“I don’t think there’s the least doubt,” he went on, “but that the little trick saved my twenty thousand for me. As soon as we get to Sun Dance I shall reimburse the lady for the money and jewelry she lost. All I can say at the present time is that——”
De Bray stopped suddenly. The attention of every one in the mountain-wagon was focused upon De Bray and his pile of bills. Abruptly a movement of swift feet was heard, followed by a frightened jump on the part of the leaders of the team.
On the instant all eyes were lifted. A masked man, with a rifle slung from his shoulders by a strap, was holding the leaders by the bits. Beside the masked man stood Captain Lawless, he having reappeared on that part of the trail as if by magic. Six masked men, with rifles at their shoulders, had sprung up around the stage as though out of the very ground.
“Sorry to bother you again,” said Lawless, “but I changed my plans somewhat when I saw that gold locket, and I and my men have scrambled across the arm of the cañon. If you hadn’t stopped here so long, we shouldn’t have been able to overtake you. Lucky thing we did, as twenty thousand is something of a haul. Right here is where you fellows are going to get the double-cross.”
This second surprise was even more telling than the first had been. Billings and the rest had not dreamed of encountering Lawless and his gang a second time. It is popularly supposed that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, yet here was proof to the contrary.
What was there about the woman’s locket to bring the road-agent and his rascally followers across the arm of the cañon? Whatever it was, the change in Lawless’ plan had worked out badly for De Bray. De Bray had his $20,000 on his knee, and no subterfuge could now avail to save the funds.
Billings, Pete, and Hotchkiss realized that they themselves were to blame. If they had not halted so long on the road for the purpose of palavering with De Bray, and if they had not forced him to an explanation, his money might have been saved.
Hotchkiss had his revolver in his hand. The hand had dropped at his side, and he was pondering the advisability of resistance. There were eight of the road-agents—eight against three, and if resistance was offered, the fight which followed would surely imperil the woman. Hotchkiss, brave though he was, hesitated to do anything that would endanger one of the gentler sex.
Lawless came closer to De Bray.
“For a tenderfoot,” said Lawless, “you’re a fine specimen of a fox; but here’s where I call you. Fork over!”