The villain trembled, and for an instant remorse touched his heart. But no sooner did a slight convulsive shudder show that she still lived, than he turned and left the apartment. Blodget sent the old woman to Inez, who succeeded in restoring her to consciousness. The next morning Jenkins returned. He seemed in haste. Sending for several members of his gang he was soon engaged in earnest conversation. ‘Gordon, say not a word to Blodget,’ said Jenkins. ‘Should he try to escape?’ said Gordon. ‘Shoot him, as you would a mad coyote,’ said Jenkins. ‘Had we not best confine him?’ ‘No,—wait my return. He will probably send for Kay, Maretzo, and others of his old cronies. If he tries to bribe one of you to take a message for him to them affect to be won over by his gold, carry the message for him, and then hasten to me at the Mission.’ ‘But where are you to be found, captain?’ ‘Joaquin will inform you of my whereabouts.’ ‘But, captain, why do you wish Kay and the rest of them to be engaged in this affair?’ ‘In order that they may be captured in the actual commission of a daring crime—as they will doubtless hasten to assist Blodget to carry off the lady.’ Jenkins then visited Blodget. To the great surprise of Blodget, Jenkins instead of greeting him with friendly warmth, rejected his proffered hand, and addressing him sternly, said: ‘I am about to leave this place for a few days, if during my absence you insult Miss Inez by word or look, or ever approach the rooms she occupies, you shall as surely die as my name is Jenkins!’ Then turning to a young girl, who had accompanied him to the house, the robber-captain addressed her thus: ‘Alice, you will I know do all you can to make this poor young lady as happy as possible while I am away. I do not promise you any reward, for I know your own goodness of heart has induced you to volunteer to be her friend and companion.’ Jenkins then gave the old woman instructions to obey Alice on every point, and whispering a few words to Gordon, Jenkins left the apartment, and soon after the house. Blodget was astounded at this change in the behavior of Jenkins, and concluded that he had informed upon him, and thus made his own peace with the authorities. He was confirmed in this, when he went to step from the house, for Gordon stepped up to him, and placing a revolver at his breast, threatened to shoot him if he crossed the threshold. Finding an attempt to escape would only lead to his instant death, Blodget determined during Jenkins’ absence to consummate his intentions on Inez, and then devise some mode of gaining Gordon to allow him to escape.