“Fair enough, indeed,” admitted Cleigh.
Dennison stared at his father. He did not quite understand this willingness to hold converse with the rogue after all this rigorously maintained silence.
“Of course the Great Adventure Company had 231 to be financed,” went on Cunningham with a deprecating gesture.
“Naturally,” assented Cleigh. “And that, I suppose, will be my job?”
“Indirectly. You see, Eisenfeldt told me he had a client ready to pay eighty thousand for the rug, and that put the whole idea into my noodle.”
“Ah! Well, you will find the crates and frames and casings in the forward hold,” said Cleigh in a tone which conveyed nothing of his thoughts. “It would be a pity to spoil the rug and the oils for the want of a little careful packing.”
Cunningham rose and bowed.
“Cleigh, you are a thoroughbred!”
Cleigh shook his head.
“I’ll have your hide, Cunningham, if it takes all I have and all I am!”