“‘Rifles?’
“‘Opium. I have many thousand pounds’ worth of opium upon that ship, and I cannot get it through to the interior.’
“He expected me to show surprise, but I have played poker a good deal in the mess, and have learnt not to let my face express emotion.
“‘Well,’ I said, ‘and what’s it got to do with me?’
“‘You can help me get it through.’
“‘Is that all you’ve got to say?’ and I prepared to rise.
“‘No, no,’ he said; ‘sit down. Don’t be a fool. Hear me out.’
“I looked straight at him for a moment.
“‘I shan’t do what you want me to.’