jackers'? That's the Texas term for hold-up men, robbers. Well,
the country is full of them."

"Excellent! There no longer is any question about my going," Gray
announced, firmly. "I am bored; I am stale; a thrill, of whatever
sort, would stir my blood. Animated by purely selfish motives, I
now insist upon a serious consideration of my offer. First, you
say I 'wouldn't, couldn't'; I assure you that I would, could--and
_shall_, provided I can qualify as a salesman."

Coverly admitted without much argument that anybody could probably
effect a sale in this instance, if the diamonds were plainly
marked with their prices; it would be a mere question of
displaying the goods. That was not the point. Gray was a rich, a
busy man--the idea was fantastic.

"Why, you're offering to do this as an accommodation to an old
friend, and your time is probably worth more than our whole profit
on the sale would amount to."

"My time is worth nothing. If you hesitate to intrust this king's
ransom to me, I'll go personally responsible for its value. That's
fair, isn't it?"

"Don't be silly. How could I pay you if you did go?"

"Um-m!" This idea, it seemed, had not occurred to Mr. Gray. It was
plain that money meant nothing to him.

"You see? We couldn't permit--"