CHAPTER XXIV.
CONCLUSION At these words even the brief hope that had been in Tom Reade's mind, died out.
With the roadbed gone at this point also, he did not see the slightest chance for the S.B.

& L.to save its charter or its property rights.
"Here's the racketty stuff," went on Hoskins, indicating the boxes.
"That small box has the fuses.

Get the stuff along, and I'll lay the magneto wire." "Not quite so hastily!" sternly broke in a new voice.
Tom Reade fairly yelled for joy, for the new speaker, as he knew at the first sound, was Dave Fulsbee.
The amazed and dismayed scoundrels huddled closer together for a moment in the middle of the thicket.
"Spread, men! Don't let one of 'em get out alive!" sounded Dave Fulsbee's voice.
The scurrying steps of Fulsbee's men could be heard apparently surrounding the thicket.
With an exclamation of rage, Black made a dash for freedom.
"Stand where you are, Black, if you want to live!" warned Dave.
"No use to make a kick you rascals! We've got you covered, and the first man who makes a move will eat his breakfast in another world.

Now, listen to me.

One at a time you fellows step up to me, drop your weapons on the ground, where I can see you do it, and then come out here, one at a time.