Now this was just what Sam (the Doctor) did not want.  During the week which he and Scip had been spending at the ranche, seven or eight new men had been taken in by Swanson, who, as was before said, was getting in shape for the spring round-up.  Of these new men six were Pinkerton detectives, and at this particular time were several miles from the ranche herding cattle.  It was necessary that these men should be notified by Scip of the plot, and be ready to spring the trap as soon as the game was in the toils.  For this reason the Doctor did not want the robbery to occur before the next night at the earliest.  So shaking his head decidedly, he said in an emphatic manner: 

“No, it won’t do; it would spoil the whole thing.  All the money is in the shape of specie and tied up in bags.  We have nothing in which to carry it, and would have to load it as it is on our horses.  Besides, Swanson is expecting a large payment for his last shipment to-day.  I know this, as he told me so, and we may make ten thousand dollars by waiting a day longer.”

After some demurring, Cummings acquiesced, although with very bad grace.

“All right, have it your own way; but no later than to-morrow night.”

“To-morrow night it is, then,” said the Doctor; then, as if struck with some suspicion, he turned suddenly and said: 

“And the Lord have mercy on your soul, Jim Cummings, if you or your mate play us false.”

“No fear of that, Doctor,” replied the train robber.  “You’ll find me true blue at any rate—­you’re a man after my own heart.  I wish I had known you sooner.”

“Why?”

“Because, last October I did a little job and was almost nabbed because one of my pals weakened.”

Moriarity looked somewhat confused, but apparently not noticing it (but in reality nothing escaped the hawk eyes of the disguised detective) the Doctor said: 

“Last October!  By Jove, you are the Jim Cummings that did up the Adams Express Co.  The papers were full of it.  If there is any man I have wanted to meet it is you.”  And the Doctor with great enthusiasm grasped the express robber’s hand with every expression of intense admiration beaming from his eyes.

His vanity tickled by this expression of homage, Cummings drew himself to his full height, and replied: 

“Well, yes, I did that work, and if you will stick by me we can work another one just as good.”

“I’m with you, and when I say ‘I,’ it means Scip, too, for he is a treasure.”

Scip ducked his head as he said: 

“We’s a hull team and a dog under the waggin, but, Massa Doctor, I’se goin’ out to look after the bosses,” and he left the room.

Moriarity, picking up a rifle and cartridge belt, said he was going out for a canter and see what luck he could have in the way of game.  This left Cummings and the Doctor alone.

Glancing out the window they saw Moriarity gallop off, and a short distance behind Scip on his horse, following.