You could get L10 apiece to-day for those shares of yours in a block on the market, and I am paying you L1.

I understand your scruples, but there is no reason why we should not square things.

This fetish of yours has brought me luck, so let's do a deal.

Leave it here, and instead of a check for L1700, I will make you one out for L17,000." "That's a very liberal offer," said Vernon.

"Give me a moment to think it over." Then he also walked into the corner of the room and contemplated the golden mask that seemed to float between the frog-like shoulders.