"Of course she came. But it doesn't matter to you."
"Oh, doesn't it! I suppose she wants you to sell something more for her?"
Lathrop did not reply. Concerning Gertrude Marvell, he had not breathed a word to Blaydes.
They entered the hut together, and Lathrop rekindled the fire. The two men sat over it smoking. Blaydes plied his companion with eager questions, to which Lathrop returned the scantiest answers. At last he said with a sarcastic look—
"I was offered four hundred pounds this afternoon—and refused it."
"The deuce you did!" cried Blaydes, fiercely. "What about my debt—and what do you mean?"
"Ten per cent. commission," said Lathrop, drawing quietly at his cigar. "Sales up to two thou., a fortnight ago. I shall get the same money—or more—for the next batch."
"Well, that's all right! No need to get it out of the lady, if you're particular. Get it out of the other side. Any fool could manage that."
"I shall not get a farthing out of the other side. I shall not make a doit out of the whole transaction!"
"Then you're a d——d fool," said Blaydes, in a passion. "And a dishonest fool besides!"