A Cousin's Conspiracy: or, A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance. Horatio Alger Jr.
criminals in the West. Numberless stories are told of their bold robberies, both from individuals and from banks.”
“How long have these fellows been preying upon the community?”
“We have heard of them hereabouts for three years. It is said they came from Missouri.”
“Is there no one brave enough or bold enough to interfere with them?”
“More than one has tried it, but no one has succeeded. Twice they were captured, but in each case they broke jail before it was time for the trial.”
“It seems to me you haven’t many men of spirit in Nebraska.”
“Perhaps you think you would be a match for them,” said the citizen in a sarcastic tone.
Luke Robbins smiled, and handled his revolver in a significant way.
“If you think you can kill or capture them, stranger, there’s a chance to make a good sum of money.”
“How is that?”
“A thousand dollars is offered for either of them, dead or alive.”
“A thousand dollars!” repeated Luke, his face glowing with excitement. “Is that straight?”
“It will be paid cheerfully. You can bet on that.”
“Who offers it?”
“The governor of the State.”
Luke Robbins became thoughtful and remained silent.
“Did you hear that, lad?” he asked, when he and Ernest were alone.
“Yes, Luke.”
“A thousand dollars would do us a great deal of good.”
“That is true, Luke, but it would be as much as your life is worth to hunt the rascals.”
“Don’t try to make a coward of me, Ernest.”
“I couldn’t do that, Luke. I only want you to be prudent.”
“Listen, lad. I want that thousand dollars and I’m going to make a try for it. Come along with me.”
“Where are you going?”
“To the bank. I’m going to have a talk with the officers and then I’ll decide what to do.”
CHAPTER VIII
LUKE JOINS THE FRIENDS
At the Emmonsville bank they were on their guard. The expectation of a visit from the Fox brothers caused anxiety and apprehension. The evil reputation of these men and their desperate character made them formidable.
When Luke Robbins entered the place he was regarded with suspicion. His hunting costume was not unlike that of a bandit. But the fact that he had a young companion tended to disarm suspicion. No one could suspect Ernest of complicity with outlaws, and the Fox brothers had never been known to carry a boy with them.
Luke was unused to banks. So far as he knew he had never entered one before. He looked around him in uncertainty, and finally approached the window of the receiving teller.
“Are you the boss of this institution?” he asked.
The teller smiled.
“No,” he said. “Perhaps you want to see the president?”
“I guess he’s the man.”
“If you will give me a hint of the nature of your business I will speak to him.”
“I hear you’re expectin’ a visit from the Fox brothers.”
“Have you anything to do with them?” asked the teller with some suspicion.
“I want to have something to do with them,” returned Luke.
“I don’t understand you.”
“Then I’ll tell you what I mean. I hear there’s a big reward out for their capture.”
“A thousand dollars.”
“I want that thousand dollars, and I want it bad.”
“I shall be very glad if you become entitled to it. Anyone who will rid the State of either of these notorious outlaws will richly deserve it.”
“That’s the business I came about. Now can I see the president, if that’s what you call him?”
“Wait a minute and I will find out.”
The teller went to an inner room and returned with a stout, gray-headed man of about fifty.
He looked curiously at Luke through the window. Then, as if reassured, he smiled.
“I understand you want to see me,” he said.
“Yes.”
“About the Fox brothers?”
“You’re right there, squire.”
“Go to the last door and I will admit you.”
Luke Robbins did as directed, and soon found himself in the office of the president of the bank.
“You are anxious to secure the reward offered for the capture of these outlaws, I believe.”
“That’s straight.”
“Why do you come to me, then?”
“Because a man told me you expected a visit from them.”
“That is not quite exact. I don’t expect a visit, but I am afraid they may take it into their heads to call here.”
“Suppose they do.”
A shade of anxiety appeared upon the face of the president.
“We should try to foil their plans,” he answered.
“Wouldn’t you like to have me on hand when they come?”
The president looked over Luke Robbins carefully. He was impressed by his bold, resolute air and muscular figure. Evidently he would be a dangerous man to meet.
“You are a strong, resolute fellow, I judge,” he said thoughtfully.
“Try me and see.”
“You would not be afraid to meet these villains single-handed?”
“I never saw the man yet I was afraid to meet.”
“So far, so good, but it is not so much strength that is needed as quickness. A weak man is more than a match for a strong one if he gets the drop on him.”
“That’s so, but I reckon it’ll take a right smart man to get the drop on me.”
“What have you to propose? I suppose you have formed some plan.”
“I would like to stay round the bank and be on the watch for these fellows.”
“Remain here and I will consult with the cashier.”
Five minutes later the president rejoined his visitor.
“I have no objection to securing your services,” he said, “if it can be done without exciting suspicion. In your present dress your mission would at once be guessed, and the outlaws would be on their guard. Have you any objection to changing your appearance?”
“Not a particle. All I want is to get a lick at them outlaws.”
“Then I think we shall have to make you a little less formidable. Have you any objections to becoming a Quaker?”
Luke Robbins laughed.
“What, one of those broad-brimmed fellows?” he said.
“Yes.”
“Will I look the part?”
“Dress will accomplish a good deal. I will tell you what put the idea into my head. We used to employ as janitor an old Quaker – a good, honest, reliable man. He was about your build. A year since he died, but we have hanging up in my office the suit he was accustomed to wear. Put it on, and it will