In the end Raphael agreed to give a hundred pounds, which made the members inwardly determine to pay up the residue on their shares at once. De Haan also extorted a condition that the Flag should continue to be the organ of the Kosher Co-operative Society for at least six months, doubtless perceiving that, should the paper live and thrive over that period, it would not then pay the proprietor to alter its principles; by which bargain the Society secured for itself a sum of money, together with an organ, gratis, for six months and, to all seeming, in perpetuity, for at bottom they knew well that Raphael's heart was sound. They were all on the free list, too, and they knew he would not trouble to remove them.
Mr. Henry Goldsmith, returning, was rather annoyed at the price, but did not care to repudiate his agent.
'Be economical,' he said. 'I will get you a better office and find a proper publisher and canvasser. But cut it as close as you can.'
Raphael's face beamed with joy.
'Oh, depend upon me,' he said.
'What is your own salary?' asked Goldsmith.
'Nothing,' said Raphael.
A flash passed across Goldsmith's face, then he considered a moment.
'I wish you would let it be a guinea,' he said. 'Quite nominal, you know. Only I like to have things in proper form. And if ever you want to go, you know, you'll give me a month's notice and,' here he laughed genially, 'I'll do ditto when I want to get rid of you. Ha! ha! ha! Is that a bargain?'
Raphael smiled in reply, and the two men's hands met in a hearty clasp.