"So much the more for us to divide.

We have got a goodish bit of brass, now, to say nothing of the goods we have got at each of our places.

We can fill up their places easy enough, any time; and those who come in are free to their share of what there is, in the way of grub and goods, but they only share in the brass from the time they join." Jim had heard what he wanted, and he now lay down and thought it out.

They were only coming back for a short time.

Possibly they might change their minds, and not return at all.