"Well, what about buying half of the paper?"
"I'm quite ready to buy half the paper on the conditions I've already offered you."
"But they won't do. If I have to go smash, I may as well go smash for a large sum as a small one. To clear myself of debts I must have five hundred pounds."
"Well, you'll get six hundred; you'll receive a thousand and you'll give me back four hundred."
"Yes, but I did not tell you that I have sold a small share in the paper to an old schoolfellow of mine. When I have paid him I shall have only two hundred, and that won't be of the slightest use to me."
"Oh, you have sold part of the paper already, have you? How do you know your friend will consent to be bought out? That complicates matters."
"My friend only did it to oblige me; he is only too anxious to be bought out. He is in a fearful funk lest he should be compromised in a libel action."
"Oh, then I think it can be managed. Were I in your place I should try and get rid of him for nothing. I can't offer you better terms; it wouldn't pay me to do so; I might as well start a new paper."
"Yes, but tell me, how can I get rid of him for nothing?"
Thigh looked at Frank inquiringly, and apparently satisfied he drew his chair nearer, stroked his moustache, and said, speaking under his breath—