"So that I shall really have in hand fifty pounds more than you ask for the share."
"That's it; but why so many words? Say, 'Done and done!'"
Philip was on thorns while the matter was unsettled.
"I must clearly understand," said Mr. Hart, in the same low tone, which, indeed, he preserved throughout this part of the conversation "before I can say anything to the offer. I want to be certain that you mean honestly by me. The world is full of thieves. There is plenty of roguery about."
"That's true," replied Philip complacently; "I'm a bit of a rogue myself."
"And," proceeded Mr. Hart, with a strange hesitation in his voice, "supposing the claim to be utterly worthless, at the end of six weeks I shall be sure to be fifty pounds in pocket?"
"You will be more than that in pocket. The claim's a good one; there's no telling how much gold is in it."
Mr. Hart paused, to steady himself. "I'm not much of an arithmetician; I was always a bad hand at figures; but I can see that I must be a gainer if I accept your offer."
"I hope you will be."
"Your claim is a rich one. All the diggers say so."