“'Wake says you'd marry her,' said he, bluntly, and with an abruptness that showed he had at length got courage to say what he wanted.
“'Tom Collins,' said I, seriously, 'let us play fair; don't question me, and I 'll not question you.'
“'But you 'll come along with us?' asked he, eagerly.
“'I 'm not so sure of that, now,' said I; 'but if I do, it's on one only condition.'
“'And that is—'
“'That I 'm to know nothing, or hear nothing, of whatever you 're about. I tell you distinctly that I 'll not pry anywhere, but, in return, treat me as a stranger in whose discretion you cannot trust.'
“'You like sure profits and a safe venture, in fact,' said he, sneeringly.
“'Say one half of that again, Collins,' said I, 'and I'll cut with the whole lot of you. I ask no share. I 'd accept no share in your gains here.'
“'But you 'll not peach on us, Paul?' said he, catching my hand.
“'Never,' said I, 'as long as you are on the square with me.'