“And, of course, you want to make something out of your knowledge?” he said presently.
“Of course,” laughed Burchill. He opened a box of cigars, selected one and carefully trimmed the end before lighting it. “Of course!” he repeated. “Who wouldn’t? Besides, you’ll be in a position to afford me something when you come into all that.”
“The will?” suggested Barthorpe.
Burchill threw the burnt-out match into the fire.
“The will,” he said slowly, “will be about as valuable as that—when I’ve fixed things up with you. Valueless!”
“You mean it?” exclaimed Barthorpe incredulously. “Then—your signature?”
“Look here!” said Burchill. “The only thing between us is—terms! Fix up terms with me, and I’ll tell you the whole truth. And then—you’ll see!”
“Well—what terms?” demanded Barthorpe, a little suspiciously. “If you want money down——”
“You couldn’t pay in cash down what I want, nor anything like it,” said Burchill. “I may want an advance that you can pay—but it will only be an advance. What I want is ten per cent. on the total value of Jacob Herapath’s property.”
“Good heavens!” exclaimed Barthorpe. “Why I believe he’ll cut up for a good million and a half!”