“If you don’t mind my asking the question,” said Doyle, “what are you going to make out of it yourself?”
“That’s a delicate point. I might tell you I’m going into the business for the fun of the thing; but you wouldn’t believe that.”
“I would not,” said Doyle, winking slowly.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t. It’s true, as it happens. That’s just exactly why I am running this statue. It offers me a little excitement and variety. But as you won’t believe it I’ll have to make up some sort of a lie that you will believe. I owe you about £60, don’t I?”
“You do, doctor, but I’d be the last man in Ireland to press you for the money if——”
“Very well. If I put £20 into your pocket over this statue, in addition to the £7 10s. you’re making on the filly, I’ll expect you to stop talking about what I owe you for the next six months. You see some sense in that, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“And it satisfies you as a reason for my taking all the trouble that I’m going to take.”
“It does, of course. Why wouldn’t it?”
“Very well. Believe it. But if the matter ever comes up again you’ll remember, Doyle, that I offered you the truth and you wouldn’t have it. I didn’t attempt to impose on you with that lie until you insisted that I should.”