I have put an outside price against some, and the others must be mine at any price--you understand.

Stick at nothing.

Take plenty of money with you for travelling and expenses.
Do things comfortably, and I will give you a blank cheque for the books.
Mind I must have them, if it comes to four figures.

Go down by the Flying Dutchman to-night, and send me a telegram at the end of each day to say what you have secured." The proposal came opportunely to Jeffreys.

He was in the humour of accepting anything for a change; and this _carte blanche_ proposal, and the responsibility it involved, contained a spice of excitement which suited with his present mood.
He went down to Exeter that night, trying to think of nothing but Lord Waterfield's books, and to forget all about Raby, and Percy, and Mrs Rimbolt, and Scarfe.
The last-named hero and his two friends duly presented themselves at Clarges Street next day.