"
"How much do you want for them?"
"One hundred thousand francs."
"You are crazy," said Daspry. "Why, the major gave you only twenty
thousand, and that was like money thrown into the sea, as the boat
was a failure at the preliminary trials."
"They didn't understand the plans."
"The plans are not complete."
"Then, why do you ask me for them?"
"Because I want them. I offer you five thousand francs--not a sou
more."
"Ten thousand. Not a sou less."
"Agreed," said Daspry, who now turned to Mon. Andermatt, and said:
"Monsieur will kindly sign a check for the amount."
"But....I haven't got---"
"Your check-book? Here it is."
Astounded, Mon. Andermatt examined the check-book that Daspry
handed to him.
"It is mine," he gasped. "How does that happen?"
"No idle words, monsieur, if you please. You have merely to sign."
The banker took out his fountain pen, filled out the check and
signed it. Varin held out his hand for it.
"Put down your hand," said Daspry, "there is something more."
Then, to the banker, he said: "You asked for some letters, did you
not?"
"Yes, a package of letters."
"Where are they, Varin?"
"I haven't got them.
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