So Guy, not daring to tell his story of the Duke’s treasure, finds himself in sorry plight, some of his crew leaving him for other captains who can pay them advance money. Finally growing desperate, he comes one day to Lord Burleigh and says to him: “You like money as much as any man.”
“You’re right,” replies Burleigh, rubbing his hands.
“I can’t tell you where I’m going to get this money, but there is a treasure box to be unlocked by a man [[169]]willing to risk his life. I am willing to risk mine. I know where the treasure is.”
“Where?”
“That I shall never tell. But you have had my word before about certain matters and you have found my word was truth. In fact, I’ve made your name as statesman.”
“You have made my name as statesman?”
“Yes, by my advice about the Gueux, you are now called the astute, the wise, far-seeing old fox Burleigh.”
“Yes, at the risk of my weazen head,” replies his lordship, glumly. “Nevertheless you want to talk to me about—money?”
“Yes! Advance me six thousand crowns and if I come back alive I’ll pay you sixty thousand—ten for one. You’d better make it ten thousand crowns, then you’ll have a hundred thousand. It is like dicing. I risk my life, you risk your money.”
“I value my ten thousand crowns more than you do your life,” chuckles his lordship, and sends him away.