Trusting to the cover of night, the quartette rode along the highway which made a swing toward the health resort that had proved anything but healthy for them, as by doing so they could strike a road that would connect more directly with one running in the direction of Ste. Genevieve. For now that he had made up his mind to loot his enemy's bank, he determined to travel by the most direct route to the town in which it was located. Yet before they arrived, it would be necessary for them to cross the State of Missouri, Ste. Genevieve being situated on the shore of the Mississippi river. "It'll throw a shock into 'em to hear that we've raided old Rozier's shebang when they think we're hiding somewhere near the Springs," chuckled Jesse, all of a sudden. "That it will," echoed Cole almost in the same breath and the latter continued: "They say it's a rich bank, too. Always has a hundred thousand or so in the vaults." "So I understand," rejoined the great outlaw. "But it'll never have so much again. When we get through with it, people will be afraid to put their money in it. _I mean to leave word that I shall raid it every year!_ "Before I get through with that cur, Rozier, he'll be sorry he ever insulted me and then set detectives on my trail!" The bitterness with which he uttered the words and the threat told how deeply the bank president's actions had cut the world-famous desperado. The disclosure so amazed his hearers that they were unable to make adequate comment and ere any occurred to them, their attention was distracted by the shrill neigh of a horse in front of them. Not more than four miles from the Springs were the bandits when the startling sound broke on the air. Visions of patrols and posses instantly flashed to their minds and they drew rein hurriedly. "Into the bushes, lively! Everybody on the same side," snapped Jesse. "We'll just see who's riding so late at night." But the desperadoes were entirely unprepared for the sight that met their eyes a few minutes after they had hidden themselves. The spot Jesse had chosen from which to spy on the travellers was his favorite location for an ambuscade, a turn in the road. As the dull pounding of the hoofs came nearer and nearer, the bandits peered eagerly from the protecting bushes, pistols in their hands for immediate use should their chief give the word. But as they gazed at the highway, its white course seeming like some huge piece of ribbon stretched along the ground, they were amazed to see a girl and a man sweep around the bend, followed close by two more women. Each of the three females was heavily veiled and wrapped in shawls that covered the saddles. More than that the desperadoes could not see for the late riders were going at a fast gallop. "Probably been to some party," commented Jim when they had disappeared up the road. "They're mighty quiet if they have," declared John.