"The amount has been, of course, much exaggerated," said McClean, "but I have no doubt there is enough there to pay the taxes of all India for a year or two." "Then I have another question to ask.

Do you both--or do you not--place yourselves at the service of the Company?
It is likely to be dangerous--a desperate service.

But the Company needs all that it can muster." "Of course we do!" Again both answered in one breath.
"Do you understand that that involves taking my orders ?" This time Duncan McClean did the answering, and now it was he who seized the lamp.

He held it high, and scanned Cunningham's face as though he were reading a finely drawn map.
"We are prepared--I speak for my daughter as well as for myself--to obey any orders that you have a right to give, young man." "You misunderstand me," answered Cunningham.

"I am offering you the opportunity to serve the Company.