I bought the Flying Scud at a ruinous figure, run up by Mr.Carthew through an agent; and I am, in consequence, a bankrupt.

But if I have found no fortune in the wreck, I have found unmistakable evidences of foul play.

Conceive my position: I am ruined through this man, whom I never saw; I might very well desire revenge or compensation; and I think you will admit I have the means to extort either." He made no sign in answer to this challenge.
"Can you not understand, then," I resumed, "the spirit in which I come to one who is surely in the secret, and ask him, honestly and plainly: How do I stand to Mr.Carthew ?" "I must ask you to be more explicit," said he.
"You do not help me much," I retorted.

"But see if you can understand: my conscience is not very fine-spun; still, I have one.

Now, there are degrees of foul play, to some of which I have no particular objection.
I am sure with Mr.Carthew, I am not at all the person to forgo an advantage; and I have much curiosity.