‘How much will it be, do you think?’
‘About £20,000. We shall wait till it’s quite that. We must make a good haul, for the chance will never come again.’
‘It’s worth being in,’ growled Heckett, filling his pipe; ‘but it’s a blessed risky affair. What are the shares?’
‘Half me, and the rest between the four of you.’
‘That ain’t fair, I’m dashed if it is,’ said Heckett.
‘Yes, it is. I shall have to scheme the whole thing. You’ll only have to do the rough work. You needn’t be in it, though, if the terms don’t suit.’
‘That’s right, Edward Marston, Esq., turn up rusty with an old pal,’ growled Heckett.
‘I’m not rusty, Josh, but I risk more than all of you over this affair, and I’m the only man that can carry it out. Haven’t I found out where you were, and come to put a good thing in your way, just because you are an old pal? All the others have agreed to the terms, why should you grumble?’
‘I ain’t grumbling, bless you. I’ll take it. Give us your fist.’
Marston held out his hand, and Heckett gripped it.