"Then save us," said Tom. "Or untie us, and we will save ourselves."
"You can't save yourselves. Baxter is strong, and that guide is a giant in strength."
"What do you propose?"
"I'm coming to that. But you must make me a promise first."
"What promise?"
"That half that treasure shall be mine when it is found."
"Half!" cried Tom and Sam together.
"Yes."
"We can't promise that," went on Tom.
"You don't want much," was Sam's comment.
"Isn't it worth something to be saved from Baxter's clutches? I overheard him tell the guide what troubles he had had with you in the past, and how you had been the means of sending his father to prison, and all that. Why, he would put you out of the way forever, if he could."
"And will you stand by, Jasper Grinder, and see that done?" asked Tom.
"No! no! But—but—he is his own master. Promise what I wish, and I will help you."
"We can't promise you half the treasure," said Tom flatly. "But if you will really help us, we'll promise that you shall lose nothing by the transaction."
