Accept my offer, and you have a reasonable chance of winning a fortune." "Wot exactly is your offer ?" "Ample compensation officially.

Five thousand pounds to you in person." "Five thousand!" Coke cleared a throat husky with doubt.

He scratched his head under the absurd-looking kepi which he was still wearing; for a moment, his lips set in grim calculation.

"That 'ud make things pretty easy for the missus an' the girls," he muttered.

"An' there's no new ship for me w'en Dickey Bulmer cocks 'is eye at Hozier.