Would it not be a good plan to tell him where he had hidden the key, and while Pierre was in the office searching for the gold, free himself from his bonds, and seize his rifle, and make the villain a prisoner?
Wouldn't it be a glorious exploit, one of which he could be justly proud, if he could save the twelve thousand dollars, and capture the Ranchero besides?
Frank thought it would, and determined to try it.
"Pierre," said he, "if I tell you where that key is, what will you do ?" "_If!_" exclaimed the Ranchero; "there are no ifs or ands about it.

You must tell me where it is." "But what I want to know is, what will you do with me ?" "I promise you, upon the honor of a gentleman, that no harm shall be done you." "Gentleman!" sneered Frank.

"The State's prison is full of such gentlemen as you are.

If I were trying to rob a man of a few cents, I'd never think of calling myself a gentleman." "Now, just look here," said Pierre, "if you think you can fool me, you were never more mistaken in your life.

A few cents, indeed! I heard all that passed between you and Mr.Brown, and I know that there are twelve thousand dollars somewhere in that office.