If Chalk can keep a secret he has altered, that's all I can say." His estimate of Mr.Chalk proved correct.

With Mr.Tredgold acting as cross-examining counsel and Mr.Stobell enacting the part of a partial and overbearing judge, Mr.Chalk, after a display of fortitude which surprised himself almost as much as it irritated his friends, parted with his news and sat smiling with gratification at their growing excitement.
"Half a million, and he won't go for it ?" ejaculated Mr.Tredgold.

"The man must be mad." "No; he passed his word and he won't break it," said Mr.Chalk.

"The captain's word is his bond, and I honour him for it.

I can quite understand it." Mr.Tredgold shrugged his shoulders and glanced at Mr.Stobell; that gentleman, after due deliberation, gave an assenting nod.
"He can't get at it, that's the long and short of it," said Mr.Tredgold, after a pause.