'
"'Nothing of the sort,' I answered. 'I have thought it all out
to the last detail. The only bar to our escape is that we can
get no boat fit for the voyage, and no provisions to last us for
so long a time. There are plenty of little yachts and yawls at
Calcutta or Madras which would serve our turn well. Do you bring
one over. We shall engage to get aboard her by night, and if you
will drop us on any part of the Indian coast you will have done
your part of the bargain.'
"'If there were only one,' he said.
"'None or all,' I answered. 'We have sworn it. The four of us
must always act together.'
"'You see, Morstan,' said he, 'Small is a man of his word. He
does not flinch from his friend. I think we may very well trust
him.'
"'It's a dirty business,' the other answered. 'Yet, as you say,
the money would save our commissions handsomely.'
"'Well, Small,' said the major, 'we must, I suppose, try and meet
you. We must first, of course, test the truth of your story.
Tell me where the box is hid, and I shall get leave of absence
and go back to India in the monthly relief-boat to inquire into
the affair.'
"'Not so fast,' said I, growing colder as he got hot.
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