CHAPTER XVI.
THE ESCAPE.
Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion.

Of course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in view?
A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were correct.

The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to receive for them.

They never imagined that the traitor had been instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had happened to them during the day was the result of the incidents that had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader's ranch.
"I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws," said Frank.

"If he does, that's all the good it will do him, as far as handling any of my uncle's money is concerned.