"That won't do," said John Fox, sternly. "It is somewhere in the house. Look for it." "Indeed, sir, you are mistaken. I am sure that Mr.--the Quaker gentleman has taken it with him." "I don't believe anything of the kind. He had no doubt a revolver of his own, and would not care to carry two." "You may be right, sir, but I don't know where it is." The outlaw felt that time was precious, and that it would not do to indulge in prolonged discussion with the woman. "Is there any revolver in the house?" he demanded impatiently. "I should prefer my own, but I will take any." "I will look, sir, if you wish me to." "Wait a moment. There is something else I must have. Where is that five hundred dollars your husband drew from the bank this morning?" "I don't know." "Tell the truth, or it will be the worse for you." "I am ready to tell the truth, but I don't know." "Where does your husband usually keep any money he may have in the house?" "In the desk in the next room." "Probably he has put the money there. Is the desk locked?" "Yes." "Have you the key?" "Here it is, sir," and Mrs. Mason meekly passed him a small-sized key. "Good! I see you are growing sensible. Now come with me." Together they entered the room, and Mrs. Mason pointed to the desk. It was an ordinary upright desk. John Fox opened it with the key. He was at first afraid the woman had given him the wrong one, but she would not have dared to deceive him. The desk opened, the outlaw began at once to search eagerly for the money. There was a multiplicity of small drawers which he opened eagerly, but he found no cash except four silver half-dollars and some smaller silver. "It isn't here!" he said in a tone of sullen disappointment, turning a baffled look upon the farmer's wife. "No, sir, I didn't think it was there." "Where do you think it is? Do you think your husband has it with him?" "No, sir." "Where then can it be? Surely you must have some suspicion. Don't dare to trifle with me." "Indeed I wouldn't, sir. I think the Quaker gentleman has it." "Curse him!" exclaimed the outlaw angrily. "He's forever standing in my way. Have you any other money in the house?" "No, sir." "I have a great mind to kill you!" said Fox, with a look of ferocity. The terrified woman uttered a scream of dismay that excited the fierce outlaw still more. He sprang toward her and seized her by the throat. CHAPTER XIII. THE OUTLAW'S MISTAKE. John Fox had been so occupied with his terrified victim that he quite forgot the possibility of his two captors returning. It so happened that both were approaching the house when they heard Mrs. Mason's cry of terror. "What's that?" exclaimed the farmer in alarm. "I believe that scoundrel has got loose," answered Luke. He quickened his pace and entered the house just in time to become a witness of the outlaw's brutality.