It seemed to him that a man had entered the room, and was rifling Rawson's pockets. The dream excited him so much that it awakened him, and none too soon, for there, bending over the chair on which Rawson had thrown his clothes, was the very man whom his companion had described. The moonlight that flooded the room revealed him clearly, with his red hair and beard, just as he had presented himself to Dean in his dreams. Dean rose to a sitting posture, and quietly drew out the revolver from underneath his pillow. "What are you doing there?" he demanded. The intruder started, and, turning quickly, fixed his eyes upon Dean. He didn't appear so much alarmed as angry at the interruption. "Lie down, and keep still, if you know what's good for yourself, kid!" he said, in a menacing tone. "And let you rob my friend? Not much!" said Dean, boldly. "Lay down those clothes!" "When I get ready." "I command you to lay them down!" said Dean, boldly. "I'll wring your neck if you don't keep quiet," said the robber, quietly. "Rawson!" cried Dean, raising his voice. "Confusion!" muttered the thief, as, dropping his booty, he took a step towards Dean's bed. "Look out for yourself!" said Dean, in a tone of warning. "Come nearer, and I fire!" Then for the first time the intruder noticed that the boy was armed. He drew back cautiously. Just then Rawson asked sleepily, "What's the matter, Dean?" "Wake up, Rawson, quick!" said Dean. Ben Rawson opened his eyes, and took in the situation at once. He sprang from the bed, and placed himself between the thief and the door. "Let me go!" exclaimed the intruder, as he made a dash forward, only to be seized by the powerful miner. "Now let me know who you are, and whether you have taken anything," he said, resolutely. "Dean, let us have some light." The thief struggled to escape, but in vain. His captor was stronger than himself. Dean lighted the gas, and both scrutinized the thief closely. Then a light flashed upon Dean. "I know him in spite of his false hair and beard," he said. "It's Peter Kirby." Rawson pulled off the disguise, and Kirby stood revealed. "Yes, it's Kirby!" he said, doggedly. "What are you going to do with me?" "Put you in the hands of the police," answered Rawson, coolly. Kirby remained silent a moment, and then said: "I'll make it worth your while to let me go." "How?" asked Rawson, briefly. "That boy's uncle was robbed near a year since of a thousand dollars. I can tell him the name of the thief." "Was it Squire Bates?" asked Dean, eagerly. "Till my safety is assured I can tell nothing." "Can you enable me to recover the money?" "I can. I will be willing to make a statement, and swear to it before a magistrate." "Is not Squire Bates the head of a gang of robbers?" "I am not prepared to say. I will do what I agreed."