Excerpt: ...a muttered imprecation Harding obeyed, and then out from the thicket came a horseman. His horse was enveloped in a black blanket, and the rider wore a black robe like a domino, shielding his form Pg 154 completely. His face was covered by a red, close-fitting mask, while a cowl covered his head. "The devil on horseback," muttered Harding, as he beheld the man, and right there he made up his mind that if he was the sole one who held up the coach, he would watch his chance, if he could get Celeste Seldon away from ...
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Excerpt: ...a muttered imprecation Harding obeyed, and then out from the thicket came a horseman. His horse was enveloped in a black blanket, and the rider wore a black robe like a domino, shielding his form Pg 154 completely. His face was covered by a red, close-fitting mask, while a cowl covered his head. "The devil on horseback," muttered Harding, as he beheld the man, and right there he made up his mind that if he was the sole one who held up the coach, he would watch his chance, if he could get Celeste Seldon away from his side, and try a duel with him for mastery. But this hope died away when, as though suspecting the intention of Harding, the horseman called out: "Come, men, and let us get to work." Silently there came out of the thicket half a dozen men on foot, but all enveloped in black robes, wearing red masks, and with their feet clad in moccasins, while a quick glance at the hoofs of the horse ridden by the chief showed that he had muffles on, to prevent making a track. The girl calmly surveyed the scene. The half-dozen men appearing at the call of their chief seemed to be well trained, for two of them went to the heads of the horses, two more to either door of the coach, and the others awaited orders. Pg 155 The horseman rode close up to the side of the coach, his hand upon his revolver. "Harding, I see that you meditate resistance if opportunity offers, but let me warn you that you are a dead man the instant you make any attempt to escape or fire upon us. I would kill you now without the slightest hesitation, only I fear it would break up the line and travel to Last Chance, and that I do not wish. Dismount from that box, and, remember, my revolver covers you!" Harding obeyed in sullen silence. "Now, what freight have you on?" "I have the mails, and this lady passenger, but, low as you are, you will not rob her, I hope." "There was money sent through by you to Last Chance." "You pretend to know this, but I have no money for Last Chance." "I know...
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