The man who had found the Simiacine was eager, restless, full of
suspicion. To the others the scheme obviously presented itself in a
different light. Jack Meredith was dilettante, light-hearted, and
unsatisfactory. It was impossible to arouse any enthusiasm in him--
to make him take it seriously. Guy Oscard was gravely indifferent.
He wanted to get rid of a certain space of time, and the African
forest, containing as it did the only excitement that his large
heart knew, was as good a place as any. The Simiacine was, in his
mind, relegated to a distant place behind weeks of sport and
adventure such as his soul loved. He scarcely took Victor Durnovo
au pied de la lettre. Perhaps he knew too much about him for that.
Certain it is that neither of the two realised at that moment the
importance of the step that they were taking.
"You men," said Durnovo eagerly, "don't seem to take the thing
seriously."
"I," answered Meredith, "intend at all events to take the profits
very seriously. When they begin to come in, J. Meredith will be at
the above address, and trusts by a careful attention to business to
merit a continuance of your kind patronage."
Durnovo laughed somewhat nervously. Oscard did not seem to hear.
"It is all very well for you," said the half-caste in a lower voice.
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