“Are you?”
“You bet your boots we are! We wasn’t half paid for that job, and you have to crack down as much more coin!”
“So you’re trying to intimidate me, are you? I am a bad man to try that trick on. I made a bargain with you, and stood by it. You have been paid, and that ends it!”
“Not by a blamed sight!” cried Bill. “Either you pay us what we ask, or else——”
“Or else—what? What will you do? Be careful!”
“Well, we were speaking of the police. It’s a right easy matter to put them onto your track. It’s a right easy matter to tell Mr. Frank Merriwell where the kid is. He is some dangerous, and you know it. Let him get started after you and he will give you a whole lot of trouble.”
“So you threaten me?” said Jarvis in a voice that was now soft and smooth. “So you come back here for the purpose of forcing me to give up more money to you? I am afraid you don’t quite know me. You fool! Do you think I am alone in this house—alone with old Mag? Not by any means! There are others who will answer the call if I press that button.”
“But you won’t press it,” asserted Bill. “Will he, Sam?”
There was no answer, for Sam had retreated and disappeared into the adjoining room.
Jarvis laughed softly.