How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #10
These terms are final, and if you do not accede to them, no further communication will be attempted. (56)
Oh, man. It's kind of cute that Sam still thinks he's got this thing under control. Johnny is running amok, Bill is begging Sam to be reasonable, and no one seems to be concerned about Johnny's absence. Making such a definitive threat truly places Sam far from the driver's seat if anything goes wrong. If you cannot deliver on a threat, you will lose—no question about it. What's more, it's really difficult to regain your credibility after making an empty threat.
Quote #11
For an hour I was afraid of his mind. And then I told him that my scheme was to put the whole job through immediately and that we would get the ransom and be off with it by midnight if old Dorset fell in with our proposition. (80)
Bill is heartened by Sam's final act of authority. This is the final moment where the boys can believe that their scheme will work. In just a few moments, we are going to receive the shock of poor Sam and Bill's life as Old Dorset returns his counter offer to their ransom note.
Quote #12
"Tell you the truth, Bill," says I, "this little lamb has some what got on my nerves, too. We'll take him home, pay the ransom, and make our getaway." (89)
Sam has finally seen the forest through the trees. It's time to abort this failed plan, and in a hurry. Within the narrative, it is hilarious that once Sam realizes the folly of their plan, the story is over within that same page. Bill, on the other hand, was forced to endure ten pages of prolonged agony.