"Leave it to me, I'll get them together," Croyden answered.... "You wish to see me, privately?" to Hook-nose. "I wish to see you--it's up to you whether to make it private or not." "Come along!" said Croyden, leading the way toward the tent, which was pitched a trifle to one side.... "Now, sir, what is it?" as the flaps dropped behind them. "You've a business way about you, which I like----" began Hook-nose. "Never mind my ways!" Croyden interrupted. "Come to the point--what do you want?" "There's no false starts with you, my friend, are there!" laughed the other. "That's the thing--bang! and we are off. Good!--we'll get to business. You lost a letter recently----" "Not at all," Croyden cut in. "I had a letter _stolen_--you, I suppose, are the thief." "I, or my pal--it matters not which," the fellow replied easily. "Now, what we want, is to make some arrangement as to the division of the treasure, when you've found it." "I thought as much!" said Croyden. "Well, let me tell you there won't be any arrangement made with you, alone. You must get your pal here--I don't agree with one. I agree with both or none." "Oh, very well, I'll have him in, if you wish." Croyden bowed. "I do wish," he said. Hook-nose went to the front of the tent and raised the flap. "Bill!" he called, "hitch the horse and come in." And Macloud and Axtell heard and understood. While Hook-nose was summoning his partner, Croyden very naturally retired to the rear of the tent, thus obliging the rogues to keep their backs to the entrance. "Mr. Smith, this is Mr. Croyden!" said Hook-nose. "I'm glad to make your acquaint----" began Smith. "There is no need for an introduction," Croyden interrupted curtly. "You're thieves, by profession, and blackmailers, in addition. Get down to business, if you please!" "You're not overly polite, my friend--but we'll pass that by. You're hell for business, and that's our style. You understand, I see, that this treasure hunt has got to be kept quiet. If anyone peaches, the Government's wise and Parmenter's chest is dumped into its strong box--that is, as much as is left after the officials get their own flippers out. Now, my idea is for you people to do the searching, and, when the jewels is found, me and Bill will take half and youn's half. Then we all can knock off work, and live respectable." "Rather a good bargain for you," said Croyden. "We supply the information, do all the work and give up half the spoils--for what, pray?" "For our silence, and an equal share in the information. You have doubtless forgot that we have the letter now." "And what if I refuse?" Croyden asked. "You're not likely to refuse!" the fellow laughed, impudently. "Better half a big loaf than no loaf at all." "But _if_ I refuse?" Croyden repeated.