to take serious notice.

"But how are we to find it?" I objected.

"That's the point. Government 'ud hog the lot, but has hunted high and
low and can't find it. So the offer stands ten per cent. to any one
who does--ten per cent. of fifty million--lowest reckoning, mind
you!--five million pounds! Half for Monty--two and a half million. A
million for Yerkes, a million for me, and a half a million for you all
according to contract! How d'you like it?"

"Well enough," I answered. "If its only the hundredth part true, I'm
enthusiastic!"

"So now suit yourselves!" said Fred, collapsing with a sweep of his
skirts into the nearest chair. "I've told you what One-eye says.
These dusky gents sometimes exaggerate of course--"

"Now and then," admitted Monty.

"But where there's smoke you mean there's prob'ly some one smoking
hams?" suggested Yerkes.

"I mean, let's find that ivory!" said Fred.

"We might do worse than make an inquiry or two," Monty assented
cautiously.

"Didums, you damned fool, you're growing old! You're wasting time!
You're trying to damp enthusiasm! You're--you're--"