CHAPTER XII.
THE TRAPPERS TRAPPED.
When the leader of the party by whom Winn had been made prisoner (as related in the last chapter but one) peered cautiously in at the open window of the log-hut to make certain that it was occupied, he was disappointed to discover but one man, where he had confidently expected to find several.
This leader, who had told Winn that his name was Riley, was a Sheriff, though such a new one that this was his first important undertaking since assuming office.

Consequently he was most anxious for its success, and also somewhat nervous from anxiety.

He had laid his plans well, the hut was completely surrounded, and he was elated at the thought of the prize so surely within his grasp, as well as of the glory that would be his for effecting this important capture.

He expected to find several men in the hut, and counted upon their being desperate characters who would make a stout resistance before yielding themselves prisoners.

The Sheriff had therefore prepared his followers for a fight, and made all his arrangements with this in prospect.