They were about half-way to the next town when Walter heard the sound of a galloping horse behind him.
Looking out of the side of the wagon, he saw the now familiar figure of the outlaw as he rode up alongside. He looked critically at Walter, and saw that the coveted revolver was in our hero's hand, ready for action.
“Why didn't you give the revolver to my messenger this morning, boy?” he demanded, with a frown.
“I didn't think it would be safe,” Walter answered significantly.
“Didn't you know it was my property?”
“I wasn't sure of it.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I didn't know whether you had paid for it.”
“You are impudent. Professor Robinson, will you make the boy give me back my revolver?”
“I have told him to,” answered the professor, in an apologetic tone, “but he won't obey me.”