with the blacks, one of whom immediately made off in the direction of the Dark Cave.
In vain Bob tugged at the vines which bound him. They were as tough as iron and refused to part. At last with a groan he gave up the struggle.
Half an hour passed, and then the second negro left, and Farvel approached Bob once again.
"Have you changed your mind about talking?" he demanded.
"I have not."
"If Robert Menden finds that treasure, are you to have a part of it?"
"If you wish to know so bad—yes."
"What part?"
"Robert Menden is going to give our party one-quarter of all that is found."
"Humph! I wouldn't be satisfied with a quarter."
"We consider that the treasure is really his—if he finds it."
"It belongs to me. Now I have a plan that ought to interest you. If your party will drop Menden and come with me, I'll give your crowd one-half of all we get."
"I'm not making a deal with you, Joseph Farvel. I wouldn't go into partnership with you for a million dollars."
