The youth could not hear all that was said, but learned enough to convince him that Al Roebuck, as he was called, was the party who had forged the pardon which had obtained for Arnold Baxter his liberty. For this work Roebuck had been promised a half share in the Eclipse Mine, and of some money which Baxter the elder was hoping to obtain.
At last Arnold Baxter and Dan came in once more and faced Tom.
"Rover, we are now ready to come to terms," began the man.
"Are you ready to release me?"
"Yes—under certain conditions."
"You've got to sign off all rights to that mine," broke in Dan.
"Dan, keep quiet," interposed his father. "I can do this better alone."
"I know him better than you do, dad," returned his graceless son.
"Perhaps, but I am fully capable of making terms with him."
"All right, fire away, I don't care. Only don't let him off too easy."