nd, in addition, I agree to give you a share of
one-twentieth of my profits, which I estimate should amount to about
twenty thousand pounds sterling. Therefore, one thousand pounds, over
and above your pay, will be your share of the enterprise. Now, I've
said all I have to say; I've put the proposition before you; I've told
you that it's likely to be both profitable and dangerous: what do you
say to joining me as my chief officer?'

"I tell you, Dick, I was too amazed to reply for a few moments, and my
brain was in such a whirl that all I could presently say was that I
would think the thing over, and meet him again at the same place
to-morrow to give him a reply. The money part of the business naturally
appeals very strongly to one, but the amount seems almost too good to be
true. There would be at least six months' pay at forty pounds a month,
and a thousand on top of that, if the expedition should prove
successful; so that, all being well, I should have a little capital in
my hands to work with at the end of that time, and might be able so to
invest it as to make myself independent, for the remainder of my life,
of anything like the experiences of this past year.

"On the other hand, I am inclined to look a little doubtfully upon this
gun-running, or smuggling, business. It is all utterly at variance with
Navy traditions; and I would rather starve than set my hand to anything
that has even the appearance of being in the least degree dishonest.
Still, I am bound to say that, from all I can learn, it looks as though
the Korean rebels have a genuine grievance, and that the country might
be all the better for a drastic change of government; so that I am
really very undecided what to do, Dick. One thing is certain--I must
get employment of some kind; and if you are seriously of opinion that I
can accept Drake's offer without soiling my hands I shall most certainly
do so. I have considered the matter pretty thoroughly myself on the way
home, and, to tell the truth, I have almost persuaded myself that I may
accept."

Dick Penryn, who during this narrative had been leaning back in his
chair smoking, and listening attentively, took his pipe from his mouth,
tapped the ashes out slowly and thoughtfully against the bars of the
grate, and sat up straight. Then, after a lengthy pause, he delivered
judgment.

"Well, Murray," he said, "I've listened most attentively to your yarn,
and I've been trying to look at the matter