“Two thousand five hundred!” answered Mr. Gloucester politely.
“And it weighs?”
“About sixty pounds.”
“It isn’t worth while breaking into it,” said Jetsam smoothly, looking at Ilam. “I’ll take the lot. In our final settlement it shall be brought into account.” His glance shifted to Gloucester. “Thank you,” he added, “for this information so courteously given.
“Perhaps you are satisfied now!” said Ilam.
“Why don’t you go? You think you won’t get caught, but you will.”
“Surely, you won’t give me away, Jos!” protested Jetsam. “I’m convinced you won’t; because you see, if you begin to talk about me I should probably begin to talk about you, and think how dreadful that would be.”
“Keep it up! Keep it up!” said Ilam.
“Hence,” Jetsam proceeded, ignoring the interruption, “I shall confidently rely on you to see that these excellent gentlemen here in the corner keep their elegant mouths shut. I shall rely on you for that. You understand, gentlemen, Mr. Ilam wishes you not to prattle, even in the privacy of your own homes.”
“Are you going?” said Ilam doggedly.