“Yes; but I do not like to be forced.”
“I know that. It is most objectionable.”
“And I see through him as plainly as can be: he wants me to find out gold, or tin and precious stones, and other things for his benefit. It is degrading to a scientific man.”
“You are perfectly right; but I must speak plainly. This man has perfect confidence in his own power, and he rules here like the Czar of Russia. My dear sir, be guided by me. You have no alternative. You cannot leave here, and he will have no hesitation whatever in imprisoning you if you refuse. Come, accept his proposal with a good grace, for your own and your nephew’s sake—I may add for the sake of the follow country-folk you have met here to-day.”
“But my good sir,” said Murray angrily, “this idea of forcing me makes me the more indignant and obstinate.”
“Yes; but forget all that in the cause of science.”
Murray smiled.
“You are a clever diplomat, Mr Braine,” he said. “Well I give way, for, as you say, there is no alternative.”
“That’s right,” said Mr Braine eagerly, “and I hope you will not regret it. There, the rajah is growing impatient. He must not think you have spoken like this. I shall tell him that you have been stipulating for abundance of help.”
“I do stipulate for that.”