The imperturbable Texas stood and faced them, twirling two revolvers carelessly while they had the unspeakable humiliation of watching the others ungaging and unbinding the delighted Mallory, who rose to his feet a moment later, stretched his arms and then merrily took command.
Bull Harris was selected, as leader and head conspirator, to undergo the first torture. Mark placed himself in front of him, and with a light smile upon his face.
“Lie down!” said he.
Bull found himself staring into the muzzle of one of the menacing Texan’s revolvers. That took all of Bull’s nerve, and he very promptly “lay.”
“Now then, Dewey,” said Mark, “tie him up.”
Dewey used the very ropes that had been meant for Mark. He tied Master Harris’ unresisting feet together. Then rolled him unceremoniously over on his back and tied his hands. After which Bull was kicked to one side, and Dewey was ready for the next frightened yet furious victim.
Pretty soon there were four helpless bodies lying side by side within the fort. They were bound hand and foot; there were gags tied in their mouths and heavy towels wrapped about their eyes. And then the Banded Seven were ready.
“Come ahead,” said Mark.
He set the example by tossing Bull’s body upon his shoulders and setting out. The rest followed close behind him.
It was quite a job carrying the four bodies where our friends wanted to take them, especially without being seen by any one.