Then Joe took his handkerchief and stepped up behind Malone. The hands were lowered and crossed and our hero tied them firmly together at the wrists.
“Now back up to that tree yonder,” said our hero. “And don't you dare to move.”
“I'll do just as you say,” whined Malone. “Only don't shoot me.” He was a coward at heart.
“Now, Caven, you come down!” shouted Joe.
“I don't think I care to,” answered that rascal, coolly.
“If you don't come down I'll come up after you with my pistol,” broke in Bill Badger.
“Maybe I can do a little shooting myself,” went on Gaff Caven.
“I'll risk that.”
More words followed, but in the end Caven thought it best to descend and did so. Yet his face still wore a look of defiance. He was compelled to turn around, and his hands were also tied behind him.
“Now I want those mining shares, Caven,” said Joe.