As he returned, one of the men asked:
"I say, Jean, what pay will we get for all this business?"
"Ah, ma fren's, we will get big pay, trust Jean to see to that. Did I not tell you tonight I had the big plan in my head? You have not heard the whole of that plan. Once we get those jewels across the border, we shall simply help ourselves to the whole of them. That will be our pay, share and share alike."
The others looked at Jean in amazement, for this thought had never entered their heads.
"What about old Whiskers, the Russian, and his brother?" asked one.
"Pouf, what can they do? They can appeal to no one, for they are trying to break the law and would only get prison for their pains. We have only to laugh at them. Now let us have a little game of cards, while Lafe goes to the cellar for some of that very excellent stuff he has in there."
Garry thanked fortune that he had not obeyed an impulse to hasten to the cellar and make his getaway while the Russian was being let out.
Then he was startled almost out of a year's growth at the turn that events took at that moment.
"You fellows can play cards all you want, but go out in the kitchen. There's a big table there," said Lafe.
That meant to Garry that his retreat was to be cut off as long as the card game was in progress. This might be so long as to exceed the time limit set for his return to Dick and Phil, and consequently give them cause to worry.