The doctor nodded.
‘You can guarantee absolute secrecy?’ he asked.
‘Naturally, the knowledge is confined to me, you, and your partners. I want the secrecy in Mr. Logan’s interests, and you know why.’
‘Well,’ said the doctor, ‘that is point one. So far I am with you.’
‘Then, to enter on odious details,’ said Merton, ‘had you thought of any terms?’
‘The old man was stiff,’ said the doctor, ‘and your side only offered to double him in your advertisement, you know.’
‘That was merely a way of speaking,’ said Merton. ‘What did the marquis propose?’
‘Well, as his offer is not a basis of negotiation?’
‘Certainly not,’ said Merton.
‘Five hundred he offered, out of which we were to pay his fare back to Scotland.’