And you might get home every fortnight or so.

Better take my offer, Paine.

Come!" with a grunt of impatient amusement, "don't keep me waiting too long.

I am not used to coaxing people to work for me; it is usually the other way around.

This offer of mine happens to be pretty nearly a disinterested one, and," with one of his dry smiles, "all my offers are not that kind, as you ought to know.