“I don’t say as how I’d rather not, sir,” he replied. “I don’t go so far as to say that.”
“Right! Do as I tell you and you will earn a hundred pounds.”
The footman’s eyes began to glow, almost like a cat’s in the twilight.
“Why, I could buy the library near twelve times over,” he murmured.
“The library?” said Malkiel, whose brain had suddenly become strangely clear.
“Ah, sir—Dr. Carter’s,” returned Gustavus, beginning to tremble.
“Dr. Carter’s!” whispered Malkiel, excitedly. “I should think so. Eight guineas and a half, and you pay in instalments.”
“I’ll do it, sir,” hissed Gustavus, utterly carried away by the prospect. “What d’you want me to do?”
“First to let me change my clothes quickly, then to hide me somewhere so as I can get a sleep till dawn. Call me directly it begins to get light and I shall be off to the docks.”
“The docks, sir?”