'What do you say to it?' asked Dr Tom. 'Remember Abe Dalton's life rests upon your answer.'
'We'll keep his promise—eh, mates?' said the man who had already spoken.
'That is well,' said Dr Tom. 'Mind, if any harm comes to Dennis through you, I'll not rest until I see you all hanged. You know me, and you know I am not afraid of you.'
They admired Dr Tom and knew his courage. Not many men would care to come alone to Barker's Creek as he had done many times.
'You're a plucky chap, doctor,' said one of the men.
'It does not require much pluck to face a lot of beggars like you,' was the retort.
'Then the police can't have much of it,' laughed one.
'Some of these days you will find they have plenty of pluck,' said Dr Tom. 'If they were put on your track now, they would be only too glad of the job. It's Sergeant Machinson holds them back, and he'll have to answer for it in due time.'
'Machinson,' laughed one man. 'He's a beauty, he is. Ask him how much Abe Dalton has put into his pocket. It's squaring Machinson that keeps us poor, d——n him!'