“Explain what you are getting at.”  Withem was deeply interested in the scant information that had been given to him.  They saw that he was containing himself with difficulty.

“Tell, Mr. Withem.  Don’t beat about the bush,” advised the professor.

“Yes; tell me what became of the fellow who shot you up,” urged the visitor.

“What became of him, sir?”

“Yes, yes!”

“Why we caught and made him prisoner.”

“What!”

“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 snatched 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.