'Then there was silence for a space.
'"Probus," said Mr. Matthew, "I believe you are a devil. Tell me what you mean. We can't make him die by wishing."
'"I was only supposing: If he were to die—strange things have happened—would you be disposed to let me take the half of that money—say £55,000?"
'"If he were to die," Mr. Matthew repeated. "Have you heard, by accident, that he is ill? Has he taken small-pox, or gaol fever? I did hear that was gaol fever in Newgate some time ago."
'"No: on the contrary, I believe that he is in perfect health at present. Still, he might die. Anybody may die, you know."
'"Why do you say that he may die?"
'"I only put the case. Anybody may die. What do you say about my proposal?"
'"You call it a proposal—Man—you look like a murderer—are you going to murder him?"
'"Certainly not. Well—what do you say?"
'"Well—if you are not going to murder him, what do you mean?"