Handcuffed and thrown over the back of a cycle, bouncing painfully over every rock and pothole, you would swear the trip lasted forever. You are drenched with rain from above and mud from below. But eventually you are pulled from the cycle. After that ride, you are too weak to stand; the Wolves pick you up again and carry you inside.

The gang's headquarters is an old ranch house atop a small hill. Dilapidated outside, it is quite comfortable inside. The Wolves drop you - still handcuffed - in front of a stove to dry out, while they argue about what to do with you.

Mandrake, the leader, has heard your name - and he figures that anybody he's heard of is worth some ransom money. Some of the other Wolves would rather just knock you on the head and forget about you - but Mandrake is the boss. He turns to you. "All right, pilgrim. If we return you in good condition, what can we expect?" What will you say?

"Louisiana will pay $100,000 to get me back!" (53).

"If you think you're so hot, I dare you to fight me one on one!" (280).

"Nobody's likely to ransom me, but I could get on the phone and borrow ten grand." (117).