he six, he might fluke one shot into me. About that
last possibility I didn't trouble my head much, as it was remote; but
the other was a fatal objection. A good satisfactory row with the
natives would effectually upset the apple-cart for both of us.

So I put it to him squarely that, come what might, I didn't intend to
go and leave the coast clear for him; and that if he fired a shot,
whether or not he jugged me and tasted _el garrote_ into the
bargain, he would most assuredly not get hold of the Recipe.

These points seemed to strike him as strong ones; and as, being unused
to such strong emotions, he was by this time in very nearly a fainting
condition, he saw fit to ease the strain from his nerves by beginning
to treat for terms. How much would I go for? He had bills in his
pockets for francs and pesetas, which amounted in all to eighteen
pounds four shillings and some odd pence English. That was the absolute
sum-total of all he possessed out of England. If he handed it over,
would I promise to depart forthwith?

I think it caused him no real surprise to learn that I would do nothing
of the kind.

"Look here," he went on, "I'll tell you what I'll do as well. I'll send
you a ten-pound note from England when I get back there, if you'll give
me your address."

"Oh, go to the devil!" said I, beginning to get in a fury with him. "If
you're on for bargaining, I'll give you my bill for five hundred at two
months to clear out."

"You can't expect it, Mr. Cospatric----"

"Of course I can't expect you to sell your chances for a mess of
pottage; still less need you have thought me idiot enough to do such a
thing. Now look here, you are new at the scrapping game, whereas I am
not by any means. So in case of a tussle the odds are big that you'll
finish underside. And, besides, if you have a bit of a whip-hand over
me, I'd have you remember that until I've got my terms, you are
standing under a Damocles arrangement which may tumble on your hat at
any moment. And it doesn't take much of a wizard to tell that your
nerves aren't good to stand that strain for over-long."

"The heat----"

"Oh yes, the heat's making you sweat streams, and sending your face
chalky-green, and setting your knees to play _castanetas_ in
_cachucha_ time. We'll call it the heat. Anyway, it's exposure to
an atmosphere that you aren't accustomed to, and it doesn't suit you.
You'd better try a change, or else you'll topple off in a
faint--perhaps yo