“I am rebuked, Effendi,” said he, fixing his small eye upon me with a penetrating gaze, but exhibiting no humility in his tones. After a slight pause: “Do you agree to my price in return for the service you require?”
“Yes; you are to receive one hundred English pounds.”
“In advance,” he added, softly.
“One-half in advance,” said I. “The remainder when we have returned in safety.”
“Let me see the money.”
I produced a bag containing fifty gold pounds, and stooping down counted them out upon the mat before him. He watched me silently.
“Now I will see the other fifty,” he said.
I began to dislike the chief; but now the Professor said, somewhat to my surprise.
“Pay him the full amount, Mr. Steele; it will be better that way.”
“Why?” I asked, turning to him rather angrily.