“You have roused my curiosity—”
“That is a sign of intelligence.”
“I tell you now that I don't believe a word of what you say.”
“Free country, young man.”
“I've had enough of this nonsense—”
“Though I am always glad to see you, young sir, and would not wound your feelings for worlds”—the man's voice was very polite, but also very cold—“I might be forgiven for observing that I did not ask you to call.”
“I'll give you a thousand dollars—”
The man stopped him with a deprecatory wave of the hand.
“One of the pearls I offered you, Mr. Merriwether, is valued at ten thousand dollars. You did not select that one; but I'll exchange the one you took for it—now if you wish.”
“That's all very well, but—” Tom paused, and the man cut in: