"Bien, messieurs, the coup has been success. Yes? Ver' well; in turn, then, en accord with our custom, I shall dispose myse'f to listen to your good advice."
He looked at Henri Picquet, smiled and nodded invitation to speak.
Picquet shrugged: "For me, mon capitaine, eet ees ver' simple. We are five. Therefore, divide into five ze gems. After zat, each one for himself to make his way out——"
"Nick Salzar and Harry Beck are in Drowned Valley," interrupted
Quintana.
Picquet shrugged again; Sanchez laughed, saying: "If they are there it is their misfortune. Also, we others are in a hurry."
Picquet added: "Also five shares are sufficient division."
"It is propose, then, that we abandon our comrades Beck and Salzar to the rifle of Mike Clinch?"
"Why not?" demanded Georgiades sullenly; — "we shall have worse to face before we see the Place de l'Opera."
"There remains, also, Eddie Abrams," remarked Quintana.
Crooks never betray their attourney. Everybody expressed a willingness to have the five shares of plunder properly assessed to satisfy the fee due to Mr. Abrams.