Cummings stopped abruptly at the sight of the apparition, his face
became livid, and a shade of terror flashed across his countenance. It
was but an instant, though, that he stood thus, and calling to Moriarity
to follow, he dashed through the door, drawing his ready revolver from
his side coat-pocket at the same time, and catching a fleeting glimpse
of a flying shadow, sped after it.

Moriarity, somewhat dazed at the unexpected turn of affairs, had risen
to his feet, and stood blankly gazing at the open door, not
comprehending what had occurred. A movement made by the pseudo tramp,
caused him to turn around, and he was gazing straight into the open
barrel of a dangerous-looking revolver, held by a steady hand, and cool
daring eyes were glancing over the shining barrel, as a voice, decided
and commanding, said:

"Hands out, Dan Moriarity, I want you."

Chip, as he was stretched on the floor feigning drunkenness, had kept
his ears open, although obliged to keep his eyes closed.

The single candle which lit the room, furnished light too indistinct for
him to see the faces of the two visitors, and as he acted his character
of the drunken man, he cudgeled his brains to account for their visit.

The sudden disappearance of Cummings, and his calling out, "Moriarity,
follow me," cleared the mystery.

He comprehended the situation at once.

While he did not know it was Jim Cummings that had been in the room, his