Part 37 (1/2)

”I have no ive you,” replied Colson, ”but I have inforreat deal”

”What is your object in telling me this?” demanded Fletcher, still suspiciously

”The fact is, et a fair share of the booty”

”Do you wish to join our band, then?”

”Well, not permanently, but for a little while”

”Out with the inforree to our terms?”

”What are they?”

”We want half of the prize”

”You are very modest,” said Fletcher in a sarcastic tone ”How much will it amount to?”

”Not far from a hundred thousand dollars”

Fletcher pricked up his ears This was indeed a prize worth trying for

”Give particulars,” he said

”A big nugget is on the way to Melbourne, or will be in a day or two It was found at Bendigo I don't kno much it will net, but probably seventy-five thousand dollars Then there is a considerable amount of dust besides”

”Who is to carry it? Is it in the hands of a private party?”

”No, it is under governed

”That is a different overn sum at stake”

”It would require the co-operation of the whole band”

”Suppose it does”

”There will be ree for a ive away half”

”Say a third, then”

”I aain That will be for the captain to decide You had better tell me all you know about it, and I will lay it before the captain and secure you the best terive me quarter of your share”

”That is unreasonable,” said Colson, disappointed