"It would be quite possible for me to be robbed if I should meet a highwayman," he reflected. "I am only a boy, and, hampered as I am by the care of a team, I should be unable to make resistance. What shall I do to insure safety?" Gerald began to doubt the expedience of carrying the gold in the tin box, as in the recent attempt at robbery it had become generally known that Mr. Nixon used the box as a receptacle for his treasure. Anyone seeing it in the wagon would at once conjecture its contents. However, this matter could be set right with little trouble. Montana, unlike most Western States, is rocky, and there were plenty of rocks and small stones near at hand. This gave Gerald an idea. He halted his horse, and began to stuff the gold coins into his pockets. Then he got out of the team and collected an equal bulk of small stones. These he put into the tin box, and then locked it with a key, with which Mr. Nixon had supplied him. The stones rattled as the team made its way over the rough road. "I don't suppose it was necessary," said Gerald to himself. "Still, it is well to be on the safe side." He drove a mile further. In the three miles he had met but one team, for the road was an unfrequented one, as Montana was only sparsely settled, and the towns were far apart. Gerald began to think he should not meet any one during the whole distance. This would, of course be satisfactory, and would spare him all anxiety. If he met any one after his errand was completed, and the money safely stored in the Fairfield, bank, it would not matter. It was fortunate that Gerald made the transfer, for in less than half a mile he was stopped by the man who had overheard the conversation between him and Joe Loche. "Can't you give a poor fellow a lift, youngster?" asked the tramp. Gerald hesitated. He noted the appearance of the man, and felt that it might not be safe to refuse outright. "Where do you want to go?" "A mile or two," answered the tramp, with a leer. Gerald considered whether it would be safe to lash the horse and attempt to get away from his troublesome acquaintance, but it did not seem to be practicable. Yet to take him as a passenger, with so valuable a treasure on board, was certainly hazardous. If he had been sure that the tramp was not armed, he might have attempted flight; but of this he could not be sure. "I will give you a lift for a mile or so," he said. With a smile the tramp clambered in and took a seat beside him. He stretched out his legs with a look of satisfaction. "And where might you be going, youngster?" he asked Gerald. "I am going to Fairfield." "On business?" "Well, there is a small matter of business I have to attend to." "Where do you live?" "I am living at present in Campville." "This is Joe Loche's team, isn't it?" "Yes." "You don't live with him, do you?" "No." "With whom, then?" "With an old man near the store." "Old man Nixon?" "Yes," answered Gerald, reluctantly.