"A lot of them are no good to me."
"I am quite aware of that," replied Barry, "but you can get rid of them. They are no more good to me than they are to you."
"Put a price on the lot," said Silas.
Barry Tuxford knew what these pearls were worth in the open market, but he also knew if Silas had a wealthy customer waiting their value might reasonably be increased.
"Six thousand pounds," he said, and Jack Redland gasped for breath, while Silas held up both hands in pious horror at such an attempt at extortion.
"A very good joke," said Silas, "on your side."
"You will get that for the best lot alone if you have a customer handy such as you have mentioned," replied Barry.
Silas thought this not improbable, but all the same it was an outrageous price for Barry to ask.
"I am afraid we shall not be able to do business," said Silas, rising.
"Very well, sorry you had your journey for nothing. Lock them up again, Mr. Redland."