"I shan't give you a mouthful!" roared Baxter. "You can't play any game on me."
"That shows what your promise is worth, Baxter," returned Tom. "I didn't expect much else, though, for I know you thoroughly. Still, we told you nothing but the truth."
With a face full of hatred Dan Baxter turned on his heel and left them. Presently they heard him sit down with the others, and all began to eat the food that had been cooking.
"I must say we didn't gain much," observed Tom gloomily. "I suppose I ought to have humored him, in order to get something. But I despise him so I can't help pitching into him."
"I wouldn't humor him—I'd starve first!" returned Sam earnestly. "I am glad we weren't carrying the map."
"So am I glad. Rather than give it to him, I would have chewed it up and swallowed it."
Half an hour went by, during which both boys said but little, each being busy trying to concoct some scheme by which they might escape. They heard the others talking in low voices, but were unable to catch what was said.
Presently Jasper Grinder came in, bringing with him a small portion of food and a kettle of water. Setting the things on a rock, he untied one hand of each of the boys, that they might eat and drink.
"This is a fine meal," said Tom sarcastically.
"It is more than you deserve," replied the former teacher of Putnam Hall.