The men had some sharp words, as thieves always have when it comes to a division of the spoils, but Ansell claimed a double share because he had been the instigator of the affair.
Adolphe Carlier protested vehemently, gesticulating wildly; but at last, finding argument of no avail, he shrugged his shoulders and accepted the inevitable. He had had previous experience of Ralph’s overbearing American manners.
“Then you agree—eh?” asked Ansell, at last.
“I suppose I must,” was the response, as “The Eel” thrust a thousand pounds into the inner pocket of his jacket.
“Must! Why, it is only fair!” declared Ansell. “Without my guidance you would never have brought off such a coup. Now this stuff,” he added, indicating the jewellery. “I’ll keep it till I get the money from old Levy—eh?”
“Very well,” replied his companion. “But half shares of that, you know.”
“Of course. That’s agreed,” responded the other, and both lifted the tumblers of wine in celebration of their success and safety.
“Phew! How warm I feel,” exclaimed “The Eel.”
“Take off your coat, old fellow, and wait here till the morning, Then we’ll go out and wire to that old scoundrel, Levy,” urged Ansell. “We can both do with an hour’s rest after to-night’s work.”