"'It rings true, eh?' said he. 'It's good enough to act upon?'
"Captain Morstan nodded.
"'Look here, Small,' said the major. 'We have been talking it
over, my friend here and I, and we have come to the conclusion
that this secret of yours is hardly a government matter, after
all, but is a private concern of your own, which of course you
have the power of disposing of as you think best. Now, the
question is, what price would you ask for it? We might be
inclined to take it up, and at least look into it, if we could
agree as to terms.' He tried to speak in a cool, careless way,
but his eyes were shining with excitement and greed.
"'Why, as to that, gentlemen,' I answered, trying also to be
cool, but feeling as excited as he did, 'there is only one
bargain which a man in my position can make. I shall want yo to
help me to my freedom, and to help my three companions to theirs.
We shall then take you into partnership, and give you a fifth
share to divide between you.'
"'Hum!' said he. 'A fifth share! That is not very tempting.'
"'It would come to fifty thousand apiece,' said I.
"'But how can we gain your freedom? You know very well that you
ask an impossibility.
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