“I agree with Temple,” he said, emphatically. “I am glad you boys told me of this and did not attempt to make a search by yourselves. Let me see, however, if we cannot evolve some scheme to bring the rascal out, provided he is in hiding in one or other of these places.”
Facing about, he called:
“Ryan, come here.”
The leader of the smugglers, who stood lined up with his men, including the negro, Mike and Pete, against the wall, under guard, stepped forward.
Quickly Captain Folsom explained his suspicions as to where Higginbotham might be in hiding. Then he added:
“Higginbotham knows your voice. I want you to go to whichever place he may be hiding and summon him to come out and surrender. Say that if he refuses, I shall not imperil the lives of any of my men by sending them to dig him out, but shall starve him into submission.”
There was a slight smile of triumph on Paddy Ryan’s face as he replied:
“Sure, an’ I’ll go to both places an’ whistle in the wind. But it’s in nather place he is, for he did not return to the house, I’m tellin’ ye.” 165
“Do as I say, Ryan,” commanded Captain Folsom, shortly. “Try the attic first. The tunnel is guarded, I may as well tell you, and Higginbotham cannot make his escape that way.”
“All right. You’re the captain,” said Ryan. “Follow me.”