"That's Jim Malone," thought Jack.
The information he received plainly showed him that Frank James intended to rob the people of the Independence stage at the mountain ledge.
In order to do this he would very likely summon some of the gang and be at the pass at nine o'clock that night.
The storekeeper had no idea of this.
Indeed, as he did not know who Frank James was, not a suspicion of the truth of the matter was likely to enter his mind, for the bandit led him to suppose he was anxious to travel to the northern main line on that vehicle.
"In which direction did that man go?" asked Jack, in conclusion.
"Ter ther west'ard. But why d'yer want all or this infermation?"
"Simply became he is one of the James Boys."
"Holy–jumpin'–jingo!" gasped the man.
"He intends to rob that stage!"