I thought that for an instant his
eyes shone like a tiger's. But he answered quietly, "Ain't my word good?"
"Why, a _gentleman's_ word is always good security."
There was just enough accent on the word "gentleman" to puzzle me. The
remark sounded innocent enough, certainly, and yet the stress--if stress
was intended--made it biting sarcasm. Obviously the men in the boat were
equally in doubt whether to take offense or to accept the statement in good
faith.
"Well, you have my word," said Falk at last.
"Yes, we have your word. But there's one other thing to be settled. How
about the owners' money?"
For a moment Falk seemed disconcerted, and I, thinking now that Roger was
merely badgering him, smiled with satisfaction. But Falk answered the
question after only brief hesitation, and Roger's next words plunged me
deep in a sea of doubt.
"Why, I shall guard the owners' money with all possible care, Mr. Hamlin,
and expend it in their best interests," said Falk.
"If that's the case," said Roger, "come alongside."
CHAPTER XXV
INCLUDING A CROSS-EXAMINATION
Falk tried, I was certain, to conceal a smile of joy at Roger's simplicity,
and I saw that others in the boat were averting their faces.
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