Captain Huffman listened to this story with horror. “If this miscreant makes way with Lieutenant Pennington and Nevels, I will hunt him to his death, if it takes ten years,” he declared. Then turning to Evans, he asked: “Did any of the gang side with Red Bill?” “Yes, five of them did, and stayed with him,” was the answer. “And you men, at least twenty of you, by your own story, coolly left our men to be foully murdered?” furiously demanded Captain Huffman. The prisoner hung his head, but did not answer. “Answer!” thundered Huffman. “Red Bill promised to take them to Frankfort,” he at length managed to say. “And you have just admitted that his promise was worth nothing. Where did this thing occur? Where did you leave Red Bill and his prisoners?” demanded Huffman. “About three miles from here,” answered Evans. “Lead us to the place at once.” “I dare not,” he whimpered; “Red Bill will kill me if I give away the place of rendezvous. We are under a terrible oath not to reveal it.” “You need not fear Red Bill,” answered Captain Huffman, in ominous tones, “for I am going to hang you. Boys, bring the rope.” “Mercy! Mercy!” gasped the shivering wretch. “Then lead us to the place where you left Red Bill, and that quickly.” “My wound,” he whined, pointing to his leg. “Bind up his leg,” said Huffman to one of his men. The wound was rudely dressed, and then Evans was placed on a horse in front of a sturdy trooper. “Now take us to the place where you left Red Bill, by the shortest and quickest route; you say it is three miles. If we don’t reach it in half an hour, I will hang you like a dog. And,” continued Huffman, to the trooper in front of whom Evans was riding, “blow out his brains at the first sign of treachery.” For answer the trooper touched his revolver significantly. After riding swiftly for about two miles, Evans bade them turn into a path which led into the woods. The way became rough and rocky, and their progress was necessarily slower. Evans was in mortal terror lest the half-hour would be up before they could reach the place. “It is right down thar,” he at length said, pointing down a ravine which led to a stream. The place was admirably adapted for concealment. On a small level place surrounded by high cliffs stood a tumble-down house. It was shut in from view from every point except the single one on which they stood. “Leave the horses here,” whispered Huffman, “I think I caught sight of some one down there. We will creep up on them unawares.” Leaving the horses in charge of ten men, Captain Huffman, with the rest of his force, silently crept down the gorge. [Illustration: THEY SILENTLY CREPT DOWN THE GORGE.]