But Martin did not want to go, and he did want to learn the secrets more than ever.
"I'm ready," he said. "I'll take the oath."
"Very well, you understand now what it means. Put your hand on the book, and repeat after me: 'I solemnly swear, on the penalty of death by pistol or knife, never to reveal any secret I may have imparted to me in this room.'"
Martin repeated this formula, not without a certain shrinking, not to say creeping, of the flesh.
"Now that you have taken the oath," said Smith, "we will tell you our secret."
"Yes," said Martin, eagerly.
"The fact is," said Smith, in a low voice, "we are counterfeiters."
"You don't say so!" ejaculated Martin.
"Yes, there's a light, genteel business for you. There are all ways of making a living, and that isn't the worst."
"Does it pay pretty well?" asked Martin, getting interested.