"I explained to him that by this I meant that it would now be impossible for Mr. Livingstone to get the opal, and then I boldly asked him what reward I might expect if I could get it."
"How much did he offer?"
"At first he merely laughed at me, but then I explained that you are my friend, and that you merely buy such things to satisfy a hobby, and that, having no especial desire for this particular jewel, I had little doubt that I could obtain it, provided it would be of great financial advantage to myself. In short, that you would sell to a friend what none other could buy."
"Not bad, Mr. Barnes. What did Domingo say to that?"
"He asked for a day to think it over."
"Which, of course, you granted. What, then, is his final answer?"
"He told me to get the opal first, and then he would talk business."
"Bravo! Domingo is becoming quite a Yankee."
"Of course I watched the man during the interval, in order to learn whether or not he would consult with Mr. L., or any other adviser."
"What did this lead to?"