"I think not--these bushes are ample protection. Lie low.... He's not coming this way--he's going to inspect the big trees, on our left.... They won't help you, my light-fingered friend; they're not the right sort." After a time, Bald-head abandoned the search and went back to his friend. Throwing himself on the ground, he talked vigorously, and, apparently, to some effect, for, presently, the digging ceased and Hook-nose began to listen. At length, he tossed the pick and shovel aside, and lifted himself out of the hole. After a few more gesticulations, they picked up the tools and returned to the buggy. "Have they decided to abandon it?" said Croyden, as they drove away. The thieves, themselves, answered the question. At the first heavy undergrowth, they stopped the horse and proceeded carefully to conceal the tools. This accomplished, they drove off toward the town. "Hum!" said Macloud. "So you're coming back are you? I wonder what you intend to do?" "I wish we knew," Croyden returned. "It might help us--for quite between ourselves, Macloud, I think we're stumped." "Our first business is to move on Washington and get the permit," Macloud returned. "Hook-nose and his friend may have the Point, for to-day; they're not likely to injure it. Come along!" They were passing the Marine Barracks when Croyden, who had been pondering over the matter, suddenly broke out: "We've got to get rid of those two fellows, Colin!" "Granted!" said Macloud. "But how are we to manage it?" "We agree that we dare not have them arrested--they would blow everything to the police. And the police would either graft us for all the jewels are worth, or inform the Government." "Yes, but we may have to take the risk--or else divide up with the thieves. Which do you prefer to do?" "Neither!" said Croyden. "There is another way--except killing them, which, of course, would be the most effective. Why shouldn't we imprison them--be our own jailers?" Macloud threw away his cigarette and lit another before he replied, then he shook his head. "Too much risk to ourselves," he said. "Somebody would likely be killed in the operation, with the chances strongly favoring ourselves. I'd rather shoot them down from ambush, at once." "That may require an explanation to a judge and jury, which would be a trifle inconvenient. I'd prefer to risk my life in a fight. Then, if it came to court, our reputation is good, while theirs is in the rogues' gallery." "Where would you imprison them?" asked Macloud, dubiously. "That is the difficulty, I admit. Think over it, while we're going to Washington and back; see if you can't find a way out. Either we must jug them, securely, for a week or two, or we must arrest them. On the whole, it might be wiser to let them go free--let them make a try for the treasure, unmolested. When they fail and retire, we can begin." "Your last alternative doesn't sound particularly attractive to me--or to you, either, I fancy."