CHAPTER XXVII
ARRESTED.
THE BURGLAR, fairly trapped, gnashed his teeth with rage. To have been caught thus by a boy whom he had despised, increased his rage and humiliation. Besides he was in great peril. Burglary, and indeed all offences against property, were severely punished in this new State. It was a matter of necessity, considering the elements that had been brought together, and the freedom and lack of restraint that characterized the people. So the ruffian was fairly frightened. But he resolved to try the effect of one more appeal.
“Listen, boy,” he called out. “Let me out, and I will not only promise to do no harm and take no money, but I will give you two hundred dollars in gold, which I have in my pocket at this moment.”
But Tom was not to be caught by a promise only made to be broken.
“That’s too thin,” he answered back. “I sha’n’t let you out. You are best off where you are.”
“I’d like to kill him!” thought the burglar, grinding his teeth.
“Beware what you say, boy,” he shouted. “You have me at advantage now, but the time will come when I shall be free. When that time comes I will kill you unless you release me at once.”
“I must take the risk,” said Tom.
“Then you won’t let me out?”