“Hardly.”
“Maybe I can find a way to make you.”
“Maybe, but I doubt it. I’m pretty stubborn at times, you know.”
Bob was bluffing for he had not the slightest notion how he could compel the man to disclose the secret of the cave. It may be that stories he had read telling how torture had been applied to force secrets flashed through his mind but, in his heart he knew that he could never do a thing like that unless he was sure that it was the only way of saving a life.
“Suppose I take you down to Greenville and have you arrested?” he suggested.
“On what grounds?” the man smiled.
“Kidnapping.”
“Go ahead. But remember my word will be as good as yours. What proof have you?”
Bob well knew that the man was right. He had no proof beyond his own word and that would not be enough. If he only knew how long it would be before those other men would return he would soon decide what to do. The fact that his captive did not show the least sign of anxiety disquieted him not a little. It indicated that he knew he would be set free before long. Still he was almost certain that his brother was not far off and in the power of the rascals and he was determined to find him if it was in any way possible.
“I’m going to make another search of that cave,” he finally said. “And if those others come back while I’m gone, remember I’ve got a gun and know how to use it.”