"Get another man to dig, then!"
"Very well, I make it two per cent. But you must hurry!"
"Draw your contract. Time limit how long?"
"Two weeks—three weeks—not more than a month at the very utmost! You draw the contract in English, and I will sign it this afternoon. You must begin to dig tomorrow at dawn!"
"Where?"
"In the grounds of the River Palace—across the river—beginning close to the great pipal trees."
"They're all outside the palace wall. How in thunder can I keep secret about that?"
"You must begin inside the palace wall, and tunnel underground."
"Dirt's all soft down there," said Dick. "We'll need to prop up as we go.
Lots of lumber. Cost like blazes. Where's the lumber coming from?"
"Cut down the pipal trees!"