Before anyone could interfere James Fox leveled his revolver at Longman, and a sharp scream showed that his aim was true. His treacherous follower fell to the ground, mortally wounded.
James Fox looked at him disdainfully, then threw the revolver upon the floor of the cave and held out his hands. “Now bind me if you will,” he said; “I am your captive.”
Little Frank was a terrified witness of this scene.
“What are they doing to you, papa?” he asked. “They are bad men.”
In spite of his fortitude the outlaw showed traces of emotion. “That is my little son,” he said to the lieutenant commanding.
“He shall be taken care of. Do not be anxious about him.”
“There is an old colored woman here—Juba,” went on the outlaw. “The boy is used to her. If possible let them be together.”
Under a strong guard the famous robbers were carried to jail, and the cave which had been for years their meeting place was dismantled and was never again used for a criminal resort.
When Ernest read the story his feelings were mixed. He rejoiced that the outlaws were taken, but he felt a sympathy for little Frank, and understood what a shock it must be to the father and son to be separated.
He learned where Frank was and called upon him. He had been taken to his own home by the leader of the raiding force.