“Well, well, you understand me, Mr Musgrave, and that is sufficient. I will be plain with you. It will cost 100 guineas to obtain what you want for Captain Levee, and of that money I shall not receive a doit.”
“I shall be most happy to give that sum and half as much more to obtain my wish, Sir, and shall feel much obliged to you in the bargain; and while I am negotiating, I may as well state that I have a brother who sails with Captain Levee, who is most anxious to be with him, and sail as his lieutenant.”
“That will cost another fifty guineas, Mr Musgrave.”
“I am most willing,” replied I.
“Well, we must first get the vessel hired into the service. You have your tonnage and equipment all on paper?”
“Everything that is requisite; and, moreover, every cruise she has made, the actions she has fought, and the prizes she has taken under the command of Captain Levee, and with the crew now on board.”
“Furnish all these documents, Mr Musgrave, and leave it to me. I am to understand that you perfectly agree to the terms I have proposed?”
“Perfectly, Sir; and, if you please, I will sign a memorandum to that effect.”
“No, no,” replied he, “we never put such things down on paper. It is an affair of honour and good faith. You say your money is all ready.”
“At a minute’s warning.”