“Do you think they want me?” asked the younger lad.
“I am pretty sure, after what you have told us about the mine, that they would give a good deal to get you,” replied Jerry. “Perhaps your signature may be as good as that of your father’s in case—in case—” and Jerry stopped suddenly.
“You mean in case dad is dead?” asked Tommy quietly.
“Yes,” answered Jerry.
“I don’t believe my father is dead,” spoke the boy bravely. “Somehow I feel that he is alive, and that I will find him. But if the gang is after me, it is not right for you all to be in danger on my account. Give me up to them, I’m not afraid—that is, I’ll try not to be. Let me go out and surrender, and perhaps they’ll go away.”
“I’d like to see myself!” exclaimed Jerry. “You don’t stir out of this cave, Tommy Bell, until we go! I’m not afraid of that gang. We’ve been in tighter places than this and gotten out; haven’t we, fellows?”
“You bet!” echoed Bob and Ned.
“Then give me a gun and let me help fight,” begged Tommy.
“Can you shoot?” asked Jerry.
“My father taught me,” was all Tommy said, and Jerry gave him a rifle, at which Tommy’s eyes sparkled.