Jaques, pleased with the bargain he had struck, delighted with the success of his ruse, and more delighted with the fact that it was the wily Captain Sagesse who had fallen a victim to his bluff, said nothing, but smiled.
“Shall I tell you?”
“If it pleases you.”
“Well, it was Paul Seguin—am I not right?”
“I cannot say—I never tell secrets of business.”
“Look here,” said Sagesse. “I want this matter put right. You and I have known each other for years. I want the information because I believe I have been betrayed on some business I have in hand. See here, if you whisper the name of the man who came to you about those diving suits, I’ll never tell, but I’ll be sure in my mind and on my guard, and I’ll pay you five dollars for the information.”
He took the money from his pocket as he spoke. “You’ll not tell—it will be kept entirely between ourselves?”
“Then give me your ear.” Jaques approached his head close to the other’s and in a low voice said:
“Paul Seguin.”