Luke was unused to banks. So far as he knew, he had never entered one before. He looked around him in uncertainty, and finally approached the window of the receiving teller. "Are you the boss of this institution?" he asked. The teller smiled. "No," he said. "Perhaps you want to see the president?" "I guess he's the man." "If you will give me a hint of the nature of your business, I will speak to him." "I hear you're expectin' a visit from the Fox brothers." "Have you anything to do with them?" asked the teller with some suspicion. "I want to have something to do with them," returned Luke. "I don't understand you." "Then I'll tell you what I mean. I hear there's a big reward out for their capture." "A thousand dollars." "I want that thousand dollars, and I want it bad." "I shall be very glad if you become entitled to it. Any one who will rid the State of either of these notorious outlaws will richly deserve it." "That's the business I came about. Now can I see the president, if that's what you call him?" "Wait a minute and I will find out." The teller went to an inner room, and returned with a stout, gray-headed man of about fifty. He looked curiously at Luke through the window. Then, as if reassured, he smiled. "I understand you want to see me," he said. "Yes." "About the Fox brothers?" "You're right there, squire." "Go to the last door and I will admit you." Luke Robbins did as directed, and soon found himself in the office of the president of the bank. "You are anxious to secure the reward offered for the capture of these outlaws, I believe." "That's straight." "Why do you come to me, then?" "Because a man told me you expected a visit from them." "That is not quite exact. I don't expect a visit, but I am afraid they may take it into their heads to call here." "Suppose they do." A shade of anxiety appeared upon the face of the president. "We should try to foil their plans," he answered. "Wouldn't you like to have me on hand when they come?" The president looked over Luke Robbins carefully. He was impressed by his bold, resolute air, and muscular figure. Evidently he would be a dangerous man to meet. "You are a strong, resolute fellow, I judge," he said thoughtfully. "Try me and see." "You would not be afraid to meet these villains single-handed?" "I never saw the man yet that I was afraid to meet." "So far, so good, but it is not so much strength that is needed as quickness. A weak man is more than a match for a strong one if he gets the drop on him." "That's so, but I reckon it'll take a smart man to get the drop on me. "What have you to propose? I suppose you have formed some plan." "I would like to stay around the bank, and be on the watch for these fellows." "Remain here and I will consult with the cashier." Five minutes later the president rejoined his visitor.