"What sort of an offer?" broke in Sam.
"You'll either have to join us, or take the consequences."
"Join you!" gasped Sam and Dick in a breath.
"That is what I said."
"I'll never do it!" came quickly from Dick.
"It's foolish to think of it," added Sam. "We are not criminals."
"You had better give the matter careful consideration. If you won't join us—" The ranch owner paused.
"What?" asked both boys.
"I shouldn't like to say. One thing is certain, though: you shall never leave Red Rock ranch to expose us."
"That's the talk!" put in Andy Jimson. "You had better make up your mind to join us, just as that other young fellow did."