“Paid!” snarled the disguised desperado. “Paid for that job! Well, I should say not! Why, Mr. Jarvis, we know a thing or two—eh, Sam?” “Sure, Bill,” agreed Sam from the doorway. “We know that kid is a heap valuable to you. We know he is a lost heir and he can make you a lot of trouble.” The face of the man called Jarvis hardened and his eyes grew dangerous. “You fools!” he said in a low tone. “What are you trying to do? What do you want?” “We want more money,” asserted Bill gruffly. “And we’re going to get it, too!” “Are you?” “You bet your boots we are! We wasn’t half paid for that job, and you have to crack down as much more coin!” “So you’re trying to intimidate me, are you? I am a bad man to try that trick on. I made a bargain with you, and stood by it. You have been paid, and that ends it!” “Not by a blamed sight!” cried Bill. “Either you pay us what we ask, or else——” “Or else—what? What will you do? Be careful!” “Well, we were speaking of the police. It’s a right easy matter to put them onto your track. It’s a right easy matter to tell Mr. Frank Merriwell where the kid is. He is some dangerous, and you know it. Let him get started after you and he will give you a whole lot of trouble.” “So you threaten me?” said Jarvis in a voice that was now soft and smooth. “So you come back here for the purpose of forcing me to give up more money to you? I am afraid you don’t quite know me. You fool! Do you think I am alone in this house—alone with old Mag? Not by any means! There are others who will answer the call if I press that button.” “But you won’t press it,” asserted Bill. “Will he, Sam?” There was no answer, for Sam had retreated and disappeared into the adjoining room. Jarvis laughed softly. “You are a great bluffer, Bill, but Sam hasn’t the nerve. The chances are that he is already on his ways to the street. He knows better than to try to carry this thing through with me.” “Here, Sam!” savagely called Bill. “Come back here!” Still there was no answer. “Go!” commanded Jarvis in a sudden terrible tone, pointing toward the door. “Go at once, and never trouble me again! If you do, I’ll put you where the dogs will not disturb you!” But Bill was a stayer, and he declined to be baffled in such a manner. “I have come for more money, and I’ll stay here till I get it,” he declared. Jarvis took a step toward the push button. “Don’t touch it!” grated Bill, also stepping forward, and at the same time thrusting one hand into his bosom. “If you do I’ll cut your heart out!” Jarvis seemed to hesitate, and the ruffian fancied he was intimidated. “I mean business,” Bill asserted. “You cough up, or I will carve you!” “Oh, very well,” Jarvis finally said. “I presume it’s the easiest way to get rid of you. Sam gets nothing, but I will pay you. I have the money here.” He thrust his hand into his pocket, but when he drew it forth a revolver gleamed in his fingers and the muzzle was turned on the disguised desperado.