Garraboy read hastily, fairly galloping through the pages. Then he stiffened in his chair, frowned and read carefully through it all again, considering each phrase.
At the last, the three who watched him saw him push the paper from him, lock his hands in front of him and stare at McKenna. The correct, insolent man of the world had faded; instead, before them, bare to the bone, was the rascal, the desperate, clever adventurer. Suddenly making a quick resolve, he said in a tone that surprised them for its absence of emotion:
"Give me the paper I'm to sign."
McKenna jumped up and going to a shelf took down an affidavit.
"It is always a pleasure to deal with profession," he said genially, placing the document on the table. "Oh, read it first."
Garraboy skimmed through it hastily, nodding. He took up his pen and paused.
"It's understood that the contents will never be made public, directly or indirectly, so long as I keep out of the United States?"
"Understood."
"Your word of honor on it as a gentleman, McKenna?"
"My word."