"Let him lose them," put in Baxter quickly. "It's what they deserve. But, come, it's cold over here. Let's move back to the fire. And I want you two to come along," he added, to the Rovers. "We don't propose to come along," replied Tom. "And I say you shall come, Tom Rover. We are four to two, and you had better submit." "Yes, make them come," put in Jasper Grinder. "I want to have a talk with them." And he glared wickedly, first at Tom and then at Sam. It must be confessed that Tom and Sam felt in anything but an enviable position. They knew Dan Baxter thoroughly, and knew he would stop at nothing to accomplish his purpose. "The best thing you can do is to leave us alone," said Tom steadily. "You have always got the worst of the bargain, Dan Baxter, and if you try any game on now, you'll miss it again." "I'll risk it, Tom Rover. Come now, and no more fooling. If you behave yourself, there won't be any trouble." There was, then, nothing to do but to follow, for neither of the Rovers wished to lose this portion of the outfit. Soon the whole party were gathered around the fire, which Husty heaped high with brushwood. Back of the fire was a high cliff, topped with cedars, which kept off the wind and made the situation a fairly comfortable one. "Now we had better come to an understanding," said Dan Baxter, as he warmed his hands. "We all know what we are out here for, so there is no use in mincing matters." "I understand all I want to know," answered Tom briefly. "So do I," put in Sam. "Baxter shall settle with you, and then I'll settle," growled Jasper Grinder. "I have not forgotten how I was treated at Putnam Hall because of you." "It served you right that you were kicked out," said Sam, without stopping to think twice. "Ha! you dare to talk to me in this fashion!" roared the former teacher. "I'll teach you a lesson! Just wait till I find a good switch!" "Hold on Grinder! one at a time," put in Dan Baxter. "I'll settle with them first, if you please." "They deserve a thorough thrashing," grumbled the irate man. "Now I want you to tell me the truth," went on Dan Baxter, addressing Tom and Sam. "Where did you get a map of that treasure? In the cave on that island?" "We haven't said we had a map," returned Tom. "But you must have a map--or something like it." "Whatever we have, it's none of your business, Dan Baxter," broke in Sam. "Shut up, you little imp! Don't you know you are in my power!" stormed Baxter, in a rage. "I can do as I please out here, and these three men will help me." As he finished he caught Sam by the collar and began to shake him. "Let my brother alone!" ejaculated Tom. "Let up, I say!" "I won't, Tom Rover. He's got to learn that I'm the master here," howled Baxter. "If you don't let go, I'll hit you," went on Tom, and raised his right fist. But ere he could deliver the blow Bill Harney rushed behind him, caught him by the waist and threw him flat.