"Yes, better than we expected. We passed Hadley and awaited him in the mountains. Two pistol balls were sent through his heart, and in less than an hour his body was devoured by howling and hungry wolves, from a ravenous pack of which we escaped ourselves with difficulty, so fierce had a taste of blood rendered them!" It will be noticed that Bill drew largely upon his imagination in this brief account of their adventures, and that he never once hinted at the real truth of the matter, and how they were driven away, and had to flee for their lives. He knew that his story had the characteristics of probability; and he had an object in view in imposing on his superior, though he had no doubt at all of Hadley's fate, believing him to be certainly dead. "So far good," replied Duffel; "but are you sure the act was undiscovered and undiscoverable?" "Quite sure, your honor; it was dark at the time, and no one near, and therefore impossible that any one should know of the transaction." "Very well, I am pleased with your promptness and dispatch in the execution of this plot. You shall have your reward for the diligence and faithfulness of your labors. But just now I have another affair on hand, in which I shall need your aid." "We are your men." "I know I can rely upon you, and that is the reason I have chosen you from among all the other members of the League to assist me." "And you shall never regret the choice. What is the nature of the work you would have us perform?" "I have heretofore spoken to you concerning its principal feature. It relates to a lady, and you may remember what was formerly said in regard to the matter." "Oh, yes, perfectly well." "Well, I wish the young lady to be taken--kidnapped--and brought to this place. Can I rely upon you to do the deed?" "We have already pledged ourselves to that effect." "So you did, I had forgotten. I shall soon need your services, if all things proceed as present appearances indicate that they will. When everything is ripe for action, I will inform you of particulars, and give you the necessary instructions. Till, then, meet me every day in the 'swamp,' for I may wish your aid at any moment." "All right; we'll be there." And thus the conference of the villains ended. CHAPTER XI. THE INTERVIEW--THE PLOT--THE ABDUCTION.