Three weeks elapsed without any material change taking place in the situation or prospects of Inez. Blodget visited her every day, and she was annoyed by his disgusting importunities; and frequently was he so worked up by the opposition which she offered to him, that he was half tempted to proceed to violence; but a secret power appeared to restrain him, and to watch over his unfortunate victim. Blodget was in a state of considerable anxiety and suspense, for he had not yet heard anything from Gordon, and sometimes he was fearful that he had been detected and was in custody; but again he thought, if he had been so, he should see some account of it in the newspapers, and he, therefore, at last endeavored to conclude that Gordon thought it prudent not to write to him, and that he was in a fair way of being ultimately successful in his blood-thirsty designs. The thieves had made several successful hauls, since the departure of Gordon, and they were not less anxious than Blodget was to know what had become of him, and whether he was safe, for Gordon was acquainted with many circumstances that might greatly endanger them, should he be tempted to divulge them. Such is the doubt and suspicions that ever exist between the guilty. At length, however, after another fortnight, a message arrived at the ranch of Gordon, which came from him, and it may well be imagined with what eager haste Blodget broke the seal, and glanced his eyes over the contents. They afforded him the most unbounded satisfaction. ‘Ah! by the infernal host! this is capital,’ exclaimed Blodget, when he had concluded perusing the letter; ‘my vengeance will soon be complete; and I have no doubt that Gordon will shortly be able to discover Monteagle, and to accomplish the deed for which my soul pants.’ He immediately sought out Jenkins, who was at his usual place of resort when he was not on his expeditions, and showed him the letter from Gordon. The robber captain perused it with satisfaction, and his apprehensions were now at rest. ‘What think you of the suggestion which Gordon has made?’ asked Blodget, when Jenkins had finished reading the letter. ‘Why, that it is a very excellent one,’ answered the captain. ‘True,’ coincided Blodget. ‘You will avail yourself of it, then?’ ‘Why, think you not I should be foolish to miss such an opportunity?’ ‘I do.’ ‘Gordon deserves an extra reward for this.’ ‘He is a shrewd fellow.’ ‘And one who does not stand particular about trifles.’ ‘No, crime and he are familiar. But how would you accomplish this design?’ ‘I have not as yet had time to consider it properly,’ answered Blodget; ‘can you give me any advice, captain?’ ‘Gordon I do not think can do it without assistance.’ ‘Probably not.’ ‘If I and a crew run the risk of going in a boat to Mission Creek, and bring the fellow away, of course you will reward us?’ ‘Certainly; but that course will be attended with much danger, for should the real character of your boat be known—’