"Yes. Take this bucket of water, quick. It's clean and good. Don't drink what the others bring you."
"But, Baxter—" began Tom.
"I can't stay. Be careful of what they give you to eat and drink, that's all." And the next moment the bucket was passed to Dick, the hatch closed down, and Baxter fairly ran back to where he had left the men.
"What can this mean?" asked Dick, staring at his companions.
"Dick, be careful," warned Sam. "It may be some plot of Baxter's."
"Maype ve ton't besser trink dot vater," suggested Hans. "I ton't vont to vake up teat in der morning, ain't it!"
"Can the water be poisoned?" asked Tom.
They poured some in a glass and held it close to the light. It looked good and Dick tasted it cautiously.
"Baxter said to beware of what the others gave us to eat and to drink," said Sam. "Evidently something is in the air."
All sniffed of the water and tasted it, yet each was afraid to take a regular drink. While they were deliberating they heard the hatch being raised again. Then Sack Todd and Gasper Pold appeared once more.