mill. The rain, which had let up for a bit, now came down as hard as

ever.

“Fetch a rope, boys, and we’ll bind him,” were Jacks’s next words, and this order was speedily obeyed, and in spite of a desperate struggle Louis was made a prisoner.

He was then searched, and four dollars and his silver watch were taken from him--“as payment on thet insult at Lee Run”--so Jacks put it. Then the mountaineer began to question him closely about what he had seen and heard while in and about the town mentioned. But Louis was on his guard and revealed nothing, and this so angered the mountaineers they abused him roundly.

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do, boys,” said Jacks, suddenly. “We’ll leave him bound up here until to-morrow morning. A night of cold and hunger will bring him to terms.”

This was agreed to, and, as they did not wish to take along the extra horse, Jess was tied up in the mill beside Louis. Then with mocking adieus the rascals withdrew, leaving the lad to his fate.