many of them be, so, when it is known what I have done, they will chip in generously and the money will be raised very quickly." "How will you get it?" asked Harding. "I will meet you on any day we may agree upon, at this spot, with this lady, and you will come alone, as I will, and the exchange of the hostage for the money will be made. If you come with others, or attempt treachery, I swear to you I will kill the girl before your eyes, so if you wish to have that done, play traitor, while, if you act squarely with me, all will be well. What do you say?" "I say, as it cannot be otherwise, I will be your hostage until the money is paid you," said Celeste Seldon firmly. CHAPTER XXI. THE SACRIFICE. The plucky stand taken by Celeste Seldon won the admiration of Harding at once. He did not understand why she had been so prompt in her reply, so willing to at once yield herself as a hostage until a ransom was received for her release. But she did offer, and he at once decided what he should do. "See here, cutthroat," he said, "I have something to say to you." "Well, out with it, but be more choice in your epithets bestowed on me, if you wish to keep in good health." "What! don't like the name, eh? Well, I called you by a name that denotes your calling." "What have you to say?" "Just this, that if you will allow this young lady to ride on to Last Chance, on one of my stage-horses, for he will carry her safely there, I will remain your hostage until Landlord Larry sends the money out to you which you demand." "As a hostage you are of no value, but the lady is." "Well, again?" "What is it?" "If I pay you the amount you said was to be sent by me, will you let the lady go?" "When will you pay it?" "Now." "Do so, and I will let the lady go free." "No, no, sir, you have not the money," cried Celeste to Harding. "Yes, miss, I can make it good, for I have a little more saved up than he demands, and I can start over again to lay up a fortune, you see, for I am young yet." "I will not consent to that, except that I return you the money, my kind friend, for I am well able to do so. I will recompense you, by paying you back my ransom." "We will not quarrel on that score, miss, so give him the money," said Harding. Celeste turned, and, raising her skirt, took the bag of money from its hiding-place. This she handed to Harding, who threw it at the masked outlaw's feet with the remark: "Your spy informed you correctly; there is the money; just thirty-two thousand dollars." "Thank you," said the outlaw, quietly counting the money before he spoke again. "Yes, it is all here. Now, miss, had Harding ransomed you, it was your intention to have repaid him, you said." "By all means, for I have no claim upon that brave gentleman." "You are able to pay back so large a ransom, are you?"