Of course omitting its habitat if you like, for it isn't fair to ask that secret.
Woodden can be trusted to hold his tongue, and so can I." I remarked that I was sure they could, and for the next half-hour talked almost without interruption, keeping nothing back and explaining that I was anxious to find someone who would finance an expedition to search for this particular plant; as I believed, the only one of its sort that existed in the world.
"How much will it cost ?" asked Mr.Somers.
"I lay it at L2,000," I answered.

"You see, we must have plenty of men and guns and stores, also trade goods and presents." "I call that cheap.

But supposing, Mr.Quatermain, that the expedition proves successful and the plant is secured, what then ?" "Then I propose that Brother John, who found it and of whom I have told you, should take one-third of whatever it might sell for, that I as captain of the expedition should take one-third, and that whoever finds the necessary money should take the remaining third." "Good! That's settled." "What's settled ?" I asked.
"Why, that we should divide in the proportions you named, only I bargain to be allowed to take my whack in kind--I mean in plant, and to have the first option of purchasing the rest of the plant at whatever value may be agreed upon." "But, Mr.Somers, do you mean that you wish to find L2,000 and make this expedition in person ?" "Of course I do.

I thought you understood that.

That is, if you will have me.