“And what if I refuse?” Croyden asked.
“You’re not likely to refuse!” the fellow laughed, impudently. “Better half a big loaf than no loaf at all.”
“But if I refuse?” Croyden repeated.
“I see what’s in your mind, all right. But it won’t work, and you know it. You can have us arrested, yes—and lose your plunder. Parmenter’s money belongs to the United States because it’s buried in United States land. A word to the Treasury Department, with the old pirate’s letter, and the jig is up. We’ll risk your giving us to the police, my friend!” with a sneering laugh. “If you’re one to throw away good money, I miss my guess.”
Croyden affected to consider.
“I forgot to say, that as you’re fixed so comfortable here, me and Bill might as well stay with 164 you—it will be more convenient, when you uncover the chest, you know; in the excitement, you’re liable to forget that we come in for a share.”
“Anything else you are moved to exact?” said Croyden. His ears were primed, and they told him that Macloud and Axtell were coming—“Let us have them all, so I can decide—I want no afterthoughts.”
“You’ve got them all—and very reasonable they are!” laughed Hook-nose.
Just then, Macloud and Axtell stepped noiselessly into the tent.
Something in Croyden’s face caused Hook-nose’s laugh to end abruptly. He swung sharply around—and faced Macloud’s leveled revolver—Axtell’s covered his pal.