A Cousin's Conspiracy Part 19

"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. "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

JUST IN TIME

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.

It was no time to hesitate or parley. He sprang upon the robber, dashed him to the ground and put his foot upon his breast.

"What deviltry are you up to, you wretch?" he demanded. Then turning to Mrs. Mason he asked, "Why did he attack you?"

"He wanted my husband's money--and a revolver," answered the trembling woman.

"I have a great mind to give him the contents of the revolver!" said Luke sternly.

John Fox was not a coward, but as he looked up at the stern face of the Quaker detective he quailed, almost for the first time in his life. He tried to rise, but the heavy foot of Luke Robbins was on his breast.

"Let me up!" he growled.

"You don't deserve to get up! You shall lie there forever for your cowardice in attacking a woman!"

"I would rather it had been you!" said John Fox bitterly.

"You are safe in attacking a woman," said the detective in scornful sarcasm.

The outlaw was stung by his a.s.sailant's scorn.

"I have attacked many better men than you," he replied, "and some have not lived to tell the tale!"

"So you own up to being a murderer? I am ready to believe you. I have a great mind to shoot you where you lie!" and Luke pointed his revolver at the prostrate outlaw.

"That would be the act of a coward," said John Fox, hastily, his cheek turning pale.

"Not exactly that, for I have mastered you in a fair fight, but there is one thing that holds back my hand. Do you know what it is?"

"Well?"

"I should cheat the gallows of its due. Here, farmer!"

Ezekiel Mason, pale and trembling, was standing on the threshold.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Go and get another rope."

The farmer left the house, and going to an outhouse returned with a stout clothes-line.

"Tie him again while I hold him," was Luke's command. "Tie him as securely as before--more so, if possible. How did you get loose?"

"Find out for yourself!" said the outlaw sullenly.

"I mean to, and I don't intend that you shall escape a second time."

Meanwhile John Fox was execrating his folly in not escaping when he had the chance. If he had not waited for the revolver and money he might by this time have been out of danger.

Yet he was not without hope. He still had the knife in his pocket. It was ready for use and he meant to use it.

No doubt he would be taken back to the attic. If Luke Robbins should be his companion, all the better. After cutting his bonds the knife might end the life of the man who had inflicted such humiliation upon him.

He did not speak, but his eyes betrayed him. There was such a revengeful gleam in them that Luke read their meaning without trouble.

"If I am ever at the mercy of that ruffian," he thought, "I wouldn't give much for my chance of keeping a whole skin."

When the outlaw lay securely bound Luke summoned the farmer.

"Watch him for five minutes, Mr. Mason," he said. "I am going to the attic to learn if I can how he got loose."

Ezekiel Mason looked uncomfortable, but did not object. He was half afraid of John Fox even in his helpless condition.

"Have you a revolver?"

"Yes."

"Then take it out, and if he makes an effort to escape shoot him without a moment's hesitation."

It gratified the outlaw to see how much afraid of him the farmer was, even in his helpless condition. But he could not flatter himself that he had inspired any terror in Luke Robbins. Against his will he was compelled to pay tribute to the resolute courage of the Quaker detective. As he met the gaze of the farmer he smiled to himself sardonically.