"Have you heard any news, then?"
"Well, two men camped out here last night, and we had a talk. I gave 'em some tea, and their tongues got loosened a bit. There's a new goldfield discovered somewhere in the north, and they're after it. A regular Tom Tiddler's ground, Mr. Basil, only it's all gold and no silver. Twenty ounces to the tub."
"And you're off?"
"When I've finished this job for Mr. Bidaud."
"How long will that take you?"
"About three weeks."
"Is it a contract job?"
"Yes."
"Signed on paper?"
"No, we never had need of that. Mr. Bidaud's word is as good as his bond; so's mine."