"At the Emmonsville bank. I was passing there one day in disguise, and chancing to look in, I saw this man sitting on a bench near the paying teller's desk." "Ah!" said James Fox, thoughtfully. "He may be a detective." "That is what I thought." "That is bad news, but the jail at Crampton is not very strong. I have been confined there myself and made my escape. However, John will need assistance from the outside." "I see you have a new boy," said Hugh, curiously. "When did you pick him up?" "Yesterday, a few miles from here. He is a bank messenger." "From what bank?" "The Emmonsville bank." "Then he may know something of this Quaker detective." "Well suggested. I will question him." CHAPTER XVIII. THE OUTLAW AND HIS BAND. When James Fox returned to the apartment where the boys were still seated at the table he said, "Ernest, I should like to speak to you a minute." Ernest followed him out of the room. "Is there any person connected with the bank at Emmonsville who wears the dress of a Quaker?" began the outlaw. Ernest hesitated a moment. "Speak out, boy!" said Fox. "I must and will know." "Yes, sir." "Is he a detective?" "He may act as such." "Is he under pay at the bank?" "I think he is." "Do you know where he is now?" "No." "Was he at the bank when you left it yesterday afternoon?" "No, sir." "Do you know where he was?" "I saw him ride away with a farmer." John Fox and Hugh exchanged glances. Their suspicions were confirmed. "Is he in any trouble?" asked Ernest, becoming a questioner in his turn. "No. For aught I know he may be at the bank." Ernest looked relieved, and for two reasons. He was glad that Luke was not in trouble. Then he knew that when his disappearance was discovered, Luke would leave no stone unturned to rescue him. It was a comfort to think that he had a powerful friend outside. "That will do," said the outlaw. "You may return to Frank." "How long are you going to keep me here?" asked Ernest, anxiously. "Are you already tired of remaining with us?" There was something in the outlaw's tone that savored of kindness. Ernest felt that in some way he had ingratiated himself with him. "I would like my freedom. I am not used to confinement," he said. "Very natural. I cannot let you go just yet, but I will not allow you to be harmed. Do not be alarmed." "I am not," answered Ernest. "Why not? You know my reputation." "Yes, but thus far you have been kind to me." "True. I like you, for you are kind to my boy, and I see that he enjoys your company. Listen! I shall be away all day, probably. Do what you can to amuse Frank." "I will. I should be very lonely without him." "That is a good boy, Hugh," said John Fox, as Ernest left them. "I should like to keep him with us." "Why don't you, then?" "I am afraid he would be unhappy." "I never knew you to take such a liking to a boy before."