Part 14 (1/2)
”Yes, sir, and we have him now,” smiled Tad Butler.
”You've got him now? Where is he?” roared the visitor springing to his feet, permitting the captured weapon to fall to the ground.
”He is over there in the bushes,” said Tad. ”However, I think you had better wait until I get over there before you pay him a visit.
I have a sort of proprietary interest in that fellow and I don't propose to have any monkey business. He nearly killed Professor Zepplin, bound though he is. Wait one moment, please. Why do you wish to see the man?”
”Because I think I know him. Gentlemen, I am a Ranger. I am Lieutenant Joe Withem, and I have good reasons to believe your prisoner is a man whom I have been anxious to meet for some time. I am ready to be shown.”
Tad wonderingly led the way over to their captive, the lieutenant following in quick, nervous strides, the others of the party bringing up the rear, Chunky lugging a rifle which he kept in position for instant use in case the stranger should seek to liberate their prisoner.
But there was little danger of Lieutenant Joe Withem doing anything of the sort,
CHAPTER VIII
A MUCH-WANTED DESPERADO
Tad had s.n.a.t.c.hed a burning brand from the fire, carrying it along with him so that Withem might get a good look at the prisoner. The lad considered it a fortunate coincidence that the Ranger lieutenant should have visited their camp at that particular time.
The instant Withem set eyes on the prisoner he uttered an exclamation under his breath, while the prisoner glared up at him with menacing eyes.
”Hullo, Dunk,” greeted the Ranger. ”You seem to be in limbo. I reckon you bit off more'n you could chew, for once in your life. Thought you were shooting up Rangers, did you? Instead you barked up against some tenderfeet who were too much for you. I guess you ain't quite so smart as you thought you were.”
”I reckon you've made a mistake,” growled the prisoner. ”I don't know what you're chewing about.”
”That's all right, Dunk. I don't reckon it makes any difference what you think about it. We've got you hard and fast, and you're done for.
I reckon, too, that the captain will be glad to see you. He'll have a warm welcome for you, you bet. They certainly have you tied up for keeps,” laughed the lieutenant, bending over to examine the prisoner's bonds. ”They certainly have. Come on, let's finish that bacon,” added the Ranger straightening up.
The party took its way back to the campfire, Stacy disgustedly throwing his gun on the ground at the foot of the tree where lay the prisoner's rifle.
”Now, sir, perhaps you will explain who and what this man is? You appear to be well acquainted with him,” said the professor.
”I am that. But how did you get him?”
”Master Tad there will answer that question. He and Rector made the capture.”
”You two younkers caught that man?” wondered the lieutenant.
”Yes, sir,” replied Tad modestly. ”But I'll admit that it was a pretty tough job. He nearly got us.”
”Tell me about it.”
Tad did so briefly, making as little of his own achievement as possible.
He related also, how the prisoner had gained possession of Professor Zepplin's revolver and of the latter's narrow escape from death.
”Boys, you've done a big thing. The captain will be interested in you,” said Mr. Withem. ”He's been wanting this man for a long time.”
”You haven't told us who the fellow is, yet,” reminded Professor Zepplin.
”He is Dunk Tucker, sir, one of the most dangerous customers infesting the border. We have been on his trail for weeks, but he's managed to give us the slip every time. We never expected to capture him alive.