If your story proves true you shall be paid by draft on London." "Are you overlooking the idea," asked Fred, "that we might tell the secret to the British government, and be contented with our ten per cent.

commission ?" "I am not.

You are expressly warned against any such foolishness.

In the first place, you will be killed at once if you dare.

In the second place, how do you know the British government would pay you ten per cent. ?" "I've had dealings with the English!" laughed Fred.
"Bah! Do you think this is Whitehall?
Do you think the officials here are proof against temptation?
When I tell you that in Whitehall itself I can bribe two officials out of three, perhaps you'll understand me when I say that all these people have their price! And the price is low! Tell them where the ivory is--lead them to it--and they'll swear they found it themselves, so as to keep the commission themselves! And as for you--you three"-- she sneered with the most sardonic, thin-lipped smile I ever saw--"there are lions out here, and buffalo, snakes, fevers, native uprisings--more ways of being rid of you than by choking you to death with butter!" "Do you suppose" asked Fred, "that Lord Montdidier has no influence in London, that he--" "I know he had influence.