“I’m interested in the island because I want to buy it. There is no other reason beyond that.”
“Why did you steal our supplies, then?”
“Now, boys,” said Hanleigh, “what’s the use of going into all that? I didn’t take your supplies. I had nothing to do with it. I don’t see why you should accuse me of a thing like that.”
“Bluff!” said Frank. “Nothing but bluff! Your pocketbook story is a fairy tale. Well, Mr. Hanleigh, you’re in a bad fix, you know. You won’t be able to get back to town unless we take you there, and I’m warning you that unless you tell us the reason for your visits here, we intend to bring you in and turn you over to the police on a charge of trespass.”
Hanleigh’s eyes narrowed.
“You wouldn’t do that?”
“Wouldn’t we? You’d better tell us what you know.”
“I don’t know anything. You’re just persecuting me. I merely came out here to make friends with you this morning and you won’t give me a chance.”
“We know you too well. What’s it to be, Mr. Hanleigh—are you going to talk or are you going to jail?”
The victim groaned miserably.