Rather than give it to him, I would have chewed it up
and swallowed it."
Half an hour went by, during which both boys said but little, each being
busy trying to concoct some scheme by which they might escape. They
heard the others talking in low voices, but were unable to catch what
was said.
Presently Jasper Grinder came in, bringing with him a small portion of
food and a kettle of water. Setting the things on a rock, he untied one
hand of each of the boys, that they might eat and drink.
"This is a fine meal," said Tom sarcastically.
"It is more than you deserve," replied the former teacher of Putnam
Hall.
"You always were a hard one, Grinder."
"Mr. Grinder, if you please," said the man pointedly.
"And if I don't please to call you Mister?"
"Then you will get nothing more from me."
"Do you know that you are playing a high game here, keeping us
prisoners?" asked Sam.
"What we are doing is our business." Jasper Grinder paused for a moment.
"I want you to tell me something of that treasure for which you are
seeking," he went on.
Pages:
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189