e, gulping down
some of the neat whisky. "Go on, Major."

"And Sir Robert Aylward is----"

"Same thing, Major. Continue."

"And Mr. Haswell has----"

"Those facts all ascertained, Major," said Jeekie, contemplating his
glass with a mournful eye. "Now come to the point, Major."

"Well, the point is, Jeekie, that I am what you called just now
cashless, and therefore----"

"Therefore," interrupted Jeekie again, "stick fast in honourable
intention towards Miss Barbara owing to obstinate opposition of Mr.
Haswell, legal uncle with control of property fomented by noble Sir
Robert who desire same girl."

"Quite right, Jeekie, but if you would talk a little less and let me
talk a little more, we might get on better."

"I henceforth silent, Major," and lifting his empty tumbler Jeekie
looked through it as if it were a telescope, a hint that Alan ignored.

"Jeekie, you infernal old fool, I want money."

"Yes, Major, I understand, Major. Forgive me for breaking conspiracy of
silence, but if L500 in Savings Bank any use, very much at your service,
Major; also L20 more extracted last night from terror of wealthy Jew who
fear fetish."

"Jeekie, you old donkey, I don't want your L500; I want a great deal
more, L50,000 or L500,000. Tell me how to get it."

"City best place, Major. But you chuck City, too much honest man, great
mistake to be honest in this terrestrial sphere. Often notice that in
West Africa."

"Perhaps, Jeekie, but I have done with the City. As you would say, for
me it is 'wipe out, finish.'"

"Yes, Major, too much pickpocket, too much dirt. Bottom always drop out
of bucket shop at last. I understand, end in police court and severe
magistrate, or perhaps even 'Gentlemen of Jury'; etcetera."

"Well, Jeekie, then what remains? Now last night when you told us that
amazing yarn of yours, you said something about a mountain full of gold,
and houses full of gold, among your people. Jeekie, do you think----"
and he paused, looking at him.

Jeekie rolled his black eyes round the room and in a fit of
absentmindedness helped himself to some more whisky.

"Do I think, Major, that this useless lucre could be converted into coin
of gracious King Edward? Not at all, Major, by no one, Major, by no one
whatsoever, except possibly by Major Alan Vernon, D.S.O., and by one,
Jeekie, Christian surname Smith."

"Proceed, Jeekie," said Alan, removing the whisky bottle, "proceed and
explain."

"Major, thus: The Asiki