The big man glanced around him at the solid rook which formed the three walls, roof, and floor of the chamber. He saw nothing like an opening.
"Let's ask the kid," he suggested. "He may be able to tell us something."
"My dear little man," he said, changing his tone and adopting a wheedling manner, "you seem to have got here by a track that would suit a mole better than me. Did you on your way down come across anything like a hidden chest or box, or see any sort of place where a miser might hide his money?"
A denial leaped to Noel's lips; but he did not suffer it to pass them. He was silent for a moment ere he said: "I have not seen a box."
"Ah ha! but you have seen something," said the burly man. "Look, Isaac, this boy can tell us where the money is!"
"Then he'd better tell us at once," said Isaac sharply. "Out with it, lad, and no humbug."
Noel's face had grown very white; but he set his lips firmly and said not a word.
"Speak this instant," said the round-faced man fiercely. "Tell us where it is, or I'll—" His hand was uplifted to strike. Noel closed his eyes as he awaited the blow. He believed these men might kill him, but he would not betray the secret; nor would he say that he did not know where the gold was. But ere the blow descended the man named Isaac had seized his comrade's arm.
"Stay, Ned," he said in an undertone. "I told you I would have no violence, and I meant it. There's no need for it, if you manage the little lad properly. Let me speak to him."
"Now look here, little master," he said, addressing Noel—"if you tell me all you know, it shall be the better for you. I'll see that you have something good to carry back to school. But if you refuse to help us, we'll just take and pitch you into the sea, or throw you down from the rock. Now then."