when danger threatened. Now his body grew taut and his eyes gleamed.

"Be ready, you fellows," he said in low tones, scarcely moving his lips.
"Dick, back me up when I make a move. Tom, got that paperweight handy?"

"Right alongside on the window ledge," muttered Tom.

Still keeping his eyes in an innocent stare on the outlaw captain, Bert
murmured a few words. They caught his meaning on the instant and were
ready.

The man with the hat was getting nearer. There had been no sign of
resistance and the leader relaxed his caution ever so slightly. This
was easier than they had dared to hope.

The sombrero was sagging now with the unwilling wealth poured into it,
and the collector, relying on the vigilance of his companion, was
compelled to use both hands to keep the contents from spilling on the
floor.

He held it out in front of Bert and Dick.

"Your turn now," he snarled. "Fork over."

They lowered their hands as though to get out their money. Then something
happened.

Like a flash, Dick grabbed the pistol hand of the collector, while Bert's
fist shot up in a tremendous smashing uppercut. The man staggered back,
and Bert and Dick were on him like a pair of wildcats.