"I wonder," I said, "whether our host is an authority on honesty."
Mr. Neville laughed.
"The same thought struck me; but, as we are armed, I don't think there is anything to fear."
"Well, he won't be here for some time yet; and I want to ask your opinion on a serious matter."
"Fire ahead, Victor."
I then proceeded to lay bare my plan with regard to Quarovitch; Mr. Neville listened in silence.
"It is rather an extraordinary proposal," he said.
I remember that we were both silent for a considerable time after that and then he said suddenly:
"I agree with you about Quarovitch; he is, I should say, a most honourable man, but would he accept the trust? You would have to tell him that you were a Rudarlian, even then it remains to be seen whether he will consent to receive, from a civilian, the money that should come from his government. I cannot say, although personally, in his place I should."
"Then," I cried joyfully, "you think I can do it, you advise it?"