"It's a very attractive book," said Lord Peter. "My nephew was quite entranced by the famous Cracow monster."
"Ah yes—a glorious monster, isn't it?" agreed Mr. Pope, with enthusiasm. "Many's the time I've fancied myself as Sir Lancelot or somebody on a white war horse, charging that monster, lance in rest, with the captive princess cheering me on. Ah! childhood! You're living the happiest days of your life, young man. You won't believe me, but you are."
"Now what is it exactly you want my nephew to do?" enquired Lord Peter a little sharply.
"Quite right, quite right. Well now, you know, my uncle, Dr. Conyers, sold his library a few months ago. I was abroad at the time, and it was only yesterday, when I went down to Yelsall on a visit, that I learnt the dear old book had gone with the rest. I can't tell you how distressed I was. I know it's not valuable—a great many pages missing and all that—but I can't bear to think of its being gone. So, purely from sentimental reasons, as I said, I hurried off to Ffolliott's to see if I could get it back. I was quite upset to find I was too late, and gave poor Mr. Ffolliott no peace till he told me the name of the purchaser. Now, you see, Lord St. George, I'm here to make you an offer for the book. Come, now, double what you gave for it. That's a good offer, isn't it, Lord Peter? Ha, ha! And you will be doing me a very great kindness as well."
Viscount St. George looked rather distressed, and turned appealingly to his uncle.
"Well, Gerald," said Lord Peter, "it's your affair, you know. What do you say?"
The viscount stood first on one leg and then on the other. The career of a book-collector evidently had its problems, like other careers.
"If you please, Uncle Peter," he said, with embarrassment, "may I whisper?"
"It's not usually considered the thing to whisper, Gherkins, but you could ask Mr. Pope for time to consider his offer. Or you could say you would prefer to consult me first. That would be quite in order."
"Then, if you don't mind, Mr. Pope, I should like to consult my uncle first."