"Just as soon as possible."
"Do you want to take the letter along?"
"Yes; I gave my word I'd bring the letter."
"All right, then; we'll have to write the letter, and each man sign it," said Matlock Styles. "But, I must say, I don't like this way of doing things."
"No more do I," growled another of the band.
"It's putting a fellow's head under the axe," came from Number Four.
"Oh, don't get scared!" came from another. "I know Luffer—he's O.K."
"Everybody is O.K. until he gets in a tight corner and squeals," grumbled Number Four.
"Kicking again, eh?" roared Matlock Styles, glaring sourly at Number
Four.
"Oh, no; I'll do as the others say!" answered the big-boned young man, but with a slight tremble in his voice. Then all of the counterfeiters gathered around a table, to dictate and sign a certain letter some outside party had demanded.