Omaha daily bee., 1916-08-17

entrance and, evidently receiving an
answer in the affirmative, flung him
self from his horse and strobe. with
jangling spurs, into the cavern. Olga
and Morton, dejectedly sitting their
horses, could hear murmur of
voices within, but the words were in
distinguishable, Presently Jose re-
appeared, accompanied by a man
who, the captives instantly OWNED,
was the outlaw chief himself. They
were in the presence of the man
whose name was a synonym for cour-
age, GOODNESS, cunning and cruelty
from one end Of California to the
other.
He swept off his hat at the sight
of Olga.
Welcome to my home, dear lady,"
he cried, "and you, too, SIR" he
added, turning to Morton. 1T is not
often that ! have the honor OF enter
tanning such distinguished visitors.
/ fear that your journey has been a
somewhat trying one, If you will
have the kindness to dismount
shall be delighted to place such few
comforts as | possess at your dis
posal. With your permission,
madame" and he bowed to Olga
with the utmost gallantry, II will
show you to your room, while you,
SIR" turning to Morton, will find
the necessities OF the toilet in the
tent yonder."
Assisting Olga from her horse, he
ushered her through the cavern en-
trance into a huge chamber, some
forty feet square, which, by the lavish
use of skins and Indian blankets, had
been made not only livable, but even
homelike.
~ trust that you will honor my
modest quarters by using them as
your own" said the bandit. Il regret
that have no maid to assist you, but
this has been, heretofore, bachelor
establishment. | and my men are.
however, at your disposal; you have
only to command us. After you have
refreshed yourself | trust that you
will give me your company at lunch
Nov, Carrillo," said Morton
bluntly, when they had finished their
meal, which was served in the open,
how much is it going to cost me to
get my freedomi"
THE discussion of these sordid de-
tails is most distasteful to me, Mr..
Morton" said the outlaw deprecat-
ingly, "but, II you insist, why--shall
we say $l0,000?"
Nonsense" replied Morton, II
haven't that much in cash"
"But you can get 1t, Mr.. Morton
you can get it." said Carrillo, "or your
friends can get It for YOU"
Suppose refuse to submit to your
extortioni"
"Then," said the bandit, and Nor.
ton shrank from the cruelty which
suddenly leaped into his eyes, II
should Be regretfully compelled to de.
prive you OF your ears" =
"You--you would cut off my earsi"
screamed Morton, his face blanching.
"Only with the greatest regret, /
assure you," said the outlaw suavely.
IT think I can ,raisc the money"
said the latter hoarsely, his face the
color Of ashes. y will give you an
order on my bankers in San Fran
cisco"
II shalt be delighted to take your
cheque, Mr.. Morton" responded Car
rillo, courteously, "and ! trust that
you will remain here as my guest
: until 1t Is cashed."
"And what Is to be the amount Of
my ransom1" asked Olga.
THAT, my dear lady" replied Car
rillo, is a question that ! have not
yet decided. Perhaps" he added
meaningly, you will continue to
honor me with your presence. II is
a simple life that I lead here in the
mountains, but It has its compensa-
tons. Will you consider itP'
~ will think 1t over" said Olga,
family, for she knew, from the look
In Carrillo's eyes, that he had not the
slightest intention Of releasing her.
"And now, with your permission.
will get some rest, am tired"
VA ~