CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE CAPTAIN’S RESOLVE.
TOM WAS up and about early the next morning. But there was one who was earlier than he. On leaving the robbers he saw the captain pacing to and fro, apparently engrossed by his reflections. When he saw Tom he beckoned to him.
“Take a walk with me,” he said abruptly. “I want to speak to you.”
Tom, of course, joined him promptly.
“Let us go further away,” said the robber, looking about him cautiously. “What I have to say is for your ears alone.”
“I shall take care to keep it secret,” said Tom in a low voice.
“You must, for I am about to say what will compromise my safety. But, in the first place, can you guarantee that I shall receive ten thousand dollars on the delivery of these papers?”
“I can,” said Tom promptly. “Mr. Armstrong has authorized me to make such an offer.”
“Is he a man to be relied upon? You know my position. I am an outlaw. I cannot appeal to the law in my own behalf.”