Oh, all right! (Lays down money.)

(Roto takes up the money, and hands the green stone to Varlie who looks at it [so that audience can see its shape] then slips it into his pocket.)

Varlie.

(Laughing reassuringly and sitting a little nearer Loveday.) These queer old curios get me every time. I’ll test a drop of his precious poison on a mangy old dog I have, and if it is as he says, I’ll wash it out and keep eau de cologne in it. The jade is a pretty shape.

Loveday.

Yes, it is. And it is quite a good bit of jade, too. It is worth money. But do be careful with the stuff. I more than half believe what he says.

Varlie.

An old hand like I am at life, don’t run no risks with a bit of jade. I’ve seen too much of the world.

Loveday.

You have travelled much?