Instantly his companions obeyed while the bullets whistled about them.

Though the move forced them to advance at a slower gait, it was a wise one, for their figures no longer loomed from the white roadbed, leaving their foes at a loss where to aim their rifles.

Incessantly the bandits pumped their rifles till only one of the six remained.

"Surrender, or we'll kill you!" shouted the world-famous desperado.

Unnerved by the slaughter of his comrades, the survivor gasped:

"All right. I do."

"Then drop your gun and throw up your hands," thundered the great outlaw and as the man obeyed, he burst into a laugh hideous in its uncanny hollowness.

Like a whirlwind, the bandits bore down upon the cowering creature.

"Keep him covered!" snapped the terrible desperado to his pals, then raising his voice yelled: "Don't be afraid Sue. It's only I."