The popular theory is, I believe, that I am a middleman acting on behalf of some new South African mine, which wishes to keep its whereabouts a secret.

What value would you put upon the gold in this chamber?
It ought to be worth something, for it represents nearly a week's work." "Something fabulous, I have no doubt," said Robert, glancing round at the yellow barriers.

"Shall I say a hundred and fifty thousand pounds ?" "Oh dear me, it is surely worth very much more than that," cried Raffles Haw, laughing.

"Let me see.

Suppose that we put it at three ten an ounce, which is nearly ten shillings under the mark.