Not a word did he say of ruin or danger, or the reasons which had induced this speculation.
On the contrary, he depicted the affairs of the firm as being in a most nourishing condition, and this venture as simply a small insignificant offshoot from their business, undertaken as much for amusement as for any serious purpose.

Still, he laid stress upon the fact that though the sum in question was a small one to the firm, yet it was a very large one in other men's eyes.

As to the morality of the scheme, that was a point which Ezra omitted entirely to touch upon.

Any comment upon that would, he felt, be superfluous when dealing with such a man as his companion.
"And now, major," he concluded, "provided you lend us your name and your talents to help us in our speculation, the firm are prepared to meet you in a most liberal spirit in the matter of remuneration.

Of course your voyage and your expenses will be handsomely paid.