“And your idea of reason is that I consent to pay that preposterous ransom?”
“Your insight does you credit, Mr. Jukes. Sign that check and you shall have all you want to eat within the poor limits of my larder, and reasonable liberty till it is cashed. After that you are free to go where you will.”
“Our friends will raise a hue and cry for us,” declared Jack. “They’ll find us and put you where you belong, behind the bars.”
Broom and young Judson turned away and left the hut by another door from the one by which they had entered.
“You think they will pay?” asked Broom, with some anxiety in his voice.
“I’m sure they will. Even a tight-wad old millionaire will pay up when it comes to a choice between that and starving.”
“Then you think they are sure to give in?”
“Without a doubt. Then it is only a question of waiting for the money and getting out.”
“I don’t mind that. But I didn’t like what they said about their friends following us here.”
“Why you said nobody knew the way here through the swamps but yourself along that path we came last night.”