"We are humble helpers in the cause of justice! Most ugly word!"
"Find it rather dangerous, don't you?" pursued Laroque in the same tone.
"We do not!" came the reply in chorus, baritone and bass.
"Pays, does it?"
Again the four plump hands went up.
"Pay! My dear Laroque, I should think it did!" cried Perissard. "You will very soon find out for yourself how well it pays for I propose paying you—in addition to your salary—ten per cent upon the profits! You won't find it hard work and you won't find it difficult. Quickness, discretion and tact are all that are required. I know you pretty well, my dear friend. You are intelligent and energetic and I'm sure you are honest! Not too scrupulously so at all times—but—ah—you understand!"
"Scruples are out of date," groaned M. Merivel, shaking his head gloomily, "Ne quid nimis—the Latin again—ahem!"
"And you are fond of money!" went on the spokesman.
Laroque smiled and nodded.
"Well, then! You shall have the money!" declared M. Perissard. Word, look and tone were those of a true philanthropist.