thousand. That will
give us five thousand apiece. Make up your minds purty quick. I'm in the
game fur full shares, an' I intend to stay."

It was evident that Sparwick meant every word, and would submit to no
arbitration. He glanced calmly and aggressively at the two baffled
rascals, conscious that he had turned the tables upon them.

Bogle glanced at Raikes, and in that glance was a subtle meaning, known
only to the two. In a contest of wits and cunning, Sparwick was
immeasurably their inferior.

"Your greediness will spoil the whole game," growled Bogle. "It's flying
mighty high to ask ten thousand dollars. If we make it fifteen thousand,
this lawyer will likely pitch us overboard and appeal to the police."

"The one amount would be paid as quickly as t'other," replied Sparwick.
"To a man as well off as John Larkins is reckoned to be, five thousand
dollars ain't anything. Is it yes or no?"

"It's yes," muttered Bogle. "It couldn't well be anything else, since
you've got the drop on Raikes and me. We'll carry the thing out as you
say. Only if they stick at the amount, you'll shoulder the blame."

"If the thing is well done, there won't be any stickin'," said Sparwick.

His aggressive manner disappeared as he stepped forward and laid his
rifle on the table.

Raikes and Bogle did the same. Their faces assumed a good humored
expression that seemed to say: "We are going to take our defeat
gracefully." The next minute the three men were conversing on amiable
terms.

It was now past midday. Raikes at once began to prepare dinner. Bogle
and Sparwick overhauled the contents of the two sleds and stored the
dishes and provisions away in the cupboard.

The meal was a good one, and well cooked. The boys were treated kindly,
and given all they could eat. In spite of their unpleasant situation,
they had keen appetites.

After dinner, writing materials were brought out, and Brick was called
upon to rewrite the two letters. He demurred at first, but a few
unpleasant threats and a glimpse of the narrow closet finally led to his
yielding.

The steel bracelets were then locked upon his wrists again. Jerry and
Hamp were also placed beyond the possibility of escape by having their
arms tightly bound behind their backs with ropes.

CHAPTER XXIX.

A MIDNIGHT DISCOVERY.

About sunset something of a startling and unexpected nature occurred.
Its effect on the inma