"Well," said Leonard, "there is no use standing here. Let us get home."

They started up town. At Main Street the two officers left them.

"1 guess we are due for a wigging from the chief," said one.

"Well," said the other. "It was worth it."

Leonard, Jimmy and the two girls bade the officers good-bye and made their way to Wilson's drug store. Mr. Wilson himself came running to the door as they approached.

"Where have you been?" he demanded. "Your father has been scouring the town for you. He is almost frantic."

"We have been rescuing Jimmy," replied Shirley. "Where is Dad now?"

"I guess he is at the police station."

"Then he'll be back in a few minutes," said Shirley. "The officers will tell him where we are."

Her prophecy proved correct, and five minutes later Mr. Willing dashed breathlessly into the store.

"Shirley," he cried, and clasped his daughter in his arms.

"You almost frightened your father to death," he said, releasing her at last. "Where have you been?"

"Didn't the officers tell you?" demanded Shirley.

"They tried to tell me something," was the reply, "but I didn't wait to hear them when I learned that you were safe."

Shirley related their adventures and Mr. Willing listened attentively.

"I must put the police after this man Jones," he said, when Shirley had concluded.

"I wouldn't do that, Dad," said Shirley. "It's all over now, and there is no use causing more talk."

"I don't know but what you are right," agreed Mr. Willing after a pause.

"Besides, I guess we shall hear no more of him."

"I am sure we shall not," agreed Shirley.

But in this, as we shall see later, all were mistaken.

CHAPTER XXIII.-TREACHERY.

Young Leonard Wolfe, returning from town two days later, approached Mr.

Willing with visible excitement.

"What's the matter?" demanded the latter, eyeing the young man curiously.

"Matter enough, sir. I saw Jones in town."

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Willing. "I didn't think he would have the nerve to show his face in these parts again."

"Nevertheless he was there, sir."

"Did he see you?"

"No, sir. I'll warrant he is up to some mischief."

"Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Willing. "We shall have to be watchful.

Gabriel must be guarded every moment of the day and night."

"My idea exactly, sir," replied Leonard.

Shirley approached, and noticing the uneasiness of Leonard and her father, she asked what was the trouble. Leonard explained.

"He is surely planning more mischief," exclaimed Shirley. "Gabriel must be guarded closely."

"Exactly what we had decided upon," declared Leonard. "Somebody, armed, must be near him all the time. I am willing to stand one watch."

"Good," said Mr. Willing. "Jimmy, too, is ready. Now I believe the best thing to do is to split the day and night into three parts-each watch eight hours."

"But who will stand the third watch, Dad?" asked Shirley.

"Frank," declared Mr. Willing.

"But Uncle Frank is so old," protested Shirley.

"He's not too old to use a shotgun," replied Mr. Willing significantly.

"Besides, I feel sure I can trust him."

"I am sure of that," replied Shirley.

"Call him for me, daughter," said Mr. Willing.

Shirley went on this errand, and a few moments later "Uncle Frank," an old negro, stood before them.

Mr. Willing explained the situation in a few words and Uncle Frank announced himself as not only willing but eager to stand one of the watches.

"Leonard," said Mr. Willing, "you stand the first watch, from six o'clock in the morning until two. Jimmy can watch from two until ten, and Frank, you stand guard from ten until six in the morning."

Mr. Willing glanced at his watch.

"It is now almost noon," he said. "Leonard, you go to the stable and relieve Jimmy until two o'clock. In the meantime, I'll get out my double-barreled shotgun and clean it up a bit."

Leonard did as Mr. Willing requested.