The attempts of his friends during the day to help or to get trace of Fred Greenwood had been brought to naught, and it looked as if they would have to consent to the humiliating terms of Tozer and Motoza, with strong probability that the missing youth was never again to be seen alive.
"I think, Hank," said Jack, when the cowman had lit his pipe, "that we should run no more risks." "How can we help it ?" "When you meet Tozer to-morrow morning by appointment, tell him the price he asks will be paid, but everything must be square and above board." The guide looked at his companion a moment in silence.

Then he said: "If you'll turn the matter over in your mind, younker, you'll see that this bus'ness can't be put through without giving the scamps the chance to swindle us the worst sort of way.

They won't give up the boy on our promise to pay 'em the money and no questions asked, for they don't b'leve we'll do it; so we've got to give 'em the money and trust to their honor to keep their part.

Trust to their _honor_," repeated Hank, with all the scorn he could throw into voice and manner; "as if they knowed what it means." "I know from what you have said that Tozer and Motoza are cunning, but----" In order to receive all the warmth possible, Jack Dudley was sitting within the cavern and facing outward, while his companion faced him, with his back toward the plateau and mountains beyond.

Jack suddenly broke off his remark, for in the gloom behind the cowman he saw something move.