"Are you prepared to consider an offer to guide our party?"
Garrod bit his lips to keep back the protest that sprang to them.
"If it is sufficiently attractive," said Jack coolly.
Sir Bryson opened his eyes. "Three dollars a day, and everything found," he said sharply.
Jack smiled, and shook his head. "That is the ordinary pay of a white man in this country," he said. "This is a responsible job. I'd expect five at least."
Sir Bryson made a face of horror. "Out of the question!" he exclaimed.
"I'm not at all anxious for it at any price," said Jack. "It will be difficult. You are very badly provided——"
"We have everything!" cried Sir Bryson.
"Except necessities," said Jack. "Moreover, men should have been engaged in advance, good packers, boatmen, axemen. We can't get good material on the spur of the moment, and I have no wish to be blamed for what goes wrong by others' doing."
Sir Bryson puffed out his cheeks. "You take a good deal on yourself, young man," he said heatedly. "Let me ask you a few questions now if you please. What is your name?"