I will let you hear of
us somehow within the next six months. Do not go and get married
before I get home. I want to be your best man."
Oscard laughed and gave the signal for the men to start, and the
long caravan defiled before them. The porters nodded to Meredith
with a great display of white teeth, while the head men, the
captains of tens, stepped out of the ranks and shook hands. Before
they had disappeared over the edge of the plateau, Joseph came
forward to say good-bye to Oscard.
"And it is understood," said the latter, "that I pay in to your
account at Lloyd's Bank your share of the proceeds?"
Joseph grinned. "Yes, sir, if you please, presumin' it's a safe
bank."
"Safe as houses."
"'Cos it's a tolerable big amount," settling himself into his boots
in the manner of a millionaire.
"Lot of money--about four hundred pounds! But you can trust me to
see to it all right."
"No fear, sir," replied Joseph grandly. "I'm quite content, I'm
sure, that you should have the--fingering o' the dibs."
As he finished--somewhat lamely perhaps--his rounded periods, he
looked very deliberately over Oscard's shoulder towards Durnovo, who
was approaching them.
Meredith walked a little way down the slope with Oscard.
"Good-bye, old chap!" he said when the parting came.
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