CHAPTER XXIII.
THE OUTLAWS' CAPTIVE.
It was with a sinking heart that Celeste Seldon saw Harding drive away upon the stage, leaving her in the power of the road-agents. But she was a brave girl, and determined to show the outlaws that she did not fear them, no matter how great her dread of them was in reality.
The saddle and bridle she had brought with her were carried along for a couple of miles, and placed upon a led horse, one of half a score hidden there, and the masked chief started to aid her to mount.
But she said with a sneer:
"I need no assistance from you."
With this she placed her hands upon the horn and leaped lightly into the saddle.
Her leather trunk was then strapped securely upon a pack-saddle, and the chief said:
"Now, Miss Seldon, that you and my men are mounted, we will start."