Callack laughed. Evidently he placed no faith in what his prisoner said.
"Very well," he sneered. "From now on, unless you change your mind and decide to tell me where the gold is, you shall have not a morsel to eat."
He turned and walked away, while the captives went back into the tent.
"Do you think he'll really do as he threatened?" inquired Fred.
"I have no doubt but that he'll try it," replied Mr. Baxter.
"But can we stand it?" asked Jerry. "Wouldn't it be better to give him part of the gold and have him let us go?"
"He'd never be content with part of the treasure," was his father's answer. "He wants it all. But what do you say, Fred? You are an equal partner in this enterprise. Do you want to give Callack all the gold?"
Fred thought matters over for a moment. He had endured much to get his share of the treasure, and he was likely to endure more. To return without the gold meant that conditions would be the same at home as they had been. There would be pinching poverty, with his mother toiling over her sewing, and his father trying to get such light tasks as suited his strength. It meant that Mr. Stanley would get well very slowly, if at all.
On the other hand, if he stood out boldly with Mr. Baxter, there was a chance that Holfax and his men might come in time to save them. If he could stand the terrible pangs of hunger and cold for a time, all might yet be well. He made up his mind.
"We'll starve before we give up the secret of the gold," he said boldly.