Two members of the band advanced and searched him, but nothing more was to be found.
“You are an honest fellow. I won’t take all. Here!” and the robber returned twenty dollars of the sum taken.
“Thank you!” said Gates, with a little surprise. “Really, for a robber, you are very polite and honorable.”
“Now it’s your turn, young bantam,” was addressed to Tom.
Our hero produced all his money, as was shown by the subsequent search.
“Good!” said the captain. “Here are twenty for you. It will take you to the mines. Now, old man, it’s your turn.”
Herr Schmidt would have done well to profit by the example of his companions, and surrendered what he could not retain. But it was too much for his equanimity. He brought out twenty-five dollars, and stoutly asseverated that it was all he had. But the captain was too sharp for him. A skillful examination disclosed eleven times as much more.
“You were richer than you thought,” said the captain, in a sarcastic tone.
“It is all I had. I am ruined!” exclaimed Johann piteously. “Good robber, give me back half.”
“Not one penny!” returned the chief emphatically. “You tried to defraud me, and you merit no consideration at my hands. You were not like these gentlemen,” and he nodded approvingly in the direction of Gates and Tom.