"Then if you want to do that the best thing you can do is to give us back our sleds, dogs and other possessions and let us go on our way."
"Hu! I'd be very foolish to do that, wouldn't I? As soon as you got there you'd have mounted police after me, or you'd organize a vigilance committee."
"That's what we would," admitted Mr. Baxter. "I'll pay you back for what you have done, if it takes the last dollar I have in the world."
"Well, you'll not use any of the gold," replied Callack with a sneer, "for I'm going to have that myself."
"You'll have to get it first."
"I intend to. That's why I called you out here. I have a proposition to make to you."
"You can save your breath," said Mr. Baxter quickly. "I'll never consent to compromise with you and give you part of the gold."
"And I'm not asking for a compromise. I want it all," cried Callack quickly. "What I mean is this: You can tell me where the gold is buried and help me find it, in which case I'll provide you with safe transportation to the river."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you will be starved to death!"