she attempted to release them, when she discovered that she might as
easily have broken bands of steel.

"Here, give me a rope, we must bind our prisoners," said this man
suddenly. "This fair lady had all but fired one shot too many for Wild
Jack to-night!"

There was a laugh, and with dexterity, evidently gained from experience,
the prisoners were rapidly bound.

"I am grieved to incommode you thus, madam," said the leader, bowing low
to Betty. "Our business is with that gentleman," with a slight motion of
his hand towards the hapless Mr. Barnes. Betty bowed slightly. The light
fell full on her tall figure, on her noble head slightly raised and
thrown back, the nostrils dilated, the colour glowing richly in the soft
cheek. Wild Jack, looking at her, felt a glow of enthusiasm which
betrayed itself in his voice.

"You have nothing to fear, madam," he said.

"I? I fear nothing," said the girl calmly--"Wild Jack is a gentleman."

The highwayman made a rapid sign to his comrades, who proceeded to throw
themselves on to Samuel Barnes, and begin to search him from head to
foot.

A sudden fear flashed into Betty's mind. How if Wild Jack were unable to
restrain his companions, infuriated as they would be by their failure in
discovering the expected treasure on the person of their victim?