The chief made no attempt to regain the silver which was in all probability in the three suitcases.
Paul and Ralph wondered why he waited. Why did he not step forward, armed as all of the police were, and get these fellows while the chance was good? There were only three, really, as the fourth was trussed so that he could do nothing.
But the chief was waiting for further disclosures. It was evident they were getting more and more information as this drama unfolded itself, and all of this conversation could be used against the thieves when the trial came.
“Now, Jed, we’ll give you one more chance. When we leave here you’ve got no more than a Chinaman’s chance.”
“I don’t know a thing about where that box is,” gruffly, morosely came the answer from the prisoner.
“If you don’t tell us where that box is, do you know what will happen?” The leader was speaking slowly, intently, trying to make Jed know how serious the matter was.
But Jed was quiet this time.
“When we start out in that boat—” his thumb indicating the motor boat—“you go with us. And when we get to the middle of the river you go overboard. We’ve got enough rope to tie your feet, and you haven’t got a chance. See? Now, tell what you know, or down you go.”
Every one waited for the man to reply, which he did:
“All right, I’ll tell. That young feller that has that motor boat came up here with some of his friends and got the box!”