"You are a rascal and ought to be in jail," answered Robert Menden. "Give the boys their money back and be quick about it."
But Bumbum was a miser, and rather than part with a single _peseta_, he determined to try running away. With a bound he reached the outside of the shack and started to run, when Don tripped him up and sent him headlong.
A short struggle ensued, but the Carib was speedily overpowered, and then his hands were bound behind him. In his pocket he had not only the money Dick and Leander had been forced to give him, but also the wallet stolen from Joseph Farvel.
"Here is your money, lads," said Robert Menden, as he handed the silver to the two boys. "I must say I don't know what to do about Farvel's wallet."
"Keep it, until you have the chance to give it back to him," suggested Bob; and this advice was acted upon.
"And now what's to do with this critter?" put in old Jacob.
"He ought to be handed over to the authorities."
This was certainly true, but the nearest _alcalde_ was the one located at Aguas Buenas, over five miles distant and they had no desire to make such a trip that night.
"Let him go," said Leander, at last. "Boot him out of camp, and tell him we'll have him arrested if he ever shows up again."
"All right," answered Robert Menden, and Bumbum was released. A sharp quarrel of words followed, and then the Carib slunk away in the darkness, more bitter against the entire party than ever.
"We want to keep our weather eyes open fer thet chap," was old Jacob's comment. "He's the sort as would knife ye in the back if he got the chance."
It was decided to remain at the bamboo hut over night, and a blaze was speedily started and supper prepared. Everybody was too tired to go hunting or fishing, and the evening meal was, consequently, a scant one.
It is doubtful if any of the boys slept very soundly that night. Each head was filled with visions of the golden treasure, and each tried to calculate mentally how much his share of the expected find would amount to, after the necessary expenses were paid.
Each had to stand guard for an hour, but nothing happened to disturb them, and by sunrise the camp was in motion.
"A hasty breakfast, lads," cried Robert Menden. "And then, ho! for the treasure."
