"A ship, no, a pearl—the Crocodile—which is famous all over the world for its stanchness and rapidity."
"You own it?"
"Yes."
"How much did it cost you, Mr. Wharton?"
"How much did it cost me? That is a peculiar question," muttered the American.
"Captain," said Clary, rising, "I am rich, very rich. I am going to make you a proposition, and hope you will accept it. What price do you ask for the Crocodile?"
"But the Crocodile is not for sale. I would rather die than give up my ship."
The captain paced up and down the room with giant strides and struck his forehead with his fist. The proposition, together with the liquors he had drunk, excited him.
"Let us say 100,000 francs," said Clary.
The captain continued to strike his forehead.