Loyalty and Betrayal

Partnerships fracture over the treasure, with Ellis betraying his leader and the protagonists relying on each other's unwavering loyalty to survive.

The loyalty between Mansel, Chandos, and Hanbury is contrasted with the betrayal by Rose Noble's gang, who are revealed to be former associates.

Chandos's refusal to betray his comrades in the face of torture highlights the theme of loyalty, while the tanner's potential betrayal of their location underscores the constant threat of treachery.