The robber had barely time to mount his horse and ride for dear life. Fortunately for him, the shots which were fired did not touch either him or his horse, and he made his escape. CHAPTER XXI. FINDING A FATHER. Smithers returned to the room. "I'll have to break with you," exclaimed the major, "if you go on this way." "What for?" asked Smithers. "Didn't you hear that fellow say that he had saved my life? See here," continued the major, "I want you to understand that you can't play fast and loose with me. Capt. Jordan will think I put up a job on him." The major continued to grumble, but Smithers took no notice either of him or Tommy. In an hour's time it grew dark, and while the partners were preparing for the business of the evening, Tommy being very tired, stole off to a bed which had been prepared for him in the house. It was some time, however, before he could get to sleep. He was haunted by the face of Capt. Jordan, and in vain tried to remember where he had seen it before. That it was familiar to him he was certain. "I know him, I know him," he muttered, "but to save my life I can't place him. However, I'll go to the cavern in the Snake Canyon to-morrow, and then----" He broke off abruptly. What would happen then, he could not tell, but he felt assured that important events were about to take place, which would influence his future career. Early in the morning he descended from his bedroom. No one was about. The major and Smithers had kept the gaming room open till four o'clock, and then went to bed. Passing through the city he walked over the prairie until he came within sight of the Dead Snake Canyon. Scarcely had he entered the valley than he was surprised to hear the voice of Capt. Jordan. "Welcome, my lad," he cried. "Your mother is waiting to see you. Follow me." A winding path conducted them to the entrance to the cavern in which the robber lived. In a rude vault, illuminated by the rays of the sun, Tommy saw Mrs. Smithers seated on a roughly made chair, with Alice by her side. She rose hastily, and embraced him with every demonstration of fondness. "My dear, dear child, I am so glad to see you once more," she cried. "How much you must have gone through since we last met." Tommy returned her caresses, and replied: "I am happy now, mamma, because I have found you. But why do you stay here?" "I have my reasons," she replied. "You would go if you could?" he asked. "No, my child. I am happy and contented. Soon we shall leave here and----" "We?" interrupted Tommy. "Do you include Capt. Jordan?" "I do." "But he is a robber." "He will give up this life, and we shall live happily. It is not his fault, he has told me all. With me to guide him he will reform." "What is he to you, mother?" said Tommy, in perplexity. Capt. Jordan was standing close by. Looking at him, she exclaimed: "Shall I tell him?" "Yes," was the laconic reply.