“That’s what we want!” exclaimed Whalen, with an unctious smile. “It’s the cash I’m after.” “You’ll get none from my father!” cried Tom, beginning to understand the course of the plot. “We’ll see about that,” muttered the professor. “Loose his bonds, but look out! He’s a tricky customer.” “Not any more so than you are,” Tom said, promptly. “And I want to tell you here and now, when you have your witnesses present--mean and low as they are--I want to tell you that you’ll suffer for this when I get out. I’ll make it my business, and my father will also, to prosecute you to the full extent of the law!” “Words--mere words!” sneered Skeel. “You won’t get out until you do as the boss wants,” said Whalen. “Don’t be so rough. Better give in, it will be easier,” spoke Murker, who seemed a little alarmed by what Tom said. “I’ll attend to him,” said Skeel curtly. “Take off the ropes. Then you read this letter and copy and sign it!” he ordered. A moment later Tom’s hands were free. He did not see any chance for making an escape then, so he waited, merely stretching his arms so that the bound muscles were more free. True, he might have made a rush on his captors, but the door had been locked, after the entrance of Murker and Whalen, and Tom did not see what opportunity he would have with three against him. He might be seriously hurt and that would spoil his chances for a future escape. “Read that,” ordered Skeel, thrusting the paper into Tom’s hands. A glance showed that it was addressed to his father. It recited that Tom was in trouble, that he had been made a prisoner by a band of men who would release him only on payment of ten thousand dollars. Details were given as to how the money, in cash, must be sent, and Mr. Fairfield was urged to make no effort to trace Tom, or it would result seriously for the prisoner. “Sign that and we’ll send it,” ordered Skeel. Tom dropped the letter to the floor, disdaining to hand it back. “What’s this?” fairly roared the professor. “Do you mean you won’t do as I say?” “That’s just what I mean,” said Tom, coolly. “You may keep me here as long as you like, and you can do as you please, but I’ll never sign that letter. Go ahead! I’m not afraid of you!” and he faced his enemies defiantly. CHAPTER XXIV THE ESCAPE Professor Skeel retained control of himself with an obvious effort. Clearly he had expected more of a spirit of agreement on the part of Tom, though he might have known, from his previous experiences with our hero, that compliance would not be given. But Tom did not even take the trouble to hand back the letter. It had fluttered to the floor of the cabin. “You--you----” began Whalen, angrily spluttering the words. “Silence!” commanded Skeel. “I’m attending to this.” His face and his tone showed his anger, but he managed to keep it under control. He picked up the letter--something of a condescension on his part, and said to Tom: “Then you refuse to do as I ask?”