"Ah," said Smith quickly, "what's the game? But whatever it is with you, I'm on! Say it and mean it!—that's me."
Gardiner edged him up to the quiet end of the verandah.
"Smith, can you hold your tongue and earn a thousand dollars?"
"Can I do what?" asked Smith. "Look here, so help me, I'd cut my tongue out for a thousand. I tell you, things are tough. What's the game?"
And Gardiner, after looking round, whispered in his ear.
"Whew!" whistled Smith; "you don't mean it. Young Sibley Gawthrop! Holy sailor, I'd rather not touch him. His father is a power in the land."
Gardiner shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, very well, there are others. And in any case, who need know you took a hand in it? Now, will you or won't you? Yes or no, or I quit right here."
"You don't quit. I'll do it," said Smith. "I'll do it for you, C.O.D."
It can be judged how much he did it for Gardiner when C.O.D. is translated "Cash on Delivery."