Word of Rogers' murders was received by the colonel, together with the information that the outlaw was heading for the foothills again.
Selecting fifty powerful, dead-shot scouts, the commander put them in charge of Lieutenant Hastings, with Scotty as guide.
"You best start right away," he added, after announcing the detail. "If you get there before Rogers, you can hide in the Stockade and seize him when he comes in. Remember, I want him alive!"
But though they made all speed, the Scouts found that the murdering outlaw was before them.
Sighting a light from a door of whose existence he had not dreamed, Scotty crept toward it.
In a trice he whipped out his "Colts" and aimed them within.
Wondering that he did not shoot, his comrades glided to him, and the sight that met their gaze astounded them.
With chin resting upon its hand sat a skeleton across a box of gold, seemingly staring at the Scouts. And before them both stood the outlaw, evidently having just entered.
"I have kept my pledge, Barney!" cried Red Rogers. "I've sent your murderers to hell! Now, I can take my gold and bury you."
As he spoke, Red Rogers stared at the skeleton, then ran his fingers gloatingly through the gold coins.