"Miss Seldon is as well as could be expected under the existing circumstances, of being the captive of a band of cutthroats," was the cutting reply, and the listening man, who heard all, opened wide his eyes.
"You are harsh in your terms, Miss Seldon."
"Are you not road-agents, robbers, and murderers, and are you not holding me here for ransom, after having robbed me of a large sum in my keeping?"
"Yes, such is the case."
"Then why wince under the name of cutthroat? But you have been away for some days."
"I have."
"You have seen your chief?"
"I have."
"And what message does he send?"
"You are to go with me at dawn to the rendezvous on the Overland Trail, where you are to be given over to the one sent by the miners of Last Chance to pay your ransom."