“Good!” said Geoffrey, quietly. “Then I presume you are satisfied, Mr Penwynn?”
“Yes, I am,” was the reply, “and on the strength of their recommendations I am about to try and throw something—just a trifle—in your way.”
“Mining, I hope?”
“Yes, Mr Trethick, mining; but on one condition.”
“And what is that, Mr Penwynn?”
“That I have your whole and sole effort to work for my interest to the best of your ability.”
“Why, of course, sir,” said Geoffrey, “I should be taking your pay.”
“Yes, Mr Trethick; but I have known cases where a man takes pay from one employer, and works in the interest of another.”
“Mr Penwynn!”
“I don’t for a moment hint that you would do such a thing, Mr Trethick. I merely say to you, I trust you to do for me the best you can, and not let yourself be tempted away from the path of rectitude by any of the scoundrels you may encounter.”