There were no other passengers, and with a small satchel as her only baggage, she mounted to the box with Jack Jessop and rolled away from the fort. She enjoyed the bright morning and beautiful scenery immensely, and Jack was glad to entertain his fair companion.
The bridge was crossed over the river, and then began the pull up a long hill.
Suddenly, as though by magic, a score of forms arose, it appeared from the ground.
They came from behind trees and rocks, and they came like so many apparitions.
They were all dressed in buckskin, wore slouch hats and masks, while they carried rifles in their hands and were armed with a belt of weapons as well.
They were all on foot, save one.
That one was mounted on a fine horse, and came out from behind a group of rocks. He sat his horse splendidly, wore a belt of arms, but carried no rifle. A broad sombrero sheltered his head, his hair fell upon his shoulders, and he was dressed in a black suit with gold-coin buttons. His face was masked completely, and his hands were covered with red gauntlet gloves. There was no mistaking the man, for it was Captain Eagle, chief of the Red Hand Riders.
“That imp of Satan, ther chief o’ ther Red Hands, by all that’s holy!” growled Jack Jessop.
Lucille turned pale, yet remained perfectly calm, while she said: