Fremont, knowing that a valuable point had been gained, hastened
along by his side.
"And, with my false confession in your pocket," the boy went on,
"you would find it convenient to leave me out there under the sand?"
"You're a plucky cub to talk like that to me.
Big Bob was in a great rage, but he did not lift his heavy hand again.
"I was wondering if your friend would pay for leaving me out there,"
the boy said. "If I went back to New York, you know, I might deny
the confession, or claim that it was secured under duress. You
know what a confession is worth when secured under duress? What
about it?"
"You're a fool!" shouted Big Bob so loudly that the others turned
inquisitive faces toward him. "That was only a joke, that about
my friend. I wanted to see what you would say if I asked you to
confess, and then when you asked why I wanted a confession I gave
you the first reason that came into my head. So shut up about it."
"Sure," said Fremont, "after you give me the real reason you asked
for a confession."
Big Bob saw that he had made a mistake in talking with the shrewd
youngster, and decided to get out of it the best way he could.
"All right! I'll tell you," he said. "A reward will be paid right
down on the nail when a confession is filed with the prisoner.
Now you know all about it!"
"Your imagination is working all right to-day," Fremont laughed.
"The last explanation is more foolish than the first. You knew
very well that the payment of the reward would follow conviction,
and you know that I am innocent.
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