"It'll throw a shock into 'em to hear that we've raided old Rozier's shebang when they think we're hiding somewhere near the Springs," chuckled Jesse, all of a sudden.
"That it will," echoed Cole almost in the same breath and the latter continued: "They say it's a rich bank, too. Always has a hundred thousand or so in the vaults."
"So I understand," rejoined the great outlaw. "But it'll never have so much again. When we get through with it, people will be afraid to put their money in it. I mean to leave word that I shall raid it every year!
"Before I get through with that cur, Rozier, he'll be sorry he ever insulted me and then set detectives on my trail!"
The bitterness with which he uttered the words and the threat told how deeply the bank president's actions had cut the world-famous desperado. The disclosure so amazed his hearers that they were unable to make adequate comment and ere any occurred to them, their attention was distracted by the shrill neigh of a horse in front of them.
Not more than four miles from the Springs were the bandits when the startling sound broke on the air.
Visions of patrols and posses instantly flashed to their minds and they drew rein hurriedly.
"Into the bushes, lively! Everybody on the same side," snapped Jesse. "We'll just see who's riding so late at night."
But the desperadoes were entirely unprepared for the sight that met their eyes a few minutes after they had hidden themselves.
The spot Jesse had chosen from which to spy on the travellers was his favorite location for an ambuscade, a turn in the road.