Conviction sat on the faces of all. The king clapped his hands admiringly and murmured, “It is most clear, very clear.”
“You see, he himself acknowledges it.” Assured triumph was in Deasy's voice and bearing. “He knows of no difference. There is no difference. 'Tis the very image of money. 'Tis money itself.”
In the meantime Grief was whispering in Ieremia's ear, who nodded and began to speak.
“But it is well known to all the Papalangi that the English Government will pay coin money for the paper.”
Deasy's victory was now absolute. He held aloft a Fitu-Ivan note.
“Is it not so written on this paper as well?”
Again Grief whispered.
“That Fitu-Iva will pay coin money?” asked Ieremia
“It is so written.”
A third time Grief prompted.