"Goldurn yer!" cried Old King Brady. "What on airth dew yer mean by holdin' up a feller citizen this way?"
One of the masked men emerged from behind the rocks.
He was nicely clad, wore a big felt hat, had long hair hanging down on his shoulders and a brown mustache on his upper lip.
This man looked like a southern planter.
A hideous half mask of black hid the upper half of his face and the Winchester he carried was aimed at the officers.
He intently studied Old King Brady's face a few moments, then asked:
"What were you skulking along after that negro for?"
The moment the officers heard his voice they recognized him, despite his disguise, as Ronald Mason.
Affecting an indignant air, Old King Brady growled:
"Goldurn it, who wuz afollerin' that nigger?"