"What, the people you bought it from?"
She nodded.
"But why on earth sell it back to them?"
"Because, my dear Mr. Carter, they are going to give me £9,000 for the produce we have collected, and another £8,000 for the fort and the good-will of the business. How's that? £17,000 cash against a £1,500 outlay in three months. That's better than staying out here in West Africa."
Carter had been carrying the duck in his hand. He put it into his pocket. "I don't wonder you're exultant. I suppose no other girl on earth ever made a coup like that. And as for us here at the factory, that means our occupation's gone?"
"Oh, I hope you'll go back to Malla-Nulla, where you were, and work for us there."
"I think not. As you're going home, and I cannot be of any immediate use to O'Neill and Craven, I prefer to leave the firm's employ if you'll let me?"
"We shall be really sorry to lose you. But perhaps you have something better in view?"
"To tell the truth, I have. And it strikes me if I'm to make a fortune, I must look out for it myself."
"I quite agree with you," said Kate. "What was that you were going to show me? The thing you put in your pocket, I mean?"