I leave the reader to discern the gist of
their talk from its technicalities.
"Three gross of ankers, you say?" queried the Major.
"At four gallons the anker, and six francs the gallon."
"It is a large venture."
"And, for that reason, dirt cheap. To my knowledge there is not a
firm in Guernsey at this moment doing trade at less than seven francs
the gallon in parcels under five hundred gallons."
"Yes, yes." The Major lit his pipe and puffed meditatively. "I am
not denying that. Only, you see, on our side these large operations
rather heighten the expense than diminish it, while they heighten the
risk enormously."
"I do not see." M. Dupin crossed his legs and awaited an explanation.
"It is simple. So many more tubs, so many more carriers; so many
more carriers, so much the more risk of including an informer.
One hundred carriers, say, I can lay hands on, knowing them all for
tried men. Beyond that number I rely on recommendations, often
carelessly given. The risk is more than trebled. And then, the fact
of my being Mayor--"
"I should have thought it lessened the risk."
"In a way, yes. But in case of miscarriage, the consequences must be
more severe. I will own that you tempt me. The tubs, you say, would
be ready slung."
"Ready slung for carriage, man or horse, whichever you prefer, with
ropes, stones and six anchors for sinking in case of emergency.
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