me. I am armed, and I will fire if you make it necessary. Now, turn
round and leave us."

"Will you promise not to shoot?"

"Yes, if you go off quietly."

The order was obeyed, but not very willingly.

When the highwayman had moved off, Joe said:

"Now, sir, we'd better be moving, and pretty quickly, or the fellow
may return, with some of his friends, and overpower us. Where are
you stopping?"

"At the Waverly House."

"That is near-by. We will go there at once."

They soon reached the hotel, a large wooden building on the north
side of Pacific Street.

Joe was about to bid his acquaintance good night but the latter
detained him.

"Come in, my boy," he said. "You have done me a great service. I
must know more of you."

CHAPTER XVI