Both he and Denton had agreed to go to the city on the following night and make an effort to find Greer. A light was made and supper prepared by Dell Ladley. The turbulence of their passions did not prevent the pair from making a hearty meal of the rough food which the cabin afforded. Dick Denton made a smoking bowl of punch, and he was about to fill out glasses for himself and his pal, when the door was thrown violently open. Rusty Owens and five companions entered the room. At the advent of the newcomers, Skip was on his feet in an instant. “Don’t let me disturb you,” remarked Rusty; “finish your supper; I can wait.” “How did you find us out?” Denton asked, greatly surprised. “You chaps talked pretty loud when you got into your boat over on our side, and a friend of mine overheard you say you were coming here.” “And what the devil do you want?” asked Brodie. “Well, in the first place, I wish to introduce my friends here to the old gent,” replied Rusty; “they wants to make his acquaintance.” “I hope you may find him,” remarked Denton; “he is not here.” “That’s gammon,” said Rusty Owens. He sent two of his friends to search the premises, but, of course, they were not successful in discovering Hilton Field. “Where have you stowed his nibs?” asked Owens. “He has been stolen from us,” answered Denton. “I don’t know why I should tell you even that much; it is none of your business where he is.” “You are wrong there, my friend,” remarked Owens; “we have as much right in this business as you have.” “Put up that pistol!” yelled one of Rusty’s companions. Denton had drawn his weapon, but when he saw that each of the newcomers covered him with revolvers, he replaced it in his pocket. Brodie was standing at the table, and the girl was seated at his side. “I want you and your mob to leave here,” he said angrily, addressing Owens. “Not quite yet,” Rusty replied. “I have a little matter to settle with you before I go.” The speaker walked to where Skip was standing, and, catching that gentleman by the ears, spat in his face. With an infuriated cry, Brodie threw himself upon the other, and the pair fell to the floor. Rusty seemed to be possessed of prodigious strength. Very easily did he shake himself free of his powerful antagonist and rise to his feet. “I guess there is really only one way to settle such carrion as you.” Saying this, Owens drew a pistol and cocked it. He emptied the revolver into the body of the prostrate man. The others threw themselves upon Dick Denton and bound him with a rope they found upon the floor--the one Sam Cole had bound Skip Brodie with. A cry of agony escaped Dell Ladley when Owens fired upon her husband. Skip’s pistol lay upon the table; grasping it, she rushed upon Rusty, and when but a few feet from him, fired. The fellow rolled over upon the body of his victim, dead.