Part 38 (1/2)
”I've read the newspapers and I know how much was in the haul. I want a thousand dollars.”
”We'll arrange that afterward, Dan. Remember, in the future what is mine is yours.”
”Now you're talking, dad,” was the bully's quick reply. ”I like the way you are doing things, and I'm going to stick to you as soon as this little matter Mumps and I have on hand is settled.”
”All right, you shall stay with me,” responded the elder Baxter.
”Where is your boat?”
”Not over half a mile from here.”
”All ready to sail?”
”Yes.”
”Then let us make off at once.”
”Dat's it,” put in Buddy Girk. ”I'm afraid the police will let down on us any minit.”
”The trouble is, that other boat I mentioned is after us.”
”How many are on board?”
”The three Rover boys and an old sailor.”
”Four, and we'll be five, not counting the woman you mentioned.
I don't think I am afraid of the Rovers,” returned Arnold Baxter.
”Besides, can't we get away from them in the dark without their knowing what is up?”
”Perhaps we can,” said the son slowly. ”The trouble is--What's that?”
Dan Baxter stopped short, as a cracking sound broke upon their ears.
d.i.c.k had stepped on a rotten board, and it went down. His foot was caught and held at the ankle, and before he could extricate himself Arnold Baxter and Buddy Girk had him in their grasp.
”d.i.c.k Rover again!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Arnold Baxter. ”Where did you come from?”
”Your son can tell you that,” answered d.i.c.k. ”Let go of me!”
”To be sure I will!” returned the elder Baxter sarcastically.
”Are you alone?”
”You can look for yourself.”
”I don't see no buddy here,” announced Girk, as he held up the candle. ”Maybe somebody is downstairs.”
”I'll go down and see,” put in Dan Baxter.