"We will not quarrel on that score, miss, so give him the money," said Harding.
Celeste turned, and, raising her skirt, took the bag of money from its hiding-place. This she handed to Harding, who threw it at the masked outlaw's feet with the remark:
"Your spy informed you correctly; there is the money; just thirty-two thousand dollars."
"Thank you," said the outlaw, quietly counting the money before he spoke again.
"Yes, it is all here. Now, miss, had Harding ransomed you, it was your intention to have repaid him, you said."
"By all means, for I have no claim upon that brave gentleman."
"You are able to pay back so large a ransom, are you?"
"Had I not been able to pay it back I would not have made the offer to do so."
"You have not got the money with you?"
"Oh, no, I am no traveling bank, nor am I a fool."