He determined to try once more what he could accomplish by threats.
"Look here, boy, if you know what's best for yourself, you'll come down!" he cried, furiously.
"I think it's best for me to remain up here," said Robert.
"When you come down I'll wring your neck, you little rascal!"
"That isn't much inducement for me to come down," said Robert, coolly.
"If you come down within five minutes and hand over your money, I'll let you go without doing you any harm."
"That's very kind of you, but I need it myself."
Robert's coolness incensed the tramp, who would have felt more satisfaction if his intended victim had exhibited terror.
Robert was reminded of the scene in the woods at Crampton, where Mr. Tarbox had besieged Charlie Davis and himself, and the trick by which they had then escaped. This would not work now, and indeed it didn't seem clear how he was to escape at all. There was nothing but to remain up in the tree, and try to tire out the patience of the thievish tramp.