"I don't say as how I'd rather not, sir," he replied. "I don't go so far
as to say that."
"Right! Do as I tell you and you will earn a hundred pounds."
The footman's eyes began to glow, almost like a cat's in the twilight.
"Why, I could buy the library near twelve times over," he murmured.
"The library?" said Malkiel, whose brain had suddenly become strangely
clear.
"Ah, sir--Dr. Carter's," returned Gustavus, beginning to tremble.
"Dr. Carter's!" whispered Malkiel, excitedly. "I should think so. Eight
guineas and a half, and you pay in instalments."
"I'll do it, sir," hissed Gustavus, utterly carried away by the
prospect. "What d'you want me to do?"
"First to let me change my clothes quickly, then to hide me somewhere so
as I can get a sleep till dawn. Call me directly it begins to get light
and I shall be off to the docks."
"The docks, sir?"
"Ay. I start for--for Java to-morrow."
"Java, sir--what, where the sparrows and the jelly--"
"Ay, ay," returned Malkiel, secretly rehearsing his new nautical role.
"I'll do it sir. And the hundred?"
"I'll write you an order on my banker's. You can trust me. Now let me
change my clothes.
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