Fatigued with the ride and exposure of the two previous days, the Vigilantes slept until a late hour the next morning. Two of the occupants of the cabin rose at the same time. The other, entirely enveloped in blankets, kept up a prolonged snore, whose deep bass signified that he was wrapped in profound slumber. The Vigilantes, contriving to keep four of their number in the cabin, while making preparations to depart, soon had their horses saddled; but when all was ready, one of them inquired in a careless tone, “Who is the man that sleeps so soundly?” “I don’t know him,” said the host. “When did he come here?” “At the beginning of the snowstorm, two days ago. He came in and asked permission to remain here until it was over.” “Perhaps it’s an acquaintance. Won’t you describe him to us?” The man complied, by giving a most accurate description of Hunter. No longer in doubt, the Vigilante went up to the bedside, and, in a loud voice, called out, “Bill Hunter!” Hastily drawing the blanket from his face, the occupant stared wildly out upon the six armed men, asking in the same breath, “Who’s there?” Six shotguns levelled at his head answered the question. “Give us your revolver, and get up,” was the command. Hunter instantly complied. “You are arrested as one of Plummer’s band of road agents.” “I hope,” said Hunter, “you will take me to Virginia City.” A Vigilante assented. “What conveyance have you for me?” “There,” said one, pointing to a horse, “is the animal you must ride.” The prisoner put on his hat and overcoat, and mounted the horse. Just as he was about to seize the reins, a Vigilante took them from his hands, saying, with affected suavity, “If you please, I’ll manage these for you. You’ve only to sit still and ride.” After the company started, the robber cast a suspicious glance behind him, and saw one man following on foot. His countenance fell. The expression told, in stronger language than words, that the thought which harassed him was that he would not be taken to Virginia City. About two miles distant from the cabin, the company drew up and dismounted under a solitary tree. Scraping away the snow, they kindled a fire, and prepared their breakfast, of which the robber partook with them, and seemed to forget his fears, and laughed and joked as if no danger were nigh. Breakfast over, the Vigilantes held a brief consultation as to the disposition which should be made of their prisoner. On putting the question to vote, it was decided by the votes of all but the person who had signified to Hunter that he was to be taken to Virginia City, that his execution should take place instantly. The condemned wretch turned deadly pale, and in a faint voice asked for water. One of the Vigilantes related to him the crimes of which he had been guilty.