Yet he ain't the chief,--and even I've heard folks say ain't got any responsibility if he is took, for he don't tech anybody or anybody's money, and couldn't be prosecuted.

I reckon he's some sort of a broken-down lawyer--d'ye see ?" "Not much of a lawyer, I imagine," said the professional man, smiling, "for he'll find himself quite mistaken as to his share of responsibility.

But it's a rather clever way of concealing the identity of the real leader." "It's the smartest gang that was ever started in the Sierras.

They fooled the sheriff of Sierra the other day.

They gave him a sort of idea that they had a kind of hidin'-place in the woods whar they met and kept their booty, and, by jinks! he goes down thar with his hull posse,--just spilin' for a fight,--and only lights upon a gang of innocent greenhorns, who were boring for silver on the very spot where he allowed the robbers had their den! He ain't held up his head since." Key cast a quick glance at the lady to see the effect of this revelation.