"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me and see."
"Come, now, Ashton." The Major's voice was wheedling, persuasive. "What did the stone cost you—merely the cost of the trip, wasn't it? I'll pay that, if you like."
"And I risked my life a dozen times, to get you the jewel! You must be mad."
"How much do you want?"
"Fifty thousand pounds, and not a penny less."
"I'll not pay it."
"Then you don't get the stone."
"It's mine—I told you of it. Without my help you could have done nothing. I demand it. It is my property. You were acting only as my agent. Give it to me." Major Temple was beside himself with excitement.
"I'll see you damned first," cried Ashton, now thoroughly angry.