“Suffering from bad luck.” The ghost of a smile flitted across Benjamin’s face as he spoke.
“But Varnhagen is simply swimming in money. He would gladly oblige you.”
“He did once, at something like 60 per cent. If I remember rightly, you took over the liability.”
“Did I, indeed? Do you know anything of Varnhagen’s business?”
“No more than I do of the Devil’s.”
“You don’t seem to like the firm of Varnhagen and Co.”
“I have no reason to, except that the head of it buys a trinket from me now and then, and makes me ‘take it out’ by ordering through him.”
“Just so. You would like to get even with him?”
“Try me.”
“Are you good in a boat, Tresco?”