“Not on ther trail I runs, miss, I’m thinking.” So the coach went along its way. Horseshoe Ned delighted at exhibiting his skill as a driver and striving hard to keep Ruth from dwelling upon the fact that she had parted with her brother forever. Just as the coach drove down into Deep Dell Brook, where it had been last held-up and Ribbons had been killed, Horseshoe Ned said: “I tells yer, miss, it’s a comfort ter feel yer kin halt in thet stream ter water your horses, and not be expecting a shot all ther time.” “Yes, for you have risked dangers enough to enjoy some sense of security now,” was Ruth’s answer. But hardly had the words been uttered when suddenly down the trail beyond, leading into the stream, rode a horseman. He was dressed in black, but rode a snow-white horse, though all of his trappings were of sable hue. The horseman was masked, and wore a black sombrero, but his hair fell in heavy waves upon his broad shoulders, concealing even his neck, while, as he wore gauntlet gloves, no one could have told from his appearance whether he was paleface, Indian, Chinese, or negro. “Hands up, Horseshoe Ned, for you carry a rich prize,” cried the horseman, as he reached the water’s edge, and leveled his rifle at the driver. “Waal, I’ll be etarnally roasted, ef thet don’t beat all, for I were jist sayin’ ther trail were clear o’ varmints like you.” “Silence! Hold on there, my pretty lady, for I’ll send a bullet through your brain as quickly as I would shoot Horseshoe Ned, if you attempt to show your claws,” sternly cried the highwayman. This command was caused by seeing the action of Ruth, who had drawn toward her a small valise she had behind her upon the top of the coach, and in which she had a revolver, that had before rendered her good service. Not expecting a hold-up, she had not kept the weapon near her. There was something in the tone of the man that indicated his intention to be as good as his word, and Ruth raised her hand from the satchel. “Say, robber, if yer don’t consider me rude, I’d like ter ask yer who yer be, for I thought ther old gang had been wiped out?” “The old gang was, but I have come to hunt the trails, and I am here to stay. That lady is well fixed, as I happen to know, so I will trouble her for her money, and all else of value she may have with her. If she refuses, I will kill you, Horseshoe Ned, and hold her a captive until she pays far more than I can now rob her of. I hope you both understand the situation.” “I understand you is a thief I’d like ter git a rope onto once,” growled the driver, while Ruth said: