"I am not likely to lose sight of it," the other riposted dryly, "seeing that I am to get ten thousand pounds sterling for them. I suppose you think they are worth it?" he added, turning with his habitual sneer to Naniescu.
"I think," the general replied slowly, "that with the arrest of Philip Imrey and Anna Heves, which, when it becomes known, will deter other young fools from playing the same game—with that, I say, as a make-weight, I think the articles will be worth the money—to my Government and to me."
"Well," Number Ten rejoined coolly, "I shouldn't have done your dirty work for less."
And Naniescu once more gave a fatuous sigh and murmured:
"Ils sont impayables ces Anglais!" whilst de Kervoisin smiled as a philosopher smiles on follies and stupidities with which he has no concern. Then he asked Number Ten: "And when do you return to civilisation, my friend—to decent clothes and a bath?"
"At once," the other replied, "unless I am wanted for something else."
"No, no, my dear man," the general rejoined, with perfect affability. "I am quite content to leave everything in your hands."
"And when do you want those articles?"
"Shall we say within the week?"
"You shall have them," Number Ten said coolly as he rose from his chair. He nodded to Kervoisin, who responded cordially: "A bientôt, mon ami!" Then he turned to go; but already Naniescu was on his feet.