"Can't we compromise this matter?"
"What else have you to propose?"
"I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll agree not to molest us further I'll turn the girl over to you and make each of you a present of one hundred dollars," went on Arnold Baxter nervously.
"Want to bribe us, eh?" cried Tom. "Thanks, but we are not in that business."
"I never took a bribe yet, and I've been on the force six years," put in Carter.
"You can't bribe me," said the sergeant, in a tone that admitted of no argument. "You must surrender absolutely or take the consequences."
"All right, then; we'll take the consequences," was the reckless response. "And remember, we hold that girl, and any harm you do us will only counteract on her head."
"Don't you dare to harm her, you villain!" cried Dick, turning pale. "Whatever you do you shall answer for in court."
"Humph, Dick Rover, don't be so smart," put in Dan Baxter. "This game is still ours, and you know it."
"I know nothing of the kind. We will starve you out and fight you, and you will see what the end will be, Dan Baxter," retorted Dick; and then the two yachts began to drift apart once more.