The feet and hands of the robber were soon bound by the active Smith, and then holding a knife at his throat, with an understanding that it should be plunged into him if he gave an alarm, Fred relinquished his grasp, and asked a few questions.
"How many are in your gang to-night?" Fred inquired.
The villain looked from one face to the other, as though he was almost resolved to evade the question; but receiving no encouragement from the scowling countenances which he encountered, replied,—
"There's twelve of us."
"Who's your leader?" he demanded.
"Jim Gulpin."
"As big a scamp as ever went unhanged!" ejaculated Smith; "I have heard of his tricks, before."
"What is your object, in attacking the stock-hut?"
"To recover the gold which was stolen from Darnley, and also to revenge his loss."