“Yes, I understand the situation perfectly, Sir Robber. You have the power to rob me, and so I submit to your brute force only. I have with me considerable money, a thousand dollars perhaps, and some jewelry, as you have said, and I will give all if you demand it, but I would like to ask to keep a little money, and several trinkets, which, of little value to you, are most valuable to me from association. May I keep these and a hundred dollars in money?” It would seem that few could resist this appeal, but the robber had the power and he meant to use it. “No, not a dollar, or anything of value shall you keep. I risk my life to rob, and I demand all, so give it up, or I draw trigger on Horseshoe hied and you are my captive. Come, no nonsense, so hand over your wealth,” and the robber rode nearer to the coach. The man moved nearer, riding into the stream to do so. The team of horses looked at him askance as though appreciating the situation, while the face of Horseshoe Ned grew black with rage. “Ter think I can’t protect her,” he muttered. To have his fair passenger robbed of her money and jewels while in his keeping was a terrible thought to the driver. Yet he was powerless, as the slightest resistance on his part meant instant death to him. So the road-agent, still covering the driver with his rifle, rode nearer to the coach. “You will force me to-give up all?” said Ruth, in a voice that showed she was deeply moved. “Every dollar and valuable you have along,” was the stern rejoinder. “Then I suppose there is no help for me,” and she opened the satchel and placed her hand within it. “None, my pretty miss, for I need all you have, and more, too.” “Then take all that I have to give!” As the words were uttered the hand came quickly out of the satchel, and a sharp report followed. With a cry of pain the road-agent dropped his rifle into the stream, for his right arm was shattered. Then, with a savage oath, he dropped his left hand upon his revolver on his hip. But quickly a second shot rang out, and, notwithstanding the plunging team, which brought all of Horseshoe Ned’s energies to bear to stop them from turning short around in the stream, the bullet was truly aimed and the left arm dropped to his side, the weapon falling into the water. “My God, miss, don’t kill me!” cried the road-agent, and he wheeled his horse by a movement of his body and a word, to dash away. “I hate to harm that beautiful animal, but he must not escape,” cried Ruth, now thoroughly aroused, and for the third time her revolver was raised. A quick glance along the barrel and the third shot rang out. Although the horse was bounding up the hill at full speed, the aim was true and the animal dropped upon his knees, stumbled, and went down, throwing his rider hard. “I’ll catch him, miss, if you can hold the team,” cried Horseshoe Ned, after giving vent to a wild yell of admiration for the girl’s crack shooting and the success she had met with.