"A lot of them are no good to me."
"I am quite aware of that," replied Barry, "but you can get rid of them.
They are no more good to me than they are to you."
"Put a price on the lot," said Silas.
Barry Tuxford knew what these pearls were worth in the open market, but
he also knew if Silas had a wealthy customer waiting their value might
reasonably be increased.
"Six thousand pounds," he said, and Jack Redland gasped for breath,
while Silas held up both hands in pious horror at such an attempt at
extortion.
"A very good joke," said Silas, "on your side."
"You will get that for the best lot alone if you have a customer handy
such as you have mentioned," replied Barry.
Silas thought this not improbable, but all the same it was an outrageous
price for Barry to ask.
"I am afraid we shall not be able to do business," said Silas, rising.
"Very well, sorry you had your journey for nothing. Lock them up again,
Mr. Redland."
"Stop a minute," said Silas. "You are always in such a hurry. Ask a
reasonable figure. Say half, and we can commence to talk."
Jack was surprised, he had no idea of the value of pearls, and three
thousand pounds seemed a large sum.
"I cannot waste my time, Silas, and you know well enough three thousand
is ridiculous."
"Well, let us say another five hundred."
"No, not anything near the mark," replied Barry, knowing well enough
Silas was biting.
"You are very hard."
"Not at all. You asked as a favour to be given first chance. If I take
these pearls into Fremantle, and put them on the open market, they'll
sell well, especially as they are scarce. It will save trouble if you
take the lot, and six thousand is a fair thing."
"It's simply ruinous," said Silas. "I'll give you four, and not a pound
more."
"Then it's no deal," said Barry, and Jack fancied he was unwise not to
accept it.