“I can’t help it; I am sure you did it,” persisted Philip, thinking what a fine thing it would be for Harry to change places with him. “I am rich, and I have no need to steal. You are poor, and, I dare say, would like to get hold of Mr. Temple’s bonds.” Temple paused a moment, and then said: “The boy may be right. I’ll tie both of you. One of you knows something about it, or I’m mistaken.” Philip’s face fell. He had hoped to get free himself. It would be some satisfaction for him to see the boy he hated in the same plight, but still he would rather go free. “Tie him first,” he said. It occurred to him that while Harry was being tied he might slip away. “I know my own business best, youngster,” said Temple. And he made Philip sit down again in the chair from which he had been released. “Don’t you dare leave the cabin, unless you want to be brought back,” he said to Harry. “Your turn will come next.” Harry did not answer, but coughed. It was the signal agreed upon between him and the officer outside. Temple was on his knees beside Philip’s chair, tying the boy, with his back toward the door. He listened to hear whether our hero made any attempt to escape, being prepared to pursue and bring him back by force. He heard a slight motion, and looked around quickly. There in the doorway stood a stranger, quietly covering him with a revolver. Temple jumped to his feet, in surprise and alarm. “Who are you?” he demanded. “I am an officer of the law, Ralph Temple, and I call upon you to surrender,” said the stranger, coolly. “An officer? I don’t believe it. Where is your uniform?” “I had my reasons for not wearing it. Do you surrender?” “Why should I? What do you want of me?” asked the outlaw, uneasily. “I want you for the theft of a tin box of bonds, taken from an office in New York.” “I know nothing about it,” said Temple, hastily. “That is too late! I have heard you charge that boy with stealing it from you. You admitted that you had concealed it in the wood.” “That was my own property. I have been robbed of it.” “You will have a chance to prove that in a court of law.” “I’ll do that, if you’ll let me alone.” “I have orders to arrest you.” “Then you’ll have to show that you are a stronger man than I!” exclaimed Temple, with an oath, and he prepared to dash forward. “Stay where you are, or I fire!” said the officer, sternly. Temple looked in his eyes, and saw that he was dealing with a man of resolution. He knew something of faces, and he saw that this man would be as good as his word. “What do you want of me?” he said, sullenly. “You must go with me.” “Lead on, then. I’ll follow.” “I must adopt a little prudential measure first, Harry, take these handcuffs.” Harry stepped forward and received them from the officer. “Hold out your hands”—this was said to Temple—“and let this boy put on the handcuffs.” “I’ll kill him before I’ll allow him to do it!” exclaimed Temple, violently.