“Suppose I refuse to make the promise you require?”
“In that case,” replied Barry, “I cannot work further with you.”
Ajeeb bit his lip nervously.
“Well,” he said, after a long pause, “I cannot afford to lose you.”
“Then you’ll agree that no further harm is to be done these men?”
“I’ll agree to that.”
Just the same, Ajeeb determined that death should be meted out to Cook and Stolburst. For the present, he would allow them to live. As soon as he had no further use for Barry, the blow would fall.
It was now evident to the Abyssinian that Stolburst knew nothing as to the whereabouts of the diamond. Still, he did not regret having punished Stolburst as he did.
“Remember,” said Barry, “that, if I discover you break your word, I shall leave you to find this diamond without my aid.”
“I never yet was accused of not living up to a bargain.”